Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

By Bleav

Vince Russo's "Before My Head EXPLODES" is a 30 minute, twice a week podcast, where the most polarizing and contraversial man in the history of sports entertainment will rant, rave and rapid-fire his ... more

4.3

2626 ratings

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How many episodes does Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo have?

The podcast currently has 247 episodes available.

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo episodes:

January 21, 2026BREAKING: Bills Fire Head Coach Sean McDermott + Championship Sunday Predictions & MLB Spring Training Talk | Coach and Company MLK Day Special | January 19th, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Opening & Show Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:02:30)
Martin Luther King Day Broadcasting: Coach opens the show acknowledging the national holiday while maintaining their regular broadcast schedule

Multi-Platform Availability: Show airs on Prime Video, Direct TV, YouTube TV, YouTube, and social media at 10 AM Eastern

Daily Content Schedule:
Morning show

Supporting podcast at 11:15 AM Eastern

Coach's Sirius XM show (Channel 156, 2-4 PM Eastern) for pro wrestling content

Coach and Bro show at 5 PM Eastern on YouTube

Premium Membership: Promotion of premium member benefits
BREAKING NEWS: Bills Fire Sean McDermott (00:02:30 - 00:05:00)
Major NFL News: Buffalo Bills have terminated head coach Sean McDermott

Championship Sunday Setup: Discussion of playoff matchups now set

Patriots Mention: Reference to Patriots in championship discussion
Team Introductions & MLB Spring Training Talk (00:05:00 - 00:15:00)
Rafael Esparza Introduction: Numbers analyst joins the show

Chicago Cubs Spring Training: Discussion about pitchers and catchers reporting soon

Kyle Tucker Contract: $60 million signing mentioned as indicator of "crazy" baseball market

Timeline: 31 days until pitchers and catchers report
Betting Strategy & Four-Day Plan (00:15:00 - 00:20:00)
Winning Streak Goal: Coach outlines plan for four straight winning days (Monday-Thursday)

Friday Giveaway: Promise of five pieces of merchandise if betting goals are met

Today's Focus: Emphasis on starting strong with Monday's picks
NBA Early Game Pick (00:20:00 - 00:25:00)
DG's Best Bet: Early NBA game with 1:30 PM Eastern start time

Betting Analysis: Team discusses early start time implications for betting
Pop Culture & Personal Moments (00:25:00 - 00:30:00)
Movie References: "Dazed and Confused" quotes and discussion

College Experience: Humorous exchange about "History of Rock and Roll" college course

Book Idea: Joke about publishing "one-liners of the unhappily married man"
Second Half Opening (00:30:00 - 00:35:00)
Time Check: 10:32 AM Eastern, 7:32 AM Pacific

Holiday Acknowledgment: Recognition of viewers just waking up on Martin Luther King Day

National Championship Preview: Teaser for upcoming college football discussion
Social Media & Wrestling Content Discussion (00:35:00 - 00:45:00)
Reporter Relationships: Discussion of high-level sports reporters

Wrestling "Dirt Sheet" Writers: Love-hate relationship with wrestling news sources

Headline Culture: Commentary on how social media headlines work
National Championship Game Analysis (00:45:00 - 00:52:00)
Betting Props: Discussion of potential prop bets

Family Attendance: Reference to "whole family in their seats"

Spread Predictions: Rafael predicts either 3.5 or 4.5 point spread

Prop Bet Setup: Mention of upcoming prop bet offerings
Show Wrap-Up & Team Credits (00:52:00 - 00:57:36)
Content Continuation: Reminder of all-day content despite holiday

Team Appreciation: Shout-outs to DG, Brandon, Rafael, Chuck, producer, and Mikey P

Closing Philosophy: "We grind for you so we can win with you"

Call to Action: "Take all of these tickets straight to the pay window"

Sign-off: Coach emphasizes daily commitment to audience

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58min
January 21, 2026Wrestling TV Production EXPOSED: Why Commercial Breaks Are KILLING Matches + TNA's Biggest Mistakes Revealed | Coach and Bro | January 19, 2026
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Opening Discussion: Wrestling Industry Opinions & Accountability (00:00 - 15:30)
The hosts establish their credibility in wrestling analysis, emphasizing that everyone in the wrestling business has opinions that need to be owned. They discuss working relationships with key industry figures including Tommy (head of creative) and the challenge of delivering quality content after securing TV deals.
Key Points:
Wrestling industry accountability and opinion ownership

