The It Doesn’t Matter Podcast

In this episode, the hosts welcome back a special guest and dive into the latest buzz in WWE—including John Cena securing his Grand Slam championship. They break down current storylines, share early WrestleMania predictions, and take a nostalgic trip back to Survivor Series 2002. The crew revisits key matches like the opening tables elimination bout, the cruiserweight championship showdown, the wild hardcore women’s match, and the WWE title clash between Brock Lesnar and Big Show. They also reflect on the impact of the SmackDown Six era and how wrestling has evolved since then. The conversation continues with a deep look into storylines, the growth of SmackDown, and the importance of the Elimination Chamber, capped off by Shawn Michaels’ legendary return. It’s an insightful, humorous, and heartfelt breakdown of one of WWE’s most defining events.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:12 John Cena's Grand Slam Championship04:16 Speculations on Future Matches09:12 WrestleMania Theories18:32 Survivor Series 2002 Overview21:29 Opening Match Breakdown27:19 Opening Match Highlights27:35 Nostalgia for Wrestling Legends28:40 Cruiserweight Championship Dynamics30:55 The Role of Valets in Wrestling32:31 Cruiserweight Match Analysis34:49 Victoria's Character Development36:16 Hardcore Match Expectations38:19 Women's Wrestling Evolution40:00 WWE Championship Match Overview44:06 Tag Team Championship Showdown49:25 Family Dynamics in Wrestling51:37 The Evolution of SmackDown55:08 The Impact of Scott Steiner01:01:42 The First Elimination Chamber Match01:06:05 The Build-Up to the Chamber Match01:06:51 Shawn Michaels' Comeback and Early Matches01:09:41 The Elimination Chamber Match Breakdown01:15:47 Reflections on the Elimination Chamber's Legacy01:21:26 Looking Ahead: Future Shows and Matches

In this episode of the WCW Nitro Podcast, the crew breaks down the January 22, 1996 edition of Monday Nitro. They dive into the big moments of the night—from the intense World Heavyweight Championship clash between Macho Man Randy Savage and Ric Flair, to Brian Pillman’s transformation into the unpredictable “Loose Cannon.” They also revisit the tag team title bout with Sting and Lex Luger taking on Harlem Heat, and the polarizing main event featuring Hulk Hogan vs. One Man Gang. The hosts share their thoughts on the matches, characters, and ongoing storylines, all while setting the stage for the upcoming Clash of the Champions. It’s a nostalgic look back at a defining moment in WCW history.Chapters00:00 Introduction to WCW Nitro Podcast01:19 Macho Man vs. Ric Flair: A Classic Showdown12:04 Dean Malenko vs. Brian Pillman: The Rise of the Loose Cannon18:31 Tag Team Championship: Sting and Lex Luger vs. Harlem Heat21:44 Main Event: Hulk Hogan vs. One Man Gang27:33 The Evolution of Wrestling Characters30:21 Dark Matches and Their Impact33:21 Reflections on Wrestling's Golden Era36:40 Comparing Monday Night Shows40:17 Pop Culture and Wrestling Intersections

The hosts kick things off with their weekly rundown, debating whether Giulia is being used properly on the main roster. They also explore whether Paul Heyman might be planting long-term story seeds following the recent WrestleMania advertisement, and they touch on the latest news surrounding Ridge Holland’s firing. The conversation then shifts to celebrating Chris Jericho’s birthday, highlighting his lasting influence on the wrestling world. The hosts reflect on Jericho’s unmatched ability to reinvent himself, his legendary career across multiple eras, and his well-earned place among WWE’s all-time greats as he nears a potential Hall of Fame induction

