The New Pillars

This episode is about one of AEW’s most intense rivalries, Swerve Strickland vs Hangman Adam Page. We’re breaking down the full story, from the first shot fired to the last blow landed.We cover:Swerve showing up on Dynamite and calling out HangmanThe personal shots that made this feel real — calling Hangman a failure, dragging his family into itWrestleDream and how Swerve shocked everyone by beating him in SeattleThe insane Texas Death Match at Full Gear — probably the most violent match in AEW historyWhat this feud did for both guys: Swerve stepping up as a future world champ, and Hangman showing he still has that fireHow this rivalry helped build momentum heading into 2024 and reshaped the main event sceneThis wasn’t just a feud for the sake of it. AEW gave it time, let it breathe, and it paid off in a big way. Swerve felt like a made man after this, and Hangman reminded people why he was AEW’s first real homegrown champ.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

AEW launched with a core of young stars  MJF, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, and Jungle Boy  but as the promotion has grown, so has its foundation. In this episode, Mongo and Emily break down the evolution of AEW’s Four Pillars and spotlight the new faces shaping the company’s future: Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, and Hangman Adam Page.Why are these four now the ones holding it down? What happened to the originals? This conversation covers everything from in-ring growth to character reinvention, with a little love for AEW’s ongoing commitment to diversity, storytelling, and star power. Who really defines AEW in 2025? Which pillar is ready to run the company? And why Timeless Toni might be the best of them all.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

On this episode of Cruising With Kayfabe, Mongo and Emily unleash the chaos with Book It With Kayfabe  the game where wrestling meets pure, unfiltered nonsense!image0.pngForget match ratings and five-star classics. We’re asking the real questions: Who would bleed first in a pillow fight? Who’s winning a bouncy house battle royal? Could your favorite survive a hardcore match… in a ball pit?It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s way too much fun. Join Mongo and Emily as they dive into the silliest “what ifs” in wrestling and fantasy book the most ridiculous scenarios imaginable.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

Welcome to Dank Side of the Ring—the only show where the matches are cursed, the gimmicks are chaotic, and the booking decisions feel like a fever dream. In this episode, we break down the strangest, silliest, and most unexplainable matches in wrestling history.From Judy Bagwell on a forklift to mimosa mayhem, from eye extractions to invisible battles, this is the side of wrestling where logic goes to die—and entertainment is born.What We Cover:The Reverse Battle Royal (yes, that’s real)Matches involving forklifts, mimosa vats, and electric chairsCinematic chaos from Matt Hardy’s universeThe legendary “Invisible Man vs Invisible Stan”Why some of these matches are so bad… they’re amazingAnd how we secretly (or not-so-secretly) love them allJoin us as we laugh, cringe, and celebrate the absurdity that makes pro wrestling so damn fun.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

Ahoy, cruisers! This week, Mongo and Emily are joined by their good friend and travel buddy, Brian from The Undone, the band behind all the music for Cruising With Kayfabe! Together, we dive into our unforgettable experience on the 6th Jericho Cruise: Six on the Beach, sharing wild stories, epic wrestling moments, and the best parts of life at sea with fellow fans. From killer matches to unforgettable concerts, we break down everything that made this cruise one for the books. So grab a drink, kick back, and set sail with us for another fun-filled episode!Listen now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube!For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

In this episode of Cruising With Kayfabe, we dive deep into the extraordinary career of Will Ospreay, the “Aerial Assassin.” From his early days on the British independent wrestling scene to becoming a global sensation in NJPW and AEW, Ospreay’s rise is nothing short of legendary.We explore how 2024 solidified his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, featuring multiple Match of the Year contenders and unforgettable performances. Beyond the ring, we discuss his openness about living with ADHD and neurodivergence, his magnetic personality, and why he’s truly special both as an athlete and as a person.Join us for a celebration of Will Ospreay’s incredible journey and legacy. Listen now for unmatched insight into the career of a wrestling icon!For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

