The Ringer Wrestling Show

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Will Sol Ruca in 11 years be a bigger deal than Charlotte Flair is now? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Ludwig Kaiser’s arrest in Florida yesterday, before diving into their predictions for AEW ‘Double or Nothing’ (14:53) and WWE’s ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (30:09) coming up this weekend. Next, the guys are joined by one of WWE’s fasting rising stars, Sol Ruca, ahead of her highly anticipated match against Becky Lynch at ‘Saturday Night’s Main Event’ (37:40). Sol explains how she came up with her epic “Sol Snatcher” finisher, dealing with the newest set of wrestling fan trolls since getting called up to the main roster, advice she received from John Cena right before his last match, and much more! After that, David and Kaz link up with the Queen herself, Charlotte Flair, for an extensive chat on her career, her feud with Becky Lynch, and more (54:45). They start off by discussing the biggest lessons learned from Charlotte’s epic feud with The Man, including the infamous title exchange that went sideways. Charlotte also dives into her journey of understanding wrestling psychology, her current run with Alexa Bliss, and why she thinks she’s doing the best character work of her career right now. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would the Victor Wembanyama of pro wrestling look like? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the successes of the WWE Performance Center (07:57), before their takes on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano MMA card (15:47). They also discuss: Darby Allin’s AEW World Title reign (31:08) Highlights from ‘Smackdown’ (36:59) Royce Keys’s WWE Run so far (41:42) Iyo Sky and Naraku (fka EVIL) getting married (46:51) The show ends with Chris Jericho joining ahead of AEW’s massive “Double or Nothing” pay-per-view this Sunday, May 24, 2026 (56:55). Jericho talks about the most underrated moments of his career, the rumors of returning to WWE, his recent AEW return, Stadium Stampede, his time filming ’Margo’s Got Money Troubles, and why he is a legitimate licensed magician in the state of Nevada. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producers: Bruce Baldwin and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What would Kaz’s version of a "John Cena Classic" look like?David and Kaz kick off the show comparing Kaz’s New York Knicks to Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns before recapping everything that happened at Backlash this past weekend. They get into: Whether Backlash was partly the WrestleMania show WWE’s writing team actually wanted to put together Is the Seth Rollins-Bron Breakker feud over? Why this Trick Williams-Sami Zayn match was better than their WrestleMania match (and take a slight detour into Zayn and other WWE superstars’ reported pay cuts) Asuka’s potential retirement Danhausen’s mainstream appeal How strong Jacob Fatu came out of the main event Whose stock rose most after the PLE? They close out the show talking Darby Allin’s successful AEW World Championship defense over PAC at Fairway to Hell, as well as Jack Perry’s pending free agency and if he could potentially be WWE-bound. Subscribe to the⁠⁠ Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!⁠ Be sure to follow us on⁠ BlueSky⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠,⁠ Instagram, Threads⁠, and⁠ X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Which sports team would you like to see Danhausen un-curse next (0:06)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who have mutually parted ways with WWE (4:52). Then, they discuss the following: Getting Kofi Kingston ready for the main event (12:39) What’s next for the New Day (17:33)? Did WWE drop the ball with the New Day (23:17)? The meaning of restructuring a contract (30:41) Is WWE worried about the competition (37:43)? Roman Reigns won’t work TV shows in June (45:45) Jacy Jayne defeats Charlotte Flair (56:18) Is the Bloodline running WWE again (60:17)? Who will have the biggest post-WWE career (68:51)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show discussing Darby Allin’s current run as fighting AEW World Champion, and what that looks like for the next few months (5:32). Then, they discuss the following: Kazuchika Okada passing the torch to Konosuke Takeshita (21:56) Lizzy Rain’s debut and devastating finishing move (32:14) Will Kroos debuts on NXT (36:56) Which NXT call-ups have the biggest upside? (45:31) Thoughts on Roman Reigns’s full-time schedule (1:02:57) Three matches set for WWE Backlash (1:16:59) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the recent releases of 20-plus WWE superstars (4:40). Then, they discuss the Hulk Hogan documentary (29:43). Afterward they recap the following from WWE ‘Raw’:Jacob Fatu challenging Roman Reigns (48:12)Bron Breakker steps to Seth Rollins (50:58)Oba Femi created the “Oba Femi Open Challenge" (52:49) The Street Profits are not friends with Seth Rollins (56:42)Rey Mysterio Jr. defeats El Grande Americano (57:58)Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideProducer: