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

A deep dive into Gabe Kidd’s chaotic character shift, AEW’s inconsistent storytelling, and why fans are struggling to suspend disbelief.

In this passionate episode of the Squared Circle Podcast, Marie Shadows tackles the inconsistencies in Gabe Kidd's recent storytelling arc—especially his alliance with Jon Moxley after proclaiming loyalty to NJPW and Bullet Club War Dogs. Marie breaks down kayfabe logic, character psychology, and the missed beats in AEW's storytelling framework. This episode explores not just the creative struggles behind the scenes, but also the creative mindset required to maintain strong wrestling narratives.

🧠 Topics Covered:

 * Gabe Kidd’s character integrity

 * Why AEW storytelling feels inconsistent

 * Bullet Club War Dogs fallout

 * Kayfabe vs Reality

 * Wrestling’s creative direction

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The Kayfabe Problem | Why Gabe Kidd’s Story Arc Feels Off

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In this episode, Marie Shadows breaks down R-Truth’s shocking return and what it reveals about WWE’s evolving narrative mastery. She dives into the blurred lines between kayfabe and reality, the echo chamber of wrestling media, and why fans should question what they’re being fed. Bonus takes on Jey Uso's booking, Trick Williams becoming TNA Champ, and the power of storytelling that still surprises us. It’s raw, real, and unfiltered—just like the Squared Circle Podcast always is.

💬 Topics:

 * The art of the work (and how it fooled us all)

 * Why Cena holding the title could be the end of a legacy

 * Trick Williams is the new TNA World Heavyweight Champ?!

 * Jey Uso deserves better — let's talk about it

 * A warning to fans about who you give your time & money to

👀 Comment below: Who do you think should dethrone John Cena?
🛒 Merch Sale for Father's Day happening now!

📱Follow me everywhere: @Marie_Shadows / @urfavmarieshadows
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😲R-Truth Returns to Money In The Bank 2025! 😲 A Storytelling Work!

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

Is it Kwon's time?

Key Podcast Summary Notes & Timestamps:

 * [00:00:00] Intro + Banter
   Marie Shadows and Dos Evil discuss intergender podcast titles and the mythical undefeated "Vacant."

 * [00:00:55] Match 1 – Tag Team Title Bout
   Los Depredados vs. Blue & Dark Panther. Clunky pacing, awkward ref spots, botched low blow finish.

 * [00:04:55] Thoughts on Lucha Style & Crowd Energy
   Confused Cicero crowd, slow match energy, and commentary love for Austin Aries.

 * [00:10:26] Mystico’s Return & Templario Segment
   Templario shows NJPW Strong Tag Title. Marie & Dos speculate on future feuds and Cesar Duran’s subtle heel lean.

 * [00:17:01] Match 2 – Hammerstone vs. Kojima
   Heavyweight clash; great dropkick, Hammerstone wins. Post-match promo sets up his title chase.

 * [00:21:49] Myron Reed Returns
   Kills Azteca 13, claims he's back. Cold crowd response, good long-term upside.

 * [00:25:36] Lucha Tag Match (Atlantis, Esfinge)
   Veterans and Sphinx shine; Marie calls for Esfinge's solo push.

 * [00:31:36] Rogue Horsemen Segment
   BRG challenges Bouma Ye to War Chamber. Inter-team tension with Brock Anderson stepping up.

 * [00:35:36] Triple Threat – Guerrero vs. Caveman vs. Zandokan Jr.
   Fast-paced and entertaining. Guerrero retains. Hammerstone attacks to ignite feud.

 * [00:40:00] Main Event – Matt Riddle vs. Dijak (World Title)
   Hard-hitting match. Krug’s interference costs Dijak. Riddle retains.

 * [00:42:00] Final Thoughts
   MLW trying to balance Lucha traditions with U.S. indie style. June 7th = War Chamber + NXT vs AAA. Lucha overload ahead!



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🎙 MLW Azteca Lucha 2025 Review - Is It Kwon's Time?

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

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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