Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents

Still recovering from that last big pro wrestling weekend? Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon have got you covered, as they join fellow PWI writer Jason McVeigh to reflect on the biggest stories from WWE Night of Champions and AEW Forbidden Door. What's next for Oba Femi, Sami Zayn, and Jacob Fatu? Who should Will Ospreay face at All In: Wembley Stadium? You'll find the answers to these questions (along with some fun SummerSlam nostalgia and reminiscences) in this episode of the #PWIPodcast.

Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon catch up with Alfonso Lopez, PWI's lead Mexican lucha libre correspondent, to parse through the latest wrestling happenings in his home country. The recent mask-vs.-mask match between El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) and Grande Americano Original (Chad Gable) is discussed at length, as is the larger topic of WWE's influence on AAA. Plus: the continued AEW/CMLL relationship, MJF's return to the main event picture, and more.

On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Senior Writer Al Castle is joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to catch up on a variety of big news stories, including the passing of Ted Turner, the premiere of the Hulk Hogan documentary on Netflix, the return of Brock Lesnar, and the possibility of MJF losing hair in his latest AEW World title bid.

Once again, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by the Steve "Mongo" McMichael of the #PWIPodcast, Jason McVeigh, to pick up right where they left off last week. The guys offer an exhaustive, no-holds-barred review of WrestleMania 42, including the occasional bursts of wrestling that took place between the omnipresent commercials. Thankfully, there will be no ads in this episode (save for a few quick plugs at the beginning and end). Instead, the PWI crew dissects WM 42 in Las Vegas, the Raw after WrestleMania, the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and more before undertaking an important conversation about the boundaries between pro wrestlers and wrestling fans.

A few days before "The Grandaddy Of Them All," PWI's Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon, and Jason McVeigh gather 'round the proverbial card table to make their official predictions and share their final thoughts about #WrestleMania42 in Las Vegas. Plus: a look at the progress of MJF and the upward trajectory of AEW.

Are we living in a pro wrestling version of Groundhog Day, where we have this same conversation every year, or has WWE's creative team done a lackluster job of building excitement for WrestleMania 42? PWI Contributing Writer Mike Bessler joins Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a review of how the card is shaping up, plus a critical look at ticket prices and the perception that the company has "turned heel" against its loyal fans (among other topics).

From Gorgeous George to "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels to Mick Foley, and Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) to Seth Rollins, pro wrestling has been punctuated by fashion statements of all kinds. In this episode of About Face, PWI's Candace Cordelia speaks with TNA ring announcer McKenzie Mitchell about her new book, Threads of Triumph, which offers tremendous insight into some of the most iconic looks and ring gear in wrestling history.

PWI Contributing Writer Candace Cordelia presents the inaugural episode of her podcast, About Face, featuring interviews from her popular Pro Wrestling Illustrated column (and beyond). Her first guest is recent AEW signee (and Women's tag division standout) Maya World.

On this episode of the podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by wrestling writer/ connoisseur/YouTube host/jack of all trades Warren Hayes. Together, they discuss the state of pro wrestling in Japan, with special focus on New Japan and Stardom, as well as the evolving road to WrestleMania 42. Plus, Warren recalls his early wrestling fandom growing up in Quebec, waxing nostalgic about "Le Brunch De Pat Patterson."

Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney for a thorough review of this year's #PWIAwards. The winners, runners-up, and arguable snubs are discussed in detail, along with some analysis of what we might see in the year ahead. Plus: Should AEW lean into the anti-ICE chants and position itself as a political alternative to WWE? 

PWI Contributing Writer and U.K. correspondent Jason McVeigh returns to the PWI Podcast, joining hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a breakdown of the 2026 Royal Rumble event, as well as what it portends for the company's key figures going forward. Plus: discussion of TNA's AMC debut, AJ Styles' future, and WWE's mixed efforts in presenting main-event babyfaces.

Eisner-nominated comic writer/artist Kyle Starks (Rick and Morty, Sexcastle) joins PWI's Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a compelling chat about the common threads between pro wrestling and comic books, which inspired his new Wrestle Heist series for Image Comics. How important is it to have defined heroes and villains (heroes and babyfaces)? Is the concept of the "wrestling Mount Rushmore" flawed? Plus: What NXT is doing right, remembrances of CHIKARA, and so much more.

As has become tradition, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Senior Writer Harry Burkett for the final PWI Podcast of the year. Together, they examine John Cena's last match and its ensuing fallout. They also look at the recent successes of The Hardys (the #1 team in this year's #TagTeam100) before discussing Mick Foley's recent announcement that he would be departing WWE, citing the company's continued association with President Donald Trump. All this, plus a look at the current trajectories of WWE and AEW as we look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026. 

On this episode of the #pwipodcast, Steve Maclin (TNA Wrestling) and Deonna Purrazzo (AEW, ROH) join PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon to discuss their pro wrestling efforts in their respective companies, how they've weathered some of the challenges thrown their way, and their podcast  ⁨@BootsToBootsPod⁩ .​

On this episode of #ProWrestlingINDIEstrated, first presented live on YouTube and X, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by the newly crowned (and second-ever) WWE ID Women's champion Laynie Luck for a conversation about her upward trajectory, long path to success, and intentions for the future.

On this edition of #ThePWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow #PWI contributors Kristen Ashley and Lyric Swinton, members of the 2025 #Womens250 committee, to break down the top 10 of the list.

On this edition of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon weigh in on the additional championships being added to AEW programming (as well as Mercedes Mone's collection). Plus: What is the best possible outcome for the WWE tournament to determine John Cena's final opponent? Plus: Thoughts on Jade Cargill, the current state of tag team wrestling, and much more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Brian R. Solomon talks at length with fellow host (and #PWI writer) Al Castle about his Gorilla Monsoon biography, Irresistible Force, sharing insight on one of the most beloved voices in WWF history. Plus, TNA Bound for Glory and WWE Crown Jewel: Perth are reviewed, while AEW WrestleDream is previewed.

On this edition of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle is joined by guest cohost Jason McVeigh and #PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the 2025 #PWI500 ranking, with a special focus on the criteria used to evaluate the top 10 ranked wrestlers.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, longtime #PWI contributor Dan Murphy returns to speak with Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon about a range of topics, including:

- The implications of WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia
- The impact of ticket prices on profits, fans
- The return of AJ Lee to WWE TV

... and much more!

NWA TV champion Bryan Idol joins PWI's Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon, and Jason McVeigh to discuss the recent incident at KnokX Pro Wrestling involving Raja Jackson (son of Rampage Jackson) and Syko Stu, which resulted in Stu being hospitalized with severe injuries. The conversation focuses on the various factors that contributed to the situation, what might have prevented it, potential consequences for those involved, and what lessons (if any) the wrestling industry can learn from this going forward.

Stu's Gofundme campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-sykostus-recovery-journey 

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the fallout from WWE SummerSlam, along with a host of other topics:

• WWE Unreal and the delicate balance between reality and fiction
• What was the impact of Seth Rollins' apparent injury?
• Brock Lesnar's controversial return to WWE programming
• A post-mortem on John Cena's notorious heel turn

Plus: a teaser concerning the upcoming #PWI500 list and much more

On this episode of the #PWINDIE podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by 2025 Scenic City Invitational winner (and one-half of the ‪#IWTV‬ World tag team champions) Jamesen Shook to discuss his victory in the SCI tournament, his recent "My Kink Is Karma" show on IWTV, and more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by longtime PWI Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Stu Saks to discuss the vast and complicated legacy of Hulk Hogan, from his WrestleMania triumphs and undeniable influence (including on our magazine) to his scandals and pitfalls. What will The Hulkster's legacy be when all is said and done?

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Paul E. Pratt to discuss some of the week's biggest news stories, with focus on recent events from AEW (All In), WWE (Saturday Night's Main Event, Evolution), and TNA (Slammiversary).

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Scott Fishman to discuss the recent Night of Champions PLE, including WWE's controversial relationship with the Saudi Arabian government, CM Punk's apology, and the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. Plus: Goldberg's return to WWE for Saturday Night's Main Event, previewing AEW All In, and more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Cameron Hawkins (@CeeHawk) for a lively and insightful discussion covering a wide range of topics:

• The return of Ron Killing (R-Truth) to WWE 
• His future prospects
• What the latest World title change means for Jey Uso & Gunther
• WWE's diversity challenges with its main roster
• Candid thoughts on CM Punk wrestling in Saudi Arabia

And much more. 

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined once again by fellow PWI writer Jason McVeigh for an in-depth review of AEW Double or Nothing. Plus: Thoughts on the WWE NXT-TNA relationship, WWE's rollback of house shows, and much more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Alfonso Lopez to discuss WWE's purchase of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and all the implications around it: how each company might benefit or change, which stars could be involved, and what impact this may have on the rival CMLL promotion. Plus: The legacy of Sabu, reactions to WWE Backlash, and more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon reconvene for an in-depth review of WrestleMania 41, discussing everything from the controversial main event match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena to the influence (for better and worse) of the live crowd. 

On the new #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Senior Writer Harry Burkett and Editor Kevin McElvaney to preview #WrestleMania41. Plus: In an unexpected turn of events, the guys relitigate the controversial ending to WrestleMania IX. 

Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated is back after a long absence with hosts Kaia McKenna and PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney. Today, they are joined by former PROGRESS and ICW (Scotland) Women's champion Rhio, who is currently one of the top names on the U.K. wrestling scene. They look ahead to Rhio's rematch for the PROGRESS Women's championship at PROGRESS Las Vegas, the WrestleMania Week show where she'll face Nina Samuels and Vertvixen in a triple-threat. Plus, how will Rhio use her ICW Square Go briefcase? And how do American wrestling fans compare to their counterparts in the United Kingdom? 

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by author Keith Elliot Greenberg to discuss how WrestleMania (and particularly WrestleMania III) transformed the pro wrestling industry. Plus: The multitude of multi-person bouts planned for WrestleMania 41. And are we buying John Cena's explanations for his recent heel turn?

On Episode 250 of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor Kevin McElvaney for an in-depth (and, at times, heated) discussion of #AEWRevolution. Plus, Brian takes his version of a victory lap after foretelling John Cena's heel turn.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by writer and historian Evan Ginzburg (The Wrestler, Pro Wrestling Stories). Together, they debate the pros and cons of the WWE and AEW presentations of the sport. Plus, Evan discusses his new book, previous experiences as an associate producer for Darren Aronofsky, experiences as a fan, and much more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the winners of this year's #RoyalRumble matches (Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair), what the #wrestlemania41 card is shaping up to be, and the takeaways from this year's #PWIAwards.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow Pro Wrestling Illustrated contributor Scott Fishman to discuss Raw's Netflix debut and various topics of debate sparked by it, such as the trajectories of The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Plus: What might John Cena's retirement run look like? When will Joe Hendry's time come? And Brian provides an update on his forthcoming Gorilla Monsoon biography.

On the year's final episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Jason McVeigh to discuss the state of WWE, AEW, and TNA as 2024 becomes 2025. Plus: looking back on the return of Saturday Night's Main Event, this year's "Tag Team 100" ranking, and more.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Mike Bessler to talk about the evolving tradition of pro wrestling around the major holidays. They also discuss the recent WWE Survivor Series and AEW Full Gear events (with special focus on the Costco guys.)

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, longtime Contributing Writer Louie Dee makes his return to chat with hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon about the WWE Vault, Donald Trump's relationship with WWE, and more.

On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by independent wrestler Logan Knight to discuss his ongoing battle with the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission regarding the right of transgender wrestlers to perform and for indie wrestlers to square off in intergender matches.

On this episode of the #PWINDIE podcast, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by Landon Hale, who has had an exciting run on the American and international indie circuits, for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Topics of discussion include Hale's experiences in wXw (Germany), wrestling Paul London, and much more.

With Brian R. Solomon on assignment, Al Castle is joined by Queen P.R. (Patricia Rogers, Those Wrestling Girls) for a wide-ranging discussion on PWI's "Women's 250," Black representation in WWE, and so much more.

On this Brady Bunch-sized edition of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Kristen Ashly, as well as the #500-ranked wrestler of 2024, Memes (aka Blue Pain/Blue Kane). Together, they discuss the "PWI 500" issue, which just hit newsstands across the U.S. and Canada, with a special focus on the "500" spot and women ranking on the list. Plus, an in-depth look at the new Netflix series, Mr. McMahon, and the complicated, yet incomplete portrait it paints of Vince McMahon's life and legacy.

On this episode of the #PWINDIE podcast, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by Alexis "Friggin'" Lee for a fun, captivating conversation about Lee's career. Topics include wrestling in her native Singapore, her series with Yuki Kamifuku (Kamiyu), and the upcoming Jam of Joshis event.

On this episode of the Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated podcast, Hyan joins hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney to reflect on her recent victory in West Coast Pro Wrestling's prestigious Queen of the Indies tournament, her recent appearances for TNA, Deadlock Pro, and F1RST Wrestling, and much more.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Dustin Wilson (Big Dust), who ranked #500 in the 2022 PWI 500. After some discussion of Wilson's forthcoming documentary, #Being500, the three dive in to this year's PWI 500 list, discussing the criteria, some of the surprises on the list, and more.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle is joined by guest cohost, PWI U.K. correspondent (and self-professed Sideshow Mel) Jason McVeigh, for a preview of the upcoming All In event at Wembley Stadium.

Plus: Post-show analysis of SummerSlam, with a special focus on the futures of Gunther and Damian Priest; remembering Kevin Sullivan; and more.

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon discuss a bevy of recent hot topics, including Hulk Hogan hitching his wagon to the Donald Trump presidential campaign at the RNC, John Cena's upcoming retirement tour (and his legacy, especially as compared to Roman Reigns), and many other topics. Plus, Al Castle shares his recent conversation with WWE NXT Women's champion Roxanne Perez.

Dani Mo has kept a busy schedule as of late, between her usual busy slate of singles matches and tag bouts (w/ Facade as The Neon Blondes). But she also made history, with a certified world record for the highest altitude ever for a women's wrestling match. Dani details her recent trip to Nepal, the difficulties of performing at such an altitude, and more.