Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo cover art

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

Before My Head Explodes with Vince Russo

By: Bleav
Listen for free

Vince Russo's "Before My Head EXPLODES" is a 30 minute, twice a week podcast, where the most polarizing and contraversial man in the history of sports entertainment will rant, rave and rapid-fire his honest opinions on everything from pop culture, current news, entertainment, sports, music and whatever else is twisting his mind and burning his tongue! Real, dynamic, hard-hitting and oh yeah---NO MAMBY-PAMBYS allowed!2024 Bleav Combat Sports & Self-Defense Wrestling
Episodes
  • Why WWE Isn't Using Top Talent: Orton, Punk, and the Creative Crisis | Coach & Bro 5/27

    Why WWE Isn't Using Top Talent: Orton, Punk, and the Creative Crisis | Coach & Bro 5/27
    Jun 7 2026
    Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped) [00:00:17] - [00:05:00] Intro, Show Format, and Community Engagement The Coach opens the show on little sleep, introduces Vince Russo, and reminds viewers to get involved via super stickers or donations.Discussion of their interactive Coach and Bro Let wheel, prize giveaways, and excitement over Instagram success. [00:05:10] - [00:10:15] WWE Talent Absences & Poor Creative Choices The Coach calls out the lack of Randy Orton and CM Punk appearances since WrestleMania 05:20.Vince Russo criticizes WWE’s mediocrity, noting Smackdown's low attendance and creative’s failure to progress main event storylines 06:34.Pointed examples where in-ring segments, like with Paul Heyman and others, lead nowhere; comparing to Attitude Era storytelling. [00:10:15] - [00:15:22] Consequences of Poor Booking & WWE Creative’s Limits Discussion about overusing the same formulas, making special talent appear generic (e.g., Boba Fett in regular clothes) 09:44.Vince Russo and The Coach agree that WWE fails to elevate hot talent to the next level, citing Dom Mysterio and others 15:17.Talent (Dirty Dom) now openly expresses frustration on lack of creative direction and opportunities. [00:15:23] - [00:18:08] ESPN, Media, and Misunderstanding Wrestling Talent The Coach shares anecdotes about media outlets like ESPN failing to “get” wrestling, spotlighting awkward celebrity interviews 11:25.Discussion on Dan Housen’s overexposure, misused on television vs. external branding, and the risk of running a character gimmick into the ground 12:34. [00:18:09] - [00:20:42] Creative Use of Talent & Missed TV Opportunities Chat segment highlights Dan Housen’s best moments happening outside WWE TV, missed opportunities for integrated content 18:16.Parallel drawn with AEW and Dan Housen’s potential for movie/TV crossovers. [00:20:42] - [00:26:42] AEW vs. WWE: Ownership, Talent Rights, & Creative Freedom The Coach and Vince Russo applaud AEW and Tony Khan for allowing talent to own their characters, contrasting sharply with WWE’s long-standing practice of retaining character rights 21:02.Discusses broader impact for wrestlers’ careers and AEW’s “workers’ rights” approach 23:10.Long-term implications for talent satisfaction and how WWE’s restrictive practices may hurt future acquisitions. [00:26:42] - [00:30:07] WWE’s Shifting Value Proposition and the TKO Merger Comparing WWE and AEW as choices for talent; WWE offers global TV exposure, but AEW provides more creative and financial freedom 26:20.Vince Russo notes AEW's owner sees wrestlers as athletes to build a team around, unlike WWE's cut-and-paste approach post-TKO 24:47. [00:30:08] - [00:39:06] The Blockbuster WWE/TKO Legal Battle The Coach breaks down the shareholder lawsuit over the WWE/TKO merger, explaining how deleted Signal chat messages could lead to hundreds of millions in damages 32:30.Vince Russo analyzes the legal risks and potential fallout for Vince McMahon, Nick Khan, and executives 33:38. [00:39:07] - [00:47:04] Changing Economics: Ticket Prices, UFC, and Cash Grabs Discussion of skyrocketing ticket prices for WWE, UFC, and the wider impact of maximizing profits at the expense of fan experience 40:24.VIP packages for SummerSlam, crazy secondary market ticket stats, and the changing landscape of live event revenue 47:00. [00:47:05] - [01:00:19] Fan Questions, “Star Power,” and The Problem of Bland Creative Q&A about building strong wrestling characters, backstage politics, and missed creative opportunities 58:00.Discussion of the lost art of “short segments,” why multi-person women’s matches feel empty, and how the roster is full of “good little hands” instead of true stars 01:25:31.The importance of storylines in wrestling: sports-based wrestling is not enough 01:17:02. [01:00:20] - [01:36:35] Continuing Q&A, Merch, Attitude Era Stories, and Wrap-up More fan stories and interactive prizes, reflections on the Attitude Era, importance of magnetic star presence, and the reality of wrestling’s changing business model.Strategies for turning things around, why creative honesty is needed, and why some talents just won’t become stars 01:24:16.Show closes with a final raffle, exclusive merch unveilings, and reminders for fans to catch their other shows and connect on social media. U7Q4ubih35JjEwhpkrIx Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 37 mins
  • AEW Double or Nothing: Did It Deliver? Behind-the-Scenes Reactions, Backstage Drama & More! | Coach and Bro Memorial Day Special | May 27, 2026 |

