AJ Lee’s Return: Did WWE Drop the Ball? | Triple H’s New WWE Era, Ticket Price Backlash | Coach & Bro Live September 11th, 2025

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

Content provided by Bleav. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Bleav or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

14d ago 1:41:28

MP3•Episode home

Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes (Timestamped):

[00:00:00] – Show Open & Introductions Coach and Vince Russo welcome listeners to their weekly wrestling analysis, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement and premium content.

[00:03:17] – WWE Fan Reactions & Speaking the Truth
Discussion about fan pushback when analysts criticize WWE’s creative choices, using Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria as examples.

[00:05:26] – Are WWE Storylines Only for Die-Hards?
Vince and Coach criticize WWE for assuming viewers know AJ Lee, despite her not appearing on TV for 10 years, and how this caters primarily to hardcore fans.

[00:08:12] – Pop Culture, Social Media Pops & Highlight-First Booking
Review of how modern WWE focuses on viral moments and highlight clips, not long-term storytelling—prompted by record-breaking AJ Lee return numbers on social platforms.

[00:10:42] – Declining TV Ratings & WWE’s Business Pivot
Coach dissects WWE’s plummeting viewership numbers, rating swings with big stars, and the company’s increasing reliance on big-money special events rather than weekly storytelling.

[00:14:31] – Shifting Away from Family Audiences
Vince Russo highlights WWE/TKO’s shift away from targeting families in favor of the high-priced, live-event model (comparing WWE, UFC, and boxing experiences).

[00:21:30] – WrestleMania Heads to Saudi Arabia: What it Means for Fans
Analysis of WWE’s controversial decision to host its biggest show in Saudi Arabia, why it’s a financial windfall, and how this impacts the "family-friendly" roots of WrestleMania.

[00:25:30] – Wrestling Legends’ Fortunes & Vince’s Classic Stories
A sidebar with wrestling stories about Hulk Hogan, Triple H’s movie ambitions, and flying WWE’s private jet—plus backstage corporate family dynamics.

[00:29:01] – Triple H Misses RAW: Is the Boss Phoning It In?
Debate over Triple H’s absence from Monday Night RAW, missed contract signings, and whether the creative head can balance business, family, and wrestling responsibilities.

[00:35:09] – Is Triple H’s WWE Working? Fans vs. Business
Coach pushes back on the argument that “making money” equals success, emphasizing the creative and attendance issues underlying WWE’s bottom line.

[00:41:24] – Should Triple H Be the Face of WWE in Mainstream Media?
Questioning why top WWE talent aren’t being pushed for non-wrestling brand moments (ads, ESPN spots), while Triple H stays in the limelight.

[00:42:15] – Pop Moments Over Weekly TV: The ‘Card Catalog’ of Returns
Vince says WWE is stockpiling returns for easy social media pops, while risking further erosion of appointment viewing for weekly TV.

[00:50:08] – Drew McIntyre Calls Out WWE Locker Room
McIntyre’s viral remarks on current wrestlers prioritizing social media over gym time, and the “look” of a WWE superstar.

[00:54:28] – AEW’s Impact: Cody, CM Punk & WWE’s Talent Pipeline
Bryan Danielson’s comments about AEW giving WWE’s stars second chances, and the debate about Punk & Cody’s real WWE value.

[00:56:38] – Monday Night Raw’s Time Change & Monday Night Football Clash
Conversation about RAW changing start times to avoid head-to-head NFL competition, and the challenge of drawing live viewership in the streaming era.

[01:04:59] – Super Stickers, WWE Backstage Heat & Fan Interaction
Live fan Q&A sessions (YouTube super stickers): Stories about The Miz’s early heat, criticism of how WWE books returning women, and the Logan Paul respect discussion.

[01:12:05] – Unique Looks, Ratings Wars and Michael Jackson Genius
Fan shout-outs about diversity in wrestling, comparing 80s ratings juggernauts, and Vince’s love for the “This Is It” Michael Jackson doc.

[01:21:37] – Behind-the-Scenes: Triple H’s Hollywood Dreams & Family Politics
A vivid backstage account of Triple H’s movie premiere and WWE family dynamics, plus anecdotes about Francois, WWE’s legendary backstage doc.

[01:36:02] – Creative Gaps & Underused WWE Story Angles
Russo suggests untapped creative angles, like a Nick Aldis heel authority turn, and underscores opportunities WWE creative is missing.

[01:40:13] – Wrap-Up, Merch Giveaways & Closing Thoughts
Final winners announced for the show’s “Wheel of Doom” merch giveaway, shout-out to top community supporters, and a programming note for the next episode.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

204 episodes

#Sports #Pro Wrestling #Comedy #Bleav #Vic Venom #Vicious Vincent #Wrestling #WWF #Vince Russos #WWE #NXT #AEW #National