Nerd To Know Media

📅 Air Date: 30-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on The Wrestling Rewind, Darragh and Christopher return after a short break to tackle some of the biggest stories currently shaping the wrestling world.

We begin with the injury suffered by Logan Paul at Saturday Night's Main Event, discussing the impact of a torn tricep, what it means for The Vision faction, and how WWE may have to adjust its plans heading into SummerSlam.

The conversation then turns to the mystery surrounding CM Punk's absence from WWE television. Is Punk simply taking a well-earned break, or is there more to the story? We also discuss the recent fan interaction controversy involving Punk and why wrestler safety and fan behaviour remain important topics.

We break down Brock Lesnar's shocking return, his renewed rivalry with Oba Femi, and speculate on where WWE may be heading with one of its biggest attractions heading into SummerSlam season.

The AEW discussion focuses on Warner Bros. Discovery, media rights concerns, streaming services, and whether the future of professional wrestling may eventually move entirely away from traditional television.

Finally, we jump back into the Time Machine to revisit No Mercy 1999 (UK), one of WWE's forgotten Attitude Era events. Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin battling Triple H and The Undertaker, Shane McMahon's rise as WWE's top villain, and a unique snapshot of wrestling during one of the most chaotic periods in company history.

🎧 Wrestling news, industry discussion, classic wrestling reviews, and honest opinions every week.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 The Wrestling Rewind Intro

00:57 Christopher Returns to the Show

02:30 Logan Paul Injury Update

05:10 What Happens to The Vision?

08:00 WWE's Tag Team Division Problems

10:45 Where Is CM Punk?

14:00 CM Punk Fan Incident Discussion

18:00 Wrestling Fans Crossing the Line

22:00 Brock Lesnar's Return Explained

26:00 Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi Debate

30:30 SummerSlam Predictions

33:45 AEW's Future on Television

37:30 Streaming vs Traditional TV

41:30 Could AEW Survive Without Cable?

44:00 Time Machine – No Mercy 1999 (UK)

46:00 Shane McMahon's European Championship

48:00 Stone Cold vs Triple H vs Undertaker

50:00 Best and Worst Matches on the Card

52:30 Final Thoughts on No Mercy 1999

54:30 Show Wrap-Up

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Show intro and welcome back

00:57 Christopher's return and podcast recommendations

02:30 Logan Paul injury and recovery timeline

05:10 The future of The Vision faction

08:00 WWE's lack of tag team depth

10:45 Where has CM Punk been?

14:00 CM Punk and fan interaction controversy

18:00 Wrestler safety and fan entitlement discussion

22:00 Brock Lesnar returns to WWE

26:00 Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi rivalry analysis

30:30 SummerSlam booking predictions

33:45 AEW media rights concerns

37:30 Streaming services replacing cable television

41:30 Could AEW move to a direct-to-consumer model?

44:00 Time Machine: No Mercy 1999 (UK)

46:00 Shane McMahon and the European Championship

48:00 Stone Cold vs Triple H vs Undertaker main event

50:00 Match highlights and low points

52:30 Final review score and thoughts

54:30 Closing remarks and plugs

🔗 Follow & Support

🎙 Christopher's Podcasts:

The Josh Zodiac Podcast

The Reel Movie Critics

YouTube: youtube.com/@THEJoshZodiacPodcast

TikTok: tiktok.com/@thejoshzodiacpodcast

X: x.com/joshzodiacpod

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

#TheWrestlingRewind #WrestlingPodcast #WWE #AEW #CMPunk #LoganPaul #BrockLesnar #ObaFemi #SummerSlam #NoMercy1999 #StoneColdSteveAustin #TripleH #Undertaker #ShaneMcMahon #WrestlingHistory #ProWrestling

📅 Air Date: 29-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Cian and Kev battle Ireland's brief but devastating heatwave before diving into a packed discussion covering gaming, television, Spider-Man, noir detective stories, and some surprising industry announcements.

The show opens with an apology for the absence of the planned Mandalorian & Grogu review, after their designated reviewer unexpectedly left the country. Instead, the pair pivot into gaming as Kev shares his recent experiences finishing his Resident Evil marathon, including a brutal setback during a professional difficulty speedrun of Resident Evil 4 Remake that erased four hours of progress in a single missed shot. Kev then reviews Mouse: P.I. For Hire. The gaming discussion continues with an extensive look at Pragmata, Capcom's long-awaited new sci-fi action title.