In this episode, the hosts dive deep into the world of professional wrestling, exploring the evolution of stars like Jade Cargill and reflecting on the lasting influence of legends such as Bret Hart. The discussion centers around Clash of the Champions IX, breaking down standout matches and performances, including the classic showdown between the Road Warriors and the Midnight Express. The crew also examines the importance of storytelling in modern wrestling and how it connects to the sport’s rich history.They go on to analyze the nuances of several key bouts, highlighting Jim Cornette’s impact, the purpose of squash matches, and the intensity of tag team competition. The conversation culminates with a detailed look at the brutal “I Quit” match between Ric Flair and Terry Funk, its aftermath, and how it paved the way for future wrestling storylines—closing with a nod to Chris Jericho’s enduring legacy in the industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Old School Wrestling02:38 Jade Cargill's Character Evolution05:02 Comparing Jade's Booking in WWE and AEW07:49 Bret Hart's Impact in Today's Wrestling10:27 Bret Hart's Potential in Modern Promotions13:28 Political Context of Bret Hart's Character15:48 Bret Hart's Legacy and Current Relevance19:11 Clash of the Champions 9 Overview27:35 The Significance of Iconic Tag Teams29:07 Awards and Recognition in Wrestling30:16 The Role of Women in Wrestling31:21 Doom's Presentation and Impact37:00 The Dynamic Dudes vs. The Midnight Express42:34 Nostalgia in Wrestling: Reflecting on Classic Matches45:39 Squash Matches: A Look Back at Their Role48:20 The Physicality of Tag Team Wrestling51:53 The Rise of Brian Pillman: A Championship Challenge54:28 Disappointment in Rematches: Expectations vs. Reality56:09 The I Quit Match: Flair vs. Funk01:00:37 Post-Match Chaos and Storytelling01:05:29 Reflections on the Show and Future Topics

In this episode, the hosts dive into WCW’s Halloween Havoc 1989, exploring its place in wrestling history and how it shaped the NWA era. They kick things off by comparing today’s wrestling scene — highlighting NXT’s success with talent like Ricky Starks versus AEW’s handling of similar stars. The discussion then shifts to Big E’s retirement and Ridge Holland’s release, before the crew breaks down the night’s matches in detail.

From the chaotic Midnight Express showdown to the powerful clash between the Steiner Brothers and Doom, the hosts analyze the storytelling, physicality, and psychology that defined the event. They spotlight Lex Luger’s standout performance and character development, while also reflecting on missed career opportunities and the importance of strong match finishes. Wrapping up, they evaluate the show’s overall pacing — noting the strength of the second half — and share their excitement for what’s next on the horizon: Clash of the Champions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Halloween Havoc 1989

01:56 Current Wrestling Landscape: NXT vs AEW

10:39 Big E's Retirement and Ridge Holland's Release

18:44 Halloween Havoc 1989: Match Reviews and Reactions

27:43 Match Analysis and Crowd Reactions

28:54 The Cuban Assassin vs. Wildfire Tommy Rich

30:46 Dynamic Dudes vs. Free Birds

36:31 Steiner Brothers vs. Doom

42:20 Final Thoughts on Matches

42:28 Power and Technical Ability in Wrestling

42:50 Lex Luger's Evolution and Impact

44:07 The Match Dynamics of Luger vs. Pillman

45:18 Mismanagement of Wrestling Talent

46:48 The Road Warriors vs. The Skyscrapers

54:35 The Main Event: Sting and Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk and Muda

01:01:01 The Realness of Wrestling Matches

01:02:35 Match Analysis and Highlights

01:03:49 The Evolution of Wrestlers

01:05:42 Overall Show Assessment

01:06:18 Looking Ahead to Future Events

In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into WWE’s No Mercy 2002, a night filled with chaos, controversy, and unforgettable storytelling. They revisit the wild and often absurd storylines of the era, including the notorious Katie Vick angle, while examining the evolution of characters like Kane and the manipulative influence of Stephanie McMahon. The conversation also explores standout matches such as RVD vs. Ric Flair, the tag team showdown between Edge & Rey Mysterio and Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle, and the impactful women’s bout between Trish Stratus and Victoria. The hosts share personal memories from 2002, reflect on the importance of the Intercontinental Championship, and break down the dramatic clash between Kane and Triple H. The discussion concludes with an in-depth look at the brutal Hell in a Cell battle between Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker—cementing Lesnar’s rise as WWE’s top star. Overall, the episode captures the essence of early-2000s wrestling: larger-than-life characters, bold storytelling, and matches that defined an era.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to No Mercy 2002

