Wrestling Ratings, Backlash Breakdown, & Industry Secrets: Coach and Bro

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

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6d ago 54:37

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00:00 – Seniority Claimed, Shenanigans Called Out

Vince Russo jokes about renaming the show due to "coach shenanigans", with Tommy pitching in more frequently lately.
Friendly banter sets the tone, poking fun at a colleague's absence.

01:21 – The Ratings Rant & Post-Mania Pressure

Russo reveals his pet peeve: WWE’s declining post-WrestleMania ratings, blaming excuse-making about TV competition.
Recounts the pressure of keeping new viewers during his writing tenure and Vince McMahon’s famous “if it’s good, they’ll watch it” mantra.

06:26 – Creative Accountability & the Backlash Card Critique

Both hosts criticize today’s creative team for making excuses and not delivering compelling weekly content.
Tommy lambasts the current Backlash card as uninspired, especially matches like McAfee vs. Gunther.

08:47 – Goldberg Rumors & Roster Discontent

Vince discusses backstage rumblings about Goldberg’s possible involvement and the impact on rising stars and long-term booking logic.

09:47 – WWE Backlash Card “Quiz”

The hosts challenge each other to recall Backlash matches, highlighting lackluster build and thin storytelling.
Commentary on the reduction in matches per show and concerns about matches vs. entrance times.

12:14 – Cena’s Heel Turn & Orton Feud

Russo and Carlucci slam the abrupt heel turn for Cena with minimal storyline justification, praising Cena’s effort despite poor creative direction.

14:44 – Travis Scott at WrestleMania & the Cody Conundrum

Tommy questions the booking decisions with Travis Scott interfering at WrestleMania, Cody’s ensuing disappearance, and the missed opportunities for follow-up.

17:08 – Super Stickers & Production Team Shoutouts

Respond to fans’ questions about the pay-per-view schedule.
Tommy gives an in-depth look at the hardworking WWE production team and the immense effort behind video packages, spotlighting Adam Panucci and David Sahadi.

20:56 – UFC, Ticket Prices & SummerSlam Rumors

They rib about unsold UFC tickets and Ari Emanuel calling The Rock.
Vince jokes about $1 Rockies game tickets versus WWE’s PPV prices and shares rumors of a wild SummerSlam card (Cena/Travis Scott vs. Cody/Bad Bunny).

23:10 – Becky Lynch vs. Hulk Hogan: Generation Gaps & Industry Respect

Russo plays and responds to Becky Lynch comments (in character) about Hulk Hogan, arguing younger generations don’t appreciate the pressure people like Hogan faced.
Both hosts defend Hogan’s legacy and the foundations built for today’s stars.

30:38 – WWE Backstage: Stories from the '90s

Production war stories: Tommy shares a tale about releasing Vince and King from commentary too early, illustrating old-school accountability and backstage tension.

34:36 – More Super Stickers: Hogan’s Name Value & Industry Irony

Engage with listeners about why Hogan keeps getting mentioned and debates about WWE and its future with the Saudis.

38:42 – Political Warfare in WWE & Triple H’s Challenges

Speculation on Triple H vs. The Rock creative camps and how politics may be distracting from quality booking (e.g., missing out on a Cinco de Mayo tie-in).

41:15 – Hugs or Finger-Point of Death?

Light-hearted debate: Would they rather get the infamous “Triple H point” or a hug from Tony Khan?

41:34 – TNA x NXT: Cross-Promotion Potential

They praise TNA and NXT’s talent exchange, tout Joe Hendry and Trick Williams, and wonder why WWE releases aren’t moved to TNA.

43:17 – David Arquette, WCW Champion: Russo Sets the Record Straight

Vince recounts how Arquette winning the WCW title came from Tony Schiavone’s idea—explains the logic and lasting controversy behind that decision.

46:51 – Iconic WWE Commercials & JR’s Announcing Greatness

Memories of WWE’s million-dollar Super Bowl ad and production insights.
High praise for Jim Ross’s irreplaceable storytelling.

48:53 – Current Booking: Cena’s Heel Turn, Missed Storylines, and Creative Hiccups

Tommy and Vince share how they’d have booked Cena’s heel turn, lamenting the absence of creative minds like Pat Patterson.

52:47 – Cody’s Booking & Heel Dynamics

Discussion on why Cody Rhodes’ storylines lack payoff and the importance of clear motivations in wrestling narrative.

53:30 – Wrap-Up, Plugs, and Where to Find the Hosts

Tommy highlights his other shows and shares where fans can follow him.
Vince promotes his Patreon and thanks listeners.

128 episodes

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