Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows.For all new, first hearing of my livestreams and podcasts, and what I'm sharing online, Substack and Instagram is where I'm at. Please follow the links:https://buymeacoffee.com/marieshadowshttps://marieshadows.substack.comhttps://instagram.com/marieshadows.scp00:00 - 01:50Marie Shadows opens the episode discussing her content creation goals, her wrestling coverage ambitions, her Tennessee scouting trip, and promoting her tape study sessions for wrestlers looking to improve their matches.01:52 - 05:30The conversation shifts into Kevin Nash’s comments regarding rumored WWE pay cuts and the idea of wrestlers potentially aligning with SAG or union structures.05:31 - 12:30Marie breaks down why unions sound good in theory but become far more complicated once applied to industries like professional wrestling.12:31 - 18:00The discussion intensifies around online arguments with House of Hasbro, accusations of being “anti-union,” and the broader issue of people refusing to analyze consequences objectively.18:01 - 24:30Workers rights, healthcare, parental leave, deductions, and union fees become a major focus as Marie questions how sustainable blanket systems really are across every industry.24:31 - 31:20The episode explores why wrestling’s creative structure could completely collapse under heavy union involvement, especially involving creative decisions and storyline disputes.31:21 - 37:45International business, sponsorships, royalties, and wrestling’s unique economics become central to the discussion as Marie explains why wrestling differs from normal entertainment industries.37:46 - 43:20Teachers unions become a major comparison point, including discussions about school systems, classroom funding, and why unions are not always fixing the industries they represent.43:21 - 48:40Marie explains the difference between criticism and being labeled “anti” something, while also discussing how online conversations have become emotionally reactive instead of thoughtful.48:41 - EndThe episode closes with a deeper breakdown of why professional wrestling could become damaged if union structures begin controlling too many aspects of the industry.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows. Marie Shadow catches you up on her life and talk about TKO/WWE + WrestleMania review + a mini NJPW conversation.Video is available on:https://marieshadows.substack.comhttps://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast***Marie Shadows returns to the Square Circle Podcast with a Substack-exclusive episode breaking down the deeper realities behind WWE’s current direction under TKO. From WrestleMania’s presentation and ad-heavy structure to the real role of advertisers and the influence of social media personalities, this episode challenges surface-level wrestling discourse and pushes listeners to think critically about how the industry actually operates.TKO’s influence on WWE and why it doesn’t align with wrestling’s structureWrestleMania in Las Vegas and the idea of “safe” corporate environmentsWhy advertisers — not ticket sales — drive the businessThe illusion of fan outrage vs real financial impactInfluencers, access, and why industry change rarely happensMatch quality vs ad placement and pacing issuesWWE releases and shifting philosophy toward athletes vs wrestlersWWE is being treated like a fight promotion instead of a storytelling engineAdvertisers dictate more than fans realizeComplaining without action changes nothingInfluencer culture is tied to access, not advocacyWrestleMania is shifting toward spectacle over substanceNotable Quote: “They already got paid.”Follow Marie Shadows on Substack for exclusive episodesJoin the conversation about wrestling industry structure, not just surface-level takesSupport independent wrestling analysis that challenges the norm

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows! https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/user/marieshadowshttps://marieshadows.substack.comPlease leave a comment, share, and listen! Thank you!***In this episode of Square Circle Podcast, Evil and I dive into the chaotic excitement of Battle Riot — an event that felt like the Super Bowl of wrestling. With Evil fresh off the event and me soaking in all the drama from home, we’re breaking down the action, surprises, and big moments that went down.Timestamps:[00:00] – IntroMarie Shadows and Dos Evil open the show and set the tone for a full Battle Riot breakdown from start to finish.[03:15] – Overall Feel of Battle RiotFirst impressions of the event. Did it feel structured? Did it feel like MLW’s tentpole show? Discussion on pacing and presentation.[08:40] – Early Card Match ReactionsQuick breakdown of the opening matches, in-ring quality, and what felt like setup versus payoff.