Squared Circle Podcast

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows and Dos Evil dive into MLW Intimidation Games 2025, offering insightful commentary on the standout moments and underlying storylines. They break down the surprising decision to open with a match rather than a promo, analyze Contra’s ongoing recruitment attempts, and evaluate MLW’s unique production choices. The hosts also share their thoughts on the upcoming Battle Riot event and speculate on the future of faction warfare in MLW.Timestamps and Topics

• 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome and catch-up with Dos Evil.

• 00:06 - First Impressions: Reactions to the opening match choice.

• 00:32 - Faction Drama: Contra’s recruitment attempts and Kojima’s refusal.

• 01:00 - Production Choices: Discussing MLW’s taping style and how it impacts storytelling.

• 01:25 - Predictions: Thoughts on the upcoming Battle Riot event.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows.

In this in-depth episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows provides a passionate and detailed analysis of the New Japan Cup 2025. From the grueling semifinal matches featuring David Finlay, Zack Sabre Jr., Shota Umino, and Shingo Takagi, to the emotional and hard-fought final between Finlay and Umino, Marie leaves no stone unturned.

She explores Finlay’s masterful strategic approach and Umino’s relentless resilience, discussing how each wrestler showcased their strengths and fought to prove their dominance in NJPW. Marie also dives into the psychological warfare present in the matches and how storytelling played a significant role in delivering emotional moments for fans.

Beyond the matches, Marie shares her unfiltered thoughts on the current state of NJPW Strong pay-per-views, questioning their effectiveness without consistent weekly programming. Additionally, she analyzes David Finlay’s surprising offer to Shota Umino to join Bullet Club War Dogs, offering insights into how this decision could shape Umino’s career and alter NJPW's faction landscape.

Throughout the episode, Marie’s experience and knowledge shine as she delivers engaging commentary, drawing connections between character development, in-ring psychology, and long-term storytelling. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the significance of the New Japan Cup and what it means for NJPW’s future.Marie Shadows breaks down the epic semifinals and finals of the New Japan Cup 2025. From David Finlay's commanding presence and tactical wins to Shota Umino's resilient efforts, every moment is analyzed. Plus, hear Marie's passionate take on NJPW Strong pay-per-views, David Finlay's offer to Umino, and what it all means for the future of Bullet Club War Dogs.

Podcast Timestamps

• Intro and Overview (00:00)

• David Finlay vs. Zack Sabre Jr. Semifinal Match Analysis (07:00)

• Shota Umino vs. Shingo Takagi Semifinal Match Breakdown (15:00)

• Final Match: Finlay vs. Umino Recap and Key Moments (30:00)

• Marie’s Thoughts on NJPW Strong Pay-Per-Views (45:00)

• David Finlay’s Offer to Shota Umino Discussion (55:00)

• Bullet Club War Dogs and NJPW's Future (1:05:00)

• Audience Questions and Final Thoughts (1:20:00)

Bullet Points

• Comprehensive analysis of the New Japan Cup Semifinals and Finals

• David Finlay's adaptability and leadership within Bullet Club War Dogs

• Shota Umino's journey of resilience and his next steps in NJPW

• Critique on the current state of NJPW Strong pay-per-views

• Analysis of Finlay's offer to Umino and its potential implications

• Discussion on Bullet Club's evolving direction and NJPW’s storytelling

• Audience engagement with live questions and reflections

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

🔎 What You'll Discover in This Episode:

• A thrilling showdown between Shingo Takagi and Drilla Maloney, packed with hard-hitting moments and strategic counters.

• Shota Umino’s bold new chapter, complete with a symbolic head shave and a stunning win over Jeff Cobb.

• Yuya Uemura's technical brilliance against David Finlay and the impressive resilience on display.

• The emotional clash between former tag team partners, Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr., highlighting the depth of their personal and professional bond.

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Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

• Introduction & Overview (00:00:00)

  • Quick recap of the New Japan Cup results from March 14, 2025

  • Notable performances from Drilla Moloney, Shingo, and Jeff Cobb

• The AEW Effect on New Japan (00:21:52)

  • Criticism of AEW’s presentation of New Japan talent

  • Lack of respect for New Japan's history and its stars' legacies

  • AEW’s struggles with creating emotionally compelling storylines

• Bullet Club and House of Torture (00:22:04)

  • Addressing fan frustrations with these factions

  • Discussion on the decline in Bullet Club’s appeal

• The State of the United Empire (00:23:27)

  • Analysis of how the United Empire has lost its cohesive feel

  • The role of Jeff Cobb in the faction and his potential for singles success

  • Critique of the directionlessness of the faction

• Call to Action: Supporting the Podcast (00:27:40)

