WWE's ESPN Flop: Inside Wrestlepalooza's "C+" Debut & Triple H Backlash | Coach & Bro Live 9/22/2025

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

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15d ago 1:29:05

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Full Podcast Summary / Show Notes (Timestamped):

00:00:00 – 00:01:34 | Show Kickoff & Audience Engagement

The Coach welcomes the live audience, outlining their twice-weekly schedule on platforms like Stadium, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, and more.
Vince Russo confirms he watched 18 hours of wrestling over the weekend, amping up the hype for the episode.

00:01:34 – 00:02:09 | Fan Interaction & Wheel of Doom

Instructions on audience participation via super stickers or donations, with $5+ qualifiers featured on the show.
Winners of the “Smartest Mark Alive” cap rewarded—a quick shoutout to fan engagement.

00:02:09 – 00:03:38 | The ESPN x WWE Launch – Flopped Expectations

Coach and Vince jump into the main topic: WWE's big ESPN rollout.
Coach gives ESPN high marks for cross-promotion but critiques WWE’s lackluster delivery, missed surprises, and a C+ rating given by ESPN’s own WWE reporter.

00:03:38 – 00:05:44 | Business Angles & Broken Promises

Russo analyzes the $30 ESPN app paywall and the critical failure of over-promising “surprises” yet under-delivering.
Discussion of customer trust, contingency planning, and the business repercussions of a letdown debut.

00:05:44 – 00:10:16 | Missed Cross-Promotion & WWE Insider Frustrations

Coach unpacks ESPN’s efforts to connect WWE to mainstream sports, sharing personal anecdotes about working with WWE and ESPN.
Frustrations over production snubs and missed opportunities for genuine crossover moments with stars like The Rock.
Criticism of triple H’s self-focus and grand entrances.

00:10:16 – 00:14:54 | Authentic Crossover or Cringe? Media & Talent Disconnect

Vince details how ESPN anchors and real sports journalists struggle with wrestling interviews, creating cringe moments.
Discussion of choosing the right wrestling talent for mainstream crossover and the mishandling of Wrestlepalooza’s rollout.
Coach emphasizes the need for smarter programming to merge the audiences.

00:14:54 – 00:17:21 | TV Strategy, Programming, & Missed Moments

Examples of successful sports/entertainment integration.
ESPN’s technical hurdles and confusion over access to the event.

00:17:21 – 00:22:54 | Honest Ratings, WWE’s Creative Stagnation & Surprises (or Lack Thereof)

Super sticker shoutouts—fans and Coach agree: a C+ grade is fair.
Honest reporter reviews vs. “marks,” and reflection on when WWE last created real excitement.
Russo reminisces about Attitude Era's dramatic cliffhangers vs. today’s ho-hum finishes.

00:22:54 – 00:36:28 | Self-Serving Booking & Talent Disrespect

Layered criticism of WWE’s current approach: self-congratulatory moments, lack of surprise, poor use of marquee talent, and over-focus on internal appreciation.
Discussion of ticket prices, fan disenchantment, and misplaced creative energy.

00:36:28 – 01:08:50 | Extended Audience Q&A / Super Stickers

Rapid-fire fan questions on production value, ticket sales, underutilized talent, and the difference from Vince McMahon’s era.
Russo and Coach reflect on personal and professional experiences (e.g., WWE Hall of Fame gripes, NXT, roster age, character protection).
Tangents on coffee, Australia’s wrestling scene, and more lighthearted fan banter.

01:08:50 – 01:27:40 | Pulling Back the Curtain: Hall of Fame, Triple H, and Legacy

The legitimacy of WWE’s Hall of Fame dissected.
Triple H’s on-screen focus: is it ego, strategy, or panic over legacy?
Analogies to sports, legacy protection, and performer burnout.

01:27:40 – END | Closing Thoughts, Thursday’s Teaser & Outro

Closing super stickers, banter, and promises to answer lingering fan questions in the next episode (including “dream matches”).
Teaser for Thursday’s show; live schedule reminders and heartfelt thanks to their loyal community.

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212 episodes

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