Welcome to Tape Study 2.0 - Post Wrestling School Tape Study for Wrestlers and Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

Episode Overview

In this episode, we dive deep into a structured framework for professional wrestling tape study. Moving away from surface-level critiques, we explore how to conduct an objective, clinical analysis of a match to dissect character logic, narrative progression, and storytelling mechanics. Using real-world match breakdowns—including Gabe Kidd vs. Drilla Moloney—we analyze how the classic three-act structure applies inside the squared circle and how performers can elevate their craft through intentional psychology.

Key Topics & Timestamps

• – Introduction to Objective Tape Study

  • Why surface-level match reviews fall short when trying to learn in-ring psychology.

  • Shifting from a fan or critic perspective to an objective, clinical analytical framework.

• – The Three-Act Structure & Storytelling Mechanics

  • Applying narrative arc principles and the three-act structure to match construction.

  • Evaluating character logic, motivation, and seamless narrative progression.

• – Match Breakdown: Gabe Kidd vs. Drilla Moloney

  • Analyzing the character logic and storytelling dynamics in Kidd vs. Moloney.

  • Key lessons performers can take away from this specific match analysis.

• – Actionable Tools for Performers

  • Developing educational checklists to systematically audit in-ring psychology.

  • How wrestlers can use tape study to identify bad habits and refine match pacing.

• – Resources, Mentorship, & Deep Dives

  • Overview of the content ecosystem built around tape study framework.

  • How to access mentorship resources, checklists, and written deep dives.

Key Takeaways

• Clinical Analysis > Personal Opinion: True tape study requires dissecting structural choices, character decisions, and pacing rather than grading a match on personal preference.

• Narrative Foundations Matter: Understanding character logic and the three-act structure is what turns a series of moves into a compelling story.

• Systematic Learning: Utilizing structured educational checklists makes self-evaluation and match auditing repeatable and actionable for performers.

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Substack: Visit the home base for deep-dive written breakdowns and detailed match analysis.

• Buy Me a Coffee: Access practical, upgradeable mentorship resources, educational checklists, and support the show.

Editor's Note: The news itself isn't breaking anymore. The sale happened days ago. What I want to focus on is why it happened, what led to it, and where NJPW goes from here because I think that's the conversation wrestling fans should be having.***

https://marieshadows.substack.com

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast, hosted by Marie Shadows!

From CyberAgent and ABEMA to AEW's influence on the roster, here's why this sale matters more than most fans realize.

Summary:
Marie Shadows breaks down Bushiroad’s sale of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the financial context behind the decision, the implications of AEW partnerships on star power, and what NJPW’s future might look like on new streaming platforms. She gives candid opinions on dual contracts, wrestling storylines, and the missed opportunities for US expansion.Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro & Bushiroad announcement context
• 01:00 – Financial analysis: 10 billion yen loan & implications
• 05:00 – NJPW’s ownership transfer to TVA & Cyber Agent
• 06:30 – AEW partnership critique & star power migration
• 15:00 – United Empire storyline & Ospreay/Death Riders commentary
• 22:00 – Dual contracts vs WWE partnerships
• 25:00 – Why Bushiroad sold NJPW, not Stardom
• 30:00 – Streaming platforms: ABEMA & Cyber Agent opportunities
• 35:00 – AEW content removal from NJPW World
• 42:00 – Future strategies: US expansion & fan engagement
• 50:00 – Outro & Substack/merch plug

Show Notes:

• Discusses the financial and strategic implications of NJPW’s sale.
• Reviews AEW partnership and talent migration.
• Comments on storylines like United Empire and Will Ospreay.
• Highlights future possibilities with Cyber Agent, ABEMA, and US tours.
• Provides direct opinions and advice for NJPW management and fans.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows.

For all new, first hearing of my livestreams and podcasts, and what I'm sharing online, Substack and Instagram is where I'm at. Please follow the links:

https://buymeacoffee.com/marieshadows

https://marieshadows.substack.com

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00:00 - 01:50
Marie Shadows opens the episode discussing her content creation goals, her wrestling coverage ambitions, her Tennessee scouting trip, and promoting her tape study sessions for wrestlers looking to improve their matches.

01:52 - 05:30
The conversation shifts into Kevin Nash’s comments regarding rumored WWE pay cuts and the idea of wrestlers potentially aligning with SAG or union structures.

05:31 - 12:30
Marie breaks down why unions sound good in theory but become far more complicated once applied to industries like professional wrestling.

12:31 - 18:00
The discussion intensifies around online arguments with House of Hasbro, accusations of being “anti-union,” and the broader issue of people refusing to analyze consequences objectively.

18:01 - 24:30
Workers rights, healthcare, parental leave, deductions, and union fees become a major focus as Marie questions how sustainable blanket systems really are across every industry.

24:31 - 31:20
The episode explores why wrestling’s creative structure could completely collapse under heavy union involvement, especially involving creative decisions and storyline disputes.

31:21 - 37:45
International business, sponsorships, royalties, and wrestling’s unique economics become central to the discussion as Marie explains why wrestling differs from normal entertainment industries.

37:46 - 43:20
Teachers unions become a major comparison point, including discussions about school systems, classroom funding, and why unions are not always fixing the industries they represent.

43:21 - 48:40
Marie explains the difference between criticism and being labeled “anti” something, while also discussing how online conversations have become emotionally reactive instead of thoughtful.

48:41 - End
The episode closes with a deeper breakdown of why professional wrestling could become damaged if union structures begin controlling too many aspects of the industry.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows. Marie Shadow catches you up on her life and talk about TKO/WWE + WrestleMania review + a mini NJPW conversation.

Video is available on:

https://marieshadows.substack.com

https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

***

Marie Shadows returns to the Square Circle Podcast with a Substack-exclusive episode breaking down the deeper realities behind WWE’s current direction under TKO.

From WrestleMania’s presentation and ad-heavy structure to the real role of advertisers and the influence of social media personalities, this episode challenges surface-level wrestling discourse and pushes listeners to think critically about how the industry actually operates.

• TKO’s influence on WWE and why it doesn’t align with wrestling’s structure
• WrestleMania in Las Vegas and the idea of “safe” corporate environments
• Why advertisers — not ticket sales — drive the business
• The illusion of fan outrage vs real financial impact
• Influencers, access, and why industry change rarely happens
• Match quality vs ad placement and pacing issues
• WWE releases and shifting philosophy toward athletes vs wrestlers

• WWE is being treated like a fight promotion instead of a storytelling engine
• Advertisers dictate more than fans realize
• Complaining without action changes nothing
• Influencer culture is tied to access, not advocacy
• WrestleMania is shifting toward spectacle over substance

Notable Quote: “They already got paid.”

Follow Marie Shadows on Substack for exclusive episodes

Join the conversation about wrestling industry structure, not just surface-level takes

Support independent wrestling analysis that challenges the norm

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows

https://marieshadows.substack.com

Please leave a comment, share, and listen! Thank you!

***In this episode of Square Circle Podcast, Evil and I dive into the chaotic excitement of Battle Riot — an event that felt like the Super Bowl of wrestling. With Evil fresh off the event and me soaking in all the drama from home, we’re breaking down the action, surprises, and big moments that went down.Timestamps:

[00:00] – Intro
Marie Shadows and Dos Evil open the show and set the tone for a full Battle Riot breakdown from start to finish.

[03:15] – Overall Feel of Battle Riot
First impressions of the event. Did it feel structured? Did it feel like MLW’s tentpole show? Discussion on pacing and presentation.

[08:40] – Early Card Match Reactions
Quick breakdown of the opening matches, in-ring quality, and what felt like setup versus payoff.

[15:20] – Middleweight Championship Match
Full discussion of Kushida winning the MLW Middleweight Championship.
Why Marie and Dos Evil have been advocating for Kwon to win the title — and how Kushida taking it shifts the division.

[23:10] – Kushida Joins Contra
The bigger twist of the night.
What Kushida aligning with Contra means for the faction, the championship, and especially for Kwon’s trajectory.

[30:45] – Kwon’s Position Moving Forward
Is this delay building something bigger?
What this means politically within the division and how Kwon fits into the evolving picture.

[38:00] – The Battle Riot Match Breakdown
Structure of the Riot match.
Key eliminations.
Who gained momentum even without winning.

[48:30] – Standout Performances & Momentum Shifts
Who elevated themselves on this card?
Who feels positioned for the next step?

[55:10] – MLW’s Direction After Battle Riot
Does this show feel like a reset?
Where the major storylines seem to be heading.

[1:02:00] – Final Thoughts
Closing reflections on Battle Riot, Kushida as champion, Contra’s evolution, and what needs to happen next.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcat by your host Marie Shadows!

Squared Circle Podcast and Discord Notes will be on Patreon and Rumble! Youtube has made my videos stagnat! Join me over at Rumble and Patreon! Any support helps keep me independent! See you in chat!

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows

In this episode, Marie Shadows breaks down WWE's Royal Rumble 2026 from Riyadh, calling out fanboys for blind acceptance, critiquing Gunther's "career killer" gimmick, AJ Styles' retirement match, and John Cena's lackluster final bout.

She ties it all to bigger issues in wrestling fandom, nuclear heat in 2026, and why pushing back matters.

Plus, promos for Patreon exclusives like Tape Study and Discord Notes.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and comment—did AJ's retirement feel wrong to you? Follow on Spotify for more reviews.

