Every great wrestling story needs conflict. There are countless ways to tell a story, countless types of characters, and countless directions a storyline can go—but at the heart of it all, there’s something timeless about having a villain.

The person the audience hates.

The person who needs to be conquered.

The person standing in the way of the hero.

In this episode of Graps in a Cup of Coffee, we talk about the necessary need for a villain and why a truly great antagonist can make storytelling in wrestling feel almost effortless. When you establish the right villain, the audience immediately understands the stakes, the emotions, and what needs to happen next.

But we also ask: Is WWE missing that right now?

Because it feels like everyone wants to be Mr. Cool. Everyone wants to be likable, badass, charismatic, or someone the audience can cheer. But if everybody is cool… who are we supposed to want to see get their ass kicked?

A villain isn’t just a bad guy.

A villain can be the foundation of the story.

Tap in and let’s talk about why wrestling needs someone to hate.

After a long hiatus, Graps and a Cup of Coffee is back! This week, we’re catching up, talking about the direction of the podcast moving forward, and diving into a thought shared by our friend, Deascent: Is WWE still professional wrestling, or has it fully become sports entertainment?

With today’s wrestling landscape constantly evolving, we share our perspectives on where WWE fits, what defines professional wrestling in 2026, and whether that distinction still matters. Grab your favorite cup of coffee and join the conversation.

On this episode of Graps & a Cup of Coffee, it’s nothing but caffeinated chaos as we dive into everything happening across wrestling right now.

We start in AEW with something we’re really enjoying—the Darby Allin title reign. What it is, what it’s building toward, and why it might mean more than it looks on the surface. From there, we break down the Will Ospreay storyline, the road to Double or Nothing, and whether we’re fully excited—or a little hesitant—for the return of Stadium Stampede.

Then we jump into WWE, where opinions get a little more heated. We talk frustration around Oba Femi’s booking direction and the continued Brock Lesnar shadow over storytelling, along with reactions to recent WWE releases involving The New Day and the emotional weight of possible retirement news for Asuka.

It’s excitement, frustration, predictions, and reactions all packed into one cup.

So grab your drink, get caffeinated, and tap into the chaos.

After a two-week break, Graps & a Cup of Coffee is back on the grind with a Venti Double Shot of conversation.

With WrestleMania season in the rearview and AEW continuing to shift and evolve, we’re catching up on everything that’s been happening across the wrestling world. From current title pictures and ongoing storylines in AEW to breaking down the recent WWE releases, there’s a lot to unpack and even more to react to.

And of course, we have to talk about the man, the ruler, the mountain that doesn’t move—Oba Femi. His rise continues to demand attention, and we’re digging into what makes him feel like a true force in the industry right now.

It’s a catch-up episode, a reset, and a full cup of wrestling conversation all in one.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee and tap in—this is another episode of Graps and a Cup of Coffee. ☕🎙️

This time, we’re diving into the weird and wild dynamics of the internet wrestling community, starting with Ricochet and his… complicated relationship with it. From there, I’m sharing my thoughts on the debut of Blackheart Lio Rush, and what it all means in the bigger picture.

We’re also getting into Bully Ray Dudley and his comments surrounding the interview he had with Kelani Jordan—because yeah, there’s a lot to unpack there.

It’s honest, it’s a little off the wall, and it’s definitely one of those “let’s talk about it” episodes.

Oh—and quick heads up: this was supposed to drop two weeks ago, but life got a little hectic. You already know how that goes.

So pour up, press play, and let’s get into it.

On this episode of Graps and a Cup of Coffee, we’re playing catch-up on everything life pulled me away from—because yeah… life really be life-ing, fam.

While sipping on a smooth brown sugar espresso, we get into all the latest, from the Roman/Punk/“dead father” drama to Jade and Rhea making waves. I also talk about the excitement around Oba Femi stepping into the Brock Lesnar lane, plus that stern warning aimed straight at Triple H.

