Squared Circle Podcast

Squared Circle Podcast

By Marie ShadowsSports
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Squared Circle Podcast episodes

  • John Cena's Ballad: Selling His Soul To The Rock - Rumble to Elimination Chamber 2025

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

    In this explosive episode, Marie Shadows dissects one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history—John Cena’s heel turn at WWE Elimination Chamber 2025. From his failures at the Royal Rumble to The Rock’s tempting offer, we break down how Cena’s journey led him to betray Cody Rhodes and sell his soul to the final boss. What does this mean for WrestleMania 41? Can Cody recover from this betrayal? Tune in as we explore every detail of this game-changing moment!

    Topics Covered:

    • Cena’s road to Elimination Chamber

    • The Rock’s influence and Cody’s rejection

    • The shocking betrayal and its implications

    • What’s next for Cena, Cody, and The Rock

    • WrestleMania 41 predictions

    Links:

    marieshadows.substack.com

    marieshadows.susbtack.com/chat

    https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com/supporters

    https://marieshadows.my.canva.site/wrestlingplanner2025

    https://campsite.bio/marieshadows

    https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

    42 min
  • 7 Weeks Waiting – The Dave Meltzer Twitter Debate Ends Here

    7 Weeks Waiting – The Dave Meltzer Twitter Debate Ends Here

    🎙 Host: Marie Shadows
    📅 Episode Date: February 27, 2025
    🎧 Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, Substack

    For seven weeks, Dave Meltzer waited for an apology I didn’t even know he wanted.

    In this episode, I break down:
    ✅ Why I called out Meltzer’s unverified claim about Chris Charlton’s suspension
    ✅ How this debate exposes the flaws in wrestling journalism
    ✅ The Twitter clash where he demanded an apology—without ever providing evidence
    ✅ Why I refuse to apologize for asking questions
    ✅ Why this is the last time I’m discussing it

    Meltzer had seven weeks to provide proof and never did. If journalism is supposed to be about truth, why is questioning hearsay treated as an attack?

    This debate is over. No evidence, no apology, no more discussion.

    PLEASE VISIT THE SQUARED CIRCLE PODCAST HUB ON SUBSTACK FOR ALL EXTRA CONTENT IN RELATION TO THIS PODCAST EPISODE.

    Also, buy the new Trust Me Bro tee - with free shipping auto applied - Sometimes...the "bros" love telling all of us to trust me because they have sources but it's all hearsay.

    https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com/products/trust-me-bro-wrestling-community

    Campsite.bio

    50 min
  • AEW Ring Gate 2025: AEW GrandSlam Australia Controversy Explained

    Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! On this episode, we are talking about the AEW Ring Gate of 2025!

    Safety Concerns Over the Borrowed AEW Ring – The Twitter Controversy Explained

    In this episode, we dive into the AEW GrandSlam Australia ring controversy, exploring the ring's questionable construction and its impact on wrestler safety. From faulty ring construction to AEW cutting corners with ring rentals, we break down the logistics failures that made this international event feel second-tier. We also discuss AEW’s inconsistent treatment of Australian fans and the larger issue of ignoring wrestler safety in favor of match expectations.

    Links:https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcasthttps://marieshadows.substack.comhttps://marieshadowshop-fourthwall.comhttps://discord.gg/McABYC3c39https://instagram.com/marieshadowsonthemic

    52 min
  • MLW Be Honey Trappin' - MLW SuperFight 6 Review

    Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! We are reviewing MLW SuperFight 6!

    🎙️ Hosts: Marie Shadows & Dos Evil
    📌 Episode Topics:

    • AEW Grand Slam in Australia – Ring issues, safety concerns
    • MLW Super Fight 6 full review
    • Eric Bischoff receives the Ted Turner Lifetime Award
    • MLW World Championship triple-threat match
    • Bischoff’s major announcement for Battle Riot 7
    • Matt Riddle’s next challenge: defending against 39 other men

    👀 Final Thoughts:

    • AEW needs to step up production quality.
    • MLW delivers solid storytelling and in-ring action.
    • Can Matt Riddle survive Battle Riot 7?

    ***

    Show Notes – MLW Super Fight 6 Review

    🔹 This week, Marie Shadows & Dos Evil break down MLW Super Fight 6, but first, we address AEW Grand Slam in Australia’s production nightmare—a smaller ring, missing skirts, and a step ladder in place of proper stairs. Wrestler safety matters!

    🔹 Then, we shift gears to MLW, where Eric Bischoff received the Ted Turner Lifetime Award and made a huge announcement for MLW World Champion Matt Riddle—he’ll have to defend his title against 39 competitors in Battle Riot 7!

    🔹 Plus, we break down the full MLW Super Fight 6 card, including the hard-hitting triple-threat MLW World Championship match.

    🎧 Tune in for in-depth analysis, sharp opinions, and all the latest in pro wrestling!

