Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows! Please support Marie Shadows via the links:

Wrestling Newsletter

YouTube

Twitch

All my links

***

In this episode, Marie Shadows takes a stand against the shocking and controversial ending of AEW All Out 2024, highlighting actions that cross ethical boundaries and violate human rights within wrestling. Focusing on specific incidents—such as Bryan Danielson being suffocated with a bag by Jon Moxley and Hangman Adam Page's disturbing actions towards Swerve Strickland—Marie argues that these acts go beyond entertainment and pose real dangers to the wrestlers' safety and autonomy. She discusses the implications of such imagery on the perception of wrestling, the importance of respecting the humanity of wrestlers, and the potential consequences of ignoring these issues. Marie also addresses the difference between sponsorships and affiliate sponsorships in this context and reaffirms her commitment to speaking out, despite others being silenced.

• Introduction: Overview of the controversial ending to AEW All Out 2024, featuring extreme acts that push the boundaries of acceptable wrestling content.
• Segment 1: Detailed analysis of Bryan Danielson's match ending, with a focus on the dangers of being suffocated with a bag and the broader implications for wrestler safety.
• Segment 2: Examination of the unsanctioned match between Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland, discussing the unethical implications of using a needle and the impact of unprotected chair shots to the head in light of what we know about CTE.
• Segment 3: Exploring the theme of human rights violations in wrestling, focusing on the loss of autonomy and the line between entertainment and exploitation.
• Segment 4: Discussion on the role of sponsorships vs. affiliate sponsorships in the wrestling industry, and how such incidents can affect the business side of wrestling.
• Segment 5: Marie’s personal stance on the matter, her intent to not be silenced, and the importance of standing up against unethical practices in wrestling.
• Closing Remarks: Recap of the episode’s key points, Marie’s call to action for fans and industry professionals to reconsider the direction of wrestling content, and a reminder of the need to respect wrestlers' rights and safety.

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast. I am the host, Marie Shadows.

Since questioning the booking of Konosuke, all kinds of fanboys came from left field to not have a conversation with me. Mostly they didn’t and wanted to talk amongst themselves as if I — the OP — wasn’t there. I had conversation with those I replied to so they can understand my perspective on the matter but for those that laughed at me because I stand firm in being a realist when talking about pro wrestling and told me that: wrestling isn’t that deep. I know for a fact, that person wasn’t looking for a productive conversation, so I simply said: “Then don’t seek out and comment on wrestling threads if you believe that.” Before that a comment read: Takeshita winning is always the correct decisions if we’re being honest.” I automatically knew that commentator didn’t want to have a conversation. He wanted to just hear his comment. This is where I find out ‘fanboy’ can be offensive. My response to that previous statement was: If you’re a fanboy, yeah. If you're a realist no. Konosuke Takeshita Made Me Go Viral - A THREADS Emotional Love Story (substack.com)

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Squared Circle Podcast by yours truly Marie Shadows. I review night 2 and 3 of the G1 Climax 34 and talk about my bonus podcast episode all about Konosuke and the viral moment I had on Threads. Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to keep an eye for the brand new Wrestle Threads dropping soon too.

Link: https://campsite.bio/marieshadows

Link: marieshadows.substack.com (wrestling newsletter)

Show Notes:

Introduction:

• Welcome to the latest episode of our G1 Climax 34 coverage!

• Quick update on my recent viral moment on Threads due to my discussion about Konosuke Takeshita.

• Why the term "fanboy/fangirl" is somehow offensive thus automatically making me clown and exposes me.

Night 2 Review:

• Match-by-match breakdown of G1 Climax 34 Night 2.

• Key highlights and standout performances.

• Analysis of the win/loss decisions and their impact on the tournament.

• Extra insight into the booking choices and possible storyline directions.

• Questions and thoughts on the booking decisions.

Night 3 Review:

• Detailed review of the matches from Night 3.

• Discussing the in-ring action and notable spots.

• Critique of the match outcomes and their implications for the tournament brackets.

• Additional commentary

• Throwing the idea around for NJPW to have draw decision in the tournament

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz:

• Small recap of how the wrestling community reacted to my viral Threads post.

• Teasing the full bonus podcast episode

Final Thoughts:

• Summarizing the key takeaways from Nights 2 and 3 of G1 Climax 34.

• Speculations and predictions for the upcoming matches.

• Encouraging listeners to tune in to the full podcast episode dropping later today.

• Call to action: Subscribe, leave a review, and join the discussion on our Threads community.

Outro:

• Thanking listeners for their support and engagement.

• Teasing the next episode and upcoming content.

• Signing off with social media handles and contact information.

Welcome to an epsidoe of the Squared Cirlce Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows! Today, I'm reviewing night 1/opening night of the G1 Climax 34.