Brian H. WatersAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you could have anyone come on HOT97 and start a fake fight, who would it be?David and Kaz kick off the show discussing wrestling fan behavior throughout WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas(5:49). Then they discuss the following:Je’Von Evans jumping into Kaz’s arms (18:03)Whether or not Brock Lesnar is really retired (23:21Sol Ruca and Ethan Page debut on WWE ’Raw’ ( 27:29)The Street Profits Return (30:11)CM Punk to challenge Cody Rhodes (34:51)Tommaso Ciampa vs Darby Allin (37:42)Later they sit down with the director of the four-part Hulk Hogan documentary, Bryan Storkel, and got some insight on the process (44:36)! They discussed the following:The most difficult thing to convey about Hogan (45:01)How many times did they interview Hogan? (46:23)What was Hogan like at the end? (47:06)The most revealing interview (50:20)The differences between Hulk Hogan and Terry Bollea (53:12)The challenges of telling Hogan's story (10:56)Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem FamuyideGuest: Bryan StorkelProducer: Brian H. WatersAdditional Production Supervision: Ben CruzCheck out David’s special PSA to wrestling fans on our YouTube channel.Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David, Kaz, and Brian fire up the mics on Monday morning in Las Vegas to recap WrestleMania 42!Finn Bálor is OK (1:20)Cody Rhodes defeats Randy Orton (4:29)Roman Reigns wins the World Heavyweight Championship (11:48)Oba Femi defeats Brock Lesnar (13:45)Pénta retains his intercontinental title (23:47)Winners of the weekend (37:13)Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel!Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!To close out ’Mania weekend, the guys kick it with their last group of WWE Superstars:Ricky Saints (00:41)Royce Keys (20:05)Cruz Del Toro (31:43)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Ben CruzGuests: Ricky Saints, Royce Keys and Cruz Del ToroProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!With The Show of Shows finally here, the guys lock up with four more WWE Superstars:Ilja Dragunov (00:36)Zelina and Aleister Black (22:01)B-Fab (41:46)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Brian H. WatersGuests: Ilja Dragunov, Zelina, Aleister Black and B-FabProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano SanchezAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42!Today, they tap in with two of WWE’s young stars:Dominik Mysterio (00:45)Austin Theory (15:54)Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Brian H. Waters and Ben CruzGuests: Dominik Mysterio and Austin TheoryProducers: Brian H. Waters and Stefano Sanchez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer Wrestling crew is live in Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42! They get an early start to the weekend’s festivities by sitting down to talk with four of WWE’s biggest stars: Kit Wilson (1:17) Nia Jax and Lash Legend (13:01) Je’Von Evans (29:41) Then, David chats with writer Brad Balukjian about his new Ringer dot com piece, “The History of WrestleMania 2” (34:01). Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guests: Kit Wilson, Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Je’Von Evans, and Brad Balukjian Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back, humanoids! Here is Part 2 of David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian’s draft, where they pick the matches they are most confident in when it comes to predicting the winner. They make picks for the following matches: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk (2:31) The Usos and LA Knight vs. IShowSpeed and the Vision (12:33) Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes (17:00) Gunther vs. Seth Rollins (29:49) Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill (33:58) Women’s tag team match (37:56) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Humanoids, we are just days away from WrestleMania 42. David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian draft which matches they are most confident in when it comes to predicting the winner (4:56). They make picks for the following matches: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer (8:59) "The Demon" Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio (12:15) Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (18:32) Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (25:29) Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn (35:58) Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee (41:36) Ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship (47:59) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold Open Question of the Week: Who on the WrestleMania card could you beat in a fight (0:05)? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing AEW Dynasty: MJF retains the AEW World title (5:35) Jon Moxley defeats Will Ospreay (17:19) Liv Morgan releases a music video (26:51) Kevin Knight wins the TNT title (39:26) Chris Jericho’s WrestleMania résumé (55:50) Then, Ben and Brian join in and discuss the current build of WrestleMania and the fact that WWE is offering 25 percent off ticket prices (58:40). Then, they welcome Shawn Michaels to the show ahead of the premiere of his brand-new documentary, and they discuss the following (1:23:12): Was Carmelo Anthony the inspiration for naming Carmelo Hayes? (1:24:01) What makes this documentary different? (1:25:22) The moment when in-ring work and promo work clicked (1:31:50) Has there ever been an NXT star you wanted to keep? (1:37:16) Keeping up with Bret Hart’s comments (1:40:20) Will there be another Mr. WrestleMania? (1:44:56) Who is Mrs. WrestleMania? (1:47:52) Later, they welcome Paul Walter Hauser ahead of his matches in Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend (1:49:30): Paul rates our YouTube backgrounds (1:51:43) The New Day and Big E finishing their story (1:52:23) How movie and TV acting compares to wrestling acting (1:54:54) Where to find his upcoming matches (2:02:34) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Guests: Shawn Michaels and Paul Walter Hauser Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cold Open Question of the Week: Which Old-School Wrestler Could Have Had a YouTube Channel? David, Kaz, Ben, and Brian welcome you to the first video episode of the Masked Man Show. Welcome to the Show (3:07) The Upcoming Hulk Hogan Documentary (6:03) Which Wrestler Should Be Featured Next on Netflix? (9:16) ? CM Punk Calls Out The Rock, Pat McAfee, and TKO on ‘Raw’ (17:13) What Are the Chances The Rock Wrestles Again? (24:10) TKO Is the Heel Now? (33:12) WrestleMania Ticket Prices (42:55) Who Is the Biggest Star Not Booked? (54:09) WrestleMania Hype Draft (59:43) Tony Khan Joins the Show (1:18:40) When Was AEW's Most Pivotal Point? (1:19:39) Is Thekla the Rookie of the Year (1:21:39)? Chris Jericho’s Return to AEW (1:23:17) Growing as an Owner (1:26:23) Kenny Omega Vs. MJF (1:35:41) Reactions to TNA Cancelling Crossover Matches (1:40:42) What Does Tony Khan Do in His Spare Time? (1:47:13) They close the show with a lightning round of AEW Dynasty predictions (1:54:07) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Subscribe to the Ringer Wrestling YouTube channel! Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Tony Khan Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Netflix is editing some crowd chants: If you could edit any chant over Oba and Brock, what would it be (0:06)? Welcome to the new era of The Masked Man Show! David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the outrage sparked after Pat McAfee sided with Randy Orton on the road to WrestleMania. Welcome to The Masked Man Show (2:39) Kaz sets the IWC on fire with his Pat McAfee post (4:16) Does it make sense for Pat McAfee to join Randy Orton (10:59)? WWE is not as hot as it was two years ago (20:25)! Does Cody Rhodes believe in himself as a top guy (38:54)? Celebrities involved in WrestleMania 42 (50:23) David goes through his wrestling tabs (57:50) NXT Stand & Deliver results (1:09:44) ‘WWE Raw’ preview (1:16:57) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Historically, which wrestler do you think would be the best at age 55? (0:40)David, Kaz, and Brian kick off the show discussing Chris Jericho’s return to AEW (2:49). Then, as the card for WrestleMania shapes, they discuss the following: Stephanie McMahon confronts Cody Rhodes (23:39) Who could Randy Orton be talking to on the phone? (31:21) LA Knight attacks iShowSpeed at his home (43:12) The Hurt Syndicate is back in business. (50:44) NXT Stand and Deliver preview (1:00:41) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you had to pick one wrestler on the roster to win a random championship to get on the WrestleMania card, who would it be (0:40)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the announcement that John Cena will host WrestleMania (6:42). Then they discuss the following: Fans paying for a Cody Rhodes bus tour during WrestleMania weekend (10:30) Sami Zayn winning the WWE United States Championship (19:18) Which match they're more invested in: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton or Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk (32:56) Kenny Omega defeating Swerve Strickland to become no. 1 contender for the AEW World Title (41:20) WWE ‘Raw’ at Madison Square Garden preview (54:23) Bad News Brown being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (1:10:59) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you had to predict a reason for Toni Storm’s extended absence, what would it be (0:40)?David, Kaz, and Brian look at the following feuds developing for WrestleMania: Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker’s injury recovery time (9:31) Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar’s showdown (14:34) Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes (17:19) Roman Reigns and CM Punk (22:29) Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan (33:36) Then they discuss what Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Gunther and a few others could be doing at WrestleMania (36:00)Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Brian H. WatersProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices