A lively discussion about the world of pro wrestling, hosted by Pro Wrestling Illustrated Senior Writer Al Castle and Contributing Writer Brian Solomon.
Episodes
6 days ago
6 days ago
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.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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.
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
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.
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
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.
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
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.
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
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.
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
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.
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
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.
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
Tuesday Jul 23, 2024
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.
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
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.
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
On this episode of the #PWINDIE podcast, Viva Van joins hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney to chat about her upcoming title opportunity at #fantasticamania, creating a viral moment with Man Like DeReiss and Fuego Del Sol over WrestleMania Weekend, and her goals for the future.
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Righteous Reg to discuss the legacy of Sika, the Forbidden Door concept (and how it has evolved), VICE TV's Who Killed WCW? series, and much more.
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
Tuesday Jun 25, 2024
The Grandmaster of Sicilian Jiu-Jitsu joins Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney for a freewheeling discussion of independent wrasslin'. Due to some strong language, listener discretion is advised.
Friday Jun 07, 2024
Friday Jun 07, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Senior Writer Al Castle shares his extended phone conversation with would-be TNA X division champion Mustafa Ali, who opens up for the first time about the genesis of his ingenious politician character and marketing campaign. But first: Al is joined by cohost, fellow PWI Contributing Writer Brian R. Solomon, to discuss the recent AEW Double or Nothing and WWE King & Queen of the Ring events.
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by one of PWI's newest contributors, Alfonso Lopez, for a wide-ranging discussion about the current state lucha libre (AAA, CMLL), WWE's growing presence in Europe and Mexico, and the possibility of future big-time events in those countries. Plus: The AEW EVP storyline, how it may have rebounded, and playing to the strengths of wrestlers with limitations.
Brian's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ShutUpandWrestle
PWI June issue: https://pwi-online.com/product/june-2024-mustafa-ali-we-trust/
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
This episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated becomes The Nina Samuels Show, as the former NXT U.K. superstar joins PWINDIE hosts Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney to chat about her growing championship belt collection, U.K. and European independent promotions (including @ProWrestlingEVE , @RiotCabaret , and @luchabritannia ), and her upcoming challenge of Rhio at @progresswrestling 's #sss16 weekend.
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by WrestleMania Week correspondent Val Pancakes for a review of the various indie shows in and around Philadelphia, including offerings from the GCW Collective (Big Gay Brunch, Clusterf**k) and IWTV (ACTION Wrestling DEAN~!!, ETU), among others.
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
On Episode 235 of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor Kevin McElvaney for a discussion of the controversial April 10 edition of AEW Dynamite, as well as a look at WrestleMania 40 and the events surrounding it.
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon welcome back PWI Senior Writer Harry Burkett to preview the WrestleMania 40 card and make predictions. Plus, a fun sidebar on classic wrestling magazines, from the Pro Wrestling Illustrated and WWE families.
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
On this edition of the Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by ACTION Wrestling CEO, promoter, and booker Matt Griffin. to discuss some upcoming events, particularly the DEAN~!!! (DVDVR tribute) event over WrestleMania 40 weekend. Griffin also praises Adam Priest, whom he will be managing against Darius Carter at the upcoming ThrashElvania event. It's a fun episode you'll not want to miss!
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Contributing Writer Jason McVeigh to share their individual reactions to Okada and Mone's AEW debuts, Sting's retirement at Revolution, the increasingly unusual build to Cody Rhodes' big match at WrestleMania 40, and much more.
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated's Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney welcome veteran ring announcer Rich Palladino, who discusses some of the highlights of his 30-year career, from his early days at the likes of Chaotic Wrestling and ECW to his current gigs at Wrestling Open and Major League Wrestling.
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
PWI writers and Podcast cohosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are once again joined by Editor Kevin McElvaney, this time to discuss the whirlwind of news coming out of WWE, including the most recent resignation of Vince McMahon, the evolving main-event picture at WrestleMania 40, and The Rock's role within the company.
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are once again joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney. This week, the focus is on the latest PWI Awards, with an in-depth look at the winners and runners-up. Plus: Some post-show thoughts on TNA's Hard to Kill pay-per-view.
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss their shared and individual experiences at AEW Worlds End on Long Island (including the press scrum), thoughts on The Iron Claw, the future of Mercedes Mone, and what The Rock's return means for Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania.
Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
On the latest episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney set up shop backstage at National Sokols in Bethlehem, PA, for a live field recording. On this exciting, lively edition, they're joined by guests including Brandon Kirk, Jeff Cannonball, Erica Leigh, Avery Good, Dan Champion, Sidney Bakabella, members of Catchpoint, and The Lost Boys.
Warning: Some language, particularly from one Mr. Bakabella, may be considered offensive to some ears. Listener discretion is advised.
Friday Dec 22, 2023
Friday Dec 22, 2023
On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon reflect on the year 2023 in pro wrestling, examining some of the biggest players in the industry (CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, Kazuchika Okada) and biggest promotions (WWE, AEW, IMPACT) to see what might lie ahead for them in 2024. Plus, Al shares part two of his interview with former PWI Writer and Editor Bob Smith.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon discuss the unlikely returns of CM Punk and Randy Orton to WWE programming on the same night at Survivor Series, the prospects of AJ Lee returning to the ring, and some behind-the-scenes details from Brian's recent cover story/Hotseat interview with Toni Storm. Then, Al shares part one of his fascinating conversation with former PWI writer and Managing Editor Bob Smith, in which they discuss the origins of the PWI 500, the dreaded "six-week curse" of print publishing, and much more.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
In the first-ever live broadcast of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney are joined by the 1 Called Manders, who discusses his recent success in the Scenic City Invitational, becoming MLW World tag team champ as a part of the Second Gear Crew, and life on the road in his RV. Warning: Contains some strong language that some listeners may find objectionable.
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
Saturday Nov 25, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Patricia Rogers (Those Wrestling Girls), who discusses her experiences on the PWI "Women's 250" committee, big matchups left for Rhea Ripley, Ronda Rousey in ROH, and a host of other topics.
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
On this episode of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, hosts Kaia McKenna and Kevin McElvaney welcome Mike Skyros the Grand champion of Pro Wrestling GRIND to discuss the IWTV premiere of the GRIND Celebration Day 2 anniversary show. Skyros discusses his match with Matt Makowski, potential other challengers to his title, and the importance of consistency in independent wrestling.
Watch Pro Wrestling GRIND: https://independentwrestling.tv/promo...
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss some of the hot topics of the moment:
- Could this be LA Knight's big moment?
- Where Will Ospreay would be best utilized in 2024
- "Big Announcements" from AEW; what it's doing well
- IMPACT's rebranding as TNA Wrestling (and whether it's a good thing)
Plus, a brief conversation about the Women's 250 (more in-depth analysis to come on a later episode from another member of the ranking committee). There's a lot talked about here, and you won't want to miss it!
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by Delmi Exo, independent wrestler of note and former MLW featherweight/wXw Women's champion. The conversation focuses on the upcoming two-year anniversary show of Pro Wrestling GRIND, of which she is a co-owner.
Follow Delmi: https://twitter.com/DelmiExo
GRIND: @prowrestlinggrind
Kyushu Pro: https://www.youtube.com/@user-tw7sn2wz8n
Monday Oct 09, 2023
Monday Oct 09, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Contributing Writer Frank Mandolini to discuss feedback around the latest "PWI 500" issue, pro wrestling in Italy, and some of the week's biggest news stories:
- WWE and AEW comings and goings
- What we might expect from released talent
- Edge in All Elite Wrestling
- John Cena's recent WWE run
And much more.
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
Tuesday Sep 19, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined once again by Contributing Writer (and FaceTurn host) Candace Cordelia to talk about the latest "PWI 500" ranking, including common questions, concerns, and misconceptions about the criteria and ranking process. One notable snub is addressed. And the three PWI contributors discuss the prospect of a unified WWE and UFC under the new Endeavor ownership.
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
Thursday Sep 07, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome back Contributing Writer (and jack of all trades) Brady Hicks, for a discussion of the latest news items in pro wrestling. These include AEW's back-to-back PPV events, All In and All Out, CM Punk's departure from the company, and Gunther breaking the Honky Tonk Man's record for longest reign as Intercontinental champion. Plus: Reflections on Bray Wyatt's massive impact and words of praise for WWE ring announcer Samantha Irvin.
