Pro Wrestling Illustrated Presents

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By: Pro Wrestling Illustrated

Hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon discuss the latest news in pro wrestling and have vibrant conversations with wrestlers, industry insiders, and more.

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Ep. 280: Flight Of The Ospreay
#290
Yesterday at 4:33 PM

On the heels of a packed wrestling weekend in London, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney checks in with Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon to discuss all things All In Wembley:

Will Ospreay and Mercedes Mone finally claiming AEW World championships Was Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega really Match of the Year? (or AEW's greatest match?) Overall thoughts on the show, including some hidden gems Brief discussion of satellite events from RevPro and Pro Wrestling: EVE 

All that and so much more on this edition of the PWI Podcast!


Ep. 279: SummerSlam Hits, Tricks, Misses (w/ Cameron Hawkins)
#289
08/06/2026

On this edition of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Cameron Hawkins, the author of the Trick Williams cover story in the September 2026 edition of #ProWrestlingIllustrated. They discuss this year's two-night SummerSlam in Minnesota, including what the event might mean for key names such as Williams, Cody Rhodes, Oba Femi, CM Punk, and more.


Ep. 278: Femi, Zayn, Will Ospreay, & Time (w/ Jason McVeigh)
#288
07/02/2026

Still recovering from that last big pro wrestling weekend? Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon have got you covered, as they join fellow PWI writer Jason McVeigh to reflect on the biggest stories from WWE Night of Champions and AEW Forbidden Door. What's next for Oba Femi, Sami Zayn, and Jacob Fatu? Who should Will Ospreay face at All In: Wembley Stadium? You'll find the answers to these questions (along with some fun SummerSlam nostalgia and reminiscences) in this episode of the #PWIPodcast.


Ep. 277: Dos Americanos En Mexico (w/ Alfonso Lopez)
#287
06/10/2026

Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon catch up with Alfonso Lopez, PWI's lead Mexican lucha libre correspondent, to parse through the latest wrestling happenings in his home country. The recent mask-vs.-mask match between El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) and Grande Americano Original (Chad Gable) is discussed at length, as is the larger topic of WWE's influence on AAA. Plus: the continued AEW/CMLL relationship, MJF's return to the main event picture, and more.


Ep. 276: Ted Turner, Mass Releases, And MJF's Hair
#286
05/22/2026

On this episode of the PWI Podcast, Senior Writer Al Castle is joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to catch up on a variety of big news stories, including the passing of Ted Turner, the premiere of the Hulk Hogan documentary on Netflix, the return of Brock Lesnar, and the possibility of MJF losing hair in his latest AEW World title bid.


Ep. 275: Commercial-Free WrestleMania Review (w/ Jason McVeigh)
#285
04/24/2026

Once again, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by the Steve "Mongo" McMichael of the #PWIPodcast, Jason McVeigh, to pick up right where they left off last week. The guys offer an exhaustive, no-holds-barred review of WrestleMania 42, including the occasional bursts of wrestling that took place between the omnipresent commercials. Thankfully, there will be no ads in this episode (save for a few quick plugs at the beginning and end). Instead, the PWI crew dissects WM 42 in Las Vegas, the Raw after WrestleMania, the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, and more before undertaking an important conversation about the b...


Ep. 274: WrestleMania Predictions (w/ Jason McVeigh)
Ep. 274: WrestleMania Predictions (w/ Jason McVeigh) episode artwork
#284
04/15/2026

A few days before "The Grandaddy Of Them All," PWI's Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon, and Jason McVeigh gather 'round the proverbial card table to make their official predictions and share their final thoughts about #WrestleMania42 in Las Vegas. Plus: a look at the progress of MJF and the upward trajectory of AEW.


Ep. 273: Has WWE Lost Its Smile? (w/ Mike Bessler)
#283
04/03/2026

Are we living in a pro wrestling version of Groundhog Day, where we have this same conversation every year, or has WWE's creative team done a lackluster job of building excitement for WrestleMania 42? PWI Contributing Writer Mike Bessler joins Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon for a review of how the card is shaping up, plus a critical look at ticket prices and the perception that the company has "turned heel" against its loyal fans (among other topics).


ABOUT FACE: McKenzie Mitchell Threads The Needle
ABOUT FACE: McKenzie Mitchell Threads The Needle episode artwork
#282
04/02/2026

From Gorgeous George to "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels to Mick Foley, and Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks) to Seth Rollins, pro wrestling has been punctuated by fashion statements of all kinds. In this episode of About Face, PWI's Candace Cordelia speaks with TNA ring announcer McKenzie Mitchell about her new book, Threads of Triumph, which offers tremendous insight into some of the most iconic looks and ring gear in wrestling history.