Switching to television, Cian introduces The Burrows and Spider-Noir, the long-awaited live-action adaptation starring Nicolas Cage. Set in a stylised Depression-era world, the series follows a retired Spider-Man working as a private investigator who becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving classic Spider-Man villains. The pair explore the show's striking black-and-white presentation, its surprisingly faithful use of comic lore, and why Nicolas Cage feels perfectly suited to the role.

To close out the show, Kev recommends the latest season of Game Changer, Dropout's increasingly popular comedy game show. The hosts discuss how its constantly changing format creates one of the most inventive comedy series currently available online, drawing comparisons to Taskmaster while embracing its own uniquely chaotic style.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Heatwave Complaints

01:45 Missing Mandalorian Review

03:30 Resident Evil Disaster

05:20 Mouse: P.I. For Hire Review

11:30 Cartoon Noir & Mouse Nazis

15:00 Pragmata Overview

18:00 Robot Daughter Mechanics

22:00 Why Pragmata Works

27:00 Summer Games Fest Preview

29:30 Witcher 3 New Expansion

34:00 Retro Gaming Discussion

39:00 Danganronpa & Phoenix Wright

31:30 The Burrows Review

41:00 Retirement Home Mystery

46:00 Spider-Noir Begins

50:00 Nicolas Cage As Spider-Man

53:00 Game Changer Recommendation

55:00 Closing Thoughts

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Phoenix FM introduction

01:45 Missing Mandalorian & The Boys review update

03:30 Resident Evil 4 remake speedrun disaster

05:20 Mouse: P.I. For Hire review

11:30 Animation style and historical themes

15:00 Pragmata first impressions

18:00 Combat and companion mechanics

22:00 Story, characters and presentation

27:00 Summer Games Fest discussion

29:30 Witcher 3 expansion announcement

34:00 Console generations and gaming nostalgia

39:00 Danganronpa discussion

31:30 The Burrows review

41:00 Mystery, horror and ageing themes

46:00 Spider-Noir review

50:00 Spider-Man lore and Nicolas Cage performance

53:00 Game Changer recommendation

55:00 Show outro

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

📺 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud and Phoenix 92.5 FM

#NerdToKnowBasis #SpiderNoir #NicolasCage #TheBurrows #Pragmata #MousePIForHire #Capcom #ResidentEvil #TheWitcher3 #SummerGamesFest #Danganronpa #PhoenixWright #GameChanger #DropoutTV #Netflix #GamingPodcast #TVReview #SpiderMan #Noir #PhoenixFM

📅 Air Date: 28-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Cian and Kev return for a deep dive into superheroes, anime, live-action adaptations, and why some stories resonate far more when they focus on people rather than spectacle.

The episode begins with a discussion about modern pop culture and the strange experience of watching newer generations develop their own online language and trends. From there, the conversation shifts into one of the most acclaimed superhero series currently running: Invincible.

Kev shares his thoughts on the latest seasons, exploring why Invincible continues to stand out in an increasingly crowded superhero landscape. The pair discuss the emotional core of Mark Grayson's journey, the arrival of the terrifying Conquest, and how the series manages to balance world-ending stakes with meaningful character development. Comparisons are drawn to both The Boys and Daredevil: Born Again as the hosts debate the growing trend of darker superhero storytelling and whether shock value can ever replace genuine character investment.

The discussion then moves into My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, the long-awaited anime adaptation of the beloved manga spin-off. Kean explains why longtime fans were nervous about the adaptation while Kev highlights how Vigilantes succeeds by focusing on smaller, more personal stories. The team examines why local heroes, community-focused storytelling, and character growth remain so appealing in an era dominated by universe-ending threats and escalating power levels.

To close out the show, Kev launches into a passionate defence of Netflix's One Piece live-action series. As a lifelong fan of Eiichiro Oda's manga, he explains why adapting One Piece seemed impossible for decades and why the Netflix adaptation succeeded where so many anime adaptations have failed. The conversation explores the Straw Hat crew, the journey into the Grand Line, the upcoming Alabasta storyline, and why the cast perfectly captures the spirit of one of the most beloved adventure stories ever created.