The pressure to deliver after securing major TV deals

Working relationships with creative heads and industry partners
Commercial Break Strategy Deep Dive (15:30 - 35:45)
MAJOR REVELATION: Networks don't dictate where commercial breaks go - that's entirely up to the writers and producers. The hosts expose how during the Attitude Era, commercial breaks NEVER interrupted matches, unlike the last 20 years of wrestling programming.
Critical Insights:
Networks only specify the total number of commercials required

Writers have full control over commercial placement timing

Attitude Era success came from respecting match integrity

Picture-in-picture technology as a solution for unavoidable breaks

Comparison to UFC, NFL, and NBA - no mid-action commercial interruptions
TNA Production Analysis & Mistakes (35:45 - 58:20)
Detailed breakdown of TNA's recent live show production errors, focusing on the "Elegance" segment disaster and celebrity placement failures.
Production Failures Identified:
Extended commercial breaks without picture-in-picture options

Poor celebrity seating arrangement creating empty arena visuals

Backstage interviewer positioning mistakes

Arena layout problems affecting broadcast quality
Industry Relationships & Constructive Criticism (58:20 - 78:10)
The hosts clarify their supportive relationships with industry figures like Tommy Dreamer and Nick Nemeth, emphasizing that criticism comes from a place of wanting success for wrestling companies.
Personal Connections Discussed:
New York wrestling community bonds (Tommy Dreamer, Bubba, D-Von)

Support for Nick Nemeth despite limited personal interaction

Frustration stemming from wanting friends and colleagues to succeed

The challenge of providing honest feedback to industry partners
Netflix vs. Traditional TV Strategy (78:10 - 95:25)
Analysis of how Netflix's WWE deal represents a different business model compared to traditional television networks like AMC.
Strategic Differences:
Netflix's tier-based pricing strategy using WWE as premium content

No commercial interruptions as a selling point for higher-tier subscriptions

Traditional TV networks' dependence on advertising revenue

How streaming services use wrestling content to justify premium pricing
Production Quality Standards Across Wrestling Companies (95:25 - 108:48)
Discussion of how all major wrestling companies continue making the same production mistakes, with emphasis on the need for industry-wide improvement.
Universal Issues:
Repeated mistakes across WWE, AEW, and TNA

Twenty-year regression from Attitude Era production standards

The cost of poor production decisions on audience engagement

Need for systematic change in wrestling television production

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1h 49min
January 16, 2026WWE Netflix Deal EXPOSED: Bot Farms, Viewer Manipulation & The Truth Behind Raw's Streaming Numbers | Coach and Bro | January 15, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Opening Discussion: Netflix Viewership Concerns (0:00 - 15:30)
The hosts dive into concerning WWE Raw viewership data on Netflix, revealing that Raw wasn't in the top 10 for five of the last six weeks of the year. Discussion centers around Netflix's two-minute viewing metric and allegations of potential bot farm manipulation to inflate numbers.
Key Points:
Netflix counts a "view" as just 2 minutes of watch time

Raw episodes are 2 hours 45 minutes long

Speculation about bot farms cycling every 2 minutes to maximize view counts

Financial incentives for WWE to manipulate streaming metrics
Netflix's Influence on WWE Programming (15:30 - 35:45)
Analysis of how Netflix's advertising tier strategy is driving changes to WWE content structure and presentation. The hosts explain Netflix's three-tier system and why viewership numbers directly impact WWE's value proposition.
Key Points:
Netflix's ad-tier strategy requires high viewership numbers

WWE learning streaming audience behavior differs from traditional TV

Maximum show length restrictions being implemented

Impact on wrestler positioning and storyline development
Programming Changes and Match Limitations (35:45 - 55:20)
Deep dive into WWE's new programming philosophy, including the revelation that nothing can exceed three hours and matches are being limited to five per show across different networks.
Key Points:
Bron Breakker's main event positioning at 1 hour 45 minutes into Raw

Five-match limit being applied to both ESPN and Netflix programming

Strategy to move bigger matches between Raw and SmackDown

Concerns about weekly content quality and storyline continuity
Content Quality and Nostalgia Discussion (55:20 - 70:10)
Critical analysis of how modern WWE content compares to classic moments, with skepticism about whether current programming can match the entertainment value of legendary wrestling segments.
Key Points:
Comparison to classic Stone Cold beer truck segments

