September 05, 2025

Wrestling's Shocking Shakeups: WWE vs AEW, Vince McMahon’s Legacy, & The Rock Transformation! | Coach and Bro Live! September 4th, 2025

1 hour 25 minutes

Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes (Timestamps):

0:00 – 2:00 | Welcome & Show Introduction

The Coach and Vince Russo kick off the show, introducing new listeners and thanking OG fans. The energy is high as they preview this week’s major wrestling topics and shout out the show’s sponsor, Afterburn.

2:01 – 5:30 | WWE vs AEW Pay-Per-View Showdown

The hosts jump into the latest PPV drama: WWE’s strategic moves are forcing AEW to shift their September 20th show to the afternoon—sparking debate on the significance and implications of this reschedule for fans and travelers. Vince gives critical advice: Think before you speak, referencing Tony Khan’s infamous “one con in wrestling” comment.

5:31 – 11:15 | The Business Behind Wrestling: Streaming, PPVs, and Fan Costs

Coach and Vince dissect the new landscape of wrestling pay-per-view with concerns about price hikes ($39.99 for AEW, $30 for WWE), the effect on fan attendance, and the challenges of navigating so many apps and services. The conversation highlights Stephanie McMahon’s viral “VPN workaround” comment and what these mounting costs mean for the industry.

11:16 – 16:45 | Money Talks – Are Fans Being Squeezed Out?

Is wrestling still fan-first? The co-hosts share relatable calls from Sirius listeners, argue over WWE’s recent low Smackdown ratings (1.1 million!), and discuss how multi-platform deals are pulling creative in every direction. The growing disconnect between fan experience and business priorities becomes a hot topic.

16:46 – 21:10 | Show Merch Drop: ‘Mamby Pamby’ & Fan Giveaways

Excitement peaks as Coach unveils the exclusive “Mamby Pamby” merch for fans and details how to join live giveaways with super sticker donations. The community vibes are real with shoutouts and plans for potential live touring.

21:11 – 25:33 | Spoiler Meltdown: WWE’s Accidental AJ Lee Tease

The duo discusses WWE Shop’s major slip—possibly leaking AJ Lee’s Wrestle Palooza involvement—and debate if this was a human or AI error. The hosts then riff on recent behind-the-scenes antics, including Rhea Ripley’s post-show HAHA with LA Knight and the blurring of character lines post-Attitude Era.

25:34 – 30:05 | Foundations of Pro Wrestling: What’s Changed?

Russo and Coach lament the erosion of kayfabe and “character protection” in today’s landscape, contrasting current stars with the larger-than-life personas of their era. They break down how wrestling’s basic storytelling foundation—face vs heel—has been upended.

30:06 – 38:11 | Wrestling’s Inner Circle: Vince McMahon’s 80th Birthday Fallout

Rumors swirl as they analyze the VIP seating at Vince’s birthday bash (why was Bruce Pritchard missing?!), speculate whether TKO management cares about associates’ public stances, and unpack Vince’s unwavering belief he’ll live to 100.

38:12 – 45:20 | Power Shifts & Decision-Making in Modern WWE

The show pivots to WWE’s corporate structure, poking fun at the multi-layered approval process for creative decisions (Nick Khan calls!). Coach shares personal stories from ESPN and how “the wrestling stigma” lingers beyond the ring.

45:21 – 52:32 | Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Stunning Transformation & Hollywood Ambitions

The hosts react to The Rock’s slimmed-down look at the Venice Film Festival amid Oscar buzz, field conspiratorial chatter about “clones,” and reflect on what this shift signals for his future in wrestling. Coach and Vince agree: the money’s now in movies, not the ring.

52:33 – 1:06:02 | Fan Q&A: AEW’s Leadership, Authority Figures, Becky Lynch’s Run, & Storytelling

Lightning round! The duo tackles fan questions about everything from AEW’s lack of on-screen authority figures (Tony Khan’s ego?), to Jericho’s next move, to the problem with modern “storytelling.” Insights abound from both hosts’ long careers.

1:06:03 – 1:14:00 | Behind the Curtain: Wrestling Politics, Career Moves, and Hot Takes

Candid stories surface about transitioning out of wrestling and into other industries, with honest takes on Hollywood’s skepticism. The comedic highlight: Vince Russo’s traumatic childhood “enema” story (not to be missed).

1:14:01 – End | Super Sticker Winner, Final Thoughts, and Next Week’s Teasers

Coach and Bro spin the giveaway wheel live, announce the lucky winner of the first “Mamby Pamby” merch, and tease more exclusive drops. They sign off with gratitude, reminding listeners to catch next week’s double-header episodes and join the thriving YouTube community.

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