The Tristen Law Show

Watch the YouTube Replay: https://youtube.com/live/CYlBAw01aWA

The WWE SmackDown main event turned into a firestorm — and fans can’t stop debating it. In this episode of The Tristen Law Show, Tristen Law, a semi-retired pro wrestler, dives deep into Botchgate, the moment that left the wrestling world asking one question: Was it Nia Jax or the referee who dropped the ball?

With Jess Thee Yaptain representing the fan perspective and Tristen breaking it down with insider experience, this episode peels back the curtain on what really happened in the ring. You’ll hear both sides of the argument, the fan’s reaction vs. the wrestler’s reality, and the bigger story WWE may not want you to see.

Expect heated debate, behind-the-scenes insight, and a breakdown of why this SmackDown controversy is bigger than one mistake. By the end, you’ll know exactly where you stand on WWE SmackDown Botchgate.

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00:00 Intro 02:28 The Smackdown Main Event Botch 03:35 What the Fans Saw? 05:52 Perspective From A Wrestler 13:37 Debating Nia Jax or the Referee 32:48 Was it a Gimmick? 46:42 Final Thoughts 47:58 Outro ---🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

Watch the Youtube Replay" https://youtube.com/live/kN-lkAINstg

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The stage is set. Every year, Pro Wrestling Illustrated drops their PWI 500 list — and every year, the wrestling world explodes. In 2025, Cody Rhodes claimed the #1 spot, but was it truly earned… or handed to him?

In this episode of The Tristen Law Show, former wrestler and podcast host Tristen Law dissects the entire PWI 500 rankings like never before. From Jon Moxley’s workhorse grind to Gunther’s dominance, from shocking snubs like John Cena to controversial placements like Seth Rollins and CM Punk, nothing is off-limits.

You’ll hear the fan reactions, the insider’s perspective, and the tough questions that PWI doesn’t want to answer:

• Who really had the best year in wrestling?

• Do these rankings still matter to wrestlers, companies, and fans?

• And who should actually be #1 in 2025?

This isn’t just a list — it’s a battleground. And by the end, you’ll know why the PWI 500 still sparks the fiercest debates in pro wrestling.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro 01:20 Did PWI Get it Right? 01:34 Did Cody Rhodes Earn Number 1? 06:02 Jon Moxley at PWI Number 2 08:45 Gunther at PWI 500 Number 3 12:47 Was the Number 1 Spot Handed to Cody Rhodes? 13:56 Who Had a Better Year in Pro Wrestling? 15:39 PWI is Doing Everything to Sell Magazines 17:14 Breaking Down 2025 PWI 500 Top 20 20:06 Seth Rollins in the Top too? 20:37 CM Punk — Does he Belong at 15? 22:03 John Cena Should’ve Been on PWI 500 23:44 Nic Nemeth Got Robbed 24:11 Seth Rollins Did Nothing! 26:02 Does PWI 500 Still Matter? 26:46 Why PWI 500 Matters to Wrestlers 30:24 Does PWI 500 Matter to Pro Wrestling Companies? 32:03 Why PWI 500 Might NOT Matter to Fans 37:24 Who's Really 2025 PWI 500 Number 1? 47:24 Fan Discussion 55:03 Final Thoughts 55:33 Outro

What happens when the show ends but the conversation keeps going? After the Show is where things get unfiltered—and this time it all started with our main episode, “WWE Wasted the Biggest Star of 2025: R-Truth.”

In this special bonus episode, me and Jess Thee Yaptain drop the rundown and talk freely about everything from R-Truth’s legacy to women in wrestling, confidence in and out of the ring, and why building community around this podcast matters. It’s wrestling talk, but it’s also life talk—the kind you only get when the cameras are supposed to be off.

