The Masked Man Show

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If the babyface Survivor Series team were the Avengers, which Avenger would Jimmy Uso be (0:45)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing whose T-shirt they'd get first, Dolph Ziggler's, Matt Cardona's … or Cam Skattebo's (3:40). Then they discuss the first round of the tournament that will determines who faces John Cena in his final match (6:00). They also discuss the following: Je’Von Evans’s performance vs. Gunther (12:02) Maxxine Dupri wins the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (14:56) AJ Lee and Becky Lynch join the women’s WarGames match (18:20) Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar join the men’s WarGames match (22:32) The most expensive wrestling merch (41:29) Later, David and Brian welcome the AEW Women’s World Champion, Kris Statlander, ahead of her title defense against Mercedes Moné at AEW Full Gear (50:41)She discusses the following: Her mental headspace after two ACL injuries (52:19) Creating the alien gimmick (58:22) Her in-ring chemi

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you were in a real fight, what weapon from the Blood & Guts match would you choose (0:45)? David and Kaz kick off the show by recapping AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts (4:22). They also go through their MVPs from Wednesday night (22:55). Then they discuss NXT and Oba Femi's return (31:00). Later, they welcome WWE Superstar Je’Von Evans ahead of his match with Gunther on WWE 'Raw’ at Madison Square Garden (46:57). He also discusses the following: Wrestling Randy Orton and the advice he received (51:27) His relationship with Shawn Michaels (57:46) Being able to be his authentic self (1:01:16) Preparing for Gunther (1:07:20) Why wrestling in North Carolina is underrated (1:12:21) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Guest: Je’Von Evans Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Now that the Dallas Mavericks have fired Nico Harrison, who is the Nico Harrison of pro wrestling? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing which wrestlers can be considered in the GOAT conversation along with John Cena (3:08). Then they recap the following from ‘WWE Raw’: Men’s and Women’s War Games matches announced for Survivor Series (14:18) Je’Von Evans's chances of beating Gunther on 'Raw' next week (0:00) Potential surprises in the John Cena tournament (22:09) WWE removing WestSide Gunn (49:38) Nikki Bella turns on Stephanie Vaquer (1:04:30) Women’s PWI 250 top 10 (1:09:10) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz discuss the current state of wrestling ratings, mainstream interest in wrestling, the challenges of ticket prices and accessibility, and the future of wrestling on streaming platforms. They also delve into AEW's new championship, Ridge Holland's controversial situation regarding his contract, the need for change in wrestling compensation, and much more. Be sure to check out our videos on⁠ BlueSky⁠,⁠ TikTok⁠,⁠ Instagram Threads⁠, and⁠ X⁠. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Senior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Long-Term Title Reign Casualties. Plus, Does WWE Know Who John Cena’s Last Opponent Will Be? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the champion WWE Superstars who were once under AEW contracts (0:34). Then they discuss the following from the weekend: Cody Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event (4:18) Are LA Knight and Drew McIntyre casualties of booking long-term title reigns (10:54)? Whether WWE knows who John Cena’s final opponent will be (22:33) Jade dominates Tiffany Stratton to become the new WWE Women’s Champion (40:59) Is it time for Jey Uso to turn heel (56:48)? Was CM Punk’s world title win a letdown (1:08:20)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What’s your favorite wrestling holiday trope (0:19)? With Shoes still under the weather, Kaz is joined by Brian H. Waters, and they kick off the show discussing a very entertaining ending on AEW Dynamite where Samoa Joe became the no. 1 contender for the AEW World title and was attacked by Adam “Hangman” Page, who was impersonating Tony Schivaone (3:46). Then they preview WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event: Jey Uso vs. CM Punk (26:14) Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre (41:36) Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill (45:06)  Dominik vs Penta vs. Rusev (53:29) They close the show with a discussion about what Chris Jericho’s return to WWE would look like (1:03:40), the WrestleMania Ad that has fans upset (1:14:20), and Andrade’s next moves (1:18:00) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad

David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the incredible main event of AEW Dynamite between Okada and Bandido (3:58). Then they discuss the following : AJ Styles and Dragon Lee winning the World Tag Titles (13:32) Dominik Mysterio set to be WWE’s next biggest male star (20:38) Who will be a more interesting champion, Jey Uso or CM Punk (30:00)? Kaz’s message to Je’Von Evans (53:16) NXT Halloween Havoc preview (1:02:06) Then close the show picking wrestlers they would dress up as for Halloween (1:24:00). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you were a rapper or rock star, which AEW faction would you name your backing band or crew after (1:06)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the “I Quit” match between Darby Allin and Jon Moxley and discuss the finish and the backlash it received online as far as being suitable for kids (3:31). Then they welcome Brian H. Waters to the table for an Adam “Hangman” Page epiphany (23:26). Then they discuss the following: Wrestle Dream highlights (37:44) Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre’s showdown on Smackdown (57:49) WWE reportedly will be using AI to assist with writing story lines (1:01:20) Ilja Dragunov’s return and United States Championship win (1:08:23) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If you were a rapper or rock star, which AEW faction would you name your backing band or crew after (0:40)? David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing Andrade’s sudden disappearance from AEW after making his debut a few weeks ago (5:12). Then they discuss Seth Rollins’s shoulder injury, which could have him sidelined through WrestleMania (20:46). Afterward, they welcome Blake Monroe, who discusses the following: Choosing WWE over AEW (36:25) What she enjoys about NXT (47:09) Closing the Toni Storm chapter (55:09) International crowds vs. American crowds (1:02:40) Getting used to being called Blake (1:06:34) They close the show by discussing John Cena’s last match (1:07:50) and the level of intrigue surrounding and their predictions for AEW WrestleDream (1:22:26). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Guest: Blake Monroe Producer: Brian H.

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Would you rather get Dominik Mysterio’s neck tattoo or all of Aleister Black’s tattoos from the neck down (0:44)? David and Kaz fire up the mics immediately after 'Raw' and react to Bron Breakker kicking Seth Rollins out of the Vision (2:55). Then they discuss the following: WWE is moving forward with young talent (12:55) John Cena and AJ Styles's pro wrestling tribute (32:50) Mike Santana wins the TNA Championship at Bound for Glory (47:47) Konosuke Takeshita wins the IWGP Heavyweight Championship (51:14) The MFTs put on the face paint (57:20) Roman Reigns doesn’t want to see the Usos until Christmas (1:03:30) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: You have to spend the rest of the week in Pac's or Moxley’s ring gear; whose are you choosing (1:04)? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing Santos Escobar re-signing with WWE and Kofi Kingston’s and Xavier Woods’s contract extensions (8:34). Then Ben Cruz and Brian joins to predict WWE Crown Jewel (25:22). Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, Ben Cruz, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: With the recent celebration of Teacher Appreciation Day, which WWE superstar participating in Crown Jewel looks the most like a teacher (0:45)? David and Kaz discuss a few highlights from the weekend and 'Raw,' including: Santos Escobar doesn’t re-sign with WWE and enters free agency (5:37) Could more wrestlers turn down WWE contracts (22:52)? Maxxine Dupri shocks the world in win over Becky Lynch (31:25) Is there tension between Roman Reigns and the Usos (47:00)? Why Je’Von Evans should be on SmackDown every week (1:12:49) AEW Dynamite: Title Tuesday preview (1:14:39) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Would you rather be in a car accident or Darby Allin in a match (:45)? David and Kaz close your week with a few recent headlines, including: Andrade’s return to AEW (3:41) Adam Hangman Page and Samoa Joe’s build-up for the world title (31:25) NXT Showdown preview (51:09) Why Oba Femi should not face John Cena (58:14) Is Je’Von Evans too young for Raw or Smackdown (1:09:00)? Roman Reigns to be the WWE QB1 soon (1:17:19)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Who had a better weekend—Ricky Saints, Je’Von Evans, or Oba Femi (0:18)? David and Kaz kick off the week with a round of applause for a friend of the program and Thursday’s guest, Ricky Saints, who won the NXT World Title at ‘No Mercy’ (8:27). Then, they discuss the following: Sami Zayn and Je’Von Evans steal the show on 'Smackdown' (15:37) Who will be world champion first—Oba Femi or Sami Zayn (23:44)? The next generation of Black main-eventers (24:35) Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl (41:20) Jacy Jayne’s rising stock (45:20) Vince McMahon gifts a bust to birthday-party attendees (1:05:20) The “botched” three-count on 'Smackdown' (1:18:32) Hardy Boyz meet Kai Cenat (1:34:31) Who will Cena’s last match be against (1:38:35)? Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: The Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 came out this week, but who is no. 1 in the Kaz 500 (0:19)?David and Kaz kick off the show with their reactions to the PWI 500's top 10 (4:55). Then they discuss the John Cena vs. AJ Styles match (44:17).Later, they welcome the no. 1 contender for the NXT Championship, Ricky Saints, ahead of his title match with Oba Femi at No Mercy (1:15:20).He discusses the following: Getting really personal with his vignette in his hometown (1:16:23) The promo that put him on the mainstream map (1:21;44) Getting called out for being Cody Rhodes’s friend (1:27:30) Challenging for the NXT Championship (1:30:54) The WWE/NXT and AEW counterprogramming (1:41:31) Being backstage at the 2023 Royal Rumble while at AEW (1:44:03) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X.Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. WatersGuest: Ricky SaintsProducer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Of everybody, which loss hit you the hardest (0:25)? David and Kaz kick off the show discussing the reactions to ESPN writer Andreas Hale’s WrestlePalooza review (4:20). Then they get into the following from the weekend: Thoughts on Brock Lesnar dominating John Cena (0:00) Hangman Adam Page retains AEW World Title (18:42) PAC returns during the coffin match (25:27) Eddie Kingston returns with a win (38:53) Hook and C.J. Stroud comparisons (41:00) The Demand defeats the Hurt Syndicate (50:04) Cope’s tribute to John Cena; Beth Phoenix arrives in AEW (55:06) Stephanie Vaquer wins the Women’s World Title (70:40) Cody Rhodes retains the WWE Championship (74:00) Is Brock Lesnar going to join the Vision now? (78:20) AJ Lee returns and looks great (93:05) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Wate

