The Left Fist: pro wrestling from an unreservedly leftist angle

Covering AEW in trouble while Kenny Omega is working Jim Cornette, MJF might be working everyone, what's "part of the show" at WWE, and much much more! Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a working week to cover! The Vince McMahon scandal continues while his nearest and dearest claim a “new era” for WWE, CM Punk finally speaks out, AEW’s released Wembley Stadium security camera footage backfires on them, and much much more! Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Vince McMahon lawsuit, too many wrestling personalities treat the victims like an inconvenience, while AEW fire QAnon Kevin Kelly, bringing in Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay while the needle barely moves in the post-Punk era. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vince McMahon may finally be gone for good under TKO, but his son-in-law is still around. Meanwhile, The Rock messes up the Cody storyline, but the TNA locker room seemingly band together. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Production personnel changes at WWE and AEW, the Elite still sore, CM Punk breaking records, and stooge Chris Jericho is likely hoping power will protect him. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following on from the last episode, AEW have given us Ric Flair, gotten rid of CM Punk, who boosts business for WWE, while QT Marshall leaves what appears to be a sinking ship if they don't plug the hole quick. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Khan weaponises the sexual assault allegations against Vince McMahon while at the same time ignoring those against Ric Flair, who he's finally bringing in to AEW, NWA and TNA look to their pasts as they prepare for the future, and CM Punk talks about the need for a union in wrestling. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The musician, teacher, philosopher, writer and wrestling fan DaN McKee talks about his new book, Anarchist Atheist Punk Rock Teacher, how wrestling informed his approaches to teaching, what wrestling can teach us about mutual aid, how wrestling could operate in an anarchist society, his experience at Wembley Stadium for AEW's All In, and so much more! Buy Anarchist Atheist Punk Rock Teacher: https://www.earthislandbooks.com/product-page/anarchist-atheist-punk-rock-teacher-by-dan-mckee Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all The Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AEW has exploded - or perhaps imploded - in spectacular fashion having been a company suffering for some time from backstage power-plays and politicking, and creative missteps, and now with their biggest star now gone, is this the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end for AEW? Why did Tony Khan "fear for his life"? Why do billionaires and businesses ruin wrestling for fans? And what magic of the artform still holds our interest? Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An epic episode! Remembering the origins of "all-in" wrestling in Britain, WWF's SummerSlam '92 in Wembley Stadium, the punk pro wrestling show All In, and looking to AEW's version in the modern-day Wembley this weekend! Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Legend Terry Funk passed away this week aged 79, and Windham "Bray Wyatt" Rotunda dies age 36 after having Covid, which is still very much a threat. And while wrestling continues to seem to lose more top athletes in their prime than most major sports, we can look back and enjoy the creativity and artistry from such stars - from Funk's NWA title matches and a branding iron gimmick passed on to Bradshaw, to Bradshaw's New Blackjacks team with Windham, who in turn partnered with Mike Rotunda and Dan Spivey, wrestlers who would influence Bray Wyatt in incredible ways. Don't forget to subscribe to ad-free content, for free, at https://www.patreon.com/theleftfist and check all Left Fist links at https://linktr.ee/theleftfist. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick five minute announcement about The Left Fist - the challenges so far, and the future. Huge thanks to all listeners, to SmokeyTheBearr for contributing the title track to this point, and to everyone who has supported The Left Fist! https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While so many workers, including in entertainment, are on strike, the rich and powerful in pro wrestling are bragging about their non-union status. But why are they calling themselves "unscripted" content? And where does Endeavor's Ari Emanuel stand on it all? Meanwhile, Dwayne Johnson makes an "historic" donation to the SAG-AFTRA strike fund - but someone named Grayson Waller thinks the Rock's unemployed. Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Protect Trans Kids! That's the message on ice cream bar wrappers as CM Punk returns to AEW, and to the coincidental background noise of ice cream vans this episode asks: what part do dirtsheets have in perpetuating false narratives by following one another for second-hand information, the original source of which is dependent on a small yet influential locker room clique that have ensured Punk will now hear boos wherever he goes (including Chicago)? Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite the serious scandals and alleged sexual misconduct, with "cancel culture" a myth moustachioed McMahon returns to WWE to merge it with the UFC under Endeavor's banner - and the ties to Trump are still there. So what might this merger mean beyond the megalomaniacal McMahons, and do the workers themselves have more hope for their careers in the ring alongside their counterparts competing in the octagon? Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why those of us covering pro wrestling shouldn't allow industry contacts to compromise reporting the truth which is under attack by Twitter, why Mastodon can increase engagement, and notes on Dave Meltzer, David Bixenspan, Sean Ross Sapp, and Leslie Lee III. Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lack of investment in pro wrestling coverage has left Vince McMahon to slime back into WWE offices to hit headlines preparing the company for a sale while his scandals sit behind the smokescreen. And even though the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are more likely buyers as part of their sportswashing campaign, Tony Khan's AEW product is perhaps inadvertently being creatively prepared for a seamless merge with WWE's tainted product. But is there still chance of a boost from Mercedes Mone finally appearing in AEW? Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/leftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MJF stopped The Firm to save Regal, telegraphing the Full Gear finish. But has the booking of MJF inadvertently attracted Cornette's conservative fan base? Plus, Tony Khan (intentionally or otherwise) publicly vindicates CM Punk, while rabid crowds continue the hate and the AEW EVPs stoke it. Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the 25th anniversary of the infamous Montreal Screwjob! What were the real causes? And how does it relate to events twenty-five years later? Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a morally bankrupt WWE reportedly poaches AEW talent, whether it be The Elite and CM Punk, or Sammy Guevara and Andrade, wrestlers are fighting with each other when they could be fighting for the rights they so desperately require. Please check out the artist behind our podcast track, SmokeyTheBearr - who you can find, with all the Left Fist links, here: https://linktr.ee/theleftfist Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.