Episodes

  • Why WWE Released R-Truth, Locker Room Morale, and the Future of Pro Wrestling | Coach and Bro 060225

    Why WWE Released R-Truth, Locker Room Morale, and the Future of Pro Wrestling | Coach and Bro 060225
    Jun 3 2025

    Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes with Timestamps:

    00:00 – 00:03:29 | Welcome & Exciting Announcements
    • Coach and Bro celebrate signing with the Stadium Network and explain how listeners can participate via super stickers and super chats.
    • Quick banter about social media presence, wrestling fans, and personal anecdotes.
    00:03:30 – 00:08:26 | Wrestling Universe Reactions & The Role of Truth
    • Coach discusses how wrestling fans respond to breaking news and the value of analysis versus being proven right.
    • Shoutout to Scottie Scheffler for his golf win and transition back to wrestling.
    00:08:27 – 00:17:47 | WWE Releases: R-Truth’s Departure & Locker Room Fallout
    • Deep dive into R-Truth’s release, including industry reaction, locker room dynamics, and backstage influence.
    • Vince Russo shares personal experiences working with R-Truth in TNA, praising his charisma, leadership, and impact.
    • Discussion about fans misunderstanding the backstage family aspect of wrestling and why R-Truth's absence stings more than stats suggest.
    00:17:48 – 00:21:58 | Business Decisions & The Roster’s Changing Face
    • Vince explains WWE/TKO’s business logic: high-paid veterans like R-Truth vs. cheaper NXT talent.
    • Coach and Vince agree the real loss is not keeping veterans like R-Truth in mentoring/agent roles, highlighting WWE’s potential short-sightedness.
    00:21:59 – 00:24:13 | Super Sticker Segment #1 (Ad Spot)
    • Audience voices heard through super stickers. Questions on morale, entertainment, and the WWE/AEW divide.
    • Coach and Vince discuss fans’ reactions to WWE cuts and AEW’s rising appeal.
    [Ad Insertion Opportunity: 00:21:59]

    00:24:14 – 00:33:21 | Current WWE Morale & Money Matters

    • Examination of recent releases’ impact on backstage morale and talent pay structure.
    • Coach breaks down the business side: WWE’s debt, Endeavor/TKO pressure, and house show economics.
    • Analysis on why WWE might favor NXT talent over paid veterans and how this shifts the product and backstage culture.
    00:33:22 – 00:46:32 | More on Vince McMahon’s Future, Industry Rumors
    • Addressing rumors about Vince McMahon trying to buy WWE back; clarity on sources and recent press releases.
    • Discussion on wrestling journalism, dirt sheets’ credibility, and how news spreads in the wrestling world.
    • Listener questions tackled: R-Truth’s next move, high-profile contracts, and talent pay cuts.
    [Ad Insertion Opportunity: 00:44:01]

    00:46:33 – 00:58:52 | AEW vs. WWE: Competitive Tactics & Petty Moves

    • Coach and Vince react to WWE scheduling events against AEW pay-per-views and using promo codes like "ALLWWE" as thinly-veiled shots.
    • Is WWE’s approach helping or hurting the industry? Does pettiness ultimately backfire?
    • The larger conversation about why WWE seems so intent on hurting AEW rather than building itself up.
    00:58:53 – 01:08:49 | Money in the Bank Preview & Star Power Crisis
    • Hot takes on questionable Money in the Bank entrants (Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley).
    • How WWE could better build stars, use established talent, and write compelling stories.
    • Critique of current storytelling and star-making strategies—or lack thereof.
    [Ad Insertion Opportunity: 01:01:40]

    01:08:50 – 01:16:18 | Closing Thoughts: The Problem with Modern Wrestling & Vince’s Rants