    ***

    Links:

    https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

    https://marieshadows.substack.com

    https://marieshadowshop-fourthwall.com

    https://discord.gg/McABYC3c39

    https://instagram.com/marieshadowsonthemic

    1 hr 6 min
  • Jey Uso Eliminates John Cena! WWE Royal Rumble Review 2025

    Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! This podcast episode is SPONSORED by YOU the viewer, the fan, the listerner, and the sharer! Thank you!


    In this episode, I dive into my thoughts on WWE Royal Rumble 2025, breaking down the good, the bad, and everything in between. I start by discussing the incredible ladder match between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens for the WWE Undisputed Championship, followed by the epic showdown between Motor City Machine Guns and DIY for the Tag Team Titles—one that’s going to get its own Tape Study Chatter episode!

    Then, I get into the Royal Rumble itself. Charlotte Flair’s victory in the Women's Rumble, despite her injury break, didn’t sit right with me, and I explain why. As for the Men's Rumble, Jey Uso’s win over John Cena left me a bit torn—I'm a fan of Jey, but Cena’s retirement tour had me thinking this was his moment. Listen in as I break it all down, sharing why I’m torn about Jey’s win and what I would’ve liked to see moving forward.

    Join me for a deep dive into the Rumble, and don’t forget to check out the Tape Study Chatter episode for more on that Tag Team classic!

    🎙️ Subscribe, Rate & Review! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a rating.

    Follow me:

    ⁠Twitter: @Marie_Shadows⁠

    ⁠IG: MarieOnTheMic⁠

    ⁠Substack: marieshadows.substack.com⁠

    ⁠Youtube: https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast⁠

    Spotify - follow me!

    ⁠Fourthwall: https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com⁠

    ⁠One More Match Wrestling Planner: https://marieshadows.my.canva.site/wrestlingplanner2025⁠

    33 min
  • The Good, The Bad, & The Tony Khan No-Show – NJPW’s Biggest Wrestle Kingdom Weekend

    Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! And today's podcast epsiode is SPONSORED by YOU the viewers, the fan, the listerner, the sharer! Thank you!

    In this episode, I give my full, unfiltered thoughts on NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 19 and Wrestle Dynasty. I break down both events, highlighting what worked, what fell flat, and why Wrestle Dynasty was an absolute mess. We also discuss my media tour, my thoughts on Chris Charlton’s suspension, and Tony Khan’s disrespectful absence from NJPW’s biggest weekend of the year. Plus, I announce a special Tape Study Chatter episode dedicated to the only true highlight from Wrestle Dynasty: Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega.

    Topics Covered:

    • My media tour discussing NJPW, Chris Charlton’s unfair suspension, and NJPW’s silence
    • Wrestle Kingdom 19: Tanahashi vs. Evil was the standout match, but the rest of the card was disappointingly average
    • Wrestle Dynasty: A hot-shot booked disaster, with Kidd vs. Omega being the only redeeming match
    • Tony Khan’s Absence: Why his no-show for both events was a major sign of disrespect to NJPW
    • Tape Study Chatter Announcement: Breaking down Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega in an upcoming episode

      • Final Thoughts:

      Wrestle Kingdom 19 had its moments but ultimately didn’t live up to the standard of past years. Wrestle Dynasty was a disaster, and Tony Khan’s absence was unacceptable. At least Kidd vs. Omega delivered. Make sure to tune in for my deep dive into that match in my upcoming Tape Study Chatter episode.

      🎙️ Subscribe, Rate & Review!

      If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a rating.

      Follow me:

      Twitter: @Marie_Shadows

      IG: MarieOnTheMic

      Substack: marieshadows.substack.com

      Youtube: https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

      Spotify - follow me!

      Fourthwall: https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com

      One More Match Wrestling Planner: https://marieshadows.my.canva.site/wrestlingplanner2025

      49 min
    • New Kings and Queens at the Colosseum! MLW Review with Dos Evil and Marie Shadows

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

      In this exciting episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, we dive into MLW’s Kings of Colosseum PPV with special guest Dos Evil! We break down the entire card, starting with the jaw-dropping ladder match featuring five briefcases and a coveted MLW championship contract. From the chaotic action to the thrilling crowning of a new champion in the main event, we cover it all.

      Dos Evil kicks off the show by sharing his wrestling journey, his dream roster for a fantasy promotion, and his thoughts on NJPW.

      Join us for an engaging discussion full of wrestling analysis, fun banter, and plenty of passion for Major League Wrestling.

      My wrestling planner is out: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-more-match-wrestling-planner-2025-by-marie-shadows-marie-shadows/1146859694?ean=9798341874039

      1 hr 4 min
    • Debunking Dave Meltzer’s Tweet About Chris Charlton Suspended/Hiatus Over "Anti-AEW" Comments

      Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! We are currently in year 6, season 6! I am your host Marie Shadows! Today, on the Squared Circle Podcast we are debunking a Dave Meltzer's tweet about his claim that Chris Charlton (NJPW Commentator and NJPW office worker) is on an indefinite hiatus from NJPW commentary. We are debunking this not for clout but for educational and informative purposes. Thanks for listening and sharing! More context over at my Substack wrestling newsletter: https://marieshadows.substack.com - free to sign up.