01:31 Reflections on 2002 and Personal Experiences

04:21 The State of WWE Championships

08:56 Opening Match: Tag Team Championship

17:54 Chris Jericho's Legacy and Future

20:05 Remembering Al Wilson

22:22 Dawn Marie vs. Tori Wilson: A Surprising Match

27:39 RVD vs. Ric Flair: A Clash of Styles

35:39 Big Show's Return: A New Chapter

37:34 Looking Ahead: Survivor Series Choices

37:44 The Return of Nostalgia in Wrestling

39:07 The Intercontinental Title's Legacy

40:52 Cruiserweight Championship Dynamics

47:13 Benoit and Guerrero: A Comedic Rivalry

48:40 Kane's Journey: From Monster to Human

54:10 The Evolution of Kane's Character

59:46 The Undertaker's Controversial Affairs

01:01:29 Tag Team Championship Showdown

01:17:22 Hell in a Cell: Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker

01:21:12 The Intensity of the Match

01:24:02 Storyline vs. Match Quality

01:25:42 Brock Lesnar's Evolution

01:27:20 The Brutality of Hell in a Cell

01:29:34 Brock Lesnar's Legacy

01:31:45 Comparing Eras of Brock Lesnar

01:38:55 Looking Ahead to Halloween Havoc

In this episode of The It Doesn’t Matter Podcast, the crew pays tribute to the legendary Eddie Guerrero, celebrating his lasting impact on professional wrestling. From his technical clinic with Dean Malenko at Starrcade 1997 to his unforgettable transformation into “Latino Heat” and his dynamic partnership with Chyna, Eddie’s evolution is explored in depth. The hosts also reflect on his heartfelt promo leading up to No Way Out 04, capturing the emotion behind his WWE Championship victory and the historic moment he shared with Chris Benoit.The conversation continues with a look back at Eddie’s intense steel cage match with JBL, his emotional final feud with Batista, and the ways his passion, charisma, and in-ring psychology continue to inspire today’s wrestlers. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of Eddie Guerrero’s legacy—one of wrestling’s most beloved and influential icons.#EddieGuerrero #LatinoHeat #WWELegend #VivaLaRaza #WrestleMania20 #WWE #WrestlingPodcast #TheItDoesntMatterPodcast #ProWrestling #Chyna #JBL #Batista #DeanMalenko #EddieGuerreroTributeChapters00:00 Paying Tribute to Eddie Guerrero02:39 The Legacy of Eddie Guerrero05:36 Starrcade 1997 Match Analysis08:19 Eddie Guerrero's Heel Turn10:52 The Evolution of Latino Heat13:38 Eddie Guerrero and Chyna's Storyline16:20 Real Life Struggles and Triumphs19:23 The Impact of Eddie's Promo22:00 Conclusion: Eddie Guerrero's Lasting Influence31:43 The Weight of Sacrifice32:18 Chasing Dreams and Titles33:02 Family Ties and Redemption34:16 The Meaning of Championships36:22 WrestleMania 20: A Historic Moment38:12 Classic Matches: Eddie vs. Kurt40:02 Controversial Finishes and Legacy41:26 Emotional Moments in Wrestling44:32 Eddie's Final Feuds and Matches01:00:10 The Road to WrestleMania: Eddie Guerrero's Legacy01:03:06 Lessons from Eddie Guerrero for Modern Wrestlers01:06:20 Dominic Mysterio: The Evolution of a Wrestler01:10:24 Looking Ahead: No Mercy 2002 Preview

In this episode of The It Doesn’t Matter Podcast, the crew takes a trip back to WWE No Mercy 2008. From Mark Henry vs. Matt Hardy and Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle to Rey Mysterio vs. Kane, the hosts revisit the card with plenty of humor, personal stories, and sharp insights into how wrestling — especially women’s wrestling — was evolving at the time.

