Chi-Town Shoot Podcast

The Road to WrestleMania 42 just went through a "Very Nice, Very Evil" detour in Chicago! 🦷✨ Today we are breaking down the massive fallout from WWE Elimination Chamber 2026. From hometown heroes CM Punk and AJ Lee defending the 312, to the shocking reveal of Danhausen inside the "Mystery Crate," it was a night the United Center will never forget. But the biggest talking point might be happening outside the ring. We’re diving into Cody Rhodes’ recent comments where he called out modern wrestlers for being "too sensitive" to fan criticism. Is the American Nightmare right to tell talent to "just cash the check," or is he out of touch with today's mental health standards? What we’re covering: Danhausen’s Debut: Was the "Mystery Box" reveal worth the wait? We react to the teeth, the curses, and Triple H’s "fun time" comments. Cody’s Controversy: Breaking down the "Thick Skin vs. Mental Health" debate. Does Cody have a point about "vanity searching"? AJ Lee & CM Punk: A historic night for Chicago’s power couple. Is the "Chicago Crew" the new dominant force in WWE? Chamber Analysis: Full reviews of the Men’s and Women’s matches. Did Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley secure the right tickets to WrestleMania? The Future of Chicago: With the United Center back in play, what major events are next for the Windy City? Join the Debate: Do you think wrestlers have gotten too sensitive, or is fan behavior crossing the line? And how do you feel about Danhausen in the "WWE Machine"? Sound off in the comments!

We are back in the heart of Chicago for a massive Episode 54! This week, the crew dives deep into MJF’s explosive interview with Chris Van Vliet. Why did Max turn down the "nice calls" from WWE to stay in AEW? We discuss his "Good vs. Great" philosophy, his role in Happy Gilmore 2 (releasing July 25!), and his surprising defense of Becky Lynch. Then, we shift gears to "The Ruler" Oba Femi. After an incredible 39-minute Royal Rumble showing, Oba says a fight with Brock Lesnar is the "Big Money Fight." Is he the next Beast? With Brock returning to Raw this Monday in Atlanta, we predict when this massive collision finally happens. Finally, with Elimination Chamber coming to the United Center on Feb 28, we rank the GREATEST participants in the history of the steel structure. Is Triple H still the King, or has Chris Jericho’s elimination record secured his spot at the top? Topics Covered: MJF on the "Bidding War of 2024" and why he stayed. Wrestling vs. Hollywood: Can MJF really do both? Oba Femi's "Mental Agreement" with Brock Lesnar. The Elimination Chamber "God Tier" List. Why the Chamber is renamed "No Escape" in Germany.

The wrestling world is on fire! We’re breaking down the fallout from the 2026 Royal Rumble, including the massive debut of Royce Keys (fka Powerhouse Hobbs). Plus, the "Transfer Portal" just claimed a massive name as Tommaso Ciampa jumps to AEW and wins gold on Day 1! We also dive into the WWE 2K26 announcement featuring CM Punk on the cover. Is the "Monday Night War" edition worth the $150 price tag? FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: X/Twitter:    / chitownshoot    Instagram:    / chitownshoot   TikTok:   / chitownshootpodcast   GET IN TOUCH: chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com

Is the "Best in the World" preparing to hang up the boots? On Episode 52 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast, Marcin, Chris, and David break down CM Punk’s recent comments about his 50-year-old retirement goal and what that means for the World Heavyweight Championship. In This Episode: We dive deep into the 2026 wrestling landscape! From The Miz feeling disrespected by "half-dead flowers" to our full 2026 Royal Rumble Preview, we aren't holding back. Will Roman Reigns find redemption? Is Bron Breakker the locked-in favorite? And which TNA or NXT stars might shock the world at #30? Topics Covered: CM Punk’s Expiration Date: Is 50 the new hard ceiling for WWE superstars? The Cena Blueprint: Can Punk exit with the same grace as John Cena? The Miz’s Legacy: Does the "Most Must-See Man" get the respect he deserves? 2026 Royal Rumble Betting Odds: Analyzing Oba Femi, Cody Rhodes, and the Riyadh factor. Forbidden Door: Who is the next Joe Hendry? FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: X/Twitter:    / chitownshoot    Instagram:    / chitownshoot   TikTok:   / chitownshootpodcast   GET IN TOUCH: chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com

