The Herd with Colin Cowherd: THE W.A.D.E. Concept – Week in Review
Episode Date: September 7, 2025
Host: Wade Plemons (The W.A.D.E. Concept)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Overview
This week's episode of The W.A.D.E. Concept, as featured on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, dives into the rapidly evolving and increasingly unpredictable world of combat sports. The focus is threefold:
- The future for Darren Till after his emphatic knockout win at Misfits 22, and the recurring speculation about a showdown with Jake Paul.
- The explosive fallout from the Rampage Jackson/Raja Jackson/Psycho Stu wrestling incident, unpacking Rampage’s public responses and accountability issues.
- A preview and discussion of two of boxing's biggest stories: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford and the just-announced Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather exhibition.
Wade brings an irreverent, plugged-in, and brutally honest tone, dissecting characters and storylines with both humor and deep boxing knowledge.
Key Discussion Points
Darren Till vs. Jake Paul: Why It Won’t Happen (Timeline: [02:04]–[17:50])
- Recap of Misfits 22: Darren Till brutally knocks out Luke Rockhold. The buzz is immediate—what’s next for Till?
- Rumors Swirl: Jake Paul’s name emerges during post-fight discussions, but Wade is adamant: "Jake Paul is not fighting Darren Till. He won't fight Darren Till. And there’s multiple reasons why." ([04:02])
Reasons Jake Paul vs. Darren Till Isn’t Happening
- Jake’s Schedule Is Packed
- Paul is confirmed for Gervonta "Tank" Davis next and potentially discussing Anthony Joshua for early 2026.
- "Jake puts on some of the biggest events in the world." ([06:23])
- Promotional Politics
- Serious friction exists between Most Valuable Promotions (Jake) and Misfits Boxing (Till).
- "Nikisa and Mams...don’t coexist well when it comes to fight negotiation. Otherwise we probably would have had Jake Paul KSI three years ago." ([07:50])
- Little Mutual Incentive
- Both men have other high-reward options. Till must beat bigger names to force Jake’s interest.
- High Risk, Low Reward
- "Darren Till is a lot more dangerous, a lot more risk than reward. ...That doesn’t mean Darren Till can’t beat him." ([09:47])
- Even so, Wade personally favors Jake Paul but acknowledges Till's danger: "Darren Till has enough power to hurt and potentially stop Jake Paul." ([13:47])
- Brand Risk for Jake Paul
- "You are playing a bit of Russian roulette every time a Jake Paul...steps into a boxing ring. Because one fight could end it all." ([11:10])
The Verdict
“Is [Till vs. Paul] a massive fight on the level of Gervonta Davis, Anthony Joshua, Tommy Fury rematch, even a Carl Froch fight for Jake? No, it’s not. ... They’re not in the same kind of stratosphere right now.” — YouTuber/Host, [13:09]
Darren Till’s Realistic Next Steps (Timeline: [17:50]–[23:45])
Top Names on the Table
-
Carl Froch
- Wade campaigns for this matchup: “The fight that you need for Darren Till right now is Carl Froch. Yes, the Cobra.” ([17:57])
- Froch’s own words (from a ringside reaction video):
“Darren Till is absolutely useless... Even at 48 years old, retired 11 years, it’s a mismatch.” — Carl Froch, [15:11]
- Yet, Froch’s actions and “cheeky” comments suggest he’s open to the payday and spectacle.
-
Tommy Fury
- Regarded as the most likely, “if they can figure that out.”
- “I think that would be a great fight. ... That’s probably the most likely option if they can figure that out.” ([21:53])
-
Others:
- Jorge Masvidal, Tyron Woodley: fun but lesser in urgency.
- Tommy Fury, again, seen as the most "doable" if prior negotiations can be salvaged.
- Carl Froch is Wade’s first pick ("best option for Darren Till right now").
Big Picture
“In conclusion... Darren Till has options. But when you go deeper into it, the options at the top of the list aren’t likely to happen.” — YouTuber/Host, [22:45]
The Rampage Jackson / Raja Jackson / Psycho Stu Drama (Timeline: [23:45]–[45:02])
Background
- A wrestling event turns ugly when Raja (Rampage's son) violently assaults "Psycho Stu" after being struck with a beer can (intended as a wrestling "work").
- Rampage Jackson's aggressive and defensive public response, including social media rants, is the latest twist.
Host’s Analysis
- Strong condemnation of both the act and the attempts at justification.
- “[Rampage] is fueling this fire by continuing to act negligent as to what happened here and doing a lot of the finger point, oh, my son was, was concussed from sparring...” ([33:12])
- Blames pro wrestling promoters (“a bunch of indie wrestling morons”), but squarely places final accountability with Raja and Rampage.
- Criticism of Rampage’s public handling:
“...the more Rampage addresses it and the way he is can’t be a good thing. ... Not a good look. And it’s only going to continue making the Raja Jackson assault worse.” — YouTuber/Host, [45:02]
- Notable quote from Rampage’s Instagram:
“My son should face the consequences for going too far. And you knows better.” — Rampage Jackson, [41:53]
- But immediately follows with threats:
“If I was there, I would have kicked the shit out of everybody...” — Rampage Jackson, [41:53]
- But immediately follows with threats:
Memorable Moment
- Wade’s dismay:
“You’re digging yourself deeper and deeper by being like, yeah, DM me now. Okay, for what?” — YouTuber/Host, [40:46]
Summary
- Wade is blunt: There’s a lack of accountability, and Rampage’s online antics (including threatening defamation lawsuits and engaging trolls) highlight the dysfunction.
