Battleground Podcast

WWE Superstar Je'Von Evans joins Battle ahead of WrestleMania to talk about his first WrestleMania ladder match, getting praised by John Cena, being F5’d by Brock Lesnar in the Royal Rumble, and learning from legends like Randy Orton and Shawn Michaels. If you’re hyped for WrestleMania and Je'Von Evans’ rise in WWE, make sure to subscribe, rate the podcast, and share this episode! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WrestleMania 42 is finally here, and Battle, Eli, and Josh are breaking down all 13 matches across both nights at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas — including their picks, predictions, and honest takes on a WrestleMania season that has had the IWC fired up. From Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton and CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns, to whether Oba vs. Brock steals the show, to the celebrity controversy surrounding Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, and IShowSpeed — no match goes unexamined. Plus, the guys preview Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn, Gunther vs. Seth Rollins, Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley, and why the Demon Finn Bálor reveal may have spoiled its own magic. Don't miss our exclusive WrestleMania week interview with WWE Superstar Je'Von Evans dropping this Wednesday — hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Battleground Podcast! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Battleground Podcast, Kenny Omega opens up about AEW Dynasty, facing MJF, and how this version of himself is different from the past. He looks back on his iconic rivalry with Okada, the emotional connection to performing in Canada, and why the Golden Lovers story remains one of his proudest accomplishments. Kenny also tells the wild story of how he ended up with the legendary Red Octobers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elayna Black joins Battle in the Battleground to talk about her journey back to TNA and why it turned out to be the perfect place to rediscover her love for wrestling. Elayna opens up about stepping away from the business to protect her mental health, what "creative freedom" actually means to her now versus before, and why this version of Elayna Black is the most authentic one fans have ever seen. With TNA Rebellion in Cleveland on the horizon and her sights set on the Knockouts Championship. For more exclusive interviews, hit that subscribe button, share with a friend and leave us a five-star review! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carmelo Hayes joins the Battleground for a thoughtful conversation about growth, pressure, and staying ready for what is next in WWE. He reflects on his journey from NXT to SmackDown, the mindset behind chasing championships, and the importance of keeping perspective while navigating speculation and expectations. Listen now and subscribe to the Battleground Podcast for more exclusive interviews with the biggest names in wrestling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Battleground, Battle, Josh and Eli dives headfirst into the firestorm surrounding Sami Zayn’s shocking title win and why fans are furious about what it could mean for Carmelo Hayes, Trick Williams, and the road to WrestleMania. They also break down WWE’s Hall of Fame “Legacy” debate, question who still deserves their moment, and unpack why the Hall itself still feels unfinished. On top of that, the guys dig into the growing buzz around Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton, Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk, and which Mania story is really catching fire. It’s a loaded episode packed with strong takes, wrestling nostalgia, and the kind of passionate debate only true wrestling fans can deliver. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon Slater, the youngest X Division Champion in TNA history, joins Battle to talk about his incredible journey from training at nine years old to representing TNA on John Cena's retirement night in front of the whole wrestling world. Leon opens up about the invaluable lessons he's received from Matt and Jeff Hardy, what it was like connecting with Amazing Red before breaking his record, and why a clash with Mike Santana might be the must-see TNA match of 2026. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Battle, Eli and Josh break down Ronda Rousey’s surprise AEW return, whether it actually moves the needle, and what it could mean for the women’s division. They also dive into the Ricochet social media controversy, where the line is between heel work and going too far, and how public backlash can impact a wrestler’s career. Plus, the road to WrestleMania heats up with talk on Jelly Roll, celebrity crossover, Gunther’s missing Mania path, and the matches they’re most excited to see take shape. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share Battleground Podcast to stay locked in for more weekly wrestling talk and interviews. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Irresistible Forces, WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend, stop by the Battleground to talk about their dominant reign, Lash's journey from the WNBA to the WWE to pinning Rhea Ripley for gold, and what it really means to represent for the bigger, stronger women in WWE. The champs fire back at Tom Brady's "fake and scripted" comments, and give their entrance song wish list featuring Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. Plus, don't miss the live FaceTime moment with the Bella Twins ahead of their SmackDown title showdown tonight! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montel Vontavious Porter — MVP — stops by the Battleground Podcast. The vocal representative of the Hurt Syndicate opens up about what makes AEW feel like a true second wind, the organic brotherhood behind Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, and why the faction might be adding a new member sooner than you think. Plus, MVP explains why MJF didn't make the cut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AEW superstar Swerve Strickland joins the Battleground Podcast ahead of AEW Revolution to talk about his dangerous mindset, his clash with Brody King, and why 2026 is all about putting the entire roster on notice. He opens up about how his military background shaped his discipline, how Killshot helped build the confidence behind Swerve Strickland, and why constant evolution has defined every stage of his career. Swerve also reflects on pushing boundaries in his unforgettable feud with Hangman Page, chasing a legacy as one of the most well-rounded wrestlers of all time, and the moments that made him realize just how far he’s come. Plus, he shares dream matchups, music talk, and why everything he brings to the ring is authentically and unapologetically him. If you’ve liked any of the episodes, do me a favor and leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes less than a minute, helps more people find the show, and honestly can make a real difference FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Instagram: instagram.com/battlegroundpodcast YouTube: youtube.com/battlegroundpodcast X: https://www.x.com/battlegroundihr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/battlegroundpod

