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Reading the Ring: Do A Powerbomb! by Daniel Warren Johnson

In this episode of Reading the Ring, Xavier dives into the explosive, emotional, and wildly imaginative graphic novel Do A Powerbomb! by Daniel Warren Johnson — a love letter to pro wrestling disguised as a cosmic deathmatch.

After a brief hiatus (shoutout to small business season), we’re back with a story that blends the heart of wrestling with the drama of mythic storytelling. Xavier breaks down the characters, themes, artistry, and pure wrestling nerdery woven through the book, from Lona Steelrose’s grief-fueled journey to the unhinged brilliance of a necromancer who thinks wrestling is real.

We explore:

• Lona’s fierce determination to chase greatness under the shadow of her legendary mother.
• How DWJ uses wrestling as metaphor — not just spectacle, but catharsis, legacy, and love.
• The beautifully choreographed action sequences and why wrestling translates perfectly to comics.
• That final emotional gut punch about storytelling, life, and why wrestling’s predetermined endings only make the journey more meaningful.
• The unexpected twist where our heroes face… God (yes, literally).
• Why this book is essential reading for wrestling fans, comic fans, and anyone who loves character-driven stories with heart.

Reading the Ring is our wrestling book club — where stories inside the ring meet the stories written about it, and where fans (new and old) can experience the art of wrestling through a whole new lens.

If you haven’t picked up Do A Powerbomb! yet? Trust us. You want to.
If you have? Let’s talk about it.

Welcome to Reading the Ring. Where wrestling is real… and books are too.

The New To Wrestling Podcast follows two friends who enjoy wrestling but are in different stages of their fandom. Xavier Cruz serves as your guide through generations of professional wrestling while Kelsey Silva experiences these matches for the first time. Climb into the ring weekly to relive the famous matches beginning with the Attitude Era!