Along the way, the hosts discuss concert experiences, generational internet culture, the concept of "brain rot," the challenges of long-running television series, and why more stories should know when to end.

🎧 Superheroes, anime, live-action adaptations, internet culture, and a celebration of character-driven storytelling.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Welcome Back & Catch Up

03:00 Growing Out Of Pop Culture

08:30 Invincible Season 3 Discussion

14:30 Why Invincible Works

21:00 Conquest Arrives

27:30 Daredevil & Superhero Morality

33:00 Grimdark Superhero Debate

39:00 My Hero Academia Vigilantes

46:00 Why Smaller Stories Matter

52:00 One Piece Live Action Season 2

58:00 Entering The Grand Line

01:04:00 The Straw Hat Crew Explained

01:10:00 Why One Piece Works

01:14:00 Final Thoughts & Outro

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Show introduction and catch-up

03:00 Modern pop culture discussion

08:30 Invincible Season 3 review

14:30 Character-driven superhero storytelling

21:00 Conquest and the Viltrumites

27:30 Daredevil: Born Again comparisons

33:00 Dark superhero trends and criticism

39:00 My Hero Academia: Vigilantes review

46:00 Community heroes and smaller stakes

52:00 One Piece live-action discussion

58:00 Grand Line and Alabasta preview

01:04:00 Straw Hat Pirates breakdown

01:10:00 Adapting anime for live action

01:14:00 Closing comments and plugs

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

📺 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud and Phoenix 92.5 FM

#NerdToKnowBasis #Invincible #InvincibleSeason3 #MyHeroAcademia #Vigilantes #OnePiece #OnePieceLiveAction #NetflixOnePiece #Anime #Superheroes #Marvel #DaredevilBornAgain #TheBoys #Conquest #StrawHatPirates #GrandLine #Podcast #PhoenixFM #NerdCulture #AnimePodcast

📅 Air Date: 22-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Darragh, Cian and returning guest Kev tackle a packed episode covering horror, superheroes, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and one very familiar hockey obsession.

The show opens with Kev's long-awaited return before the conversation quickly shifts toward one of the year's most talked-about horror films, Obsession. The team explores why the low-budget horror sensation is resonating so strongly with audiences, examining its themes of toxic relationships, manipulation, autonomy, and psychological horror. Rather than relying solely on jump scares, the film delivers a disturbing exploration of obsession and control that lingers long after the credits roll.

From horror, the discussion moves to Marvel as the crew break down the finale of Daredevil: Born Again. They debate the show's handling of Kingpin, vigilante justice, police power, and whether the series successfully balances its political themes with superhero storytelling. The conversation naturally leads into The Punisher special, exploring how the character fits into the wider MCU and whether Marvel is finally becoming comfortable with more mature storytelling.

The team then turns their attention to Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. While excitement remains high, questions are raised about the enormous cast, celebrity overload, and whether Nolan can successfully deliver a true sword-and-sandal epic. The discussion expands into Greek mythology, ancient history, and even a recommendation for the spectacular Scylla sculptures at Sperlonga in Italy.

Star Wars also enters the firing line as the crew discuss The Mandalorian & Grogu. Concerns are raised about whether the project should have remained a Disney+ series rather than becoming a theatrical film, with debate surrounding franchise fatigue, audience expectations, and the future of Star Wars storytelling.

Finally, in an extended YouTube-exclusive mailbag, the team revisit their previous discussion on Akira. Listener comments spark a fascinating deep dive into the film's plot, themes, post-war Japanese influences, cyberpunk origins, nuclear allegory, and why audiences continue to debate its meaning nearly four decades later.