Boxing Talk Round-Up
1. Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford (Featuring Interview Segments) ([46:29]–[66:36])
- Build-Up: Both fighters see this as a career-defining event.
“I think it’s gonna be the biggest fighting in the history of boxing because everybody’s gonna watch it.” — Canelo, [48:06]
- Canelo’s Perspective: Dismisses critics, remains unfazed:
“I don’t know, but I don’t give a fuck, dude. So.” — Canelo, [48:30]
- Bud’s Challenge: Moving up in weight, enemy territory (Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas), fighting Canelo’s fight on Canelo’s terms.
- Style Narrative: Wade argues activity and size could be Canelo’s edge, but also credits Crawford’s skill, anticipation, and serious physique transformation.
“He [Crawford] ain’t just put on some weight... It looks like a tailor made program for him to keep his speed and potentially stay as light as possible, as lean as possible...” ([74:43])
- Discussion of Canelo’s "Stinker" Against William Skoll:
Host wonders if Canelo’s recent inactivity and tough-looking fights might be a factor. - Canelo’s Advantages: Activity, experience at higher weights, the crowd.
- “Weight Classes Exist for a Reason” – But This Is Special:
All experts agree, IF anyone can defy boxing physics, it’s Crawford.
2. Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather Exhibition Announced (Spring 2026) ([66:36]–[74:36])
- Details: Both have signed; waiting on date and venue.
- Host’s Reaction:
“Either everybody in the world is going to want to watch this or 10,000 people will watch it. I don’t really know another way to describe it...” ([68:07])
- Why? Pure money and spectacle, little athletic value.
- Potential Risk:
"It's a crime to put Mike back in a boxing ring after what that fight turned out to be. ... This is why boxing feels like Antiques Roadshow." ([69:00])
- Floyd’s Words:
"If I'm gonna do something, it's gonna be big and it's gonna be legendary." — Mayweather ([72:07])
- Tyson’s Words:
“Boxing has entered a new era of the unpredictable and this fight is as unpredictable as it gets.” — Mike Tyson ([71:50])
- Conclusion:
Host expects “a major letdown” and theatrical money-grab, not competitive history.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Darren Till’s performance (and future):
“Darren Till was all up in that shit. … Jake Paul is not fighting Darren Till … It doesn't tickle the fancy of what Jake’s trying to do.” ([02:04–13:09])
- On Carl Froch’s confidence:
“Darren Till is absolutely useless. … At 48 years old, retired 11 years, it’s a mismatch.” — Carl Froch ([15:11])
- On Rampage’s Instagram rant:
“My son should face the consequences for going too far. … If I was there, I would have kicked the shit out of everybody.” — Rampage Jackson ([41:53])
- On Canelo’s legacy:
“I don’t give a fuck, dude. … I feel I’m the best. I’m doing because I love boxing.” — Canelo Alvarez ([48:30–49:26])
- On the Tyson-Mayweather fight:
“It's a crime to put Mike back in a boxing ring … Boxing feels like Antiques Roadshow.” ([69:00])
Memorable Timestamps
| Topic/Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Darren Till KO’s Luke Rockhold & Jake Paul Fight Rumors | 02:04 | | Breakdown: Why Jake Paul vs. Darren Till Won’t Happen | 04:02–13:09 | | Darren Till Next Opponent Discussion, incl. Carl Froch | 17:50 | | Carl Froch’s Response & UK Boxing Scene | 15:11–18:22 | | Rampage/Raja Jackson Wrestling Incident Analysis | 23:45–45:02 | | Canelo-Crawford Interview Highlights & Fight Breakdown | 46:29–66:36 | | Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather Exhibition Announcement | 66:36–74:36 | | Transformed Terence Crawford: What It Means | 74:36–End |
Final Thoughts
Wade’s “Week in Review” provides a comprehensive, unfiltered look at a combat sports scene in flux:
- Darren Till faces a complicated future as a crossover star, with a Jake Paul bout unlikely—his best bets are Carl Froch or Tommy Fury.
- Rampage Jackson’s public mishandling of his son's assault highlights broader accountability and toxicity issues in both MMA and offshoot “crossover” scenes.
- Boxing’s future, for better or worse, is increasingly about spectacle (Mike Tyson vs. Floyd Mayweather), but fights like Canelo vs. Crawford still promise sporting greatness and intrigue.
Wade leaves listeners with trademark candor:
“This picture [of Crawford’s physique], tells me that we got a 50/50 fight on our hands. … As much as I want to talk about weight classes, Terence Crawford may have the exact same thing Canelo had, which is a skill and ability so good that he can defy the odds.” ([79:15])
For Further Listening
Stay tuned for next week’s episodes, including in-depth Canelo-Crawford coverage and more on Misfits and the latest boxing drama.
