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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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