
Advertise on podcast: Squared Circle Podcast
Rating
3.9from
This podcast has
443 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Marie ShadowsExplicit
No
Date created
2019/10/24
Latest episode
2026/08/23
Average duration
64 min.
Release period
19 days
Description
Wrestling conversations we need to have to keep kayfabe, storytelling, psychology, and all teachings alive for wrestlers, fans, and the wrestling industry.
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Check latest episodes from Squared Circle Podcast podcast
What if Callum Newman Costs Will Ospreay Everything At AEW All In?
2026/08/23
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast by Marie Shadows. Marie Shadows questions wrestling storytelling by asking: What If Callum Newman Costs Will Ospreay Everything At AEW All In?
https://MarieShadows.substack.com
https://buymeacoffee.com/MarieShadows
https://instagram.com/MarieShadows.scp
Has Modern Wrestling Ruined the Friendship Arc? Drilla Moloney vs Gabe Kidd (G1 Climax 36) [Tape Study]
2026/07/20
Welcome to Tape Study 2.0 - Post Wrestling School Tape Study for Wrestlers and Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
Episode Overview
In this episode, we dive deep into a structured framework for professional wrestling tape study. Moving away from surface-level critiques, we explore how to conduct an objective, clinical analysis of a match to dissect character logic, narrative progression, and storytelling mechanics. Using real-world match breakdowns—including Gabe Kidd vs. Drilla Moloney—we analyze how the classic three-act structure applies inside the squared circle and how performers can elevate their craft through intentional psychology.
Key Topics & Timestamps
– Introduction to Objective Tape Study
Why surface-level match reviews fall short when trying to learn in-ring psychology.
Shifting from a fan or critic perspective to an objective, clinical analytical framework.
– The Three-Act Structure & Storytelling Mechanics
Applying narrative arc principles and the three-act structure to match construction.
Evaluating character logic, motivation, and seamless narrative progression.
– Match Breakdown: Gabe Kidd vs. Drilla Moloney
Analyzing the character logic and storytelling dynamics in Kidd vs. Moloney.
Key lessons performers can take away from this specific match analysis.
– Actionable Tools for Performers
Developing educational checklists to systematically audit in-ring psychology.
How wrestlers can use tape study to identify bad habits and refine match pacing.
– Resources, Mentorship, & Deep Dives
Overview of the content ecosystem built around tape study framework.
How to access mentorship resources, checklists, and written deep dives.
Key Takeaways
Clinical Analysis > Personal Opinion: True tape study requires dissecting structural choices, character decisions, and pacing rather than grading a match on personal preference.
Narrative Foundations Matter: Understanding character logic and the three-act structure is what turns a series of moves into a compelling story.
Systematic Learning: Utilizing structured educational checklists makes self-evaluation and match auditing repeatable and actionable for performers.
Resources & Links Mentioned
Substack: Visit the home base for deep-dive written breakdowns and detailed match analysis.
Buy Me a Coffee: Access practical, upgradeable mentorship resources, educational checklists, and support the show.
Bushiroad Sells NJPW: What This Means for New Japan Pro Wrestling's Future
2026/06/08
Editor's Note: The news itself isn't breaking anymore. The sale happened days ago. What I want to focus on is why it happened, what led to it, and where NJPW goes from here because I think that's the conversation wrestling fans should be having.***
https://marieshadows.substack.com
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast, hosted by Marie Shadows!
From CyberAgent and ABEMA to AEW's influence on the roster, here's why this sale matters more than most fans realize.
Summary:Marie Shadows breaks down Bushiroad’s sale of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the financial context behind the decision, the implications of AEW partnerships on star power, and what NJPW’s future might look like on new streaming platforms. She gives candid opinions on dual contracts, wrestling storylines, and the missed opportunities for US expansion.Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Bushiroad announcement context01:00 – Financial analysis: 10 billion yen loan & implications05:00 – NJPW’s ownership transfer to TVA & Cyber Agent06:30 – AEW partnership critique & star power migration15:00 – United Empire storyline & Ospreay/Death Riders commentary22:00 – Dual contracts vs WWE partnerships25:00 – Why Bushiroad sold NJPW, not Stardom30:00 – Streaming platforms: ABEMA & Cyber Agent opportunities35:00 – AEW content removal from NJPW World42:00 – Future strategies: US expansion & fan engagement50:00 – Outro & Substack/merch plugShow Notes:
Discusses the financial and strategic implications of NJPW’s sale.Reviews AEW partnership and talent migration.Comments on storylines like United Empire and Will Ospreay.Highlights future possibilities with Cyber Agent, ABEMA, and US tours.Provides direct opinions and advice for NJPW management and fans.
