Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast and the Tape Study sessions are back! I am your host Marie Shadows!

From dog collars to blood-stained cameras, this is storytelling by war—and we’re studying every frame.https://marieshadows.substack.com

Tape Study: Scoundrels, Soldiers, and Strategy – Breaking Down NJPW’s Cage Match

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!FULL BREAKDOWN: United Empire DRAMA | Jeff Cobb, TJP, Reddit Fallout, & NJPW's Image CrisisI dive deep into the United Empire implosion, the toxic Reddit leaks, Jeff Cobb’s classy exit, TJP’s messy optics, and what this all means for NJPW's future! 🔥🔔 Hit LIKE, COMMENT your thoughts, and SUBSCRIBE to the Square Circle Podcast for more in-depth wrestling commentary! 💬💥 SUPPORT independent content:Substack Wrestling Newseltter (free): https://marieshadows.substack.comYouTube Memberships: OG ($1.99) | Tape Study+ ($9.99) - https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast/join👑 Crowns Up! Or... maybe down

Jeff Cobb vs TJP: The Fallout That Shattered United Empire in NJPW

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

Wrestling fans blame The Rock for WrestleMania drama. We unpack the real issue.🔥 In this livestream, I break down all the major drama rocking the wrestling world this week:Jeff Cobb exits United Empire → WWE-bound?TJP’s wife goes too farThe Rock didn't ruin WrestleMania—calm downWrestleMania 41: winners, losers, and missed opportunitiesWe talk freelance status, Twitter beefs, IWC hypocrisy, and whether Jade vs Naomi delivered. And YES, I went in on the whole "The Fed" debate.📅 Don’t forget MLW hits NYC June 26!💬 Comment your thoughts: Should The Rock have shown up? What role would he have played?🔗 Full reactions, bonus content & live discussions: https://marieshadows.substack.com

The Rock vs IWC: Why Wrestling Fans Are Losing the Plot

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

I tried to take a break. I really did.But when The Rock wears a New Japan shirt on the day of Windy City Riot? I had to talk about it.In this livestream, I break down:🦁 The viral tweet I sent to The Rock and why NJPW seriously needs a lifeline🤼 Big E’s response to a comedy bit—and why I think it sounded like he gave up🎸 Falling back in love with Nickelback (yup, we’re talking “She Keeps Me Up”)✍️ Updates on my cyberpunk sci-fi novel & fictional wrestling story🎥 YouTube memberships now LIVE: behind-the-scenes, reactions & exclusive Tape Study content💥 Plus: my pitch for a real WWE & NJPW partnership that could change everything📢 Support the Square Circle Podcast: ► Join the membership fam: https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast/join► Merch, bonuses & BTS: https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com► Subscribe on Substack for the full newsletter: https://marieshadows.substack.com💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s have the real conversation.

Dear Rock. Save NJPW. Thanks, Marie (Substack Live Replay)

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

On Substack Livestream today, I covered the following:Twitter Streets talk - WWE Smackdown Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Straton promoJournalists and getting fast informationNJPW coverageNJPW Sakura Genesis card reviewFinding the meaning of the NJPW championshipsDavid Finlay losing - challenges House of Torture to a dog pound steel cage match - my heart breaksShota Unimo vs Tanahashi - someone is listening to meShota Unimo challenges Goto for the IWGP Championship at Windy City RiotBest of the Super Jrs 32 participantsFor more free and paid wrestling newsletters by Marie Shadows, sign up here: https://marieshadows.substack.comPlease join for exclusive content: https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast/join

[Substack Livestream Replay] NJPW Sakura Genesis Substack Live Talk

Welcome the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

This is a Substack Livestream replay where I have a quick wrestling chat with my readers over at https://marieshadows.substack.com a free wrestling newsletter! Sign up and don't miss an upcoming stream!

[Substack Livestream Replay] Catching up with my wrestling peeps wrestling chat

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

Went live over at https://marieshadows.substack.com to share behind the scenes of my new recording which will be Stephanie's Places and talked about what happened during last nights twitter spaces with the boys and my thoughts on ratings and wrestling fans.

[Substack Livestream replay] BTS: recording a reaction video to stephanies places

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast with your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows and Dose Evil dive into MLW's Battle Riot 7—a night packed with unexpected returns, lucha libre intensity, and major storyline setups. They kick things off by celebrating the Squared Circle Podcast’s YouTube Partner milestone, new merch drops, and upcoming member-only content.

From Austin Aries’ surprise return on commentary to the heavily lucha-influenced match card, Marie and Dose break down each segment with insight, humor, and a sharp eye on storytelling gaps. Janai Kai’s hard-hitting win, Mads Krueger’s ominous promo, and Saint Laurent’s odd “Sessions” segment set the stage for MLW’s evolving narratives.

