The Hoots Podcast #458 - The 10 Year Gut Punch

·30 min·2 clips

Josh Lopez reflects on getting media credentials for WrestleMania at 21 but now feels unrecognized in wrestling media.

The episode begins with host Josh Lopez apologizing for an abbreviated show due to a personal move and reflecting on his week. He reveals that seeing a Facebook memory of covering WrestleMania 31 a decade ago triggered a professional gut punch, as he feels he hasn't progressed in wrestling media since then. Lopez discusses his frustration with not receiving press credentials for WWE events despite over 10 years of work, and his financial inability to attend WrestleMania in Vegas. He expresses self-doubt about whether anyone cares about his articles or podcast, though he notes consistent download numbers nearing 2 million. The host vows to continue grinding and keep faith, transitioning to a Q&A session. He answers questions from listener Chris Zaleta, starting with thoughts on Gail Kim's firing from TNA, praising her influence on the knockouts division. Lopez then comments on LeBron James' interview with Stephen A. Smith on The McAfee Show, calling it wasted energy, and celebrates the Chicago Bulls beating the Lakers. He discusses Baron Corbin's interview with Ariel Helwani, expressing disinterest in backstage drama. Lopez critiques wrestling discourse, stating that media pontificators are as problematic as John Cena's comments about ruining wrestling. He answers questions on Becky Lynch's potential return post-WrestleMania, Sharia's move from AEW, Mariah Mae's contract, Britt Baker's fit in WWE, and the Mae Young Classic. Lopez speculates on Javon Evans' role with Dark State in NXT and a possible triple threat match at Stand and Deliver. He thanks Chris Zaleta, promotes his social media and articles on WrestlingHeadlines.com, and encourages subscriptions. The episode concludes with Lopez reminding listeners to be authentic as the podcast nears episode 500.

As heard by us

A house move and a wrestling Q&A give episode 458 a more personal edge.

Episode 458 shapes a shortened Hoots Podcast around Josh Lopez's personal transition as he prepares to leave his current house and looks ahead to a later move to Florida.

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Why you'd press play

Press play for wrestling talk delivered on the eve of a big move, with episode 500 already ticking in the distance.

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