Support on Patreon (patreon.com/MarieShadows) for unlimited Tape Study, JCW Lunacy breakdowns, and Discord Notes archives.

Check uncensored content on Rumble.com/user/MarieShadows.

Timestamps:

00:00:02 - Intro: Dislike for WWE fanboys accepting everything without pushback

00:00:47 - Real fans' valid dissatisfaction vs. complainers

00:01:11 - John Cena's final match: Worst ever, full breakdown on Patreon

00:01:37 - Patreon promo: Free follows, $7.50 tier for exclusives

00:02:44 - Welcome to Square Circle Podcast: Royal Rumble review

00:03:00 - WWE's bad decisions tying Cena's match to Rumble issues

00:03:37 - Gunther as "career killer": Doesn't make sense at 38

00:04:44 - No true nuclear heat in 2026 wrestling (except JCW Lunacy)

00:06:21 - Fanboy reactions to Cena's match: Gaslighting valid feelings

00:07:42 - Tournament for Cena's opponent was lame—should've played the hits

00:08:53 - AJ Styles' retirement at Rumble: Not accepting it yet

00:09:28 - Gunther vs. AJ should've been Cena's match level

00:10:04 - Wrestling subject to change—don't accept retirements blindly

00:11:07 - Rumble matches overview: Men's (Roman wins), Women's (Liv wins)

00:12:19 - Saudi Arabia hosting: Fan hypocrisy on human rights

00:15:02 - Gunther doesn't have nuclear heat—boos are superficial

00:17:13 - Don't let fanboys bully you into liking bad booking

00:18:50 - Rumble got a genuine reaction from me—WWE did its job

00:20:33 - Outro: Comments, polls, follow on Spotify

00:21:58 - Promotions: Rumble, Patreon, Substack, YouTube

00:23:26 - Discord Notes promo: Ep 10 on ICE "whitewashing" and Ava tweet

00:26:13 - Patreon value: Honest feedback, no sugarcoating

00:28:37 - Why Discord Notes exists: Uncomfortable conversations for growth

00:30:03 - Final thanks and sign-off

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

Visit:

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows

In this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down Wrestle Kingdom 20 (January 4, 2026), focusing on the chaotic NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag "Ranbo" opener and the IWGP/STRONG Women's title match between Syuri and Saya Kamitani.

I also go in-depth on why activist commentary (feminism, "women fighting for visibility") feels out of place in NJPW, cultural respect for Japan, why the women's titles feel like an afterthought, and how Stardom can headline the Tokyo Dome on merit—not gender narratives.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & Wrestle Kingdom 20 overview

1:45 - NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag "Ranbo" (Zack Sabre Jr., Oiwa & Hartley win)

4:20 - The IWGP Women's & STRONG Women's title match (Syuri becomes double champ)

7:10 - Rant starts: Commentary activism & inserting "woke" narratives

12:30 - Respecting Japanese culture vs. American ideology imports

18:45 - Why the IWGP Women's title exists + Stardom as separate division

25:10 - Merit over gender quotas; Stardom selling out Tokyo Dome on its own

32:00 - Women's wrestling observations: safety, training, storytelling

40:15 - Final thoughts: Retire the titles? Revive NJPW Strong?

45:50 - Outro & call to action

If you're tired of forced narratives and want real talk on wrestling, hit like/subscribe/comment your thoughts below. No brainwashing here—just passion for the squared circle.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

https://rumble.com/marieshadows

https://marieshadows.substack.com

Dive into my raw take on Wrestle Kingdom 20's fatal four-way match for Doki's IWGP Junior Heavyweight contendership: El Desperado vs. Taiji Ishimori vs. Sho vs. Kosei Fujita. Plus, my rant on why commentary (Walker Stewart) is killing kayfabe with lectures and fake outrage. Heels like Doki deserve better—let's talk real wrestling!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Intro to the Episode and Wrestle Kingdom 20

00:00:32 - Open Mind Warning and Commentary Issues

00:01:36 - Human Nature vs. Utopia Lectures

00:02:50 - Individuality and Why We Don't All Agree

00:03:27 - Rant on Fake Outrage and Woke Commentary

00:04:50 - Doki's Quote and Walker's Lecture

00:06:11 - Heels Being Heels: Kayfabe Explained

00:07:53 - Doki's Confidence vs. Tanahashi's Tour

00:09:17 - Destroying Characters with Lectures

00:10:34 - Why Vince Was in Commentators' Ears

00:12:15 - Japanese vs. English Commentary Preference

00:13:33 - Heels Can't Be Heels Anymore

00:15:03 - Veda Scott Commentary Example

00:16:25 - Commentary's True Job: Storytelling

00:17:21 - Match Breakdown Starts

00:18:58 - Why Not Sho vs. Doki? Storytelling Potential

00:20:54 - Match Action: Attacks, Teams, Shenanigans

00:22:57 - House Interference and Commentary Whining

00:24:10 - Enjoy Wrestling as Escape

00:25:52 - Robbie Eagles & X Help Out

00:26:05 - El Desperado Wins: My Thoughts

00:27:00 - Fantasy Booking Sho vs. Doki

00:29:04 - Elevating House of Torture's Playbook

00:31:02 - Master Wato Deserves a Shot

00:31:37 - Final Rant: No Activists on Commentary

00:33:51 - Respect Individuality

00:34:56 - Outro and See You Next Time

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

Support:

