A year after his surprise arrival in WWE, AJ Styles comes back to the Rumble, this time as champion of the World. But, there is one man standing in his way: John Cena. This match finished an epic trilogy between these two men. Was this one as phenomenal as the prior two? Can Big Match John deliver? Most importantly, is it a classic? We answer that …

Welcome to Strong Grapple City, population 2. Mike Awesome and Masato Tanaka, two certified members of the CREAM TEAM, bring their feud to the States and inside an ECW ring. This feud is known for two power guys just power moving the hell out of each other and this match is no exception. These two tree trunks launch themselves at each other over an…

Two former Shield brothers collide in the most dangerous structure in all of WWE - the Hell in a Cell. The fight starts on the top of the cage, is filled with many big bumps, and has elements you don't see coming. Is it a classic? We put it through the science to figure it out. We also talk about whether or not it was a work or a shoot (you know wh…

Two of the greatest that ever wrestled happened to be brothers - Bret and Owen Hart. This match came at the end of a near-year long feud between the two, including Owen scoring an upset victory over his brother at Wrestlemania a few months prior to this. This match is not just about brother vs. brother, but is about the gold, the WWF World Heavywei…

Two daredevils meet in this hardcore, no holds barred, falls count anywhere WWF Hardcore Title match on the biggest non-Wrestlemania PPV of all time. That PPV may have been considered a dud, but this was a standout match remembered for its high risk, high impact spots. Do these two wild and crazy guys have what it takes to put together a classic, a…

We are double dippin' into IIAC Maniac suggestions this week as our two matches come from our listeners. In our first of two main events we discuss a fast-paced, high-flying Cruiserweight 8-Man tag match that opened up the WCW/nWo Souled Out 1998 PPV. Some WCW Cruiser-staples are in this match from Juvy to La Parka. Does it deliver the goods to be …

HHH brought out the sadistic side of Mick Foley when he morphed into his Cactus Jack persona for their classic street fight at Royal Rumble 2000. But, their story didn't end there. Cactus was willing to put his career on the line in a Hell in a Cell match to get one last shot at Triple H and his WWF World Championship. Could these two men follow up…

In the year 2000.... Triple H, during arguably his best run of matches in his career, came face to face with the rising star Chris Jericho. Both men had animosity in the ring, and backstage. Some of this came to a head in a Last Man Standing match at the July 2000 PPV Fully Loaded. Can these two men entering their prime deliver a classic match? We …

What was the match everyone was talking about coming out of Wrestlemania weekend? Seth vs Cody? Bianca vs. Becky? Knoxville vs. Zayn? It was none of these! On the first show of the Tony Khan era of Ring of Honor, FTR and the Briscoes tore the house down. This match was universally praised as the best of the biggest weekend in wrestling of the year.…

It's been 1 year since our first definitive ruling if a wrestling match was a classic. Since then, our SCIENCE~! has changed, our tastes have been updated and we've become a little more polished at what we do (hopefully). In that year, there were two matches ran though our original formula that were deemed not classics and were hotly debated. They …

Best friends. Better enemies. 13 years of wrestling everywhere together comes to a head at this battle at Battleground. They've run the gamut in the world of everything you can think of - besties, tag team champs, rivals without honor, best men at weddings and everything in between. How does this story end? Does it end with a classic match? We revi…

Their first ladder match at Wrestlemania X is heralded as a classic, the jump start to an era of ladder matches. But, these two ran it back a little over a year later at Summerslam 1995 and brought the ladders with them. Does the second ladder match out-classic the first? Does it hold up? Does the title hold up? We go through every scary bump, from…

The greatest Wrestlemania triolgy comes to a head as The Rock battles Steve Austin in the people's main event of Wrestlemania 19. This would go down as Stone Cold's last match ever, as he would officially retire shortly after. This is two of the four of many people's Mount Rushmore of Pro Wrestling. Were they able to pull off a classic match in Aus…

On this episode, four professionals get in the ring and deliver a fundamentally sound, old-school inspired, smooth, crisp, polished NXT Tag Title match. The Revival (currently known as FTR) face off against the team of Ciampa and Gargano in a match that stole the show in the Barclays center. The crowd was hot, the competitors brought their A-game, …

One of our co-hosts Danny welcomed his third child into the world this week so admittedly recording a podcast was not in the cards. So, we tossed it back to one of our BETA EPISODES~! This is what we dubbed episode 0.2 - the second of our "let's try this out" episodes. On this episode, we review Daniel Bryan vs. Bray Wyatt at Royal Rumble 2014. We …

Two icons of professional wrestling put their careers on the line as Ric Flair takes on champion Hulk Hogan in a steel cage for all the marbles! There were lots of storylines leading up to this and lots of names involved: Jimmy Hart, Sting, Mr. T, Muhammad Ali, Sensuous Sherri and DAVE SULLIVAN. These two hall of famers put on a show, but was it a …

Ahead of the annual Elimination Chamber premium live event, we review the first ever match to take place in Bischoff's demonic structure. HBK, HHH, RVD, Y2J, T, Kane, lots of big name initials made up this match invented by Eric Bischoff. With the World Heavyweight Championship on the line in this new structure Bischoff created, who will come out o…