Discussion of Mick Foley's Hell in a Cell moment

Concerns about current storylines lacking memorable moments

Impact of corporate decision-making on creative content
Fan Engagement and Future Predictions (70:10 - 89:23)
The hosts address fan concerns about Drew McIntyre's championship prospects and discuss potential scenarios that could frustrate the wrestling audience, while also promoting their interactive content and merchandise.
Key Points:
Drew McIntyre championship storyline speculation

Fan interaction through live streaming and social media

JCW merchandise and branding updates

Predictions about upcoming wrestling storylines and network decisions

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1h 30min
January 13, 2026WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Predictions: Why Tony Khan's AEW Booking is Failing | Wrestling Analysis | Coach and Bro | January 12, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
[00:00:00 - 00:15:00] WWE Royal Rumble 2026 Booking Challenges
Discussion of WWE's number one contender tournament format

Eight wrestlers competing in four matches leading to fatal four-way

Analysis of Bruce Prichard's recent comments about streaming limitations

New mandate: Maximum 5 matches, 3-hour limit for pay-per-views
[00:15:00 - 00:35:00] Royal Rumble Match Time Constraints
Both Royal Rumble matches typically exceed one hour each

Combined runtime creates scheduling challenges for additional matches

Questions about championship match placement on the card

Uncertainty around WWE's creative direction for title feuds
[00:35:00 - 00:55:00] AEW's Declining Viewership and Production Issues
Discussion of reported heat between hosts and Tony Khan

Analysis of AEW's programming across TBS, TNT, and HBO Max

Critical examination of six-minute promo segments vs. social media best practices

Production quality concerns: lack of professional audio equipment
[00:55:00 - 01:15:00] Professional Wrestling Production Standards
Comparison of current AEW production to industry standards

Discussion of proper microphone usage and camera work

Analysis of talent presentation and promo effectiveness

Impact of production quality on viewer retention
[01:15:00 - 01:34:16] AEW Ratings Decline and Future Outlook
Viewership drop from 500k to barely over 400k viewers

New Year's Eve impact on wrestling show ratings

Comparison of energy levels between different wrestling programs

Predictions for continued audience decline without creative changes

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1h 35min
January 07, 2026WWE vs AEW Programming Wars: Bruce Prichard Reveals Major WWE Changes, Tony Khan's 5-Hour PPV Strategy Exposed | Coach and Bro | January 8th, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Opening & Show Introduction (00:00:00 - 00:05:00)
Coach and Bro Show hour two begins on Stadium Network

Vince Russo discusses JCW Wrestling new episode premiering tonight at 7 PM on YouTube

Live watch-along scheduled with major storylines including suspensions and heel turns

Discussion of disappointing WrestleMania matches, specifically Cody Rhodes' straight wrestling match
WWE Programming Strategy Shift (00:15:00 - 00:25:00)
MAJOR NEWS: Bruce Prichard reveals WWE executive decision to shorten programming

Quote analysis: "When you put so many things on a ten match card, what do you remember? The main event and last match"

WWE targeting 3-hour maximum vs Tony Khan's 4-5 hour AEW pay-per-views

Bron Breakker main event started at 1:45 mark on Monday Night Raw (unusually early)

Strategic business decision vs fan service approach debate
Wrestling Industry Analysis (00:25:00 - 00:40:00)
Comparison between WWE's business-focused approach and AEW's fan-first strategy

Discussion of optimal match card length and audience retention

Historical context of successful wrestling programming formats

Impact on wrestler showcase opportunities and storyline development
WWE Stranger Things Crossover Discussion (00:40:00 - 00:55:00)
Analysis of Netflix collaboration with no actual actors involved

Question of who benefits more: WWE or Stranger Things

Celebrity involvement and ESPN connections

Marketing strategy breakdown and cross-promotional value
Backstage Culture & Wrestler Ego Discussion (00:55:00 - 01:10:00)
Triple H's leather jacket moment and sunglasses criticism

Ronda Rousey's comments about locker room believing they're "more over than they are"

