[00:00:19] Welcome & Show Intro
Coach greets listeners, thanks the growing community, and sets the stage for today’s wrestling hot topics.
Vince Russo plugs fan interactions via super stickers/donations and jumps right in.[00:01:21] Shane McMahon & Charlotte Flair Spotted with A-Rod – WWE, Business, or Coincidence?
Viral video surfaces of Shane McMahon and Charlotte Flair at the Lakers game with Alex Rodriguez.
Russo doubts any major conspiracy but Coach does a deep dive: Discusses possible reasons (investment, future ventures, strategic moves in MMA and sports).
They speculate about the timing, given recent vulnerabilities in WWE and potential new wrestling promotions.[00:06:57] Are the McMahons Really Sports People? Shane’s Interests & WWE’s Vulnerability
Discussion on the McMahon family’s interest (or lack thereof) in traditional sports.
Coach highlights Shane McMahon’s personal passion for MMA, his desire to be a boss, and how the current WWE climate may foster major moves from former insiders.[00:09:12] Should Wrestling’s Magic Be Revealed? – Stone Cold’s Take on Kayfabe & Modern WWE
Reaction to Stone Cold Steve Austin’s appearance on Ariel Helwani’s show.
Austin compares wrestling’s magic to a magician’s illusion, arguing against breaking kayfabe and showing the “making of.”
Russo and Coach debate whether WWE’s move to total transparency (with shows like 'WWE Unreal') is the right path, especially with new TKO ownership.[00:16:18] TKO’s Strategy: Does It Alienate Core WWE Fans?
Critique on TKO’s approach, including extremely high ticket prices, prioritizing profits over generational connection and fan experience.
Multiple fan super stickers highlight outrage over $40,000 SummerSlam seats.
Contrast between WWE’s model and fan-centric organizations like the Savannah Bananas.[00:22:35] Wrestling Commentary & Storytelling – Why the New Day’s Commentary Missed the Mark
Fans chime in from around the world on commentary and character work, specifically critiquing New Day for burying opponents verbally.
Russo and Coach break down why traditional heel and face dynamics matter in wrestling storytelling.[00:29:08] Social Media Clips vs. Full Shows – Is WWE Hurting Its Network Partners?
Debate on WWE’s focus on YouTube/social media highlights over full-length content.
Discussion about the Netflix deal, lack of exclusivity, and how it could impact future streaming rights and viewer engagement.[00:36:12] Behind the Curtain – WWE’s Writers’ Room Modernization
Russo rants about the authenticity of “writers’ room” depictions in suits and ties, reflecting on the real, chaotic creative process in Vince McMahon’s WWE.
Insights into the changing creative process and why the magic of wrestling storytelling is being lost in current corporate culture.[00:46:01] Talent Cuts, Backstage Politics & WWE’s Women’s Division: What's Really Going On?
Discussion about recent cryptic messages from Dakota Kai and Natalya – is another round of cuts coming?
Deep dive into why female talent turnover is high, the lack of long-term character building, and how backstage “heat” can suddenly derail careers.[01:03:12] When Speaking Up Gets You Punished: The Chelsea Green Case Study
Coach and Russo analyze Chelsea Green’s exclusion from WrestleMania and the loss of her title after voicing her frustrations to management.
Broader discussion on WWE’s culture of risk-averse writers and why innovative, outspoken talent often gets sidelined.[01:09:00] The Rock vs. Triple H: NXT Politics, Fan Perception, and the Real Power Struggles
Fan theories spark conversation about the ongoing civil war between The Rock and Triple H behind the scenes.
Speculation on how talent must pick sides, and what the ousting of Vince McMahon really means for the company.[01:11:38] The WrestleMania Roast Debacle & WWE’s PR Damage Control
Coach and Russo recap the much-maligned WrestleMania roast, WWE’s efforts to erase it from existence, and what it reveals about the company’s current leadership.
Reflection on Vince McMahon’s former influence and control, contrasted with TKO’s looser, less thoughtful approach.[01:17:28] Why Fans Are Paying $40,000 to Be “Part of the Show” – Experience Over Product
Russo theorizes that astronomical ticket prices are about making fans feel like participants, not spectators – a fundamental shift in WWE’s relationship with its audience.[01:21:03] Cody Rhodes’ Momentum & The Problem with Short-term Booking
Critique on WWE’s lack of long-term story arcs for main eventers post-title win.
The importance of planning and delivering satisfying payoffs to sustain fan interest.[01:24:29] Final Thoughts: Real Talk, Real Business, & The Future of Wrestling Podcasts
Coach and Russo wrap up with gratitude for the active global audience and underline the podcast’s mission: To spotlight good vs. bad business practices in pro wrestling, spark real conversations, and hold the industry accountable. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