Is Aaron Rourke the future of professional wrestling? In this exclusive interview, we sit down with "The Dimepiece" himself, Aaron Rourke, to discuss his meteoric rise through the WWE ID program and his standout performances on the new WWE Evolve series. From his roots as a competitive dancer and cheerleader to training under Brian Myers and Pat Buck at the legendary Create A Pro (CAP) wrestling school, Aaron breaks down how his unique background shaped his "Evil Gay" persona. We dive deep into: The WWE ID Experience: What it’s really like being an "ID" athlete and the pressure of the WWE stamp. The Evolve Brand on Tubi: Comparing the "WWE Way" to the independent circuit and the Team ID vs. Team PC rivalry. Breaking Barriers: Aaron’s thoughts on being the first out gay man in the WWE ID program and the importance of authenticity in the ring. The CAP "Secret Sauce": Insights into training with MJF and Kris Statlander. The Future: Winning the 2025 Vacationland Cup and his goals for NXT and beyond. Whether you know him from Chaotic Wrestling, WrestlePro, or his latest appearances on the WWE Evolve tapings, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the mind of one of the industry's most polarizing and talented stars.

Jim Ross doesn't hold back on Vince McMahon's "intense animosity" and jealousy during the Attitude Era. Plus, we crown the winners of the 2025 Wrestling Awards and predict the massive shifts coming to WWE and AEW in 2026! Welcome to Episode 50 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Today, Marcin, Chris, and David dive deep into the legendary Jim Ross’s recent comments about Vince McMahon—was the Chairman truly jealous of JR’s play-by-play skills? We also take a look back at an incredible year in professional wrestling with our 2025 Year-End Awards. From Cody Rhodes and Gunther to Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, we debate who truly ran the game this year. Finally, we look ahead to 2026 predictions: Will Chris Jericho return to WWE? Is Britt Baker Royal Rumble bound?

The wrestling business just changed forever, and the greatest of all time is saying goodbye. In this episode, we break down the massive $82.7 Billion deal that sees Netflix acquire Warner Bros., HBO, and Max—and what the confusing "Discovery Global" spinoff means for AEW’s future on TNT/TBS. Plus, we discuss the sobering comments from GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale about the independent wrestling "down cycle." Is the indie bubble bursting? Finally, we look ahead to Saturday to discuss the concept of The Perfect Retirement. From Shawn Michaels to Stone Cold, very few get it right. Can John Cena stick the landing against Gunther? 👇 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE 👇 📺 NETFLIX BUYS WARNER BROS: The AEW Fallout Netflix has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Warner Bros. Studios and HBO Max. But with the cable networks (TNT/TBS) spinning off into a new company called "Discovery Global," where does this leave Tony Khan and AEW? We analyze if AEW loses its shot at streaming on Max and if Netflix is becoming a wrestling monopoly with WWE Raw and WB under one roof. 📉 THE INDIE WRESTLING RECESSION? GCW Promoter Brett Lauderdale recently admitted the scene is in a "down cycle," citing the economy, wallet fatigue, and a lack of drawing power. We debate if the "Super Fan Promoter" era is dead and if fans are too burned out by WWE/AEW saturation to support local shows. 👋 THE PERFECT RETIREMENT: John Cena’s Last Stand It’s finally here. We analyze the art of the wrestling goodbye. Does "going out on your back" actually ruin the moment? We compare the gold standard (HBK vs. Undertaker) to the cautionary tales (Ric Flair), and debate what John Cena needs to do this Saturday to achieve the elusive Perfect Retirement.

Welcome to Episode 48 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! 🎙️ We’re coming to you from the heart of Chicago to break down the biggest stories shaking up the industry ahead of WWE Survivor Series at Petco Park. Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres step into the squared circle to debate Eric Bischoff’s controversial take on battle royals, the shock returns of Matt Cardona and Nic Nemeth in the "Last Time Is Now" tournament, and the pros and cons of wrestling's "Forbidden Door" era. 📌 In This Episode: Eric Bischoff Hates Battle Royals & Multi-Man Matches Eric Bischoff recently told the Toronto Sun that he "never" enjoyed producing or watching Battle Royals, comparing the "logic gaps" to seeing a boom mic in a movie. The "Boom Mic" Theory: Why Bischoff says guys "walking around in circles" kills his suspension of disbelief. The Hypocrisy Check: We address the elephant in the room—WCW’s 60-man "World War 3" match. Royal Rumble vs. The Rest: Why does he give the Rumble a pass but buries everything else? The Shock Returns: Cardona & Nemeth in the "Last Time Is Now" Tournament Mark Henry says WWE is staring at a "pile of crisp money" if they don't re-sign Matt Cardona and Nic Nemeth full-time. Following their surprise appearances against LA Knight and Solo Sikoa in the John Cena retirement tournament: The "Ex-Boyfriend" Effect: Did leaving WWE make them bigger stars than staying ever could? Nostalgia vs. Business: Does the "Internet Champion" buzz translate to TV ratings in 2025? The Crossover Conundrum: Dilution or Elevation? With Joe Hendry in NXT and AEW stars working NJPW/CMLL dates, the "Forbidden Door" is wide open. But is it too much? Identity Crisis: Is TNA risking its brand by becoming an unofficial NXT feeder system? Dream Matches vs. Storylines: Do one-off crossover matches hurt long-term creative plans? The Fan Perspective: Are we suffering from "Crossover Fatigue"?