    AEW Double or Nothing: Did It Deliver? Behind-the-Scenes Reactions, Backstage Drama & More! | Coach and Bro Memorial Day Special | May 27, 2026 |
    Jun 7 2026
    Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped) [00:00:37] - Memorial Day intro, shout out to military families, and reminders for safe travels and summer plans. [00:01:10] - Encouragement for the audience to hit the like button and help the show grow. [00:01:34] - Catching up: Vinnie Ruru’s post-tour exhaustion and home life reality check. [00:02:18] - Recap of five shows in four days with JCW, issues with the first show’s audio, and highlights of the successful events. [00:03:04] - Coach shares a proud dad moment: his daughter wins Best Lead Actress in a Musical, celebrates at a four-hour-long award ceremony. [00:05:02] - Moving to Texas for his daughter’s musical theater college studies; reflections on feeling distant in California. [00:06:14] - Announcement: show giveaways and rewards for super chats; explanation of the Coach and Brulette wheel. [00:06:44] - Diving in: AEW Double or Nothing vs. WWE’s lack of weekend buzz; Coach’s viral video critiquing AEW’s long runtime and match overload. [00:08:24] - Analysis: Tony Khan’s fan-focused booking, the difference between what fans want and business sense, parallels between JCW and AEW’s need for structure. [00:09:05] - Discussion on AEW pay-per-view oversaturation, fatigue from five-hour shows, and why main event matches after midnight are a bad idea. [00:10:14] - The importance of show pacing, storytelling, and keeping fans energized for the next event. [00:11:01] - Breakdown: the “everybody gets on the show” mentality, drawbacks of booking talent-driven instead of story-driven cards. [00:11:58] - Praise for better pre-match packages, desire for more story and fewer “match for match’s sake” bookings. [00:12:19] - Real talk about the challenges and importance of wrestling storytelling, especially post-event. [00:13:18] - Bringing in Dirt Sheet Dan, an eyewitness at Double or Nothing, for a live crowd and logistics review. [00:14:31] - Crowd reactions: live energy, memorable chants, but also signs of exhaustion and logistical issues (food running out, long lines, late finish). [00:16:02] - Fans unable to catch trains after midnight, jumping fences to get to transport; warnings about running events too late in NYC. [00:17:03] - Would fans attend again? Yes, but with reservations about venue size and late-night challenges. [00:18:25] - Industry perspective: problems with late-night shows, venues closing early, and the need to consider family/kid audience. [00:19:52] - JCW’s own event scheduling changes for audience convenience; what indie promotions can learn. [00:20:42] - Heartwarming story: Coach helps a young AEW fan meet Orange Cassidy—then over-asked for more; lesson in boundaries and gratitude. [00:23:46] - AEW streaming app news—Tony Khan’s vision for including indies like JCW on “My AEW App.” [00:24:13] - Why collaboration among wrestling promotions matters for global exposure and event synergy. [00:25:30] - Discussion of Tony Khan’s long-term event planning and WWE’s momentum loss; big chance for AEW and indie groups to shine. [00:26:58] - Fantasy booking: multiple promotions working together in cities like Chicago or Dallas for super weekends. [00:29:54] - Mick Foley signs with AEW: analysis of what Foley can bring, risks of him wrestling again, and the value of legendary personalities. [00:31:30] - Segment on the challenges of working with older talent, the difference between star power and in-ring ability. [00:33:07] - Listener super chats from around the world (Australia, Israel, Iraq), highlighting the global wrestling community. [00:34:40] - Thoughts on creative direction: AEW must capitalize on Double or Nothing momentum, avoid overloading shows with too many matches. [00:35:50] - The value of match placement, need for engaging stories, and balancing the schedule compared to WWE’s rapid-fire events. [00:37:00] - Saluting military veterans and reflecting on wrestling tours overseas, the realities of war, and the impact on families. [00:39:43] - Tag team division woes in WWE; struggles with team consistency and creative booking. [00:41:11] - Critique of WWE’s approach to comedy and main character bookings, mentioning Danhausen and the writing team’s challenges with humor. [00:42:55] - AEW’s ticket prices praised as more fan-friendly compared to WWE, especially for families and new audiences. [00:43:48] - Business talk: AEW’s international TV deals and streaming revenue; parallels to how WWE expanded globally. [00:45:46] - Super chat highlights value of concise, exciting cards over longer, exhausting shows. [00:46:50] - Crowd logistics revisited: public transport issues at NYC venues, safety concerns after late finishes. [00:49:43] - Behind-the-scenes perspective on dealing with talent: balance between artistic process and the team’s time. [00:51:13] - Question about “believable champions”: why personality and mainstream appeal matter more than just ring work; Darby Allin and MJF ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • Brock Lesnar’s Epic Return, Ronda Rousey Retires & MVP Makes MMA History – Coach and Bro Show | May 23, 2026 |

