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. Surviving Elimination Chamber or Staying Healthy For WrestleMania

    23M AGO

    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
  2. MJF Dominates Down Under or a WWE Masked Crate Mystery

    FEB 19

    MJF Dominates Down Under or a WWE Masked Crate Mystery

    The February 16 episode of WWE Raw introduced a layer of bewildering mystery that has left the WWE Universe spiraling with questions about a new, enigmatic masked figure.  Central to this unsettling gimmick was the presence of a large, weathered wooden crate delivered to the arena, which served as the focal point for a series of cryptic vignettes throughout the evening. The tension reached a fever pitch when the masked man finally emerged—not with a standard wrestling entrance, but with a calculated, eerie stillness that suggested a darker psychological shift in the locker room.  As the mysterious newcomer stood over the crate, the broadcast was punctuated by glitchy visuals and distorted audio, deepening the intrigue around the contents of the box and the true identity of the man behind the mask.  This bizarre debut has successfully shifted the focus away from traditional qualifying matches, leaving fans to obsess over whether this new entity represents a supernatural threat or a calculated tactical mind entering the Elimination Chamber fray. In the main event of AEW Grand Slam Australia, MJF once again proved why he is the focal point of the wrestling world, successfully defending his AEW World Championship against the formidable Brody King.  Despite the immense physical threat posed by the House of Black powerhouse—who had previously defeated the champion in non-title action—MJF utilized his signature mix of ring generalship and ruthless opportunism to secure the victory via pinfall with a Heat Seeker.  By surviving King’s devastating offense in front of a raucous Sydney crowd, MJF silenced any doubters regarding his dominance, reinforcing his position at the absolute top of the mountain.  The evening concluded with a high-stakes confrontation as "Hangman" Adam Page emerged to officially sign the contract for their upcoming title clash at Revolution, but even in the face of a new challenger, MJF stood tall, making it undeniable that as long as the Triple B remains around his waist, he is the undisputed face of All Elite Wrestling. 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
  3. Elimination Chamber Creates Detour on the Road to WrestleMania

    FEB 12

    Elimination Chamber Creates Detour on the Road to WrestleMania

    As the WWE Universe looks toward WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, the "Main Event" matches—headlined by the colossal clash between World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk and Roman Reigns—are already drawing massive attention. However, to maintain momentum through the "Road to WrestleMania" period, WWE has masterfully utilized "buffer" feuds and qualifying matches to bridge the gap between major events. These secondary storylines serve as essential connective tissue, ensuring the championship pictures remain active while the biggest stars prepare for their ultimate showdowns in Vegas. A primary example of this strategy is the current World Title landscape, where CM Punk is facing an immediate threat from Finn Bálor and The Judgment Day. Rather than letting the title picture stagnate until WrestleMania, WWE has scheduled a championship defense for Punk against Bálor at the upcoming Elimination Chamber in Chicago. This feud not only reinforces Punk’s persona as a "fighting champion" but also keeps Roman Reigns looming as the final boss waiting for the WrestleMania spotlight. The women’s division is employing a similar approach, as Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan weighs her options between champions Stephanie Vaquer and Jade Cargill. During this period of uncertainty, a high-profile rivalry between Becky Lynch and the returning AJ Lee has taken center stage, culminating in a marquee match at Elimination Chamber. By scheduling this "dream match" as a buffer, WWE provides significant engagement for fans while the top-tier title decisions remain in a holding pattern. Furthermore, the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are being used to weave multiple mid-card feuds together. LA Knight secured his spot in the chamber after a chaotic match involving Penta and Austin Theory, which also integrated interference from Logan Paul and Bronson Reed. Similarly, Rhea Ripley’s victory in her qualifying match ensures she remains a top-tier attraction even without a direct title match this month. 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

    26 min
  4. Killer Kross Conquers Gold at Better Royal Rumble. MLW Battle Riot

    FEB 8

    Killer Kross Conquers Gold at Better Royal Rumble. MLW Battle Riot

    Battle Riot VIII proved once again that less can be so much more. While WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 stretched across a bloated three-hour broadcast filled with predictable call-ups, recycled spots, and too many celebrity or nostalgia cameos that barely moved the needle, MLW’s 40-man Battle Riot delivered a tighter, meaner, and far more satisfying spectacle in under two hours. From the opening bell, Battle Riot kept every elimination on camera (with only one minor off-screen moment), let active storylines breathe—Contra Unit’s betrayal, Kushida’s post-title attack, the sudden Davey Boy Smith Jr. swap for Simon Gotch drama—and rewarded smart booking choices. The #1 entry payoff for Killer Kross felt earned and emotional, especially with his mother ringside, giving the finish genuine heart WWE rarely allows in its polished, overproduced format. Royal Rumble leaned heavily on formula: long stretches of filler entrants, forced surprise returns that went nowhere, and a pacing that sagged under its own weight. Battle Riot, by contrast, stayed ruthless and focused—fewer dead spots, more organic faction warfare, real consequences to alliances and betrayals, and a clear narrative thread that built to Kross’s coronation without ever feeling contrived. MLW didn’t just copy the battle royal blueprint; they sharpened it, proving you don’t need a three-hour runtime or a stadium to create a must-see war. Battle Riot VIII was lean, mean, and infinitely more compelling. 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