Welcome to Episode 47 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as we dive deep into the biggest wrestling news from WWE and AEW this week. We're hitting the hottest takes, from AEW title dilution to John Cena's retirement tournament and the 28th anniversary of the Montreal Screwjob. 🔥 THE HOT TOPICS 1. The AEW National Championship Controversy Tony Khan announced the new "National" title, but does AEW really need another belt? We debate the problem of title dilution with 16 active titles and break down the heated NWA controversy. Is this a tribute to Georgia Championship Wrestling history or a calculated move to hijack NWA legacy? Plus, our official picks for the inaugural champion at AEW Full Gear. 2. John Cena’s Final Match Tournament WWE is running a 16-man tournament to find John Cena's final opponent at Saturday Night's Main Event. Is this the right way to book a legend's retirement? We break down the bracket and fantasy book the final match. Should Cena put over a new star like Gunther or face an old rival like Drew McIntyre? We also talk about the "Forbidden Door" teases and our official prediction for who wins the tournament. 3. Montreal Screwjob: 28 Years Later We look back at the historic and controversial event of November 9, 1997. Who was most to blame: Bret Hart, Vince McMahon, or Shawn Michaels? We discuss the infamous locker room punch, the legacy of the Mr. McMahon character, and the greatest "What If" in wrestling history. Did the Screwjob create the Attitude Era?

It’s Halloween season on the Chi-town Shoot Podcast, and we’re bringing the chills! 😈 This week, Chris, Marcin, David, and Andres dive into a wild mix of wrestling talk and spooky fun: 🔥 This Episode Includes: 🎤 Chris Jericho’s 35 Years in Wrestling! — from debuting vs. Lance Storm to conquering AEW 💬 Ric Flair CALLS OUT William Regal! — was Regal truly underappreciated? 👻 The ULTIMATE Spooky Wrestlers Tier List! — Undertaker, Kane, Bray Wyatt, Gangrel, Boogeyman, and more go head-to-head in our hilarious Halloween ranking!

Welcome to Episode 45 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! The crew (Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres) is back from Chicago, Illinois, to break down all the biggest news and rumors from WWE and AEW, with a deep dive into the massive success of Worlds Collide! 💥 WORLDS COLLIDE HUGE SUCCESS & WWE/AAA PARTNERSHIP BREAKDOWN The WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event just broke records with 773,000 live concurrent viewers! What does this unprecedented success mean for the future of crossover events? Dominik Mysterio is the New AAA Mega Champion! How big is this win for "Dirty Dom's" career, and what does it signal about WWE's plans for their top heel? We analyze the in-ring work: Did the Lucha Libre style blend well with the more traditional WWE style? How significant is the 127 million digital views on social media? What's the secret to this viral success? With this new record, is Worlds Collide a permanent fixture on the wrestling calendar? 🧠 SHAWN MICHAELS' WRESTLING PHILOSOPHY: TIMING & FEEL WWE Hall of Famer and NXT Senior VP Shawn Michaels revealed the two most important attributes he looks for in top-tier talent: Timing and Feel. What exactly does HBK mean by "timing" and "feel," and how do they differ from athleticism and psychology? Do we agree with Michaels that a wrestler can be "short in athleticism" if they possess these two qualities? We look at examples! How does his philosophy impact the development of the next generation of stars in NXT? How does Cody Rhodes perfectly embody the "Timing and Feel" philosophy? 🎶 THE WRESTLING SOUNDTRACK: BEST THEME SONGS OF ALL TIME We close the show with a fun debate about the psychology and impact of wrestling theme songs! What's the one theme song that instantly transports you back to a specific era? What makes Jim Johnston's music the GOAT, and has WWE's shift to licensed music been a good move? We settle a debate: What is the most UNDERRATED theme song of all time? Fantasy Booking: If you were a new wrestler, what song would be your theme? Got Questions or Thoughts? Send them over to chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com