G1 Season is upon us, and night 1 — the opening night for the G1 Climax 34 — has happened. I’m shocked, in awe, and mostly head-scratching. In this episode, I review all matches except for one, questioning the decisions of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and discussing the influence of AEW and Tony Khan. Overview:

The G1 Climax tournament is supposed to build new stars, new stories, and feuds. However, with the random wins and losses, nothing makes sense at this moment. The writing is on the wall: Tony Khan doesn’t want any of his guys to lose to NJPW wrestlers. This might change as the tournament progresses, but I doubt it. The impact of AEW politics is evident in the tournament's early stages.

The Smart G1 Climax 34 Match: Gabe Kidd vs. EVIL

EVIL and the House of Torture are known for their interference and shenanigans. This match, however, was clean, taken outside among the Japanese fans, which has become Gabe Kidd’s calling card. The smart segment was the ref bump situation. Usually, in House of Torture matches, the babyface is naive to the obvious ref bump, followed by chaos. In this match, Gabe Kidd threw the ref out in a rage, leading to minimal interference until Dick Togo choked Gabe Kidd, and EVIL used his finisher for the win. The ending fell flat, but the match was well-executed.

The Worst G1 Climax 34 Match: Callum Newman vs. Shota Umino

My constructive criticism is nothing personal. Callum Newman’s constant high spots without storytelling made the match feel like two rookies in wrestling school. Shota Umino, who recently recovered from an injury, can have good matches but went along with Newman's pace, resulting in a sloppy performance. It felt like neither wrestler had a grip on the other. Callum needs to develop a character beyond just being fast. Shota, mentored by Jon Moxley, also needs to step out of his mentor's shadow and find his unique style. This match was the worst of the night, highlighting that both wrestlers are still green.

AEW+Tony Khan’s Influence in the G1 Climax 34: Yota Tsuji vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Tony Khan’s reluctance to let his wrestlers lose is evident. Yota Tsuji, who recently had a documentary made about him, should have been pushed as part of the Reiwa Musketeers. Instead, he lost to Konosuke Takeshita, who represents AEW more than DDT Pro. Takeshita should have had more NJPW matches before the tournament to make his win believable. Tsuji has put in the work and should be allowed to win more to solidify his status. This match exemplifies Tony Khan’s influence and NJPW’s inability to say no to him. Final Thoughts: The G1 Climax 34 is supposed to build new stars and stories. However, with random wins and losses and external influences, it’s hard to make sense of the direction. NJPW needs to balance pushing young talent without making it feel rushed or influenced by external politics. Links:

campsite.bio/marieshadows

Welcome to a new episode of Tape Study by Marie Shadows! Hello everyone! Hope all is well!

The concept of Tape Study Series is to be observant with pro wrestling and breakdown matches so wrestling fans can have a deeper appreciation for the art and wrestlers can learn from the masterclass of the review and live reaction. Tape Study Series does not invoke any kind of toxicity or negativity. Tape Study won’t dive into a simple: this sucks - and leave it as such and like we’ve seen so many times on the internet. Tape Study is about breakdown characters, stories, angles, and more.I’m passionate about wrestling.

AJ Style vs Naomichi Marufuji

This is a dream match done correctly and had the right amount of buzz surrounding a bucket list of a match in our lifetime. WWE always had a small hand in the Japanese wrestling market with their few shows in Japan some years ago. But currently, WWE has inked a media rights deal to showcase and broadcast WWE programming in Japan on their media rights deal to showcase WWE programming in Japan on the Abema network.

Now we are seeing the rise of other Japanese promotions wanting to work with WWE. Pro Wrestling Noah is one of the few.

AJ Styles vs Naomichi Marufuji is the match we did not know we needed. It was a game of chess between the two. Very well-seasoned veterans with legendary careers fought like warriors with counters and power moves to see who the best was/is.

It seemed like Marufuji studied AJ Styles just based off of the counters you see during the match. AJ Styles gave us a phenomenal match. It felt like NJPW AJ appeared.

The ending is a surprise — to me at least. I won’t spoil it, but I would love to hear your comments!I hope you enjoyed the breakdown video!

Leave me a message!

What was your favorite part of the match?

Was this your dream match?

How many ‘stars’ do you feel AJ vs Marufuji deserves?

How was my breakdown?

If you’re a lurker of the newsletter, you can send me a direct message anytime!

Links: https://campsite.bio/marieshadows

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows! Marie Shadows reviews Jon Moxley vs Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at the one-side AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door PPV for 2024.

The Internet Wrestling Community made this match a bigger deal than usual. It wasn't that bad, but the chemistry was off because Moxley and Naito have two different mindsets when it comes to wrestling and the wrestling audience. It was evident here and Marie Shadows breaks it down and explains the two mindsets.

What works for NJPW in Japan doesn't have a high percent chance of working with an American audience. And what American audiences are used to and enjoy during their wrestling doesn't have a high percent chance of working with a Japanese audience.

This video is podcast is about breaking down the match for the Tape Study Series. It's similar to what Stevie Richards does on his show.

Thanks for watching, commenting, liking, and sharing.

All my links: campsite.bio/marieshadows