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Weekly breakdown of this weeks AEW Dynamite episode, plus hot takes on everything going on in the pro-wrestling industry!

  1. 17 HRS AGO

    Wrestling Tonight: WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER FALLOUT | AJ STYLES HOF ENDS AEW TALK | ANDROID INOKI & MORE

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:26660345-d1fd-4f6d-aeb3-fb87010f359a-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-10" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL, the clean, zero sugar, zero crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Save 20 percent with code TAVERN at GFUEL.com. We are also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20 percent off. Fuel up, light it up, and always keep it Tavern. Episode 171 centers on Elimination Chamber fallout and the way one night in Chicago shifted the structure of WrestleMania 42. Randy Orton outlasted Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Je'Von Evans to secure a WWE Championship match on the biggest stage, but the path there was defined by interference rather than endurance. Logan Paul eliminated three competitors before Seth Rollins returned through an open Chamber door and attacked him, immediately destabilizing the match. That same opening allowed Drew McIntyre to enter and strike Rhodes with the WWE Championship. Orton dropped McIntyre with an RKO, Rhodes answered with Cross Rhodes, and as Rhodes stood, Orton delivered a second RKO to win. In the aftermath, Nick Aldis announced McIntyre will defend the WWE Championship against Rhodes on SmackDown, leaving Orton locked in for WrestleMania while Rhodes remains in pursuit and Rollins reenters the equation. The women's Chamber provided clearer direction. Rhea Ripley defeated Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, Asuka, Kiana James, and Alexa Bliss to earn her WrestleMania match against Jade Cargill. Rodriguez created chaos with a double elimination, Asuka misted Bliss before being eliminated, and Ripley closed with the Riptide to formalize a high level collision at WrestleMania. AJ Lee added another headline by submitting Becky Lynch to win the Women's Intercontinental Championship, her first singles title victory in over a decade, while CM Punk retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor after surviving sustained rib targeting and finishing with the GTS in his hometown. The long teased mystery crate revealed Danhausen, drawing a mixed reaction and existing more as spectacle than structural shift on the road to WrestleMania. Outside the Chamber, AJ Styles formally confirmed his in ring retirement. He will remain with WWE in a non wrestling capacity and enter the 2026 Hall of Fame, closing the door on speculation about a final run elsewhere. We also examine the newly announced Android Inoki project targeting 2027, which begins with an AI model trained on Antonio Inoki's speech patterns and philosophy before integration into a humanoid form. Positioned as legacy preservation, it raises broader questions about likeness rights, commercialization, and how wrestling history will intersect with artificial intelligence moving forward. From a business standpoint, TKO disclosed that WWE generated 1.709 billion dollars in revenue for 2025. The 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh produced 55 million dollars, and WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is projected to exceed 100 million. WrestleMania 42 will follow a hybrid distribution model, beginning on ESPN and ESPN2 before shifting to ESPN Unlimited domestically and Netflix internationally, reflecting WWE's continued evolution in broadcast and streaming strategy. Across weekly programming, championships changed hands on SmackDown and NXT, Bronson Reed suffered a distal biceps tear that forces creative adjustments, and AEW builds toward Revolution under schedule compression with MJF set to defend the AEW World Championship against Hangman Page in a Texas Death Match with permanent stakes language attached. Internationally, NJPW crowned new STRONG and Television champions, CMLL delivered a high stakes hair match at Arena México, and Mauro Ranallo joins commentary for Global Wars Canada. Episode 171 connects creative fallout, retirement finality, AI experimentation, revenue transparency, and shifting broadcast strategy as WrestleMania season accelerates. Listen now.

    2h 35m

  2. 1D AGO · BONUS

    The Turnbuckle Debate #262

    The week Snead and Ace go two-wide for a great debate! Join us as we ask would WWE be in a better or worse spot if Vince never sold; if Hangman Page loses and is permanently barred from challenging for the AEW World Championship, does that truly close the door on him as a top babyface protagonist — or would the only viable path back to the title require a heel turn that justifies going back on the stipulation; and does WWE's decision to place DUDE Wipes branding directly onto Dominik Mysterio's ring gear represent a natural evolution of modern sponsorship integration under TKO, or does blending corporate partnerships with character presentation introduce new challenges for maintaining performer identity and audience immersion? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

