Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are back in the saddle with lots to discuss. Topics include the legendary life and career of Antonio Inoki, the return of Bray Wyatt to WWE (and the pros/cons thereof), and IMPACT Wrestling's place in the wrestling landscape post-Bound For Glory Get the PWI "500" issue on newsstands or at pwi-online.com

On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin and Kaia continue their series spotlighting various territories of the independent scene by venturing (virtually) to one of the newest and most promising wrestling territories: Alaska! Ahead of the imminent WrestlePro Alaska mini-tour, our hosts are joined by Freya The Slaya (OVW, FSW) and Deonn Rusman (WrestlePro, Black & Brave Wrestling Academy), who discuss their unique experiences as Alaska natives turned pro wrestlers. Follow WrestlePro Alaska: https://twitter.com/wrestleproak  Follow Freya: https://twitter.com/freya_the_slaya  Follow Deonn: https://twitter.com/deonnrusman  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the 2022 PWI "500" and the public response to it: good, bad, and indifferent. While analyzing some of the wrestlers near the top of the list, various news stories and rumors are addressed related to a few of those wrestlers. If you've got questions about the current state of the list (or where it might be headed), this one is a must-hear. Get the "500" issues at pwi-online.com

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by longtime listener, first-time caller, and PWI Contributing Writer Jason McVeigh. Together, they preview WWE's upcoming PPV return to the U.K., Clash at the Castle, while discussing some other recent news and rumors, including alleged backstage heat at AEW. Plus, Al Castle shares his recent "Hotseat" interview with Eddie Kingston. Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/jbladeko  Subscribe to PWI: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I21APWIP 

We're back! (Not A Dinosaur's Story.) Today on Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney are talking about fanzines in the world of professional wrestling. Joining us are special guests Robert Newsome (The Atomic Elbow) and Elm Hill (Wrestling With Gender) for an awesome discussion of all things DIY publishing and wrestling. Follow Robert: https://twitter.com/atomic_elbow Follow Elm: https://twitter.com/fagandtoad  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by legendary photographer, journalist, and magazine publisher George Napolitano, who photographed SummerSlam 2022 for PWI and shot ringside for Ric Flair's Last Match. George talks about both events, while also reminiscing about his long history covering the sport.   Follow George: https://twitter.com/Starshot9 Subscribe to PWI: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I21APWIP 

This week on The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by our magazine's Art Director, Laura Brubaker, for a peek behind the scenes of the design side of Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Then, Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney stops by to discuss the retirement of Vince McMahon and what that might mean for WWE. Buy Brian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Fire-Unbelievable-Real-Life-Wrestlings/dp/1770415807/  Subscribe to PWI: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I21APWIP 

This week, there is once again quite a bit to talk about in the land of WWE. The bulk of this episode focuses on the latest reporting from the Wall Street Journal around NDAs and allegations against Vince McMahon. Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon discuss whether these allegations might lead to any changes, structurally or culturally, within the wrestling industry leader (and what sort of responsibility wrestling media might take in these situations). Plus: lighter conversation about this year's Money in the Bank results and collecting VHS tapes. Buy Brian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Fire-Unbelievable-Real-Life-Wrestlings/dp/1770415807/  Subscribe to PWI: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I21APWIP 

It's the landmark 200th episode of The PWI Podcast. To celebrate, Al Castle and Brian Solomon are joined by a very special guest in Al's former cohost, longtime PWI writer Dan Murphy. Dan talks about his latest projects—including his relationship with wrestling since stepping away from the magazine—before jumping into a discussion of a particularly busy period in pro wrestling news. Topics covered include the latest Vince McMahon scandal, the current triumphs and struggles of WWE and AEW, Cody Rhodes' incredible performance at Hell in a Cell, and more. Buy Dan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Wrestlers-Masters-Craft-Professional-Wrestling/dp/177041553X  Buy Brian's book: https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Fire-Unbelievable-Real-Life-Wrestlings/dp/1770415807/  Subscribe to PWI: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I21APWIP 

Mere days from the highly anticipated Pride & Vibe Weekend at the Knights of Columbus in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Kaia & Kevin are joined by promoter/wrestler Billy Dixon, who organized the two-day event and will be competing in this final match during the festivities. Billy discusses the importance of LGTBQ+ representation, running shows during a pandemic, and gives reluctant praise to their final opponent Darius Carter. Then, Twitter's favorite wrestler Candy Lee checks in from "Hotlanta" with a conversation that ranges from the deeply irreverent to the truly profound. Follow Billy: https://twitter.com/TheBillyDixon  Follow Pro Wrestling Vibe: https://twitter.com/PWVibe  Follow Candy: https://www.instagram.com/leibarbie777/  Buy tickets for Pride & Vibe Weekend: https://shopiwtv.com/products/pride-vibe-weekend-2022  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.se

JPQ returns with the third and final part of his "Snapshot" of the current state of women's wrestling in Japan. This week, he's joined by prolific podcast and journalist Scott E. Wrestling for a "Mid-Season Review." JPQ and Scott select their best and most improved wrestlers, top performers, breakout stars, and big moments of 2022 from Stardom, TJPW, Ice Ribbon, WAVE, NOMADS, Sendai, Marvelous, Seadlinnng, and the field of freelancers.   Follow JPQ: https://twitter.com/Bigpawsonapup  Follow Scott: https://twitter.com/ScottEWrestling 