Kevin Nash's Wrestling Union Comments Sparked a Bigger Conversation on Instagram
2026/05/19
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/marieshadows
https://marieshadows.substack.com
https://instagram.com/marieshadows.scp
00:00 - 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.
TKO Needs to Take a Step Back — What WrestleMania Actually Showed Us
2026/04/29
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.com
https://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 episodes
Join the conversation about wrestling industry structure, not just surface-level takes
Support independent wrestling analysis that challenges the norm
MLW is K*ller Kross! MLW Battle Riot VIII 2026 review with Dos Evil!
2026/02/12
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
https://patreon.com/marieshadows
https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows
https://marieshadows.substack.com
Please 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] – Intro
Marie 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 Riot
First 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 Reactions
Quick breakdown of the opening matches, in-ring quality, and what felt like setup versus payoff.
[15:20] – Middleweight Championship Match
Full 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 Contra
The 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 Forward
Is 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 Breakdown
Structure of the Riot match.
Key eliminations.
Who gained momentum even without winning.
[48:30] – Standout Performances & Momentum Shifts
Who elevated themselves on this card?
Who feels positioned for the next step?
[55:10] – MLW’s Direction After Battle Riot
Does this show feel like a reset?
Where the major storylines seem to be heading.
[1:02:00] – Final Thoughts
Closing reflections on Battle Riot, Kushida as champion, Contra’s evolution, and what needs to happen next.
Gunther's Career K*ller Gimmick & WWE Fanboys Exposed – Royal Rumble 2026 Breakdown
2026/02/02
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/marieshadows
https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows
In 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 pushback
00:00:47 - Real fans' valid dissatisfaction vs. complainers
00:01:11 - John Cena's final match: Worst ever, full breakdown on Patreon
00:01:37 - Patreon promo: Free follows, $7.50 tier for exclusives
00:02:44 - Welcome to Square Circle Podcast: Royal Rumble review
00:03:00 - WWE's bad decisions tying Cena's match to Rumble issues
00:03:37 - Gunther as "career killer": Doesn't make sense at 38
00:04:44 - No true nuclear heat in 2026 wrestling (except JCW Lunacy)
00:06:21 - Fanboy reactions to Cena's match: Gaslighting valid feelings
00:07:42 - Tournament for Cena's opponent was lame—should've played the hits
00:08:53 - AJ Styles' retirement at Rumble: Not accepting it yet
00:09:28 - Gunther vs. AJ should've been Cena's match level
00:10:04 - Wrestling subject to change—don't accept retirements blindly
00:11:07 - Rumble matches overview: Men's (Roman wins), Women's (Liv wins)
00:12:19 - Saudi Arabia hosting: Fan hypocrisy on human rights
00:15:02 - Gunther doesn't have nuclear heat—boos are superficial
00:17:13 - Don't let fanboys bully you into liking bad booking
00:18:50 - Rumble got a genuine reaction from me—WWE did its job
00:20:33 - Outro: Comments, polls, follow on Spotify
00:21:58 - Promotions: Rumble, Patreon, Substack, YouTube
00:23:26 - Discord Notes promo: Ep 10 on ICE "whitewashing" and Ava tweet
00:26:13 - Patreon value: Honest feedback, no sugarcoating
00:28:37 - Why Discord Notes exists: Uncomfortable conversations for growth
00:30:03 - Final thanks and sign-off
NJPW Commentary Gone Woke? Wrestle Kingdom 20 Women's Match & Feminism Rant
2026/01/30
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
Visit:
https://patreon.com/marieshadows
https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows
In 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 overview
1:45 - 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" narratives
12:30 - Respecting Japanese culture vs. American ideology imports
18:45 - Why the IWGP Women's title exists + Stardom as separate division
25:10 - Merit over gender quotas; Stardom selling out Tokyo Dome on its own
32:00 - Women's wrestling observations: safety, training, storytelling
40:15 - Final thoughts: Retire the titles? Revive NJPW Strong?