We also recap AEW Revolution—an absolutely fantastic pay-per-view—and I debut a brand new segment that I’m excited for you all to tap into and give feedback on.

Appreciate y’all as always. Catch you this weekend on the next episode ☕🔥

It’s been a long time… so excuse the rust.

Welcome to a new era of Graps and a Cup of Coffee.

You may have heard the name before — but starting now, it means something different.

This isn’t just a quick wrestling talk. This is a reset. A rebrand. A retooling of everything you thought this series was.

Hosted by Kadeem “LifeofDeem,” this version of Graps and a Cup of Coffee is where passion meets perspective — real conversations about wrestling, culture, moments that move us, and the stories behind the spectacle. It’s honest. It’s unfiltered. It’s reflective. And it’s built for the fans who ride through every era.

This first episode sets the tone for where we’re headed. New energy. New direction. Same love for the game.

So grab your cup. Let’s talk graps.

Welcome to the new road.

After an unexpected hiatus, Wrestling with Wromance is back! Life’s been wild for both of us—new chapters, new chaos—but we’re back in the ring (well, the podcast booth). In this episode, Jack spills the tea on his Russian sugar mama before we dive headfirst into the madness that is WrestleMania week. From the PR disasters WWE’s been juggling, to our honest takes on the build-up, and the matches we’re hyped (or not so hyped) for—we cover it all. Plus, we take a detour into the dumpster fire of the worst WrestleMania ideas of all time.

Hit that follow on Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts, and follow us on social media @WrestlingWithWromance.

After a short hiatus, Wrestling with Wromance is back! Jack and Deem return to the mic, catching up on the whirlwind of life that’s been keeping them busy. Jack opens the episode with a story about someone from his past — someone who once ghosted him — and asks Deem for advice on whether he should reach out. What follows? Jack actually tries Deem’s advice live on air, and let’s just say… things get interesting.

From there, the guys shift into wrestling talk, reflecting on the beautiful Chris Bey benefit show and how moments like this remind us that tribalism in wrestling fandom does more harm than good. When we put that aside, the love for wrestling truly shines.

We also dive into the build toward WrestleMania, including the much-anticipated John Cena turn — something we saved for Jack’s return since he’s the resident Cena fan. Finally, we wrap with a special segment: lukewarm takes. Not hot, not cold — just honest, middle-ground opinions that might surprise you.

Tune in, share your thoughts, and welcome back to Wrestling with Romance.

On today’s episode of Wrestling with Romance, Jack kicks things off with a story about a hilariously naïve mistake he made. From there, we break down the Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock promo segment, specifically when Rock said he wants Cody’s soul—what does it mean for WrestleMania?

Quick heads-up: This episode was recorded before Elimination Chamber, so if some of our predictions sound outdated, that’s why. We had some backend delays, but we’re back on track!

Next, Kadeem shares his thoughts on Jordynne Grace’s first match in NXT. While she’s already making waves, we can’t help but feel like she belongs on the main roster right now.Then, we dive into our Elimination Chamber predictions—did we call it right?

Finally, we tackle an interesting debate: Can a match still be 5 stars with a dirty finish? We both think so, and we bring up some classic examples that prove it.

If you’re enjoying the show, drop us a rating and follow us on all socials. Thanks for rocking with us—we’re getting back on track, and we’ll see you next week! Deuces.

On today’s episode, Jack and Kadeem kick things off with a conversation about Valentine’s Day. Jack reveals that he’s never had a relationship last through the holiday, leading to a deeper discussion about his past relationships and how that experience has shaped him. Things take an unexpected turn when Jack opens up about nearly landing a run in Pro Wrestling NOAH, only for WWE to bring him back—seemingly to do nothing with him. With no appearance at the Royal Rumble, the guys ask: why even bring him back in the first place?

