The Ariel Helwani Show

Jason Solomon has thoughts on a BIG change to the Smackdown writing team, with Road Dogg (Brian James) QUITTING his role, and what it could mean for the quality of the show moving forward (3:46).  Then he discusses the MAJOR title change on Friday with Cody Rhodes regaining the WWE championship from Drew McIntyre, the anger online from some fans, including reviewing bombing and paid bots, the original plan for Cody and Drew at WrestleMania and more (10:59). Next, he addresses the social media controversy involving Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill, what is being reported, why he's not buying into a lot of it, and thoughts on their first promo together on Smackdown (23:00). Plus, thoughts on Monday Night Raw and a BIZARRE open with Seth Rollins and his Power Rangers putty people, a strong segment with CM Punk and The Usos, Finn Balor is finally kicked out of the Judgment Day, and news on AJ Styles' new role behind the scenes (30:25). News on WWE potentially setting a record this year with more women's matches at WrestleMania than ever before (48:38), plus an AEW Revolution preview and match predictions for this Sunday's PPV (52:45). Mance Warner and Steph De Lander GONE from TNA Wrestling, why it happened and what De Lander had to say about her now ex-boss, TNA President Carlos Silva, and the lack of a proper medical team in the company (1:07:52). Solomonster wraps up with a sad health update on wrestling legend Konnan, plus some listener Q&A on topics including which NXT women have the brightest futures on the main roster and sports betting on pro wrestling (1:18:59).

Ariel Helwani kicks off the show by recapping massive MMA news, starting with Francis Ngannou being added to the Rousey vs. Carano Netflix event (06:26), then touching on the UFC White House card announcement (11:52), negotiations with Jon Jones and Ilia Topuria for the card (27:38), Conor McGregor’s upcoming negotiations (46:31), the BMF title losing meaning (53:01), fan sentiment that Ngannou “fumbled” (59:25), and Tom Aspinall teaming with Eddie Hearn (1:12:40). Sean O’Malley joins to discuss his bout against Aiemann Zahabi at the White House, explaining how the fight came together, Petr Yan being his top choice, not being offered Cory Sandhagen, and then discusses his recent fighter pay comments (1:30:21). Bo Nickal is next, breaking down his own White House fight, touching on the fan reaction, surprise about Kyle Daukaus being the opponent, Colby Covington turning down the opportunity, criticism of the card overall, whether President Trump requested his inclusion on the card, and more (2:00:24). Eddie Hearn is back to discuss the launch of Matchroom Talent Agency and Tom Aspinall being its first signing. Hearn talks about Aspinall’s UFC contract status, potential for negotiating opposite Dana White, other MMA fighters reaching out for representation, White’s recent comments about Hearn, including challenging him to a fight, Conor Benn’s deal with Zuffa Boxing and Jai Opetaia’s debut, needing to book a fight for Katie Taylor at Croke Park, and more (2:29:38). Tom Aspinall is the final guest of the day, discussing his partnership with Hearn, his UFC contract compared to his earning potential, whether he plans to box, the state of his relationship with Dana White, the latest on his eye and a timeline to return, his reaction to Jon Jones asking for his release, and more (3:40:40).

To kick things off, Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri break down Jai Opetaia’s dominant performance over Brandon Glanton and how he looked in his Zuffa Boxing debut (02:29). In the 11th hour, the IBF decided to strip Opetaia of their title, which set off a frenzy. Was this the right thing to do? Why did Opetaia sign with Zuffa if he wants to be undisputed (11:01)? We end the show with a debate on Opetaia’s chances vs. Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, who fight on May 2 (30:39).

Ariel Helwani, Petesy Carroll and Chuck Mindenhall, a.k.a. 3PAC, give their immediate thoughts on UFC 326, starting with Charles Oliveira's one-sided victory over Max Holloway to become BMF champion (03:57). After debating whether Oliveira's performance was worthy of the BMF moniker (15:04), they recap the rest of the card (20:25). Then, the trio reacts to the White House card announcement (24:45), with Ariel giving additional insights into how it all came together. After checking in on the post-fight press conference (47:04), they close the show with Chuck's final thoughts (54:35).

The Craic is back! Petesy Carroll is joined, as always, by Chuck Mindenhall and Ben Fowlkes. To kick things off, the lads dig into the surprise partnership between Tom Aspinall and Eddie Hearn (3:36). One partnership that hasn’t lasted is Francis Ngannou and the PFL. The boys react to the news of Ngannou’s release (32:56). With the White House card fast approaching, the crew then discuss which fights could headline the historic event (47:36). UFC 326 is this weekend too. The trio preview Max Holloway vs. Charles Oliveira and debate the legitimacy of the BMF belt up for grabs (52:01). To close the show, the lads give their Uncrowned UFC 326 picks (01:17:00), and answer your Super Chats (01:19:22).

