What's Happening?
The podcast 'The Patron Saints of Sick Sons of Bitches,' hosted by Orchid Cugini, has featured Kenny Omega in an episode dedicated to building a case for him as the 'Greatest Wrestler of All Time.' This podcast series aims to evaluate various professional
wrestlers and argue for their claim to this prestigious title. Other wrestlers who have been subjects of the podcast include Goldberg, Diamond Dallas Page, John Cena, Sara Del Rey, Dump Matsumoto, Mariko Yoshida, Tommy Dreamer, Megumi Kudo, and The Shockmaster. The show is described as a 'love letter to the great sport of professional wrestling' and is available on Substack, as well as other podcast platforms. The hosts emphasize that the content is not paywalled and is currently ad-free, making it accessible to a wide audience of wrestling enthusiasts.
Why It's Important?
This podcast series, by dedicating an episode to Kenny Omega, contributes to the ongoing discourse and fan engagement surrounding professional wrestling. The concept of debating the 'Greatest Wrestler of All Time' is a significant aspect of wrestling culture, fostering discussion, critical analysis, and appreciation for the sport's history and performers. For Kenny Omega, being featured in such a series underscores his impact and standing within the industry, acknowledging his contributions and skill set that place him among the elite. For the wrestling community, podcasts like 'Patron Saints' serve as platforms for in-depth analysis and celebration of the art form, allowing fans to delve deeper into the careers and legacies of their favorite wrestlers. The accessibility of the podcast, being ad-free and not paywalled, ensures that these discussions reach a broader audience, potentially introducing new fans to the sport's rich history and diverse talent.
What's Next?
The 'Patron Saints of Sick Sons of Bitches' podcast will continue its series, with upcoming episodes planning to argue for other wrestlers, such as The Nasty Boys, as the 'greatest to ever do it.' This ongoing format suggests a continuous exploration of wrestling history and talent, providing regular content for its audience. The podcast's presence on multiple platforms, including Substack, indicates a strategy to maximize reach and engagement within the wrestling community. As the series progresses, it will likely continue to spark debate and discussion among fans, contributing to the vibrant fan culture of professional wrestling. The hosts' commitment to keeping the content free and accessible suggests a focus on community building and shared appreciation for the sport, rather than immediate monetization.
Beyond the Headlines
The 'Greatest of All Time' debate in professional wrestling, as exemplified by the 'Patron Saints' podcast, reflects a broader cultural phenomenon of canonization and critical evaluation within entertainment and sports. This process is not merely about declaring a winner but about understanding the criteria for greatness, the evolution of the sport, and the subjective nature of appreciation. It encourages fans to look beyond immediate results and consider factors like in-ring skill, character work, influence, and longevity. Such discussions also highlight the storytelling aspect of professional wrestling, where narratives are built around performers' careers and their impact on the industry. The podcast serves as a form of oral history and critical commentary, preserving and interpreting the legacies of wrestlers for current and future generations, thereby enriching the cultural tapestry of professional wrestling.