ABOUT FACE: Maya World Is All Elite
ABOUT FACE: Maya World Is All Elite episode artwork
#281
03/19/2026

PWI Contributing Writer Candace Cordelia presents the inaugural episode of her podcast, About Face, featuring interviews from her popular Pro Wrestling Illustrated column (and beyond). Her first guest is recent AEW signee (and Women's tag division standout) Maya World.


Ep. 272: Quebec, Japan, And Between (w/ Mr. Warren Hayes)
#280
03/13/2026

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."


Ep. 271: PWI Awards In Review
Ep. 271: PWI Awards In Review episode artwork
#279
02/20/2026

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? 


Ep. 270: Royal Rumble Fallout
#278
02/03/2026

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.


Ep. 269: Pro Wrestling & Comics (w/ Kyle Starks)
#277
01/14/2026

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.


Ep. 268: Dear John & Saint Mick (w/ Harry Burkett)
#276
12/23/2025

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. 


Ep. 267: Wrestling Power Couple Goals (w/ Deonna Purrazzo & Steve Maclin)
#275
12/17/2025

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 .​


PWINDIE: Laynie Luck, WWE ID Women's Champion
PWINDIE: Laynie Luck, WWE ID Women's Champion episode artwork
#274
11/26/2025

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.


Ep. 266: The 2025 Women's 250 (w/ Lyric Swinton, Kristen Ashley)
#273
11/24/2025

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.


Ep. 265: Too Many Titles In Pro Wrestling?
#272
11/07/2025

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.


Ep. 264: You Drive Me Ape (You Big Gorilla)
#271
10/17/2025

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.


Ep. 263: The 35th Annual PWI 500
#270
09/23/2025

On this edition of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle is joined by guest cohost Jason McVeigh and #PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the 2025 #PWI500 ranking, with a special focus on the criteria used to evaluate the top 10 ranked wrestlers.


Ep. 262: WrestleMania In Saudi Arabia, Rising Ticket Prices, & More
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09/12/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, longtime #PWI contributor Dan Murphy returns to speak with Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon about a range of topics, including:

- The implications of WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia
- The impact of ticket prices on profits, fans
- The return of AJ Lee to WWE TV

... and much more!


Ep. 261: Raja Jackson-Syko Stu Incident (w/ Bryan Idol)
#268
08/29/2025

NWA TV champion Bryan Idol joins PWI's Al Castle, Brian R. Solomon, and Jason McVeigh to discuss the recent incident at KnokX Pro Wrestling involving Raja Jackson (son of Rampage Jackson) and Syko Stu, which resulted in Stu being hospitalized with severe injuries. The conversation focuses on the various factors that contributed to the situation, what might have prevented it, potential consequences for those involved, and what lessons (if any) the wrestling industry can learn from this going forward.

Stu's Gofundme campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-support-sykostus-recovery-journey 


Ep. 260: Is Kayfabe Dead? (And Other Unreal Concerns)
#267
08/06/2025

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the fallout from WWE SummerSlam, along with a host of other topics:

WWE Unreal and the delicate balance between reality and fiction What was the impact of Seth Rollins' apparent injury? Brock Lesnar's controversial return to WWE programming A post-mortem on John Cena's notorious heel turn

Plus: a teaser concerning the upcoming #PWI500 list and much more


PWINDIE: Jamesen Shook, 2025 SCI Winner
PWINDIE: Jamesen Shook, 2025 SCI Winner episode artwork
#266
07/28/2025

On this episode of the #PWINDIE podcast, Kaia McKenna & Kevin McElvaney are joined by 2025 Scenic City Invitational winner (and one-half of the ‪#IWTV‬ World tag team champions) Jamesen Shook to discuss his victory in the SCI tournament, his recent "My Kink Is Karma" show on IWTV, and more.


Ep. 259: Hulk Hogan Remembered (w/ Stu Saks)
#265
07/25/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by longtime PWI Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Stu Saks to discuss the vast and complicated legacy of Hulk Hogan, from his WrestleMania triumphs and undeniable influence (including on our magazine) to his scandals and pitfalls. What will The Hulkster's legacy be when all is said and done?


Ep. 258: Crow Or Humble Pie? (w/ Paul E. Pratt)
#264
07/21/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Paul E. Pratt to discuss some of the week's biggest news stories, with focus on recent events from AEW (All In), WWE (Saturday Night's Main Event, Evolution), and TNA (Slammiversary).


Ep. 257 - Punk & Circumstance (w/ Scott Fishman)
#263
07/03/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Scott Fishman to discuss the recent Night of Champions PLE, including WWE's controversial relationship with the Saudi Arabian government, CM Punk's apology, and the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. Plus: Goldberg's return to WWE for Saturday Night's Main Event, previewing AEW All In, and more.