Mr. Thomas joins the episode midway to share behind-the-scenes insight and lighthearted banter about the live crowd’s energy, the match layout, and why Paul Walter Hauser might just be the most committed Boumaiye member yet.

If you’re looking for an honest, smart, and entertaining take on Battle Riot 7—from both inside and outside the ring—this is your go-to recap.



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MLW Battle Riot 7 Review – Austin Aries Shocks, Hammerstone Resigns, Lucha Heavy Card

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows and Dos Evil dive into MLW Intimidation Games 2025, offering insightful commentary on the standout moments and underlying storylines. They break down the surprising decision to open with a match rather than a promo, analyze Contra’s ongoing recruitment attempts, and evaluate MLW’s unique production choices. The hosts also share their thoughts on the upcoming Battle Riot event and speculate on the future of faction warfare in MLW.Timestamps and Topics

 * 00:00 - Introduction: Welcome and catch-up with Dos Evil.

 * 00:06 - First Impressions: Reactions to the opening match choice.

 * 00:32 - Faction Drama: Contra’s recruitment attempts and Kojima’s refusal.

 * 01:00 - Production Choices: Discussing MLW’s taping style and how it impacts storytelling.

 * 01:25 - Predictions: Thoughts on the upcoming Battle Riot event.

MLW Intimidation Games 2025: Expert Analysis and Reaction

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

In this in-depth episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows provides a passionate and detailed analysis of the New Japan Cup 2025. From the grueling semifinal matches featuring David Finlay, Zack Sabre Jr., Shota Umino, and Shingo Takagi, to the emotional and hard-fought final between Finlay and Umino, Marie leaves no stone unturned.

She explores Finlay’s masterful strategic approach and Umino’s relentless resilience, discussing how each wrestler showcased their strengths and fought to prove their dominance in NJPW. Marie also dives into the psychological warfare present in the matches and how storytelling played a significant role in delivering emotional moments for fans.

Beyond the matches, Marie shares her unfiltered thoughts on the current state of NJPW Strong pay-per-views, questioning their effectiveness without consistent weekly programming. Additionally, she analyzes David Finlay’s surprising offer to Shota Umino to join Bullet Club War Dogs, offering insights into how this decision could shape Umino’s career and alter NJPW's faction landscape.

Throughout the episode, Marie’s experience and knowledge shine as she delivers engaging commentary, drawing connections between character development, in-ring psychology, and long-term storytelling. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of the significance of the New Japan Cup and what it means for NJPW’s future.Marie Shadows breaks down the epic semifinals and finals of the New Japan Cup 2025. From David Finlay's commanding presence and tactical wins to Shota Umino's resilient efforts, every moment is analyzed. Plus, hear Marie's passionate take on NJPW Strong pay-per-views, David Finlay's offer to Umino, and what it all means for the future of Bullet Club War Dogs.

Podcast Timestamps

 * Intro and Overview (00:00)

 * David Finlay vs. Zack Sabre Jr. Semifinal Match Analysis (07:00)

 * Shota Umino vs. Shingo Takagi Semifinal Match Breakdown (15:00)

 * Final Match: Finlay vs. Umino Recap and Key Moments (30:00)

 * Marie’s Thoughts on NJPW Strong Pay-Per-Views (45:00)

 * David Finlay’s Offer to Shota Umino Discussion (55:00)

 * Bullet Club War Dogs and NJPW's Future (1:05:00)

 * Audience Questions and Final Thoughts (1:20:00)

Bullet Points

 * Comprehensive analysis of the New Japan Cup Semifinals and Finals

 * David Finlay's adaptability and leadership within Bullet Club War Dogs

 * Shota Umino's journey of resilience and his next steps in NJPW

 * Critique on the current state of NJPW Strong pay-per-views

 * Analysis of Finlay's offer to Umino and its potential implications

 * Discussion on Bullet Club's evolving direction and NJPW’s storytelling

 * Audience engagement with live questions and reflections

David Finlay's Victory, Umino's Journey & NJPW’s Future | New Japan Cup 3.16-20.25

Everyone has a wrestling podcast. Squared Circle Podcast teaches professional wrestling by watching, talking, & breaking down all aspects of what makes wrestling fantastic. This is a daily episodic wrestling podcast show. Wrestling isn't perfect. I'm your host, Marie Shadows, a former WWE Employee now turned podcaster, twitch live streamer, interviewer, writer, & huge supporter of wrestling. If you are interested in listening to an unapologetic female host podcaster talk all things wrestling, follow the podcast & to support further click here: https://linktr.ee/marieshadows

Marie Shadows

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