The Fight Game Podcast

Wrestling booker extraordinaire John LaRocca joins GG to talk about the first four nights of G1 Climax 28. But first, they talked about their kids and how being a father relates to their wrestling fandom. John then talked about what it was like seeing his good friend Jeff Cobb wrestle for the Never Openweight championship at the G1 Special at the Cow Palace. The guys talk about their favorite matches so far, what they think of the interference in the matches, what they think about the younger guys in the tournament, and ultimately, who will win the entire thing. More Fight Game Blog here: fightgameblog.com/ twitter.com/fightgameblog www.instagram.com/fightgameblog/ www.facebook.com/fightgameblog/

The Fight Game Podcast is back. Jason Hagholm joins GG to talk about WWE's latest Network special, Extreme Rules. It was a pretty flat show overall, though there were a couple of good matches. But there was more bad than good and the fellas go deep into the flaws. They also discuss: The earlier start time which fooled Jason Hulk Hogan's return to WWE Jonathan Coachman's horrendous announcing Asuka as the dumb babyface Nut shots Kevin Owens' Mick Foley-esque fall Bobby Lashley being indestructable The fans being angry at Roman Reigns for no reason Ronda Rousey's olympic level speed The faulty logic of the main event Before the fellas discuss the show, GG talks about the second night of New Japan's G1, his stint as a guest host on Wrestling Observer Radio, and Manny Pacquiao's dominant win. More Fight Game Blog here: http://fightgameblog.com/ https://twitter.com/fightgameblog https://www.instagram.com/fightgameblog/ https://www.facebook.com/fightgameblog/

GG is joined by Draven to talk about some pro wrestling topics, but also about his new podcast about the history of pro wrestling. Before they get to what the podcast is about, they talk about the death of Bruno Sammartino and what he meant to pro wrestling. Draven is a pro wrestling history buff and he takes everyone through Sammartino's run and why wrestling was so different during this time frame. The guys compare and contrast his era to how wrestling works today. They then preview Friday's WWE Network show from Saudi Arabia, the Greatest Royal Rumble. They talk about the political ramifications of the show and why folks should probably be more up in arms about it than they are. They go through the entire card and discuss why Roman Reigns is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Lastly, they go through Draven's new podcast project which will be hosted on the Fight Game Podcast network. Draven's goal is to walk listeners through wrestling history. If it's anything like his thoughts on Bruno, it will be a really good listen. KLB Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/211146326289164/?fref=nf Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

This special weekend edition of the Fight Game Podcast is heavy on the boxing talk. If you're a big boxing fan, you'll be super interested in this one. But before Duan and GG talk about the world of boxing, they discuss WrestleMania 34 weekend as they were both there in person. In fact, while knowing each other for years, this is the first time they met up in person. After the WrestleMania talk, they hit the boxing topics like heavy bag. They discuss the two fights that happened before their recording, which was Amir Khan's comeback fight after a two year layoff and the 126-pound matchup between Carl Frampton and Nonito Donaire. GG saw both fights on streaming networks (ESPN + and Facebook Video) and compares the two services. After that they look at Canelo Alvarez's suspension and talk about how the drug testing failure makes little sense. They then discuss Triple G's replacement fight against Vanes Martirosyan. They also look forward to Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua and talk about the difficulties in making that fight and the future of Manny Pacquiao without Freddie Roach (maybe just for this fight against Lucas Matthysse) in his corner. Lastly, they discuss the future of their Fabulous Four Podcast series and when they'll pick it up to finish it off. Duan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/duandub Fabulous Four Podcast: http://fightgameblog.com/the-fabulous-four-podcast/

Big D and GG are back for one last ride. They didn't know if it was going to happen, but Big D got off the airplane, found some energy, and was ready to record the epilogue. The guys talk about their experiences in NOLA. GG was at WaleMania, Progress, RevPro, and the WWN Super Show, while Big D was live at WrestleMania, sitting on the floor. Big D talks about spending time with his buddies, NFL players Mike Daniels, Lawrence Guy, and Vinny Curry. He also met Travis Browne and was able to ask him about his wife's mentality before the big match. The guys go through all the main matches and storylines from the big show. Big D talks about the main event and how unfairly he believes the crowd reacted live. They talk about Brock Lesnar's situation with WWE and where it leaves Roman Reigns. They talk about Ronda Rousey's excellent debut, Charlotte's fantastic match with Asuka, and the rest of the big matches on the card, including Daniel Bryan's comeback match. There's also a few stories on this episode from the weekend. Check it out. Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