Think of it as the hangout after the main event: raw, real, and open to you, the fans.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 — How the show went + “producer brain” behind the scenes
01:45 — What you’re watching + why this is public
03:05 — How we linked up (Threads, mutuals) & co-host chemistry
05:22 — From radio to live podcast: building the TLS studio
06:45 — Why women’s wrestling isn’t the “popcorn match” anymore
09:00 — WrestleMania 35 made me tear up (and why)
11:06 — PWI 500 & booking bigger guests: the approach
12:22 — Confidence & the Nunzio story: why I didn’t chase WWE/TNA harder
16:26 — Ring announcers debate: Alicia Taylor vs. Samantha Irvin
18:28 — Community talk: ambassadors, sharing, and growth
19:04 — Working together: Virgo × Pisces, trust & respect
20:33 — Why watch-alongs don’t fit our schedule (for now)
22:52 — Aftershows as future members-only bonus
24:30 — Publishing next main video: “PWI 500 2025: The Rankings That Don’t Add Up”
25:10 — Sign-off & what’s next

WWE had lightning in a bottle with R-Truth in 2025—and then let it slip away. Fans rallied, signs filled arenas, chants took over shows, and even social media exploded to bring him back. WWE listened… but instead of capitalizing on the momentum, they stalled, reset, and reduced him to comedy skits and background segments.

In this episode of The Tristen Law Show, I break down the rise, release, and wasted return of R-Truth. Alongside Jess Thee Yaptain, we look at what WWE could have done differently, why the haircut and Ron Killings reboot went nowhere, and what it means for R-Truth’s legacy as the first Black NWA Champion, a 20-year veteran, and one of the most beloved stars of his era.

Did WWE blow their chance to turn R-Truth into a true main-event player—or was this always his fate?

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro

03:20 R Truth's Receipts and Reality

14:09 What Doing NOTHING With R Truth Looks Like

40:11 Why WWE Stalled on R Truth

47:39 How to Fix R Truth?

01:00:06 The Cost of Doing Nothing with R Truth

01:02:44 Final Thoughts

01:03:23 Outro

WWE WrestlePalooza was billed as one of the biggest shows of the year, but did it live up to the hype? In this episode, we dive deep into the WWE WrestlePalooza results and answer the question every fan is asking: Who won at WrestlePalooza?

From AJ Lee’s shocking return to The Usos’ latest chapter, and from Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre to Brock Lesnar crushing John Cena, this event had unforgettable highs and frustrating lows. Even Stephanie McMahon’s Hall of Fame announcement couldn’t distract from the debate: did WWE overpromise and underdeliver?

Join us as we break it all down — the moments that mattered, the disappointments that stung, and what WrestlePalooza tells us about WWE’s future.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro

01:50 How Did You Watch WWE Wrestlepalooza?

05:34 John Cena vs Brock Lesnar

11:46 What Does Brock Lesnar Do For Paul Heyman?

15:08 The Usos vs The Vision's Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

15:30 Does Jey Uso Become a HEEL?

20:59 LA Knight as a Referee

24:23 Jey Uso Bleeding

27:25 Stephanie Vaquer vs IYO SKY | WWE Women's World Championship

35:31 CM Punk & AJ Lee vs Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch

38:15 Pro Wrestlers in Denim

39:42 Becky Lynch as a Heel

47:08 What's Next for Becky Lynch, AJ Lee, CM Punk & Seth Rollins?

53:46 Stephanie McMahon in the WWE Hall of Fame

01:00:39 Who Inducts Stephanie McMahon

01:03:31 (c) Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre | Undisputed WWE Championship

01:05:20 Botches in Pro Wrestling

01:09:17 Drew McIntyre's Problem

01:14:16 What's Next for Drew McIntyre?

01:17:02 Overall Takeaways

01:19:59 WWE WrestlePalooza Match of the Night

01:24:19 WWE WrestlePalooza Moment of the Night

01:27:15 WWE WrestlePalooza Most Rewatchable Spot of the Night

01:29:58 WWE WrestlePalooza Wrestler of the Night

01:36:46 Final Thoughts

01:37:44 Outro

Once upon a time, wrestling was simple—one channel, one night a week, and you never missed the show. Today? Fans are juggling Netflix for Raw, USA for SmackDown, CW for NXT, ESPN for premium live events, and Max for AEW… all while paying more than ever. In this episode of The Tristen Law Show, I’m joined by storyteller and pop culture voice Jess Thee Yaptain to break down why watching wrestling feels harder (and pricier) than it’s ever been. From ESPN’s new WWE deal and the death of Peacock, to the chaos of streaming bundles and whether leagues care more about fans or billion-dollar contracts, we dive deep into the frustration—and the future—of wrestling in the streaming era.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro

02:13 The Poll Speaks

04:16 Traditional TV is DEAD!!

