Chi-Town Shoot Podcast

Welcome to Episode 45 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! The crew (Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres) is back from Chicago, Illinois, to break down all the biggest news and rumors from WWE and AEW, with a deep dive into the massive success of Worlds Collide! 💥 WORLDS COLLIDE HUGE SUCCESS & WWE/AAA PARTNERSHIP BREAKDOWN The WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event just broke records with 773,000 live concurrent viewers! What does this unprecedented success mean for the future of crossover events? Dominik Mysterio is the New AAA Mega Champion! How big is this win for "Dirty Dom's" career, and what does it signal about WWE's plans for their top heel? We analyze the in-ring work: Did the Lucha Libre style blend well with the more traditional WWE style? How significant is the 127 million digital views on social media? What's the secret to this viral success? With this new record, is Worlds Collide a permanent fixture on the wrestling calendar? 🧠 SHAWN MICHAELS' WRESTLING PHILOSOPHY: TIMING & FEEL WWE Hall of Famer and NXT Senior VP Shawn Michaels revealed the two most important attributes he looks for in top-tier talent: Timing and Feel. What exactly does HBK mean by "timing" and "feel," and how do they differ from athleticism and psychology? Do we agree with Michaels that a wrestler can be "short in athleticism" if they possess these two qualities? We look at examples! How does his philosophy impact the development of the next generation of stars in NXT? How does Cody Rhodes perfectly embody the "Timing and Feel" philosophy? 🎶 THE WRESTLING SOUNDTRACK: BEST THEME SONGS OF ALL TIME We close the show with a fun debate about the psychology and impact of wrestling theme songs! What's the one theme song that instantly transports you back to a specific era? What makes Jim Johnston's music the GOAT, and has WWE's shift to licensed music been a good move? We settle a debate: What is the most UNDERRATED theme song of all time? Fantasy Booking: If you were a new wrestler, what song would be your theme? Got Questions or Thoughts? Send them over to [email protected]

s professional wrestling a business or an art form? MJF and Ronda Rousey are on opposite sides of the debate, and we're breaking it all down in episode 44 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) recently fired back at Ronda Rousey's criticism of her WWE booking against Alexa Bliss, where she felt merchandise sales took priority over talent. MJF's response? Wrestling IS a business. We dive deep into who's right, whether Rousey is being naive coming from the UFC, and if WWE's business-first approach under TKO hurts the product. Then, we shift gears to the people who report on all this drama: the "wrestling journalists." What is their role in 2025? We discuss the impact of "dirt sheets," backstage rumors, and how they influence promotions like WWE and AEW. Does knowing all the spoilers and backstage news ruin the magic for you as a fan? Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as we tackle two of the most controversial topics in modern pro wrestling!

Welcome back to the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! In Episode 43, join hosts Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as they dive into the biggest news and hottest takes in the wrestling world. This week, the crew breaks down AEW President Tony Khan's recent comments about the future of AEW video games. Hear their reactions to his promise to make the next game "much, much better" than AEW: Fight Forever and their debate on what improvements are a must-have. The guys also honor two of the biggest names in WWE history, discussing the legacy and recent comments of both John Cena and The Undertaker. Find out why The Deadman is refusing to put the hat and coat back on and what the team thinks about John Cena’s highly-anticipated retirement tour and final opponent.

Welcome to Episode 42 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast, where we break down the hottest stories in WWE & AEW straight from Chicago! This week’s topics: 🏟️ WWE Premium Live Events Move to ESPN (2026) – What does this $325M deal mean for WrestleMania, Royal Rumble, SummerSlam & more? Will fans pay ESPN’s $29.99 streaming fee, or does this hurt casual viewership? 💥 Bret Hart vs. Gunther’s Style – Bret slams chops as “bullshit” and calls stiff wrestling unprofessional. Is he right, or is Gunther’s hard-hitting style essential for modern storytelling? 🎭 Paul Heyman on WWE: Unreal (Netflix) – Heyman reflects on kayfabe, transparency, and WWE’s “Disney-fication.” Is the curtain being pulled back too far, or is this just the evolution of wrestling? 🔥 Plus: Fan reactions, business implications, and what this all means for the future of pro wrestling. 📩 Got questions or thoughts? Email us: [email protected] 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly wrestling debates, hot takes, and news!

Welcome to Episode 41 of the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Broadcasting straight from Chicago, Marcin, Chris, and David are back in the squared circle to break down the biggest stories in WWE and AEW. 🔥 Main Topics This Week: 🗣️ MJF on Tony Khan’s New Professionalism: MJF says this is the most professional Tony Khan has ever been online—focusing strictly on AEW. We break down what that means for AEW’s momentum, the fan perception, and if the Twitter war era is officially over. 📊 AEW Surpasses WCW Nitro: Eric Bischoff says AEW surpassing Nitro in episodes is just a “participation trophy.” Is he bitter or brutally honest? We compare Dynamite’s run to Nitro’s legendary legacy and what AEW must do to cement itself. 🕊️ Remembering Hulk Hogan: With the wrestling icon’s passing, we reflect on Hulk Hogan’s legacy—from Hulkamania and the nWo to his pop culture rise and long-standing controversies. Is Hogan still on your wrestling Mount Rushmore? 📩 Got thoughts? Email us at [email protected]

Episode 40 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast is here! Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as they dive deep into the hottest topics in WWE and AEW. In this action-packed episode, the crew tackles MJF's controversial take on WWE running shows against AEW All In. Is this smart business practice or a sign that the AEW vs. WWE rivalry is heating up? We discuss whether AEW should feel threatened, the ruthless mindset needed for pro wrestling success, and how fans interpret these scheduling conflicts. Plus, the discussion heats up with Charlotte Flair's recent comments about a potential Four Horsewomen Fatal Four Way reunion. Is this still the biggest money match in women's wrestling? Why hasn't it happened on the main roster, and with Mercedes Mone in AEW, is it still a realistic goal? We explore the legacy of the Four Horsewomen and their impact on women's wrestling today. Finally, prepare for a trip down memory lane to the Gimmick Graveyard, where we unearth some of wrestling's most infamously bad, bizarre, dark, and occupational gimmicks. What makes a gimmick fail? Which ones could work today, and which were just plain doomed? From The Shockmaster to Mantaur and Oz, we dissect the worst and wildest characters in wrestling history.

