Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! We are currently in year 6, season 6! I am your host Marie Shadows! Today, on the Squared Circle Podcast we are debunking a Dave Meltzer's tweet about his claim that Chris Charlton (NJPW Commentator and NJPW office worker) is on an indefinite hiatus from NJPW commentary. We are debunking this not for clout but for educational and informative purposes. Thanks for listening and sharing! More context over at my Substack wrestling newsletter: https://marieshadows.substack.com - free to sign up.

In this episode, we dive deep into the controversy surrounding Dave Meltzer’s tweet about Chris Charlton’s alleged hiatus from NJPW commentary. Here’s what we cover:

• Meltzer’s Claim: Breaking down the tweet that sparked it all — why Chris Charlton is allegedly on hiatus due to anti-AEW comments during the Dynasty Show.
• NJPW’s Transparency: Examples of how NJPW communicates major updates, proving why this claim lacks credibility.
• Parallels with Wrestling Drama: Comparing this situation to the CM Punk/Elite fallout and the absence of concrete evidence in both cases.
• Chris Charlton’s NJPW Role: Explaining Charlton’s multifaceted responsibilities and why his absence from New Year Dash!! is entirely logical.
• The AEW-NJPW Partnership: Examining comments from NJPW wrestlers like Gabe Kidd and Naito about AEW’s one-sided partnership.
• Double Standards in AEW: Analyzing examples of AEW’s inconsistent handling of outspoken talent, including Ricky Starks and Jake Hager.
• Wrestle Dynasty Disappointment: Could this controversy be a distraction from the poor attendance numbers of Wrestle Dynasty?
• Tony Khan’s No-Show: Discussing the disrespect implied by Khan’s absence from Wrestle Dynasty.

Join us as we separate fact from fiction and expose the flaws in wrestling’s misinformation machine! Links:

https://marieshadows.substack.com

https://youtube.com/squaredcirclepodcast

https://marieshadows-shop.fourthwall.com

https://discord.gg/McABYC3c39

Marie Shadows dives into the heated final promo exchange between Gabe Kidd and Kenny Omega leading up to their clash at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. Here's what we unpack:

Gabe Kidd: A Self-Made Madman

• Gabe Kidd has had a breakout year in 2024, carving his path in NJPW and proving his worth.
• At the press conference, he demanded respect, calling out Omega for AEW’s perceived undermining of NJPW and its talent.
• Kidd’s intense energy and raw passion captured what many NJPW loyalists feel about their promotion.

Kenny Omega: The Disrespectful Mentor

• Omega dismissed Kidd’s pandemic struggles, comparing them to his own NJPW tenure a decade ago.
• His patronizing tone framed him as a disappointed “father” figure, offering Kidd a supposed "opportunity" while taking credit for NJPW’s growth.
• Omega’s claim that NJPW’s success is built on his name neglects the promotion’s long-standing legacy and history with international stars.

A Familiar Pattern: Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay

• This confrontation echoed Omega’s feud with Will Ospreay, with a strikingly similar narrative.
• Both Kidd and Ospreay have spoken openly about their mental health struggles during the pandemic, only to be met with Omega’s dismissive and diminishing responses.
• While Omega’s “heel” persona may justify some of his behavior, these comments feel unnecessarily out of pocket, given the real-life hardships endured.

Does This Match Even Make Sense?

• Despite the hype, the match between Omega and Kidd feels perplexing, with no clear storyline or *true* stakes driving the confrontation.
• The press conference seemed to manufacture drama rather than build on organic tension, leaving fans questioning the purpose behind this pairing.

NJPW vs. AEW Culture Clash

• The conversation also highlighted the tension between NJPW’s tradition and AEW’s modern influence, raising questions about Wrestle Dynasty’s true identity.
• Is this event a genuine NJPW production or more of a Tony Khan-backed AEW showcase?

Why This Feud Feels Hollow

The Omega vs. Kidd showdown lacks the depth and stakes needed to make it compelling, despite the heavy-handed press conference drama. Don’t miss this must-listen breakdown of the dynamics and questions surrounding Wrestle Dynasty!

Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

In this episode, I break down Wrestle Dynasty, a rushed, disjointed PPV thrown together after the last NJPW Strong event. Tony Khan’s booking pattern lacks cohesion, with no storylines or follow-through, even though he claims to love NJPW. I discuss the puzzling matchups like Ricochet vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP Championship, despite them not having faced each other in eight years. The Young Bucks' inclusion raises concerns about unnecessary title opportunities. I also touch on the cultural impact of this multi-promotion spectacle, especially in Japan, where fans face financial strain from the packed schedule. Tony Khan fails to understand the business and spending habits of Japanese fans, forcing them to choose between attending Wrestle Kingdom, Wrestle Dynasty, or New Year's Dash, making this a disappointing show overall.