45:50 - Outro & call to action
If 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.
Douki Just Buried Tanahashi's Retirement…And Commentary Had a Meltdown | Despe vs Douki Next! WK 20 review
2026/01/29
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
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https://rumble.com/marieshadows
https://marieshadows.substack.com
Dive 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 20
00:00:32 - Open Mind Warning and Commentary Issues
00:01:36 - Human Nature vs. Utopia Lectures
00:02:50 - Individuality and Why We Don't All Agree
00:03:27 - Rant on Fake Outrage and Woke Commentary
00:04:50 - Doki's Quote and Walker's Lecture
00:06:11 - Heels Being Heels: Kayfabe Explained
00:07:53 - Doki's Confidence vs. Tanahashi's Tour
00:09:17 - Destroying Characters with Lectures
00:10:34 - Why Vince Was in Commentators' Ears
00:12:15 - Japanese vs. English Commentary Preference
00:13:33 - Heels Can't Be Heels Anymore
00:15:03 - Veda Scott Commentary Example
00:16:25 - Commentary's True Job: Storytelling
00:17:21 - Match Breakdown Starts
00:18:58 - Why Not Sho vs. Doki? Storytelling Potential
00:20:54 - Match Action: Attacks, Teams, Shenanigans
00:22:57 - House Interference and Commentary Whining
00:24:10 - Enjoy Wrestling as Escape
00:25:52 - Robbie Eagles & X Help Out
00:26:05 - El Desperado Wins: My Thoughts
00:27:00 - Fantasy Booking Sho vs. Doki
00:29:04 - Elevating House of Torture's Playbook
00:31:02 - Master Wato Deserves a Shot
00:31:37 - Final Rant: No Activists on Commentary
00:33:51 - Respect Individuality
00:34:56 - Outro and See You Next Time
Jake Lee Pins Hiromu – Worst Finish Ever? Bullet Club War Dogs With Unaffiliated vs United Empire WK 20 Review
2026/01/28
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
Support:
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In 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 Off
01:20 - HENARE Exempt – Warrior Forever
02:45 - United Empire in Shambles: Ospreay/Fletcher Exit, Drama, Lost Identity
07:10 - Callum Newman’s Heel Turn – Growth or Just Whiny Brat?
11:30 - Bullet Club War Dogs + Unaffiliated LIJ: Floating & Directionless
14:50 - Match Highlights – Chaos, Double Teams, Human Weapons
19:00 - Commentary Rant: Stop Acting Shocked at Finlay/Hiromu
22:40 - The Abrupt Finish: Jake Lee Pins Hiromu – Weakest Ever?
26:15 - Francesco Akira Return Falls Completely Flat
29:00 - Lost Identities: Factions Need Meaning & Convictions
32:30 - Final Thoughts – Faith in HENARE, Frustration with the Rest
35:00 - Call to Action: Comment, Like, Subscribe, Join Patreon
What did you think of the finish? Should Callum have pinned Finlay? Drop your thoughts below—keep it civil!
Aaron Wolf Beats EVIL for NEVER Championship – Bold Debut or Forced Push?
2026/01/27
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!
Please support via these links!
https://patreon.com/marieshadows
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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... yet
1:45 – NEVER Openweight history & why it feels outdated now
4:20 – Aaron Wolf's background vs. NJPW's newcomer model
7:10 – The buildup & that hair-shaving stipulation nonsense
9:50 – Match breakdown: House of Torture shenanigans overload
13:30 – Kayfabe problems — how does a debutant survive all that?
