- Dave Meltzer, Garrett Gonzales and John Pollock discuss the 2025 WON Awards ballot.
- Episode covers big SmackDown news, Hiroshi Tanahashi story and NJPW outlook.
- Podcast includes analysis of AEW & NXT ratings and WWE creative changes.
- Listen (subscription required) or watch the episode on YouTube.
H2: What happened on this week’s Wrestling Observer Radio
On the Friday edition of Wrestling Observer Radio (WOR), host Garrett Gonzales joined longtime editor Dave Meltzer with special guest John Pollock of Post Wrestling to walk through their ballots for the 2025 Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) Awards. The conversation mixes year-end award considerations with immediate wrestling news, giving listeners both big-picture context and reaction to recent shows.
H3: Major topics and ballot highlights
The three covered a wide range of categories and contenders from 2025, weighing performances, matches, and storylines that stood out. Key talking points included standout singles matches, tag team work, and which performers should be considered for top honors. While specific ballot picks are discussed in detail on the show, Meltzer, Gonzales and Pollock emphasized consistency, in-ring storytelling and the business-side impact of standout moments.
H3: Big SmackDown news and WWE creative adjustments
A notable segment of the episode focused on the week’s big SmackDown developments, including the title change that surprised fans and prompted creative adjustments inside WWE. The hosts explored how the switch affects ongoing storylines, character direction, and how WWE might reposition talent in the months ahead.
H3: New Japan and Hiroshi Tanahashi
Meltzer presented his story on Hiroshi Tanahashi, reflecting on the veteran’s recent run and what his matches mean for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) as it heads into the new year. The panel discussed NJPW’s direction, talent elevation, and how Tanahashi’s legacy continues to shape booking decisions.
H3: AEW, NXT ratings and the wrestling landscape
The podcast examined recent ratings trends for AEW and NXT, comparing audience behavior and momentum. The hosts debated what ratings mean for creative priorities and cross-promotion opportunities, especially as promotions jockey for viewership in a crowded market.
H2: How to listen and watch
- Listen to the full Wrestling Observer Radio episode (audio requires a subscription): https://media001.f4wonline.com/dmdocuments/WOR010926.mp3
- Watch the episode on F4WOnline’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@F4WOnlinetv
H2: Why this episode matters
This edition of WOR blends award-season perspective with immediate news analysis, making it useful for fans tracking year-end honors and the short-term direction of major promotions. With veterans like Meltzer and respected analysts like Pollock and Gonzales, the episode offers informed ballots and sharp takes on recent shifts in WWE, NJPW, AEW and NXT.
For deeper reads and exclusive access to audio and newsletters, F4WOnline encourages subscriptions through their site.
Image Referance: https://www.f4wonline.com/podcasts/wor-2025-won-awards-ballot-big-smackdown-news/
