The crew starts with WWE’s AAA crossover and the tournament determining who will challenge Roman Reigns in Mexico City. Penta, Laredo Kid, Psycho Clown, La Parka, Dragon Lee, Rey Fenix and more enter the conversation as the hosts debate whether AAA wrestlers are being presented strongly enough on WWE television. They also give Corey Graves credit for putting in the work to explain AAA history and wrestlers to WWE’s broader audience—even while questioning the remote commentary setup being used for AAA programming.

From there, the conversation heads to AEW Grand Slam Mexico and CMLL, including the incredible atmosphere surrounding the crossover shows, Adam Copeland checking another item off his wrestling bucket list, the unique Bandido/Brody King/Hangman Page trio, and the wild format of CMLL’s massive Grand Prix match. T-Pop explains how the elimination format works and why Mexican wrestling continues to offer something structurally different from American wrestling television.

The expanding wrestling TV universe also gets examined through Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, MLW, NWA, AEW, ROH and CMLL. How important is immediacy in wrestling? Does a show lose momentum when its television is months behind the live tapings? And why does wrestling remain such attractive television programming compared with scripted productions?

On the local front, there is plenty to celebrate. The crew looks back at 2PW Summer Showdown, including the delightfully unexpected blindfolded Lights Out match, Gianni Michael Emricko and Gorgeous Gregory challenging The Troublemakers for the NWA JCP Southeastern Tag Team Championship, and developments surrounding 2PW’s championships. There are also updates from 880 Wrestling’s Lethal Lottery, Prospect Pro Wrestling, Enjoy Wrestling and the upcoming Sorgstock.

And speaking of Sorgstock: Mikey Montgomery vs. Justin Idol in a Video Game Match is officially on the card for August 28. What exactly is a Video Game Match? Apparently, you’ll have to be there.

Then things get personal with CM Punk and Kevin Owens. The hosts revisit their complicated history, the real-life stories wrestling fans are already resurfacing, and why these two could create weeks of compelling television without needing to throw a single punch.

Plus: Chelsea Green’s injury, Johnny Gargano stepping away amid a difficult family situation, wrestling trading cards raising money for the Cauliflower Alley Club, Big Man Tater and his microwave helmet, Tatum Paxley arriving on SmackDown, Mickey Knuckles coming to VCW, and Sorg’s reflections after finishing a book about Rowdy Roddy Piper.

It’s another trip through the increasingly strange, global and wonderfully interconnected world of professionalized wrestling.

News Stories & Topics Discussed

• WWE and AAA expand their crossover: A tournament featuring talent from WWE and AAA will determine a challenger for Roman Reigns in Mexico City, with Penta, Laredo Kid, Psycho Clown, La Parka, Dragon Lee, Rey Fenix and others discussed.
• Is WWE protecting AAA enough? The hosts question why AAA talent is frequently introduced to the Raw and SmackDown audience without being allowed to score important victories.
• Dominik Mysterio as AAA Mega Champion: The contradiction between Dom holding AAA’s top championship and AAA wrestlers sometimes feeling secondary on WWE television becomes a major point of discussion.
• Corey Graves and AAA commentary: T-Pop and Sorg praise Graves’ knowledge and enthusiasm while examining the awkwardness created by remote commentary involving Rey Mysterio and JBL.
• AEW Grand Slam Mexico: The Arena Mexico atmosphere, Mexican audience participation, Adam Copeland’s appearance and AEW leaning into its CMLL relationship all get praise.
• CMLL Grand Prix explained: T-Pop breaks down the enormous elimination match and its rotating tag structure, including why it feels so different from the usual American multi-person match.
• AEW/CMLL/ROH relationships: The hosts appreciate AEW’s willingness to work across promotions rather than trying to isolate its roster.
• Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling: The Canadian promotion’s weekly television presence is discussed along with Mauro Ranallo’s commentary and the opportunity created by changes in WWE’s Canadian distribution.
• MLW and NWA tape delays: Sorg and T-Pop talk about how months of unaired matches can reduce urgency even when the actual wrestling remains enjoyable.
• The economics of wrestling television: A discussion of live wrestling production leads to appreciation for how much WWE and AEW accomplish every week and why wrestling remains appealing programming for broadcasters.
• 2PW Summer Showdown: The hosts recap the show, including championship developments, the blindfolded Lights Out match and Some Guy Named John’s spectacular elbow drop to absolutely nobody.
• Gianni Michael Emricko & Gorgeous Gregory: Their NWA JCP Southeastern Tag Team Championship match against The Troublemakers is part of the 2PW recap.
• 880 Wrestling Lethal Lottery: T-Pop likes the unusual team of Dev Swayze and Tatiana, while Sammy Suntimer’s attempts to bond with Marco Narciso become a source of amusement.
• 2PW Friday Night Frights: The October 23 Halloween event and an announced casket match are previewed.
• Enjoy Wrestling’s anniversary: Lee Moriarty vs. Amazing Red is singled out as a match worth watching.
• Sorgstock announcement: Mikey Montgomery faces returning Pittsburgh wrestling favorite Justin Idol in a mysterious Video Game Match on August 28.
• CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens: The hosts love the early verbal confrontation and dig into some of the genuine history that can add another layer to the feud.
• Chelsea Green injured: Her orbital-bone injury leads to speculation about recovery time and whether it should affect her championship status.
• Johnny Gargano: The conversation turns serious while discussing Gargano stepping away to focus on his father during his battle with stage-four prostate cancer.
• Pittsburgh wrestling trading cards: Falcom Digital Imaging’s cards and wrestling-related fundraising lead into recognition of efforts benefiting the Cauliflower Alley Club.
• Big Man Tater: A gigantic Vader-inspired independent wrestler who enters wearing a microwave becomes an immediate Mayhem Show obsession.
• Tatum Paxley: Her SmackDown arrival has Mad Mike excited about the potential for increasingly spooky developments.
• MPX “Who Runs the World”: The chat points out the stacked women’s wrestling event featuring a wide range of notable talent.
• Mickey Knuckles headed to VCW: A breaking local wrestling announcement gets an enthusiastic reaction.
• Roddy Piper: Sorg discusses finishing the Piper book assembled after his death and reflects on the difference between Roddy Piper the character and the person underneath it.

“What We Learned” Breakdown

T-Pop: Sometimes the best way to introduce someone is simply to unleash them as a monster. He highlights the AAA debut of a WWE/LFG talent who attacks Psycho Clown, tears away part of his mask and chokeslams him onto a chair. The presentation immediately makes the newcomer feel dangerous.

Mad Mike: It was apparently a tremendous week for tater-related professional wrestling. First comes Big Man Tater, a giant Vader-inspired wrestler who enters with a microwave on his head. Then there’s Tatum Paxley, whose SmackDown arrival has Mike eagerly anticipating where her character could go next.

Sorg: Finishing the Rowdy Roddy Piper book helped reconnect dots between moments Sorg remembered as a fan and the life happening behind them. He particularly reflects on Piper becoming so immersed in the wrestling character that separating “Roddy Piper” from the person himself became difficult, while also remembering his wife getting a chance to meet one of her childhood wrestling heroes.

From the chat: Mercedes Moné’s wrestling anniversary gets recognized, along with excitement over MPX’s upcoming women-focused Who Runs the World card.

The crew opens by asking a surprising question: Was SummerSlam more enjoyable than WrestleMania? They examine a second night filled with fan-service moments, major returns and championship developments. Topics include Chelsea Green’s victory, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns seemingly closing another chapter of their shared history, CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens returning to the championship picture, Nick Aldis stepping back into the ring, Dominik Mysterio’s success in AAA and WWE’s evolving relationship with lucha libre.

Gianni also receives some major news live on the show. His scheduled match at Prospect Pro Wrestling has changed, and he and Gorgeous Gregory will now challenge The Troublemakers for the NWA JCP Tag Team Championship. Gianni responds with an impromptu message for the champions and explains why the Italian Strongman plans to bring NWA gold home.

The conversation then turns toward Gianni’s recent match with EFFY at 880 Wrestling, his growing list of appearances throughout the region and the practical lessons he has learned while building his wrestling career. His advice is simple: get in the car, attend shows, help with the ring and production, introduce yourself and become someone promoters and wrestlers enjoy having in the locker room.

Sorg also reveals new details for Sorgstock, including a surprising battle between Psychedelic Dreams members Sammy Suntheimer and Billy the Alien, plus wrestling-theme music from Sykes.

After an official spoiler warning, the crew dives deeply into Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Gianni gives the film a 9.6 and calls it one of the most authentically Spider-Man stories yet. The discussion covers Peter Parker’s stripped-down life, the introduction of Jean Grey, Punisher’s role, mutant technology, the Hulk battle, Ned’s potentially significant handshake, Miles Morales speculation and possible connections to Secret Wars and the wider multiverse.

The episode closes with the viral video of Beastman and Sam Adonis helping break up a festival fight, followed by “What We Learned,” where Mad Mike argues that WWE is misunderstanding the basic appeal of Joe Hendry.

• The original Mayhem crew reunites: Sorg welcomes Rizz and Mad Mike, with early conversation covering Mad Mike’s LEGO Soundwave set, teaching and the increasingly responsible lives of the show’s longtime hosts.
• SummerSlam versus WrestleMania: The panel considers whether SummerSlam delivered a more consistently entertaining weekend than WrestleMania.
• WWE production mistakes: A misspelled commercial-break graphic launches a discussion about live production errors, unrealistic expectations and why even major companies make visible mistakes.
• SummerSlam’s fan-service-heavy second night: Chelsea Green’s title victory, Baron Corbin’s return and Kevin Owens reentering the championship picture make Sorg wonder whether someone secretly used his fantasy booking.
• Chelsea Green’s championship moment: The crew celebrates Green’s victory, the reaction from her fellow wrestlers and how her success contrasts with comments discussed from WWE: Unreal.
• Hell in a Cell: The match’s violence, ring destruction and feud-ending atmosphere are praised as an effective use of the stipulation.
• Seth Rollins versus Roman Reigns: The match is viewed as a possible closing chapter for The Shield, with particular interest in what comes next for Seth and a more independent Roman Reigns.
• Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar: Gianni offers a wrestler’s perspective on the decision not to perform a dangerous spot directly onto exposed wood.
• Roman Reigns and AAA: Roman’s interaction with Rey Mysterio creates fantasy-booking possibilities involving TripleMania, Worlds Collide, Penta, Jacob Fatu and The Lucha Brothers.
• Solo Sikoa’s changing audience reaction: The hosts discuss how the SummerSlam build helped Solo emerge as an entertaining and increasingly sympathetic figure.
• Dominik Mysterio’s popularity: The panel argues that Dominik feels like a major star in AAA and deserves a larger, more consistent role on WWE programming.
• Nick Aldis versus Gunther: Aldis’ return to the ring impresses the crew and sparks speculation about a longer in-ring run or a future match with Adam Pearce.
• CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes: The match receives a more measured defense than some online reactions, while Kevin Owens’ return sets up a potentially excellent microphone-driven rivalry with Punk.
• Nikki Bella’s heel turn: A possible injury to Brie Bella leads to fantasy booking involving Paige, AJ Lee and a potential legends-focused WarGames match.
• Liv Morgan versus IYO SKY: The opening match and its finishing sequence are highlighted as one of the weekend’s strongest performances.
• SummerSlam attendance and location: The crew discusses tarped seating, the lack of a public attendance announcement and whether Minneapolis was an ideal destination for a major summer wrestling event.
• Sorgstock announcement: Sammy Suntheimer will face his Psychedelic Dreams partner Billy the Alien, raising questions about tension inside the team.
• Gianni’s championship opportunity: Gianni and Gorgeous Gregory will challenge The Troublemakers for the NWA JCP Tag Team Championship at Prospect Pro Wrestling.
• Gianni’s live promo: The Italian Strongman immediately delivers a message promising that the NWA championship will not remain on Glenn Spectre’s shoulder.
• Wrestling EFFY at 880 Wrestling: Gianni explains how the crowd quickly sided with EFFY, forcing him to adjust and embrace being the heel during the match.
• Breaking into new wrestling promotions: Gianni recommends traveling, introducing yourself, helping with setup and stepping outside your normal comfort zone.
• Locker-room reputation: Being positive, safe and helpful can be as important as social-media numbers when promoters decide whom they want to book again.
• Avoiding unhealthy environments: Gianni explains that a negative locker room—or a place where he does not feel safe in the ring—is unlikely to receive a return visit.
• Spider-Man spoiler discussion: The crew praises the film’s grounded version of Peter Parker, swinging sequences, action choreography and emotional tone.
• Jean Grey and the mutants: The movie’s mutant storyline leads to discussion of Jean Grey, Phoenix references, inhibitor technology and the future of the MCU’s X-Men.
• Punisher’s role: The panel examines Punisher’s hospital scenes, his public identity and how he fits into a world where Spider-Man has regained public support.
• Ned and Peter’s handshake: The hosts debate whether Ned consciously remembers Peter or simply feels a lingering connection that he cannot explain.
• Miles Morales and the multiverse: Potential clues are connected to Beyond the Spider-Verse, Doomsday, Secret Wars and the possibility of Miles eventually entering live action.
• Marvel physical media: Mad Mike displays elaborate Marvel and Harry Potter box sets, prompting nostalgia for collector editions filled with props, files and hidden compartments.
• Additional movie discussion: The crew briefly reviews Backrooms, Obsession, Eternals, New Mutants, the Fox X-Men films and the Spider-Man video games.
• Beastman goes viral again: Video from Tacos and Tequila shows Beastman and Sam Adonis helping break up a real fight, inspiring the suggestion that venues should hire Beastman as security.