Ricky Saints stops by The Battleground Podcast ahead of NXT Vengeance Day to talk big goals (including becoming a two-time NXT Champion), his acting debut on Wild Cards, and what’s made the NXT locker room stand out during his first year in the brand. He also reflects on the moments he knew he was a star, the advice Cody Rhodes has given him behind the scenes, and we even put him on the spot to call a “famous friend” from his contacts for a hilarious surprise. If you enjoyed the interview, share this episode with a fellow wrestling fan, subscribe/follow the show, and leave us a review, it helps more people find The Battleground Podcast!

WWE Superstar Trick Williams sits down for an exclusive interview to talk his rise from NXT to becoming “Mr. Main Event of SmackDown,” the unreal Royal Rumble crowd reaction in Saudi Arabia, and what “Whoop That Trick” means around the world. He also reflects on making history as the first active WWE star to hold the TNA Title, gives flowers to Joe Hendry, and addresses big-time co-signs from Mark Henry and Drew McIntyre. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, subsribe to the the show, leave a 5-star rating + review, and share it with a fellow WWE fan!

We’re on the road to WrestleMania 42 and WWE superstar Liv Morgan is on Battleground Podcast fresh off winning the Royal Rumble and yes, she says she’s the “greatest Rumble winner of all time.” Liv opens up about being “lost in the sauce” after the win, tuning out online noise, Riott Squad lessons, and what’s next with Judgment Day, plus Dominik Mysterio, WWE 2K26, Grand Theft Auto VI, and why she stopped wrestling in sneakers. 👉 don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review, it helps the show more than you know.

Daria Ray joins the Battleground Podcast to talk about her shocking return to TNA. Daria opens up about reinventing herself, having real creative control for the first time, and why this run feels different from anything she’s done before. She also discusses bringing Elayna Black into TNA, the energy inside the locker room during the AMC debut. Plus, Daria reflects on winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, almost retiring from wrestling, her ideal walkout song, and what she wants her legacy to be when it’s all said and done. 👉 don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—it helps the show more than you know.

Tony Khan sits down with the Battleground Podcast ahead of a massive AEW Dynamite! We talk about the shocking debut and TNT Title win of Tommaso Ciampa, and the latest on Britt Baker’s return. Tony also opens up about the future of ROH, the AEW women's division, and reflects on the legendary career of AJ Styles. 🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive interviews every week!

Jaida Parker is here and she does not hold back! We dive into her shocking NXT return, why she chose to interrupt Blake Monroe, and what's really going through her mind with all the main roster talk. She shares the story behind that viral slap on Roxanne Perez, lessons from Out The Mud, and how her athletic background still drives her today. 🎙️ Hit that subscribe button and leave a review, it helps more than you know!

AEW's Josh Alexander joins the Battleground Podcast to talk about wrestling dream opponents like Kenny Omega, and why WrestleMania was never part of the vision. Josh clears the air on turning down WWE NXT and reveals why he stayed true to his path. We explore how his 2015 neck injury became a turning point in his life and career, shaping his mindset on wrestling and resilience. Josh also reflects on the Don Callis Family’s big 2025, hints at what’s ahead in 2026, and responds to the critics.

Few careers in professional wrestling are defined by constant reinvention quite like JDC’s. From the moment the world met Fandango on the grandest stage, to the unexpected chemistry of his tag team run with Tyler Breeze, and now to his grittier, more grounded chapter in TNA Wrestling, JDC joins us for a candid conversation about identity, longevity, and knowing when it’s time to walk away. 👍 Like, subscribe & turn on notifications for more real wrestling conversations

AEW President Tony Khan joins the Battleground Podcast for a deep-dive on how AEW has evolved since Year One, what fans still get wrong about creative freedom/creative control, and the real misconceptions around competition in pro wrestling. Plus: the business vs. fan balance in AEW x New Japan and what the G1 Climax in Chicago means behind the scenes.