Our first full-length episode was on Mercedes Moné signing with AEW. One year after her and Kazuchika Okada jumped to the promotion, it's time for Doug & Ryan to review those moves with another Report Card. They'll also discuss Kevin Knight signing with AEW, Malakai Black and Miro looking set for WWE returns, and what's going on with Nikki Bella. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 49!

This episode was recorded live on 4/5/25. Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: maritalstreep]

And as always, here is the updated Free Agency Tracker:

Following an outing against Jay White on which he was billed as from NJPW, Kevin Knight this week was confirmed as being All Elite and signed to AEW. A number of outlets such as Fightful did also report that Knight was looking for a contract with an American promotion after leaving New Japan and even was looking to talk to WWE; WWE wanted him to try out at the PC, and AEW swooped in. Knight formerly was a Toss-up on our Tracker due to the possibility of him either floating as a freelancer or signing with TNA; he’s now been removed from the list as a Confirmed Jump.

Two folks with increased likelihood of debuting in WWE are Malakai Black and Miro. Both head up to the Safe Jump tier after being noted as a Likely Jump and Lean Jump respectively. Teasers on Smackdown have people thinking they are about Black, while reports from Fightful and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter say that Miro went to WWE HQ and signed a deal to return to the promotion. No news yet on when debuts are expected.

Finally, due to the nebulous nature of whether Nikki Bella’s Royal Rumble appearance and subsequent “maybe I will” talk on her podcast are just that of a WWE legend doing a cameo on the Rumble or actually returning, we’ve removed Bella from the Tracker.

It's been a year since Marigold was formed by Rossy Ogawa taking pieces from Stardom - what's the Report Card on them and everybody who left (or didn't leave) Stardom one year later? We'll also chat about interest in Alexander Hammerstone, Mina Shirakawa going to AEW just as Mariah May might be leaving, Saraya already leaving AEW, and what's going on with wrestling's greatest player-coach Sareee. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 48!

This episode was recorded live on 3/29/25. Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: maritalstreep]

As always, here is the latest update to the Pro Wrestling Free Agency Tracker:

As always, you can nominate talent to us who you would like to be discussed on the podcast and evaluated for the Free Agency Tracker. All Substack subscribers are able to do so using the form link emailed to you when you first subscribed.

WWE is touring Europe and set to have a tryout next week, including having invited standout indie wrestler Zozaya to it. Will he sign with WWE and could others too? That plus heat checks on Hikuleo, Sami Zayn, and the New Day. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 47!

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: maritalstreep]

Visit our Substack to view the updated Free Agency Tracker:

https://wrestlewatch.substack.com/p/podcast-wweurotrip

Rumors are swirling about Jeff Cobb - is he staying in NJPW or heading to WWE? We'll also cover how the WWE ID program is going so far. Plus: temperature checks on Hook, Tegan Nox, and Zilla Fatu. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 46!

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: maritalstreep]

Sami Zayn was written off WWE TV at Elimination Chamber - with his contract expected to expire soon, is it time he helluva kicks somewhere else? We also have the latest on Gabe Kidd's contract status with NJPW (and possible flirtations with AEW?), AEW granting Rey Fenix his requested release, and the Saya Kamitani vs Tam Nakano "Loser Leaves Stardom" match fallout. Plus: temperature checks on Beth Phoenix, Dragon Dia, Indi Hartwell, Leon Slater, Persephone, and Street Profits. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 45!

This episode was recorded live on 3/8/25. Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: maritalstreep]

Tam Nakano & Saya Kamitani are set for a Loser Leaves Stardom match in a few days - what are the odds one of them goes to another promotion? That plus Speedball Mike Bailey gets teased on AEW, Carmella departs WWE, and we look back a year later on notable jumps and grade their decisions (including Deonna Purrazzo, Nic Nemeth, El Hijo del Vikingo, Andrade, Naomi, and Bryan Keith). Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 44!

This episode was recorded on 3/1/25.

WrestleWatch is a project focused on analysis and discussion of free agency in the world of professional wrestling. Each week, Doug & Ryan explore the potential jumps and the implications that they can have on the industry, as well as adjacent topics in wrestling such as business developments, statistics, and other factors and news in the landscape.

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: @maritalstreep]

Let's take a look back on the past year of pro wrestling free agency and answer the big question: who made the right choice in jumping promotions? Who made the wrong choice? Doug & Ryan have their own Top 3s for each, let's see who they list! Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 43!

WrestleWatch is a project focused on analysis and discussion of free agency in the world of professional wrestling. Each week, Doug & Ryan explore the potential jumps and the implications that they can have on the industry, as well as adjacent topics in wrestling such as business developments, statistics, and other factors and news in the landscape.

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: @maritalstreep]

"The Absolute One" (fka? Ricky Starks - we'll see!) debuts in NXT as he, Miro, and Malakai Black all get their releases from AEW. WWE meanwhile gave notice to a host of folks including Bea Priestley, Cedric Alexander, and the Good Brothers - where might they go? All that plus the latest on El Hijo de Dr Wagner Jr signing with AAA and rumors swirling on Kevin Knight. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 42!

This episode was recorded live 2/17/25.

WrestleWatch is a project focused on analysis and discussion of free agency in the world of professional wrestling. Each week, Doug & Ryan explore the potential jumps and the implications that they can have on the industry, as well as adjacent topics in wrestling such as business developments, statistics, and other factors and news in the landscape.

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: @maritalstreep]

Doug & Ryan discuss the latest round of WWE releases (including Cedric Alexander, Blair Davenport, and Isla Dawn), WWE's re-signing of Alexa Bliss and the leverage she had, Nikki Bella's potential long-term return to WWE after the Royal Rumble, Jordynne Grace finally making the jump we all anticipated, and the latest on international talent Alex Windsor and Mina Shirakawa. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 41!

WrestleWatch is a project focused on analysis and discussion of free agency in the world of professional wrestling. Each week, Doug & Ryan explore the potential jumps and the implications that they can have on the industry, as well as adjacent topics in wrestling such as business developments, statistics, and other factors and news in the landscape.

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: @maritalstreep]

Doug & Ryan discuss Alexa Bliss's contract negotiations with WWE, Nikki Bella potentially returning to WWE, Jordynne Grace and Josh Alexander leaving TNA, Mustafa Ali formally joining TNA, and the latest on AJ Styles, Britt Baker, and Thekla. Welcome to WrestleWatch: Pro Wrestling Free Agency Podcast Episode 40!

WrestleWatch is a project focused on analysis and discussion of free agency in the world of professional wrestling. Each week, Doug & Ryan explore the potential jumps and the implications that they can have on the industry, as well as adjacent topics in wrestling such as business developments, statistics, and other factors and news in the landscape.

Music Provided by Wendi Freeman [TikTok & Instagram: @maritalstreep]