17:05 – EVIL appreciation: The Miz of NJPW, selfless vet
20:15 – Young Lion system critique (too long, too rigid)
24:40 – Broader NJPW issues: Factions, loyalty, and pushing the wrong people
28:20 – Final thoughts & hope on the horizon (Tsuji as champ)
30:45 – Upcoming: April 6, 2026 NJPW Las Vegas event
32:00 – Outro & call to comment/subscribe
Tsuji vs. Konosuke at Wrestle Kingdom 20 – My IWGP Champion Finally Arrives (And Yes, He Won with the Boston Crab)
2026/01/26
Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!
https://patreon.com/marieshadows
https://marieshadows.substack.com
In 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 below
0:00 – Intro & Wrestle Kingdom 20 attendance / no two-night nonsense
2:00 – 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 equality
10:30 – Brain buster stinger – Tsuji hurt, pace thrown off
13:00 – 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 core
21:00 – Big spots: reverse Canadian Destroyer, Blue Thunder Bomb, Guerrero Special
24:00 – Finish: Boston Crab on hurt gut – Tsuji wins!
27:00 – Post-match Jake Lee big boot, United Empire angle
29:00 – Tsuji NJPW interview key points (philosophies, stinger, Boston Crab meaning)
33:00 – Unbound Co. explanation & Bullet Club thoughts
37:00 – Tanahashi loyalty, AEW partnership rant, future Dome sellouts
41:00 – Wrap-up, Patreon plug, love you guys
Tanahashi vs Okada Wrestle Kingdom 20: "Never Tired" Ace Retires to Rainmaker – NJPW Retirement Match Breakdown & Why It Hit Hard
2026/01/25
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.com
Patreon: https://patreon.com/marieshadows
Timestamps!
00:00 – Welcome to Season 7, Happy New Year, January 24 2026
00:46 – Where to find the podcast + what’s coming in 2026
01:14 – IWC negativity, wrong labels, Marty Scurll correct story
03:29 – Cyber bullying still alive, be open-minded
04:35 – Wrestle Kingdom 20 make-or-break for NJPW, Tanahashi retirement
05:52 – Economy/yen excuses vs real issues
09:49 – Sold out because of Tanahashi, Okada wins
12:01 – Why Okada over Nakamura, Tanahashi power
13:37 – AEW partnership not benefiting NJPW (Twitter thread proof)
14:47 – Dual contracts discussion coming soon
16:39 – Tanahashi could’ve called WWE for Nakamura
19:12 – Match breakdown: wrestling, wrist control, psychology
27:54 – Why struggle > flips, working body parts
30:50 – Finish, post-match mic, brotherhood parade
32:04 – Commentary dynamic: Charlton marching orders, tension
37:00 – Walker indie/woke insertions, respect Japanese style
42:41 – Storytelling lost art in commentary
51:02 – Final thoughts, brotherhood, ten-bell creepy
53:05 – Plugs: like/share/comment/poll, Patreon, Tape Study, consultations
Explaining Marty Scurll's Controversy (Hangman Pic Drama) + Calling Out Wrestling Twitter Drama Farming | Season 7 Launch
2026/01/23
Welcome to Season 7 of the Squared Circle Podcast, with your host Marie Shadows!
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https://marieshadows.substack.com
https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows
Damn, January 2026—wisdom tooth out, cold recovery, but Season 7 of the Square Circle Podcast is here! We're closing 2025 (burnout, reflections, cesspool Twitter) & charging into 2026: chasing conversations, tape study breakdowns, calling out wrestling community BS. No trendy voice—real talk on partnerships (WWE/TNA good, AEW/NJPW slimy), content creator fakeness, women's "equity" nonsense (merit over gender/skin color—fuck feminism ruining minds), and more.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Intro: Happy New Year, Season 7 Kickoff, and Episode Overview
00:00:51 - Reflections on 2025: Building Over Six Years, Burnout, and Looking Ahead
00:01:07 - January Update: Wisdom Tooth Recovery, No NJPW Reviews, and Smooth Healing
00:03:19 - Back to Normal: Diet Changes, Solid Foods, and Tweeting Wrestling
00:03:31 - Wrestling Community Critique: Kayfabe vs. Real Analysis, Partnerships, and True Voices
00:07:07 - Partnerships Breakdown: AEW/NJPW (No Boost, Overpaid) vs. WWE/TNA/Noah (Done Right)
00:08:51 - Content Creators: Drop Fake Voices, Longevity Over Trends, Standalone Episodes
00:11:52 - Avoiding Burnout: Balance Streaming with Essays, Mental Health Real Talk
00:13:41 - Anti-Drama Farming: Stop Clowning Meltzer/Russo/Bischoff, Debunk with Sources
00:15:40 - Original Content: Value Perspectives, Not Bullying—When Does It Stop?
