The Trish and Sarah Wrestling Podcast

Episode 71! Trish and Sarah are back and start off the show with a little housekeeping before checking in on WWE's trip to Saudi Arabia. (6:10) TKO's leadership insists the risks were minimal, but rank and file employees felt differently. What happened with Gunther? Can working these shows ever truly be optional? Then, we take a look at WWE's competition strategy against AEW. (38:15) What did we learn from last week's head-to head? Does a John Cena appearance have value to WWE's audience in 2026? Finally, a look at the top end of NJPW's "Wrestle Kingdom" card. (1:04:55) After a year of investing in...

We are back! And we are joined by John Pollock of Post Wrestling and Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics for a wide-ranging discussion. We cover WWE's trip to Saudi Arabia, and the financial reliance of TKO on the Saudi shows, as well as the impact on talent and the TKO exploitation of non-union workers. From there we move onto a discussion of the challenges specific to wrestling journalism in an age where promotions now have financial interests in media outlets. We also cover the ethical and potential legal challenges in current day journalism, plus the impact of aggregation and tribalism...

Episode 69! Trish and Sarah review AEW's "All In". They start with a look at the overall presentation and production before taking a deep dive into Ospreay vs Omega. (10:45) Does Omega have a case for wrestler of the year? (46:00) Mercedes and Willow's title match was an epic fight. What has Mercedes meant to the AEW Women's Division? (50:53) Then it's into the undercard, as Britt Baker returns! (67:15) The final of the Jon Moxley Invitational featuring Nigel McGuinness, (1:15:39) and Darby vs Kevin Knight. (1:23:10) Finally a vigorous review of the Bucks vs Cope and Cage (1:30:00) before they conclude with a look at the...

Episode 68! Trish and Sarah start with a full All In preview on their final show before August 30th, including a look at the C3 (15:44) and some puzzling happenings around the Men's World Championship. (24:30) What will a Will Ospreay title reign look like? (36:30) They also look at the soon to be announced trios match and potential debuts (46:30) before answering a question about MyAEW. (58:13) Next, Punk vs Owens- funny? Great? Or just sad? (1:04:00) The 2026 G1 is in the books! What made the final and the tournament so successful? (1:19:24) How important have Yota Tsuji contributions as champion been to the tour and...

Episode 67! Trish and Sarah start with WWE's Summerslam. Who liked this show? They review Cody vs Punk (10:20) and Brock vs Oba Femi (20:05) before taking a look at attendance and numbers. (27:00) Then, an in depth discussion of Roman vs Rollins and the success of Shield nostalgia, (29:40) a listener question about Dean Ambrose, (46:40) and some thoughts on the rest of the show. (52:00) Next up is a question about Raw's recent ratings (58:11) and some thoughts on the announcement of WWE Radio and how it ties into WWE's obsession with controlling the dialogue. (1:05:35) They then jump over to AEW and a look at...

We “Focus On” life as an independent wrestling promoter, as Mark Pollesel of C*4 Wrestling joins Trish to discuss the changes and challenges he has experienced over the past two decades. They talk about the creation of a women’s division in the promotion, what role they play in the wider wrestling ecosystem, the decision to join MyAEW and whether Mark has changed his mind over the WWE ID program.

Then, we learn about the inspiration behind annual fundraiser "Fighting Back”, which has raised over $700,000CD for the Canadian Cancer Society since 2011.

To find out more abo...

Trish is joined by G1 marathon man Frankie to discuss what it is like to follow the G1 tour across Japan, what made the Yuto-Ice match with Yota Tsuji so special and why the IWGP Heavyweight Champion is in best in the world form right now. They also discuss how the Aaron Wolf investment is paying off for New Japan, how the loss of Shota Umino from the tournament after one night impacted the B Block and the role the former champions are playing in developing New Japan's young stars on this tour. Then, it is time to discuss...

Episode 66! Trish and Sarah start with NJPW, the G1, and the promotion's updated strategy in regards to their US shows, before discussing Takaaki Kidani's interview in regards to Bushiroad's stock sale and his long term relationship issues with the NJPW roster. (20:10) Then they move to AEW and take a look at Dynamite's key promo segment between Ospreay, Omega, and Kevin Knight to set up the PPV main event. (36:15) How is the build for Knight vs Omega compared to similar young pretenders challenges in the past? Then a Redemption preview (1:01:45) and a report from the Boston Collision (1:08:45) before taking a...

