This week on the podcast, we're joined by filmmaker Adam Wilde, director and executive producer of "Slow Burn Shoot", the powerful new documentary chronicling Absolute Intense Wrestling.

Adam takes us behind the camera to discuss how Slow Burn Shoot came together and what it was like following AIW for over 5 years and how the film continued to evolve over that time.

We talk about the challenges of documenting independent wrestling, the responsibility of telling a AIW's story authentically, and why AIW's journey is about so much more than what happens inside the ring.

We also break the news on how you can finally see this film in the very near future.

This week on the podcast, we break down everything you need to know about AIW: CULTIVATE 2, coming to The Roxy at Mahall's in Lakewood, Ohio on Friday, February 20, 2026.

We dive into the full card and what makes this event a must-see showcase of the next generation of Absolute Intense Wrestling. Headlining the discussion is Tyler Jordan vs. Former WWE Superstar Heath, as we talk about what Heath brings to the table with his decade of national television experience and how that veteran presence impacts a rising star like Jordan.

We also preview key matchups including Derek Dillinger vs. MJ Maverick, Austin James vs. Omari Azure, Dr. Daniel C. Rockingham vs. Rudy Ray Woods, Nick Ando vs. Shaw Mason, and the high-energy four-way featuring Cheech, Danny Orion, Dex Royal, and Shimbashi. Plus, we discuss The PACT vs. Members Only, Bax vs. Country Air, Chuck Stone vs. Alonzo Cruz, and Alex Melee vs. Philly Collins.

Beyond the matchups, we talk about the mission behind the CULTIVATE series and how AIW continues to spotlight emerging talent while maintaining the intensity and unpredictability that has defined the promotion for nearly 20 years.

Event details, meet & greet information (6:30 PM – 7:30 PM), bell time (7:30 PM), streaming options on YouTube, and what fans can expect from the atmosphere at The Roxy at Mahall's are all covered in this episode.

Whether you're attending live in Lakewood or streaming from home, this episode gets you fully prepared for AIW's CULTIVATE 2.

AIW: OUT COLD
Saturday, February 7th, 2026
Penguin City Brewing – Youngstown, Ohio
Bell Time: 7:30 PM | Doors: 6:30 PM

AIW returns to Youngstown with Out Cold, a stacked night of hard-hitting, no-nonsense professional wrestling featuring championship stakes, heated rivalries, and the kind of chaos that only AIW delivers.

AIW: Out Cold – February 7th, 2026

• Absolute Title Match: Sam Holloway (c) vs. Philly Collins

• Eric Taylor vs. Mike Santana

• Intense Title Match: Isaiah Broner (c) vs. The Bev

• Breeze vs. Wes Barkley

• Priscilla Kelly vs. Zoey Skye

• Tyler Jordan vs. Dominic Garrini

• Austin James vs. Chase Oliver

• Four-Way Match: Alex Melee vs. Chuck Stone vs. Mikey Montgomery vs. Shelby Wylder

• JVM vs. Jeff Steele

• YouTube Freeview Match: Jessie Blair vs. Joseline Navarro

CLEVELAND, OH — Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW), proudly known as "The Most Intense Wrestling in the United States," returns to Cleveland with a massive night of professional wrestling as AIW: Alive Out of Habit invades Globe Iron on Friday, January 23, 2026.

This stacked event features an outstanding mix of legends, international stars, and modern fan favorites. Scheduled to appear are WWE Hall of Famer "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, ECW icon Rhino, former WWE standout Donovan Dijak, international sensation and former WWE Womens Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn, and AEW star Danhausen, whose unique charisma and cult following make him one of the most popular personalities in wrestling today. Additional top AIW talent are also signed for the event including AIW Absolute Champion Sam Holloway, AIW Intense Champion Isaiah Broner, Wes Barkley, Chuck Stone, and more.

Before the action begins, fans will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the stars. A special meet & greet session will take place from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, allowing fans to meet participating talent, take photos, and get autographs prior to bell time.

Set against the raw, industrial backdrop of Globe Iron in downtown Cleveland, Alive Out of Habit delivers the signature AIW experience—intimate, intense, and unpredictable—placing fans right in the heart of the action.

Event Details:

• Event: AIW – Alive Out of Habit

• Date: Friday, January 23, 2026

• Location: Globe Iron
  2325 Elm St., Cleveland, OH 44113

• Meet & Greet: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Bell Time: 7:30 PM

AIW continues to stand at the forefront of independent professional wrestling, blending established legends with today's most exciting stars. Alive Out of Habit is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Cleveland wrestling events of the new year.

Tickets and full event details are available at www.aiwrestling.com.
https://www.axs.com/events/1054850/absolute-intense-wrestling-tickets
Follow @AIWrestling on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, and Patreon for updates, match announcements, and exclusive content..

Founded in 2005, Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) is one of the premier independent professional wrestling promotions in the United States. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, AIW has earned an international reputation for delivering hard-hitting, authentic, and innovative professional wrestling. Known as "The Most Intense Wrestling in the United States," AIW has served as a proving ground for future stars while regularly featuring legendary performers and globally recognized talent. With a fiercely loyal fanbase and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of live wrestling entertainment, AIW continues to set the standard for independent wrestling worldwide.

Notable names associated with AIW's rise include Johnny Gargano, Seth Rollins, Ethan Page, Candice LeRae, Kevin Owens, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Britt Baker, Matt Cardona, and MJF, among many others.

AIW returns to the Akron, Ohio area Saturday December 27th with its final show of 2025 "Malice At The Palace" featuring the AIW debut of Nic Nemeth. This week we preview the card and discuss AIW's last event "Cultivate"

It is everyone's favorite time it is a "hardsell" podcast week as we break down the idea behind "Cultivate" this Friday night and the implications it can have on AIW going forward.

This week Dustin Alberty sits down with the newest class of AIW Academy graduates who are set to make their debut on December 12th at The Roxy in Lakewood, Ohio.

Tickets: https://dice.fm/event/pypg3p-absolute-intense-wrestling-cultivate-12th-dec-the-roxy-at-mahalls-lakewood-tickets

This week we breakdown the history of AIW's longest running annuel event "Hell On Earth" as we head into the 20th installment this Friday night November 28th in Cleveland,Ohio. We break down the card that features Tommy Dreamer, Mike Santana, Krule, Tyler Breeze, and more!