The Coach sets the stage with Karrion Kross' viral promo after being excluded from WrestleMania, exploring the blurred lines between "shoot" and "work" in wrestling.Vince Russo breaks down the authenticity and raw emotion in Kross’ words, framing it as both a performance and real frustration with WWE management.00:04:00 – 00:07:30
Deep dive into Kross' griping about creative's lack of appreciation for "good soldiers" and the downplaying of wrestling experience.The Coach and Russo debate how this promo reflects widespread locker room disunity, and possible repercussions for Kross' outspokenness.00:07:30 – 00:12:34
Russo and The Coach critique recent questionable WrestleMania decisions—like Becky Lynch’s tag title win and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s odd attendance announcement.Anecdotes about behind-the-scenes chaos and execution missteps, including Stone Cold’s botched ATV entrance and mishandled crowd moments.00:12:34 – 00:16:03
The duo laments overblown, lengthy entrances that ate into match time—a stat reveals more entrance and waiting time than wrestling on Night One.Discussion of "what-ifs," like pulling out Goldberg or Mickie James for surprise moments vs. WWE’s actual choices, analyzing why big stars didn’t appear and alternatives that would’ve created buzz.00:16:03 – 00:23:26
Heavy criticism of Triple H’s creative leadership and how personal favoritism carries over from his wrestling career, affecting booking fairness and future prospects for talent.Reflection on how creative decisions are often driven by financial bottom lines post-TKO merger, impacting star appearances and story directions.00:23:26 – 00:27:29
WrestleMania main event decisions dissected: why Travis Scott’s involvement, repeated “nut shot” finishes, and misplaced heat on Paul Heyman (instead of the wrestlers) derailed fan engagement.Broader point on WWE’s focus on spectacle over substance, referencing formulaic, repetitive finishers for big matches.00:27:29 – 00:32:15
Fallout and fan reaction: dissecting The Rock’s absence, speculation about big-name post-Mania appearances, and the risk of losing core fan loyalty.The Coach shares how short-term wins (overflowing merch booths, huge attendance) might hurt long-term fan retention, comparing current risks to the WWE decline in the early 2000s.00:32:15 – 00:39:32
The Coach and Russo urge AEW to capitalize on WWE’s strategic missteps, and reminisce about how writing excellence can change the game.Outrage over a lack of backstage segments/interviews at Mania—breaking from a storytelling staple.Concerns over Jey Uso’s championship celebration antics, Hack booking, and how public perceptions get shaped after these high-profile mistakes.00:39:32 – 00:40:45
Final wrap-up: Coach, Russo, and crew encourage fans to tune in for instant post-Raw reactions, tease further breakdowns, and thank the lively, passionate audience for their engagement.
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