    • Coach and Vince ponder WWE’s lack of “star power,” what it’ll take to fix the system, and what the next big moves might be.
    • Teases and cliffhangers for next episode—insider scoops promised.
    • Thanking the audience, discussion of schedule, and commitment to smarter wrestling conversation.
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • I was One Block Away from the Terrorist Attack in Boulder/Why WWE didn't Res-sign R-Truth

    I was One Block Away from the Terrorist Attack in Boulder/Why WWE didn't Res-sign R-Truth
    Jun 3 2025

    On today's episode Vince discusses being ONE BLOCK AWAY from the Boulder Terrorist Attack just MOMENTS after it Happened. Also, FRIG on the FRITZ, Great ITALIAN Movie on "Netflix" and WHY R-Truth didn't have his WWE Contract renewed.

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    33 mins
  • Laurenitis "THE RAT"/Hulk FEARED Linda/UBERPHOBIA/CHUCKY DEAD

    Laurenitis "THE RAT"/Hulk FEARED Linda/UBERPHOBIA/CHUCKY DEAD
    May 30 2025

    On today's episode Vince discusses John Laurenitis RATTING OUT Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan Fearing his OWN WIFE, Fear of UBERS, CHUCKY DIES (and, he was also a P-File), "Pee-Wee as Himself" Part II, Let the Fans RUN WILD!!!

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    32 mins
  • WWE's Secret Deals, Saturday Night Main Event Breakdown & Travis Scott Fallout

    WWE's Secret Deals, Saturday Night Main Event Breakdown & Travis Scott Fallout
    May 30 2025
    00:00 – Listener Q&A, Super Stickers & WWE “Satanic” Rumors: Coach and Vince start with live chat Q&A, discussing fan questions about alleged satanic symbols in WWE and debunking rumors about backstage rituals.Vince talks about seeing questionable symbols on TV but insists he’s never witnessed anything weird behind the scenes. 01:00 – Luke Thomas, PFL Criticism & Changing Wrestling Culture: Coach addresses MMA reporter Luke Thomas’ negative remarks about the PFL, emphasizing the progress made since ex-WWE employees joined.The duo discusses the challenges of changing a wrestling brand's public perception and wrestling media negativity. 03:00 – Vince McMahon & TKO’s “Secret Deal” Theory: The Coach speculates on why Vince McMahon hasn’t sold his TKO stock, and Vince Russo suggests a compelling theory: Is TKO just a placeholder until Vince reclaims WWE?Conversation about Vince’s longtime relationship with Ari Emmanuel and what this could mean for WWE’s future leadership. 06:00 – Diva Rejection Stories & Returning to Wrestling as a Fan: Lighthearted banter about Coach getting rejected by WWE divas (with plenty of laughs).Quick shout-out to a casual fan struggling to get back into wrestling amid bizarre booking. 07:36 – Show Expansion & Network Reach: Excitement over the show’s launch on the Stadium Network, Amazon Prime, and more—now available in over 110 million homes! 08:02 – Saturday Night’s Main Event Breakdown: In-depth review: Coach planned his night around SNME but felt let down by only 37 minutes of actual wrestling in a two-hour show.Critique of excessive commercials, short matches, and head-scratching booking decisions (like the Reed/Rollins/Heyman dynamic).Vince Russo shares how the storylines could be improved for better long-term storytelling. 14:22 – Network TV, Commercials & Injuries: They discuss how network TV dictates longer ad breaks, the use of picture-in-picture to keep fans engaged, and rumors around Drew McIntyre’s real injury.Focus on the importance of protecting wrestlers’ health and telling consistent injury stories. 16:53 – Chelsea Green’s Viral Moment & Women’s Division Booking: Breakdown of the Chelsea Green vs. Zelina Vega match, with praise for Chelsea turning a busted nose into social media gold. 17:45 – Cena, R-Truth & The Tag Team Angle: Analysis of the Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul match, Cena’s evolving role, and the surprising direction of upcoming tag matches.Why the tag match setup feels forced, and Coach questions the logic behind Cody Rhodes’ booking. 20:09 – Network Ads & How Wrestling TV Gets Made: Insights into how ad times are negotiated and structured differently for network TV.Debate over whether match quality is “faker” and the importance of believable in-ring action. 23:01 – Cody Rhodes’ Return & Title Picture Confusion: Criticism of Cody Rhodes jumping into a tag feud after a six-week absence instead of immediately demanding a title rematch.Coach defends his track record for wrestling predictions (and being proven right!). 24:40 – TNA’s Rising Profile & Wrestling Crossovers: Thoughts on HBK and Triple H acknowledging TNA’s prestige, Tom Hannifan’s role, and why WWE is hesitant to get heat on Cena.Fun fan Q&A moments and community shout-outs. 27:05 – Travis Scott’s Disappearance & Wrestling Celebrity Training: Coach and Vince dissect why Travis Scott hasn’t materialized in a WWE ring and remind listeners how hard wrestling training really is—even for stars.Speculation over SummerSlam’s six-man tag plans and Booker T’s involvement (plus the pitfalls of celebrity crossovers). 33:53 – Booking Challenges, Missing Stars & TNA Talent Pipeline: Final words on the challenges of absent top stars, integrating TNA talent, and the need for long-term planning in wrestling storytelling. 36:11 – Show Wrap-Up & Where to Watch: Coach and Vince shout-out fans, tease bonus YouTube-only segments, and recap the importance of planning in wrestling. Extra YouTube-Only Bonus Q&A: Debate about part-timers like Logan Paul holding titles, the impact on full-timers, and precedent for non-wrestlers as champions.Discussion of what’s changed in wrestling’s gateway for new talent and fan backlash to cross-promotion.Friendly banter about online criticisms and reactions from industry insiders like Konnan and Disco Inferno.
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    43 mins
  • WrestleMania Shake-Up: WWE Moves to Vegas, Fan Backlash, & AEW Rivalry EXPOSED!

