Wrestling Mayhem Show 926: Previewing the WMS 500 List

This week’s episode brought to you by Indy Wrestling US, Slice on Broadway, Sidekick Media Services and listeners like you at www.Patreon.com/WrestlingMayhemShow

In this episode of the Wrestling Mayhem Show, Sorg and Rizz sit down for a candid conversation about the latest in pro wrestling, from AEW’s controversial matches to WWE’s latest moves. Broadcasting from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Sorg and Rizz dive into some of the most jaw-dropping moments from recent events, discuss PWI rankings, and share their personal thoughts on where wrestling is headed.

• AEW Deathmatch Spot Reactions:

• Sorg and Rizz react to AEW’s recent pay-per-view event, focusing on the controversial moments, including a plastic bag spot and a brutal chair shot. They express concerns over the increasing intensity of these deathmatch-style spots, questioning how they might affect wrestling’s mainstream appeal.

• A detailed discussion on Swerve Strickland’s powerbomb to cinder blocks spot, highlighting the danger of the move and how it impacted the storyline with Hangman Page.

• Brian Danielson and Jon Moxley’s Storyline:

• An in-depth conversation about AEW booking Danielson and Moxley in increasingly violent scenarios. Sorg and Rizz express frustration with how Brian Danielson has been portrayed in these dangerous angles.

• Hangman Page vs. Swerve Strickland Feud:

• The hosts discuss the ongoing storyline between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page, focusing on how the feud has evolved and whether it needs a championship to remain relevant. They analyze the storytelling and how Page is being positioned in AEW.

• PWI 500 Rankings:

• Highlights from the newly released PWI 500 list, celebrating local talents like Pretty Boy Smooth (362) and MV Young (426) making the rankings.

• Discussion on the top-ranked wrestlers, including Cody Rhodes at #1 and Swerve Strickland at #2. The hosts praise Cody’s achievements but highlight how Swerve’s rise reflects his hard work in AEW this year.

• The AEW Landscape in 2024:

• Sorg and Rizz talk about the current state of AEW, discussing the company’s storytelling and booking approach. They emphasize the long-term planning of AEW’s storylines, particularly how feuds like Hangman Page vs. Swerve Strickland are given time to develop organically.

• Upcoming WWE Changes:

• News about WWE SmackDown’s move back to USA Network and its planned expansion to three hours. The hosts express concerns over the longer runtime for SmackDown, comparing it to the current three-hour Raw format.

• Speculation about WWE Raw’s future move to Netflix in 2025 and what that could mean for the format of the show.

• Independent Wrestling Spotlight:

• Discussion on the success of local independent promotions like 880 Wrestling and Thursday Night Fights. Rizz reflects on how 880 Wrestling’s Thursday night shows have grown in popularity and recently received recognition in the PWI 500.

Specific to the “What We Learned” Segment:

• Sorg: Sorg reflects on his recent experience in Erie, PA, where he encountered unexpected reactions from fans and challenges while filming. He humorously shares his frustrations with a particular fan who had issues with the cameraman’s presence.

• Rizz: Rizz learned that he has a new wrestling dream match in mind: Nikki Cross as Sister Abigail versus Chad Gable. He emphasizes the uniqueness of the match and how it could be a standout in WWE.

This episode is a must-listen for fans of wrestling who appreciate deep dives into character development, storytelling, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.

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Thanks to Basick Sickness (@basicksickness) for the awesome intro for the show