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Squared Circle Podcast

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Rating
★★★★☆
3.9
from
7 reviews
Categories
Country
United States
This podcast has
443 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Marie Shadows
Explicit
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! https://patreon.com/marieshadows 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: https://patreon.com/marieshadows https://marieshadows.substack.com https://campsite.bio/marieshadows https://rumble.com/user/marieshadows 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 https://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... 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! https://patreon.com/marieshadows 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

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3.9 out of 5
7 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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