    WrestleMania Shake-Up: WWE Moves to Vegas, Fan Backlash, & AEW Rivalry EXPOSED!
    May 30 2025

    00:00:18 – Intro: The Coach and Bro Show Goes National Coach welcomes listeners to their brand-new show on the Stadium network, now accessible in over 10 million homes. Vince Russo joins as co-host, joking about his reputation and crediting Coach for their platform’s growth.

    00:01:44 – Behind-the-Scenes: The Real Reason for Stadium’s Greenlight Coach confesses that Stadium executives cited Russo’s involvement as crucial to launching the show, debunking who’s really in demand among fans and media alike.

    00:03:04 – WrestleMania Bombshell: Vegas or Bust!
    The duo react to WWE moving WrestleMania from New Orleans to Las Vegas, reportedly making Vegas the possible permanent or recurring home for the mega event. They debate the business logic, fan loyalty, and whether contracts even matter anymore.

    00:04:27 – Fans Shafted: Are Their Voices Ignored?
    Vince questions if WWE/TKO even considers fan impact, especially after massive announcements and changes that derail fan plans. Is the fanbase just too forgiving?

    00:07:42 – The Loyal Fanbase Dilemma
    Both hosts discuss wrestling’s forgiving fans and whether corporate decisions matter when the fans always come back—at any price. They analyze the positives (accessibility of Vegas, non-stop action) and negatives (international travel, lack of nostalgia from city-to-city).

    00:10:47 – Will Vegas Residency Kill the Mania Magic?
    Coach reminisces on the unique memories of WrestleMania in different cities, questioning if fans will continue returning to Vegas year after year. Russo contends that the diehard base won’t care—and Friday night's wild fan reaction to the Wyatt 6 proves it.

    00:12:41 – Writer’s Room Secrets: How WWE Books for ‘Pops’ Instead of Story
    They reveal how decisions—like honoring Bray Wyatt on his birthday—are made for crowd reaction, not cohesive stories. Russo laments booking for immediate “pops” over narrative.