Monday Sep 04, 2023
Monday Sep 04, 2023
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by independent wrestler (and student of the game) Robert Martyr to discuss the young grappler's road less traveled. What does success look like for an indie wrestler who doesn't get by on flashy moves, and who has been cast in the role of the scrappy, yet undeniably talented underdog? These topics and more are covered in an ep that, thanks to some technical difficulties and in-ring betrayals, became a two-part conversation.
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
Saturday Aug 26, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome PWI U.K. Correspondent Jason McVeigh for a discussion of the build to AEW's historic All In event at Wembley Stadium, while offering perspective on the career of the legendary Terry Funk. Then, Al Castle shares his recent audio interview with Adam Cole ahead of the big Wembley show.
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Today on the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are back in the saddle to discuss the recent booking approaches of AEW and WWE, weighing the merits and drawbacks to each style in terms of being both enjoyable and profitable.
Plus: Just in time for the season two premiere of Heels (Starz Network), Al Castle chats briefly with stars Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig.
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
On this episode of Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, Kevin McElvaney and Kaia McKenna are joined by wXw Women's champion Ava Everett for a fun, yet enlightening conversation. Topics include:
- Competing and training in Germany
- Defending the wXw title on U.S. soil
- Her MLW title-vs.-title bout against Delmi Exo
- A challenge from wXw/ACTION Wrestling's Devlyn Macabre
Plus, Kaia and Ava's pugs meet virtually for the first time!
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
Wednesday Jun 28, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Mike Bessler to discuss: - IMPACT's World champion Alex Shelley - Feelings on CM Punk's AEW return - The Bloodline storyline (and where it might go next) - Money in the Bank 2023/Logan Paul - The legacy of the Iron Sheik And much more.
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Kristen Ashly to discuss the recent big stories in pro wrestling, including:
- The passing (and legacy) of "Superstar" Billy Graham
- WWE Night of Champions
- AEW Double or Nothing
- Women's wrestling news
- Upcoming major events
And much more.
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
It's the return of Get The W, Pro Wrestling Illustrated's podcast devoted to all things women's wrestling. Host Kristen Ashly is joined by Mr. Warren Hayes, as well as Kiley & Haley of Fightful Overbooked for a discussion of the AEW Women's division and the potential for its roster on AEW Collision amidst a potential brand split. Topics include underutilized members who we might see on the new show, as well as other major upcoming events (All In at Wembley, All Out 2023, and so on).
Please note: This episode was recorded just before Double or Nothing, where Kris Statlander made a surprise return to end Jade Cargill's TBS title reign and undefeated streak.
Follow Kristen: https://twitter.com/KristenAshly
Follow Warren: https://www.youtube.com/mrwarrenhayes
Follow Kiley: https://twitter.com/KileyWrestling
Follow Haley: https://twitter.com/haleyanne_
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon catch up with wrestling analyst extraordinaire Mike Sempervive to discuss his work on The Wrestling News and The Mid-Atlantic Championship Podcast, as well as a string of relevant, recent news items.
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon welcome back fellow PWI writer and #Grapsody cohost Righteous Reg. Together, they dive into the implications of the latest WWE Draft and brand split, CM Punk's status in AEW, and Trinity Fatu's arrival at IMPACT Wrestling (along with other topics).
pwi-online.com
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
On the latest PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer (and author of the cover story in the June 2023 edition of the magazine) Jason McVeigh. Together, they discuss the headlines coming out of IMPACT Wrestling's Rebellion pay-per-view, including new World champions in Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo and the arrival of one Nick Aldis. Plus: What might AEW have in store for the August 27 All In show at Wembley Stadium? How could CM Punk, FTR, and The Elite be involved? And how does current AEW World champion MJF's reign rank alongside those of previous champions?
pwi-online.com
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
Wednesday Apr 19, 2023
After a lengthy break, PWI's indie wrestling-focused podcast, Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated, returns. On this episode, "The Good Witch" Kaia McKenna opens up at length about her recovery process following multiple bouts with a nagging injury. She reveals the physical and mental steps that she took in order to finally return to the ring better than ever.
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the fallout from WrestleMania 39, including what the future may hold for Cody Rhodes, the implications of WWE's impending sale to Endeavor, and the return of Vince McMahon backstage. pwi-online.com
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Wednesday Mar 29, 2023
Today on the PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Contributing Writer Scott Fishman. Together, they offer an extensive preview of all the action expected to take place at WrestleMania 39, including an in-depth rundown of the WrestleMania 39 match card.
pwi-online.com