Explosive Wrestling Controversy, WWE Birthday Bash Fallout, & Cena’s Final Opponent?! | Coach and Bro Live! August 29th, 2025

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamps included): [00:01:53] – Welcome & Show Kickoff Coach and Vince Russo launch the live episode, focusing on the hottest topics in pro wrestling beyond just RAW and SmackDown recaps. Sponsor shoutout: "Afterburn" in theaters September 19th. [00:02:30] – Raja Jackson Scandal Breakdown Vince Russo and Coach analyze the ongoing fallout from the Raja Jackson indie wrestling controversy. They discuss legal risks for WWE given the school’s NXT affiliation, liability concerns, and why this could have serious consequences for multiple parties. Discussion of father Rampage Jackson's accountability comments, WWE’s quick distancing from the affiliated school, and scrutiny of backstage culture (alcohol, barbed wire enclosures). Insights into legal advice given to involved wrestlers and potential lawsuits. [00:10:21] – They set the scene for the “outlaw” nature of certain indie shows and why stricter oversight/chaperoning is needed for small promotions. [00:13:42] – Wrestling Community Reactions & Ethics Debate on how wrestling insiders (e.g. Mark Henry, JBL) and outsiders are split on responsibility and what defines a legitimate “receipt” in wrestling. Vince and Coach stress the wider collateral damage to aspiring wrestlers and wrestling schools, and the blurred lines between MMA and pro wrestling conduct. Clear condemnation of the 23-punch incident and speculation about pending legal action and potential arrests. [00:17:40] – Hot Takes: Vince McMahon’s 80th Birthday Party Fallout Full recap of attendance and notable absences, including Stephanie, Triple H, and Paul Heyman. Coach and Vince speculate on why some WWE figures attended and others distanced themselves, analyzing career motivations, company politics, and future WWE power plays. Jerry Lawler’s deleted party photo and the perception risks for WWE employees. [00:24:00] – Deeper dive into NDAs, hush money, and moral lines for talents working in WWE and TKO. The calculated risks of publicly aligning with (or avoiding) Vince McMahon. [00:34:12] – Hulk Hogan Autopsy & Brooke Hogan Interview Russo recaps Bubba the Love Sponge’s interview with Brooke Hogan on Hulk’s mysterious passing and the hush-hush around his autopsy. Coach asks why autopsy results aren’t public, raising questions about medical malpractice and possible family disputes. [00:39:40] – Jake Hager Blasts AEW & Tony Khan Audio excerpt: Jake Hager calls out Tony Khan’s management style, recounts backstage turmoil, and shares text exchanges revealing AEW locker room drama. Coach and Vince debate the blurred lines between company loyalty and speaking out, plus how Hager’s revelation would have been received in decades past. Vince explains why Tony Khan’s ownership style differs from WWE’s corporate structure. [00:46:40] – Saudi Arabia Partnerships & Global Expansion Discussion of WWE’s ongoing business ventures in Saudi Arabia and expectations for future growth in international markets. [00:48:25] – John Cena’s Retirement Storyline: Missing the Mark? Coach asks Vince if the final chapters of John Cena’s career are losing steam, especially with rumors about his last match (predicts Sami Zayn could be Cena's final opponent). Russo critiques WWE’s failure to build new stars off Cena’s farewell run and references classic booking strategies. [00:52:48] – Bob Holly and “legit tough guys” stories; nostalgia for old-school locker room enforcers. [00:58:00+] – Q&A, Super Stickers, and Fan Interactions Hosts interact live with listeners via super stickers, handling everything from hair dye jokes to questions about Shane McMahon, merchandise giveaways, and the importance of authentic podcasting. [01:11:07] – Behind-the-scenes family dynamics between the McMahons, Hall of Fame politics, and more Brooke Hogan commentary. [01:17:07] – Quick Hit: Becky Lynch vs. Kelly Osborne Debate over Becky’s controversial promo referencing Ozzy Osbourne and cheap heat in wrestling promos. Critique of modern wrestling scripting versus classic unscripted promos. [01:20:22] – Clash in Paris Preview & Closing Thoughts Vince shares his take on WWE’s international show pacing and likelihood (or not) of Brock Lesnar appearing in Paris. Final reflections: the state of wrestling storytelling, wishing fans well, and thanking their growing community. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.