    00:15:13 – Easter, Ratings & Superfan Shoutouts (Listener Q&A)
    Audience questions pour in: Did Easter hurt Mania sales? Is AEW best at honoring Owen Hart? Is Vegas family-friendly? Russo and Coach dive deep on legacy, marketing, and shifting away from family audiences.

    00:18:26 – Wrestling’s Corporate Mindset: Are the Fans Forgotten?
    Coach discusses the difference between small dream-driven companies and big corporations, suggesting WWE/TKO has forgotten its roots in family and fandom.

    00:19:07 – Why Families Aren’t Coming Back to Wrestling Shows
    Russo notes fewer families in the stands and wonders if Vince McMahon’s original audience vision is lost.

    00:21:35 – Reddit-Loved: ‘Rudolph Beat WWE in Ratings’ and Sable Stories!
    The show turns lighthearted with fan questions: holiday specials, backstage diva stories (including Russo’s hilarious accidental run-in with Brock Lesnar).

    00:25:26 – NXT × TNA Crossover: Game-Changer or Gimmick?
    Coach and Russo tackle Trick Williams’ NXT Battleground win over TNA’s Joe Hendry—was it just for hardcore fans, or can it attract casuals too? Discussion expands on wrestling’s over-saturation and Tony Khan’s approach.

    00:28:48 – Wrestling Overload: Too Much to Follow, Even for Hardcore Fans
    Coach admits to only watching highlight clips, showing how even diehards can’t keep up with today’s busy schedule.

    00:32:54 – AEW’s Tony Khan Calls Out WWE: ‘This Won’t End Well for Them’
    They analyze Tony Khan’s bold comments on WWE allegedly counter-programming AEW, debating whether the two companies are even close to true competition.

    00:36:56 – Can AEW or TNA Capitalize on WWE’s Missteps?
    Coach argues that smart, out-of-the-box hires are needed to turn things around. Why hasn’t Tony Khan taken bigger creative risks?

    00:37:10 – Saturday Night’s Main Event Critique & the Importance of Fresh Ideas
    Preview for the following segment: Why TNA/NXT are getting better reviews than WWE’s “main events”—and why wrestling desperately needs innovation.
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    38 mins
  • Wrestling Marks: You CAN'T INSULT the INTELLIGENCE of the UNINTELLIGENT

    Wrestling Marks: You CAN'T INSULT the INTELLIGENCE of the UNINTELLIGENT
    May 27 2025

    On today's episode Vince Discusses Wrestling OVERLOAD over this past weekend, how you can't INSULT the INTELLIGENCE of the UNINTELLIGENT, not having a clue as to WHAT Memorial Day is, Pee-Wee Herman Doc, Kris Jenner's RIDICULOUS Plastic Surgery, Sad News concerning the "Piano Man" and Vince's TOP 5 Male Solo Artists of ALL-TIME!!!

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    40 mins
  • WWE Ticket Price Backlash: Fans Draw the Line, Cancelled Shows & The Future of Wrestling