Ahead of GCW's Tournament of Survival 7, Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney are joined by two of the entrants, who will be facing off in the first round: Hoodfoot and Rina Yamashita. First, Hoodfoot discusses his preparation for that round one encounter, how his past experiences in wrestling have informed his approach to deathmatches, and what it's like traveling after the most brutal matches possible. Then, Rina Yamashita (with translations by Mr. Haku) shares her thoughts on Hoodfoot, competing in Japan's FREEDOMS promotion, Ice Ribbon, and much more. Follow Hoodfoot: https://twitter.com/HoodFoot418  Follow Rina: https://twitter.com/wryyyyna66  Follow Mr. Haku: https://twitter.com/misterhakusan  Follow NOMADS: https://twitter.com/NOMADS_fs  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

On the latest PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon discuss the potential issues that led Sasha Banks and Naomi to walk out during Monday Night Raw, and whether or not WWE will eventually come to regret the way it handled the situation. Plus: Is Ric Flair's upcoming "last match" a good idea? All that, plus Al shares the audio version of his full "Hotseat" interview with NWA promoter Billy Corgan from the August 2022 "Supercards" edition of PWI, which hits stores next week (and subscriber mailboxes soon thereafter). Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

JPQ is back with part two of his "Snapshot" of the current state of women's wrestling in Japan. This week, he's joined by good pal Parker Klyn (Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline) for a discussion of joshi at home and abroad, with multiple Japanese wrestlers making scheduled appearances this season on American soil. Plus, JPQ & Parker get into the weeds with Ice Ribbon, NOMADS, Color's, and more.   Follow JPQ: https://twitter.com/Bigpawsonapup 

JPQ returns with another edition of his popular Just Joshi podcast. This time, he's joined once again by Alex Richards (Last Word On Sports, Stardom Quest podcast) for part one of a series of "Snapshot" episodes about various Japanese women's wrestling promotions. This week's show includes heaps of analysis of Stardom, including its recent Cinderella tourney. Plus, Pro Wrestling WAVE, Actwres girl'z, the possibility of another joshi supershow featuring multiple promotions, and much more.   Follow JPQ: https://twitter.com/Bigpawsonapup  More from PWI at pwi-online.com

On the latest PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian Solomon discuss the prospect of WWE with Roman Reigns moving to a part-time schedule, and what this could mean for the likes of Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and more. Then, on the heels of Al's attendance at the recent Long Island Smackdown and Dynamite tapings, our hosts analyze the main event scene at All Elite Wrestling, including Adam Page's performance as champion. Finally, Candace Cordelia Smith's interview with MLW's "Clout Couple," Richard Holliday & Alicia Atout, ahead of Holliday's world title match against Alexander Hammerstone at Kings of Colosseum. Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

Today, Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney head off to wrestling school! First, we're joined by one of Kaia's original trainers, Marek Brave, who runs the Black & Brave Wrestling Academy with WWE superstar Seth Rollins. Marek discusses the school's philosophy of training, the value of an athletic background for pro wrestlers, and the origin of Seth Rollins' famous laugh. Plus, The World Famous CB (Cheeseburger) talks about taking up the mantle of the former ROH training facility, balancing his in-ring career with his training responsibilities, and much more. Follow Marek: https://twitter.com/mbrave13  Follow CB: https://twitter.com/CheeseburgerROH  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

On the latest episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian Solomon discuss a range of post-WrestleMania topics, with special emphasis on the state of IMPACT Wrestling and what the future might hold for Ring of Honor. Plus, Al shares the audio from his recent interview with AEW star/FTW champ Ricky Starks. Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

In our continuing efforts to documentary indie wrestling, both domestic and international, Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated is back with an episode focused on the independent scene in Japan. Today, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna are joined by two guests. First, Drew Parker discusses what it was like to transition from the U.K. indies to main event deathmatches at Big Japan Wrestling. Then, PWI Photographer Issa Marie stops by to give us the low down on all things Dragon Gate. Follow Drew: https://twitter.com/drewparker341  Follow Issa: https://twitter.com/IssitaMarie  Follow Kaia: https://twitter.com/KaiaMcK  Support Kaia's "Good Witch" Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/KaiaMcK  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP 

We're back! PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are here with an in-depth review of WrestleMania 38. Spoiler alert: They loved it! Our intrepid hosts discuss the return of Cody Rhodes, Steve Austin's return to the ring, their thoughts on celebrity involvement, Pat McAfee, title changes and more. Plus, Al shares his firsthand perspective of the event, which he attended in person, and our hosts weigh in on how WM 38 stacks up against recent 'Mania offerings (and ALL of the past events). Follow Al: https://twitter.com/alcastlepwi Follow Brian: https://twitter.com/BrianRSolomon  Subscribe to Pro Wrestling Illustrated: https://prowrestlingillustrated.secure.darwin.cx/I22APWIP