🎧 Horror, superheroes, anime, mythology, Star Wars criticism, and one of the deepest Akira discussions we've ever had.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Welcome Back Kev

01:20 Hockey Returns Again

02:05 Obsession Review Begins

09:30 Why Obsession Works

15:00 Daredevil Born Again Finale

24:00 Christopher Nolan's Odyssey

26:30 Hades II & Greek Mythology

31:00 Punisher Special Review

38:30 Daredevil's Political Themes

48:00 Mandalorian & Grogu Concerns

56:00 Show Outro

58:15 YouTube Mailbag Begins

59:00 Akira Explained

01:02:00 Akira's Nuclear Themes

01:05:00 Understanding The Ending

01:08:00 Final Thoughts

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Phoenix FM introduction

01:20 Hockey playoff update

02:05 Obsession review and reactions

09:30 Psychological horror discussion

15:00 Daredevil: Born Again finale breakdown

24:00 Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey discussion

26:30 Greek mythology and Hades II

31:00 Punisher special review

38:30 Marvel's political messaging debate

48:00 Mandalorian & Grogu analysis

56:00 Main show closing thoughts

58:15 YouTube-exclusive listener mailbag

59:00 Akira plot explanation

01:02:00 Post-war Japan and cyberpunk themes

01:05:00 Akira ending discussion

01:08:00 Closing comments and plugs

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

📺 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🎙️ Listen on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud and Phoenix 92.5 FM

#NerdToKnowBasis #ObsessionMovie #DaredevilBornAgain #Punisher #TheOdyssey #ChristopherNolan #StarWars #TheMandalorian #Grogu #Akira #Anime #Marvel #Hades2 #GreekMythology #HorrorMovies #Podcast #PhoenixFM #NerdCulture #Cyberpunk #SciFiPodcast

📅 **Air Date:** 16-05-26

📻 **Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM**

This week on The Wrestling Rewind, Darragh and Christopher react to one of the most surprising WWE stories of the year as **The New Day's WWE run appears to come to an abrupt end**. The pair discuss the controversial handling of veteran talent, WWE's ongoing cost-cutting measures under TKO, and whether some of the company's biggest stars are now being treated as disposable assets rather than long-term investments.

We also examine the wider fallout from recent WWE releases, debate whether AEW should sign every available free agent, and discuss how modern wrestling companies balance talent, contracts, and storytelling.

The show then shifts to a tribute to **Ted Turner**, reflecting on the enormous impact he had on professional wrestling through WCW, Monday Nitro, and the Monday Night Wars. We discuss how wrestling today would look very different without Turner’s willingness to challenge WWE and invest in the industry.

Next up is the announcement of the **John Cena Classic**, a new fan-interactive WWE tournament that could feature talent from both WWE and NXT. We debate whether fan voting can still work in modern wrestling and whether WWE can avoid overcomplicating the concept.

We also review **Backlash 2026**, discussing the major matches, surprises, Danhausen’s involvement, and why Christopher gave the event one of the highest ratings he's awarded this year.

Finally, we fire up the Time Machine and head back to **Backlash 1999**, the very first Backlash event. Featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin vs The Rock, Triple H vs X-Pac, The Undertaker vs Ken Shamrock, and Mick Foley’s brutal Boiler Room Brawl, we revisit one of the most entertaining WWF shows of the Attitude Era and compare its storytelling to modern wrestling.

🎧 Honest opinions, wrestling history, industry discussion, and plenty of debate from two fans who still love wrestling.

---

▶️ **YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)**

00:00 The Wrestling Rewind Intro

01:15 The New Day Leave WWE

05:00 Why The Departure Feels Different

09:00 TKO, Pay Cuts & WWE Releases

13:00 Are Wrestlers Just Corporate Assets Now?

16:00 WWE Ticket Prices & Fan Interest

19:30 Two-Night PLEs Under Fire

23:30 WWE Creative Problems

27:00 AEW Signing Released Talent Debate

31:00 Remembering Ted Turner

37:00 John Cena Classic Announced

40:00 Can Fan Voting Work Again?

43:30 Backlash 2026 Review

47:00 Danhausen & Surprise Moments

48:30 Time Machine – Backlash 1999

50:00 Boiler Room Brawl

51:30 Undertaker vs Ken Shamrock

53:00 Austin vs The Rock

55:00 YouTube Comments & Mailbag

57:30 Final Thoughts

---

🎧 **Spotify Timestamps**

00:00 Show intro and Phoenix FM opening

01:15 The New Day's surprising WWE exit

05:00 Why the departure shocked fans

09:00 TKO, pay cuts and roster management

13:00 WWE treating talent as assets discussion

16:00 WWE ticket sales and fan attendance concerns

19:30 The problem with two-night premium live events

23:30 WWE creative direction criticism

27:00 Should AEW sign every released wrestler?

31:00 Ted Turner’s impact on wrestling history

37:00 John Cena announces the Cena Classic

40:00 Fan voting and Cyber Sunday comparisons

43:30 Full Backlash 2026 review

47:00 Danhausen and the mystery partner discussion

48:30 Time Machine: Backlash 1999

50:00 Boiler Room Brawl revisited

51:30 Undertaker vs Ken Shamrock

53:00 Steve Austin vs The Rock

55:00 Listener comments and community discussion

57:30 Closing thoughts and plugs

---

🔗 **Follow & Support**

🎙 **Christopher's Podcast: The Josh Zodiac Podcast**

YouTube: youtube.com/@THEJoshZodiacPodcast

TikTok: tiktok.com/@thejoshzodiacpodcast

X: x.com/joshzodiacpod

🐦 **Darragh on X:** @darraghwv

🌐 **Website:** nerdtoknowmedia.com

#TheWrestlingRewind #WWE #AEW #TheNewDay #JohnCena #Backlash #TedTurner #WCW #WrestlingPodcast #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #Backlash1999 #WWEReleases #TKO #Danhausen

📅 Air Date: 14-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Darragh and Cian dive into a packed discussion covering theme parks, blockbuster franchises, cult movies, horror cinema, and the changing landscape of modern filmmaking.

The show begins with Darragh reporting back from California after visiting Disneyland and Galaxy’s Edge, where major changes appear to be underway in Star Wars Land. With Original Trilogy characters now appearing throughout the park and sequel-era elements quietly being reduced, the pair debate whether Disney is slowly repositioning Star Wars away from the controversial sequel trilogy and towards its more beloved legacy characters.

From there, the conversation turns to movies, beginning with a surprisingly positive review of Mortal Kombat 2. Darragh explains why the sequel succeeds where the 2021 film failed, embracing the over-the-top action, fatalities, and video-game spectacle fans expect while finally delivering something that feels authentically Mortal Kombat. The pair also revisit the infamous Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and discuss why it became one of the internet's favourite "so bad it's good" movies.

The discussion then shifts toward Irish horror cinema with a review of Hokum, the latest unsettling folk-horror experience from the creator of Caveat. Darragh explores how rural Ireland, folklore, guilt, and isolation combine to create a uniquely Irish horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Another standout recommendation is Bogonia, a bizarre high-concept sci-fi thriller starring Emma Stone. What begins as a story about conspiracy theorists kidnapping a pharmaceutical CEO evolves into something far stranger, leading to a discussion about challenging films, unconventional storytelling, and why audiences should seek out original movies that take risks.

The episode closes with a broader conversation about the state of cinema. Are audiences finally moving beyond endless franchise sequels? Has the rise of independent studios and risk-taking filmmakers created a new creative boom? Darragh and Cian examine how companies like A24, streaming platforms, and audience fatigue may be reshaping the future of film.

🎧 From Star Wars speculation and theme park politics to brutal video game adaptations, Irish horror, and the future of filmmaking, this is one of the show's most film-focused episodes yet.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Show Intro & Weather Chaos

03:30 Star Wars Land Updates

08:00 Galaxy’s Edge & Disney Changes

14:30 Why Batuu Never Worked

20:00 The Future of Star Wars

28:00 Mortal Kombat 2 Review

35:00 Mortal Kombat Annihilation Memories

43:00 Why MK2 Actually Works

48:00 Hokum Review

54:00 Irish Horror Renaissance

58:00 Bogonia & Weird Cinema

01:05:00 Directors With Unique Voices

01:10:00 Are Franchises Dying?

01:16:00 Future of Movies Discussion

01:20:00 Final Thoughts & Plugs

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Phoenix FM opening and introductions

03:30 Disneyland and Star Wars updates

08:00 Changes happening inside Galaxy's Edge

14:30 Why fans struggled with Batuu

20:00 Disney and the future of Star Wars

28:00 Mortal Kombat 2 review

35:00 Revisiting Mortal Kombat Annihilation

43:00 Why the new film succeeds

48:00 Hokum review and Irish horror discussion

54:00 Caveat and modern Irish horror films

58:00 Bogonia review

01:05:00 Emma Stone and auteur filmmaking

01:10:00 The return of original cinema

01:16:00 Franchise fatigue and audience trends

01:20:00 Closing thoughts

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

📺 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🎙 Broadcast Weekly on Phoenix 92.5 FM

#NerdToKnowBasis #StarWars #GalaxysEdge #MortalKombat2 #Disneyland #Hokum #IrishHorror #Bogonia #EmmaStone #Movies #FilmReview #GeekCulture #NerdToKnowMedia #PhoenixFM #StarWarsLand #MortalKombat #Cinema #A24

📅 Air Date: 01-05-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Darragh and Cian dive into one of the most nostalgia-filled television returns of recent years as Malcolm in the Middle makes its long-awaited comeback.

The pair break down Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, discussing whether the revival successfully captures the magic of the original series, how the characters have evolved over the last twenty years, and why the show's unique blend of comedy, heart, and chaos still works today.

The conversation expands into a wider look at sitcoms and television comedy, exploring how Malcolm helped change the landscape of TV comedy, the legacy of shows like Scrubs and Modern Family, and why some classic sitcoms have aged better than others.

We also take a look at Channel 4's Big Mood, starring Nicola Coughlan, examining how modern comedy-drama continues to evolve by tackling difficult subjects such as mental health, grief, and friendship while still delivering genuine laughs.

Things then take a turn towards science fiction and action as we review Predator: Badlands and discuss why the Predator franchise may currently be in better shape than Alien. From new interpretations of the Yautja culture to creative storytelling choices, we explore why these recent entries are winning over longtime fans.

Finally, the show's growing YouTube community takes centre stage as we read listener comments from our recent Akira discussion, leading to a fascinating debate about one of anime's most influential and misunderstood films.

🎧 Nostalgia, science fiction, television history, Predator action, and anime philosophy — exactly the kind of madness you'd expect from Nerd To Know Basis.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Show Intro

01:00 Darragh's Hockey Obsession Continues

05:30 Malcolm in the Middle Returns

12:00 Why Malcolm Changed TV Comedy

18:30 Legacy Sequels Done Right

24:00 Big Mood Review

30:30 Modern Comedy & Mental Health

35:30 Predator: Badlands Review

42:00 Why Predator Is Thriving Again

46:30 Predator: Killer of Killers Discussion

50:00 Akira Listener Mailbag

55:00 Why Akira Still Confuses Everyone

59:00 Final Thoughts & Plugs

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Phoenix FM opening and introductions

01:00 Hockey playoffs and growing popularity

05:30 Malcolm in the Middle revival discussion

12:00 The legacy of Malcolm and sitcom evolution

18:30 Legacy sequels and storytelling done right

24:00 Big Mood review and Channel 4 comedy

30:30 Comedy, grief and mental health themes

35:30 Predator: Badlands review

42:00 The current state of the Predator franchise

46:30 Predator: Killer of Killers discussion

50:00 YouTube comments and Akira reactions

55:00 Why Akira remains influential today

59:00 Closing thoughts and show wrap-up

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: Nerd To Know Media

📺 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media YouTube Channel

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

📻 Listen every week on Phoenix 92.5 FM

#NerdToKnowBasis #MalcolmInTheMiddle #PredatorBadlands #Predator #Akira #BigMood #TVReview #SciFi #Animation #Channel4 #DisneyPlus #Podcast #PhoenixFM #NerdToKnowMedia #MovieReview #TVPodcast

📅 Air Date: 26-04-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on Nerd To Know Basis, Darragh and Cian cover a packed week of cinema, streaming, and sci-fi — with everything from disappointing reboots to genuinely terrifying horror and a return to anime greatness.

We kick things off with an unexpected deep dive into Ireland’s growing ice hockey craze, and what it could mean for the future of sports and live entertainment in the country.

From there, Darragh breaks down a huge week at the cinema, starting with a brutally honest review of The Mummy, which fails to deliver on its premise and leans too heavily into unfocused possession horror. In contrast, They Will Kill You delivers chaotic, gory fun with strong performances and clear world-building that actually works.