    WWE Ticket Price Backlash: Fans Draw the Line, Cancelled Shows & The Future of Wrestling
    May 24 2025
    Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamps): 00:00 – 01:15 Introduction: Fastest growing pro wrestling show, announcement about Coach and Bro launching on the Stadium Network, reaching over 110 million homes. 01:15 – 03:19 Audience engagement: Super stickers, live chat, and how fans can get involved in the discussion.Growth of the show: YouTube numbers, national TV presence. 03:19 – 05:52 Vince Russo on the state of pro wrestling vs. other sports.Honest take: Russo’s lack of passion for modern wrestling business compared to his love for baseball.WWE’s current business decisions and their impact on fans. 05:52 – 07:07 WWE’s gamble: Four shows in four days at the same Florida arena.Discussion about ticket price hikes and impact on families. 07:07 – 09:05 The fallout: NXT event canceled due to poor ticket sales (only 1,600 sold).Broader implications of overpricing; encouragement for fans standing up to high prices. 09:05 – 13:37 Digging deeper: WWE’s costs, their business model, and reliance on wrestling as a piggy bank to pay off debts from other acquisitions.TV deals and why cancellations matter more than before.Insight into arena sizes, ticket sales, pricing (> $100 for NXT), and pipeline challenges. 13:37 – 15:47 Vince’s view as a consumer, not just a wrestling insider.Candid anecdotes about the impact of ticket costs on families and the industry. 15:47 – 19:00 Super stickers: Fan questions about blurring lines between wrestling characters (heels vs. faces), social media, and kayfabe.Coach’s pet’s interruption, adding a personal touch to the show. 19:00 – 22:16 WWE’s ratings woes: Viewership decline, YouTube and Netflix business strategies discussed.Exclusive content, social media highlights, and concerns for long-term business health. 22:16 – 25:45 Missing star power: Triple H management decisions, Karrion Kross and Cody Rhodes’ absences and implications.Missed opportunities in storytelling and authority figure roles. 25:45 – 27:38 Star power shuffle, comparison to sports, and how few can really sell tickets.Issue of giving top stars extended time off despite struggling ratings. 27:38 – 29:50 Why did TKO really buy WWE? Corporate family drama between Vince, Stephanie, and Shane.TKO’s focus: Using WWE profits to pay other debts, not growing the wrestling business. 29:50 – 32:23 Summer’s always slow for wrestling, pressure on upcoming shows, star availability issues.Will TKO adjust strategies or double down? The critical importance of pivots in entertainment. 32:23 – 36:14 Content as king: WWE’s value to networks and streamers.Russo’s consulting experience with USA Network.Revenue models, sliding scale discussions, and why networks lack leverage. 36:14 – 39:36 Fun tangent: Paul Heyman, Bill Belichick, age-gap engagements, and marital humor.Tangible fan connections—the real value of personalities beyond the ring. 39:36 – 42:45 Rapid-fire super stickers: Triple H, Roman Reigns movie rumors, main event talent not working enough dates, WWE’s business vs. Hollywood crossovers. 42:45 – 48:21 Mercedes Mone on the creative differences between WWE and AEW.Changing culture: Wrestlers openly speaking out, talent wanting creative control, and management’s response.Historical reference: Steve Austin's Nash Bridges experience, Vince McMahon’s priorities. 48:21 – 51:57 Lessons from WWE’s failed movie ambitions and Stacy Keibler’s attempt at Hollywood.Why wrestling crossovers rarely pay off and how TKO’s new media mindset differs from Vince’s era. 51:57 – 58:10 Discussion about new WWE/Netflix scripted content (“Unreal Show”).Importance of having wrestling-savvy creatives, pitfalls of “TV writer” hires.Power dynamics: Triple H vs. TKO, Nick Khan’s business-first focus. 58:10 – 01:00:46 What will force WWE/TKO to change course? Cancellations, declining ratings, and money no longer being a shield against fan discontent. 01:00:46 – 01:02:15 Finale: Recap of major points, interaction with live chat, thanks to the community, and word on the show’s continued growth and upcoming move to Stadium Network. 01:02:15 – End Final thoughts: It’s about the business, the money, and what really drives change in wrestling today. Announcement of next episode and gratitude to fans.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Vince in DEEP S**T w/His Wife/FREE THE "NIP"/5 Artists I WISH I'd Seen

    Vince in DEEP S**T w/His Wife/FREE THE "NIP"/5 Artists I WISH I'd Seen
    May 23 2025

    On today's episode Vince covers: BIG TIME HEAT from his wife, Convincing his 94 year-old Dad he has DEMENTIA, Is it time to FREE THE NIP, Are Fights on "X" Orchestrated, Hood Pooping, ABBA Doc and FIVE ARTISTS He Wishes he had seen.

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    34 mins
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