    34 min
  5. Roman Reigns and CM Punk Create WrestleMania Worthy Main Event

    FEB 5

    Roman Reigns and CM Punk Create WrestleMania Worthy Main Event

    Fresh off his monumental Royal Rumble victory, the "Original Tribal Chief" Roman Reigns returned to the city of Philadelphia—a place where his storied career has seen both its highest peaks and lowest valleys—to deliver his decree.  However, what began as an "aura farming" session and a reflection on his dominance was sharply interrupted by the World Heavyweight Champion, CM Punk.  In an electric opening segment that felt more like a main event than a broadcast opener, the two icons traded verbal haymakers that blurred the lines between scripted drama and personal history. Reigns, exuding the calm confidence of a man who has "made" the modern era of WWE, initially teased a jump to SmackDown to challenge Drew McIntyre, only to be met with the overwhelming roar of the Philly crowd demanding a showdown with Punk.  When the champion emerged, the atmosphere shifted from celebration to a tense stand-off. Punk didn't hold back, calling Reigns a "visitor" on his show and mocking Roman’s part-time schedule while highlighting his own global title defenses.  The tension reached a boiling point when the conversation turned to The Shield's origins and Punk’s infamous 2014 exit; Reigns accused Punk of attempting to "brainwash" his cousins and making his climb to the top harder than it needed to be. This wasn't just a promo to sell a match; it was a high-stakes interrogation of legacy, tenure, and respect.  By the time the segment concluded, the message was clear: this isn't just a quest for a championship—it is a battle to determine whose philosophy truly defines the "Best in the World." This exceptional exchange has instantly elevated the WrestleMania buildup, promising fans a "Showcase of the Immortals" that will be remembered as a definitive collision of two of the greatest eras in professional wrestling history. This episode is sponsored by FirmTech—performance rings built for comfort, control, and confidence. Head to myfirmtech.com and use code KING for 15% off. 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
  6. Roman Reigns Rescues WrestleMania Season at Royal Rumble

    FEB 1

    Roman Reigns Rescues WrestleMania Season at Royal Rumble

    The 2026 Royal Rumble will likely be remembered as a night of missed opportunities and questionable pacing that was only salvaged by the sheer gravitational pull of the "Tribal Chief." For nearly four hours, the Riyadh crowd sat through a show that felt strangely hollow, burdened by a Women’s Rumble that prioritized a crowded ring over meaningful storytelling.  The decision to keep more than ten women in the ring for the vast majority of the match resulted in a cluttered, sluggish affair where high-stakes eliminations felt like an afterthought.  While Liv Morgan’s eventual victory provides a tidy conclusion to her three-year odyssey of "almosts," the journey to get there felt like a chore rather than a thrill, leaving the audience exhausted before the midway point of the night. The emotional core of the undercard was supposed to be the retirement of AJ Styles, but even this felt mishandled. Seeing a legend of Styles’ caliber hang up the boots on a January secondary show, rather than under the grandest lights of WrestleMania, felt like a disservice to one of the greatest careers in industry history.  Gunther was the expected victor, and while the match was technically sound, the "Career vs. Career" stipulation felt like a hollow plot device to bridge the gap to the main event. It left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans who expected a more prestigious send-off for the "Phenomenal One," contributing to a sense of malaise that hung over the stadium as the Men’s Rumble began. The Men’s Royal Rumble match itself threatened to follow the same predictable trajectory, leaning heavily on the "Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk" narrative that has been telegraphed for months.  The action was standard, and for a while, it seemed WWE was content to play it safe with a "paint-by-numbers" finish that would have left the WrestleMania main event feeling like a repetitive foregone conclusion. The energy in the building was dipping as the realization set in that we were headed for a safe, uninspired path to April. Everything changed the moment Roman Reigns exerted his will. By injecting himself into the finish and ultimately securing the win, Reigns didn't just play the villain; he acted as a much-needed creative reset button. His victory shattered the predictable Cody-centric orbit and reminded the audience that the "Head of the Table" is the only truly indispensable force in the company.  In one move, he transformed a lackluster, frustrating event into a compelling mystery. Roman Reigns didn't just win a match tonight; he rescued a flat WrestleMania season from its own predictability, proving once again that the Bloodline is the only thing keeping the lights on. 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