Episode 65! Trish and Sarah are back to discuss all the world title changes this past week, starting with WWE's quickfire switches between Cody, Sami, and CM Punk. Meanwhile Seth and Roman are feuding again (15:25) and even WWE's fresh feuds are feeling stale. What does this mean for WWE's destination programming strategy? (29:25) Then, AEW's Beach Break! Your hosts take a look at the AEW Women's Division and discuss what is working (40:45) and the radical concept that not all women are the same. Kenny Omega defeated MJF for the AEW Men's World Championship! (55:00) How and when did it come about? Could...

Episode 64! Trish and Sarah start with more personnel cuts at TNA, including creative head Tommy Dreamer, (13:25) who was the subject of several twitter allegations of improper behavior by other wrestlers this week. Independent Austrian promotion Rings of Europe (27:21) cancelled a show after allegations of sexist behavior from the promoter, and the Janel Grant case has moved to arbitration. (37:20) Forbidden Door is approaching! We consider if the concept still works as NJPW continues to try and redeem the legacy of the IWGP championship. (40:15) Next they discuss how the PPV forms the road to Wembley, beginning with Thekla and the women's...

Episode 63! Trish and Sarah check in on WWE and Gunther in the 6 months since John Cena retired. Did beating Cena make Gunther a big star? How is WWE doing with elevating their talent, especially compared to 2023 and 2024? (23:45) Can they get someone hot without a talent move from AEW to WWE? (47:15) Next, a flag in Stamford catches fire and the WWE shareholder lawsuit is settled (54:15) while Front Office Sports "covers" the settlement. (1:00:00) Then, they look at the latest talent departures in TNA (1:02:05) before an in-depth review of NJPW's changing ownership and the potential impact of the stock sale on their...

Episode 62! Trish and Sarah cover AEW's Double or Nothing PPV. Was this one of the best shows AEW has ever done? Mick Foley is All Elite and already taking low blows from MJF. (6:44) FTR had a fiery "I Quit" match with Copeland and Cage (14:25), and Takeshita and Okada may have had the Match of the Year. (20:20) Athena and Mina Shirakawa had an Owen Tournament match, and there was a four-way for the Women's Championship. (26:20) Jon Moxley and Kyle O'Reilly love their mat grappling- did we? (34:35) Samoa Joe and Will Ospreay (41:03) and Bandido and Swerve (51:58) also began their Owen Tournament...

Episode 61B! Trish is joined by Brian Zilem of Pro Wrestling Torch to discuss WWE's restructuring of talent contracts. They "Focus On" the departure of the New Day, the decision of other talent to take paycuts and analyse WWE's reasoning behind their actions. What impact it will have on the talent structure within the promotion? They also discuss what prevents WWE talent from using AEW as leverage, and what the changes will mean for AEW talent. Will those in or around AEW's main event picture be put off from joining WWE in future by the past couple of weeks?<...

Episode 61! Trish and Sarah start with WrestleMania and its two main events; Rhodes vs Orton (9:00) and Reigns vs Punk (25:16) before getting into "The Business" (40:55) of the show. How successful was Mania 42? Successful enough that WWE released two dozen wrestlers last week! (55:33) Then your hosts move on to AEW and Darby Allin's shock title win (1:12:39) before a discussion of Will Ospreay's current booking and trajectory towards All In (1:44:46)

Episode 60! Trish and Sarah start by following up on last episode's discussion on AEW's main event scene and the return of Chris Jericho, before moving on to the news that TNA is pulling their talent from matches with AEW wrestlers. Is this all Carlos Silva's doing? (17:15) Then they cover the big title change in NJPW, and whether the promotion needs a singular ace, (31:05) before checking in TKO and Pat McAfee's supposed crash onto the Road to WrestleMania. (45:30) Finally, updates to the Janel Grant case ahead of June's arbitration hearing. (1:39:35)

Episode 59! Trish and Sarah are back to cover a whole host of topics, starting with WWE's new deal with FOS Sports, then Neilsen recalibrating their ratings (again) 13:54, and My AEW and the death of Triller. Next they talk about NXT and AAA's lack of US media deals (27:00) and then a check in on the build to Mania (35:00) before moving on to listener questions! First up a look at the options for the All In main event (49:40). What happened to the Takeshita vs Okada feud? (1:19:30) How can AEW elevate new babyfaces? (1:33:10) What does an Elite-less AEW look like? (1:40:20) We look...

