The Left Fist: pro wrestling from an unreservedly leftist angle

The Working Week #25: "Part of the Show" at WWE, MJF, The Elite, AEW TV Rights

Thu, 30 May 2024 15:22:32 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #24: WWE’s “New Era,” WrestleMania, CM Punk, All In Backstage Footage, AEW Layoffs

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:00:04 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #23: Mercedes, Okada & Ospreay in AEW, Kevin Kelly Fired, Sting Retired, and is John Cena a Bootlicker?

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 12:35:01 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #22: Vince Scandal, Rock/Cody, TNA Solidarity

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 19:19:37 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #21: CM Punk, NDAs, Chris Jericho, Kylie Rae

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:43:58 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #20: CM Punk Returns to WWE, QT Marshall Leaves AEW, Ric Flair Still a Sleazebag

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 18:00:02 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #19: Pro-Union Punk, NWA, TNA, Tony Khan, Scandal, and Ric Flair

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 15:40:02 GMT

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.

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Interview with DaN McKee

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 12:00:02 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #18: All In, All Out, I'm Out

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 14:25:01 GMT

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.

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Past Practice #3: Ready for All In by Looking Back at Wembley Stadium's SummerSlam '92!

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 07:00:03 GMT

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.

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The Working Week #17: Bray Wyatt, Terry Funk - Wrestling Continues to Suffer Too Many Losses

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 20:00:03 GMT

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.

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An Important Announcement about The Left Fist

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:46:58 GMT

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

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The Working Week #16: The Rock Backs SAG-AFTRA! Is Everyone on Strike? Not Wrestlers, That's For Sure

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 17:14:41 GMT

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

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The Working Week #15: CM Punk is Back! Some Boo, Some Scream & Ice Cream

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 17:09:14 GMT

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

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The Working Week #14: WWE Sale a Done Deal, Merging with UFC Under Endeavor, What Might it Mean for the Workers?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:12:47 GMT

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

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Industrial Dispute #4: The State of Pro Wrestling Journalism

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 13:53:29 GMT

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

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The Working Week #13: Potential WWE Sale Smokescreens Vince Scandal, AEW's Bad WWE-style Booking, Mercedes Mone

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 16:18:39 GMT

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

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The Working Week #12: MJF, Jim Cornette and MAGA Fans, Crowd "Consent," Plus Punk Vindicated

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:39:09 GMT

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

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Past Practice #2: The Montreal Screwjob

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:27:59 GMT

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

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The Working Week #11: Wrestlers Are Fighting for the Wrong Things

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:27:04 GMT

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

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The Working Week #10: Saraya's Week for Women in Wrestling

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 18:46:26 GMT

A momentous arrival in AEW for Saraya promises a women's revolution - but the sexism remains as she is immediately held to standards that the men are not subjected to. 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

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Past Practice #1: The WWF in 1990

Sat, 17 Sep 2022 22:08:58 GMT

A look at the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions, and how Vince McMahon hurt them, as we turn attention to the WWF in 1990 - Ultimate Warrior set up to replace Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes feuds with kings and millionaires, Big Boss Man gets a push as a face while Akeem remains an embarrassment, Roddy Piper hits a low point, Sgt Slaughter turns heel as fans embrace a "Russian," and the Gobbledygooker debuts alongside someone called The Undertaker! 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

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The Working Week #9: AEW Fall-Out

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 14:20:41 GMT

Everything finally came to a head in AEW this week, with conflict between CM Punk and the EVPs going from words to violence. What's the background? Who's really to blame? What can we take from this? How does this relate to Eddie Kingston and his suspension that may have set a bad precedent? And why is Triple H really enjoying it all so much? All this and more in this huge episode! 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

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Industrial Dispute #3: Shouldn't Wrestling Resemble Our Communities?

Sat, 03 Sep 2022 17:44:50 GMT

Further to previous episodes on embracing the featuring of all genders in pro wrestling, it's still important to ensure marginalised groups are represented, rather than lost in the shuffle. 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

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The Working Week #8: Are WWE Causing Trouble in AEW Paradise?

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 19:50:31 GMT

The news this week is of an AEW in turmoil, and an improved WWE. But is this the whole picture? Has there really been "contract tampering"? What does the future really hold for the two big companies? And what can we really take from the rumours around CM Punk, Thunder Rosa, and Eddie Kingston? All this and more in this episode of The Working Week! 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

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The Working Week #7: Vince is GONE: Are Changes Coming? Sasha, Naomi, AEW

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:39:34 GMT

Yes, Vince McMahon is G-O-N-E! But how far removed is he really? We look at the incoming regime, changes they've made and might make, as well as quotes from CM Punk and report on Tony Khan's thoughts. Also: Should we expect a worked-shoot return from Sasha and Naomi? 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

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Industrial Dispute #2: "Ladies and Gentlemen" is Passé in Pro Wrestling

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 11:12:39 GMT

Continuing the discussion on gender representation in pro wrestling: why it's time for terms like "ladies and gentlemen" to be dispensed with, inclusive language in introductions, commentary, and promos - and why titles and divisions having gender restrictions aren't helping, either. 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

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The Working Week #6: Sasha Banks & MJF Contracts, Are Vince's Days Numbered?

Sun, 17 Jul 2022 13:51:04 GMT

The latest on the ongoing Vince McMahon allegations, the scourge of misogyny in pro wrestling going all the way back to Brutus Beefcake and the Rockers, Sasha Banks may be breaking free and demanding a handsome fee, plus PAC, Christian Cage, MJF and contracts! 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

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The Working Week #5: More Vince McMahon Allegations Now Revived, Roe v Wade, CM Punk, Forbidden Door

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:52:05 GMT

It's two years since Speaking Out, so let's talk about women's rights, Roe v. Wade, women beautifully browbeating Glenn "Kane" Jacobs, and the revival of the Rita "Marie" Chatterton allegations against Vince McMahon now being corroborated as New York Magazine follow up on the Wall Street Journal report. And we'll quickly cover Forbidden Door, CM Punk, and the fact the pandemic isn't over so wrestlers are still getting Covid. (CW: rape, first 2-3mins) 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

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The Working Week #4: Vince McMahon Investigation, Sasha Banks Legal Battle, and Cody Rhodes Wrestling Injured

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 19:05:48 GMT

Discussing the implications of WWE's Board of Directors investigating Vince McMahon's hush money, Mercedes "Sasha Banks" Varnado possibly free from WWE, and the bad example of Cody Rhodes wrestling injured. 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

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The Working Week #3: Sasha Banks and Naomi Walk Out of WWE, CM Punk, MJF's Contract and How TV Deals May Affect it, AEW Shows

Mon, 23 May 2022 16:55:50 GMT

Discussing Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of Monday Night Raw and WWE, Vince McMahon having Michael Cole bury them on TV, CM Punk's tweets and his awesome "abortion rights" t-shirt, Warner Bros Discovery and their deal with AEW, how that may relate to MJF's future, a quick overview of AEW shows this week, Joey Janela on fire (literally), and more. 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

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The Working Week #2: Martha Hart and Copyrights in Wrestling, Danhausen and Cabaret Links to Wrestling, Hikaru Shida, Starrcast, AEW Shows

Sat, 14 May 2022 17:33:07 GMT

Discussing King Kota, name changes, copyright in wrestling and how it relates to the issue between Bret and Martha Hart, Tony Khan's failure of diplomacy with Big Swole and now Hikaru Shida, indie talents Man Scout and Dan the Dad and how Danhausen is being introduced, wrestling's links to cabaret, Starrcast and "wrestling weekends," AEW Dark, Dynamite, Rampage, and more. 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

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Industrial Dispute #1: A Look at Gender Divisions in Pro Wrestling - and Why They May Not be Useful

Sun, 08 May 2022 12:15:58 GMT

Discussing the divisions in pro wrestling based on gender - from the marginalised women's divisions, to creating categories based on gender binaries, and why we can instead learn from Lucha Underground and, present day, indie companies like Enjoy Wrestling and Industrial World Wrestling. 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

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The Working Week #1: Candice LeRae Leaving WWE, Difference Between Cuts and Contract Expiry, Opportunities on Indies, and AEW's Week on TV

Sun, 08 May 2022 12:11:04 GMT

Discussing Candice LeRae leaving WWE, the differences between cuts and contract expiration, opportunities on the indies, the Forbidden Door, and AEW Dark, Dynamite, Rampage, and more. 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

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Left Fist podcast preview

Sun, 08 May 2022 12:03:10 GMT

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