Celebrate Wrestling - McGuire on Wrestling

It's a busy weekend for the gWo - Mitch and Dimitri have some Greek festivities to tend to this weekend, but together with "Dadi", Mike McGuire, they were on the call at Dungeon Wrestling's "Slampede 2" in Calgary this past weekend.

Checking the boxes on what a wrestling superstar in the 80's and 90's had to capture the imagination of fans around the world, British import Davey Boy Smith is still celebrated as one of the greats.

While never a World Champion, Smith's popularity and intangible charisma shone through in an era where while fitting the mold as far as looks go, Smith could connect with fans in a way that seemed effortless.

This week, Stefan Bennett and Mike McGuire take a look at some of the points of Davey's career, leading up to his untimely passing.  Hear two different perspectives - one from North America, and one from Smith's home of the UK - and what he meant to each of our hosts, and how he resonated with fans globally. 

The biggest victory for a professional wrestling vampire mad scientist with no actual professional affiliation with a major sporting franchise or actual participation in said franchise’s events took place this past weekend... and it somehow makes sense!

How the unlikely pairing of Danhausen and the New York Knicks' 2026 playoff journey became a perfect storm and made the relatively new WWE star the talk of the sports world.  This could very well be wrestling's greatest mainstream crossover success (while the wrestler is still just a wrestler!)

Also this week, an update on the Rhea Ripley injury situation, as details remain scarce about "Mami's" status going into WWE SummerSlam.

Could AEW be facing a situation with a Japanese star that is all too familiar to them?

Plus, YOUR feedback on the greatest mid-carders, and a preview of this coming Friday's Dungeon Wrestling event in Calgary, Alberta and more!

Breaking news! The Greeks watched SmackDown!

With the wonky scheduling of WWE the last few weeks, they get a pass, but do they GIVE a pass to what they saw this week?

Also, who are their picks for the King and Queen of the Ring?  Does AEW have anything planned for the Death Riders?  That and a LOT more come up on this week's sit down with Mitch Hontzias and Dimitri Korlis!

This week, join host Stefan Bennett with Mike McGuire as they take a brief glimpse at the life and career of one of wrestling's most believable stars.  Whether "Flyin" early in his career or epitomizing a "Loose Cannon" in front of and behind the curtain, the story of Brian Pillman, while all too short, is fascinating to look back at and discuss.

Let us know what you remember about Brian Pillman in the comments, and support all our shows at celebratewrestling.com

Photos for graphic art: WWE

In a story that broke early in the weekend, the lawsuit between WWE Shareholders and Vince McMahon and TKO executives has been dropped.  While not a criminal trial, the implications of the trial being dropped are still being learned.  How much money could Vince McMahon and TKO be liable for - if anything?  

Mercedes Mone has returned to AEW TV, adding some bigger star power to the Women's division and the Owen Hart Tournament.  Chad Gable, after dropping the El Grande Americano mask is back for redemption, and possibly a true opportunity.  Danhausen is expanding his curse range, and more!

The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer joins Mike McGuire for an extended discussion on these topics, plus a deeper look into the situation among Japanese Wrestling in 2026.  With New Japan Pro Wrestling joining a conglomerate of several other companies, what does the future hold for fans in and of Japan's stars?

Plus, some indy experiences, and how a simple investment could boost independent wrestling's production quality.

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com

When WWE acquired Mexico's AAA, few people saw a future where a comedy gimmick from Chad Gable on Raw would turn into one of the hottest, most celebrated feuds in recent history.  El Grande Americano Original v. El Grande Americano II overdelivered in ways that people can't stop talking about.

Join Mike McGuire and guests for insight into the last week of professional wrestling on all levels!

Also, AEW brings another PPV to Canada, and ticket prices are actually making fans HAPPY!  The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer returns to talk all about the WWE/TKO Shareholders' Lawsuit, AEW's PPV success needing to translate to weekly stats, and more relevant talk.

Finally, Mike and Joe Aguinaldo give their thoughts on WWE's latest PLE, Clash in Italy.  From Brock Lesnar coming out of retirement to Tribal Combat becoming a played-out stipulation, the guys let you know what they think, and then we hear from you in another edition of "YAY!/BOO!"

Celebrate Wrestling is a self-supporting and listener supported entity.  For info on how you can support, visit celebratewrestling.com

The gWo are coming in raw and unedited this week as producer Dadi is in transit and… well… I guess you’ll just have to listen to find out what’s up!

Guaranteed to be part of the discussion is the hot streak that AEW is on, Clash in Italy for WWE and more!

This episode has currently not been produced or edited in any way… listener discretion is probably advised….

At a time when WWF/WWE Television was peaking, their biggest star and hottest attraction was out of action.  That aside, Fully Loaded 2000 remains a PPV that is remembered fondly by fans.

From crazy stipulations to a "Triple Main Event", what made this show so special?  How did WWE manage to make up for a missing mega-star?  Which new faces saw breakthrough outings?