Episode 58! Trish and Sarah review AEW's Revolution 2026. They start with general thoughts about the show, then the Battle Royale and Ricochet's tweeting (8:05) before moving on to Young Bucks vs FTR and the Cope & Cage return. (16:45) Next up is Marina Shafir vs Toni Storm, and Ronda Rousey's appearance. (31:54) Then Mox vs Takeshita, and a baffling outcome to a very good match. (43:05) They give their thoughts on Ospreay's return and talk about Pro Wrestling EVE and producer Paul Robinson (51:00) before moving on to All In 2026 first day sales. (1:06:50) They discuss the Women's Tag Title match, Swerve vs Brody King, and Statlander...

Episode 57! Trish and Sarah start with Elimination Chamber and WWE's joyless trudge towards WrestleMania. Do they have an answer to their uninspired booking? Then, Danhausen debuts in WWE! (20:40) Did they over promise and under deliver? Next up- a WBD merger update (50:50) and then discussion moves to AEW. How did Swerve's heel turn go? (1:01:54) What's the deal with this world title stipulation? (1:07:40) How are heels selling merch these days? (1:25:33) Then a quick look at NJPW's latest trip to the US (1:32:10) before we discuss Janel Grant's first public appearance since her lawsuit was filed. (1:40:50)

Episode 56! We start off with a deep dive into events around Brody King, the continued debate around politics in wrestling, and the dangers of aggregation. Next up is a quick look at Grand Slam Australia (43:35) and how the show had some good examples of last week's discussion of faces and heels. Nielson has changed their ratings system once again and we are all confused (1:10:10) and ticket sales for WrestleMania are not great! (1:17:27) Then, are we being hypocritical on AEW's usage of former WWE talents? (1:28:30) before a quick check in with NJPW (1:36:00). We close with a serious discussion about Adam...

Episode 55! Trish and Sarah start off with WWE and the stagnation of the Royal Rumble before talking about who was and wasn't there and how ex-AEW wrestlers are faring in WWE. (28:45) Then they cover EVIL heading to WWE and other potential moves from NJPW (48:00) before having a brief discussion of AJ Styles's "retirement" (57:25). Ratings are next- how is wrestling faring overall under the new Nielsen system? What are promotions doing to get their numbers up? (1:05:3) Then- Tommaso Ciampa debuts in AEW (1:26:00) and finally, a discussion about heels in 2026. Are they really having a tough time? (1:38:20)

Episode 54! And Trish and Sarah kick things off with a look at TNA's debut on AMC. How did TNA present themselves to a new audience? What was missing from the show? Does the choice to run a PPV two days after the debut tell us anything? Then, a look at recent talent moves and potential free agents, (59:30) before a quick discussion of Cody's title loss (1:13:10) and AEW's new hires. (1:19:00). Then they briefly look at the choices facing Lucha Libre (1:21:20) before they close with hopes and fears for wrestling in 2026. (1:30:35)

Episode 53! 2026 kicks off with a bang and Tanahashi's retirement. Trish was at the Dome for Wrestle Kingdom 20 and gives her thoughts on the live experience. Then we discuss the matches! Aaron Wolf vs Evil (8:25) Takeshita vs Tsuji (20:52) and Tanahashi vs Okada (44:35) as well as the post-match retirement ceremony (54:25) and some general thoughts about New Year's Dash and what it means for NJPW in 2026. Next up, Tony Khan's interview with Case Lowe and some thoughts about Nakamura. We then switch gears to Chris Jericho and his potential free agency (1:1:45) before moving on to the upcoming TNA Debut (1:42:50), AEW's Continental Classic...

It's the Holidays! Trish and Sarah are joined by Allie, Anne, and Lea of Tunnel Talk for a wrap up of wrestling in 2025. We give out some ridiculous awards, have a lot of laughs, and crown the winner of 2025's Mommy's Little Ham Award.