00:18:19 - Cyberbullying Flip: From "Bad" to Normalized, Need a Facelift in 2026
00:19:24 - Season 7 Vision: Chasing Conversations, 30-45 Min Topics, No Overwhelm
00:20:21 - Topics Tease: Women's "Equity" BS (Merit Over Gender/Color), F**k Feminism
00:22:46 - Men/Women as Units: Help Isn't Weakness, Destroyed Minds from Ideology
00:23:25 - Tape Study Focus: Match Breakdowns, Psychology, Under Square Circle Umbrella
00:24:45 - 2025 Burnout: Hogan/Charlie Kirk Losses, Cesspool Twitter, Lost Friends
00:26:02 - Branding Shift: Ditch Ringology, Stick with Tape Study—Open to Pros for Consults
00:26:30 - Patreon Revival: Discord Notes for Off-Topic (Current Events, Frustrations)
00:32:52 - Discord Notes Examples: Minnesota Anarchy, EBT Misinfo, Denying the Obvious
00:35:10 - JCW Lunacy Exclusives on Patreon: YouTube Copyright Issues Suck
00:37:00 - Money in Content: Transparency on Splits, Memberships, Support Options
00:39:46 - More Patreon: Tape Study Reviews, Submit Ideas (No Guarantees)
00:40:59 - Fantasy Booking/Reviews: Slow Down, Add Elements, Showcase Untouched Areas
00:42:32 - Community Building: Create Original Lanes, Confidence, Adaptability
00:50:00 - Recap: Season 7 Plans, Chasing Conversations, Tape Study Sessions Interviews
00:57:02 - Spotify 2025 Wrapped: Growth Stats, Top Episode, Awards, Partner Program Goal
01:01:07 - Content Plans: Mini Episodes, Reviews, Live Streams on Patreon/Rumble/Twitch
01:05:22 - Substack Shift: Newsletter for Write-Ups, Links to Content
01:06:30 - Wrestle Kingdom 20 Tease: New Directions, Contracts Rumors (Evil to WWE?)
01:07:54 - Timeline BS: Engagement Farming on "Who Is Evil?"—Tag Knowledgeable People
01:09:09 - Algorithm Rant: Negativity Wins, But Try Positive/Educational
01:11:47 - Community Frustrations: Unload Negativity, No Productivity, Want Authority
01:13:16 - Marty Scrull Me Too Clarification: Story Wrong, One-Time, Victim Forgave—Facts Over Emotion
01:25:06 - Outro: Thanks, Links, Support, Tease Next Episodes (Wrestle Kingdom, Tsuji)
JCW Lunacy Reaction VOD Ep 57 - Marie Shadows React
2025/12/02
Over on youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast we are reacting to JCW Lunacy. This is the VOD, please have a look!
JCW Lunacy is wild.
Please consider supporting all I do!
https://patreon.com/marieshadows
https://marieshadows.substack.com
Podcast reviews
Read Squared Circle Podcast podcast reviews
ruiz1971 2024/12/17
Great show
Great show and podcast really enjoy the positive energy and thank you for the hard work 👊
wayne ph 2020/07/17
Love the podcast
Marie does a great job, can’t wait to hear more!!!
@WooPigSumo 2020/05/24
Great Pod
Great Pod for wrestling fans. Informative & worth it. Check it out! (@TheSlopDrop1)
ThatGuyThurrr 2020/03/07
Wrestling show with superb host!
When listening to wrestling podcasts, fans want specific things: knowledge, structure, entertainment, and a WOW factor. This show has it all. A must l...
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