Mat Men Ep. 523 - Anarchy Ensues In AEW!

There has been considerable confusion about Andrade's contract status following his brief appearance in AEW. It appears that a non-compete clause was in place from the WWE. The guys break down the latest and what it might mean for independent contracts going forward. Both Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu were injured during Crown Jewel weekend in Australia, and both appear to have to miss some time. The guys speculate on what direction they might go if they have to take the title off of Seth. Also, a breakdown of this week's 3-hour Dynamite go-home show for WrestleDream and a preview for the PPV. Plus, Vince McMahon's legal trouble, your questions, and more!

The guys react to the news that AJ Styles will likely retire in 2026. They talk about what matches are left for him and why this weekend's match with John Cena could start a run of great matches to end his career. Andrew talks about the new rating system and why the numbers are lower after last week's low SmackDown viewership. Are they more accurate now, or more of a guess? Also, previews for Crown Jewel happening Saturday morning and Sunday's TNA Bound for Glory, and an early look at AEW Wrestle Dream. Plus, a breakdown of AEW Dynamite, Koda Ibushi’s injury, and Santo Escobar re-signs.

The guys react to the announcement of John Cena's last match in December at Saturday night's main event. They speculate on who his last opponent will be and if this will indeed be his last match, or if he will make surprise appearances down the road. Additionally, TNA and NXT are hosting a show called Showdown, which was originally titled Invasion but was changed this week. Andrew is unsure about all the moving parts involved in this show. They also break down this week's Dynamite and discuss the return of Andrade and the likelihood of a program with Kenny Omega; it seems to be coming soon. Plus, DC Comics and AEW partner up for a limited series that Rich is very excited about, your questions, and more!

This weekend, both AEW and WWE are hosting major events. WWE will be making its debut on ESPN with Wrestlepalooza, while AEW will be holding All Out in the afternoon on the same day. We break down both event cards and discuss whether AEW can impact the viewership of Wrestlepalooza, especially with their main event potentially going up against the first match of Wrestlepalooza, which features Brock Lesnar vs. John Cena. We also cover how to access the ESPN app to watch Wrestlepalooza and the extent of ESPN's involvement in future premium live events (PLEs). Additionally, we delve into Tony Khan's media call regarding the possibility of scheduling a major show to compete with WWE's Saudi Arabia WrestleMania. We touch on Will Ospreay's surgery and AJ Lee’s thoughts on the timing of her return.

Andrew and Rich are back with another episode of the Mat Men podcast, talking all things professional wrestling. The biggest news story of the week is a pending announcement that the 2027 WrestleMania will likely take place in Saudi Arabia. The guys discuss what this means for business and who they will get as big stars that they haven't used before. Will fans also travel there and help increase tourism for the Saudi government? They also react to the comments from Mark Shapiro that Vince McMahon underpriced tickets to accommodate families instead of taking advantage of the market price. Also, a review of this week's AEW Dynamite as they finish up the residency in Philadelphia, including the heel turn of Daniel Garcia joining the Death Riders. Plus, WWE/AAA Worlds Collide preview and Rich’s manifestation of two new wrestlers. All this, your questions, and more!

Andrew and Rich are back after a hiatus with a brand new episode and new season of The Mat Men Podcast, getting caught up and talking about the latest in pro wrestling. The guys start out getting caught up on their personal lives and what's been happening while they took the summer off. Andrew talks about regaining his love of professional wrestling after stepping back for a while. The big story appears to be the return of AJ Lee to the WWE as early as this week’s Smackdown show, based on an angle with CM Punk and Becky Lynch on this week's Raw. They discuss what the working plan might be with possible involvement from Rhea Ripley, and how they might use her going forward. Also, John Cena's retirement tour is wrapping up at the end of the year, and what are some of the matches he can still have after one last Brock Lesnar match? Plus, WWE's partnership with ESPN for PLEs, AEW PPVs on HBO MAX, Street Fighter Movie, all your questions, and more!

The guys start by discussing Sabu's passing, his legacy and influence on hardcore wrestling, and which matches stand out. They recap last week's WWE Backlash show and the Fallout, as well as what happened on Raw this week with Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins' interaction with CM Punk, and Sami Zayn. Also, they discuss AEW Dynamite as they build towards Double or Nothing, including the main event segment, which is leading to an Anarchy in the Arena match at the PPV. Plus, The Miz hosting American Gladiator, AEW’s latest residency announcement, your questions, and more!

The boys discuss Meiko Satomura's retirement and her influential career, particularly in advancing women's wrestling. She was also one of the last remaining WCW wrestlers. In entertainment news, they cover Liv Morgan's movie role announcement and the trailer release for "The Smashing Machine," starring The Rock as Mark Kerr. Also they discuss AEW's upcoming residency at the ECW Arena in September, leading to speculation about the potential location of ALL OUT in the Northeast. Additionally, they recap WWE television from the past week, including the new alliance of Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins, and Bron Breakker following their attack on Sami Zayn. They also note WWE's success in developing homegrown women's wrestling talent. Finally, they recap AEW Dynamite, with Double or Nothing just a couple of weeks away.

With WWE WrestleMania in the rearview, they break down the highlights, including some of the best matches and the botched main event on night two. They also react to the Rock not being at WrestleMania to help tell the main event's story. On Raw, a new faction formed with Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins, and Bron Breakker. Plus, Gunther attacked Pat McAfee, and Becky Lynch turned heel. They also analyze this week's AEW Dynamite, featuring the in-ring return of the Young Bucks and the setup for Samoa Joe vs. Jon Moxley. Plus, RIP “Steve Mongo McMichael,” WWE acquires AAA Lucha, your questions, and more!

It's WWE WrestleMania weekend, and the guys break down all the shows happening and give their predictions for both nights of WrestleMania. They also discuss all the recent departures and returns, including Jeff Cobb, Mariah May, and others. They also talk about the major events that happened on AEW TV this week, with both Dynamite and Collision already having taken place. This includes one of the best Dynamites they've ever done, featuring one of the best women's matches of recent memory between Mercedes Mone and Athena. Plus, they cover NXT Stand and Deliver, Josh Barnett's Bloodsport show from Thursday night, your questions, and more!