Ep. 269: Pro Wrestling & Comics (w/ Kyle Starks)

On this episode of the podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by wrestling writer/ connoisseur/YouTube host/jack of all trades Warren Hayes. Together, they discuss the state of pro wrestling in Japan, with special focus on New Japan and Stardom, as well as the evolving road to WrestleMania 42. Plus, Warren recalls his early wrestling fandom growing up in Quebec, waxing nostalgic about "Le Brunch De Pat Patterson."

Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney for a thorough review of this year's #PWIAwards. The winners, runners-up, and arguable snubs are discussed in detail, along with some analysis of what we might see in the year ahead. Plus: Should AEW lean into the anti-ICE chants and position itself as a political alternative to WWE? 

PWI Contributing Writer and U.K. correspondent Jason McVeigh returns to the PWI Podcast, joining hosts Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a breakdown of the 2026 Royal Rumble event, as well as what it portends for the company's key figures going forward. Plus: discussion of TNA's AMC debut, AJ Styles' future, and WWE's mixed efforts in presenting main-event babyfaces.

Eisner-nominated comic writer/artist Kyle Starks (Rick and Morty, Sexcastle) joins PWI's Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a compelling chat about the common threads between pro wrestling and comic books, which inspired his new Wrestle Heist series for Image Comics. How important is it to have defined heroes and villains (heroes and babyfaces)? Is the concept of the "wrestling Mount Rushmore" flawed? Plus: What NXT is doing right, remembrances of CHIKARA, and so much more.

As has become tradition, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Senior Writer Harry Burkett for the final PWI Podcast of the year. Together, they examine John Cena's last match and its ensuing fallout. They also look at the recent successes of The Hardys (the #1 team in this year's #TagTeam100) before discussing Mick Foley's recent announcement that he would be departing WWE, citing the company's continued association with President Donald Trump. All this, plus a look at the current trajectories of WWE and AEW as we look back on 2025 and ahead to 2026. 

On this episode of the #pwipodcast, Steve Maclin (TNA Wrestling) and Deonna Purrazzo (AEW, ROH) join PWI's Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon to discuss their pro wrestling efforts in their respective companies, how they've weathered some of the challenges thrown their way, and their podcast  ⁨@BootsToBootsPod⁩ .​

On this episode of #ProWrestlingINDIEstrated, first presented live on YouTube and X, hosts Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by the newly crowned (and second-ever) WWE ID Women's champion Laynie Luck for a conversation about her upward trajectory, long path to success, and intentions for the future.

On this edition of #ThePWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow #PWI contributors Kristen Ashley and Lyric Swinton, members of the 2025 #Womens250 committee, to break down the top 10 of the list.

On this edition of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon weigh in on the additional championships being added to AEW programming (as well as Mercedes Mone's collection). Plus: What is the best possible outcome for the WWE tournament to determine John Cena's final opponent? Plus: Thoughts on Jade Cargill, the current state of tag team wrestling, and much more.

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Brian R. Solomon talks at length with fellow host (and #PWI writer) Al Castle about his Gorilla Monsoon biography, Irresistible Force, sharing insight on one of the most beloved voices in WWF history. Plus, TNA Bound for Glory and WWE Crown Jewel: Perth are reviewed, while AEW WrestleDream is previewed.