Podcast
WRESTLING SOUP
Hosted by Wrestling Soup Network · EN
Wrestling Soup. We're NOT a wrestling show. We're a show that HAPPENS to talk about wrestling. LIVE every Thursday Night 7:30pm EST {Friday 12:30am GMT or 0030 UTC for International Listeners} Chat LIVE during the show @WrestlingSoup.com. Like us on facebook.com/WrestlingSoup @WrestlingSoup
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
78episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
FRANK & BUS (Flip Soup Gus 5.4.26)
May 500:59:50Tap to summarizeAnthony and Joe discuss the fallout of WrestleMania 42, beginning with the shocking departures of New Day members Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, which were reportedly sparked by "insulting" 50% pay cut offers . They critique TKO/Endeavor's pivot away from traditional wrestling storytelling in favor of a celebrity-heavy product, questioning if the company even realizes they are making a television show . The guys riff on John Cena’s constant "Make-A-Wish" style appearances in suits and the "fifth wall" being broken by athletic streamers like IShowSpeed . The conversation expands into a broader social critique of "circular scams" and corporate greed, comparing WWE’s current business model to Walmart weight scams and the Spirit Airlines collapse . The episode wraps up with a look at the "AI-assisted" creative slump in WWE, the polarizing longevity of Danhausen, and a wild theory that Tom Brady might be training for a Lucha Libre debut under a mask .Timestamps:0:00 – Post-WrestleMania Departures: The New Day’s Exit8:30 – The 50% Pay Cut Insult & Shareholder Value Rants16:15 – John Cena’s Suit-and-Tie "Figurehead" Status22:50 – Breaking the Fifth Wall: IShowSpeed & Celeb Wrestling28:10 – Jelly Roll & the Lack of a Cultural "Monoculture"34:45 – Corporate Greed: Walmart Shrimp & Spirit Airlines Failures40:10 – Firing the "Worst Samoans" & Nia Jax’s Heat46:25 – New Day’s Tag Team Legacy vs. TKO’s Short-Term Thinking52:00 – ChatGPT Creative: The Future of AI-Assisted Storylines57:30 – Tom Brady Masked Lucha Theories & Baby Jill Shout-outBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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LEGENDS AND FUTURE GREATS REVIEW SHOW S3 EPISODE 1 (Wrestling Stew 5.1.26) w/ @Lufisto
May 301:25:38Tap to summarizeJeff and Lufisto kick off Season 3 of the Legends and Future Greats (LFG) show with a status update on Lufisto’s "titanium" shoulder recovery and a deep dive into the recent wave of WWE releases. They compare the current state of NXT/Evolve talent to The Walking Dead, meticulously analyzing why athletes like Tyra May Steele and Trill London may have struggled despite their high pedigrees. The duo explores the shift in the LFG format, focusing on Shawn Michaels’ need to replenish the roster following call-ups to Raw and SmackDown. The conversation moves from the technical aspects of "professional courtesy" during ring entrances to the psychological drive needed to handle blunt critiques from coaches like Booker T and Kevin Owens. They conclude by breaking down the "phony baloney" of reality-TV-style signings, the importance of "menace" in a wrestler’s presence, and a sharp critique of TKO’s security failures following a recent fan incident.0:00 – Season 3 Intro / Lufisto’s successful shoulder surgery recovery 4:30 – WWE releases: Comparing the NXT roster to The Walking Dead 11:15 – The "Matt Bloom" factor: Why heart matters more than athleticism at the PC 18:30 – Talent Status Reports: Nikita Lyons, Shiloh Hill, and Drake Monroe 24:00 – New Season Format: No points, no teams, just replenishing the roster 28:15 – Meet the Coaches: Kevin Owens’ neck surgery and Natalia’s Dungeon training 38:00 – Match 1 Breakdown: Nikita Lyons vs. Kelly Armstrong & the rules of "Professional Courtesy" 46:30 – Technical Critique: Snap bumps, leg drop splits, and slowing down the pacing 52:45 – Keanu Carver’s Backstory: From college football and DoorDash to fighting with Booker T 1:04:30 – Kevin Owens’ Advice: Making your offense match your presence 1:11:00 – Match 2 Breakdown: Kendall Gray vs. PJ Vasser & the origin of the name 1:16:45 – "Happy Feet" and Selling: The psychology of big girl vs. small girl dynamics 1:21:15 – Season Teasers: The "phony baloney" of the Kendall Gray signing 1:24:00 – Wrap-up: Lufisto’s documentary "The Selling Stage" and TKO’s security failures Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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HIGH ON MEDIOCRITY or BUSFLIP 2026 (Wrestling Soup 5.1.26)
May 201:23:32Tap to summarizeAnthony and Joe record from a temporary new space, discussing the transition to a home with an acre of land and the financial sanity of renting versus owning. They explore the "Dead Internet" theory and the prevalence of AI bots, while warning against the dangers of flaunting physical cash on social media. The conversation takes a culinary turn with a breakdown of Gordon Ramsay’s scrambled egg technique and the "exceptional" addition of pesto to breakfast. Turning to wrestling, the guys analyze the latest wave of WWE roster cuts—or "bus flips"—noting reports that these releases are age-related as the company aims for a younger roster. They debate the botched handling of Kairi Sane’s departure, the "slow death" of Santos Escobar on the main roster, and why the Wyatt Six gimmick is "deep for the sake of being deep". The episode wraps up with thoughts on Alexa Bliss retiring her spooky persona, a critique of the "tepid" Laredo crowd, and a satirical pitch for a "Himbo" title to solve the Roman Reigns problem.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro / New space and yard life 8:42 – The Renting vs. Buying debate 18:15 – Cash, cops, and the "Dead Internet" theory 27:30 – Gordon Ramsay’s eggs and the Pesto Protocol 33:10 – WWE "Bus Flips" & age-related roster cuts 45:20 – Kairi Sane’s exit and the Asuka storyline fail 1:02:15 – Tony D'Angelo vs. the "tepid" Laredo crowd 1:15:40 – Aleister Black and the Wyatt Six critique 1:32:00 – Danhausen’s name and Santos Escobar’s "slow death" 1:44:30 – Andre Chase, Zoey Stark, and redhead genetics 1:56:15 – Plastic surgery trends and Alexa Bliss retiring the goth look 2:08:45 – The "Himbo" title pitch & Wrap-up Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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DRUG ABUSE, NDA's, AND RETIREMENTS: THE MUSICAL (Frank & Gus 4.24.26)
Apr 2501:24:50Tap to summarizeAnthony and Joe break down the latest in wrestling news, starting with a wave of retirement announcements including Pat McAfee, Nikki Bella, and Billy Gunn's take on his own career future. The guys discuss the dangers of wrestlers overextending themselves across too many ventures, debate which WWE women could pull off a hardcore match, and riff on the absurdity of The Rock producing a Fighting with My Family stage musical. They also get into the parasocial entitlement of wrestling fans, AEW's merch problems, MJF's ceiling in WWE, Dan Hausen's potential, and the security failures at WrestleMania 42 weekend — including X-Pac's assault claims at the MGM Grand.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro / Three WWE retirements in 24 hours1:56 – Pat McAfee retirement breakdown16:32 – The WrestleMania ads controversy17:13 – Parasocial relationships24:00 – Back to retirements: Nikki Bella25:41 – Fantasy booking a hardcore Nikki Bella run29:27 – Brit Baker at the NFL Draft31:20 – AEW Boys & Girls Club37:55 – Billy Gunn's retirement comments & his attitude57:06 – The Rock producing a musical1:05:10 – MJF's ceiling in WWE & Dan Hausen's future1:11:24 – AEW merch problems & fired designers1:17:59 – X-Pac assaulted at WrestleMania 42 weekend1:23:17 – MGM Grand security failures & TKO cheapness1:25:59 – Wrap-upBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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WHAT WILL TKO DO FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE? (Wrestling Soup 4.23.26)
Apr 2401:55:17Tap to summarize0:21 – Sol Ruca & Jojo Siwa's brutal moment2:58 – Is Tony D'Angelo the worst NXT champ ever?10:27 – Bronn Breaker's future & OBA's momentum15:57 – Brock Lesnar retirement: Is Summer Slam the final match?22:58 – Billy Gunn on what's wrong with modern wrestling25:33 – Fan reactions to Billy Gunn's comments36:32 – WWE going to Saudi Arabia during a war zone41:21 – TKO CEO Mark Shapiro audio: "Making enemies is fine"46:09 – Shapiro celebrates fans paying $1,000/year for sports59:39 – CM Punk confronts a fan; fan entitlement is getting worse1:01:43 – TKO is breeding entitled fans1:05:19 – Booker T's WrestleMania hotel horror story1:11:54 – Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary review1:19:33 – Moments of genuine humanity in the Hogan doc1:33:36 – Stephanie McMahon & Paige's emotional interview1:42:00 – Dream Legends House cast1:48:49 – Jim Cornett appreciation & outroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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WRESTLEMANIA RAW AFTERMETH (Wrestling Soup 4.20.26)
Apr 2101:16:23Tap to summarizeJoe and Anthony break down Monday Night Raw the night after WrestleMania, covering every match, promo, debut, and storyline development. Topics include Roman Reigns and the Bloodline, CM Punk's move to SmackDown, the Cody Rhodes concussion promo, WWE's corporate ad problem, the Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary, and much more.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro / Tribal Chief talk & Roman Reigns discussion1:06 – WWE's "Disney Adults" theory & the Roman fanbase4:43 – Jacob Fatu fed to Roman / USOs back / Jay Uso's failed push6:11 – Post-Mania roster shuffles, Ethan Page & Sol Ruca debuts8:11 – CM Punk's goodbye promo & the fan altercation in Vegas11:03 – Show intro / five days in a row / NXT Battleground pass13:20 – Bronson Breaker busted open by Seth / hair & look changes15:08 – Logan Paul & Dom / Austin Theory comparison / A-Town Down Under16:11 – CM Punk vs. Cody: who's the heel? Crowd confusion breakdown19:01 – Cody Rhodes concussed promo: best promo he's cut?35:12 – Sol Ruca debut, Adam Pierce being awesome, women's division depth38:44 – Only 4 matches in 2 hours 40 minutes / ad overload problem41:18 – WWE's ad format vs. the old in-show app / Netflix commercial issues43:33 – Wrestlers in every commercial / Cricket Wireless rant47:27 – Hulk Hogan Netflix documentary: worth watching?49:47 – Tony Hinchcliffe / Kill Tony / Netflix WWE deal tangent55:03 – Finn Balor vs. JD McDonough / Judgment Day fallout57:59 – OBA show up and say nothing / suit vs. ring gear debate1:03:58 – Gunther's storyline dead after Brock leaves / Bronson Breaker vs. Gunther1:08:07 – Jacob Fatu & Roman / crowd not reacting / Bloodline gang colors bit1:11:53 – Overall show rating: 4 matches, depleted crowd, Vegas departure1:14:55 – Outro / see you Thursday / shoutout to loyal daily listenersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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NIGHT TWO. (Wrestling Soup 4.19.26)
Apr 2002:17:55Tap to summarizeAnthony and Joe break down WrestleMania 42 Night Two in full — what delivered, what disappointed, and what it all means going forward. From Brock Lesnar's emotional farewell to OBA FMI, to the CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns main event, the guys give their honest takes on every match, the crowd, the booking logic (or lack thereof), streaming issues, celebrity involvement, and much more. Plus, live super chats and listener reactions throughout.👉 Support the show: patreon.com/wrestlingsoup💬 Join the Discord🎵 Check out Jon Draper on Spitball Media @iamjondraper every WednesdayTimestamps:0:00 — Intro / WrestleMania Night Two first impressions11:32 — OBA FMI vs. Brock Lesnar (Brock's retirement)22:59 — Six-Man Ladder Match (IC Championship) — Penta retains39:39 — Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn (US Championship) / Lil Yachty48:20 — Finn Bálor (Demon) vs. Dominic Mysterio (Street Fight)1:05:51 — Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill (Women's Championship)1:19:33 — John Cena segment / Dan Hausen & the clown car1:31:32 — MAIN EVENT: CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns (World Heavyweight Championship)2:06:02 — Final grades, best/worst of the night, closing thoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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NIGHT ONE (Wrestling Soup 4.18.26)