[15:20] – Middleweight Championship MatchFull discussion of Kushida winning the MLW Middleweight Championship.Why Marie and Dos Evil have been advocating for Kwon to win the title — and how Kushida taking it shifts the division.[23:10] – Kushida Joins ContraThe bigger twist of the night.What Kushida aligning with Contra means for the faction, the championship, and especially for Kwon’s trajectory.[30:45] – Kwon’s Position Moving ForwardIs this delay building something bigger?What this means politically within the division and how Kwon fits into the evolving picture.[38:00] – The Battle Riot Match BreakdownStructure of the Riot match.Key eliminations.Who gained momentum even without winning.[48:30] – Standout Performances & Momentum ShiftsWho elevated themselves on this card?Who feels positioned for the next step?[55:10] – MLW’s Direction After Battle RiotDoes this show feel like a reset?Where the major storylines seem to be heading.[1:02:00] – Final ThoughtsClosing reflections on Battle Riot, Kushida as champion, Contra’s evolution, and what needs to happen next.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcat by your host Marie Shadows!Squared Circle Podcast and Discord Notes will be on Patreon and Rumble! Youtube has made my videos stagnat! Join me over at Rumble and Patreon! Any support helps keep me independent! See you in chat!https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/user/marieshadowsIn this episode, Marie Shadows breaks down WWE's Royal Rumble 2026 from Riyadh, calling out fanboys for blind acceptance, critiquing Gunther's "career killer" gimmick, AJ Styles' retirement match, and John Cena's lackluster final bout. She ties it all to bigger issues in wrestling fandom, nuclear heat in 2026, and why pushing back matters. Plus, promos for Patreon exclusives like Tape Study and Discord Notes. Make sure to like, subscribe, and comment—did AJ's retirement feel wrong to you? Follow on Spotify for more reviews. Support on Patreon (patreon.com/MarieShadows) for unlimited Tape Study, JCW Lunacy breakdowns, and Discord Notes archives. Check uncensored content on Rumble.com/user/MarieShadows.Timestamps:00:00:02 - Intro: Dislike for WWE fanboys accepting everything without pushback00:00:47 - Real fans' valid dissatisfaction vs. complainers00:01:11 - John Cena's final match: Worst ever, full breakdown on Patreon00:01:37 - Patreon promo: Free follows, $7.50 tier for exclusives00:02:44 - Welcome to Square Circle Podcast: Royal Rumble review00:03:00 - WWE's bad decisions tying Cena's match to Rumble issues00:03:37 - Gunther as "career killer": Doesn't make sense at 3800:04:44 - No true nuclear heat in 2026 wrestling (except JCW Lunacy)00:06:21 - Fanboy reactions to Cena's match: Gaslighting valid feelings00:07:42 - Tournament for Cena's opponent was lame—should've played the hits00:08:53 - AJ Styles' retirement at Rumble: Not accepting it yet00:09:28 - Gunther vs. AJ should've been Cena's match level00:10:04 - Wrestling subject to change—don't accept retirements blindly00:11:07 - Rumble matches overview: Men's (Roman wins), Women's (Liv wins)00:12:19 - Saudi Arabia hosting: Fan hypocrisy on human rights00:15:02 - Gunther doesn't have nuclear heat—boos are superficial00:17:13 - Don't let fanboys bully you into liking bad booking00:18:50 - Rumble got a genuine reaction from me—WWE did its job00:20:33 - Outro: Comments, polls, follow on Spotify00:21:58 - Promotions: Rumble, Patreon, Substack, YouTube00:23:26 - Discord Notes promo: Ep 10 on ICE "whitewashing" and Ava tweet00:26:13 - Patreon value: Honest feedback, no sugarcoating00:28:37 - Why Discord Notes exists: Uncomfortable conversations for growth00:30:03 - Final thanks and sign-off

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!Visit:https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/user/marieshadowsIn this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down Wrestle Kingdom 20 (January 4, 2026), focusing on the chaotic NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag "Ranbo" opener and the IWGP/STRONG Women's title match between Syuri and Saya Kamitani. I also go in-depth on why activist commentary (feminism, "women fighting for visibility") feels out of place in NJPW, cultural respect for Japan, why the women's titles feel like an afterthought, and how Stardom can headline the Tokyo Dome on merit—not gender narratives.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro & Wrestle Kingdom 20 overview1:45 - NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag "Ranbo" (Zack Sabre Jr., Oiwa & Hartley win)4:20 - The IWGP Women's & STRONG Women's title match (Syuri becomes double champ)7:10 - Rant starts: Commentary activism & inserting "woke" narratives12:30 - Respecting Japanese culture vs. American ideology imports18:45 - Why the IWGP Women's title exists + Stardom as separate division25:10 - Merit over gender quotas; Stardom selling out Tokyo Dome on its own32:00 - Women's wrestling observations: safety, training, storytelling40:15 - Final thoughts: Retire the titles? Revive NJPW Strong?45:50 - Outro & call to actionIf you're tired of forced narratives and want real talk on wrestling, hit like/subscribe/comment your thoughts below. No brainwashing here—just passion for the squared circle.