06:57 Frustration with Costs of Streaming Apps

12:29 Do Fans Decide TKO/WWE's Future?

14:15 Do Leagues Care More About Dollars Than Fans?

15:18 Are WWE Ticket Prices High Because of Less Shows?

18:27 Older Fans want Simplicity vs Young Fans Love Multiple Apps

21:26 A Message to Scammers

24:16 WWE Premium Live Events on ESPN

25:11 ESPN Bundles to Watch WWE Wrestlepalooza

28:54 The Upside of WWE and ESPN

30:35 Will There Be Commercials Watching WWE on ESPN?

34:30 The Downside of WWE and ESPN

34:53 WWE's Fragmented TV Deals

39:11 Do Pro Wrestlers Practice?

43:12 WWE Unreal is it Real?

45:01 Kayfabe isn't Dead

46:13 AEW Joins the Streaming Shuffle

48:37 Who's Buying Warner Brothers Distribution?

50:58 PICK ONE: WWE on Netflix/ or ESPN or AEW on Max?

53:56 AEW's Movies vs WWE's Stories

57:24 The Big Big Picture

01:00:13 Final Thoughts

01:00:52 WWE Wrestlepalooza Predictions

01:11:30 Outro

WrestleMania has always been ours—from Madison Square Garden to SoFi Stadium. But now WWE has sold its biggest stage to Saudi Arabia. In this episode of The Tristen Law Show, we break down what WWE won and what fans lost in the deal. From record-setting checks and global expansion, to cultural restrictions on women’s wrestling, travel fiascos, and the looming shadow of sportswashing, we cover it all. Is this true progress, or the biggest sellout in wrestling history?

Expect fiery takes, real talk about ticket prices, streaming fatigue, women wrestling “with handcuffs on,” and why many fans feel WrestleMania is no longer theirs. By the end, the question remains: will you boycott, rage online, or watch anyway—just like WWE is betting you will?

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro 02:02 America Boos & Saudi Arabia Buys 08:19 WrestleMania's Identity Crisis 17:08 Women's Wrestling in Saudi Arabia 29:36 The Baggage of WWE's Saudi Deal 32:56 Saudi Arabia the Future Home of Global Sports 37:29 Fan Reactions 42:57 Final Thoughts 44:27 Outro

When AJ Styles looked into the camera on Raw and declared, “Somebody doesn’t want me here,” it sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. Was it frustration, a warning, or the beginning of the end? In this episode, we unravel the mystery behind AJ’s cryptic promo, the Instagram hourglass that has fans buzzing, and the rumors swirling around his contract. We dig into the names whispered as roadblocks—Seth Rollins, Paul Heyman, even Triple H himself—and explore the shocking possibility of an alliance with Karrion Kross that no one saw coming. Is this the final chapter for the Phenomenal One, or the setup for his greatest betrayal yet? The clock is ticking, and we’re connecting every clue you might have missed.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 Intro 02:35 The Current State of AJ Styles 03:35 AJ Styles Work/Shoot Promo on Raw 06:08 WWE is Blurring Lines Between What is and What isn't 07:44 AJ Styles Retirement Tour 09:54 The Shadow on AJ Styles 10:58 Who Wants AJ Styles OUT of WWE? 15:25 The Alliance No One Saw Coming 32:42 Betraying AJ Styles 34:42 The Road to AJ Styles' Retirement 39:18 Closing Thoughts 42:09 Outro

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WWE | AJ Styles GOES OFF on Monday Night Raw officials: Raw highlights, Sept. 8, 2025https://youtu.be/Jgu6fAk_9Fs?si=sCj1pdS3_2HEv_26

Learn more about Dr. David L. Shabazz and pick up Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) here: https://davidlshabazz.com

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“Somebody like you doesn’t get to be a world champion.”
That was Triple H’s infamous line to Booker T on the road to WrestleMania 19 — a moment that still stings 20 years later. But what does it really mean for who gets to stand on top in pro wrestling?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David L. Shabazz, professor, historian, and author of Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (Third Edition), to tackle the question at the heart of his book: Who truly deserves to be champion?

