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Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet called out Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter over Meltzer’s quibbling over the type of treatment WWE Superstar Roman Reigns said he’d received for his leukemia. Les Moore takes a look at the latest controversy that erupted online. Then he looks at the reactions to how the Raw Women’s title angle has been booked leading to the WrestleMania main event, with reactions from the Pro Wrestling Torch’s Wade Keller and Todd Martin from their show earlier this week. Then, Bryan Alvarez plays Guess the Dirt with Dave Meltzer over why the booking has gotten so convoluted in the first place. Ronda Rousey’s YouTube vlog caused a stir among wrestling fans, and gave us an opportunity to listen to a rare JOUST between two wrestling media personalities from the same website! Lastly, Les takes a look at the fascinating coverage of the Bruce Prichard news, who was first reported as being the right hand man to Vince McMahon in WWE creative before Dave Meltzer did a 180 degree turn in his reporting on the nature of Prichard’s role there. Follow:@prowrestling@TalkingSheetPod@HughLittleSheet

Les and Hugh tackle the topic that was on a lot of minds this week: who’s to blame for that terrible situation involving Liv Morgan and Brie Bella on WWE Raw this week where Morgan was momentarily knocked unconscious from Bella’s YES! Kicks gone awry. We look at how the arguments took shape, and how wrestling media could stand to be more measured in their coverage of situations like this, rather than chime in with instant reactions on twitter that feed into the noisy debate. WWE had a long segment on Raw devoted to their charitable efforts, and many are blaming this as potentially ratings dipped for the show. Are they right? And how much to ratings matter when WWE Stock is closing in on $100 per share? Is WWE out of the John Cena business and back in the Hulk Hogan business? Wade Keller looks for clues in the WWE’s new Then, Now, Forever video on his recent podcast with Bruce Mitchell at PWTorch. THEN, the guys return for the second episode of their new spinoff podcast, Finding Pro Wrestling, talk about the pro wrestling they watched from the last week that made them excited to be fans of this crazy sport. This week: Will Ospreay vs WALTER from Defiant’s Stacked ’18 card Will Ospreay vs Matt Riddle from OTT’s ScrapperMania 4 Plus TONS more, including the return of HUGH’s VIEWS! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

The guys get back together again to talk over the week in pro wrestling media, including articles by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp and Deadspin’s David Bixenspan looking at WWE’s tendency to not listen to their fans compared to Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon’s remarks this week touting how WWE’s success is all because the company DOES listen to its fans… Meanwhile, Smackdown Live head creative writer Brian James argues with fans about the Becky Lynch storyline. It’s a fascinating dichotomy. Les offers his commentary in reaction to Dave Meltzer’s autobiography, which is at once an engaging, interesting tale of the wrestling writer’s early fandom and career writing about the business while also being a defensive, partially self-aggrandizing take from a reporter unwilling to accept even the most reasonable criticism about his work. Lastly, stick around for the pilot episode of a new, spinoff podcast from Les and Hugh called Finding Pro Wrestling, where the fellas talk about the wrestling they watching for the week, what they loved about it, and what they might be checking out in the near future. They talk over their thoughts on the Golden Lovers vs Ishii and Will Ospreay from NJPW’s Road to Dominion show last week, as well as thoughts on MLW, les talks about his newfound love of Pentagon Jr. and much more. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Coming out of last weekend’s All In show, the topic of whether wrestling media has been co-opted has been a frequently discussed point. Les unpacks the topic with his thoughts of media ethics, the differences between wrestling media and other sports and entertainment journalism, and looks at the topic of “access” for wrestling media at big shows. But first, Hugh and Les catch up with each other after 6 months off the air, and talk over what’s piquing their interests in wrestling, and what they’re interested in learning more about. Join the good brothers for the return of Talking Sheet! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Deadspin and Fightful contributor David Bixenspan stops by to talk with Les and Hugh about wrestling journalism, including talking about Six’s recent appearance on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast to debate the subject. We talk about the journalistic practices of Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, and also how the bad habits and practices of wrestling news sites can sometimes paint Meltzer in a bad light. Then we talk some of the major topics of the week, including the Roman Reigns Raw segment that saw him “shooting” on Brock Lesnar, Justin Barrasso’s Sports Illustrated report that Rey Mysterio was penciled in for a match with John Cena at WrestleMania despite all other indications being that he’s facing the Undertaker. And, finally, reports this week hinting at the idea WWE could sign its next television deal with the Fox Network after executives attended the Smackdown show from Los Angeles on Tuesday. And, finally, Bix runs the gauntlet of Hugh’s Qs, including favorite wrestling mustaches, mullets, toys and more! All this plus more on Talking Sheet. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Our show today covers the recent question by Sam Roberts on his podcast of whether journalism in wrestling exists. We look at David Bixenspan’s article on Deadspin regarding the topic, and WWE’s attitude toward wrestling reporters and websites, as well as Wade Keller’s response to the topic on twitter. But first, the question is now being asked whether or not WWE’s upcoming switch to dual-branded PPV shows could spell the end of the Raw and Smackdown brand split. We explore some of the responses to this question from last week by PW Torch’s Todd Martin as well as Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio. The final hype for WWE’s Elimination Chamber is behind us, and the show is set for Sunday with a lot of intrigue as to the outcomes from the matches. What will Ronda Rousey do, and will it involve Stephanie McMahon? How will Roman Reigns win the Chamber Match without hurting Braun Strowman’s push, or cooling off Seth Rollins? What will happen when Asuka takes on Nia Jax? The Michael Elgin story continues to make headlines, this time after he was booked on an AAW Pro show last weekend, prompting promoter Danny Daniels to apologize and vow not to book him again. Dave Meltzer reports that there are other promotions who won’t use Elgin for fear of backlash from fans as well… so why do some still consider this a non-story, or a small-time story that only matters to a “40 fans” on Twitter? Les breaks down some of the responses to part one of the recent Sheet Sandwich wrestling media survey, as well as what you can look for in upcoming installments. Finally, Les and Hugh talk the POWER OF POSITIVITY, with a look at the week in things they loved about wrestling, or wrestling coverage. All this plus more on Talking Sheet. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les and Hugh are back to scratch the surface of a huge week in wrestling coverage, including the bizarre case of wrestling writer Abbey Arthur apparently faking cancer, and scamming her friends and followers out of $10k through GoFundMe and Ko-fi. But first, we look at the recent upheaval and reaction to PowerBomb.tv parting ways with co-founder Adam Lash. We discuss the fear among many wrestling pundits that co-branded WWE pay per view events may mean more multi-wrestler matches, longer shows, shorter matches or all of the above! John Cena’s storyline sucks, and is unbelievable according to most Raw reviewers. Ronda Rousey is in WWE in order to increase Stephanie McMahon’s profile according to Dave Meltzer. Bruce Mitchell writes on the racial undertones of the New Day’s pancake act. Alan Counihan leaves F4Wonline to join the VIP podcast team at PWTorch. All this plus more on Talking Sheet. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les Moore looks back at the week in wrestling news coverage, from a HUGE weekend from WWE with NXT Takeover and the Royal Rumble, to the signings of Ronda Rousey, Jonathan Coachman and Jeremy Borash, to a special commentary on integrity in wrestling journalism, and how one reporter this week seemingly announced his intention to engage in checkbook journalism. We look at Dave Meltzer’s analysis of Ronda Rousey in WWE, and how he believes she should be used. Mike Johnson from PWInsider took umbrage with WWE and Rousey’s use of the term “full time,” and believes it is insulting to actual full time WWE wrestlers. PWInsider’s Dave Scherer took an inappropriate and insulting shot at Nikki Bella for “dating well” getting her position in WWE, and went on to call her “honey” in one of the more disgusting examples of wrestling “analysis” this year. We examine the coverage of WWE’s signing of Jonathan Coachman and Jeremy Borash, and reactions to how they’ll be utilized in the company, and what it means. A coverage JOUST of John Cena’s Raw segment looks at how silly it is in storyline for John Cena to be worried about his spot at WrestleMania. We look at the match ratings for the Johnny Gargano vs. Andrade Cien Almas match from NXT Takeover, which was just the 6th WWE match of all time to be rated 5-stars by Dave Meltzer. Seth Rollins blocked Bryan Alvarez on twitter, presumably over the Wrestling Observer reporting that he was working on an injured back. Bryan Alvarez responded. Ryan Satin took the week off, which raised eyebrows and attracted harsh criticism from his detractors this week. Changes are brewing in wrestling coverage, and Fightful.com is adding staff. Finally, a special commentary on ethics, integrity and honesty in pro wrestling journalism, as well as the waste of time it is keeping score on scoops. Recent news breaker and potential rising star Brad Shepard made a major faux pas this week when he advertised his intentions to engage in checkbook journalism, a shady and arguably unethical reporting tactic that seems to run contrary to earlier tweets he made this week on the importance of integrity in wrestling journalism. Les Moore responds. All this and more on this week’s Talking Sheet! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les and Hugh are back to major wrestling news coverage for the week. We look at the final coverage ahead of Sunday’s Royal Rumble event on the WWE Network, including the bizarre inflation of coverage surrounding Daniel Bryan’s odds for appearing and winning, and the continued negative reaction Stephanie McMahon gets every time she’s involved in anything relating to the WWE product. The Enzo Amore situation is looked at in detail, including a look at how wrestling coverage often blurs the lines between editorializing and reporting, which isn’t always the best for certain types of stories. Sean Ross Sapp wins the week for his adept handling of the story’s nuances, and covering all the bases, find out who missed the mark by the most. Vince McMahon announced the XFL on Thursday, January 25th, the exact day first reported publicly by Brad Shepard. We look at how the story unfolded over the past month and a half, as well as encourage more detailed scrutiny of the new enterprise, similar to Brandon Howard’s stellar article on Fightful this week. David Bixenspan’s article for Deadspin this week examining WWE’s track record of cheating its fans is looked at, as well. Lastly, The Raw 25th Anniversary show gets two coverage jousts looking at both the Undertaker segment, as well as the Chris Jericho appearance on the show. Joust clips from: Wrestling Observer Radio PW Torch Fightful.com POSTWrestling.com All this PLUS, video is now available for subscription at f4wonline.com, and Hugh continues his foray back into the world of professional wrestling, including discovering his favorite podcast from PWPonderings.com. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les Moore breaks down the coverage of the week, including a look at Roman Reigns being alleged to be a customer of jailed a steroids dealer, and how that story developed over the week. We have a coverage joust on the Braun Strowman segment from WWE Raw this past Monday with clips from Fightful, POST Wrestling, PW Torch’s Fix with Todd Martin & Bruce Mitchell Audio Show as well as F4Wonline’s Wresting Observer Radio. WWE signings were perhaps most notable this week for who wasn’t signed, after months of speculation and hints that she would be a “no brainer” by Dave Meltzer, Tessa Blanchard was not among the new wrestlers signed this week. We take a look back on the evolution of Meltzer’s coverage of her in the Observer. Peter Rosenberg doesn’t know who War Machine is, and also believes Ring of Honor is an “indie” promotion. All reports indicate that Paige is done as an in-ring performer for WWE, but not according to anything WWE has actually said. Though they have yet to deny it, either. And the Curious Case of Daniel Bryan’s Odds for winning the Royal Rumble, and how little actual information is out there as Bryan Alvarez stumbles his way through speculation for most of the week, and Dave Meltzer admits: he has no idea what’s going on! All this and more on this week’s Talking Sheet! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

A major question plagues us in pro wrestling coverage this week… what is it good for if it’s not delivering on important stories that shine a light into questionable, or downright unacceptable behavior and activities? Les Moore and Hugh Little are back together again to look at pro wrestling news coverage on two major topics: The Ballad of Brad Stutts, and his firing from his role of booker for the independent promotion CWF Mid-Atlantic and its coverage from Bruce Mitchell at PW Torch and Mike Johnson of PWInsider. GloryPro owner and promoter Mike Elgin’s reaction to, and handling of, allegations that a wrestler he trained and frequently booked sexually assaulted a woman in March, and how that story has been covered by pro wrestling journalists Dave Meltzer and Ryan Satin. Plus, Hugh Little discovers that Wrestling With Words is now defunct, and pays tribute to all of the great content the site provided him over the last few years, and more! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les Moore takes a look at the coverage of New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 12 show from the Tokyo Dome this week, featuring the coverage from many of the tope wrestling review sites like Fightful.com, 411wrestling.com, VoicesOfWrestling.com, PWPonderings.com and PWTorch.com. Is there a New Japan bias, or has the promotion earned more goodwill from its fans? Les looks at the difference between how “that’s just how they do business” is used as an excuse for New Japan compared to it being considered a negative for WWE. Raw coverage was interesting this week, and Les breaks it down with a JOUST looking through the lens of the Jason Jordan segment this week, featuring clips of coverage from Bruce Mitchell and Wade Keller, Dave Meltzer, John Pollock and more. Ryan Satin has once again taken a jab at Chris Jericho in the name of journalism in an “article” that barely should have been a tweet let alone a piece on a wrestling news site claiming to strive toward staying away from “the clickbait BS filling most news sites.” And finally, we check back in with that intrepid gumshoe, Inspector Ringside, who is shocked to learn a missing persons case has actually been closed for some time! Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

It’s our annual pro wrestling coverage awards, the 2017 Sheetys! Les and Hugh are back to catch up with the year that was in pro wrestling, after taking nearly the entire year off from following the industry! Then, we announce the winners of the Sheety Awards, voted on by listeners and wrestling fans around the world. This is the third year Sheet Sandwich and the Talking Sheet Podcast have organized the awards to recognize the hard work and tremendous effort put forth by many talented writers, podcasters and pundits who cover professional wrestling throughout the year. Les is @prowrestling Hugh is @HughLittleSheet the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les and Sealia are back with Sealia’s WrestleMania Weekend Road Diary, including her thoughts on attending indie events like EVOLVE, Progress, Kaiju Big Battel and more compared to WWE’s WrestleMania show. Then we talk the week after Mania, with the return of Finn Balor, and the call-ups of the Revival, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Tye Dillinger. We look at the shifting WWE audience, and the growth of female viewers, despite none of the premium wrestling news and analysis sites having any female voices on their staffs. We look at the hype and potential plans surrounding the WWE Superstar Shakeup this week, including who is said to be going where. Finally, we look at the behavior of notorious bully JBL, and the tolerance of the bullying in WWE, and the wrestling culture despite their Be A STAR alliance preaching the opposite of the behavior men like JBL and Vince McMahon exhibit. Les is @prowrestling Sea is @SealiaBloom the show is @TalkingSheetPod

Les Moore and Sealia Bloom break down the week in wrestling news coverage, kicking things off with the unfortunate news and coverage of WWE Superstar Paige sex tapes leaking out, and our thoughts on how it will be covered on wrestling news sites. Dave Meltzer wrote somewhat negligently, if not irresponsibly, on Mauro Ranallo’s Smackdown no-show. Despite not having the full story on the record, and not being able to elaborate beyond flippant remarks in this week’s Wrestling Observer, Meltzer raised the issue anyway, which has led directly to endless speculation regarding where Ranallo actually was Tuesday night. Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, according to Dave Meltzer’s most recent issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, will be wrestling for the WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania in 2018. We look at the story from both the Wrestling Observer Radio podcast, as well as the article in the newsletter, and what this might mean for match outcomes on this year’s WrestleMania, and the WWE title picture going forward. Wade Keller over at PW Torch has had it with WWE’s hocus pocus storytelling on Smackdown, and wrote a feature article in this week’s newsletter on the WWE World Title program between Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton, which Keller calls “WWE at its worst.” We also discuss his PW Torch Livecast rant from Tuesday regarding the AJ Styles brawl with Shane McMahon. We look at whether WWE actually has a narrative structure anymore, and ask how appropriate it is to compare WWE to other dramatic television shows like the Walking Dead or Game of Thrones. Lastly, Kassius Ohno, who is fat, wrestled Bobby Roode this week on NXT, and Bryan Alvarez & Vincent Verhei spend their entire match review talking about how large Ohno is, and why his ring gear was unflattering. Follow the gang on twitter: Les is @prowrestling Sea is @SealiaBloom the show is @TalkingSheetPod