*ALERT* *ALERT* Someone sound the Steiner sirens, it's Solo ep time~! Danny is out of pocket so Chad is running solo this week. In this ep, Chad breaks down the headlines for the week. He then reminisces and plays a game involving classic and forgotten wrestling themes of the past. Do you know these themes by their lyrics or sound bytes? In this ep…

On today's episode, the theme is brevity. That is why we chose what may be the greatest under 10 minute match of all time - Rey Mysterio vs. Kurt Angle at Summerslam 2002. This was the opener of arguably the greatest Summerslam of all time. These two guys packed a lot in and had a hot crowd, but was it a classic? We also discuss this year's Rumble …

As we head into the Royal Rumble, we take a look at another version of the iconic match. This time, the men's version from 2018. It happened pretty recently, so can it be considered a classic? Was it better or worse than the 2001 match we reviewed? Did anyone get tickled in this rumble? Tune in to find out! Note from the hosts: this was an "on the …

30 men enter but only 1 man can be left standing. Who will go on to the Wrestlemania main event? The Royal Rumble is one of the most talked about and most anticipated matches each year on the wrestling calendar and 2001 did not disappoint. From big spots, big returns, big surprises and a big red machine, this match lives on as one of the best Rumbl…

It's the in-ring debut of one of the most dominate, destructive forces in WWE history: The Shield. As a last minute match is made, they are tasked with taking down Team Hell No (Kane and Daniel Bryan) and Ryback. And this isn't any ordinary match, it's a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match with a victory coming by pinfall or submission only. Is it a c…

Two of the biggest names in modern wrestling clash at the last ever No Mercy PPV. Their mic battles led to this battle. This is a potential torch passing moment from one generation's star to the next. This match had big moves, lots of finishers hit and a crowd that hated both men. Is it a classic? We'll use our ~SCIENCE and let you know. Also, we d…

THE MATCH BEYOND! SUBMIT OR SURRENDER! One of the most famous matches of one of the most famous types of matches happened in Phoenix, AZ in WCW. Eight of the biggest stars of wrestling found in the brutal WAR GAMES match where there were no countouts, no DQs, no rules. We put it through our brand new science to determine if it is, definitely, a cla…

Who is the master and ruler of the world? Who is the showstopper? Who is the WWF Champion? Who can bring us a classic match? The main event of Survivor Series 1996 brought a long term storyline to a head as HBK Shawn Michaels and Sycho Sid clashed for the biggest prize in the game. Is it a classic? We break it down for you. Also, we discuss some fa…

It's a double billing! We dive into *two* matches this week to use our SCIENCE to determine if either are a classic. We start with the opening bout of Wrestlemania 7 featuring future multi-time HOF'r Shawn Michaels and Marty Janetty taking on Haku and the Barbarian. We finish with the No Holds Barred Falls Count Anywhere affair between a young Rand…

WARNING: This episode contains discussion of Chris Benoit. Although we do not dive into the tragedy, we understand that discussion of him can make some uneasy. This was a tough episode for us to record so we understand proceeding with caution. Listener discretion is advised. A rematch of the main event of Wrestlemania XX (don't you DARE say 20, you…

20 years ago, the greatest collection of wrestling stars got together for the biggest 5v5 Survivor Series match of all time. On one side you have Big Show, Kane, Undertaker, Chris Jericho and the Rock representing Team WWF. On the other side you have Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle, RVD, Booker T and Shane McMahon representing Team Alliance. It…

It's THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE. A battle between the two biggest stars of the late 80s/early 90s. Title vs. Title. Tassles vs. Bandana. Bald vs. Teased. The little warriors vs. the Hulkamaniacs. One of the biggest marquee matches of all time happened at Wrestlemania 6. Undoubtedly the world was watching then, but were they watching a classic? We break…

WE BACK BABY! Two of AEW's young up and comers battle it out in their former promotion called WWE for the WWE Championship. This match was put in the middle of one of the all time great (bizarro world) shows. How did it fare? Could these two masters of their crafts put together a classic? It's a heated debate so check it out. We also discuss Eve To…

Chad is out this ep welcoming the birth of twins! Danny rides SOLO in his absence and hits you with something new - It's Bizzaro Land, and we are reviewing a match that is universally panned. But, Is It That Bad? Is this CLASSICLY bad? Danny gives an update on ol' Charles, drops some big news about the future of the podcast, gives his thoughts on D…

No twins yet so the boys are back with another ep! This time we take a look at HHH vs Batista in a (insert voice of your choosing) HELL.... IN A CELL..... The Game and the Animal have main evented the two prior PPVs, including Wrestlemania. How does this one fare in the series? Is it a classic? We also discuss whose turn it is to #hanginthere, Big …

The boys recap and review AEW All Out 2021. Is it a classic?