It's the final Road To WrestleMania podcast for WrestleMania 34. Big D and GG preview the entire card, including giving winners for every match. They talk about the weird John Cena vs The Undertaker build and why because of how different it was, it should work for the live crowd. Get ready for this weekend! Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

GG is joined by his special guest, Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer. They talk about last weekend's Long Beach trip which started in the AXS studios interviewing Kazuchika Okada, went through downtown LA for the PWG show, took a left at the New Japan Dojo in Carson, and then ended in Long Beach for New Japan's Strong Style Evolved show. They go over all of those things including Dave's thoughts on Okada in person, PWG pulling out of Reseda, the most spectacular match of the weekend, the difference between the PWG show and the New Japan show, media and journalists in pro wrestling and MMA, Dave and Bryan Alvarez finally covering a show sitting next to each other, rating a match and how TV and the in-person experience can be different, the difference between wrestling shows in Japan and Japanese wrestling shows in the US, and Cody Rhodes as a main eventer. They then talk about WrestleMania weekend in New Orleans including his thoughts on his live Q&A podcast with Bryan on Friday morning, and what match he's looking most forward to that he's seeing live. On the last part of the podcast, GG asks Dave about Twitter and Dave's role as a wrestling historian, what he would tell someone who wants to join his business, and what he'd watch if he simply had more hours in the day. Subscribe to the Wrestling Observer at https://www.f4wonline.com/.

Big D and GG are back on that Road To WrestleMania. Only two episodes left. This week, the guys focus on Ronda Rousey's ESPN interviews that she's getting a lot of flack for from fans. GG believes her reaction is what separates her from the rest of the roster. They also look at the video package from Raw that showed Triple H and Stephanie McMahon as ultimate heels. They talk about yet another week of John Cena and GG compares him to Jennifer Aniston. You'll have to hear how. They talk about the main Smackdown angle with Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon. Even with his illness, Shane McMahon is advertised for the show. They go over the latest news, including Rusev being added to the US title match and then go over their match order for the show. GG also has an idea for Hulk Hogan for the big show. Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

Big D and GG are back on that Road To WrestleMania. This week, the guys talk about the biggest story of quite some time, which is the return of Daniel Bryan. The guys talk about what they thought when they heard the news and his two segments on Smackdown. They wonder what the hell is taking WWE so long to push the John Cena vs Undertaker match forward. Why aren't Stephanie and Triple H on the recent Raws? They go over the latest updates to the card and the rest of the news. Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

Big D and GG are back on that Road To WrestleMania. This week, the guys talk about the progression of the Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns angle and how it's intriguing, even in the weird pretend shoot way they're doing it. They also talk about Ronda Rousey missing Raw and WWE's bait and switch with her and Lesnar. They move on to the serious Smackdown angle between Shane McMahon, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens. They talk about Jeff Hardy's situation. And then they turn their focus to John Cena's promo about the Undertaker, which started in a great direction and then turned weird. They go over all the matches so far and then end on the story of Big D running into Batista and screwing up his chance to impress him. Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

GG and Jason Hagholm break down WWE's Fastlane PPV. There were some points of the show where they were actually in the slow lane, but overall, it was a solid show highlighted by an excellent main event. We look at the main event and try and figure out what angles/matches for WrestleMania could come out of it. AJ vs Nakamura Cena vs The Undertaker Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn vs Shane McMahon? We discuss the entire show match by match, including Asuka challenging Charlotte for her women's title, Randy Orton winning the US title, and the Bludgeon Brothers killing everyone. Check it out! Links: Jason on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jhagholm1 GG on Twitter: https://twitter.com/roheblius Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com Fight Game Blog on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fightgameblog Fight Game Blog on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fightgameblog/ Fight Game Blog on IG: https://www.instagram.com/fightgameblog/