  • Encouragement to share and support the Squared Circle Podcast

  • Reminder to join the community on platforms like Spotify, Substack, and through the new Fourth Wall website

• The Tape Study Roadmap & One-on-One Consultations (00:28:22)

  • Promoting personalized consultations and feedback for wrestlers looking to improve

  • The value of the Tape Study Roadmap in elevating wrestling performance

• Closing Thoughts (00:30:56)

  • Invitation to continue the discussion and support the podcast through various platforms and channels

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

Join me as I break down the latest New Japan Cup matches, offering insight into character development, booking decisions, and what these moments mean for the future of NJPW's roster. I bring my signature analysis and unfiltered opinions to topics like Gabe Kidd's AEW appearances, Shota Umino's dramatic transformation, and NJPW's evolving storytelling landscape.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - 04:00: Introduction, podcast updates, and engagement reminders

• 04:00 - 06:30: Overview of the New Japan Cup format

• 06:30 - 18:00: Gabe Kidd vs. Taichi analysis and critique of Gabe's AEW appearances

• 18:00 - 23:30: Discussion on AEW's lack of narrative consistency

• 23:30 - 29:00: Shota Umino vs. Great Okan match breakdown, Shota’s transformation, and new finisher

• 29:00 - 30:00: Closing thoughts and listener engagement reminders

Bullet Points

• Deep character analysis of Gabe Kidd and the inconsistency in his booking

• Shota Umino's striking character transformation and potential heel turn

• The need for stronger narrative storytelling in wrestling

• Evaluating the significance of match finishes and their storytelling impact

• Opportunities for further character development in NJPW

Call to Action

• Follow me on Substack at marieshadows.substack.com for exclusive content

• Join the Fourth Wall platform for access to Tape Study Roadmap coaching sessions

• Engage in the wrestling conversation through comments and polls on Spotify and YouTube

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode, I break down the ongoing narrative around Bullet Club and the struggles New Japan is facing due to its partnership with AEW. I discuss how AEW's influence, combined with a lack of proper storytelling, is hurting New Japan's brand. We explore the misplacement of blame on Bullet Club, the overexposure of New Japan talent in AEW, and how New Japan needs to return to its roots to regain its identity.

Time Stamps

• 00:00 - 04:00: Introduction and updates on the podcast

• 04:00 - 07:00: The rise of Bullet Club and their importance to NJPW

• 07:00 - 11:30: AEW’s overexposure of New Japan talent and its consequences

• 11:30 - 15:00: The flaws in AEW’s storytelling and its impact on NJPW’s talent

• 15:00 - 18:00: Why Bullet Club is not to blame for NJPW’s struggles

• 18:00 - 22:00: The need for New Japan to focus on quality storytelling

• 22:00 - 23:00: Closing thoughts and listener engagement reminders

Bullet Points

• Bullet Club’s role in NJPW’s popularity and the support they still have from fans

• How AEW’s mishandling of New Japan talent is hurting their credibility

• Why the AEW partnership has failed to live up to its potential for New Japan

• The critical need for New Japan to return to its roots and focus on long-term storytelling

• The misplacement of blame on Bullet Club when the problem lies elsewhere

Call to Action

• Follow me on Substack at marieshadows.substack.com for exclusive content and updates

• Join Fourth Wall for access to the Tape Study Roadmap and more wrestling insights

• Engage with the podcast on Spotify and YouTube by commenting and sharing your thoughts

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Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast. I am your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode, Marie Shadows breaks down the recent controversy involving JD from New York, Mercedes Moné, AEW, and House of Glory. The discussion revolves around the power dynamics at play when Mercedes requested JD be removed from commentary for her match against Indi Hartwell. Marie highlights the broader implications of this decision, calling for professionalism, better conflict resolution, and industry-wide transparency. This podcast encourages listeners to consider the long-term effects of such moves on the wrestling business.

Bullet Notes:

• Incident Overview: Mercedes Moné requested JD from New York's removal from commentary for her House of Glory match.

• AEW's Role: Speculation on AEW’s involvement and how it reflects on the company’s public perception.

• Power Dynamics: The risk of using influence to silence opposing voices and how it sets a dangerous precedent.

• Missed Storytelling Opportunity: How the real-life tension could have been used to create an engaging wrestling storyline.

• Professionalism Matters: Why constructive dialogue and conflict resolution are essential for the industry.

• Bigger Industry Impact: How this could encourage others to misuse power in the future.

• Solutions: Suggestions on how companies can establish better protocols for handling disputes.

Key Takeaways:

• Wrestling thrives on controversy, but mishandling conflict damages credibility.

