The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, DDm, and khal return to discuss R-Truth and Carlito's WWE contracts not being renewed and Mariah May's NXT debut, as well as previewing WWE Worlds Collide, WWE Money in the Bank Los Angeles, and much more.
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon, where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)! We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE, rate, comment, subscribe, and share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, Mimi, DDm, and khal are back to talk the 2025 Memorial Day Weekend wrestling shows, Seth Rollins' new faction, rumors of Stephanie Vacquer and Jordynne Grace going to the main roster, WWE Worlds Collide, #TrickNA, AEW Double Or Nothing fallout, and much more.
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon, where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)! We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE, rate, comment, subscribe, and share!
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Mimi, Matth, and khal kick off Black History Month 2024 proper! First up, Darius Lockhart joins the squad to talk his journey to ASÉ, the ASÉ x BHM show on February 24 (grab your tickets), and much more! Later, DDmjoins for a discussion on WWE Royal Rumble 2024 and its fallout, previewing WWE NXT Vengeance Day, and much more!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
It’s a wrap! The 2024 WWE Royal Rumble in St. Petersburg, FL, was an event filled with high-action, surprises, and significant moments setting a path leading to WrestleMania XL. No matter if you are a hardcore, casual, or lapsed fan, there’s no denying that it's an exciting time for its superstars and the brand itself. Here's what went down at the Tropicana Field this past weekend.
Women's Royal Rumble Match
The event kicked off with the Women's Royal Rumble Match, featuring notable entrants like Naomi’s long-anticipated return, surprise entrants including TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace and former AEW TBS Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, who made her WWE in-ring debut. Bayley emerged victorious, eliminating a returning Liv Morgan to win the match, setting a new Women's Rumble longevity record at over an hour. She now has the opportunity to challenge for a WWE Women's title of her choice at WrestleMania 40.
Women's Rumble Match (Image via WWE)
Universal Championship Fatal 4-Way Match
Roman Reigns defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Randy Orton, AJ Styles, and LA Knight. The match saw a generation of wrestlers who have impressive careers, to say the least. Orton’s return may be the second coming to his illustrious career, and begs for the Tribal Chief vs. The Viper, immediately. *It’s the match I deserve.* Reigns ultimately retained his title after a tumultuous battle, extending his reign *as if, ha!* as champion.
Fatal four-way (Image via WWE)
United States Championship Match
Logan Paul, as the United States Champion, faced Kevin Owens for the title. The match showcased both competitors' determination. Paul retained the title, but not without a grueling fight and an incredibly creative disqualification.
Men's Royal Rumble Match
The main event featured the traditional 30-man Royal Rumble. It’s safe to say The Usos were the “ones” and the “twos” coming in at #1 and #2 in an emotional face-off to kick off the battle. The return of Andrade was significant in a time of reinvention for a series of WWE superstars. Taking the No. 4 spot is Andrade, who is known for his recent time in AEW and his earlier stint in WWE, where he held titles like the NXT Championship and WWE United States Championship.
The 1 and the 2 (Image via WWE)
Former NXT North American and NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes entered the Rumble at the No. 5 spot as one of the NXT representatives. During his 17-minute performance, he managed to score one elimination before being eliminated by Finn Bálor. Hayes presents a broader view of NXT talent by highlighting the brand's evolving stars and their potential as WWE superstars. Hayes' ascent to WWE's main roster is a testament to his undeniable talent, which he showcased extensively during his time in NXT. Hayes has made a significant impact in NXT, capturing titles such as the North American Championship and showcasing his skills against top-tier talent. His performances were not only technically impressive, but also highlighted his ability to connect with the audience, making him a standout competitor. The 2024 Royal Rumble spot was a pivotal moment for his career, signaling a readiness for the bigger stage. As he held his own against established superstars, Hayes proved that he's more than just a rising star, he is truly HIM.
Carmelo Hayes (Image via WWE)
Cody Rhodes secured the victory after eliminating CM Punk *rolls eyes*. The American Nightmare that is Rhodes entered at the No. 15 spot, becoming the fourth wrestler to win the Royal Rumble in back-to-back years. This victory sets Rhodes on a path to challenge for a world championship at WrestleMania XL, potentially aiming to conclude his ongoing “finish the story” with the Tribal Chief. Will he this time?
Notable Rumble Moments
After nearly a two-year absence, Naomi's return to the WWE at this year's Royal Rumble was nothing short of AMAZING. Entering the Rumble at #2, Naomi quickly reminded everyone I’m back and ready, and the reception was as if she'd never left. For fans like myself, who had been eagerly awaiting her return to WWE, her comeback brought energy into the match. Naomi's performance demonstrated her resilience and enduring popularity in the wrestling community. A standout moment of this year's Royal Rumble was her return. As a result of her comeback, the Women's Division has a promising future, offering opportunities for established and emerging WWE superstars to engage in feuds and collaborate.
Naomi returns (Image via WWE)
With her dominance in TNA, Jordynne Grace made a surprising entrance at the Women's Royal Rumble, exhibiting the cross-promotional maneuvers WWE loves to pull. Grace’s involvement added an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the event. Grace performed at the WWE level, and it wouldn't be surprising to see her completely crossover in the near future.
It was the moment we've all been waiting for. It was she who came and conquered. She came in and declared herself unplayable. Jade Cargill delivered an impressive performance in her WWE debut during the 2024 Royal Rumble. The dynamic presence and athletic skill of her surprise immediately captured the audience's attention, particularly her stand-off with Bianca Belair! I know we all wanted it; I’m just not sure if we were truly ready for this magnificence. During the match, Cargill showed off her strength and power moves by eliminating Nia Jax and Naomi, who had lasted an impressive length of time. It's encouraging to see Cargill's presence as a precursor to formidable storylines and rivalries in WWE after her showing in the Royal Rumble.
A powerful moment (Image via WWE)
In true comedic fashion, R-Truth mistakenly enters the Women's Royal Rumble, plus tags himself into the Men’s Royal Rumble match, while emulating John Cena. He’s just fantastic, that's it.
Image via Mimi #TheWrestlingChic
The 2024 Royal Rumble set the stage for WrestleMania XL, creating memorable moments and establishing narratives that will unfold on the "Grandest Stage of Them All." The 2024 Royal Rumble showcased WWE's ability to blend athletic spectacle with storytelling, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and eagerly anticipating what's next on the Road to WrestleMania. What will we see along the way? What feuds will spark due to the weekend? Will the story eventually finish?
Be sure to check out BRP's content on our website and our Black Rasslin' Podcast Patreon for exclusive pro wrestling content.
Mimi, aka #TheWrestlingChic is a co-host of #TheBuckle aka #TurnbuckleTalk every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET and every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on The Black Rasslin' Podcast.
The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns with a fun episode looking at an interesting week in pro wrestling. illfam79, Drip, and khal are here talking Baron Corbin linking with JBL, this week's episode of NXT versus a special Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite, have a real conversation about Jon Moxley, ponder what R-Truth could do with the Hurt Business, and give flowers to Bianca Belair, Bobby Lashley, and many more. Fun episode AS ALWAYS!
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon,
where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)!
We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE,
rate, comment, subscribe, and
share!
Wanna know how bad black folk had it on Raw this week? Hurricane Harvey forced Booker T to be replaced by Jerry Lawler on commentary, and one forgettable battle royale featured three forgettable black superstars.
Black Guys Lose In A Battle Royal
Of course two white guys throwing Apollo Crews out of the ring is what they go with for the thumbnail. We've not gotten enough Crews on Raw as of late, so of course he shares ring space with Jason Jordan and R-Truth to become afterthoughts in a battle royale to determine the #1 contender for the IC championship. Jordan got put over on commentary, but c'mon.
Vince Carter joins Titus Worldwide
Because this matters?
Sasha Banks lost the WWE Raw Women's Championship to Alexa Bliss
One night removed from SummerSlam and...black people haven't really advanced at all. Don't believe me? Just watch.
R-Truth gets his ass kicked by Elias, again
This was legit the first black superstar to hit the program. No explanation of where he was at SummerSlam...but you know. And Truth lost!
Cedric Alexander and Rich Swann are on the winning team
Not sure if an eight-man 205 Live tag team match was necessary, but it's dope to see the black cruiserweights squad up.
Sasha Banks talked a lot.
And I don't know about you, but I'm really not feeling Sasha's promos. Almost thankful Alexa broke it up.
Jason Jordan loses...again
Why they put him up against Finn Balor is anyone's guess. What was the point of even bringing him to Raw? Why did he get to go up against Finn? What is going on?
This is supposed to b e one of the bigger Raw shows this year, due to it being the go-home show for this Sunday night's SummerSlam. Maybe that means we got more black faces on Raw this week?
Doubt it.
Titus O'Neil got Tozawa his SummerSlam match early
Maybe he'll get himself a match at some point. Although this meant we got to see Renee say "WORLD-WIDE!" On the bright side, Titus actually guided Tozawa to a title, so everyone say it with us: WORLD-WIDE!
Sasha Banks earns her Raw Women's Championship Match
After Great Balls of Fire proved that only one black Superstar deserves to be on a decent pay-per-view, we're back with another edition of Raw, following up a week where most of the black Superstars (who aren't named Titus or Apollo) actually got the wins (or the come-up) on their opponents.
Let's see how black folk fared on Raw this week.
Booker T said "contentionship"
You can't make this shit up. It also looks like Booker T's IRL brother/Harlem Heat tag team partner (and former nWo member) Stevie Ray was in the building...and crashed a Gallows and Anderson interview?
Again, you can't make this shit up.
Sasha Banks competed in the same match from last week
After winning her match against WWE Raw Women's Champion Alexa Bliss at Great Balls of Fireby COUNT OUT, Banks and Bayley teamed up once again to battle Bliss and Nia Jax in a tag match. This week, the seemingly-forgotten Bayley got the pin, but Sasha and Alexa's feud must continue, so they faced off. #shrug
After getting the one-up on Goldust last week, R-Truth goes out like he did the week prior: by getting ran into the ringpost. It appears to be his kryptonite.
Cedric Alexander and Akira Tozawa defeat Noam Dar and Neville
This match is important because, including the referee, there were four people doing shit in this match (Cedric was actually wrestling, and Titus O'Neil AND Alicia Fox were ringside). It's 205 Live, though, so...at least Cedric got to show off his moves.
And yeah, that's about it. Highkey need the WWE to hire some more black Superstars, so these posts can be about more than the same like 5 or 6 people.Continue Reading
You know how it goes; we're black af, but have to sit through our people being improperly utilized week-in, week-out on WWE programming. Because we need information to see how black people are actually being utilized on these shows every week, I figured it might make sense to start keeping track of how the African American Superstars of the WWE are used on shows like Raw.
Here's what went down on the July 3, 2017 edition of Raw, which was the go-home show for this Sunday's Great Balls of Fire pay-per-view. And be sure to catch out recap of this week's Raw, Smackdown, and more on The Black Rasslin Podcast.
Sasha Banks makes Alexa Bliss tap out
One of those things where it looks dope on TV, but a week before a PPV? It might mean Sasha won't get that fourth title run. She says she's ready for it, though (while lowkey throwing shade at Bayley).
No one gives a shit about 205 Live, and this Cedric program is played, even if Alicia Foxx is back in action. At least Cedric won?
R-Truth attacks Golddust
He had to make up for that terrible beat down that Goldie gave him last week. Sadly, Truth did pretty much the same shit Golddust did to him last week and Golddust walked it out like it wasn't a big deal.
Braun Strowman kicked Apollo Crews' ass
Earlier in the show, Titus O'Neil essentially let us know that Crews vs. Strowman would happen. With Reigns "not even being in the arena," you already knew this meant "Crews would be getting his shit pushed in." And he did. LeBraun could've finished the match twice, but ended up extending the match longer. This lead to LeBraun winning over Crews, then beating Titus' ass to boot after the match was won.
Of course, Reigns was there, and he ambushed LeBraun, but fam, did two black guys need to get decimated for that to happen? The WWE's answer is "yes," but wow.
End Results
Even if black folks got over three out of the four times they were featured on the show, how many of these moments truly matter? Unless the Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss title match at Great Balls of Fire is going to be lit, we might've gotten handed a bunch of duds. Just saying. Also, how Titus just gonna feed his mans to a gigantic wolf? What part the game is that?
There was a time when the coolest shit in the world, to me, was R-Truth attacking John Morrison, then smoking a cigarette during a Raw taping in the UK. This was in April of 2011, back when a water bottle to the head would hurt a wrestler, and Michael Cole was a heel. The hilarity of the UK crowd chanting things like "THAT'S ILL-EGAL" and "think of the children, Truth" still gets me.
This isn't about that, though. This is about the promo that Truth cut a week later on Raw, which I believe was a Draft show. Truth, a long-time fan favorite, didn't have his signature entrance music, and used this almost eight-minute promo to officially turn his back on the fans, turning full heel. And it's the best shit ever.
There are just so many quotables in this, from his pronunciation of words like "sayonara" (which I turned into a hashtag, #sawonawa), "frustration" turning into "fustration," and how he felt "MAAAH-VA-LUSSS!" You also have to love how the censors were late (two times) trying to bleep Truth saying "pissed off." It's just a thing of beauty, and most importantly, birthed the entire "Little Jimmy" craze. Yes, it's been three full years since we first heard the term "Little Jimmy" uttered on WWE television.
He officially gave every last one of yall THE BOOT! DEUCES!
These days, we don't get much of Truth on TV (although he is in a random handicap match for Extreme Rules). It's a shame, as he did have a fun run with this weird phase. Remember this promo, as it could possibly be the best we'll ever get from R-Truth.
I will NOT be posting the photo, but if you want to see it, hit up R-Truth's twitter page. He got a nasty gash on his knee last night. No word on how long Truth might be out, though. Keep it locked.Continue Reading
I'm not sure how easy it'll be for me to get this Black Rasslin podcast done this week, but I wanted to still recap Raw (just in case). I'm going to break it down based on the videos put up on the WWEFanNation Youtube. I'll try to keep the snark that made you guys love the podcast, but with a lot less "um" and "uh" stuff. Or maybe not... Continue Reading
I get that Truth and Kofi are interrupting the Prime Time Players, but shouldn't Primo & Epico be demanding tag title matches now, instead of just smiling because they beat PTP?Continue Reading
