I’ve been working on some interesting new shows and content behind the scenes—things that stretch the Squared Circle Podcast into new territory. If you caught the latest episode of Ringology, where I broke down the meaning of the word “work” in wrestling, then you’ve already seen the direction I’m heading in. It’s more analytical. More layered. And it’s part of a bigger vision I’m building for this universe. I’ll explain everything—including how you can support—in the next podcast episode.
But this episode right here? This is me pulling back the curtain on what’s wrong with wrestling right now.
I’ve been watching wrestling unravel from the sidelines. And after six years of doing this—podcasting, analyzing, building—I needed to sit with that discomfort for a while before speaking on it again.
This episode is my raw breakdown of what feels like a complete identity crisis across AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Let’s start with AEW. You can only ride “good vibes” and Twitter clout for so long. Fans are gatekeeping harder than ever, despite Tony Khan finally—finally—telling people to knock it off. But the damage is already done. You gatekeep something long enough, no one new shows up. The product stops evolving.
AEW's storytelling? Practically nonexistent. Every time someone asks about strong AEW stories post-CM Punk, people default to two: Hangman vs. Swerve and Toni Storm vs. Mariah May. Two stories. In six years. That’s not a legacy, that’s a warning sign.
Then there’s Mercedes Moné. Let’s be real—belt collecting doesn’t mean elevation. If you’re not defending those titles, not showing up, not cutting promos, not contributing to the actual growth of the divisions you're stepping into, then all you’re doing is hoarding spotlight. It’s performative. It’s hollow. And nobody’s calling it out, at least not with substance.
I also get into Dominion and the complete creative confusion coming out of NJPW. Dominion felt like shock booking just for the sake of reaction—like they threw logic out the window. The War Dogs should be dominating, not dissolving. Gabe Kidd switching teams makes zero sense if you’ve been paying attention to his promos. DOUKI’s return should’ve been triumphant; instead, it’s muddled with weird alignment choices. And then you give Zack Sabre Jr. yet another title shot while ignoring an entire bench of deserving wrestlers?
Meanwhile, G1 Climax 35 is looking paper-thin. The lineup feels like a last-minute draft—bare bones, uninspired, and unbalanced. You can’t tell me you’re serious about building new stars when Hiromu and Robbie Eagles can’t even get a look.
And don’t get me started on the death of New Japan Strong. That was a platform that could’ve changed the American wrestling landscape. It had structure, purpose, possibility—and they just let it rot. I’m not bitter. I’m just tired of watching promotions fumble potential while acting like everything’s fine.
This isn’t just a rant. It’s a call to look at what’s really going on behind the noise. Wrestling is supposed to be about story, tension, heart, and payoff. What we’re getting lately feels more like cosplay. And if we don’t say anything, this becomes the standard.
So yeah. Let’s talk about it.
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💬 Drop a comment. What stories do you think still have weight?
📉 What are promotions getting wrong—and how do they fix it?
📣 Best Quotes
“Wrestling is a we effort, not an I effort.”
“You don’t elevate women by collecting belts and disappearing.”
“AEW doesn’t know how to present its partners as stars. WWE did it better with AAA.”
“Gabe Kidd joining Moxley makes no sense after pledging loyalty to Japan.”
“The War Dogs deserve better. House of Torture didn’t need more people.”
“Why does Zack Sabre Jr. get endless opportunities while Finlay, Hiromu, and others get ignored?”
“New Japan is on life support and banking on nostalgia instead of innovation.”
🧠 Big Ideas
1. AEW's Gatekeeping Culture Is Killing Growth
AEW fans often gatekeep rather than welcome new viewers, directly contradicting Tony Khan’s pleas. Marie challenges the idea that loyalty should come at the cost of access, creativity, and growth.
2. Mercedes Moné’s Belt Collection Doesn’t Elevate Women’s Wrestling
Rather than build meaningful stories across promotions, Mercedes collects titles without defending them, leaving each division stagnant. Marie calls for promos, rivalries, and presence—not just appearances.
3. NJPW Dominion & G1 Booking Lacks Logic
Dominion’s chaotic results and the underwhelming G1 35 blocks reveal a creative void. War Dogs are undercut, House of Torture is overstuffed, and Zack Sabre Jr. gets title shots without storyline logic.
💡 Small Ideas
1. AEW’s Best Stories Post-CM Punk Era? Only Two?
AEW fans consistently name Hangman vs. Swerve and Toni Storm vs. Mariah May as the best recent stories. Marie argues that’s a damning indictment of AEW's long-term storytelling.
2. New Japan Strong Was a Wasted Opportunity
NJPW had the chance to solidify its U.S. presence with Strong. Instead, they abandoned it. Marie passionately outlines how it could have served as a haven for unsigned talent and fans alike.
3. G1 Climax 35 Feels Empty
With weak lineups and key stars missing, this year’s G1 feels hollow. Marie questions why stars like Hiromu, Robbie Eagles, and others are left out when NJPW desperately needs fresh elevation.
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