Mat Men Ep. 495 - The Elite "INVADES" AEW

Andrew and Rich are back with another episode of The Mat Men podcast Talking all the latest in professional wrestling and even more! The guys recap the latest news of the week including WWE not renewing Jerry Lawler's contract and speculate whether or not Jim Ross and him could reunite to call one more match. They also talk about Raw staying on USA Network through the end of the year and SmackDown starting earlier on USA. Also, cold thoughts on Backlash from last weekend and a preview of King and Queen of the Ring first-round matches taking place this week. They also go into this week's AEW Dynamite including the Elite vs AEW angle that set up Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing. While doing questions the guys receive a visit from an old friend across the pond. Plus, NJPW Resurgence preview, Gable Steveson’s WWE Departure, your questions, and more!

The big story of the week was Tony Khan's involvement in an on-screen angle at the end of Dynamite, during which he received a Meltzer driver from The Young Bucks. The guys analyze this moment and the rest of Dynamite. They also look back at AEW Dynasty and discuss some of the best matches including Dave Meltzer’s star rating for the top matches. They also run through the WWE draft, which starts this week, and break down the rules that they announced. They wonder if the draft will stick and the talent will stay on one brand, or if it will get abandoned a month down the road. Plus, WWE releases, a New NXT Champion, your questions and more!

The guys discuss Nick Khan’s comments about the possibility of WrestleMania being pushed back to either later in April or early May. They also react to the report of Vince MacMahon’s life after wrestling and his affinity for adopting cats. They briefly discuss the production changes made to Monday Night Raw and how they affected Sami Zayn's entrance. They also mention Rhea Ripley having to give up the Raw Women's Title. AEW Dynasty is this Sunday the guys break down the card and give their predictions and they also discussed what happened on Dynamite this week leading into the PPV. Plus, Sheamus’ return, Roman Reigns movie role, Bloodsport Bushido, your questions, and more!

First up, they're talking about CM Punk's appearance on MMA Hour. What did he say about AEW, Tony Khan, and the incident at Wembley? He also talks about how he never wanted to come back after Brawl Out and how Collision was not going to work. Next, they're breaking down both nights of WrestleMania. Who do they think is gonna win the main event? How is The Rock going to be involved? Plus, they're talking Monday Night Raw and how it's been on fire the last two weeks with The Rock appearing and bringing it back to a more edgier presentation. They're also covering the ROH Supercard of Honor, the AEW ratings drop, and answering all your questions.

After taking a week off, the guys recap the last two weeks in wrestling including the debut of Mercedes Mone on AEW Dynamite last week, and the two big title changes on this week’s show. They also discuss the Rock on SmackDown and if he is operating on a double standard when it comes to is promos on social media-also, a quick recap of Monday Night Raw. Plus, the latest on the build to WrestleMania, Shayna Baszler in GCW, Tony Khan clarifies the rules for Continental championship, your questions and more!

They'll be breaking down everything that went down at AEW Revolution, including Sting's last match, the title picture, and more. And don't forget about the aftermath that played out on Dynamite with Okada joining the Young Bucks in the Elite. They'll discuss Friday Night SmackDown, which featured The Rock in another long segment with the Bloodline that set up the main event for the first night of Wrestlemania. But that's not all! They'll also be talking about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul on Netflix and how that might impact Raw's presentation on the streaming platform. Plus, WWE Hall of Fame announcements, new sponsorship deals, and answering your questions. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for a wild ride with The Mat Men Podcast!

The guys discuss WWE Friday Night SmackDown and the Bloodline segment that lasted the first 40 minutes of the show but didn’t drag. They also discuss the build to WrestleMania now that we know more of the matches including the Rock and Roman Reigns vs Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes on night one. Also, the guys give their predictions for AEW Revolution this Sunday and talk about Sting's Legacy as we are seeing his last match on the show. Plus, thoughts on the passing of both Virgil and Ole Anderson, and a wild extended question segment to end the show.

First up, they chat about Andrew's report on AEW Forbidden Door coming to Arthur Ashe Stadium in June. They talk about the matches they would prefer to see, and if it will be different with some of the New Japan stars now in AEW. Next, they talk about last week's Smackdown with The Rock and how it drew great ratings. They also discuss Monday Night Raw's new presentation and the highlights from the go-home show for Elimination Chamber and give their predictions for PLE on Saturday. This week's AEW Dynamite had a major promo from Sting setting up his last match. He and Darby Allin are gonna defend the Tag Team Championships against the Young Bucks at Revolution. The guys give their take on this match and the rest of Dynamite. Plus, AEW hired a new writer, Nick Nemeth, and Matt Riddle both won New Japan gold. They also answer your questions and more!

It was a quiet week for news so the guys focused on the WWE WrestleMania 40 main event and Andrew argues that he would have rather it be Roman Reigns vs The Rock instead of Cody.  They also discuss the Elimination Chamber build and how WWE’s Roster is now full of Triple H’s 2016 NXT toys. Also, they talk about AEW Dynamite and Put over Matt Taven's performance in the main event against Orange Cassidy. Also, an update on Revolution as we get closer. Plus, WrestleMania time change, a preview of tonight's SmackDown, your questions, and more!

The big story this week was the WrestleMania 40 press event in Las Vegas where Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns was confirmed. Going into it it was highly implied that The Rock would be facing Roman but as it turned out the Rock and Cody ended up having a confrontation possibly setting up a second match for WrestleMania 40. The guys break it all down and talk about how these types of events will probably take place more in WWE. Tony Khan announced on Dynamite that AEW will run a special called “Big Business” on March 13th from TD Garden in Boston. Although she was never mentioned, it was highly implied that Mercedes Mone would debut here. Andrew talks about why he sat on the details until it was official and what the potential debut of Mercedes Mone means to AEW. Plus, AEW Dynamite review, new leadership in Stardom and TNA, your questions, and more!