Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents

Ep. 257 - Punk & Circumstance (w/ Scott Fishman)

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.

Ep. 256: Truth & Consequences (w/ Cameron Hawkins)

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. 

Ep. 255: Death Riders Death Spiral (w/ Jason McVeigh)

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.

Ep. 254: Lucha, WWE Style (w/ Alfonso Lopez)

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.

Ep. 253: WrestleMania 41 Review

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. 

Ep. 252: WrestleMania 41 Official Preview

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. 

PWINDIE: Rhio Las Vegas (w/ Rhio)

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? 

Ep. 251: WrestleManias, Past + Present (w/ Keith Elliot Greenberg)

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?

Ep. 250: AEW Revolution In Review + Brian's Victory Lap

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.

Ep. 249: Talking About Wrestling And Talking (w/ Evan Ginzburg)

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.

Ep. 248: Rumble Redux (Blondes Have More Fun Edition)

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.

Ep. 247: The Rock & A Hulk Place (w/ Scott Fishman)

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.

Ep. 246: Holiday Show 2024

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.

Ep. 245: Holiday Headlock (w/ Mike Bessler)

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.)

Ep. 244: Vault Selections, Trump & WWE (w/ Louie Dee)

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.

PWINDIE: Logan Knight's Noble Quest

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.

PWINDIE: Landon Hale's Breakout Year

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.

Ep. 243: Women's 250 In Review (w/ Patricia Rogers)

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.

Ep. 242: Mr. McMemes (w/ Kristen Ashly & Memes)

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.

PWINDIE: Alexis Lee Is Friggin' Great!

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.

PWINDIE: Hyan, Queen Of The Indies

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.

Ep. 241 - The 2024 PWI 500 (w/ Big Dust)

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.

Ep. 240: Much Ado About Wembley (w/ Jason McVeigh)

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.

Ep. 239: Roxanne Perez Interview, Wrestling & Politics

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.

PWINDIE: Setting A World Record In Nepal (w/ Dani Mo)

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.

Creating Viral Wrestling Magic (w/ Viva Van)

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.

Ep. 238: Forbidden Door Preview, Who Killed WCW, Sika Anoi'a (w/ Righteous Reg)

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.

PWINDIE: Live! With Vinnie Massaro

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.

Ep. 237: Mustafa Ali 2024 (Interview), Double Or Nothing, King & Queen Of The Ring

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. 

Ep. 236: Lucha Libre & WWE, Future International PLEs? (w/ Alfonso Lopez)

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/

PWINDIE: 10 Belts & Counting (w/ Nina Samuels)

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.

PWINDIE: Mania Week In Philly (w/ Val Pancakes)

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.

Ep. 235: Forty In Philly + Shots Across The Bow (w/ Kevin McElvaney)

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.

Ep. 234: WrestleMania 40 Preview

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.

PWINDIE: ACTION, Boys & Girls (w/ Matt Griffin)

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!

EP. 233: New Toy Syndrome (w/ Jason McVeigh)

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.

PWINDIE: From Chaotic & Beyond to MLW: Rich Palladino's Ring Announcing Journey

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.

Ep. 232: (Almost) Too Much WWE News (w/ Kevin McElvaney)

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.

Ep. 231: PWI Awards In Review, TNA Hard To Kill (w/ Kevin McElvaney)

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.

Ep. 230: Going Where The Mone Is (w/Kevin McElvaney)

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.

PWINDIE: Live at the Holiday Hangout (w/ Brandon Kirk, Avery Good, many more)

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.

Ep. 229: 2023 in Review (Plus: Bob Smith Pt II)

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.

Ep. 228: CM Punk’s Return, ”Timeless” Toni Storm, TT100 + Bob Smith interview (part 1)

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.

PWINDIE: Monday Night Manders (w/ 1 Called Manders)

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.

Ep. 227: Women’s 250 Reflections, Rhea Ripley, Giulia, Full Gear (w/ Patricia Rogers)

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.

PWIndie: 10,000 Hours (w/ Mike Skyros)

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...

Ep. 226: TNA Is Back, LA Knight, Will Ospreay (w/ Kevin McElvaney)

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!

PWINDIE: Back On The GRIND (w/ Delmi Exo)

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 

Ep. 225: PWI 500 Feedback, AEW/WWE Talent Exchanges (w/ Frank Mandolini)

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.

Ep. 224: PWI Analysis + Recap (w/ Candace Cordelia)

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.