Sorg:
Never start a fight when Beastman is nearby. After watching the viral festival video, Sorg’s larger conclusion is that Beastman may be the most effective security option available.

Gianni Michael Emricko:
Gianni learns the full details of his changed Prospect Pro Wrestling match during the episode. He and Gorgeous Gregory are receiving an NWA JCP Tag Team Championship opportunity, and Gianni confidently predicts that Glenn Spectre will not leave with his championship.

Mad Mike:
From Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Mike learns that it is okay to be sad. From wrestling, he learns that WWE appears confused about Joe Hendry. He argues that Hendry’s entire presentation is built around “say his name and he appears,” yet WWE repeatedly brings him out without anyone saying his name, cuts away from his entrance and presents his musical segments more like Elias. Mike believes this removes the elements audiences are already excited to see.

Rizz:
Rizz does not give a separate standalone lesson in the closing segment, but contributes to the discussion about WWE failing to preserve the established logic and audience appeal of Joe Hendry’s character.

The crew celebrates May 19, the 20th anniversary of WWE’s See No Evil, with Some Guy Named John delivering an increasingly detailed breakdown of Kane’s horror movie legacy. Rizz celebrates becoming an elected official, Mad Mike shows off wrestling collectibles, and the conversation spirals through WWE Films, NXT on YouTube, Saturday Night’s Main Event, AEW Double or Nothing, 880 Wrestling, RWA, VCW, and more.

Breakdown:
Rizz wins election day
Rizz talks about seeing his real name on the ballot.
The crew jokes about wrestling, politics, campaign speeches, and Kane also being a politician.
May 19 and WWE’s See No Evil
Some Guy Named John celebrates the 20th anniversary of See No Evil.
The crew discusses Kane as Jacob Goodnight, the film’s strange WWE marketing tie-ins, the May 19 angle, and the movie’s budget and box office.
Later, they dive into See No Evil 2, the Soska Sisters, horror movie logic, and WWE Films history.
WWE movie universe chaos
Discussion includes The Marine, Countdown, Legendary, That’s What I Am, WWE’s direct-to-video era, and the wild concept of WWE wrestlers as secret agents.
The crew jokes about turning WWE’s old novel Big Apple Takedown into a TV series.
UpUpDownDown Uno nostalgia
Mad Mike shows off a sealed UpUpDownDown Uno deck.
The group remembers Xavier Woods / Austin Creed, pandemic-era Uno content, and WWE YouTube culture.
WWE and NXT discussion
Eosky and EVIL’s wedding comes up.
The crew discusses EVIL’s NXT name change and how WWE handles renamed international stars.
Sorg shares that full NXT episodes are available through CW Sports on YouTube.
Saturday Night’s Main Event preview
The crew runs through the card, including Penta, Ethan Page, Becky Lynch, Sol Ruca, women’s tag title action, and more.
They joke about Penta being the poster boy and world champions skipping Fort Wayne, Indiana.
AEW Double or Nothing / Owen Hart Tournament
The hosts preview AEW’s tournament brackets.
They discuss Will Ospreay, Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Bandido, Claudio, Brody King, Willow, Athena, Mina Shirakawa, and more.
Athena’s long championship reign is highlighted.
Some Guy Named John and Leaders By Example
John explains how Gianni Michael Emricko was “absorbed” into Leaders By Example.
He breaks down the group’s contract logic, ownership of Gianni’s music and robes, and Gianni’s suspension.
The new unpaid intern Mitch is praised as a better fit for the group.
880 Wrestling storylines
The episode previews the ongoing Leaders By Example drama at 880 Wrestling.
John discusses CPA, taxes, unsafe spaces, and why his friends do not pay taxes.
The crew plugs a big indie wrestling weekend across 880, RWA, and VCW.
RWA Regional Championship controversy
John claims that he and Clayton King are collectively the RWA Regional Champion.
He insists he did not interfere physically and says Leaders By Example are the true heroes of RWA.
Gorgeous Gregory’s upcoming title opportunity is discussed.
VCW tag title opportunity
John talks about Clayton King being robbed of the VCW Championship.
Leaders By Example now aim for the VCW Tag Team Titles against White Trash Wilderness.
Point Park wrestling chaos
John discusses invading Austin Karnes’ live podcast event at Point Park.
Casey and a mascot get involved, and John threatens to investigate future wrestling events on campus.
What We Learned
Some Guy Named John wants to have a sing-off match.
The chat learns that Mason Rook’s NXT theme is the same music Mason Ryan had in WWE ’12.
Mad Mike learned that See No Evil has a surprisingly deep production history.
The group reflects on the value of weekly independent wrestling and how 880 Wrestling continues to happen through sheer love of the game.