Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast

Wrestling Is Real Podcast
  • 3.5 (8)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling since 2012, the Wrestling Is Real Podcast, with your host @KingOfPodcasts, offers in-depth, bold, and uncensored commentary. We go beyond the surface to analyze the intricate storylines, pivotal TV moments, and creative directions across all major promotions including WWE, AEW, TNA, MLW, NWA, and more. Expect insightful critiques, passionate debate, and a commitment to exploring why some angles captivate us and others fall flat. If you're looking for a podcast that truly understands the psychology and spectacle of wrestling and isn't afraid to speak its mind, you're in the right place. We're here for the highlights and the low blows, because wrestling needs us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support.

  1. The Wrestling is Real Podcast Celebrates 1000 Episodes

    1D AGO

    The Wrestling is Real Podcast Celebrates 1000 Episodes

    In this landmark 1,000th episode of the Wrestling is Real Podcast, KOP reflects on over a decade of independent broadcasting, tracing the show's journey from its inception in December 2012 through the massive shifts in the professional wrestling landscape. The celebration is anchored by a nostalgic reunion with former long-time co-host Marky Mark, as the duo engages in an extensive, unfiltered discussion covering everything from the "Ruthless Aggression" era to the rise of AEW and expectations for the upcoming WrestleMania. Beyond the analysis of current storylines, the episode serves as a heartfelt "thank you" to a dedicated audience, emphasizing the host's commitment to providing a bold, uncensored, and non-conformist voice in wrestling media. By blending historical perspective with sharp commentary on the modern industry, this milestone episode perfectly encapsulates the "best thing going today" spirit that has defined the network for one thousand entries. Sign up for FirmTX https://firmtx-intake.myfirmtech.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    1h 43m
  2. How WWE’s Destruction of WCW Created AEW’s Revolution

    MAR 26

    How WWE’s Destruction of WCW Created AEW’s Revolution

    The 25th anniversary of the sale of World Championship Wrestling to WWE serves as a stark reminder that while Vince McMahon won the war, he failed to archive the blueprint for a healthy industry.  Instead of integrating the diverse, "Southern-style" alternative that WCW represented, WWE opted for a period of homogenization that prioritized corporate branding over the organic, unpredictable energy of the Monday Night Wars.  For nearly two decades, TNA (Impact Wrestling) attempted to occupy the vacuum left behind, but it often struggled under the weight of "WCW Lite" creative decisions and inconsistent distribution, failing to truly challenge the Stamford monopoly.  It wasn't until the launch of AEW that the industry saw a genuine spiritual successor to the WCW Effect—leveraging high-octane workrate, a focus on factions, and a broadcast partner in Warner Bros. Discovery that finally restored a two-party system to professional wrestling.  A quarter-century later, the lesson is clear: you can buy a library, but you cannot kill the audience’s inherent hunger for a legitimate alternative. Would you like me to find some specific 25th-anniversary retrospective podcasts or video essays that deep-dive into the "What If" scenarios of the WCW buyout? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    48 min
  3. WrestleMania 42’s Safe Bet Booking over Big Gamble

    MAR 19

    WrestleMania 42’s Safe Bet Booking over Big Gamble

    The build to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas has become a glaring indictment of a WWE creative team that refuses to gamble, choosing instead to double down on "sure things" at the expense of the future.  While the men's main event scene leans into the aggressive, heavy-hitting reliability of established icons like Brock Lesnar, the inclusion of Oba Femi feels less like a bold investment in a new era and more like a safe, "match-by-numbers" insertion of a powerhouse into a pre-existing formula.  Even the substantive development in the women’s division—Liv Morgan’s scripted emotional breakdown against Stephanie Vaquer and Rhea Ripley’s inevitable collision with Jade Cargill—serves as a polished placeholder rather than a narrative breakthrough.  By prioritizing high-floor consistency over high-ceiling risk, the card ensures a standard "WrestleMania caliber" spectacle that ultimately fails to move the needle. It is a cynical strategy that protects the status quo, proving that in Sin City, WWE is too afraid to back a long shot, leaving the roster’s fresh faces stranded while the company settles for a guaranteed, yet hollow, statistical success. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    46 min
  4. Shocking Returns and Bitter Rivalries Reshaped at AEW Revolution