The first test in the "Instant Classic" series - a match between two bruisers who can both dish out and take heavy punishment. This match is less than 2 weeks old but is already heralded as the match of the year. We put it through the ringer to see if it's too early to label this one as a classic. How does it fare? Tune in and find out! Also, we di…

It's the Whole F'n Show vs. New F'n Show in this battle for the ECW TV Title. The RVD vs. Jerry Lynn feud is one that lives in ECW history as one of the greatest of that era. They had many matches across many shows, but this is often considered the best. Does it hold up as a classic? Plus, we talk about the Fonz (a lot), CM Punk's return, Malakai B…

The Macho Man vs. The Dragon. A match heralded as (debatably) the greatest Wrestlemania match of all time. Almost 35 years has passed since this match happened and a lot has changed in the wrestling world since then. Does this match hold up? Does it hit the standards of excellence today as it once did? Is it a classic? Tune in and find out! We also…

Danny is out of pocket unexpectedly for this episode so it's time for a pivot! This week's show is our first ever SOLO show with Chad talking this past week in wrestling. He shares the new commitment we are making to the pod, his thoughts on the recent free agent/potential free agents, does some fantasy booking and gives his thoughts on the big thr…

It is a big beef and cheddar episode of IIAC as we cover a lot of topics including a recounting of our live AEW experience. On the docket is a match between two all time greats with a heated rivalry and a series of unbelievable matches: the Deadman and the Heartbreak Kid. Does this sequel live up to it's famed WM 25 predecessor? Does it have enough…

The future of WWE is on the line. It's the Voice of the Voiceless vs the Franchise. Many moments built to this match, and many came after it. But, was the match itself a classic? We also discuss our plans for next week (a few times), poorly dressed wrestlers in good storylines, boycotts, goodbye to the Thunderdome, HEAT, and much more. Have a liste…

ICON vs. ICON. The People's Champ vs. the Real American. Two of the biggest names clash in one of the most special matches filled with special moments. It's our turn to put it under the microscope and determine definitively: is it a classic? We also talk Conor vs. Poirier, facial hair, cold-spray-a-mania, "whatever", meatballs, A GIVEAWAY~! and muc…

We take our first trip into AEW this week with a match from their first ever show, pitting brother against brother, generation against generation as the throne-breaker and attitude killer Cody takes on the 50-year-old "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes. This match was PWI's 2019 Match of the Year, but does it hold up as a classic against our standards. Pl…

Time to give into some women's wrestling with a great match for the NXT Women's Championship. It's boss time as Sasha Banks is prepared to fight, not hug, Bayley and defend her title. This match is heralded in NXT and women's wrestling lore but does it pass the test to become a definitive classic? We also discuss worked MMA fights, who is THE true …

Oh boy, is this one wild! Chad is on the road so no theme, no drops, just a raw look at an excellent match in the WWE lore. Can these two legends and surefire hall of famers pull of a classic? Take a listen to find out! If you are an audiofile, skip this one. If you want to listen to the most entertaining, off the rails but absolutely fun episode o…

Some say it's the greatest X Division Title match of all time. Some say it's the greatest match in TNA history. Some say it's the greatest three way match of all time. But is it a classic? We dive deep to determine if this match is definitely a classic. We also discuss how to pronounce Andrade's name, if Raw was good this week, the Kurt Angle's FOU…

Double or Nothing - was it worth double, or nothing? (See what I did there) We take a look at the AEW PPV and talk through what we loved about it. We dive into our format change, and why it will make the show even better. To prepare, we kick it to the vault this week with Dude Love vs Steve Austin at Over The Edge 1998. Is it a classic? Take a list…

SIX STARS. The headlines were everywhere when this match first happened. It captured the hearts of many. But, one of our hosts is not familiar with New Japan so he is watching this "blind". With limited knowledge and an open mind, can this historic match reach the threshold of definitive classic? Plus we talk Dynamite, Lloyd Christmas, Aleister/E m…

BLOOD AND GUTS!! AEW brought something different this week for it's destination show. We break it down and give you our thoughts, which may surprise you. Afterwards they dive into the vault to pull a match from the pre-public-podcast days - Mr. Perfect vs Bret Hart at Summerslam 1991. This match holds a place in a lot of hearts and holds a specific…

Ric Flair puts his career on the line against one of the all time great monsters of wrestling Vader. Ric's family is there, Harley Race is in Vader's corner, the title is on the line, nothing is left on the table. This one has a big fight feel to it, but is it a classic? We also talk love, our favorite Shawn Spears, our actual favorites RKBro and B…

Latino Heat, Bork Laser, a match with an all time classic feel-good moment in wrestling history. But, is it a classic match as a whole? Plus, we talk what we thought about AEW and WWE this week including Shawn Spear's new hair, Chris Jericho's new interview style, Braun Strowman's new interview style, our new wrestling lord and savior, the WWE's ne…

Billed as the World Champ vs. the People's Champ (not that one, the other one), this is unarguably one of the greatest matches in Goldberg's career. Goldberg is at his peak of his popularity and DDP is coming off of big matches that involved big celebrities like Dennis Rodman, Karl Malone and Jay Leno. Does all of this have the right formula to be …