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows! https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/marieshadowshttps://marieshadows.substack.comDive into my raw take on Wrestle Kingdom 20's fatal four-way match for Doki's IWGP Junior Heavyweight contendership: El Desperado vs. Taiji Ishimori vs. Sho vs. Kosei Fujita. Plus, my rant on why commentary (Walker Stewart) is killing kayfabe with lectures and fake outrage. Heels like Doki deserve better—let's talk real wrestling!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Intro to the Episode and Wrestle Kingdom 2000:00:32 - Open Mind Warning and Commentary Issues00:01:36 - Human Nature vs. Utopia Lectures00:02:50 - Individuality and Why We Don't All Agree00:03:27 - Rant on Fake Outrage and Woke Commentary00:04:50 - Doki's Quote and Walker's Lecture00:06:11 - Heels Being Heels: Kayfabe Explained00:07:53 - Doki's Confidence vs. Tanahashi's Tour00:09:17 - Destroying Characters with Lectures00:10:34 - Why Vince Was in Commentators' Ears00:12:15 - Japanese vs. English Commentary Preference00:13:33 - Heels Can't Be Heels Anymore00:15:03 - Veda Scott Commentary Example00:16:25 - Commentary's True Job: Storytelling00:17:21 - Match Breakdown Starts00:18:58 - Why Not Sho vs. Doki? Storytelling Potential00:20:54 - Match Action: Attacks, Teams, Shenanigans00:22:57 - House Interference and Commentary Whining00:24:10 - Enjoy Wrestling as Escape00:25:52 - Robbie Eagles & X Help Out00:26:05 - El Desperado Wins: My Thoughts00:27:00 - Fantasy Booking Sho vs. Doki00:29:04 - Elevating House of Torture's Playbook00:31:02 - Master Wato Deserves a Shot00:31:37 - Final Rant: No Activists on Commentary00:33:51 - Respect Individuality00:34:56 - Outro and See You Next Time

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!Support:https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://marieshadows.substack.comhttps://campsite.bio/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/user/marieshadowsIn this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down that chaotic ten-man tag from Wrestle Kingdom 20: Bullet Club War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Drilla Moloney) teaming with the unaffiliated LIJ pieces (Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi) against a rebuilt United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Andrade El Idolo, Jake Lee). HENARE is completely exempt—he’s a warrior, loyal as hell, and the only one I still fully believe in. The match had wild energy—twisting corkscrews from Andrade, DDTs and suplexes from Shingo, Drilla Killer, stunners, spinebusters, Finlay & Hiromu using each other as human weapons (their classic circumstantial teammate dynamic). But the finish? Jake Lee hits a big boot on Hiromu for the clean pin—abrupt, flat, and one of the weakest endings I’ve seen for a match with this much built-in heat. The story was Callum vs. Finlay—why not let one of them get the decisive fall? That layup was right there. Post-match, Francesco Akira returns in a hoodie, superkicks Hiromu, unmasks… and gets zero pop. It just fell flat. The bigger issue: lost identities. United Empire used to have class, structure, and purpose—Ospreay & Fletcher leaving wrecked it, no real handover, now random additions like Andrade funding and Jake Lee jumping over. What does it even stand for anymore? Callum’s whiny brat heel push has emotion but no control. Bullet Club War Dogs + Unaffiliated are floating too—fractured after Naito/Bushi, Tsuji didn’t seize his moment. Both sides drifting, no direction, no convictions. New Japan needs urgency in storytelling again. If Callum had swung a chair at Ospreay during New Year’s Dash instead of hugging it out? Real teacher-vs-student arc. That’s the fire we’re missing.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & Why These 5-on-5 Matches Feel Off01:20 - HENARE Exempt – Warrior Forever02:45 - United Empire in Shambles: Ospreay/Fletcher Exit, Drama, Lost Identity07:10 - Callum Newman’s Heel Turn – Growth or Just Whiny Brat?11:30 - Bullet Club War Dogs + Unaffiliated LIJ: Floating & Directionless14:50 - Match Highlights – Chaos, Double Teams, Human Weapons19:00 - Commentary Rant: Stop Acting Shocked at Finlay/Hiromu22:40 - The Abrupt Finish: Jake Lee Pins Hiromu – Weakest Ever?26:15 - Francesco Akira Return Falls Completely Flat29:00 - Lost Identities: Factions Need Meaning & Convictions32:30 - Final Thoughts – Faith in HENARE, Frustration with the Rest35:00 - Call to Action: Comment, Like, Subscribe, Join PatreonWhat did you think of the finish? Should Callum have pinned Finlay? Drop your thoughts below—keep it civil!