    1h 6m

  3. 3D AGO

    SHOT OF NOSTALGIA: SHUFFLE | WRESTLEMANIA IX APRIL 4, 1993 | THE TOGA SPECTACLE | THE TITLE AUDIBLE | HOGAN BACK ON TOP

    Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle continues with your host Acefield Retro, and this week we revisit April 4, 1993, WrestleMania IX from Caesars Palace in Paradise, Nevada. The first fully outdoor WrestleMania. The World's Largest Toga Party. A Roman coliseum theme complete with live animals, trumpeters, and commentators fully committed to the presentation. But beyond the spectacle, this event represents a pivot. This episode traces the road into WrestleMania IX through the March and April 1993 Wrestling Observer Newsletter coverage, capturing a company navigating lawsuits, scrutiny, roster instability, and mounting pressure. Bret Hart entered as WWF Champion. Yokozuna had been elevated as the dominant Royal Rumble winner. Hulk Hogan had returned, but his long term direction was fluid rather than locked in. The structure of the card reflects that instability. Shawn Michaels versus Tatanka opens with an Intercontinental Championship match that creates movement without definitive closure, immediately signaling protection over payoff. The Steiner Brothers versus the Headshrinkers provide one of the night's most cohesive in ring performances, reinforcing how effective the tag division could be when execution was clean. Doink versus Crush leans heavily into character psychology and spectacle, highlighted by the double Doink finish. We examine the originally planned mechanical stunt that was scrapped and what that decision says about the era's emphasis on visual moments. Razor Ramon secures a direct win over Bob Backlund, continuing his steady rise. The Tag Team Championship match between Money Inc. and the Mega Maniacs unfolds through referee bumps, disqualification tension, and spectacle driven pacing. We revisit the reported late reshuffling that removed the originally planned tag title blow off and centered Hogan more prominently on the card. Lex Luger's WrestleMania debut against Mr. Perfect introduces rope leverage controversy and is layered with behind the scenes anecdotes that contribute to the uneven rhythm of the night. The Undertaker versus Giant Gonzalez becomes one of the most criticized finishes in WrestleMania history, prioritizing theatricality over decisive resolution. The championship picture ultimately defines the event. Bret Hart versus Yokozuna is framed as a generational collision until Mr. Fuji's salt interference shifts the WWF Championship. Moments later, Hulk Hogan enters, accepts an impromptu challenge, and captures the title in approximately twenty seconds. With three decades of hindsight, this episode examines whether that closing decision reflects creative confusion or calculated business pragmatism. The Observer context suggests urgency. The optics suggest an audible. The result reshaped Bret Hart's reign, altered Yokozuna's trajectory, and placed Hogan back on top during a volatile moment for the company. WrestleMania IX is remembered for its ending. It deserves to be studied for what it reveals about transition, pressure, and how quickly direction can change when stability becomes the priority. Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle premieres Saturday wherever you listen. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to support the continued growth of the series. Visit TurnbuckleTavern.com for merchandise, archives, and the full network schedule. Support the project at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content and extended deep dives. Powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN at checkout to save twenty percent on your entire order.

    1h 6m

  4. 4D AGO

    AEW Dynamite: MJF And Hangman Flip For The Stip | Texas Death At Revolution | FTR Attack Young Buck's Family | Mile High Madness Ensues

    It's Thursday, and you know what that means! It is time to walk through those Tavern doors and order up a round of professional wrestling coverage from One Bad Chad and Ol Reliable, Hoch! This week we talk AEW and all the happenings of the week! Make sure you go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

    2h 9m

  5. 6D AGO · BONUS

    Rawdown #218: Elimination Chamber Preview | AJ Styles Is A Hall Of Famer

    The RAWDOWN boys discuss all of the news coming out of RAW and Smackdown and get you caught up on all of the news happening inside and outside the ropes in WWE. Everything is on the table. This is just the tip of the iceberg with all of the stories and news going on in the WWE. Let's talk about it and everything else in the WWE Universe! WWE RAW, WWE Smackdown, NXT... It's all there! Come get your best weekly fix for all things WWE on The RAWDOWN, right here at The Turnbuckle Tavern! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, COMMENT, SHARE, & CLICK THE BELL! TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US! Go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern to join our Patreon for only $2.99/mo!

    2h 39m

  6. FEB 24

    Wrestling Tonight: ELIMINATION CHAMBER CHICAGO PREVIEW | WWE BLOCKS LOCAL WATCH PARTIES | JANEL GRANT ADDRESSES TKO | JERICHO CONTRACT FROZEN?