They break down Batista’s big return, The Undertaker’s brutal clash with Big Show, and Jeff Hardy’s underdog fight against Triple H, before closing with the unforgettable main event ladder match between Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho. With segments on MVP of the night and the legacy of the show, this episode dives deep into the matches, storytelling, and lasting impact of one of WWE’s most memorable events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests

04:25 Exploring No Mercy 2008: The Context

13:05 Match Analysis: Matt Hardy vs. Mark Henry

17:51 Women's Championship Match: Beth Phoenix vs. Candice Michelle

21:48 Wrestling Characters and Gimmicks

23:58 Match Analysis: Rey Mysterio vs. Kane

27:14 Storylines and Character Development

29:24 Legacy and Evolution of Wrestlers

32:07 MVP and Team Dynamics

33:59 CM Punk and Kofi Kingston's Involvement

35:08 The Return of Batista

36:33 Big Men Collide: JBL vs. Batista

41:19 JBL's Post-Match Promo and Its Relevance

44:42 The Undertaker vs. Big Show: A Shocking Finish

52:22 Jeff Hardy vs. Triple H: The Championship Clash

56:44 Pitching Analogies and Wrestling Dynamics

57:16 The Underdog Story of Jeff Hardy

58:24 Missed Opportunities in Wrestling

59:33 Nostalgia for Jeff Hardy's Era

01:00:36 The Charisma of Jeff Hardy

01:01:27 The Hardy Boys Legacy

01:02:14 AEW and the Hardy Boys' Journey

01:03:01 The Impact of Jeff Hardy's Career

01:04:03 Jeff Hardy's Wrestling Style

01:05:24 Main Event: Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho

01:11:25 Long-Term Storytelling in Wrestling

01:14:08 Reflections on the Show's Quality

NXT No Mercy 2023 was a night full of action, surprises, and standout performances. From the opening clash between Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker to Trick Williams scoring a huge win over Dirty Dom Mysterio, the event kept the energy high. The Creed Brothers brought chaos in an explosive tag team match, while the Heritage Cup bout introduced a unique set of rules that kept fans on edge. In the main event, Carmelo Hayes defended his title against Ilja Dragunov in an incredible showdown that stole the show. The women’s championship match between Tiffany Stratton and Becky Lynch closed the night in dramatic fashion, proving just how far NXT has come and highlighting the bright future of its stars.

#WWENXT #NXTNoMercy #WWE #NXT

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to NXT No Mercy

01:37 Baron Corbin's NXT Comeback

08:37 Trick Williams vs. Dirty Dom Mysterio

18:20 Tag Team Turmoil

21:44 Innovative Tag Team Dynamics

24:26 Referee Challenges in Multi-Man Matches

25:32 Evaluating Tag Team Performances

26:43 Heritage Cup Match Overview

32:32 The Impact of Interference in Matches

35:23 Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilya Dragunov: A Championship Clash

40:48 NXT Homecoming Highlights

41:45 Commentary and Match Quality

42:47 Emerging Talents in NXT

45:23 Main Event Build-Up

46:31 Extreme Rules Match Breakdown

51:16 Becky Lynch's Impact on NXT

54:08 Overall Show Reflection

In this episode, the hosts break down the wild and unpredictable world of ECW’s Anarchy Rulz 1999. They dive into the impact of ECW’s new TV deal, the opener between Lance Storm and Jerry Lynn, and how injuries shaped the storytelling of the era. The discussion touches on segments with Simon Diamond and Jazz, the chaotic arrival of New Jack, and the thrilling three-way dance featuring Tajiri, Super Crazy, and Guido.

From there, the conversation builds toward the intense blood feud between Justin Credible and Sabu, showcasing Sabu’s one-of-a-kind style and lasting influence on wrestling. The hosts also revisit major ECW moments, including the Heatwave incident, Taz’s shocking elimination, Mike Awesome’s championship win, and the heated rivalry between Raven and Tommy Dreamer.

To wrap up, they highlight the hard-hitting clash between Balls Mahoney and Rob Van Dam before shifting gears to preview NXT No Mercy 2023, reflecting on how wrestling has evolved while emphasizing the timeless importance of storytelling in the sport.