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!Please support via these links!https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://rumble.com/user/marieshadows (I'm trying to reach 100 friends there)Aaron Wolf shocked the wrestling world by winning the NEVER Openweight Championship in his NJPW pro wrestling debut against EVIL at Wrestle Kingdom 20. Olympic judo gold medalist to champion in one match? Bold move... but is it good booking? In this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down why I'm not a fan of Aaron Wolf... yet. From the pre-shaved head twist killing the stipulation stakes, to the kayfabe issues of a newcomer surviving full House of Torture chaos, to EVIL being the ultimate selfless company man — we dive deep.I also discuss the NEVER title's faded relevance in 2026, why the Young Lion system needs rethinking (Tanahashi's WWE envy is telling), and NJPW's bigger problems with faction stagnation and uneven pushes.Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & my stance: Not a fan of Aaron Wolf... yet1:45 – NEVER Openweight history & why it feels outdated now4:20 – Aaron Wolf's background vs. NJPW's newcomer model7:10 – The buildup & that hair-shaving stipulation nonsense9:50 – Match breakdown: House of Torture shenanigans overload13:30 – Kayfabe problems — how does a debutant survive all that?17:05 – EVIL appreciation: The Miz of NJPW, selfless vet20:15 – Young Lion system critique (too long, too rigid)24:40 – Broader NJPW issues: Factions, loyalty, and pushing the wrong people28:20 – Final thoughts & hope on the horizon (Tsuji as champ)30:45 – Upcoming: April 6, 2026 NJPW Las Vegas event32:00 – Outro & call to comment/subscribe

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!https://patreon.com/marieshadowshttps://marieshadows.substack.comIn this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down Yota Tsuji defeating Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom 20 to become double IWGP World Heavyweight & Global Heavyweight Champion in front of 46,913 in the sold-out Tokyo Dome.We go match psychology, storytelling, why Tsuji targeted the gut, the stinger spot that almost derailed him, why the Boston Crab finish was perfect NJPW essence, Konosuke actually being decent for once (thanks to Tsuji leading), post-match Jake Lee attack (now United Empire), and Tsuji's NJPW interview insights on philosophies clashing, Young Lions, and keeping the Dome sold out every year.No AEW coattails needed. Tsuji earned this. He's my champion.Timestamps below0:00 – Intro & Wrestle Kingdom 20 attendance / no two-night nonsense2:00 – Why Tsuji has always been my guy (since Sonata days)4:30 – My issues with Konosuke (no-selling, no psychology, "alpha" talk)7:00 – Match breakdown starts: chain wrestling, dare spot, early equality10:30 – Brain buster stinger – Tsuji hurt, pace thrown off13:00 – Konosuke advantage, apron spots (stop apron bumps!)15:30 – Tsuji comeback, Gene Blaster double down (allowed this time)18:00 – Gut work psychology – weaken the core21:00 – Big spots: reverse Canadian Destroyer, Blue Thunder Bomb, Guerrero Special24:00 – Finish: Boston Crab on hurt gut – Tsuji wins!27:00 – Post-match Jake Lee big boot, United Empire angle29:00 – Tsuji NJPW interview key points (philosophies, stinger, Boston Crab meaning)33:00 – Unbound Co. explanation & Bullet Club thoughts37:00 – Tanahashi loyalty, AEW partnership rant, future Dome sellouts41:00 – Wrap-up, Patreon plug, love you guys

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!Season 7 kicks off going backwards through Wrestle Kingdom 20, starting with the main event: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match against Kazuchika Okada (January 4, 2026, Tokyo Dome). Why this felt like NJPW coming back (even a little), why Okada still delivers elite psychology when motivated, the weird commentary dynamic nobody’s talking about (marching orders for Chris Charlton?), Tanahashi as the most powerful man in wrestling, why he could’ve called Nakamura but chose Okada, post-match brotherhood, the creepy ten-bell salute, and why wrist control & body-part work still matter more than flips.I go in on AEW’s lazy Okada run, the failing NJPW-AEW partnership, bad yen excuses, immigration/culture takes, IWC negativity, and why Tanahashi retiring means he can finally president properly.Substack: https://marieshadows.substack.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/marieshadowsTimestamps!00:00 – Welcome to Season 7, Happy New Year, January 24 202600:46 – Where to find the podcast + what’s coming in 202601:14 – IWC negativity, wrong labels, Marty Scurll correct story03:29 – Cyber bullying still alive, be open-minded04:35 – Wrestle Kingdom 20 make-or-break for NJPW, Tanahashi retirement05:52 – Economy/yen excuses vs real issues09:49 – Sold out because of Tanahashi, Okada wins12:01 – Why Okada over Nakamura, Tanahashi power13:37 – AEW partnership not benefiting NJPW (Twitter thread proof)14:47 – Dual contracts discussion coming soon16:39 – Tanahashi could’ve called WWE for Nakamura19:12 – Match breakdown: wrestling, wrist control, psychology27:54 – Why struggle > flips, working body parts30:50 – Finish, post-match mic, brotherhood parade32:04 – Commentary dynamic: Charlton marching orders, tension37:00 – Walker indie/woke insertions, respect Japanese style42:41 – Storytelling lost art in commentary51:02 – Final thoughts, brotherhood, ten-bell creepy53:05 – Plugs: like/share/comment/poll, Patreon, Tape Study, consultations