    MAR 16

    Shocking Returns and Bitter Rivalries Reshaped at AEW Revolution

    AEW Revolution 2026 delivered a seismic shift in the professional wrestling world, defined by the unexpected resurgence of icons and the birth of high-stakes animosities.  The night reached a fever pitch following FTR’s hard-fought victory over The Young Bucks, which was immediately overshadowed by the jaw-dropping return of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, whose appearance together signaled a monumental shift in the tag team division.  Meanwhile, the main event’s "Last Chance" Texas Deathmatch saw MJF narrowly retain his World Championship against "Hangman" Adam Page, effectively ending Page's title aspirations for good and cementing a cold, definitive end to their historic saga.  The tension didn't stop there; after Swerve Strickland’s brutal win over Brody King, the arena exploded as Kenny Omega made his long-awaited return to confront Swerve, instantly igniting a dream rivalry.  With Ronda Rousey also debuting to stare down "Timeless" Toni Storm and Jack Perry reclaiming gold as the new National Champion, Revolution 2026 proved that while old scores were settled, the most dangerous wars for AEW are only just beginning. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    11 min
  5. Fractured Factions Forging Road to WrestleMania 42

    MAR 12

    Fractured Factions Forging Road to WrestleMania 42

    The landscape of Monday Night Raw has shifted from a battle of empires to a war of individuals as the structural collapse of The Judgment Day and The Vision sets the stage for a volatile WrestleMania 42. By dismantling these once-impenetrable units, WWE has masterfully pivoted toward a mid-card renaissance, turning former allies into bitter rivals.  With Finn Bálor now a man without a country following his brutal exile, and Seth Rollins using a sea of masked disciples to psychologically dismantle the remnants of his former stable, the focus has shifted from faction dominance to personal retribution.  World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk crossed paths with The Usos, who were standing tall as the front line for Roman Reigns and the Bloodline. Following Punk’s controversial vow to "bury" Reigns next to his father, the champion didn't back down, directly confronting Jey and Jimmy in a tense standoff that bridged the gap between Raw and the dominant SmackDown faction.  By weaving together the fallout of The Judgment Day's betrayal with the brewing war between Punk and the Bloodline, WWE has created a chaotic landscape where no alliance is safe and every fracture is leading directly to a showdown on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    43 min
  6. WrestleMania 42 Main Event Legacy vs. The Lost Midcard

    MAR 5

    WrestleMania 42 Main Event Legacy vs. The Lost Midcard

    The road to WrestleMania 42 has officially been paved with gold following a chaotic Elimination Chamber in Chicago, and the marquee looks undeniably legendary.  In what many are calling a "Mega-Powers" collision for the modern age, CM Punk will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against the 2026 Royal Rumble winner, Roman Reigns.  The atmosphere surrounding this match is electric, as it pits the ultimate anti-establishment icon against the most dominant "Tribal Chief" in history. This is the kind of high-stakes, big-money main event that WrestleMania was built for, promising a psychological chess match that justifies the premium price of admission.  Similarly, the Undisputed WWE Championship scene has reached a fever pitch after Randy Orton survived the Chamber with an assist from the champion himself, Drew McIntyre.  Their impending clash feels like a definitive battle for the soul of the company, combining technical mastery with a gritty, personal animosity that makes the title feel more prestigious than it has in years. On the women’s side of the card, the power dynamic is equally impressive, as WWE leans into "Big Match" energy. The clash between Jade Cargill and Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship is being billed as a collision of physical marvels, with their escalating social media war adding a raw, personal edge to their looming confrontation. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer’s defense against Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan offers a compelling contrast in styles, highlighting Vaquer’s international pedigree against Morgan’s relentless underdog spirit.  These four championship matches provide a rock-solid foundation for the event, ensuring that the top of the card delivers the spectacle and star power expected from the biggest show of the year. However, beneath the glimmer of the main events, a growing chorus of viewers is expressing frustration over a disjointed undercard and the apparent "glass ceiling" for emerging talent.  The most glaring point of contention is the "WrestleMania Sidelining" effect, where promising new stars who carried the brand throughout the winter find themselves relegated to the background to make room for returning icons.  This is perfectly exemplified by the "TBD" open challenge issued by Brock Lesnar; while the mystery generates buzz, critics argue it highlights a lack of long-term creative planning for the full-time roster. Instead of a hard-earned feud, fans are left hoping that a deserving star like Oba Femi or Bron Breakker is given the nod, rather than another veteran taking up valuable real estate. The creative direction for established factions is also drawing fire, particularly the ongoing implosion of Judgment Day. What was once the most cohesive unit on the roster has descended into a mess of internal friction and "fractured visions," a storyline that many feel is spinning its wheels.  This decline has been further complicated by the return of Seth "Freakin" Rollins, who emerged at the Chamber as a masked attacker to settle old scores. While Rollins' return is a massive boost to the show’s energy, his immediate insertion into the Judgment Day drama has left some fans worried that the group's younger members are being used as fodder for the "Visionary’s" comeback tour.  Even the debut of Danhausen, while providing a quirky and "very evil" highlight, has faced criticism for its placement; his reveal from a mystery crate was compared by some to the infamous Gobbledy Gooker, leaving fans to wonder if his unique charm will be lost in a sea of inconsistent booking as WrestleMania draws near. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    51 min
  7. Randy and Rhea Rise Above Excruciatingly Mid Elimination Chamber

