The week leading up to WrestleMania should have been a time of excited anticipation for fans awaiting WWE's biggest event of the year. Instead, it served as a stark reminder of the toxic culture that permeates WWE. Viral interviews and appearances from Triple H, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Nick Khan, and Paul Heyman, along with WWE's purchase of Mexican wrestling promotion AAA, left many fans alienated and frustrated. Host Stephen Dickey dissects a week of problematic public relations, describing the ensuing chaos as tone-deaf at best.

The WWE has a lengthy and tumultuous history when it comes to portraying marginalized groups on television. The recent introduction of the El Grande Americano character is just the latest in a long line of xenophobic storylines featured on their programming over the years. Host Stephen Dickey explores the history of controversial characters such as JBL, Muhammad Hassan, and Sgt. Slaughter's WrestleMania VII main event. Dickey also examines how this issue persists and shows no signs of abating.

For nearly three decades, professional wrestling fans and insiders have closely monitored the television ratings of their favorite and least favorite programs. Host Stephen Dickey delves into the history behind this obsession and explores why it can be detrimental to fans' enjoyment and relationship with wrestling.

Host Stephen Dickey delves into the world of professional wrestling journalism, exploring the many personalities that shape it. He discusses industry veterans like Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer and Wade Keller of Pro Wrestling Torch, as well as newer voices such as Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful. Dickey pulls no punches as he shares his insights on who he trusts in pro-wrestling media and who he advises fans to avoid.

***THE RING AWARENESS PODCAST IS NOW KNOWN AS THE CRITICAL COMMENTARY PODCAST***

The women of professional wrestling have continually shaped and elevated the industry, from pioneers like Mildred Burke and Chyna to current stars such as Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm. Stephen Dickey explores the evolving treatment of women in pro-wrestling, its historical challenges, and future improvements. This episode of Critical Commentary, airing in celebration of Women’s History Month, delves into the history of sexism and misogyny in wrestling and highlights the trailblazers who drove the shift towards women's dominance in the sport.

***THE RING AWARENESS PODCAST IS NOW KNOWN AS THE CRITICAL COMMENTARY PODCAST***

In the premiere episode of Critical Commentary, Stephen Dickey delves into the strange tribalism that exists among WWE fans and AEW fans. He explains why the tribalism is misguided in many ways and gives a scathing criticism of the hyperbole that he feels is prevalent in much of the discourse in which fans engage.

***THE RING AWARENESS PODCAST IS NOW KNOWN AS THE CRITICAL COMMENTARY PODCAST***

In this introduction, host Stephen Dickey gives his background in the wrestling industry, including his time as a play-by-play commentator for WOW - Women of Wrestling. Also, the show's mission statement is laid out as well as future episodes you'll hear. Who's ready to set the tone?