About this episode
[00:00:24] – Show Introduction & Explosion in Popularity Coach welcomes listeners to the fastest growing show in pro wrestling and celebrates their syndication with the Stadium Network, now reaching over 110 million homes. Coach and Vince Russo kick off with promises to bring unfiltered business insights you won’t find anywhere else. [00:01:16] – Dirt Sheets vs. Real Insiders: The Vince McMahon Power Play Vince Russo vents about “dirt sheet” speculation around WWE and underscores the unique, insider perspective he and Coach offer. The duo recalls Vince McMahon’s original bid to regain control—including betrayal from family and execs—and speculate on whether the latest stock maneuvers and rumored Saudi partnership signal a bigger, long-term strategy for McMahon’s possible WWE comeback. [00:04:40] – Audience Interaction & Social Media Virality Coach discusses the show’s rising presence on X (Twitter), urging listeners to consume the real source—not out-of-context quotes. They highlight the importance of fact-checking wrestling news, noting how misquotes can distort narratives online. [00:06:02] – Breaking Down WWE Stock Sales & Saudi Deals Discussion turns to Vince’s and Nick Khan’s recent stock sales, and serious speculation about Saudi Arabia’s involvement with WWE’s future ownership, emphasizing how international investment could reshape the business and its global narrative. [00:09:11] – Personal Vince McMahon Anecdotes & His Drive Coach shares backstage stories that reveal Vince McMahon’s core motivations, personal quirks, and the mindset that’s made him relentless even at 80 years old. They reflect on how purpose and legacy could still drive McMahon back to the top. [00:13:41] – WWE’s Ruthlessness & Generational Shifts Vince Russo reminds listeners of McMahon’s storied ruthless streak—wiping out competitors and even former allies, driven by personal vendettas. [00:15:36] – WWE Talent Decisions: Logan Paul, John Cena, & Cost-Cutting Crisis They debate WWE’s moves with Logan Paul, John Cena, and whether rising reality stars or internet icons can (or should) become the focal point of the wrestling business. The discussion pivots to ruthless cost-cutting, the risk of losing veterans like Karrion Kross and R-Truth, and how this could damage the on-air product. [00:19:29] – Triple H, Internet Fans, and Creative Decision-Making Russo and Coach break down Triple H’s sensitivity to the online “Internet Wrestling Community,” why Karrion Kross and R-Truth’s fates matter, and how WWE’s new owners may not understand the wrestling business beyond dollars. [00:23:00] – Budgeting Mayhem: The Numbers Game in Talent Cuts Insight into how TKO and Silver Lake (Endeavor’s new name) are running things strictly by the numbers, forcing Triple H into impossible choices and signaling a generational reset in talent and pay structure. [00:27:21] – WWE’s Soundtrack Switch & Loss of Identity Listener super stickers prompt a conversation about WWE’s transition from Jim Johnston’s iconic music to generic themes, and how this reflects a larger “interchangeable,” soulless talent direction. [00:28:30] – John Cena’s Loyalty, Future Ownership, and the McMahon Game Plan Fan questions spark discussion of Cena’s ongoing loyalty to Vince McMahon amid rumors of regime changes and lawsuits, and whether Johnny Ace could play a role in McMahon’s resurgence. [00:35:51] – AI in Wrestling Creative? Vince Russo’s Weekly Writing Fixes Debate ensues about the risks of AI creativity, with a teaser for Russo’s future “How I’d Book It” segment to fix current storylines WWE is getting wrong. [00:38:52] – Booking Gaps, False Finishes, and Predictable Endings Russo critiques WWE TV’s formulaic structure, where main event timing gives away match results, with a clear call for more genuine unpredictability. [00:41:13] – The Proper Use of Finishers and Old-School Psychology Anecdotes and lessons on respecting finishing moves, underlined by Coach’s hilarious West Palm Beach tables match story, showing the old school importance of protecting the business. [00:47:08] – Would They Work for Vince Again? Plus, Accountability Direct audience question: What would it take for Coach and Bro to work for Vince McMahon again? Candid (and complex) answers center on accountability, ethics, and astronomical offers. [00:53:21] – Kevin Owens’ Potential Retirement & the Value of Veterans With Kevin Owens’ uncertain future after neck surgery, the duo discuss how WWE should treat veteran talent—and contrast it with the controversial firing of R-Truth. [00:56:14] – NXT Call-Ups, Mariah May, & Contract Structures Coach analyzes why promising NXT stars like Mariah May may get less-desirable deals now, and how new pay structures reflect deeper budget slashing. [00:57:50] – WrestleMania’s Location Wars & WWE’s Global Strategy A subtle but telling change: WrestleMania may stop rotating internationally, as London’s mayor walks back brash promises, raising questions over WWE’s commitment to global live events. [01:00:32] – Disconnect Between WWE and Fans Russo senses a deepening disconnect between WWE and its core fanbase, theorizing internal confusion is causing creative stumbles and fan disengagement. [01:04:20] – The Dark Side of Social Media: Stalking and Wrestlers’ Safety Powerful discussion around real-life stalking incidents, doxxing of female talent like Roxanne Perez, and how social media both empowers and endangers modern wrestlers. [01:08:22] – Fan Responsibility, Online Safety, and Personal Sacrifices of Fame Advice for fans and performers on navigating the new dangers of fame and over-exposure in the always-online age, highlighting sacrifices necessary for true wrestling stardom. [01:09:34] – Money in the Bank Preview & Unpredictability Closing thoughts on what to expect from the upcoming Money in the Bank, the confusion over match card announcements, and the importance (and frustration) of keeping wrestling exciting and spontaneous. [01:15:10] – Final Takes, Raw Attendance & The Future of the Show Parting words about AEW selling out shows, WWE’s pricing strategies, and exciting plans for the continued growth of the Coach and Bro Show—including exclusive Stadium Network episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.