January in New York City sunglasses wearing called out as ridiculous

Reality check on wrestler self-perception vs actual popularity
JCW Wrestling Update & Creative Process (01:10:00 - 01:27:00)
Tonight's 2-hour episode preview with major storylines

Character development and storytelling approach

Suspension storylines and "lunacy" at JCW

Creative process behind independent wrestling promotion

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1h 27min
January 07, 2026WWE Raw 2026 Preview: Behind the Turnbuckle Goes LIVE with Hot Takes & Exclusive Wrestling Insider Analysis | Coach & Bro | January 5th, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Show Opening & Technical Setup (00:00:00 - 00:05:00)
Coach welcomes viewers to the "fastest growing remote YouTube social media show"

New logo and background reveal

Technical difficulties with Wi-Fi addressed

Show schedule confirmation: Mondays 5 PM Eastern, Thursdays 11 AM Eastern

Hype for "biggest Raw of 2026" less than 3 hours away
Wrestling Industry Hot Takes Discussion (00:05:00 - 00:25:00)
Coach predicts a "quotable dirt sheet kind of show"

Discussion about increased attention on the show and hosts

Analysis of current wrestling landscape and controversial topics

Behind-the-scenes insights into wrestling media coverage
WWE Booking & Creative Analysis (00:25:00 - 00:45:00)
Matt Cardona JCW booking discussion

Comparison between independent wrestling and WWE creative approaches

Speculation about potential industry interference and cease & desist orders

JCW Lunacy show promotion (Thursday 7 PM)
Social Media & Fan Interaction Segment (00:45:00 - 01:05:00)
Coach addresses social media criticism and follower behavior

Discussion about online wrestling community dynamics

Chat room interaction and fan engagement

Commentary on wrestling fan culture and expectations
Career Reflections & Industry Experience (01:05:00 - 01:20:00)
Coach reflects on his WWE career spanning 11 years

Comparison to other wrestling personalities' career longevity

Discussion about burnout in the wrestling industry

ESPN career transition stories
Show Wrap-Up & Future Programming (01:20:00 - 01:29:20)
90-minute episode milestone celebration

Coaching Roulette Wheel segment postponed to Thursday

JCW show final promotion and predictions

Behind the Turnbuckle Studios future plans

Stadium Network and YouTube channel promotion

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1h 30min
January 03, 2026 The Truth Behind Jericho, Tony Khan, and the Real Wrestling Power Players | Coach & Bro | January 1st, 2026 |
Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes (with Timestamps):
[00:00:00] - Welcome & New Year Vibes
The Coach and Vince Russo ring in 2026, celebrating the growth of the Coach & Bro show, promising fresh angles and fearless discussions. They highlight their bold approach: this isn’t about recapping matches, it’s about the business and future of wrestling.
[00:03:05] - Chris Jericho Free Agency: Hype vs. Reality
A heated breakdown of Chris Jericho’s value as a 55-year-old free agent. The Coach questions if nostalgia is masking current realities, while Vince Russo shares behind-the-scenes Y2J anecdotes and analyzes Jericho’s physical prep for a WWE or AEW move.
[00:08:37] - Superstar Fitness, Comebacks & Cardio in Wrestling
An honest critique of Kevin Owens’ public appearance, CM Punk’s condition, and the expectation of WWE World Champions. The Coach and Vince Russo discuss why in-ring shape and work ethic still matter and compare legends to the current crop.
[00:14:35] - The Age Factor in Pro Wrestling
They debate the industry’s infatuation with older talents, draw parallels with mainstream sports, and express concern for creative stagnation due to lack of young stars.
[00:20:32] - House Shows, Cardio, and the Champion’s Image
Discussion of live events’ role in maintaining talent’s fitness and how skipping house shows impacts performance—featuring commentary on Nash’s take regarding in-ring t-shirts and casual presentation.
[00:25:29] - Tony Khan’s Booking Philosophy Unpacked
The Coach reads AEW CEO Tony Khan’s controversial quote, “We don’t need to sacrifice wrestling for storytelling,” and Vince Russo explores why money isn’t Khan’s motivator—he’s just booking for himself, not the mass audience.
[00:35:12] - Are Today’s Heels Effective? (Ricochet & Rousey Talk)
AEW's Ricochet is critiqued as a "top heel," Ronda Rousey's savage takes on wrestling’s bubble, and why mainstream crossover is so rare in wrestling. How does reality conflict with wrestlers' self-perception?
[00:49:27] - The Real WWE Power Struggle: Vince, Stephanie & Saudi Arabia
Shocking analysis of leaked WWE emails: Did Stephanie & Triple H’s “vote against Vince” break really mean anything? Is Vince plotting his silent return through Saudi-backed deals, and what’s the real end game for the WWE brand?
[01:00:23] - Building Success Outside the WWE Machine
The Coach and Vince Russo talk entrepreneurship, why building their own brands (JCW, this podcast, etc.) is just as fulfilling as big-corporate gig, and lessons they learned working for Vince McMahon.
[01:15:13] - The Winning Mindset: What Wrestling Is Missing Today
A candid segment on why the will to win—the burning drive that built WWE—has faded among talent and management. “Are we here to make money or just have fun?”
[01:31:06] - Closing Thoughts: The Year Ahead, JCW, and Listener Q&A
Announcing big targets for 2026, the ongoing evolution of the show, and fan-driven segments like renaming the Wheel of Doom, plus some playful betting and sports talk sprinkled in.

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1h 35min
January 03, 2026 Last WWE Raw of 2025! Russo & Coach Explode on Wrestling’s Biggest News, Backstage Bombshells & AEW Drama | Coach and Bro | December 29th, 2025 |
Timestamped Podcast Summary / Show Notes
00:00 – 00:46 | Show Kickoff & Holiday Vibes
The Coach sets the tone, streaming from the road, emphasizing family and the hustle. Hypes the unique dynamic with Vince Russo as his co-host amid holiday chaos.
00:46 – 01:18 | What This Show Is All About
The Coach explains the show’s format: not just recapping Raw/SmackDown, but tackling the wrestling industry's hottest topics and truths that mainstream podcasts gloss over.
01:18 – 02:05 | Why Holiday Ratings Excuses Are BS
The Coach and Vince Russo squash the myth that wrestling suffers from “bad holiday ratings”—if the show is good, fans watch. JCW’s packed holiday shows prove it.
02:05 – 02:57 | WWE’s Taped Shows: A Sign of Stagnation?
The Coach exposes WWE’s trend of taping shows pre-holidays and the potential pitfalls, citing Carmelo Hayes’ title win leak. Vince Russo doubles down on writer’s pride and always bringing the A-game, regardless of calendar timing.
03:14 – 05:14 | How to Join the Show & Win Merch
Interactive segment: How fans can ask questions via Super Stickers ($5+), get on air, and spin for free merchandise with $10+ donations. Upcoming “Wheel of Doom” rebrand teased.
05:18 – 10:40 | Seth Rollins vs Russo: Twitter Heat, ‘Pro’ Behavior, & Wrestling Ethics
The Coach and Vince Russo unpack Seth’s public shots at Russo, why Rollins’ response proves his amateur status, and the nuance of heat in today’s wrestling culture.
10:57 – 14:13 | WWE Fumbling Gunther’s Momentum Post-Cena
Fan question on Gunther’s push after beating Cena. Russo and Coach critique WWE’s promo-heavy booking and the disaster of having top talent exit shows early, ruining ratings momentum.
14:39 – 20:44 | WrestleMania Main Event Speculation: Cody vs Roman, Drew’s Future & Booking Logic
Rumors swirl on Reigns vs. Rhodes. Vince Russo predicts no mainstream draw, while lamenting recycled main events that won’t attract new fans.
20:44 – 24:34 | AEW World’s End: Too Many Matches, Tony Khan’s Growing Pains
Debate over AEW’s marathon PPVs, Tony Khan's “all new booking” (aka: less collaboration), and the crucial role of analytics and “the numbers” in wrestling storytelling.
24:36 – 30:36 | Wrestling’s Creative Crisis: Why Stunts Replace Storylines
A blistering take on why “too many matches” and dangerous stunts stem from lack of creative leadership in both AEW and WWE. Deep-dive on selling injuries, protecting talent, and why young wrestlers feel forced to “top” each other.
31:21 – 37:08 | Fan Q&A: Favorite Stars to Work With, AEW’s Commentary Issues, and Industry Legends
The Coach and Vince Russo reveal their favorite coworkers in WWE history, discuss Jericho’s future, and dissect the economics of wrestling commentary contracts.
37:29 – 50:02 | Collusion Bombshell: Shapiro’s WWE Emails and Future Saudi Sale?
Major segment on recent leaks exposing WWE’s true intentions to sell, collusion, and the business mechanics driving McMahon, Nick Khan, and Shapiro.
50:02 – 56:04 | More Fan Q&A: Orton’s Career, Overpriced Tickets, Smackdown’s Third Hour
Raw honesty about rising ticket costs, Orton’s “middle child” run, and how adding a third show hour will impact ratings and enjoyment.
56:41 – 66:07 | Wrestling Demographics, Criticism, and the Disconnect with Creative
How WWE’s target audience is shifting, why creative teams are “trained to ignore the Internet,” and what the data really shows about fan engagement.
66:47 – End | Closing, Merch Giveaway, 2026 Hype & Final Thoughts
Announcement of Wheel of Doom winners, 2026 predictions, JCW updates, and heartfelt New Year wishes from The Coach & Vince Russo.

