Kayfabe Critics: Hulk Hogan’s Legacy and SummerSlam 2025 Preview

Mike Marcangelo and Rayshawn Buchanan return on Kayfabe Critics with a heavyweight episode that opens with a clear-eyed, layered discussion of Hulk Hogan’s passing and legacy, then pivots into a full preview of WWE SummerSlam 2025, the first ever two-night Premium Live Event from MetLife Stadium, with predictions, booking analysis, celebrity involvement breakdowns, and cross-era context.

What’s covered in this episode:

Hulk Hogan’s death and legacy

The hosts wrestle with how to separate Terry Bollea the person from Hulk Hogan the cultural icon, examining his role in transforming pro wrestling into mainstream entertainment, the contradictions in his public and private life, and why his death marks a pivotal moment in sports entertainment history. The episode incorporates the most recent reporting on his sudden passing on July 24, 2025, the confirmed cause being a heart attack amid underlying health struggles, and the global reaction from fans, peers, and family. 

WWE’s new documentary series and kayfabe evolution

Mike and Rayshawn dig into the reception and implications of WWE: Unreal on Netflix, the behind-the-scenes docuseries that launched July 29, 2025, exposing creative processes, hidden tensions, star development, and the ongoing debate between traditional kayfabe preservation and full transparency. They unpack fan backlash, talent reactions, notable revelations about story shaping, and what this means for future storytelling in WWE. 

SummerSlam 2025 comprehensive breakdown

The heart of the episode is a match-by-match analysis and prediction slate for SummerSlam 2025 across both nights, including:

• Cody Rhodes vs John Cena street fight for the undisputed WWE title, double turn possibilities, legacy finishes, and speculation on final opponents and special guest referees
• CM Punk vs Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, with a speculative Seth Rollins Money in the Bank cash-in finish that would reshape momentum heading into WrestleMania
• Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs Braun Breaker & Bronson Reed and the tension between established dynasties and breakthrough new stars
• Jade Cargill vs Tiffany Stratton, risk/reward storytelling and whether Stratton can carry big moments
• Celebrity crossover matches including Jelly Roll teaming with Randy Orton against Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul, examining credibility, preparation, and why modern celebrity integrations (excluding outliers) have evolved into substantive contributions rather than distractions
• Karrion Kross’s momentum and mid-card title opportunity thesis, Sami Zayn’s positioning, and the utility of authentic promos in building investment
• Women’s tag dynamics with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and the broader women’s title scene, including Rhea Ripley, Theo Sky, Naomi and how previous classic rivalries inform the current storytelling.

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