Apr 1902:02:26Tap to summarizeWrestling Soup is BACK! Anthony, Joe Numbers E, and Jon Draper of Spitball Media break down WrestleMania 42 Night One LIVE from Las Vegas. From the chaos of iShowSpeed's wrestling debut, to Paige's emotional return, to the disaster of the main event — we cover every match, every moment, and every questionable booking decision. Plus, live Patreon chat reactions, grades for the show, and plenty of tangents you didn't ask for but absolutely needed.🎙️ Hosts: Anthony, Joe Numbers E, Jon Draper (Spitball Media)📍 Event: WrestleMania 42 Night One | Las Vegas0:00 – Pre-show banter / WrestleMania 42 Night One first impressions5:55 – Introductions: Wrestling Soup with Anthony, Joe Numbers E & John Draper6:19 – Match 1: USOs & LA Knight def. Logan Paul, Austin Theory & iShowSpeed (6-man tag)7:32 – Attendance numbers & women being pushed to Night One9:26 – Bianca Belair pregnancy announcement reaction12:35 – Match 2: Brie Bella & Paige def. teams in Fatal 4-Way Tag — Paige's massive return pop21:45 – Live Patreon chat / Yé & sponsor overload on the ring apron26:23 – Seth Rollins: Will he ever retire? A passionate rant29:21 – Match 3: Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)32:40 – ESPN app disaster: streaming issues all night35:54 – WWE creative woes & the main event as a sign of Triple H running out of ideas41:52 – Match 4: Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee — women's IC title (+ Paige backstory deep dive)59:35 – Match 5: Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee recap continues / AJ Lee match breakdown1:13:34 – Match 6: Gunther def. Seth Rollins (with interference/fuckery) — IC Title1:26:48 – Match 7: Liv Morgan def. Stephanie (Women's World Title) — entrance, finish & future1:35:09 – MAIN EVENT: Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton — full breakdown & grades1:46:32 – Best/Worst match of the night & overall show grades1:56:29 – Wrap-up, Patreon shoutouts & Jon Draper's band LamentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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WRESTLEMANIA 42 BREAKDOWN PT.2 (Frank & Gus 4.17.26)
Apr 1801:39:17Tap to summarizeTimestamps:0:00 – Intro / Media Overload Before WrestleMania0:35 – How's Your Media Intake? Everything Feels Hollow6:04 – Is WWE in Its Death Throes?8:44 – Roman Reigns & the Fading Star Problem3:12 – Dan Hausen Curses Stephen A. Smith4:25 – Dan Hausen & Stephen A. Smith Interaction22:21 – WWE Needs to Lean Into Millennial Nostalgia29:09 – WWE Needs More Athletes30:51 – TKO / UFC & WWE: A One-Sided Relationship32:40 – Floyd Mayweather vs. Jelly Roll33:40 – Paige Returns to WWE: Reaction & Discussion45:09 – Roman Says He'll Leave If He Loses1:00:06 – Night Two Card: Omos vs. Brock Lesnar – OBA FEMI HAS TO WIN1:05:33 – 6-Pack Ladder Match for the IC Title1:10:18 – Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill / Women's Division Talk1:21:43 – Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn1:24:27 – Dom Mysterio vs. Demon Finn Bálor1:30:03 – Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk – Main Event Preview1:38:43 – Outro / Get Out of HereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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WRESTLEMANIA 42 BREAKDOWN PT.1 (Wrestling Soup 4.16.26)
Apr 1701:25:05Tap to summarizeAnthony and Joe kick off their WrestleMania 42 preview with a full breakdown of Night One — but first, they can't help diving into Roman Reigns' scathing video promo on CM Punk, Triple H's revisionist history tour, Nick Khan's bold WrestleMania 43 claims, and the looming question of WWE's Saudi Arabia deal as geopolitical tensions rise. Predictions, hot takes, and zero corporate slop.0:00 — Cold Open: Where was this Ronda Rousey 10 years ago?3:41 — Intro / WrestleMania 42 Breakdown Show0:33 — Roman Reigns Calls CM Punk a Mark6:20 — Roman vs. Punk: Two Very Different Career Paths23:24 — Triple H on Fan Criticism & "Thinking About Tomorrow"34:41 — "Philanthropy Is the Future of Marketing" — Stephanie McMahon47:17 — Nick Khan: WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia Is Happening52:54 — WrestleMania 42 Night One Predictions Begin53:10 — Vision (Logan Paul & iShowSpeed) vs. USOs & LA Knight57:46 — Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)58:58 — Stephanie vs. Liv Morgan (Women's World Championship)1:03:08 — AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch (Women's IC Championship)1:05:01 — Fatal 4-Way Women's Tag Match (Bellas, Charlotte & Bliss, Bailey & Lyra, Lash & Naya)1:11:58 — Seth Rollins vs. Gunther1:16:20 — Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton (Undisputed WWE Championship)1:23:05 — Wrap-Up / Night Two Preview TomorrowBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
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