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1h 36min
January 03, 2026Why WWE's Roster Isn't What It Used to Be?? | Coach and Bro! | December 22nd, 2025 |
Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped)
00:00:00 – 00:01:19:
Kickoff & Show Introduction
The Coachwelcomes listeners to the fastest-growing wrestling business show—not just another segment-by-segment breakdown.

Focus: Wrestling business, not just match recaps.

Records for growth, promise of fresh industry analysis.
00:01:19 – 00:02:04:
Spotlight on Vince Russo
Vince Russojokingly asks
The Coach
to be his therapist, venting about travel and backstage frustrations.
00:02:04 – 00:04:12:
On the Road & First-Class Perks
Vince Russoshares travel woes, delayed flights, and rare first-class treatment from Violent J (unlike his time with Vince McMahon, Dixie Carter, and WCW).

Wrestling during a brutal, freezing Midwest winter; comedic rant about why bookers torture talent with northern bookings.
00:04:12 – 00:06:04:
Politics in Pro Wrestling
Discussion on why seasoned pros get replaced by NXT “amateurs.”

Candid conversation: WWE and AEW's business, focus on politics over pure talent.

Vince Russonames Matt Cardona and Nick Nemeth as true pros, frustrated with WWE's lost opportunity.
00:06:05 – 00:08:18:
Talent vs. Politics
Why do smarter and better wrestlers get released?

Organizations fear having subordinates smarter than the people in charge.

The Coachadvocates surrounding oneself with talented people, but calls out WWE and TKO for prioritizing politics.
00:08:18 – 00:12:10:
Wrestling’s Lack of Common Sense
Comparing past and present: Matt Cardona and Nick Nemeth earning more outside WWE; WWE’s shallow pool of top-tier talent.

The Coachlists 20+ former stars who could headline; contrasts today's roster.
00:12:10 – 00:14:18:
Live vs. Taped Shows Debate
The Coachholds up notes on WWE’s recent taping schedule and laments the absence of live programming around Christmas—unlike Vince McMahon’s era.

Vince Russodefends talent getting time off, pokes fun with “bah humbug.”
00:14:18 – 00:17:08:
WWE Copying JCW?
The Coachreveals fans noticed WWE using creative spots that originated from
Vince Russo
’s JCW Lunacy;

Vince Russo: No one can execute his ideas better than he does.
00:17:08 – 00:19:13:
Fans, Leadership, and Resistance to Change
Sports betting and WWE business parallels.

Why good ideas aren’t adopted and the resistance to innovation in wrestling and beyond.
00:19:16 – 00:21:15:
SmackDown’s Shallow Roster Compared to the Past
Realistic assessment: SmackDown has only one or two top-level talent comparable to Cody and Drew (Solo Sikoa mentioned).

The Coachrattles off the legendary roster of 20+ from the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era.
00:21:15 – 00:24:31:
Why WWE Doesn’t Build New Stars
Vince Russo: No new main event characters for a decade; misses era of nuanced storytelling and development.
00:24:31 – 00:27:04:
Creative Control and Power Struggles
The Coachdiscusses Triple H's shift to head of creative only, leaving the CEO role to Nick Khan at TKO;

Wrestling without narrative threatens long-term success.
00:27:04 – 00:29:17:
Taped Shows—Do They Build Buzz?
How tape delays kill excitement; WWE’s lackluster taped episodes compared to “must-see” television.