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What’s the weirdest response you've ever gotten from someone when they find out you cover pro wrestling (0:40)? David and Kaz kick off the show with a real conversation about the state of pro wrestling at the moment and its predictability, despite all the publicity and mainstream coverage (5:49). Then they pick up their predictions game with picks for AEW All Out (42:59) and WWE Wrestlepalooza (1:05:00) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker, Kazeem Famuyide, and Brian H. Waters Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Would you rather be like MJF and get thrown into tables and thumbtacks, or like Shawn Michaels and get both knees replaced (1:04)? David and Kaz discuss the news about Andrade being released from his WWE contract over the weekend (6:15). Then they discuss Dominik Mysterio's AAA Mega Championship win and ask whether he will become a bigger star than his dad, Rey Mysterio Jr. (30:33). Later, they look over WWE Wrestlepalooza and AEW and discuss what they are looking forward to the most (53:44). They close the show with potential matches for WrestleMania 43 (1:32:09) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David and Kaz kick off the show by discussing the criteria for the GOOTs (greatest wrestlers of our time) and an official Masked Man list of wrestlers, and they determine whether they will qualify for the tournament (3:03). Then they discuss the following headlines: WrestleMania will be in Saudi Arabia in 2027 (6:06) Carmelo and Trick Williams reunite on NXT (27:30) The AJ Styles promo on WWE ‘Raw’ (31:50) Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch are doing their best work together (38:00) Is LA Knight up next (42:27)? AJ Lee’s first promo since WWE return (48:24). Daniel Garcia’s heel turn (59:22) Then they go over a list of 134 people and decide whether they fall above or below the Steiner line (1:03:01). Last, AEW TNT champion Kyle Fletcher joins the show and discusses the following: His approach to having the best match on the card every week (1:30:47) His character changes after the comparisons to other legends (1:37:43) His wardrobe and collection of pi

COLD OPEN QUESTION OF THE WEEK: On any given day in Chicago, who gets the biggest pop—Michael Jordan, Mike Singletary, CM Punk, or AJ Lee (0:30)?David and Kaz kick off the show with a huge announcement for next week’s episode of 'The Masked Man Show' (4:11). Then, we get another hot take from Kaz, and he says there is ONE thing AEW could do to get back in the fight with WWE (8:34). Later, they discuss the following: John Cena’s last match (16:11) Looking back on John Cena’s heel turn (25:39) AJ Lee's return to WWE (29:54) What match are you most excited for at  WrestlePoolza (51:31)? Most exciting matches for AEW Out (55:27) Be sure to check out our videos on BlueSky, TikTok, Instagram Threads, and X. Hosts: David Shoemaker and Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices