December 05, 2025

WWE Backstage Etiquette Exposed: Has the Culture Changed Forever? | Coach and Bro | December 4, 2025

1 hour 26 minutes

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped)

00:01:33 – 00:04:00

The Coachand

Vince Russo

kick off the show by celebrating recent growth in viewership and teasing upcoming content and storylines. The duo discusses winter meetings in MLB and their aspirations to report from major sporting events in future episodes.

00:04:01 – 00:05:20

The Coachtransitions to the WWE-ESPN partnership, spotlighting recent rumors about ESPN’s dissatisfaction.

Vince Russo

analyzes subscriber numbers and revenue expectations, highlighting the disconnect between WWE’s efforts and ESPN's promotional push.

00:05:21 – 00:08:20

Vince Russodelivers a strong critique about WWE’s subpar PPVs performed for their biggest partner, explaining why they could lose the deal.

The Coach

defends ESPN's marketing efforts and shares inside perspectives on what motivated the high-stakes app launch.

00:08:21 – 00:11:09

The conversation shifts to how WWE might be taking advantage of ESPN’s limited wrestling know-how, and the potential consequences for lazy creative output. The duo explores how networks crave live sports, the strategic value of YouTube TV and bundled apps, and the unusual scheduling challenges of PLEs in Saudi Arabia.

00:11:10 – 00:14:17

The Coachand

Vince Russo

dig into Nick Khan’s newfound celebrity and the WWE’s reliance on outside personalities like Pat McAfee and Logan Paul for promotion. They highlight how McAfee’s exit illustrates how WWE can overuse star power for free exposure, often without fair compensation, and how that impacts creative.

00:14:18 – 00:23:22

The hosts reflect on the lack of risk-taking and creative surprises at recent WWE events, particularly Survivor Series.Vince Russo

discusses how backstage culture and guaranteed contracts have led to a “play it safe” mentality, draining excitement from major shows.

00:23:23 – 00:27:36

They analyze missed creative opportunities, including repetitive booking and lack of genuine surprise reveals (e.g., the masked mystery man), making comparisons to other wrestling companies like JCW and TNA, who are "putting in the work" to engage fans.

00:27:37 – 00:32:00

Listener interaction explodes during the Wheel of Doom segment, andThe Coach

shares emotional reflections on the show’s explosive growth. The duo reiterates their philosophy: fans deserve their best every episode.

00:32:01 – 00:40:12

The discussion switches to current WWE locker room culture.The Coach

brings up recent comments from CM Punk and Bayley about today's backstage etiquette: many talent no longer watch the main event or stick around to learn from top stars, a stark contrast with strict traditions from earlier eras.

00:40:13 – 00:45:37

Vince Russoand

The Coach

offer personal stories from their WWE and TNA days, underscoring how respect and learning once dominated locker room life. They question whether Triple H knows about the lack of backstage engagement today, and debate if it's possible for current management to revive old-school etiquette.

00:45:38 – 00:54:34

Show closes with a review of John Cena’s farewell tour and booking predictability, more listener Q&A, and spicy inside details about talent relations, bonus structures, and why the right creative system matters.

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