The Nightly — Wrestlemania Explained & A Survivor 50 Check-In

Podcast: The Nightly by Hatch Podcasts
Date: March 26, 2026
Hosts: Sophia & Jacquis

Episode Overview

This episode of The Nightly is a cozy deep dive into two pop culture obsessions: the upcoming WrestleMania and the current 50th season of Survivor. Hosts Sophia and Jacquis bring their signature warmth, humor, and friendly banter to explain wrestling storylines (for newbies and superfans alike) and to enthusiastically check in on the latest Survivor twists. The vibe is light, funny, and ultra-relaxed—perfect for bedtime and anyone wanting to stay up to date on the big moments in pop culture TV.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pop Culture Nostalgia Trend: "Dad, What Were You Like in the '90s?"

[00:41–04:20]

• Jacquis highlights a trending meme/video format featuring celebrities (and even cultural artifacts like the dollar bill), set to the Goo Goo Dolls’ "Iris", looking back on the '90s.
• The trend is lighthearted nostalgia, with users reflecting on how things (and prices) have changed.
• Sophia expresses confusion when Jacquis describes "The Dollar" as a star, which leads to playful banter.
• Notable Quote:
  • Jacquis: “It was like, dad, what were you like in the '90s? And it just showed how far the dollar used to go.” [02:28]
• Both hosts riff on how old pop songs become viral again thanks to trends, and the possibility that artists or their teams might try to orchestrate these comebacks.

2. WrestleMania Explained for Newcomers

[04:48–15:12]

What is WrestleMania?

• Jacquis breaks it down as "wrestling’s Super Bowl," held in huge stadiums, with tens of thousands attending and many more watching at home—including non-wrestling fans.
• WrestleMania is now a two-night event, heightening the spectacle.

Main Events for This Year

• Location: Las Vegas (second consecutive year, a rare occurrence) [06:25]

• Main Event 1: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton

  • Cody is the top "babyface" (good guy), Randy is a legendary "heel" (villain), but has played both roles.
  • Recent storyline: long-time friends, Orton betrays Cody dramatically, setting up a heated championship showdown.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jacquis: “He [Randy Orton] snapped on Cody Rhodes… and it is beautiful. It is beautiful. I am so excited.” [08:02]
  • Stakes: Randy is vying to become a 15-time champion, moving him higher up the all-time list.

• Main Event 2: Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk

  • Roman Reigns: considered the era’s top star, member of the storied Samoan wrestling family ("The Bloodline"), with a near four-year championship reign.
  • CM Punk: beloved Chicago-bred underdog, known as one of the best wrestlers in the world.
  • Storylines are getting personal, with high emotions and family legacies at play.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jacquis: “CM Punk was just like, I’mma bury you right next to your dad… it’s getting personal.” [11:08]

Women’s Matches and Notable Undercard Bouts

• Liv Morgan (heel "badass Barbie") vs. Stephanie Vacair (scrappy immigrant champion).
• AJ Lee (returning after 10 years, real-life wife of CM Punk) vs. Becky Lynch (arguably best female wrestler ever)—set to be a must-watch.
• Brock Lesnar vs. Obafemi (newcomer from Nigeria). Both are huge, physically imposing athletes. Jacquis encourages Sophia (and listeners) to watch clips of Obafemi’s "strut".
  • Notable Quote:
    • Jacquis: “You got two beefy big men about to just like, break the ring. My God. And I’m so excited for that.” [12:51]

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• WrestleMania storylines and outcomes are scripted, sometimes with last-minute changes for dramatic effect.
• Real-life drama can occasionally bleed into the script, blending reality with performance.
• Sophia draws parallels to theater and soap operas, admiring the mix of athleticism and storytelling.

Personal Fandom

• Jacquis has attended four WrestleManias in person but is watching from home this year.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “I've been to four WrestleManias in multiple cities.” [13:09]

3. Survivor 50 Check-In

[15:14–19:56]

Survivor’s Returnee Season

• Sophia is deep into Survivor’s landmark 50th season, which features only returning players—rare since season 40.
• The social experience of watching weekly with friends and obsessing via group chat is a highlight.

Key Players and Moments

• Mike White (creator of White Lotus) was just voted out—a moment that hit Sophia especially hard as a fan.
• Christian (fan favorite and “awesome narrator”) is getting an unusually positive ("hero’s") edit. Sophia is nervous this might signal he’ll be targeted soon.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Sophia: “He's getting an edit that is actually scaring me a little bit.” [17:24]
• Sri Fields—Sophia’s favorite player ever—remains in the game, giving her hope and excitement.

Celebrity Cameos: The Zach Brown Segment

• The show featured country star Zac Brown hosting a reward challenge, fishing and cooking for the cast and singing.
• Fans reacted negatively, feeling the segment took too much airtime away from strategizing and gameplay.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Sophia: “It was just funny because it was like 30 minutes of this guy and everyone, all the fans were like, this is not what the fans want to see.” [18:52]
• Despite mixed reactions, Sophia notes the power of country music stars and their wide but sometimes hidden fame.

4. Reflections and Wrap-Up

[19:58–20:41]

• Both hosts remark on the drama and competitive spirit uniting WrestleMania and Survivor: “Both of ours are very, like, combat… or drama.” [19:58]
• The episode closes with playful predictions and bedtime wishes:
  • Jacquis dreams of his "tribal chief" (Roman Reigns) winning, despite also loving CM Punk.
  • Sophia is ready to “dream about surviving.”
• Memorable Send-Off:
  • Jacquis: “I’m a dream about my tribal chief whooping CM Punk’s butt. And I love CM Punk. I love them both. But I gotta go with my tribal chief.” [20:23]
  • Sophia: “And I hope you dream. You dream about surviving.” [20:35]

Segment Timestamps

• [00:41–04:20] — ’90s nostalgia trend, the power of meme music
• [04:48–15:12] — WrestleMania deep dive (explainer, match highlights, inside stories)
• [15:14–19:56] — Survivor 50 update (players, social fun, Zac Brown cameo controversy)
• [19:58–20:41] — Wrap-up & mutual admiration for dramatic TV

Conclusion

This episode is both an explainer and an ode to the things we’re obsessed with—whether the pageantry of wrestling or the endlessly fascinating maneuvers of Survivor. Sophia and Jacquis are the perfect cozy guides, delivering laughs, nostalgia, and enough pop culture insight to keep you plugged in, with just the right dose of late-night “pillow fort” relaxation.