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:ccf0da8e-cfec-495e-8697-f2ad8fdc5130-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Welcome to Episode 170 of Wrestling Tonight, powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN to save 20 percent at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com. Acefield Retro and Chad return this week with a focused, comprehensive look at WWE Elimination Chamber: Chicago, and the broader business and legal context surrounding the event as WrestleMania 42 approaches. Elimination Chamber is not simply a February premium live event. The 2026 edition marks WWE's first televised event at the United Center since SummerSlam 1994, the first U.S.-based Elimination Chamber since 2021, and the final structural checkpoint before WrestleMania 42. With title implications and WrestleMania main event positioning attached to multiple matches, this show operates as a pivot point in WWE's calendar. We break down the full card in detail. The World Heavyweight Championship headlines in Chicago as CM Punk defends against Finn Bálor in Punk's hometown. What began as professional respect shifted into hostility after Bálor was excluded from the Royal Rumble match and responded with a direct assault on the champion. Despite reported hesitation from management within storyline, Bálor forced the issue and secured the title match. A Bálor victory would immediately reshape the WrestleMania 42 main event picture. The Women's Intercontinental Championship match between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee is built on competitive imbalance. Since returning, AJ has submitted Becky twice in non-title settings, creating a dynamic where the champion is defending not just a title but her standing within the division. This is less about opportunity and more about restoring hierarchy before WrestleMania season locks into place. Both Elimination Chamber matches will determine WrestleMania challengers. On the men's side, the field includes Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, Sami Zayn, Bron Breakker, and Damian Priest, with one final qualifying spot to be decided on the go-home edition of Raw. Historically, the Chamber has either elevated a rising star or reinforced an established main event presence. With a mix of veteran credibility and emerging power, WWE appears to be actively testing which direction serves WrestleMania best. The women's Chamber features Bayley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill, and Shayna Baszler, with one final entrant pending. Complicating the stakes is Rhea Ripley's pending WrestleMania decision as Royal Rumble winner. The eventual Chamber victor will not know their WrestleMania opponent until Ripley makes her choice, adding strategic uncertainty to the structure. Beyond the in-ring narrative, we examine WWE's reported restriction of public Elimination Chamber watch parties within the Chicago market. Multiple local venues were allegedly informed they could not host public viewing events. With ticket distribution reportedly below configuration and entry prices exceeding $260, the move appears connected to protecting live gate revenue. We discuss the business rationale, the optics in a historically strong WWE city, and the long-term implications for fan goodwill. We also address the week's most significant off-screen development. Janel Grant appeared publicly at a Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence briefing, where she discussed the impact of non-disclosure agreements in workplace misconduct cases and referenced the NDA central to her lawsuit against WWE and Vince McMahon. Grant spoke about the mental health toll of being publicly identified, her SEC whistleblower status, and directed remarks toward TKO leadership. As WrestleMania season accelerates, we analyze the corporate, legal, and reputational implications for WWE and its parent company. Additionally, reports indicate uncertainty regarding Chris Jericho's AEW contract status, with speculation that his deal may be paused or frozen during his television absence. While AEW has not confirmed details, the timing raises legitimate questions about contract structure, injury clauses, and potential movement in 2026. Inside the Chamber, WrestleMania challengers will be determined. Outside the ring, issues of access, optics, and corporate accountability continue to shape the broader conversation. Episode 170 examines both dimensions with clarity and depth as WrestleMania season moves into its decisive phase. Listen now.

    2h 37m

  7. FEB 23 · BONUS

    The Turnbuckle Debate #261

    The week we are joined by Tanner from Kicking Out Pod! Join us as we ask should AEW run house shows in the US; outside of the Trios Championships, what is the biggest weak spot in AEW's current creative; and you can choose 4 talent (male or female) currently on the AEW roster to carry AEW in the 2030's, who are you choosing? It's going to be a fun week here at The Tavern, so to make sure you do not miss anything, go to patreon.com/theturnbuckletavern for all your Tavern needs!

    55 min

  8. FEB 21

    SHOT OF NOSTALGIA: SHUFFLE | AEW DYNAMITE OCT 2, 2019 | THE TNT DEBUT | THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT WARS BEGIN | THE INNER CIRCLE FORMS

    Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle rolls on with your host Acefield Retro, and this week we revisit October 2, 2019, the night AEW Dynamite debuted live on TNT and officially stepped into national competition. We trace the road from the January 2019 press conference to the WarnerMedia deal, the Double or Nothing launch, and WWE moving NXT to USA in the same time slot. By the time Dynamite hits the air from Washington, D.C., this is not just a premiere. It is the opening shot of the Wednesday Night Wars. The show wastes no time establishing tone. Cody vs. Sammy Guevara opens with a 20 minute statement built on pacing and credibility. PAC submits Hangman Page in a result that reshapes the early hierarchy. Riho defeats Nyla Rose to become the first AEW Women's World Champion, signaling the company's international lean. In the main event, The Elite fall to Chris Jericho, Santana, and Ortiz before Jake Hager debuts and The Inner Circle forms to close the night. Dynamite wins the ratings battle with 1.409 million viewers and doubles NXT in the key 18 to 49 demographic. More importantly, it establishes identity. The founders do not stand tall. A heel faction does. The message is clear. Long term storytelling over short term celebration. With 2026 hindsight, we examine who from that night became pillars, who evolved, and how this debut became the blueprint for everything that followed. Shot of Nostalgia: Shuffle premieres Saturday wherever you listen. Like, subscribe, and leave a review to help the show grow.  Support the project at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for just $2.99 a month to keep these deep dives going. Powered by G FUEL and Dick Lazers. Use code TAVERN at checkout for 20 percent off your entire order.

    1h 4m
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About

Weekly breakdown of this weeks AEW Dynamite episode, plus hot takes on everything going on in the pro-wrestling industry!

Information

  • Creator
    Turnbuckle Tavern
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.3K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Turnbuckle Tavern

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