Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL and Official Dick Lazer. Use code TAVERN for 20% off at GFUEL.com and DickLazers.com.
Episode 190 is headlined by a major development in Janel Grant's lawsuit against Vince McMahon and WWE, as all parties have received approval to move the case toward private arbitration. We discuss what the canceled June 16 hearing, the July 10 status report, and the potential move to confidential arbitration could mean, not just legally but publicly, as questions grow about whether WWE and TKO may eventually test the waters for a Vince McMahon rehabilitation tour.
We also break down CM Punk's expected WWE return. Punk has been announced for FanaticsFest on July 19, reports continue to point toward a return on or before the July 6 Raw near Chicago, and Dave Meltzer reports WWE's current plan is for Punk to join the SmackDown roster. We examine the teased Cody Rhodes program, why creative changes delayed his return, and what it could mean for SummerSlam.
Rhea Ripley is dealing with issues both inside and outside the ring. WWE revealed that the Women's Champion is being evaluated for a knee injury suffered in Italy, while Ripley also opened up about fans crossing major boundaries, including showing up at her home and one person obtaining her personal phone number after being unable to purchase SmackDown tickets.
On the AEW side, we look at ticket sales for Redemption in Montreal and Grand Slam Mexico, with both events showing encouraging early momentum. Redemption has distributed 4,782 tickets and is already approaching AEW's previous Bell Centre number, while Grand Slam Mexico sits at 5,146 tickets distributed, well above AEW's current 2026 attendance average.
We also cover NJPW Dominion 2026, where five championships changed hands. Yota Tsuji regained the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Shota Umino captured the IWGP Global Championship, YOH became the 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Aaron Wolf reclaimed the NEVER Openweight Championship, and Great O Khan and HENARE captured the IWGP Tag Team Championships. Plus, Gabe Kidd returned and immediately inserted himself into the title picture.
The road to G1 Climax 36 is now set as NJPW finalizes its play in matches. We discuss Aaron Wolf's rapid rise, the final qualifying matches, and how the field is shaping up before the tournament begins July 11 in Chicago.
John Cena also shares new details on the planned John Cena Classic, including WWE's version of an All Star Game, a new championship, fan voting, cross brand exhibition matches, and the possibility, however unlikely, of one more match.
Plus, UFC Freedom 250 becomes one of the strangest stories of the year. The FBI says it foiled an alleged attack plot targeting the White House event, Dana White publicly criticized Josh Hokit's remarks about Michelle Obama, Roman Reigns, Nick Khan, Paul Levesque, Shane McMahon, and Declan McMahon were all in attendance, and Daniel Cormier found himself at the center of a bizarre social media controversy involving Eric Trump.
From there, we head to TNA, where the company is undergoing major changes. Tessa Blanchard has been granted her release after reportedly declining an exclusive contract offer, while longtime creative figure Tommy Dreamer has mutually parted ways with the promotion after nearly a decade in leadership and creative roles. We break down the reported wrestling politics involving TNA, WWE, AAA, CMLL, and AEW that may have contributed to Blanchard's departure, discuss Dreamer's exit and his impact on the company behind the scenes, examine the reports linking Road Dogg to a potential role in TNA's creative future, and explore what these departures could mean for the company's direction moving forward.
We also preview the week ahead, including Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Championship against Gunther with Sami Zayn as special guest referee, Charlotte Flair facing Liv Morgan in the Queen of the Ring semifinals, Mercedes Moné battling Hazuki in the Owen Hart Tournament, AEW's continued build toward Forbidden Door, and a loaded slate of action from NJPW, TNA, and more.
Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates.
Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.