s professional wrestling a business or an art form? MJF and Ronda Rousey are on opposite sides of the debate, and we're breaking it all down in episode 44 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) recently fired back at Ronda Rousey's criticism of her WWE booking against Alexa Bliss, where she felt merchandise sales took priority over talent. MJF's response? Wrestling IS a business. We dive deep into who's right, whether Rousey is being naive coming from the UFC, and if WWE's business-first approach under TKO hurts the product. Then, we shift gears to the people who report on all this drama: the "wrestling journalists." What is their role in 2025? We discuss the impact of "dirt sheets," backstage rumors, and how they influence promotions like WWE and AEW. Does knowing all the spoilers and backstage news ruin the magic for you as a fan? Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as we tackle two of the most controversial topics in modern pro wrestling!

Welcome back to the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! In Episode 43, join hosts Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as they dive into the biggest news and hottest takes in the wrestling world. This week, the crew breaks down AEW President Tony Khan's recent comments about the future of AEW video games. Hear their reactions to his promise to make the next game "much, much better" than AEW: Fight Forever and their debate on what improvements are a must-have. The guys also honor two of the biggest names in WWE history, discussing the legacy and recent comments of both John Cena and The Undertaker. Find out why The Deadman is refusing to put the hat and coat back on and what the team thinks about John Cena’s highly-anticipated retirement tour and final opponent.

Welcome to Episode 42 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast, where we break down the hottest stories in WWE & AEW straight from Chicago! This week’s topics: 🏟️ WWE Premium Live Events Move to ESPN (2026) – What does this $325M deal mean for WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam & more? Will fans pay ESPN’s $29.99 streaming fee, or does this hurt casual viewership? 💥 Bret Hart vs. Gunther’s Style – Bret slams chops as “bullshit” and calls stiff wrestling unprofessional. Is he right, or is Gunther’s hard-hitting style essential for modern storytelling? 🎭 Paul Heyman on WWE: Unreal (Netflix) – Heyman reflects on kayfabe, transparency, and WWE’s “Disney-fication.” Is the curtain being pulled back too far, or is this just the evolution of wrestling? 🔥 Plus: Fan reactions, business implications, and what this all means for the future of pro wrestling. 📩 Got questions or thoughts? Email us: chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly wrestling debates, hot takes, and news!

Welcome to Episode 41 of the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Broadcasting straight from Chicago, Marcin, Chris, and David are back in the squared circle to break down the biggest stories in WWE and AEW. 🔥 Main Topics This Week: 🗣️ MJF on Tony Khan’s New Professionalism: MJF says this is the most professional Tony Khan has ever been online—focusing strictly on AEW. We break down what that means for AEW’s momentum, the fan perception, and if the Twitter war era is officially over. 📊 AEW Surpasses WCW Nitro: Eric Bischoff says AEW surpassing Nitro in episodes is just a “participation trophy.” Is he bitter or brutally honest? We compare Dynamite’s run to Nitro’s legendary legacy and what AEW must do to cement itself. 🕊️ Remembering Hulk Hogan: With the wrestling icon’s passing, we reflect on Hulk Hogan’s legacy—from Hulkamania and the nWo to his pop culture rise and long-standing controversies. Is Hogan still on your wrestling Mount Rushmore? 📩 Got thoughts? Email us at chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 40 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast is here! Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as they dive deep into the hottest topics in WWE and AEW. In this action-packed episode, the crew tackles MJF's controversial take on WWE running shows against AEW All In. Is this smart business practice or a sign that the AEW vs. WWE rivalry is heating up? We discuss whether AEW should feel threatened, the ruthless mindset needed for pro wrestling success, and how fans interpret these scheduling conflicts. Plus, the discussion heats up with Charlotte Flair's recent comments about a potential Four Horsewomen Fatal Four Way reunion. Is this still the biggest money match in women's wrestling? Why hasn't it happened on the main roster, and with Mercedes Mone in AEW, is it still a realistic goal? We explore the legacy of the Four Horsewomen and their impact on women's wrestling today. Finally, prepare for a trip down memory lane to the Gimmick Graveyard, where we unearth some of wrestling's most infamously bad, bizarre, dark, and occupational gimmicks. What makes a gimmick fail? Which ones could work today, and which were just plain doomed? From The Shockmaster to Mantaur and Oz, we dissect the worst and wildest characters in wrestling history.