After missing last week because of vacation, Big D and GG are back with the Road To WrestleMania. This week, the guys talk about Big D's scoop from last week, which was that Rey Mysterio Jr. was in talks to face John Cena at WrestleMania. We talk about where those rumors came from, why they seem to have been quickly refuted, and where they stand now. GG then talks about the Brock Lesnar story and what is part of storyline and what isn't. They also talk about his possible future with UFC and why Vince McMahon will still want him. How do the guys feel about the Ronda Rousey storyline so far? What about the WWE to Fox rumors? What are their plans for WrestleMania weekend? Big D on Twitter: twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: www.fightgameblog.com

The Road To WrestleMania is back. For the last several years, GG and Big D have gotten together weekly to dish out the latest on WrestleMania all the way up until the big show. On this kickoff show (which is a collabo between this podcast and Big D's World Of Geekdom), the guys talk about going to New Orleans and whether they'll get the crew together for the first time ever (Team FGB). GG asks D about his ultimate scoop, which was learning about the original proposed match with Ronda Rousey and The Rock teaming together to face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Is that match still on? The guys then talk about the rumored card so far and what happens to Brock Lesnar later this year as well as if Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon will ever be able to settle their beef in the ring. They won't be back next week as GG is out of town, but they'll be back every week after that up until the big show. Big D on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmperorBigD World Of Geekdom: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCku9r1HmCAaRqqPnKfptWPw Fight Game Blog: http://fightgameblog.com/

John LaRocca joins GG to talk about watching New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest show of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 12. They first talk about what it's like to watch wrestling with Big Dave Meltzer. And then they talk about watching Wrestle Kingdom live which started at 11PM and didn't end until nearly 5AM. It was a long night, but a long night of good wrestling. The guys talk about all the matches, compare them to the AXS version of the show, and then talk about the new angles coming out of New Year's Dash. They end the show talking about Jeff Cobb working in New Japan Pro Wrestling, who John is very close to. John's Twitter: https://twitter.com/laroccajl Find us at: http://fightgameblog.com/

Jason Hagholm joins GG on the latest episode of The Fight Game Podcast. We take a look at the 2017 Pro Wrestling Awards. We'll have our full list of them on Fight Game Blog soon, but we got Jason's here. The awards Jason looks at are the following: Most Outstanding Wrestler Show Of The Year Match Of The Year Breakout Star Who's Next They next preview the top fights for UFC 219, including the main event featuring Cris Cyborg vs Holly Holm. They then spend the rest of the show talking about the two huge main events at the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom 12 - Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega and Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada.

This Friday is APW's second Cow Palace show of the year. Fredericks, the Internet champion, defends his title against Jacob Fatu. We talk to Karl about his young career so far. We discuss his interest in wrestling as a kid and how that made him want to become a pro wrestler. He talks about his early training and some of the people who influenced him along the way like Adam Thornstowe of the Reno Scum. He takes us behind the curtain about what it's like to be in a WWE tryout, what it's like to be on their radar, and what his future looks like. He also talks about what it takes to be a body guy. Karl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/karl_fredericks?lang=en Karl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlfredericks_bgc/

GG is back with The Fight Game Podcast. Joining him is longtime podcast guest Jason Hagholm. They discuss Sunday night's WWE PPV, Hell In A Cell. It was a PPV that felt like a big time show and they explain why it wasn't just another WWE Network show. They go through all the matches, bookended with both Hell In A Call matches, and also discuss the letdown that was the WWE title match. They also discuss where the Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon feud may go. The other main topic is UFC 216, which wasn't a must-see show, but was a fun one with four submission finishes on the main card. We also discuss who Conor McGregor's next fight may be with. You can find Jason on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/jhagholm1. GG is on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/roheblius Fight Game Blog is on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/fightgameblog

This Throwback Audio is from February 12, 2016. At the time, Shayna Baszler was about to have her second professional wrestling match for John LaRocca's Premier Wrestling. She was set to face her training partner, Colleen Schneider. We talked about that match and her young pro wrestling career. We also talked about other wrestling, such as Daniel Bryan's retirement and what she likes about WWE. She even teased a Four Horsewomen vs. Four Horsewomen match, which does look like it could be happening in WWE soon.