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

https://marieshadows.substack.com

https://campsite.bio/marieshadows

https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows

In this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down that chaotic ten-man tag from Wrestle Kingdom 20: Bullet Club War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Drilla Moloney) teaming with the unaffiliated LIJ pieces (Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi) against a rebuilt United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Andrade El Idolo, Jake Lee).

HENARE is completely exempt—he’s a warrior, loyal as hell, and the only one I still fully believe in. The match had wild energy—twisting corkscrews from Andrade, DDTs and suplexes from Shingo, Drilla Killer, stunners, spinebusters, Finlay & Hiromu using each other as human weapons (their classic circumstantial teammate dynamic). But the finish? Jake Lee hits a big boot on Hiromu for the clean pin—abrupt, flat, and one of the weakest endings I’ve seen for a match with this much built-in heat.

The story was Callum vs. Finlay—why not let one of them get the decisive fall? That layup was right there. Post-match, Francesco Akira returns in a hoodie, superkicks Hiromu, unmasks… and gets zero pop. It just fell flat.

The bigger issue: lost identities. United Empire used to have class, structure, and purpose—Ospreay & Fletcher leaving wrecked it, no real handover, now random additions like Andrade funding and Jake Lee jumping over.

What does it even stand for anymore? Callum’s whiny brat heel push has emotion but no control. Bullet Club War Dogs + Unaffiliated are floating too—fractured after Naito/Bushi, Tsuji didn’t seize his moment. Both sides drifting, no direction, no convictions.

New Japan needs urgency in storytelling again. If Callum had swung a chair at Ospreay during New Year’s Dash instead of hugging it out? Real teacher-vs-student arc. That’s the fire we’re missing.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Why These 5-on-5 Matches Feel Off

01:20 - HENARE Exempt – Warrior Forever

02:45 - United Empire in Shambles: Ospreay/Fletcher Exit, Drama, Lost Identity

07:10 - Callum Newman’s Heel Turn – Growth or Just Whiny Brat?

11:30 - Bullet Club War Dogs + Unaffiliated LIJ: Floating & Directionless

14:50 - Match Highlights – Chaos, Double Teams, Human Weapons

19:00 - Commentary Rant: Stop Acting Shocked at Finlay/Hiromu

22:40 - The Abrupt Finish: Jake Lee Pins Hiromu – Weakest Ever?

26:15 - Francesco Akira Return Falls Completely Flat

29:00 - Lost Identities: Factions Need Meaning & Convictions

32:30 - Final Thoughts – Faith in HENARE, Frustration with the Rest

35:00 - Call to Action: Comment, Like, Subscribe, Join Patreon

What did you think of the finish? Should Callum have pinned Finlay? Drop your thoughts below—keep it civil!

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

Please support via these links!

https://patreon.com/marieshadows

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Aaron Wolf shocked the wrestling world by winning the NEVER Openweight Championship in his NJPW pro wrestling debut against EVIL at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Olympic judo gold medalist to champion in one match? Bold move... but is it good booking?

In this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down why I'm not a fan of Aaron Wolf... yet. From the pre-shaved head twist killing the stipulation stakes, to the kayfabe issues of a newcomer surviving full House of Torture chaos, to EVIL being the ultimate selfless company man — we dive deep.

I also discuss the NEVER title's faded relevance in 2026, why the Young Lion system needs rethinking (Tanahashi's WWE envy is telling), and NJPW's bigger problems with faction stagnation and uneven pushes.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro & my stance: Not a fan of Aaron Wolf... yet

1:45 – NEVER Openweight history & why it feels outdated now

4:20 – Aaron Wolf's background vs. NJPW's newcomer model

7:10 – The buildup & that hair-shaving stipulation nonsense

9:50 – Match breakdown: House of Torture shenanigans overload

13:30 – Kayfabe problems — how does a debutant survive all that?

17:05 – EVIL appreciation: The Miz of NJPW, selfless vet

20:15 – Young Lion system critique (too long, too rigid)

24:40 – Broader NJPW issues: Factions, loyalty, and pushing the wrong people

28:20 – Final thoughts & hope on the horizon (Tsuji as champ)

30:45 – Upcoming: April 6, 2026 NJPW Las Vegas event

32:00 – Outro & call to comment/subscribe