From there, they break down the shifting landscape of WrestleMania. (Note: this episode was recorded before Charlotte Flair chose Tiffany Stratton as her opponent.) They speculate on what the final card might look like and throw out some wild predictions.

Finally, they dive into a discussion inspired by one of their regulars, Vicente. What truly makes a great pro wrestler? Jack and Kadeem explore this question from their unique perspectives, offering insight into the qualities that define the best in the business.

Tune in for a mix of wrestling, personal stories, and thought-provoking debates!

On today’s episode of Wrestling with Wromance, Kadeem and Jack kick things off with a debate on what truly counts as ghosting. At what point does a conversation—or lack thereof—cross into ghosting territory? This discussion stems from a recent conversation Kadeem had with a friend.

From there, the duo dives into the Royal Rumble, breaking down their thoughts on the show. They share their mixed feelings on the Women’s Royal Rumble and Charlotte’s win, as well as their reactions to Jey Uso’s victory and the online discourse surrounding it.

Then, after much teasing, they finally unveil a long-awaited segment: The Trial of John Cena. Kadeem, a longtime Cena skeptic (when it comes to his WWE character, not the man himself), goes head-to-head with Jack, a die-hard Cena fan. Sparks fly as they lay out their cases, leading to one of the most passionate debates in the podcast’s history.

Tune in for all that and more on this episode of Wrestling with Wromance!

On today’s episode of Wrestling with Wromance, we kick things off with a conversation sparked by an off-air chat Kadeem had with a friend who had never heard the podcast before. As they caught up, the friend had some interesting thoughts about Jack, which led to Kadeem bringing a thought-provoking question to the pod. What followed was a deep, unexpected, and very interesting discussion.

From there, we broke down the Monday Night Raw go-home show leading into the Royal Rumble and reviewed Collision, which was another solid show. Kadeem also asked Jack if he had watched Saturday Night’s Main Event—spoiler alert: he didn’t—but we caught up on the key moments.

To wrap things up, we gave our Royal Rumble predictions!

We also want to take a moment to apologize for the late uploads—life has been hectic stepping into 2025, but we’re working on getting back to a consistent flow.

We appreciate y’all! Show us some love by leaving a review, following us on all socials, and we’ll catch you next week. Deuces! ✌🏽

In today’s episode of Wrestling with Wromance, Kadeem and Jack dive into a thought-provoking conversation that stems from a playful debate with their friends: “Is Jack’s love cheap?” This leads to a heartfelt discussion about Jack’s approach to love and relationships, offering an unexpectedly emotional moment for the duo.

From there, they shift gears to recap the past week in wrestling, reflecting on what feels like a quiet period leading up to the Royal Rumble. Jack shares his thoughts on the GCW show GCW vs. The People, while Kadeem weighs in on TNA’s Genesis and the intriguing dynamic between TNA, WWE, and NXT.

To wrap things up, they discuss a fun and nostalgic topic: What’s your all-time favorite wrestling entrance? Whether it’s a one-time spectacle or a classic you never get tired of, they cover it all in this engaging episode.

Tune in for deep discussions, wrestling highlights, and a touch of romance!

Welcome back, and happy 2025! We’re kicking off the new year with a brand-new episode of Wrestling with Romance! After an unexpected hiatus (life happens), Kadeem and Jack are back to bring you the wrestling talk you’ve missed.

This week, we’re diving into some exciting and unexpected topics:

• First, we wrap up the story Kadeem teased in our last episode—a relationship tale that took a surprising turn.

• Then, it’s all about Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty—our thoughts, highlights, and hot takes.

• We also break down Netflix’s RAW debut. Let’s just say it was… a lot. From the pacing to Hulk Hogan’s involvement, we had plenty of mixed feelings to unpack.

• Finally, we get personal with Jack as he reflects on the impact of John Cena—the wrestler who brought him into the world of sports entertainment. With Cena’s retirement tour underway, we discuss what it means for the fans and for the man himself, setting the stage for next week’s deeper dive.