Duan and GG discuss everything that relates to last night's mega fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor. We describe what we thought happened in the ring, and what is next for both guys. We go over the undercard and talk about Badou Jack's impressive victory and Gervonta Davis' less than impressive victory. We also talk about Canelo vs GGG and how it was hurt by last night's fight. We talk about ESPN's deal with Top Rank and what it means for boxing and HBO. We then preview the upcoming second season of the Fabulous Four Podcast which starts next week.

First, I want to apologize for the audio. This was a test and we probably won't do it again. I didn't know how much of the outside traffic and air conditioning the microphone was going to pick up. Thus, when we're driving fast, you will hear a lot of outside interference. But when we're in a bit of traffic, there's less static. Hopefully you can hear the content (and not be too offended by the noise) because I think it's pretty good. All Pro Wrestling (APW) booker, John LaRocca joins me to talk about indy show memories, road stories, people he's worked with in the business like Jeff Cobb, Timothy Thatcher, Shayna Baszler, and Nicole Savoy, and guys he'd love to book. We then talk about the show we were headed to, APW's Civic Slam. We talk about G1 and how great it was, including our top 10 matches of the entire tournament. We talk about why Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor is so anticipated. We discuss some of the UFC slowness (this was before Jon Jones failed his drug test, but we kind of talk about him in that way) and then end with more wrestling, including what our favorite eras of wrestling were and what matches we'd put on our favorites list.

This is a quick hit podcast to discuss the recent unveiling of Kurt Angle's secret, which just happened on Monday Night Raw, a few hours before this taping. We wanted to get an immediate reaction on the payoff so we called Big D of Geekdom 101 and World Of Geekdom to chat about Raw. We also took a look at the main event situation for the Raw side and wondered if Braun Strowman could be their top babyface right now. Before we get to D, I talk about the first night of the G1 Climax and the matches I was able to see, including the final two of night one. I also talk about the retirement of Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero.

GG, John LaRocca, Dave Dutra, and The Heartbreak Kid David Rubio (well, at least Rubio's presence) give their live thoughts on New Japan Pro Wrestling's G1 Special USA from Long Beach, California. They're packed into a hotel room just a few hours after the show ended to look at the show as a whole. There's no need to go match by match as everyone watched it on AXS. But, there were things they saw live that helped shape our thoughts, including the bad seating. Other questions include: Should they have gone with a bigger building? How would you rate the show between 1-10? What type of crowd would you compare this to? Has Kenny Omega peaked? Is Kazuchika Okada one of the best ever? Why do hardcore fans dislike Cody Rhodes? What was the best match on the show? Who is winning G1?

Duan and I discuss the news that Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor is on for the first half of the show. We talk about how big the fight comes across, what the terms might be, what would be a success and failure, and how it may affect other fights this year, including the next fight that we talk about, Ward and Kovalev (41:00). We break down Ward and Kovalev by looking back at the first fight, analyzing their corners including Ward's relationship with Virgil Hunter, Kovalev's conditioning, strategy, what each guy may do differently, and what happens for each after this fight.

Paul "Ace" Fontaine joins us to talk about the great Kazuchika Okada/Kenny Omega match from New Japan Pro Wrestling's Dominion card. Was it better than their match from Wrestle Kingdom? Is it one of the greatest matches of all-time? We also break down the rest of the card, including Hiroshi Tanahashi's win over Tetsuya Naito. We talk about what the main event of the G1 special from Long Beach could be. We then talk about Demetrious Johnson's dispute with the UFC when it comes to his matchmaking and drawing. Lastly, we talk about the Bellator PPV show in two weeks.

This is the first episode of the rebranded Fight Game Podcast. Duan (@DuanDub on Twitter) joins me to discuss news in boxing, MMA, and pro wrestling. We talk about all the boxing news and give our early prediction for Ward/Kovalev. We discuss the heavily hyped Floyd Mayweather vs Conor McGregor fight (33:00) and what's in it for both sides. We also talk about Aldo vs Holloway this weekend and the UFC light heavyweight division. Lastly, we look at the Extreme Rules main event based on an article I wrote for Fight Game Blog, which you can see here: http://fightgameblog.com/2017/06/handicapping-the-fatal-5-way-match-at-extreme-rules/. We also look at the independent scene and wonder why WWE is down, yet the independents are up. (65:00)