Things take a darker turn with Undertone, a minimalist horror built around podcasting and sound design that proves you don’t need big visuals to create real fear. It’s easily one of the most effective horror experiences discussed on the show in years.

We also revisit Akira on the big screen, celebrating its legacy as one of the most influential anime films ever made — even if it remains as mysterious and mind-bending as ever.

Plus, we preview upcoming Irish horror Hokum, discuss the challenges of modern horror storytelling, and dive into the latest Star Wars series, exploring its darker tone, grounded storytelling, and how it fits into the evolving direction of the franchise.

🎧 Honest reviews, deep dives, and a mix of chaos and insight you won’t want to miss.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 Nerd To Know Basis Intro

01:00 Ireland’s Ice Hockey Boom

06:30 Why Ireland Needs a Rink

10:30 Cinema Binge Week Begins

14:00 The Mummy Review – What Went Wrong

20:30 Modern Horror Problems

25:00 They Will Kill You Review

31:00 Why World-Building Matters

35:00 Undertone – The Scariest Film of the Year?

42:00 Horror Through Sound Design

46:30 Akira Rewatch on the Big Screen

52:00 Why Akira Still Matters

56:00 Irish Horror Spotlight – Hokum

59:00 Star Wars: Darker Direction

01:03:00 Final Thoughts

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Show intro and Phoenix FM opening

01:00 Ice hockey discussion and Irish growth

06:30 Arena potential and missed opportunities

10:30 Dara’s cinema binge overview

14:00 The Mummy review and criticism

20:30 Issues with modern horror films

25:00 They Will Kill You breakdown

31:00 Importance of strong world-building

35:00 Undertone review and analysis

42:00 Sound design in horror discussion

46:30 Akira cinema experience

52:00 Anime influence and legacy

56:00 Hokum preview and Irish horror

59:00 Star Wars series discussion

01:03:00 Closing thoughts and plugs

🔗 Follow & Support

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🎥 YouTube: Nerd To Know Media

#NerdToKnowBasis #MoviePodcast #FilmReview #HorrorMovies #Akira #StarWars #Podcast #IrishPodcast #Cinema

📅 Air Date: 27-04-26

📻 Broadcast on Phoenix 92.5 FM

This week on The Wrestling Rewind, Dara and Christopher break down one of the most chaotic weeks in modern wrestling — as WrestleMania 42 leaves fans frustrated, confused, and searching for answers.

We dive straight into a brutally honest review of WrestleMania, with Night One being labelled one of the worst in recent memory, while Night Two manages to recover slightly with stronger in-ring performances. From questionable celebrity involvement to inconsistent storytelling, we discuss how WWE’s biggest show of the year feels like it’s losing its identity.

A major talking point is the growing influence of TKO Group Holdings on WWE creative, with reports suggesting increased executive interference. We debate whether this shift is behind the decline in match quality, strange booking decisions, and the over-reliance on viral moments instead of meaningful storytelling.

The episode also unfolds in real time as a massive wave of WWE releases hits during recording. Names like Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Kairi Sane, and the Motor City Machine Guns are among those let go, sparking discussion about WWE’s direction, talent management, and where these wrestlers could land next — including potential moves to All Elite Wrestling or Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

We also cover standout moments from the weekend, including the return of the Demon persona for Finn Bálor, the chaotic Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton main event, and a huge statement victory for Oba Femi over Brock Lesnar that could signal a major changing of the guard.

Despite the frustration, we stick to our core mission — finding the positives in wrestling, even when the industry makes it difficult.

🎧 Honest opinions, real-time reactions, and a WrestleMania fallout you won’t want to miss.

