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SummerSlam dominates the first official episode of Heel Federation — but first, can wrestling fans please stop turning WWE vs. AEW into a full-time job?

Will, Erik, and Danny break down the best and worst of SummerSlam, debate whether the show actually topped WrestleMania, look back at Brock Lesnar's remarkable career and discuss WWE's next generation of stars.

Plus: Is Oba Femi vs. Bron happening too soon? Did WWE miss its moment with LA Knight? What's wrong with the Royce Keys presentation? How would we book him better? Can Danhausen become WWE's next great comedy character? And just how good could CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens get once they start talking?

Wrestling criticism without being miserable about wrestling. Welcome to Heel Federation.

Timestamps
00:40: Welcome to Heel Federation
01:15: Why we had to change the podcast name
05:25: Pop of the Week
06:08: Wrestling tribalism has gotten ridiculous
09:26: Stop comparing every wrestling promotion
13:06: Grayson Waller’s NXT promo
15:57: SummerSlam’s opening match gets disrespected
18:12: SummerSlam review begins
53:18: The Shit, The Shits or Not Shit Yet
53:50: What is going wrong with Royce Keys?
55:27: Book It Better: Royce Keys
1:00:50: Big Cass returns
1:05:10: Should Enzo return too?
1:06:50: Wrestling collectors and Matt Cardona
1:09:23: Erik’s wrestling memorabilia collection
1:19:24: The Three Count
1:29:30: Closing thoughts

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In the premiere episode, Will, Erik and Danny introduce themselves, explain what kind of wrestling podcast they want to build and share the stories that turned each of them into lifelong fans. From Hulkamania and the Attitude Era to ECW, Ring of Honor, New Japan, NXT and AEW, the guys look back at how their wrestling tastes have evolved—and why there is now more wrestling to watch than anyone could possibly keep up with.

They also address one of the biggest problems with modern wrestling fandom: Why does everything have to become the worst segment, match or booking decision of all time? The reaction to Joe Hendry and Danhausen sparks a larger conversation about comedy in wrestling, Orange Cassidy, online negativity and why wrestling should be treated like a buffet. You might not enjoy everything being served, but that does not mean it should all be removed from the menu.

The guys reveal their favorite wrestlers and matches, discuss the importance of a great crowd, show some overdue appreciation for women’s wrestling and revisit everything from Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect and Rock vs. Hogan to Sasha Banks vs. Bayley, John Cena vs. RVD and Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson.

Plus, get a preview of the segments coming to the show, including The Shit, The Shits or Not Shit Yet, Book It Better, the Nostalgia Intermission and the Three Count Close.

This is a wrestling podcast for fans who still love wrestling, still want it to be good and can criticize it without being miserable about it.

Follow the Heel Federation Podcast and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.