Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped)

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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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