Celebrate Wrestling - McGuire on Wrestling

The common theme is that there is just SO much wrestling to pay attention to these days, so how do companies stand out among the noise?

In a small city in Southern Alberta, Canada, one such company did just that.  Pure Power Wrestling, in Lethbridge Alberta, hosted the first (what many believe) non WWE/NWA/AEW/WCW affiliated "War Games" style matches in its proper form.  Last week we talked about the build - this week you'll hear the result!

Also, ex WWE stars Jack Swagger (Jake Hager in AEW and in life), and former prospect Gable Steveson both faced defeat in their respective combat ventures.  Hear the update on Hager's devastating eye injury while competing in "Power Slap", and also get a follow up on Gable Steveson's fast finish in his latest UFC bout.

Plus, a conversation with Brantford, Ontario's "Pretty Ricky Willdy".  The eccentric pro-wrestler known for his outlandish style and over-the-top personality has entered his community's Mayoral race, with virtually no political experience.  Mike McGuire chats with Willdy about this venture, and finds out whether this is a serious political campaign, or pro wrestling publicity stunting.

Finally, Mike and The Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer talk about these stories and more, and whether or not WWE missed a massive opportunity to elevate Penta to an even higher level during their eventful weekend in Mexico!

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com

 

 

This week, the gWo have some bones to pick with weekly TV from both major North American wrestling companies.  Mitch and Dimitri try their best to walk you through Raw, SmackDown and Dynamite from what outside of Monday in Mexico, could be seen as a lackluster week in programming.

Also, the guys give their thoughts specifically on Roman Reigns v. Penta, wrestlers getting big matches in their home countries and more!

Finding moments that make wrestling fans realize there are real people behind the characters we watch can sometimes be difficult.  In a time where there's more wrestling than ever to watch, sometimes the simplest base emotions are what stick out.

This past week, All Elite Wrestling gave fans the chance to forget about wrestling wars, and focus on two very special individuals - one lost too soon, and the other fighting for their life.

In WWE storylines, fans were treated to shocking moments and a title win for a Chilean native who was given a moment not for a TV rating, but for those fans in attendance, it was a night they'll never forget.

Meanwhile, a small but mighty company in Alberta Canada is preparing to make history, and it's all based on a creative decision, a lot of teamwork, and giving their audience what they can to provide a one of a kind show never seen at this level.

This week, Mike McGuire navigates you through these stories and more, including the return of Bayley to WWE, a conversation with Dave Meltzer from the Wrestling Observer about the importance of Superstar Bill Dundee to wrestling, The Butcher, and yes, some rumours and tidbits.

Plus, meet Curtis Jestin, part of the ownership group of Lethbridge's Pure Power Wrestling, who are looking to put on a WAR GAMES style match - two rings, one custom cage, 8 wrestlers.  It's a feat that's never been attempted by a company of this size, but find out why this Alberta independent promotion is taking the chance.

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com

 

 

AEW and WWE have had some very different looking weeks on TV between PPVs and PLEs, but some of the wildest things that happened in the last week have the Greeks talking all about that and more!

From Royce Keys and crew committing vehicular arson, to a heartfelt edition of AEW, and a new WWE champion in Sami Zayn, there's been a lot to look at, and the guys do so as only they can!

Plus, in this week's Alternate Commentary Table, the guys ask who the REAL Career Killer is and more!

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com

 

Few wrestling stars hold a place in the lexicon of fans from today and decades ago as well as Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

While his successes and struggles have been well documented, join Stefan Bennet this week as we look back at some of the paths Jake's wrestling career took him down.  Far more than a tale of redemption, Jake's career also serves as a great demonstration of how an enduring familiarity can serve a wrestler.

Joined by Mike McGuire, who has had the pleasure of interviewing Jake in the past, we hope you enjoy bringing some of the moments and memories from Roberts' career.

In this bonus podcast, meet Winnipeg's AJ Sanchez.  For over two decades, AJ has gone from being caught in a tumultuous local scene, to being able to travel to different parts of the world.

Universally recognized as one of the best "big men" in Canada, Sanchez also heads the Elite Wrestling Academy - one of the most consistent training facilities in Central Canada.

In this sit down, AJ and Mike McGuire talk about the changes in wrestling, training, and his own career since the online generation took over, what to look for and what to look out for from trainers, how he keeps motivated, and even find out some cool family history he has with the wrestling world.

For more on the Elite Wrestling Academy, visit their instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eliteacademy204/

For more on AJ Sanchez, visit his instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crusheraj/

Follow our shows at www.celebratewrestling.com

 

It was a sad weekend for fans of several generations of professional wrestling as 3 names from different eras passed almost simultaneously.

Longtime wrestler turned promoter Jerry Oates, well known to the Georgia area, legendary Memphis wrestler "Superstar" Bill Dundee, and active wrestler and musician, Andy "The Butcher" Williams were lost over the weekend.

This week in the 5 Count, Mike covers:

- WWE's upcoming build to Raw and SmackDown in Mexico City

- AEW ALL IN: LONDON Pay Per View Numbers

- The WWE v. AEW Chicago Showdown coming up at the end of September

- Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announces Adam Copeland's opponent and reopens their school

- WAR GAMES comes to the Alberta Indies

Also this week, we look back at AEW's ALL IN: London 2026 with two listeners from opposite sides of the world that were at the event in Wembley Stadium.  Hear their thoughts on AEW's "most successful Pay Per View in company history" according to some analysts.

Plus, Joe Aguinaldo joins Mike McGuire to go over WWE's latest Sa... SUNDAY Night's Main Event broadcast, and more!

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com

 

The Greeks are back together after a loaded week of wrestling, including what many are now saying may be AEW's "Greatest PPV" in company history.

Do the guys agree, or will the gWo go against the grain?  Plus, the guys compare the week of TV following the show, and even discuss their Match of the Year contenders a little early!

For more on our shows, visit celebratewrestling.com