Episode 52! Trish and Sarah start with everything we know and don't know about TNA's multi-year media deal with AMC. Then, WBD is being sold! (22:54) Or is it? They take a look at a big change to the media ecosystem. Then, Tanahashi's Final Road! Trish discusses how her article on the politics of determining the Ace's final opponent came together. (58:10) Finally, a look at wrestling media. Where do we go from here? (1:38:42)

Episode 51! Trish and Sarah review AEW's Full Gear before taking a quick look at what's going on with TNA's media deal (1:36:10) and a preview of Tanahashi's retirement show (1:43:30)

Episode 50! Trish and Sarah start things off with WWE's scarcity strategy and its effect on their recent and future ticket sales. They talk about John Cena's retirement run and ask if WWE have gotten everything they could out of his final year. (35:10) Then- the new ratings system. What impact has Data + Panel had on existing and potential wrestling media deals? (54:55) Next, NJPW and Hiroshi Tanahashi's final opponent. (1:05:00) Why are the politics around this so messy? What are the best and worst outcomes at Wrestle Kingdom?

Episode 49! Trish and Sarah are back with a look at WWE's WrestlePalooza- the business, the hype, the booking, the counter programming. Is it the new Mania? Next- Cena's Retirement run. (16:10) What has it meant for WWE's business? Have they gotten the most out of it creatively? What's left when he's gone? Then, AEW's All Out. (38:30) Was Cope & Christian vs FTR a fight? How has Eddie Kingston's return stacked up against the other AEW returns this week? (60:00) Was the Women's World Title change a success? (1:22:45) A discussion of Darby vs Mox becomes a reflection on the current state of AEW...

Episode 48! Trish and Sarah start with WrestleMania in Saudi Arabia before pointing out some potential issues with WWE's shows on the new ESPN app and potential fissures in their relationship with NBC. (27:30) Then, the importance of the tv audience and why it may be behind WWE's more aggressive counter-programming of AEW (39:37) and a discussion of AEW's moving All Out to the afternoon (45:35). Next up a look at Forbidden Door and the build to All Out (57:00) and the Kenny Omega problem (1:06:30), Eddie Kingston's return (1:16:45) and if there's any actual excitement for Cope and Christian (1:22:30). They wrap things up with Andrade's...

Episode 47! Trish and Sarah begin with a discussion of Brock Lesnar's reappearance in WWE, and what this and their media strategy says about TKO's workplace culture. Then two huge new deals for TKO- WWE's PLEs move to ESPN (29:40) and UFC heads to Paramount+ (44:37). How are these deals different for TKO than their previous ones? Next, could TNA potentially be sold and agree to a move to Wednesdays? Can they compete with AEW? Who are the potential winners and losers? (55:45) Then a look at Forbidden Door, (1:26:30) before some initial G1 Finals thoughts (1:41:20) and a quick chat about the Hurt Syndicate. (1:49:40) <...

Episode 46- Trish & Sarah start with a brief but important disclaimer about the episode, before moving on to a discussion of Summer Slam Night 1 and how WWE's programs are affected by their need for "moments" (2:30). They take a look at the main event and the drawbacks of having so many older wrestlers at the top of the card (20:15), before discussing the rest of the show (33:52) as well as WWE's on-screen embrace of the Trump Administration (42:15), WWE's tributes to Hulk Hogan (46:26), and the impact of recent AEW to WWE free agents (53:25). Your hosts then move on to AEW, and how...

Episode 45 and Trish and Sarah go All In! They start with an overview of the overall weekend, the atmosphere, the experiences, the visuals and the people that made it. Next, they head to the start of the show. (18:45) and the crowd. How loud was it, and when? How did the first three matches of the show affect the audience reaction? Then- was the length of the show helped by its daytime airing? (29:30) They talk about the perfect placement of the high stakes tag match and how the Tag Team title match and post-match were different from the rest of...