On this episode of Cruising With Kayfabe, Zak Knight, better known as Zak Zodiac, takes us on a deep dive into his journey carving out his own name in professional wrestling. As a member of the legendary Knight family, Zak shares what it’s been like to build his legacy while honoring the one his family worked so hard to establish.We talk about his passion for wrestling, the impact he’s had training wrestlers, and his drive to give back to the community that’s shaped him. Zak also opens up about his battles, how he’s become stronger than ever, and what it feels like to be in the best mental and physical shape of his life.From helping Saraya prepare for her return to wrestling in 2022 to walking out with her at Wembley Stadium two years in a row, Zak’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and love for the business. Now signed with AEW, he’s focused on making an impact not just in the ring but on the industry as a whole.If you’re a fan of wrestling, stories of redemption, or just want to hear from someone who truly lives and breathes this sport, this episode is for you.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

In this episode of Cruising with Kayfabe, Emily and Mongo explore the incredible journey of AEW’s rising star, Daniel Garcia. From his early days on the indie scene in Buffalo, New York, to surviving a near-fatal car accident in 2019, to becoming one of AEW’s most technically gifted wrestlers, Garcia’s story is nothing short of inspiring.We dive into his nickname “Red Death,” his standout performances on the Indies, his AEW debut, and his evolution in the Jericho Appreciation Society. Highlights include his classic matches with Bryan Danielson, his battles for gold, and his defining moment of winning the TNT Championship at Full Gear 2024.Join us as we celebrate the rise of Daniel Garcia and discuss why he’s one of the brightest stars in wrestling today. Don’t miss this deep dive into the evolution of Red Death!For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Jada Stone, aka “The Spark,” one of wrestling’s most electrifying young talents at just 21 years old. Jada has made waves in AEW, GCW, NJPW, AAA, DPW, OVW, and beyond, showcasing her speed and agility while competing with top talents across the globe.With a background in cheerleading, Jada brings a unique blend of athleticism and dynamic movement to her in-ring style, using her agility and aerial skills to outmaneuver opponents. We discuss her admiration for Bayley and Mercedes Moné, two of her favorite wrestlers, and the unforgettable moment when Bayley wore her shirt at the WrestleMania XL press conference! Jada also opens up about her career goals, her indie scene journey, and what’s next for this future star.Tune in to hear how this rising sensation plans to “spark” a new era in professional wrestling!For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!

In this episode Emily and Mongo take a deep dive into one of the most legendary rivalries in professional wrestling: Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness. From their early days in Ring of Honor to their battles over the Pure and World Championships, this rivalry defined an era of technical excellence and intense storytelling. Watch as we explore Nigel's rise as a Pure Champion, his heartbreaking challenges, and Bryan's journey to becoming one of the top stars in the wrestling world. They also discuss the lasting impact of their feud, Nigel’s struggles with injury, the bittersweet conclusion to his career, and his shocking return at Wembley.As AEW Grand Slam promises to bring these two legends back into the spotlight, this episode is a must-listen for any wrestling fan looking to relive the magic of Bryan and Nigel's unforgettable rivalry. Tune in for an in-depth discussion filled with passion, respect, and plenty of wrestling history! Available now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube.For a full episode archive (AD FREE) and exclusive content visit CWKPOD.COMMake sure and follow the show and leave us a 5 Star Frog Splash of a review!Be sure to Follow us on all of our socials @CruisingwithKayfabe on Facebook and Instagram, @ItsMongo and @CruisingWithKayfabe_Emily on TikTok. Visit Dubby Energy at https://www.dubby.gg/discount/Mongo?ref=TokPgWhTYa3YrX and use promo code "MONGO" to save 10% on all orders all the time!Special Thanks to friends of the show the Undone for letting us use their song Miss Fortune! Now available to stream or purchase on Apple, Amazon Music & Spotify.  For more information visit https://wearetheundone.com/ and make sure to give them a follow!