Vince Russo: If taped shows want to succeed, they have to generate social buzz in advance.
00:29:17 – 00:33:02:
Super Stickers & Listener Questions
Listener engagement and giveaway details; banter about Violent J dressing as Santa.
00:33:02 – 00:36:28:
Triple H, Politics & Taking Sides
Vince Russorecounts Triple H’s refusal to “do the job.”

The dangers of picking political sides and splitting your audience.
00:36:28 – 00:38:01:
Politics & Wrestling: Should They Mix?
The Coach: Politics and sports shouldn’t mix, yet WWE and ESPN occasionally cross the line, risking fan alienation.
00:38:01 – 00:41:28:
Ratings Talk: When Holidays Beat Wrestling
Stories of Vince McMahon losing his mind when Raw was outperformed by dog shows or Hallmark movies.

How ratings used to matter more than ever.
00:41:28 – 00:45:32:
Rock’s Role & Boardroom Drama
Vince Russoand
The Coach
debate the Rock’s $80 million payday, his lack of social media promotion, and power struggles behind the scenes.

Rock’s silence signals more than money—it’s about belief in the product.
00:45:32 – 00:49:07:
Celebrity Power, Creative Control, & Storyline Influence
Insider stories of who REALLY calls the shots; why big stars protect their legacy;

Brian Gerwitz’s influence, The Rock vs. Triple H beef, and more.
00:49:07 – 01:00:41:
Backstage Stories, Peak & Valley Analytics
Vince Russoshares 30 years of data showing fans prefer backstage vignettes and drama over actual wrestling matches;

Casual fans tune out during matches but stick around for the spectacle.
01:00:41 – 01:17:51:
JCW, AEW & Production Differences
Vince Russoexplains how JCW is produced, the unique editing style, and how it piggybacks off ICP’s fan base;

AEW’s lack of meetings and structure discussed;

Kevin Nash and other legends supporting the storyline-focused approach.
01:17:51 – 01:38:46:
Fan Q&A, Wheel of Doom, and Closing
Live chat engagement, listener gifts and feedback, and future episode schedule.

JCW Lunacy airs new episodes even on holidays (Christmas/New Year’s).

Final thoughts: Wrestling is changing, but storytelling and creative freedom are key for future growth.

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1h 39min
December 18, 2025WWE Character Development Crisis & AEW's European Scheduling Disaster - Wrestling Industry Analysis- Coach and Bro | December 18th, 2025 |
Full Podcast Summary/Notes (Timestamped)
Opening & Show Introduction (0:00 - 5:00)
Coach and Vince Russo discuss their continued success on the Stadium Network

Russo reflects on unexpectedly returning to wrestling travel and enjoying it again

Preview of upcoming topics including WWE character issues and AEW's European venture
WWE Character Development Discussion (5:00 - 25:00)
Analysis of current heel characters and their lack of authentic heat

Comparison to classic wrestling personalities who generated genuine audience reactions

Discussion of how modern wrestlers struggle to cross the line from performer to character

The importance of learning from fan reactions rather than dismissing criticism
Fan Engagement & Feedback (25:00 - 45:00)
Hosts address audience criticism and the difference between constructive feedback and hate

Discussion of how wrestlers and promoters should handle negative fan reactions

Examples of performers who successfully adapted based on audience response
AEW European Show Analysis (45:00 - 70:00)
Breakdown of AEW's decision to run Dynamite and Collision in Manchester

Criticism of the 11 PM local start time and 6 PM Eastern broadcast time

Discussion of how social media era affects international wrestling programming

Analysis of talent scheduling challenges during holiday season
Wrestling Business Strategy (70:00 - 90:00)
Comparison between WWE and AEW's approach to international markets

Discussion of how modern wrestling promotions handle overseas content

The impact of streaming and time zone differences on wrestling programming
Show Wrap-up & Announcements (90:00 - 94:10)
Teaser for upcoming Tony Khan video discussion

Announcement of holiday schedule changes

Super sticker acknowledgments and Wheel of Doom segment preview

JK show promotion for Thursday nights at 7 PM Eastern

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1h 35min

FAQs about Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo:

How many episodes does Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo have?

The podcast currently has 247 episodes available.

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