WWE RAW or JUST STRANGER THINGS (Wrestling Soup 1.6.26)

0:00 - Intro0:26 - CM Punk's Republican Baby Raper Comments Controversy1:38 - ICE Shooting Incident Discussion3:49 - Political Climate & Extremism12:24 - Ariana Grande & Wicked Discourse17:32 - Jake "Something" Doyle Joins AEW30:31 - WWE Roster Call-Ups: Grace, Williams, Legend, Evans32:40 - Jade Cargill: The Unintentional Vader39:10 - WrestleMania 2026 Predictions41:10 - CM Punk Directing Movies & VHS Series43:00 - Hollywood's Creativity Crisis & Streaming vs Theaters52:07 - Netflix vs Paramount: Warner Bros $82B Acquisition Battle64:00 - TNA Lands AMC Deal Thanks to WWE Partnership73:00 - Tony Schiavani's WWE Hall of Fame Comments81:33 - Chris Jericho to TNA Rumors & Mohawk Jericho88:20 - Outro & PlugBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

[0:00-0:20] Opening banter - Joe making Jade Cargill references, Anthony catching up on wrestling news[2:00-2:30] Introduction and show setup - Discussing Monday Night Raw's quality issues[2:30-4:00] Raw show structure critique - Too many women's matches, lack of coherent booking, disappointing for live Brooklyn audience[4:30-5:30] Kabuki Warriors vs Rhea/IyO Sky tag match - Best match of the night, good action but questionable placement as opener[9:30-13:00] Asuka/Shayna Basler Twitter incident - Cultural misunderstanding about toughness compliment[14:30-15:30] Stranger Things promotion - Just a van, no actors, completely underwhelming tie-in[22:30-25:00] Gunther/AJ Styles segment - Gunther looking weak, poor booking decisions[29:00-32:00] Maxxine vs Becky Lynch - Too much time given, Maxine too green for featured spot[21:30-22:30] Stephanie Vaquer injury angle - Rushed off TV despite being over with fans[33:00-35:00] Paul Heyman group criticism - None ready for main event spots except possibly Drew McIntyre[34:00-35:00] Logan Paul/Austin Theory promo - Disconnected and ineffective[38:00-44:00] CM Punk main event - Stumbling through promos, match with Bron Breaker was sloppy[40:00-48:00] Bron Breakker concerns - Too green, dangerous spots, needs shorter matches[49:00-52:00] Liv Morgan return - Poorly positioned after multiple women's matches, crowd was dead[54:00-58:00] Judgment Day storyline - Falling apart, no clear direction for members[58:00-1:05:00] Overall show critique - Poorly structured, felt like contractually obligated content[1:05:00-1:08:00] International shows vs US shows - Better matches given to international audiences[1:05:00-1:07:00] Saudi Arabia performance center discussion[1:09:00-1:13:00] Commercial breaks - Excessive ads on Netflix, VPN workarounds[1:13:00-end] Wrap-up and closing thoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Joe and Anthony discuss the current state of wrestling, focusing on WWE’s use of old footage, the Netflix deal, and the value of nostalgia content. They critique modern wrestling’s creative direction, the risks wrestlers take for fan approval, and the business of monetizing archival material. The conversation also touches on personalities like Chris Jericho, Mr. Beast, and the challenges wrestlers face after retirement, ending with commentary on the cyclical nature of wrestling trends and media.0:00 – WWE vault, nostalgia, and old footage4:00 – Classic wrestling humor, Andre the Giant stories15:00 – Humanizing wrestlers, behind-the-scenes moments40:00 – Modern wrestling risks, fan influence, dangerous spots1:00:00 – WWE’s business model, YouTube/Netflix monetization1:15:00 – WWE creative team, bureaucracy, and lack of vision1:25:00 – Chris Jericho rumors, nostalgia pops, closing thoughts1:29:35 – EndBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Anthony Missionary Thomas breaks down the latest Monday Night Raw from the Kia Center in Orlando! With Joe on vacation, Missionary goes solo to deliver his unfiltered thoughts on the new streaming format, wild backstage drama, and all the in-ring action.In this episode:The Vision’s new member and Paul Heyman’s mic workCM Punk’s return and his face-off with Bron BreakerThe Vince McMahon retirement lawsuit and behind-the-scenes revelationsWomen’s division shakeups and Nikki BellaGunther’s dominance, R-Truth’s comedy, and the USOs’ tag team triumphCrossover moments, and quirks of watching WWE on NetflixPlus, Missionary tackles fan reactions, wrestler injuries, and the ever-evolving landscape of pro wrestling. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Join Joe for a solo, unfiltered, and hilarious holiday episode! From reflections on Christmas with pets and family, to rants about podcasting gear, wrestling fandoms, and the wild world of sports, Joe covers it all. Whether you’re here for the wrestling takes, the football rants, or just the laughs, this episode is packed with relatable moments and sharp commentary.00:00 – Holiday Greetings & Pet TalkJoe opens with holiday wishes, muses on family vs. loved ones, and shares thoughts on pets during the holidays.00:53 – Cats, Dogs, and Family GatheringsWhy cats hate big family parties, and the chaos of holiday get-togethers.01:38 – Podcasting Gear & Tech RantsJoe’s take on podcasting equipment, tech confusion, and the reality of most podcasters.03:41 – Car Comforts & Boomer HabitsA funny look at new car features, seat warmers, and refusing modern comforts.05:41 – Solo Shows & Audience PreferencesJoe reflects on solo podcasting, being a polarizing host, and the “Friends” effect.07:23 – Midwest Vibes & Listener DynamicsHow regional differences affect audience reactions and the nature of podcast “fans.”10:06 – Wrestling Fandom & Internet DramaDiving into wrestling fandom, online arguments, and the absurdity of defending companies on Christmas.13:04 – Truth, History, and Wrestling NarrativesWhy wrestling stories are all about perspective, and how history is written by the winners.16:48 – Social Media, Memes, and InfluencersJoe’s take on Instagram, memes, and the weirdness of influencer culture.20:00 – Toxicity in Fandoms & Discord CommunityComparing wrestling fans to other fandoms, and inviting nice people to join the Discord.22:18 – Wrestling Stories, CTE, and Athlete ChoicesA deep dive into wrestling injuries, CTE, and the choices athletes make.28:50 – Sports Rants: Chiefs, Patriots, and QuarterbacksJoe’s passionate takes on NFL teams, quarterbacks, and the downfall of the Chiefs.36:00 – Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and Pop CultureA hilarious critique of celebrity relationships and pop music.37:50 – Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, and Football LegendsWhy Aaron Rodgers is a “gigantic douchebag” and why Joe will always defend Tom Brady.38:47 – Wrap-Up & Final ThoughtsJoe thanks the audience, teases more content, and signs off with holiday wishes.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