Welcome to Episode 39 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Join Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres as we dive deep into the biggest news and hottest takes from the wrestling world. From the heart of Chicago, Illinois, we're covering all things WWE and AEW. This week, we're breaking down the shocking news of Roman Reigns being cast as Akuma in the live-action 'Street Fighter' movie! We'll discuss: Is Roman Reigns a good fit for Akuma? Hero or villain: What role suits him best? Is Hollywood calling? What does this mean for Roman Reigns' WWE future after his absence since WrestleMania 41? How does his movie career compare to The Rock and Batista? Then, we shift gears to AEW with Tony Khan's comments on free agents and the "high bar" to join the AEW roster. We'll debate: Does AEW's current roster truly support Khan's "elite-only" statement? Is 2025 truly AEW's "best year ever"? Should AEW focus on big WWE names or homegrown indie talent? Are Elayna Black and Shotzi Blackheart good fits for AEW? Plus, we tackle the timeless question: Is age just a number in pro wrestling? We explore: Veterans performing at a high level. The realistic shelf life for wrestlers. Challenges for young talent breaking through. Old school vs. new school in-ring styles. Our fantasy roster of five wrestlers over 40! Don't miss our hot takes and fun discussions!

Welcome to Episode 38 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Coming to you from Chicago, Illinois — the heart of the wrestling world — Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres break down the hottest topics in WWE, AEW, and beyond. 👑 Cody Rhodes Says HE Made Bullet Club Money Cody reflects on the Bullet Club era, calling his run the “least cool but most profitable.” Was Cody’s leadership underrated, or is he right about being the "commercial version"? We compare the eras: Finn Bálor, AJ Styles, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes. 🧠 Topics we dive into: Was Cody’s Bullet Club really less cool or just different? Can a wrestling faction be cool and make money? Did Cody’s era pave the road for AEW? Who was the best Bullet Club leader? 👊 Karrion Kross Wants Jon Moxley Back in WWE! Kross opens up about his respect for Moxley and hopes for a WWE return. Could this dream match finally get a big stage? What would Moxley’s second run look like? 💬 We also ask: Has Moxley outgrown WWE, or is there unfinished business? What dream matches await Moxley in a WWE return? Could Kross vs. Moxley be the next breakout rivalry? 🤸‍♂️ Flippy Wrestling vs. Old-School Grit Is high-flying wrestling really what most fans want—or is it just loud online hype? We discuss fan preferences, AEW vs. WWE pacing, and the balance between storytelling and spectacle. ⚖️ Hot Takes Include: Does AEW lean too heavy on high spots? Is “flippy” wrestling hurting long-term booking? What’s the best style to build a new promotion around?

Welcome to Episode 37 of the Chi-Town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! We sit down with indie wrestling standout Alfonso Gonzalez for a raw, unfiltered conversation about his journey in pro wrestling—from his early days breaking into the scene to winning the Freelance Wrestling Championship and everything in between. In this exclusive interview, Alfonso opens up about: How he fell in love with wrestling What inspired his in-ring persona and fiery promos Winning the Freelance title from Kylie Rae Losing the title to Devon Monroe and what's next His passion project: Podcasting with Robert Ego Anthony and Koda Hernandez His take on wrestling psychology, storytelling, and indie wrestling's future We also dive into fan questions, dream matches, and his advice for the next generation of wrestlers. 💬 Got a question or hot take? Email us at: [email protected] 📍 Recorded in the heart of Chicago, this episode is a must-watch for fans of indie wrestling, Freelance Wrestling, and authentic wrestling stories. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews, debates, and all things pro wrestling. #AlfonsoGonzalez #IndieWrestling #FreelanceWrestling #ProWrestlingPodcast #ChiTownShoot #AEW #WWE #WrestlingInterview #WrestlingPodcast

Welcome to episode 36 of the Chi-town Shoot Wrestling Podcast! Marcin, Chris, David, and Andres are bringing the heat from Chicago with all the latest buzz in WWE and AEW. 👉 In This Episode: Matt Cardona (aka Zack Ryder) opens up about being surprised WWE hasn’t called him back despite his indie success. Has the “King of the Deathmatch” truly moved on from WWE? Penta El Zero Miedo shares his thoughts on WWE acquiring AAA and what it means for Mexican wrestlers. Is this the best opportunity yet for lucha libre talent? We debate the greatest Money in the Bank cash-ins of all time. Is Seth Rollins’ “Heist of the Century” still the best? 💥 Plus, your favorite takes, wrestling banter, and more from the squared circle. 🔥 Discussion Questions: Should Matt Cardona keep grinding on the indie scene or push harder for a WWE return? How might WWE’s AAA buyout reshape lucha libre’s future? Which MITB cash-in deserves the top spot in wrestling history? 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments or email us at [email protected]! 👍 Like, subscribe, and join the conversation every week as we break down the biggest stories in pro wrestling. #MattCardona #WWE #AEW #AAA #ChiTownShootPodcast #ProWrestling #MITB