We revisit Booker T vs. Triple H, explore the impact of Ron Simmons, Kofi Kingston, Swerve Strickland, Bianca Belair, and Jade Cargill, and confront wrestling’s long history of stereotypes, politics, and missed opportunities. From Hulk Hogan’s controversies to WWE vs. AEW’s battle over representation, this conversation pulls no punches.

Expect deep analysis, uncomfortable truths, and a powerful reminder of why representation in wrestling matters more than ever.

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00:00 Intro 01:24 My Champion is Black 02:24 Representation in Pro Wrestling 04:05 What Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill Winning Championships 04:55 How is Triple H doing vs Shawn Michaels with Black WWE Wrestlers? 06:34 Black Wrestlers Bring Type Casted 08:18 Why Dr. Shabazz Included Tag Team Champions in his Book 10:24 Who is the First Wrestling Champion Who Represented YOU? 12:57 Why Booker T vs Triple H at WrestleMania 19 the Open? 16:36 What Defines WHO Deserves to be a World Champion? 19:56 Do Black People Draw in Wresting? 21:03 Booker T vs Triple H Who should of Won? 24:42 Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) 25:18 If Black Wrestlers Could and were allowed to to be seen as Champion 26:48 Has WWE Changed the Definition of Who deserves to be Champion? 28:20 Forgiving Hulk Hogan 31:18 The Legacy of Pro Wrestling’s Black Champions 34:24 Reader Takeaways from Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions 36:16 What Will Fans in 2035 Say About Champions in 2025? 38:52 Mercedes Mone's AEW Run 39:57 About Pro Wrestling’s Black World Champions (3rd Edition) by Dr. David L. Shabazz 43:52 Final Thoughts 44:37 Outro

Ten years gone. A broken neck. A generation moved on without her. But on SmackDown under the Chicago lights, AJ Lee returned and instantly reminded the world that “never say never” is more than a slogan. This episode breaks down why AJ chose now, how her comeback ties into CM Punk, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins, and what it means for the women’s division going forward. From whispers of ring rust to dream matches with today’s biggest stars, AJ Lee’s return isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a statement that could reshape WWE’s future.

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🛠️ Everything You Need — All in One Place🎙️ Podcast, merch, newsletter, and more:👉 https://linktr.ee/tristenlawshow

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00:00 – Intro 02:16 – Why Was AJ Lee Finished with WWE? 04:37 – AJ Lee Trained with CM Punk on Instagram 05:30 – The Sign for an AJ Lee Return was ALWAYS There 07:07 – CM Punk's WWE Return Set the Table for AJ Lee's Return 09:13 – WWE Clash in Paris Set the Stage for AJ Lee 11:35 – WWE Is Playing Chess 12:41 – Who Else Could WWE Have Put with CM Punk? 15:25 – Is Pro Wrestling Down Late Summer/ Early Fall? 16:06 – AJ Lee - The Return Heard Around the World 18:08 – Anyone OTHER THAN AJ Lee Would Have Gotten Booed 19:09 – Did AJ Lee Have to Retire? 22:52 – Roxanne Perez vs AJ Lee? 24:34 – Looking at AJ Lee's Return Promo 26:37 – Hot Take 28:04 – AJ Lee's Legacy Meets Today's WWE Women's Division 30:47 – IS AJ Lee in the Top 5 Returns of All Time? 31:59 – AJ Lee Made Fans Care 33:20 – AJ Lee Gets a New Chance at Pro Wrestling 36:27 – Hot Take 2 37:27 – Why did AJ Lee Choose to Come Back to the WWE Now? 42:04 – Pro Wrestling Hotline Call 45:21 – AJ Lee – WWE WrestlePalooza and Beyond 48:45 – What Should AJ Lee Do AFTER the CM Punk Story 50:04 – Final Thoughts 51:50 – Outro