Ep. 256: Truth & Consequences (w/ Cameron Hawkins)
#262
06/13/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI contributor Cameron Hawkins (@CeeHawk) for a lively and insightful discussion covering a wide range of topics:

The return of Ron Killing (R-Truth) to WWE  His future prospects What the latest World title change means for Jey Uso & Gunther WWE's diversity challenges with its main roster Candid thoughts on CM Punk wrestling in Saudi Arabia

And much more. 


Ep. 255: Death Riders Death Spiral (w/ Jason McVeigh)
#261
06/02/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined once again by fellow PWI writer Jason McVeigh for an in-depth review of AEW Double or Nothing. Plus: Thoughts on the WWE NXT-TNA relationship, WWE's rollback of house shows, and much more.


Ep. 254: Lucha, WWE Style (w/ Alfonso Lopez)
#260
05/15/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow PWI writer Alfonso Lopez to discuss WWE's purchase of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and all the implications around it: how each company might benefit or change, which stars could be involved, and what impact this may have on the rival CMLL promotion. Plus: The legacy of Sabu, reactions to WWE Backlash, and more.


Ep. 253: WrestleMania 41 Review
#259
04/24/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon reconvene for an in-depth review of WrestleMania 41, discussing everything from the controversial main event match between Cody Rhodes and John Cena to the influence (for better and worse) of the live crowd. 


Ep. 252: WrestleMania 41 Official Preview
#258
04/15/2025

On the new #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by Senior Writer Harry Burkett and Editor Kevin McElvaney to preview #WrestleMania41. Plus: In an unexpected turn of events, the guys relitigate the controversial ending to WrestleMania IX. 


PWINDIE: Rhio Las Vegas (w/ Rhio)
PWINDIE: Rhio Las Vegas (w/ Rhio) episode artwork
#257
04/11/2025

Pro Wrestling INDIEstrated is back after a long absence with hosts Kaia McKenna and PWI Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney. Today, they are joined by former PROGRESS and ICW (Scotland) Women's champion Rhio, who is currently one of the top names on the U.K. wrestling scene. They look ahead to Rhio's rematch for the PROGRESS Women's championship at PROGRESS Las Vegas, the WrestleMania Week show where she'll face Nina Samuels and Vertvixen in a triple-threat. Plus, how will Rhio use her ICW Square Go briefcase? And how do American wrestling fans compare to their counterparts in the United Kingdom? 


Ep. 251: WrestleManias, Past + Present (w/ Keith Elliot Greenberg)
#256
04/03/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle & Brian R. Solomon are joined by author Keith Elliot Greenberg to discuss how WrestleMania (and particularly WrestleMania III) transformed the pro wrestling industry. Plus: The multitude of multi-person bouts planned for WrestleMania 41. And are we buying John Cena's explanations for his recent heel turn?


Ep. 250: AEW Revolution In Review + Brian's Victory Lap
#255
03/14/2025

On Episode 250 of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by PWI Editor Kevin McElvaney for an in-depth (and, at times, heated) discussion of #AEWRevolution. Plus, Brian takes his version of a victory lap after foretelling John Cena's heel turn.


Ep. 249: Talking About Wrestling And Talking (w/ Evan Ginzburg)
#254
02/28/2025

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by writer and historian Evan Ginzburg (The Wrestler, Pro Wrestling Stories). Together, they debate the pros and cons of the WWE and AEW presentations of the sport. Plus, Evan discusses his new book, previous experiences as an associate producer for Darren Aronofsky, experiences as a fan, and much more.


Ep. 248: Rumble Redux (Blondes Have More Fun Edition)
#253
02/04/2025

On this episode of the #PWIPodcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editor-in-Chief Kevin McElvaney to discuss the winners of this year's #RoyalRumble matches (Jey Uso & Charlotte Flair), what the #wrestlemania41 card is shaping up to be, and the takeaways from this year's #PWIAwards.


Ep. 247: The Rock & A Hulk Place (w/ Scott Fishman)
#252
01/13/2025

On this episode of The PWI Podcast, hosts Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by fellow Pro Wrestling Illustrated contributor Scott Fishman to discuss Raw's Netflix debut and various topics of debate sparked by it, such as the trajectories of The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Plus: What might John Cena's retirement run look like? When will Joe Hendry's time come? And Brian provides an update on his forthcoming Gorilla Monsoon biography.


Ep. 246: Holiday Show 2024
#251
12/20/2024

On the year's final episode of The PWI Podcast, Al Castle and Brian R. Solomon are joined by Jason McVeigh to discuss the state of WWE, AEW, and TNA as 2024 becomes 2025. Plus: looking back on the return of Saturday Night's Main Event, this year's "Tag Team 100" ranking, and more.