WWE kicks off 2026 with its first full weekend of live action, and The Golden Shovel Wrestling Podcast is here to break down everything that happened.

We discuss Kit Wilson’s new entrance and what it could mean for his momentum going into the new year, before reacting to the return of Matt Cardona and where he fits into WWE’s 2026 landscape.

The women’s divisions delivered big moments as Giulia regains the US Women’s Championship, Becky Lynch becomes a two-time Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY win the Women’s Tag Team Titles. We debate what these title changes mean as WWE sets the tone for the year ahead.

We close out the episode by analysing CM Punk retaining the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker, and whether this was the right way to headline WWE’s first major weekend of 2026.

Weekly WWE storytelling, opinions, and debates — shovel optional.

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The Golden Shovel Wrestling Podcast concludes our 2025 WWE Awards Series with Part 3, featuring the biggest and most debated awards of the year.

This final episode covers Men’s Wrestler of the Year, Match of the Year, Breakout Star of the Year, and Moment of the Year, as we reflect on the performances, matches, and moments that defined WWE in 2025.

The discussion includes top Men’s Wrestler of the Year contenders John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Dominik Mysterio, and Gunther, classic match candidates like Cena vs Cody at SummerSlam, Kevin Owens vs Sami Zayn’s Unsanctioned Match, and Iyo Sky vs Rhea Ripley featuring Naomi’s Money in the Bank cash-in, plus breakout stars such as Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, Lyra Valkyria, Dominik Mysterio, and Stephanie Vaquer.

We close out the awards by reliving WWE’s biggest moments of the year, including both Money in the Bank cash-ins, Cena’s shocking heel turn, his retirement and tributes, and Paul Heyman’s betrayal of Roman Reigns — followed by CM Punk.

Thanks for listening to the full Golden Shovel Wrestling Podcast 2025 Awards series.

Drop us a message with your thoughts on the WWE!

Let us know how you folks at home see it via our fan mail link, or tweet us or comment on Tiktok!

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The Golden Shovel Wrestling Podcast returns with Part 2 of our 2025 WWE Awards, featuring the award that inspired the name of the show — the Golden Shovel Award.

This award is handed out to the worst booking decision or storyline of 2025, and this week’s episode is a full open discussion on the moments that left fans frustrated, confused, or outright annoyed.

Topics on the chopping block include the SmackDown US Women’s Title, the handling of Giulia, the struggling Raw Tag Team Division, John Cena’s heel run, and the controversial moment of Cena tapping out to Gunther.

We debate whether these were creative misfires, long-term ideas gone wrong, or just outright bad decisions — and decide which one truly deserves the Golden Shovel.

Part 3 of the 2025 Awards drops Wednesday 31st.

Drop us a message with your thoughts on the WWE!

Let us know how you folks at home see it via our fan mail link, or tweet us or comment on Tiktok!

https://www.linktr.ee/thegoldenshovel