Why Wrestlepalooza Got a C+ from ESPN: Coach and Bro Break It Down! | WWE, ESPN & Future of Wrestling | Coach & Bro Live 9/25/2025

Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes with Timestamps: 00:00:00 – 00:03:16 Intro & Format Twist The Coach introduces the show and explains it’s about big-picture wrestling talk, not segment-by-segment breakdowns. Coach welcomes Vince Russo from russobrand.com and teases a change to the lead story for the day. 00:03:16 – 00:07:09 The ESPN & Wrestlepalooza C+ Rating Mystery Vince brings up ESPN’s official C+ review of Wrestlepalooza, sparking a discussion about whether ESPN is sending WWE a message about content quality. Coach clarifies this wasn’t a conspiracy—reviews come from credible, unbiased writers like Andreas Hale, who rated the show fairly. ESPN is prioritizing credibility and isn’t pulling punches just because they’re now WWE’s broadcast partner. 00:07:09 – 00:10:41 Wrestling Fans & Adjusting to Reality The Coach explains wrestling fans expect WWE-friendly coverage but ESPN is treating WWE like any other sport: with journalistic integrity. Discussion about how wrestling fans, used to “dirt sheets,” aren’t prepared for unbiased, real reporting. Talk about how ESPN’s approach may impact fan perception. 00:10:41 – 00:14:08 Broken Promises: WWE’s “Surprise” Flop Vince and Coach dissect Triple H’s failed “big surprise” tease at Wrestlepalooza and how that disappointed fans. Insight into WWE’s lost control over its content narrative now that it’s on a global sports stage, not a wrestling-centric network. 00:14:08 – 00:18:07 Tech Issues, Early Launch & App Confusion Discussion of how ESPN’s rushed rollout and app confusion hurt viewership numbers for Wrestlepalooza. Prediction that things will improve as fans adjust to ESPN and app access, with hopes for an uptick at the next PLE. 00:18:07 – 00:27:46 Cena’s Next Opponent & “Why” Booking Decisions Coach and Vince debate the booking of John Cena vs. AJ Styles instead of the expected Brock Lesnar rematch, and whether WWE is saving Lesnar for Cena’s retirement. Speculation on whether internal or external reasons led to current booking, and if WWE is rewarding AJ Styles for his international popularity. 00:27:46 – 00:36:12 International Strategy & WWE’s Future Focus Discussion about WWE potentially shifting focus to international markets if US numbers lag but Netflix/global streaming shows higher engagement. ESPN’s business goals and expectations for ratings, sub growth, and why box office matchups like Cena vs AJ Styles might not be enough for US audiences. 00:36:12 – 00:45:00 Why WWE Needs More Star Power on ESPN Vince and Coach stress the importance of putting top talent (like Roman Reigns) on ESPN cards for credibility and subscriber growth, comparing it to sports’ “best team on the field” mentality. Concerns about top stars missing key shows and what that means for WWE’s perception on ESPN. 00:45:00 – 00:54:58 Executive Mindsets, Industry Comparison & What WWE Can Learn Deep dive into differences between WWE management and those at the NFL/ESPN—most WWE executives coming from wrestling, not business backgrounds. How this management difference might impact WWE adapting to new, more demanding media partners. 00:54:58 – 01:04:17 Fan Reactions, Brand Split & Booking Critiques Q&A via Super Stickers, covering if WWE should bring back monthly PPVs, the brand split, insulting fans’ intelligence, and what top-tier booking really means in the ESPN era. 01:04:17 – end Final Thoughts, Dream Matches, and Merchandise Rapid-fire listener questions about dream matches, the role of promos vs. in-ring action, and how WWE can leverage talent more effectively. Fun segments with giveaways and “Wheel of Doom” for audience engagement. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.