Why WWE's Booking is Failing, The Truth About Wrestling Mental Health & AEW's Big Mistake – Coach & Bro July 7

Full Podcast Summary & Notes (Timestamps Included): 00:00 – Intro, Community Vibes, Savannah Bananas Storytelling Coach welcomes everyone, sets the new live taping schedule, and credits Producer Man’s hustle. Vince delivers entertaining banter about hats, July 4th weekend, and Producer Man’s Savannah Bananas adventure, including a hilarious story about twerking and pro wrestlers as cheerleaders. 00:06:52 – Stadium Show Details & Why Content is Overflowing The Coach highlights how their show is distributed in over 100 million homes (Stadium Network, Prime Video, DirecTV, YouTube TV, LG, Vizio, and more). Vince acknowledges Coach’s relentless energy and love for the game, and both celebrate the show’s fast growth across platforms. 00:09:49 – “Hate Watching” Wrestling & Breaking The Template Russo addresses being called a “hate watcher” in the wrestling podcast world, equates WWE’s formulaic writing to the Jurassic World franchise, and pleads for innovation. Coach agrees, sharing his own gripes with recycled storytelling across wrestling and Hollywood. 00:14:24 – Wrestling’s Oversaturation Problem & Stagnant Ticket Sales The duo run down WWE and AEW’s packed weekly event schedule, discuss burnt-out fans, and analyze why even Goldberg can’t sell out in Atlanta. Vince uses Seinfeld as a parallel: more isn’t always better. 00:19:11 – WWE’s Booking Fumbles: Evolution 2 and Women’s Wrestling Evolution 2 is only set up for 6,000 seats but can’t even sell 5,000. Vince and Coach break down how WWE creative routinely lets the women’s division down by refusing to craft compelling storylines or invest in female writers. Discussion of how past stars like Sable and Chyna got treated like stars vs. today’s afterthought mentality. 00:26:43 – Who WWE Is Leaving on the Sidelines: Merch Numbers & Main-Eventers Coach and Vince react to Jay Uso and Karrion Kross outselling Cena & Cody in June merch, yet not being pushed or written for. Insights on WWE’s outdated narrative (“he missed his window!”), the dangers of writers not understanding “cool,” and how great characters get lost on Main Event instead of spotlight TV. 00:34:10 – Mental Health is Wrestling’s Biggest Taboo Extended, candid chat about Randy Orton’s openness regarding his mental health struggles and the need for institutional support for wrestling talent. Vince shares his personal battle with depression, and both agree on the urgent need for backstage psychologists and life guidance in pro wrestling—not just physical trainers. 00:47:30 – Social Media Drama: Kevin Nash, Wrestling Twitter & Free Speech Vince defends Kevin Nash’s right to an opinion after Nash’s controversial July 4th tweets spark online attacks. Coach offers insight into the phenomenon of wrestling Twitter, putting character critiques in context, and the echo chamber that plagues social channels. 00:53:06 – The Real Dirty Dom & The Power of Character Discussion of Dominik Mysterio’s surprising “good guy” reputation backstage and his growing mainstream appeal, including a Wingstop ad deal. 00:55:00 – WWE’s “Long-Term Storytelling”? Alexa Bliss Calls It Out Coach and Vince roast WWE’s chaotic creative after Alexa Bliss revealed she found out about her Royal Rumble spot only hours in advance—despite public claims of “long-term planning.” Insight on the real-world consequences of last-minute booking. 01:00:00 – SUPERCHAT SHOWCASE: Listener Q&A! Coach and Vince field live questions on Seth Rollins as a heel, memories of Stevie Night Heat, why Hollywood writers struggle in wrestling (Freddie Prinze Jr.), top entrances, and the best way to incentivize SuperChatters. Names like Sasha Banks, Black Sabbath, and Jon Bon Jovi pop up alongside jaw-dropping personal anecdotes. 01:17:18 – What Makes a Story Work? Inciting Incidents & Rivalries A dive into the storytelling side: favorite beginnings to rivalries, writing impactful moments, and why simple, character-driven conflicts resonate. 01:22:00 – Coach in Times Square, Russo’s Tony Khan Karaoke, and More Coach celebrates making it to a Times Square ad, Vince shares his own social media antics involving Tony Khan, and both reminisce over band and karaoke memories in the wrestling world. 01:29:06 – Final SuperChats: Live Sporting Events, WWE Stagnation, Pricey Tickets & More Comparisons between wrestling and live NHL playoff games, complaints about modern ticket prices, and WWE’s “evolved” creative (or lack thereof). Closing thoughts on Dave Meltzer’s influence and “Street Fighter” casting for Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. 01:38:14 – Closing Thanks & What’s Next Coach thanks the community for its unmatched support, previews Thursday’s taping, and wraps up another marathon fan-first episode. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.