    31 min
  7. WrestleMania Season Creative Mirage or TKO Opulent Cash Desert Oasis

    JAN 29

    WrestleMania Season Creative Mirage or TKO Opulent Cash Desert Oasis

    High Stakes in the Desert as TKO’s Financial Oasis vs. the Creative WastelandThe road to WrestleMania officially ignites this weekend as WWE descends upon the sands of Saudi Arabia for a Royal Rumble. The primary narrative engine heading into the Kingdom is the suffocating dominance of Paul Heyman’s newly minted alliance, featuring Bron Breakker, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul.  Their presence in the 30-man Rumble match transforms the traditional "every man for himself" chaos into a strategic blockade, as this "super-stable" looks to gatekeep the main event of WrestleMania.  Meanwhile, the fallout from Monday Night Raw has left the World Heavyweight Championship picture in a state of flux, with CM Punk clinging to his title following a messy disqualification against AJ Styles.  This lack of resolution ensures that the Rumble winner won't just be choosing an opponent, but picking a side in an escalating war for the soul of the Raw brand. From a corporate perspective, TKO Group Holdings is currently navigating a "Desert-to-Desert" strategy that is effectively an oasis of cash.  By leveraging massive site fees from the Saudi government to kick off the season and parlaying that momentum into what is expected to be a record-shattering gate at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the company is seeing unprecedented financial irrigation. The synergy between these two desert landscapes ensures that sponsorships and hospitality revenue will flow at an all-time high, proving that the business of professional wrestling has never been more fertile. This geographical tie-in between the dunes of the Middle East and the Mojave Desert creates a seamless, high-luxury aesthetic that appeals directly to global investors and high-rolling fans alike. However, while the balance sheets are lush, the actual storytelling heading into this weekend feels increasingly like a creative wasteland. There is a growing sentiment among the audience that the narrative soil has gone dry, characterized by a reliance on repetitive DQ finishes and "poison ear" tropes, such as the interminable tension within The New Day.  The sudden formation of Heyman’s group, while star-studded, feels to some like a desperate attempt to manufacture a mirage of importance where long-term character development has failed to take root.  As the roster treks from the Saudi sands to the Vegas Strip, the challenge for the creative team is to find a source of narrative substance; otherwise, the journey to WrestleMania may be a lucrative trek through a barren landscape.Would you like me to draft a potential "miracle" booking scenario that could fix this creative drought at the Royal Rumble? 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

    58 min
  8. Sami Zayn Rubber Stamps Title Ticket to Saudi Royal Rumble

    JAN 26

    Sami Zayn Rubber Stamps Title Ticket to Saudi Royal Rumble

    In a high-stakes main event at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Sami Zayn secured his path to championship glory by defeating Randy Orton, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams in a No. 1 Contender’s Fatal 4-Way Match. The hometown hero survived a chaotic bout—marked by a referee bump and interference from Trick Williams—to seal the win with a Helluva Kick on Priest. This victory officially sets the stage for the Royal Rumble on January 31 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Zayn will challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Elsewhere on the card, AJ Styles overcame Shinsuke Nakamura, and the tandem of IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley successfully defended their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles against the Judgment Day’s Roxanne Perez and Liv Morgan. Critical Analysis: The "Rumble" Without a Build While the in-ring action at Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered, the broader road to the Royal Rumble feels remarkably hollow. With only one week remaining until one of WWE’s "Big Five" events, the creative direction has been surprisingly stagnant: Lack of Narrative Momentum: WWE has leaned heavily on the "the match sells itself" mantra, neglecting the traditional episodic build. Beyond a few vignettes—like Roman Reigns declaring his entry on SmackDown—the focus has been on secondary feuds rather than the high-stakes mystery and tension that typically define Rumble season. The "Saudi Effect": Transitioning the Royal Rumble to Riyadh for the first time has seemingly shifted the priority toward spectacle over storytelling. By finalizing the WWE Championship match just seven days before the bell, WWE has left precious little time to develop the personal heat required for a world title bout of this magnitude. Sami Zayn vs. Drew McIntyre: The relevance of this match hinges entirely on the "Year of Sami Zayn" narrative. Having Zayn earn his shot in Montreal provides a sentimental peak, but placing him against a dominant heel like McIntyre in Saudi Arabia is a bold, if risky, choice.  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

    41 min
See All (911)

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
    911
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Wrestling Is Real Podcast
  • Show Website
    Wrestling Is Real Wrestling Podcast