September 19, 2025

Wrestling’s Next Era: WWE & ESPN’s $325M Deal, Global Moves, and AEW's Big Opportunity-Coach & Bro 9/18/2025

1 hour 3 minutes

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped)

[00:00:00] - Cold Open: Wrestling Transitions & Personal Anecdotes

Coach recalls memories with The Rock and his signature bald look, sharing backstage WWE stories and how even small details can stick with performers.

Vince Russo and Coach set the stage for two hours of wrestling talk, promising in-depth analysis instead of simple recaps.

[00:04:10] - WWE's Mega ESPN Deal Explained

WWE and ESPN sign a $325 million per year agreement covering 12–14 shows.

Confusion reigns over how fans will access events: most will have to pay separately, not through cable bundles (Coach predicted this on Day 1).

Frustration rising among fans now expected to shell out $30 per PPV, especially with major international announcements.

[00:06:50] - WWE’s Global Expansion and Fan Backlash

WrestleMania announced for Saudi Arabia; 96% of polled fans are unhappy.

Nick Khan reveals 50% of WWE premium events now overseas, PLE heading to Italy in 2026.

Discussion on how WWE's strategy risks alienating US core fans while chasing international money.

[00:08:15] - AEW’s Golden Opportunity Emerges

Vince Russo lays out how Tony Khan and AEW could capitalize, including potentially running a massive stadium event stateside.

Suggestions to involve other promotions and run major fan fests.

[00:09:34] - Daytime WrestleManias and Business Strategy Red Flags

Complaints about US shows now starting at noon, bad for engaged viewing.

Coach questions if WWE leadership considers the impact on fan experience and tradition.

Comparison: Other sports (NFL, NBA, MLB) go overseas but keep their home base engaged.

[00:11:41] - Wrestling Pricing Crisis: Can Fans Afford It?

WWE show in Indianapolis struggling to sell out despite loaded card; third-row seats at $2k each.

Coach and Vince explore what’s pricing the core wrestling audience out—calls for AEW to step up as the affordable, family-friendly alternative.

[00:13:52] - WWE’s $250 Million Saudi WrestleMania & Global TV Rights Breakdown

Insight: Saudis demanded the actual WrestleMania, not a "fake" second version, for $250M.

Context: ESPN is paying WWE $325M for the year (12–14 shows), Netflix paying $500M for 100+ events.

WWE talent, despite bringing in billions, appear to be missing out on revenue sharing.

[00:18:25] - Talent Resentment & Revenue Sharing in Wrestling

Coach & Vince highlight growing resentment among WWE talent for being left out of mega-profits.

Reference to unions and profit-sharing in other sports; WWE wrestlers often make far less without structured revenue splits.

[00:19:21] - Face-Off: AEW vs WWE Pay-Per-Views This Weekend

AEW's All Out in Toronto vs WWE's Wrestle Palooza on ESPN—how well have both built hype and justified their price tags?

WWE’s advantage: marquee names like Cena and Lesnar, but sales aren’t where they should be.

[00:22:22] - Wrestling Leadership & Why Outsiders Aren’t Invited In

Coach asks why wrestling execs rarely bring in new creative minds while other sports frequently collaborate.

Vince shares stories about attitude era collaboration, emphasizing "staying in your lane" and letting experts do their jobs.

[00:26:56] - Tony Khan, Creative Control, and the Need for Change

Discussion about Tony Khan needing to stop being “everyone’s friend” and stepping up as CEO.

How empowering new voices and systems could propel AEW to exploit WWE’s home-market gaps.

[00:34:28] - Pet Peeves: What Drives Us Nuts About Modern Wrestling

Interactive fan segment: Coach and Vince’s biggest gripes—overuse of "schmaz finishes", lack of consistency in character storytelling, forced crowd participation, and heels acting like comedians (especially Becky Lynch).

[00:46:55] - Will WWE on ESPN Be a Success?

Both believe WWE & ESPN will figure out the business, but the rushed timeline poses short-term challenges for fans.

Big shows aren’t selling out, but with time these conglomerates are likely to adapt and thrive.

[00:51:35] - Saturday’s Doubleheader: PPV Logistics & The Football Problem

ESPN plans to migrate all content to a new ESPN app; wrestling shows may compete directly with massive live college football games.

Dilemma: is the wrestling audience distinct enough, or will split attention and scheduling kill early momentum?

[00:55:24] - Who's Poised for a Breakout?

Vince wants Drew McIntyre to get his due—but WWE booking hasn’t helped.

Talk about how talent need to look the part if they want superstar pay.

[00:58:12] - Final Thoughts & Merch Giveaways

Vince will be in the mountains this weekend while Coach leads a premium-member live watchalong.

Wheel of Doom giveaway for fans; new “I Bet Wrestling” merch announced.

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By Bleav

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