Episode 44! Trish and Sarah are back to preview the busy fortnight ahead and answer your questions! First up, they begin with AEW All In, is this a night for babyface triumphs? What is the stipulation with the most potential? Then, WWE's counterprogramming strategy. (41:39) Has WWE thrown their full support behind Evolution 2? Next up is NJPW. (1:04:03) Goto is out of the G1 and Tanahashi is struggling physically. Does New Japan really need to risk the Ace for this one? Finally, Trish and Sarah answer your questions, in their first full Q&A. (1:14:30)

Episode 43! And Trish and Sarah kick things off by breaking down the CM Punk Saudi Arabia Experience. The shoving! The apology! Punkanomics! The 1 star match! They cover it all. Plus, a look at how Cena vs Punk is a symptom of a larger problem in WWE. Next up, how a bad night for AEW in January changed the trajectory of 2025. (46:30) Then, Hangman in Arena Mexico. Is this a new level of confidence from him? (1:09:35) Finally, NJPW. Goto has lost the belt, and Trish loses her mind. (1:15:10) Does NJPW even have a plan?

Episode 42! Trish and Sarah start with AEW's build to All In, beginning with Mercedes Mone vs Toni Storm and then Omega vs Okada (7:40) before moving on to the main event angles for Moxley vs Hangman (16:15) and then a discussion of All In ticket sales. (29:00) How have the four hour shows gone? (39:15) What the hell is going on with the Hurt Syndicate? (46:30) Then they move on to WWE. CM Punk heads to Saudi (52:50) and WWE tries to appease a potential fan rebellion by re-signing R Truth. (1:03:35) With the Evolution PPV in just a few weeks, what's the current state of...

Episode 41! Trish and Sarah are back from their break and ready to process their emotions about Double or Nothing. They start with the Owen Final between Mercedes Moné and Jamie Hayter and what the summer may look like for the AEW Women's Division (12:45) before taking a look at Anarchy in the Arena and why it's a signature match for the promotion. (23:00) Plus- the curious case of Gabe Kidd in AEW. (33:35) Then! Hangman vs Will Ospreay- the build, the match, how this came about, and what happens next? (42:22) Next up is a quick look at AEW's decision to run summer r...

Episode 40, and Trish and Sarah tackle WrestleMania 41: the build, the show itself, and the crowd. Have they strayed from what drove their recent growth? They also look at the conflict between Triple H and the Rock (25:00) and the Mania Week PR blitz. Does TKO's current business model give the Rock leverage? Then, WWE is buying AAA. (1:07:20) What does this mean for Mexican wrestling and what impact could it have on wrestling worldwide? Next they take a quick look at Stardom and current free agents (1:37:00) before closing with Naito's impending departure from NJPW. (1:42:05)

Episode 39! Trish and Sarah take a look AEW's Dynasty PPV and another messy main event angle. Can the Death Riders be AEW's Bloodline? Then- there's been a lot of talk lately that the Death Riders are driving business for AEW. Are they? Trish takes a deep dive into the numbers to prove (or— spoiler alert—DISprove) the claim. (50:00) Finally—a quick look at NJPW and Goto's title run. (1:46:40)

Episode 38! And Trish and Sarah take a ride on the Road to WrestleMania and what seems to have been a disappointing build to WWE's biggest show of the year. Are WWE doing anything differently than they were a year or so ago? Next- what will it take for US promotions to put women's wresting in big spots on the card? (32:32) Then listener questions take our hosts through a potpourri of AEW topics: a Dynasty Preview (46:45), Rated FTR (1:11:30), The Hurt Syndicate (1:19:15), wrestler departures and new arrivals (1:24:20) and the possibility of Collision moving nights (1:39:21). Last but not least, a look at...

Episode 37! Trish and Sarah start things off with discussing what they loved about AEW's Revolution and how it did business wise (43:00) before talking about the Men's World Title match (51:15) and how disconnected that felt from the rest of a fantastic show. Then- WWE! (1:16:40) The politics of Cena's heel turn and what that says about who has power in WWE right now. Plus, TKO's embrace of Trump and the right wing and how this could affect their business- including UFC's upcoming media rights negotiations. (1:30:27)

Episode 36, and Trish and Sarah start off with The Big Angle from WWE's Elimination Chamber and its impact on the Road to WrestleMania. Can WWE stay hot forever? Then they move on to a discussion of Ryan Nemeth's lawsuit against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk. How does it differ from Nemeth's original HR complaint and media reports from 2023? (27:18) Then a follow up about last ep's BTE segment. What does parasocial mean, exactly? Are AEW wrestlers all beta males? Or are wrestling podcasters just weird? (49:04) Next up- an AEW Revolution preview and the ways AEW's focus changed between January...