Dan Canobbio and Chris Algeri kick off the show with news that Vergil Ortiz is “done” with Golden Boy Promotions after the recent ruling in favor of Oscar De La Hoya’s promotional company and their lengthy negotiations for a Jaron Ennis fight (04:08). If this fight doesn’t happen, who could Ortiz and Ennis fight (18:26)? Next up is a Jai Opetaia-Brandon Glanton title fight preview which includes the IBF’s reluctance to have their title on the line in the fight due to the ongoing war between the traditional sanctioning bodies and Zuffa Boxing. Will Opetaia vacate the IBF title? Will the fight with Glanton go the distance (30:22)? Finally, the conversation shifts to the welterweight division and the latest Devin Haney-Ryan Garcia-Rolly Romero saga which sees the trio all angling to fight each other. Which fight makes the most sense and which is most likely to happen next (48:50)?

The Boys in the Back are here to preview UFC 326, but first they react to massive breaking news, as Tom Aspinall signs with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Talent Agency (11:59). Ariel Helewani joins to give his own thoughts on Aspinall and Hearn teaming up (20:43), before the Boys break down UFC 326 from top to bottom (1:12:51) and ask whether Conor McGregor could be next for the main event winner (1:29:21). Next, they touch on Zuffa Boxing 4 (2:10:01), make picks (2:20:23) and deliver their P4P Daddest Things (2:23:41). The show closes with your voicemails (2:48:53) and Super Chats (3:24:50).

Ariel Helwani kicks off his final show of the week with On The Nose, answering your questions about UFC's White House card, Zuffa Boxing’s Conor Benn and Jai Opetaia, more GC blind rankings, and more (07:56). Lone’er Kavanagh makes his show debut, recapping the massive win over Brandon Moreno at UFC Mexico, discussing his background and family, being able to speak to Jon Jones after the fight, getting love from Ilia Topuria, his prediction for Joshua Van vs. Tatsuro Taira, and more (1:32:34). Aljamain Sterling returns to talk about his place in the UFC featherweight division, his fiery promo at RAF 6, frustrations with how he’s being booked, Sean O’Malley and others speaking about their pay after Conor Benn’s signing to Zuffa Boxing, and more (2:00:28). The show concludes with your Super Chats (2:56:04) and more of your On The Nose questions (3:17:42).

Jason Solomon is back with thoughts on an underwhelming Elimination Chamber and a good episode of Monday Night Raw, including the latest confrontation with Roman Reigns and CM Punk (5:43).  He also discusses the return of Seth Rollins, the MAJOR match signed for Smackdown this Friday, the polarizing debut of Danhausen and where things may be headed for Gunther at WrestleMania (26:39). The WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 got a NEW addition yesterday in the form of Demolition and Jason explains why this one has been a long time coming, as well as another positive piece of Hall of Fame-related news this week as it pertains to an item that was stolen and has since been recovered (44:15). Additional news on WWE simulcasting parts of WrestleMania this year on ESPN and why NXT Stand and Deliver was moved AWAY from WrestleMania weekend this year, in a move that actually makes a lot of sense (55:38). Then he discusses the BOMBSHELL news that Netflix has dropped out of the bidding to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, paving the way for a takeover by Paramount Skydance. He talks about what it means for the entertainment industry overall and, more specifically, for the future of All Elite Wrestling, as WBD serves as its media rights partner and owns a minority stake in AEW (58:43). Some AEW Dynamite news on the stipulations now decided for the AEW World championship match at Revolution between MJF and Hangman Adam Page, as well as the injury to Penelope Ford and fans online bullying Harley Cameron off of social media (1:08:44). Solomonster wraps up with more listener Q&A on topics including the actual start of the Road to WrestleMania, does the number of men's singles titles in AEW devalue its World championship and who was REALLY responsible for the downfall of TNA Wrestling on Spike TV (1:14:22)?

Ariel Helwani is back with a stacked show. Petr Yan joins first, reflecting on his massive win over Merab Dvalishvili to recapture UFC bantamweight gold, then talking about recovering from back surgery, hoping to fight on the White House card, and being willing to fight anybody, including rematches with Dvalishvili or Sean O’Malley (05:26). Petesy Carroll checks in to discuss Eddie Hearn hinting at a Croke Park event featuring Katie Taylor and Conor McGregor’s return (42:05). Rico Verhoeven is back on the show to preview his big fight against Oleksandr Usyk, talk about receiving offers to fight Anthony Joshua and Derrick Lewis, whether he could still fight in the UFC, his training for Usyk, and more (1:00:17). Dricus du Plessis reflects on the Khamzat Chimaev fight, revealing he watches it twice a week and believing he could make Chimaev quit. He also touches on whether he was offered a bout against Kamaru Usman, wanting to get back to the title, hoping to teach Brendan Allen a lesson, and more (1:32:12). Georgio Poullas joins to break down his rivalry with Arman Tsarukyan, stemming from their match and brawl at RAF 6. He also accepts Tsarukyan’s challenge to fight, responds to claims he’s wrestling dirty, then discusses how the match came together, his $1,000 takedown challenge, and more (2:05:45). Ariel answers your Super Chats to wrap up the show (2:48:55).