▶️ YouTube Chapters (Short & Punchy)

00:00 The Wrestling Rewind Intro

01:00 WrestleMania Hangover Begins

03:30 WrestleMania Food Prices & Live Experience

06:30 WWE Releases Begin (Breaking News)

10:30 Wyatt Six Fallout Discussion

14:00 TKO Creative Control Debate

18:30 Celebrity Involvement Problem

23:00 Night One Review – A Disaster

28:30 Paige Return & Women’s Tag Controversy

32:30 More WWE Releases (Live Updates)

36:00 Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton Breakdown

41:30 Why the Main Event Failed

45:00 Night Two Highlights & Ladder Match

49:00 Finn Bálor Demon Return

52:30 Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi Shock Result

56:00 More Releases Reaction & Industry Impact

59:30 Final Thoughts

🎧 Spotify Timestamps

00:00 Show intro and Phoenix FM opening

01:00 WrestleMania weekend reactions

03:30 Live event pricing and fan experience

06:30 WWE releases discussion begins

10:30 Wyatt Six and booking issues

14:00 TKO’s role in WWE creative

18:30 Celebrity appearances in wrestling

23:00 WrestleMania Night One review

28:30 Women’s tag title controversy

32:30 Ongoing release updates

36:00 Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton analysis

41:30 Main event criticism

45:00 Night Two improvements

49:00 Finn Bálor Demon return discussion

52:30 Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar fallout

56:00 Impact of WWE releases on industry

59:30 Closing thoughts and plugs

🔗 Follow & Support

🎙 Christopher's Podcast: The Josh Zodiac Podcast

YouTube: youtube.com/@THEJoshZodiacPodcast

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🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

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WrestleMania 32 Review – Spectacle vs Reality

📅 Air Date: 21-04-26

This week on The Wrestling Rewind, we jump back to 2016 to break down one of the most spectacular yet exhausting WrestleManias ever — WrestleMania 32.

With over 80,000 fans packed into AT&T Stadium, the show looked incredible… but did it actually deliver where it mattered?

We dig into the huge gap between live experience and watching it back, with Christopher sharing what it was like inside the building — and why being there might be the only way this show truly works.

From a standout Intercontinental Ladder Match, to the divisive Shane McMahon vs The Undertaker Hell in a Cell, and a main event many fans would rather forget, this is a WrestleMania defined by moments… not matches.

We also get into:

Why Zack Ryder’s big moment didn’t last

The rise of Charlotte Flair and the future of the women’s division

Why AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho quietly stole the show

The disaster of Brock Lesnar vs Dean Ambrose

And how legends like The Rock and John Cena should actually be used at WrestleMania

Plus, we talk about how this show feels trapped in its era thanks to the heavy push of the WWE Network — and why it hasn’t aged well compared to true classics.

▶️ YouTube Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Time Machine Back to 2016

02:30 – The Spectacle of WrestleMania 32

06:00 – Being There Live vs Watching Back

10:30 – Ladder Match Steals the Show

14:30 – Zack Ryder’s Moment Ruined

18:00 – Women’s Triple Threat Debate

23:00 – Lesnar vs Ambrose Disaster

27:30 – Hell in a Cell: One Spot Match

34:30 – Shane’s Jump & Crowd Reaction

38:30 – AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho

42:30 – League of Nations & Legends Segment

46:00 – Rock & Cena Done Right

50:30 – Why This Show Feels Dated

55:00 – Final Ratings & Verdict

🎧 Spotify-Formatted Timestamps

00:00 Intro and WrestleMania 32 overview

02:30 The scale and spectacle of the event

06:00 Live crowd experience vs rewatch value

10:30 Intercontinental ladder match breakdown

14:30 Zack Ryder’s short-lived title win

18:00 Women’s triple threat and Charlotte’s win

23:00 Brock Lesnar vs Dean Ambrose review

27:30 Undertaker vs Shane McMahon build and issues

34:30 The Hell in a Cell spot and aftermath

38:30 AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho analysis

42:30 League of Nations and legends segment

46:00 The Rock and John Cena segment

50:30 WWE Network era dating the show

55:00 Final thoughts and rating

🔗 Follow & Support

🎙 Christopher's Podcast: The Josh Zodiac Podcast

YouTube: youtube.com/@THEJoshZodiacPodcast

TikTok: tiktok.com/@thejoshzodiacpodcast

X: x.com/joshzodiacpod

🐦 Darragh on X: @darraghwv

🌐 Website: nerdtoknowmedia.com

#TheWrestlingRewind #WrestleMania32 #WWE #AJStyles #Undertaker #ShaneMcMahon #JohnCena #TheRock #WrestlingPodcast