    MAR 1

    Randy and Rhea Rise Above Excruciatingly Mid Elimination Chamber

    The 2026 Elimination Chamber from Chicago was a largely "excruciatingly mid" affair, marred by technical blunders, predictable outcomes, and over-engineered "tomfoolery" that left the United Center crowd underwhelmed.  The men’s match was particularly disappointing, featuring a distressing slip by LA Knight and a chaotic interference-heavy finish involving a masked Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre.  Similarly, while CM Punk retained his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor, the lack of genuine tension made the encounter feel like a foregone conclusion.  However, Rhea Ripley and Randy Orton managed to rise above the mediocrity; Ripley outlasted five other women in a high-octane opener to secure her shot against Jade Cargill, while Orton survived the messy main event to punch his ticket against McIntyre.  Their clinical performances served as the only redeeming anchors for a show that otherwise struggled to find its footing on the Road to WrestleMania 42. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    19 min
  8. Surviving Elimination Chamber or Staying Healthy For WrestleMania

    FEB 26

    Surviving Elimination Chamber or Staying Healthy For WrestleMania

    As the WWE Universe braces for the brutal structure of the Elimination Chamber this weekend, the primary tension isn’t coming from the matches themselves, but from a roster that seems to be crumbling under the weight of its own momentum.  The "Road to WrestleMania" has transformed into a literal war of attrition, with top-tier superstars seemingly eliminating themselves through a string of devastating accidental injuries before they can even reach the grandest stage of them all.  From the sidelined brilliance of Seth "Freakin" Rollins and the powerhouse momentum of Bron Breakker to the most recent heartbreak of Bronson Reed being forced out of action, the locker room is looking increasingly thin, leaving fans wondering if the main events will be decided by skill or simply by who is still healthy enough to walk.  Compounding this sense of instability is a creative landscape that feels uncharacteristically stagnant; despite the high stakes of the season, the current narrative arcs feel trapped in a holding pattern. The rekindled tensions between CM Punk and Finn Bálor have failed to recapture their initial spark, devolving into a repetitive cycle of "buffer" promos that lack a fresh edge.  Similarly, the legendary crossover appeal of Becky Lynch versus AJ Lee has struggled to find its footing, feeling more like a nostalgic checkbox than a high-stakes blood feud. As the Chamber looms, the WWE finds itself in a precarious position: they are desperately trying to build heat for lackluster rivalries while simultaneously praying that their remaining healthy stars don't join the casualty list during the most dangerous match of the year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support. Contact KOP for professional podcast production, imaging, and web design services at http://www.kingofpodcasts.com Support KOP by subscribing to his YouTube channel and search for King Of Podcasts Follow KOP on X and TikTok @kingofpodcasts (F Meta!) Listen to KOP’s other programs, Podcasters Row… and the Wrestling is Real Wrestling Podcast and The Broadcasters Podcast. Buy KOP a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3TAB983ZQPNVL Drop KOP a Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/kingofpodcasts Drop KOP a CashApp https://cash.app/$kingofallpodcasts

    39 min
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3.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling since 2012, the Wrestling Is Real Podcast, with your host @KingOfPodcasts, offers in-depth, bold, and uncensored commentary. We go beyond the surface to analyze the intricate storylines, pivotal TV moments, and creative directions across all major promotions including WWE, AEW, TNA, MLW, NWA, and more. Expect insightful critiques, passionate debate, and a commitment to exploring why some angles captivate us and others fall flat. If you're looking for a podcast that truly understands the psychology and spectacle of wrestling and isn't afraid to speak its mind, you're in the right place. We're here for the highlights and the low blows, because wrestling needs us! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-is-real-wrestling-podcast--1559158/support.

Information

  • Creator
    Wrestling Is Real Podcast
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    918
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Wrestling Is Real Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast