This WWE Decision Could Backfire Big Time | Clash of the Podcasts
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In episode 188 of Clash of the Podcast, hosts Conrad Cushman and Sean Hubbard deliver a scathing critique of WWE's recent programming, particularly focusing on the controversial Pat McAfee phone reveal on SmackDown. They argue that the storyline, which pits McAfee against Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, undermines the credibility of the Attitude Era narrative and exemplifies WWE's declining creative direction. The hosts express frustration with corporate decisions, including the Usos losing their titles without a proper rematch and the lack of meaningful storylines for top talent. Despite acknowledging some strong matches at NXT Stand and Deliver, they lament WWE’s overall decline in quality and integrity, especially amid ongoing allegations against Vince McMahon and Brock Lesnar. The conversation shifts to New Japan Pro Wrestling, where they praise the new IWGP World Champion Callum Newman and the rising star power in the company. A major highlight is the triumphant return of Chris Jericho to AEW, which the hosts celebrate as a masterstroke of storytelling and a long-overdue recognition of his legacy. The episode closes with a call to action for fans to support AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view and to engage in a community poll ranking Dustin Rhodes among the top 500 wrestlers of all time.
WWE's Pat McAfee reveal was a creative misstep that undermines the Attitude Era narrative and damages the credibility of key storylines.
The Usos' title loss and lack of a proper rematch is a major booking failure that demeans the importance of tag team wrestling.
Chris Jericho's return to AEW is a strategic win for the company and a long-overdue acknowledgment of his Hall of Fame-caliber career.
New Japan Pro Wrestling is thriving with fresh talent like Callum Newman and compelling storylines, showcasing a healthier creative environment.
Fans should support AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view as a way to validate the company’s growth and commitment to quality wrestling.
Welcome to Clash of the Podcast & Easter Reflections
The hosts kick off the episode with warm greetings, Easter reflections, and a celebration of their growing brand. Sean announces the launch of Hubbard Worldwide Music, his first single 'Love Music' dropping on May 9th, and the duo promotes their merch and upcoming WrestleMania week content.
SmackDown Critique: The Pat McAfee Debacle
“This is not the talent's fault. This stuff is being written. I'm going to focus on Cody Rhodes for the next 30 seconds. I despise this incarnation of Cody Rhodes. However, I must then stop myself from blaming Cody Rhodes because Cody Rhodes is not to blame. Cody Rhodes is a top 10 professional wrestler on the face of this earth. When he is right. But the reason he is not right. Is because he's being written to be not right.”
WrestleMania 42 Hype & Booking Concerns
“I think this WrestleMania can go either way. It could be really good. It could be really bad. I mean, to me, you have to kind of pull a trigger on something really big.”
The Legacy of Hulk Hogan & WrestleMania 3
“Terry Bollea taught us that sometimes people are not who they show themselves to be. But the memories of Hulkamania and I'm sorry Conrad, it meant a lot to me and what got revealed in his later years really broke my heart but the memories still make me smile.”
Chris Jericho's AEW Return: A Masterstroke
“Chris Jericho is one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever live. He's wrestling royalty. I think he's got a lot of stroke. He's definitely smart too. Like you said, he's always found a way to make it work.”
“This is not the talent's fault. This stuff is being written. I'm going to focus on Cody Rhodes for the next 30 seconds. I despise this incarnation of Cody Rhodes. However, I must then stop myself from blaming Cody Rhodes because Cody Rhodes is not to blame. Cody Rhodes is a top 10 professional wrestler on the face of this earth. When he is right. But the reason he is not right. Is because he's being written to be not right.”
“Terry Bollea taught us that sometimes people are not who they show themselves to be. But the memories of Hulkamania and I'm sorry Conrad, it meant a lot to me and what got revealed in his later years really broke my heart but the memories still make me smile.”
“Chris Jericho is one of the greatest professional wrestlers to ever live. He's wrestling royalty. I think he's got a lot of stroke. He's definitely smart too. Like you said, he's always found a way to make it work.”
Hosts
WWE
organization
Chris Jericho
person
Sean Hubbard
person
Cody Rhodes
person
AEW
organization
Conrad Cushman
person
Hulk Hogan
person
New Japan Pro Wrestling
organization
Pat McAfee
person
Randy Orton
person
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