Welcome to Episode 39 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as we dive deep into the biggest news and hottest takes from the wrestling world. From the heart of Chicago, Illinois, we're covering all things WWE and AEW. This week, we're breaking down the shocking news of Roman Reigns being cast as Akuma in the live-action 'Street Fighter' movie! We'll discuss: Is Roman Reigns a good fit for Akuma? Hero or villain: What role suits him best? Is Hollywood calling? What does this mean for Roman Reigns' WWE future after his absence since WrestleMania 41? How does his movie career compare to The Rock and Batista? Then, we shift gears to AEW with Tony Khan's comments on free agents and the "high bar" to join the AEW roster. We'll debate: Does AEW's current roster truly support Khan's "elite-only" statement? Is 2025 truly AEW's "best year ever"? Should AEW focus on big WWE names or homegrown indie talent? Are Elayna Black and Shotzi Blackheart good fits for AEW? Plus, we tackle the timeless question: Is age just a number in pro wrestling? We explore: Veterans performing at a high level. The realistic shelf life for wrestlers. Challenges for young talent breaking through. Old school vs. new school in-ring styles. Our fantasy roster of five wrestlers over 40! Don't miss our hot takes and fun discussions!

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Coming to you from Chicago, Illinois — the heart of the wrestling world — Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres break down the hottest topics in WWE, AEW, and beyond. 👑 Cody Rhodes Says HE Made Bullet Club Money Cody reflects on the Bullet Club era, calling his run the “least cool but most profitable.” Was Cody’s leadership underrated, or is he right about being the "commercial version"? We compare the eras: Finn Bálor, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes. 🧠 Topics we dive into: Was Cody’s Bullet Club really less cool or just different? Can a wrestling faction be cool and make money? Did Cody’s era pave the road for AEW? Who was the best Bullet Club leader? 👊 Karrion Kross Wants Jon Moxley Back in WWE! Kross opens up about his respect for Moxley and hopes for a WWE return. Could this dream match finally get a big stage? What would Moxley’s second run look like? 💬 We also ask: Has Moxley outgrown WWE, or is there unfinished business? What dream matches await Moxley in a WWE return? Could Kross vs. Moxley be the next breakout rivalry? 🤸‍♂️ Flippy Wrestling vs. Old-School Grit Is high-flying wrestling really what most fans want—or is it just loud online hype? We discuss fan preferences, AEW vs. WWE pacing, and the balance between storytelling and spectacle. ⚖️ Hot Takes Include: Does AEW lean too heavy on high spots? Is “flippy” wrestling hurting long-term booking? What’s the best style to build a new promotion around?

Welcome to Episode 37 of the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! We sit down with indie wrestling standout Alfonso Gonzalez for a raw, unfiltered conversation about his journey in pro wrestling—from his early days breaking into the scene to winning the Freelance Wrestling Championship and everything in between. In this exclusive interview, Alfonso opens up about: How he fell in love with wrestling What inspired his in-ring persona and fiery promos Winning the Freelance title from Kylie Rae Losing the title to Devon Monroe and what's next His passion project: Podcasting with Robert Ego Anthony and Koda Hernandez His take on wrestling psychology, storytelling, and indie wrestling's future We also dive into fan questions, dream matches, and his advice for the next generation of wrestlers. 💬 Got a question or hot take? Email us at: chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com 📍 Recorded in the heart of Chicago, this episode is a must-watch for fans of indie wrestling, Freelance Wrestling, and authentic wrestling stories. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews, debates, and all things pro wrestling. #AlfonsoGonzalez #IndieWrestling #FreelanceWrestling #ProWrestlingPodcast #ChiTownShoot #AEW #WWE #WrestlingInterview #WrestlingPodcast

Welcome to episode 36 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres are bringing the heat from Chicago with all the latest buzz in WWE and AEW. 👉 In This Episode: Matt Cardona (aka Zack Ryder) opens up about being surprised WWE hasn’t called him back despite his indie success. Has the “King of the Deathmatch” truly moved on from WWE? Penta El Zero Miedo shares his thoughts on WWE acquiring AAA and what it means for Mexican wrestlers. Is this the best opportunity yet for lucha libre talent? We debate the greatest Money in the Bank cash-ins of all time. Is Seth Rollins’ “Heist of the Century” still the best? 💥 Plus, your favorite takes, wrestling banter, and more from the squared circle. 🔥 Discussion Questions: Should Matt Cardona keep grinding on the indie scene or push harder for a WWE return? How might WWE’s AAA buyout reshape lucha libre’s future? Which MITB cash-in deserves the top spot in wrestling history? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or email us at chitownshootpodcast@gmail.com! 👍 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation every week as we break down the biggest stories in pro wrestling. #MattCardona #WWE #AEW #AAA #ChiTownShootPodcast #ProWrestling #MITB