Make sure to leave us a glowing review, follow us on all social media platforms, and let us know your thoughts on this week’s episode. Sorry for the delay—life’s been unpredictable, but we’re back and ready to roll. See you next week!

On today’s Wrestling with Romance, Kadeem and Jack dive into an intriguing mix of personal stories and wrestling takes. First, Jack recounts his latest date—with a sexologist—and shares some eye-opening insights about her and her fascinating job. (Heads up: Viewer discretion is advised, and headphones are recommended if you’re at work!)

From there, the duo jumps into a recap of this week’s wrestling highlights, from AEW’s Full Gear to WWE’s Survivor Series. Kadeem also reflects on attending his first-ever GCW show, sharing what he loved and where he thinks the promotion might be falling short. This leads to a fiery rant about the state of wrestling fandom, as Kadeem laments how criticism often overshadows the joy of simply enjoying the sport.

The episode wraps up with a heated debate about Chris Jericho, as the gentlemen hold nothing back in dissecting their true feelings about the wrestling legend.

In this episode, Kadeem tackles the topic of getting back out there after a disappointing dating experience. As someone newly single, he’s exploring how to find his footing, and with Jack’s unique, Darby Allin-style approach to dating, Kadim tries to pick his brain.

The conversation then shifts to a GCW vs. AEW discussion, and Jack takes a moment to give TNA its long-overdue flowers in light of their upcoming big arena shows. Despite his usual jokes about TNA, Jack acknowledges the company’s resilience and evolution.

Finally, the gentlemen end the show by creating their own “30 for 30” list of the best wrestlers under 30, inspired by ESPN’s recent rankings. Let’s just say one of these lists is much shorter than the other!

On today’s episode of Wrestling with Wromance, Jack kicks things off with one of his wild and unforgettable life stories, the perfect follow-up to a cozy Thanksgiving break. From there, we dive into the drama surrounding GCW and AEW. We break down Effie’s controversial comments about Tony Khan, the backlash they sparked, and whether GCW truly has a reason to be upset with AEW.

Next, we tackle the Britt Baker conundrum: Why does it feel like fans are losing interest, and what can AEW do to reignite her momentum?

Finally, we shift gears to preview Survivor Series, making predictions for the card, and we close with a debate on the best free-agent signings in wrestling history—both kayfabe and non-kayfabe.

Don’t forget to rate the podcast, show us some love on Instagram, and leave a comment with your thoughts! See you next week. Deuces!

🎙️ Today on Wrestling with Wromance, we’re bringing you a mix of storytelling, wrestling analysis, and fantasy booking!

Jack kicks things off with a palate-cleansing tale about his unexpected experience at a mega church event in the Barclays Center, a surprising connection he made, and how a simple interaction can leave a lasting impression.

From there, we dive into the Moxley Death Rider storyline and our thoughts so far. Kadeem shares his take on WWE’s current storytelling, calling out missed opportunities, a lack of continuity in the WarGames build, and why the storylines just aren’t hitting the mark.

Finally, we break down our Fantasy Continental Classics, building and booking our dream brackets. Got your own ideas? Hit us up on Instagram or TikTok @WrestlingWithWromance (all one word) and let us know!

Hope you enjoy the episode—deuces!

On this episode of Wrestling with Romance, Jack takes us on a wild ride, sharing his unexpected adventure at a Fight Club-themed party with a twist. He dives into all the unforgettable moments, setting the stage for some deep conversation. From there, we shift to the world of wrestling as we explore the appeal of “glorified jobbers” and the unique roles they play in the industry.

Next up, we discuss Kazuchika Okada’s current run in AEW, and why we think some of the criticism he’s facing might be rooted in bad faith. Finally, we wrap things up by talking about some of the most iconic “nepo friends” in wrestling history—the friends and connections that have shaped the business in surprising ways.

Tune in for an episode packed with stories, wrestling insight, and plenty of laughs!