We are back this week and we are tired of hearing people speculate that independent wrestling as a whole is dying without a shred of real evidence. So, we decided to ask an actual promoter for real data on houses, budgets, fan engagement and more to get to the bottom of this rumor.

After first addressing the rapidly escalating situation with the Savage Seduction invasion at Ragin' Pro Wrestling, RPW CEO Rich Buchholtz joins us for this discussion and, if you're a data nerd, listen closely. Rich brings actual numbers, actual figures, and real information from his promotion. Rich also uses his two decades of experience in the wrestling business to help us try to debunk some of the ridiculous things being said lately, simply because Deadlock Pro and Prestige are going away for a while. There is SO much more to discuss on this issue than the hiatus of two promotions and we dig in.

If you are into learning about the business of the wrestling business, this is your episode. If you are interested in data and numbers vs speculation and rumors, this is your episode. Bob and Jon learned a lot. We hope you will too.

In our IWX Watch This Segment, we took inspiration from Matt Cardona's return to Smackdown last week and decided to watch Matt Cardona vs Duke Davis for the International Wrestling Cartel Championship from IWC Alwayz Ready back in August. Cardona does great heel work and Duke Davis shines as the new IWC Champion in his first title defense.

In the Control Center, we preview four shows coming up this weekend. As always, we thank these promotions for granting us permission to use their audio to enhance our previews. This week, we discuss shows this weekend presented by:

• 4Ever Pro Wrestling
• Real Action Pro Wrestling
• Grapple Pro
• Focus Pro Wrestling

We will be back next week, possibly with a new guest. STAY TUNED!