– Intro & Holiday Banter– Show Length & Review Philosophy– Sports Podcasts & Seth Everywhere– Nikki Bella Segment & Rumors– Wrestling Rumors & Conspiracy Theories– Bronson Reed & Promo Styles– Maxine, Becky Lynch, and Women’s Division– AJ Styles’ Role & Hair Talk– Jevon Evans’ Match & Enhancement Talent– Raquel, Judgment Day, and Storyline Threads– Bailey vs. Roxy & Character Development– Gunther’s Segment & Heel Work– Main Event Setup: Punk & Mysterio vs. Reed & Theory– Logan Paul Speculation & Closing ThoughtsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

LuFisto and Evil Dos cover the AAA GUERRA DE TITANES December 20th show. Rey Mysterio & Rey Fenix vs. El Grande Americano & Dominik MysterioDragon Lee vs. El Hijo del VikingoAAA World Cruiserweight Championship Triple Threat Match: Laredo Kid (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Jack CartwheelNiño Hamburguesa & Mr. Iguana vs. Bravo Americano & Rayo Americano vs. Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde vs. La Parka & Octagón Jr.Carnival of Carnage Match: The Wyatt Sicks vs. Pagano, Psycho Clown, Dave the Clown & Murder ClownAAA Latin American Championship Match: El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Ethan PageLas Tóxicas vs. Natalya, Faby Apache & Lola ViceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Joe and Anthony dust off the old Shitbox and take listener voicemails about the final match of John Cena and where he goes after WWE. - Old entertainers get cancelled.- political stances about rural areas of the US- Cena voicemailsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

00:00 – Opening Banter & Audio Troubles00:50 – Plastic Surgery in Wrestling02:42 – Saturday Night’s Main Event Reactions03:36 – The Influence of Algorithms & Internet Culture05:29 – Comparing Ads – Podcasts vs. Corporations09:52 – John Cena’s Retirement & Legacy14:30 – Wrestling Storytelling & Nostalgia26:44 – Foreign Invader Storylines & WWE’s Global Image52:31 – Sports Illustrated Wrestling Awards1:05:00 – State of Women’s Wrestling & Ambition1:23:44 – Closing Thoughts & Community UpdatesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.

Join Anthony and Joe as they dive deep into the latest Monday Night Raw, dissecting the fallout from John Cena’s retirement, Gunther’s controversial win, and the current state of WWE’s creative direction. From hilarious opening banter to sharp critiques of booking decisions, this episode covers it all—plus, thoughts on Logan Paul, Nikki Bella, and the future of wrestling’s biggest stars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, you’ll find plenty to laugh about and ponder in this unfiltered, passionate review. :gunshot:00:00 – Cold Open & Banter: Reubens, fiber, and afternoon delight01:10 – Anthony and Joe introduce the show02:10 – Raw Recap: “Not trying” and the feeling of a series finale03:00 – Gunther’s Booking: What did he do wrong?05:00 – The Cena Conundrum: Why is everyone mad at Gunther?08:00 – Storyline Analysis: Is WWE leaning on old tropes?10:00 – The Foreign Heel: Are fans booing for the right reasons?12:00 – WWE’s Creative Direction: Locker room reactions and missed opportunities15:00 – Logan Paul in the Main Event: Is WWE out of ideas?18:00 – Nikki Bella, Stephanie, and the Women’s Division21:00 – Booking Blunders: Austin Theory, LA Knight, and crowd reactions25:00 – WWE’s Business Model: International tours, ticket prices, and fan fatigue28:00 – The Future of WWE: Can the product survive on hype alone?31:00 – Side Tangents: Mr. Beast Land, Randy Orton, and Saudi Arabia34:00 – Wrapping Up: Listener voicemails, final thoughts, and what’s nextDon’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more wrestling reviews and discussions!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.