      In this episode, we dive deep into the controversy surrounding Dave Meltzer’s tweet about Chris Charlton’s alleged hiatus from NJPW commentary. Here’s what we cover:

      • Meltzer’s Claim: Breaking down the tweet that sparked it all — why Chris Charlton is allegedly on hiatus due to anti-AEW comments during the Dynasty Show.
      • NJPW’s Transparency: Examples of how NJPW communicates major updates, proving why this claim lacks credibility.
      • Parallels with Wrestling Drama: Comparing this situation to the CM Punk/Elite fallout and the absence of concrete evidence in both cases.
      • Chris Charlton’s NJPW Role: Explaining Charlton’s multifaceted responsibilities and why his absence from New Year Dash!! is entirely logical.
      • The AEW-NJPW Partnership: Examining comments from NJPW wrestlers like Gabe Kidd and Naito about AEW’s one-sided partnership.
      • Double Standards in AEW: Analyzing examples of AEW’s inconsistent handling of outspoken talent, including Ricky Starks and Jake Hager.
      • Wrestle Dynasty Disappointment: Could this controversy be a distraction from the poor attendance numbers of Wrestle Dynasty?
      • Tony Khan’s No-Show: Discussing the disrespect implied by Khan’s absence from Wrestle Dynasty.

        • Join us as we separate fact from fiction and expose the flaws in wrestling’s misinformation machine!

        Links:

        https://marieshadows.substack.com

        https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

        https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com

        https://discord.gg/McABYC3c39

        1 hr 7 min
      • Gabe & Omega’s Final Words Before Wrestle Dynasty – Press Conference Reaction & Analysis

        Marie Shadows dives into the heated final promo exchange between Gabe Kidd and Kenny Omega leading up to their clash at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. Here's what we unpack:

        Gabe Kidd: A Self-Made Madman

        • Gabe Kidd has had a breakout year in 2024, carving his path in NJPW and proving his worth.
        • At the press conference, he demanded respect, calling out Omega for AEW’s perceived undermining of NJPW and its talent.
        • Kidd’s intense energy and raw passion captured what many NJPW loyalists feel about their promotion.


          • Kenny Omega: The Disrespectful Mentor

          • Omega dismissed Kidd’s pandemic struggles, comparing them to his own NJPW tenure a decade ago.
          • His patronizing tone framed him as a disappointed “father” figure, offering Kidd a supposed "opportunity" while taking credit for NJPW’s growth.
          • Omega’s claim that NJPW’s success is built on his name neglects the promotion’s long-standing legacy and history with international stars.


            • A Familiar Pattern: Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay

            • This confrontation echoed Omega’s feud with Will Ospreay, with a strikingly similar narrative.
            • Both Kidd and Ospreay have spoken openly about their mental health struggles during the pandemic, only to be met with Omega’s dismissive and diminishing responses.
            • While Omega’s “heel” persona may justify some of his behavior, these comments feel unnecessarily out of pocket, given the real-life hardships endured.


              • Does This Match Even Make Sense?

              • Despite the hype, the match between Omega and Kidd feels perplexing, with no clear storyline or *true* stakes driving the confrontation.
              • The press conference seemed to manufacture drama rather than build on organic tension, leaving fans questioning the purpose behind this pairing.


                • NJPW vs. AEW Culture Clash

                • The conversation also highlighted the tension between NJPW’s tradition and AEW’s modern influence, raising questions about Wrestle Dynasty’s true identity.
                • Is this event a genuine NJPW production or more of a Tony Khan-backed AEW showcase?


                  • Why This Feud Feels Hollow

                  The Omega vs. Kidd showdown lacks the depth and stakes needed to make it compelling, despite the heavy-handed press conference drama. Don’t miss this must-listen breakdown of the dynamics and questions surrounding Wrestle Dynasty!

                  1 hr 7 min
                • Breaking Down Wrestle Dynasty: A Cross-Promotion Mega Show Shaped by Tony Khan’s Booking

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

                  In this episode, I break down Wrestle Dynasty, a rushed, disjointed PPV thrown together after the last NJPW Strong event. Tony Khan’s booking pattern lacks cohesion, with no storylines or follow-through, even though he claims to love NJPW. I discuss the puzzling matchups like Ricochet vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP Championship, despite them not having faced each other in eight years. The Young Bucks' inclusion raises concerns about unnecessary title opportunities. I also touch on the cultural impact of this multi-promotion spectacle, especially in Japan, where fans face financial strain from the packed schedule. Tony Khan fails to understand the business and spending habits of Japanese fans, forcing them to choose between attending Wrestle Kingdom, Wrestle Dynasty, or New Year's Dash, making this a disappointing show overall.

                  1 hr 1 min

                About Squared Circle Podcast

                From the publisher's feed

                A labor of love for professional wrestling hosted by Marie Shadows.