Why WWE's Roster Isn't What It Used to Be?? | Coach and Bro! | December 22nd, 2025 |

Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped) 00:00:00 – 00:01:19: Kickoff & Show Introduction The Coachwelcomes listeners to the fastest-growing wrestling business show—not just another segment-by-segment breakdown. Focus: Wrestling business, not just match recaps. Records for growth, promise of fresh industry analysis. 00:01:19 – 00:02:04: Spotlight on Vince Russo Vince Russojokingly asks The Coach to be his therapist, venting about travel and backstage frustrations. 00:02:04 – 00:04:12: On the Road & First-Class Perks Vince Russoshares travel woes, delayed flights, and rare first-class treatment from Violent J (unlike his time with Vince McMahon, Dixie Carter, and WCW). Wrestling during a brutal, freezing Midwest winter; comedic rant about why bookers torture talent with northern bookings. 00:04:12 – 00:06:04: Politics in Pro Wrestling Discussion on why seasoned pros get replaced by NXT “amateurs.” Candid conversation: WWE and AEW's business, focus on politics over pure talent. Vince Russonames Matt Cardona and Nick Nemeth as true pros, frustrated with WWE's lost opportunity. 00:06:05 – 00:08:18: Talent vs. Politics Why do smarter and better wrestlers get released? Organizations fear having subordinates smarter than the people in charge. The Coachadvocates surrounding oneself with talented people, but calls out WWE and TKO for prioritizing politics. 00:08:18 – 00:12:10: Wrestling’s Lack of Common Sense Comparing past and present: Matt Cardona and Nick Nemeth earning more outside WWE; WWE’s shallow pool of top-tier talent. The Coachlists 20+ former stars who could headline; contrasts today's roster. 00:12:10 – 00:14:18: Live vs. Taped Shows Debate The Coachholds up notes on WWE’s recent taping schedule and laments the absence of live programming around Christmas—unlike Vince McMahon’s era. Vince Russodefends talent getting time off, pokes fun with “bah humbug.” 00:14:18 – 00:17:08: WWE Copying JCW? The Coachreveals fans noticed WWE using creative spots that originated from Vince Russo ’s JCW Lunacy; Vince Russo: No one can execute his ideas better than he does. 00:17:08 – 00:19:13: Fans, Leadership, and Resistance to Change Sports betting and WWE business parallels. Why good ideas aren’t adopted and the resistance to innovation in wrestling and beyond. 00:19:16 – 00:21:15: SmackDown’s Shallow Roster Compared to the Past Realistic assessment: SmackDown has only one or two top-level talent comparable to Cody and Drew (Solo Sikoa mentioned). The Coachrattles off the legendary roster of 20+ from the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Era. 00:21:15 – 00:24:31: Why WWE Doesn’t Build New Stars Vince Russo: No new main event characters for a decade; misses era of nuanced storytelling and development. 00:24:31 – 00:27:04: Creative Control and Power Struggles The Coachdiscusses Triple H's shift to head of creative only, leaving the CEO role to Nick Khan at TKO; Wrestling without narrative threatens long-term success. 00:27:04 – 00:29:17: Taped Shows—Do They Build Buzz? How tape delays kill excitement; WWE’s lackluster taped episodes compared to “must-see” television. Vince Russo: If taped shows want to succeed, they have to generate social buzz in advance. 00:29:17 – 00:33:02: Super Stickers & Listener Questions Listener engagement and giveaway details; banter about Violent J dressing as Santa. 00:33:02 – 00:36:28: Triple H, Politics & Taking Sides Vince Russorecounts Triple H’s refusal to “do the job.” The dangers of picking political sides and splitting your audience. 00:36:28 – 00:38:01: Politics & Wrestling: Should They Mix? The Coach: Politics and sports shouldn’t mix, yet WWE and ESPN occasionally cross the line, risking fan alienation. 00:38:01 – 00:41:28: Ratings Talk: When Holidays Beat Wrestling Stories of Vince McMahon losing his mind when Raw was outperformed by dog shows or Hallmark movies. How ratings used to matter more than ever. 00:41:28 – 00:45:32: Rock’s Role & Boardroom Drama Vince Russoand The Coach debate the Rock’s $80 million payday, his lack of social media promotion, and power struggles behind the scenes. Rock’s silence signals more than money—it’s about belief in the product. 00:45:32 – 00:49:07: Celebrity Power, Creative Control, & Storyline Influence Insider stories of who REALLY calls the shots; why big stars protect their legacy; Brian Gerwitz’s influence, The Rock vs. Triple H beef, and more. 00:49:07 – 01:00:41: Backstage Stories, Peak & Valley Analytics Vince Russoshares 30 years of data showing fans prefer backstage vignettes and drama over actual wrestling matches; Casual fans tune out during matches but stick around for the spectacle. 01:00:41 – 01:17:51: JCW, AEW & Production Differences Vince Russoexplains how JCW is produced, the unique editing style, and how it piggybacks off ICP’s fan base; AEW’s lack of meetings and structure discussed; Kevin Nash and other legends supporting the storyline-focused approach. 01:17:51 – 01:38:46: Fan Q&A, Wheel of Doom, and Closing Live chat engagement, listener gifts and feedback, and future episode schedule. JCW Lunacy airs new episodes even on holidays (Christmas/New Year’s). Final thoughts: Wrestling is changing, but storytelling and creative freedom are key for future growth. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.