• Promotions should prioritize professionalism and open communication.

• Fans should critically analyze situations rather than defaulting to outrage.

• AEW and House of Glory should lead by example to avoid setting harmful precedents.

Engagement Question:Do you think companies should mediate conflicts like this differently? How can promotions handle disagreements without compromising professionalism?

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Welcome to the Squared Cirlce Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

The second night of the 2025 New Japan Cup delivered hard-hitting action, surprising moments, and plenty of discussions about the state of the tournament. Here, we break down the key matches, highlight standout performances, and explore areas of improvement for some of the competitors.

Match Highlights & Analysis

Bolton Oleg vs. Badluck Fale

Oleg, a recently graduated Young Lion, picked up a solid win over Fale. The match itself was a showcase of power, but the question remains: is Bolton Oleg truly the next big thing? While he has the size and strength, there’s still work to be done in crafting a character that fans can connect with.

Great O-Khan vs. El Phantasmo

This match showcased technical wrestling, with Great O-Khan controlling the pace. His stiff strikes and submission work made for a compelling bout, ultimately securing his victory with the Eliminator. This match further cemented Great O-Khan’s role as a dominant force in NJPW.

Ishii vs. Drilla Maloney

Drilla Maloney continues his rise in New Japan, securing a hard-fought victory over Ishii. While the match was intense, the length and repeated “fighting spirit” no-sells may have overstayed their welcome. Regardless, Drilla is proving to be a must-watch competitor with a growing presence.

Main Event: Naito vs. Callum Newman

Naito faced Callum Newman in a match that highlighted both Newman’s strengths and weaknesses. Newman, known as the “Prince of Pace,” brings high-speed offense, but the match revealed an over-reliance on his mentor Will Ospreay’s style.

Naito methodically targeted Newman’s previously injured knee, controlling the match’s flow. Newman’s biggest weakness was his inability to sell the injury effectively. At times, he abandoned selling his knee altogether, immediately bouncing up for high-impact moves, which hurt the story being told in the ring.

Tape Study Takeaways on Callum Newman

Newman has the tools, but refinement is needed. Here are a few key pointers:

1. Character Development: Who is Callum Newman beyond “Prince of Pace”? He needs a deeper identity beyond his nickname.

2. Match Psychology: Selling is crucial. If an opponent works the knee, there should be consistency in his movements and offense.

3. Crowd Engagement: Newman should work on interacting with the audience more, making his presence felt.

4. Ditch the Ospreay Mannerisms: While influenced by Ospreay, he needs to develop his own unique arsenal.Looking Ahead

With Bolton Oleg, Great O-Khan, Drilla Maloney, and Naito advancing, the tournament is shaping up to be an intriguing one. Can Newman evolve? Will Drilla’s momentum continue? These are key questions to follow in the coming rounds.

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Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

Episode Title: New Japan Cup 2025 – Night 1 Recap - Shocking Upsets & Bullet Club Civil War?

Key Topics:

• Event Delays & Backstage Issues

  • The March 7th postponement due to a broken ring post at Korakuen Hall
  • The Great O-Khan’s role in breaking the news
  • NJPW’s professionalism in handling refunds and a free show

• Match Breakdowns & Analysis

  • Yuya Uemura vs. SANADA – Technical excellence, Uemura’s shocking win
  • EVIL vs. Yota Tsuji – House of Torture’s tactics
  • Ryohei Oiwa vs. Chase Owens – The rise of Oiwa in TMDK
  • Gabe Kidd vs. Ren Narita – Brutal fight, House of Torture interference, Kidd’s victory

• Bullet Club’s Internal Conflict

  • War Dogs vs. House of Torture – Are we heading toward another Bullet Club Civil War?
  • How this affects NJPW’s faction landscape

• Looking Ahead to Night 2

  • Preview of upcoming matches
  • Who has momentum going forward?

Discussion: What do you think about Bullet Club’s internal war?

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Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

Marie Shadows welcomes Courtney Rice to discuss the AEW-NJPW partnership and how it can be improved. They highlight concerns such as AEW talent not traveling to Japan, the misrepresentation of NJPW wrestlers in AEW, and missed storytelling opportunities. They also delve into how Forbidden Door can be enhanced to benefit both promotions.

Key Topics:

• The lack of AEW stars appearing in NJPW events

• How NJPW wrestlers are presented in AEW

• Storylines that should have been continued across both promotions

• The strengths and weaknesses of Forbidden Door

• How to create a more balanced partnership

Q&A Highlights:

• Why isn’t AEW sending more talent to Japan?

• How can NJPW wrestlers be introduced better on AEW programming?

• What should AEW and NJPW focus on for future collaborations?

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