    Brock Lesnar’s Epic Return, Ronda Rousey Retires & MVP Makes MMA History – Coach and Bro Show | May 23, 2026 |
    Jun 7 2026
    Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped)
    • 00:00 – Show Open: Coach welcomes listeners, mentions live recording for Stadium Network and upcoming wheel giveaway.
    • 00:50 – Vinnie Ruru joins the conversation, funny back-and-forth about show scheduling, balancing TV vs. live event work, and travel struggles.
    • 03:17 – What Makes This Show Different: Coach explains the unique approach—business focus, solutions, big stories, and insights into wrestling, MMA, and pop culture.
    • 05:10 – Discussion about Triple H & Nick Khan’s recent all-hands meetings and the business brains behind WWE's leadership.
    • 06:35 – Brock Lesnar’s Return Drops: Coach and Vinnie break down Lesnar’s legendary contract negotiating skills, how his retirement card created massive leverage, and why he’s better than Nick Khan at the game.
    • 09:59 – Why Lesnar rejected ending his career with Gunther, how his emotional WrestleMania goodbye was a gamble, and that he’s not looking to jump ship—he wants control and big money.
    • 12:17 – How much did WWE pay Lesnar for his comeback? Intense debate—$10 million for two months isn’t off the table, plus an explanation on why need drives pricing, not per-appearance math.
    • 14:13 – Contrast between legends like Lesnar and today’s younger wrestlers, with a sidebar on entertainment celebrities vs. real stars in pro wrestling.
    • 15:34 – Do WWE talents still have a voice? The changing backstage dynamics since TKO took over, and why losing direct contact with decision-makers like Vince McMahon matters for morale.
    • 18:06 – MMA Numbers Shock: MVP Promotions’ Ronda Rousey event sets a U.S. record—17 million views—outpacing Monday Night Raw. Coach explains why star power is everything.
    • 20:52 – Strategic breakdown: MVP and Jake Paul reverse TKO’s closed-off model, team up with everyone, and succeed by being fan-friendly.
    • 22:56 – Breaking news live: Ronda Rousey announces retirement on Instagram; Coach and Vince discuss her motivation, payout, and potential as a post-fighting promoter or ambassador.
    • 26:06 – Why WWE misses out by not investing in true brand ambassadors—examples with Kurt Angle, John Cena, and Ric Flair.
    • 29:33 – Insight into WWE’s backstage morale crisis and the sterile, impersonal environment under TKO.
    • 31:02 – WWE’s New House Show Strategy: Paul Levesque and Nick Khan announce a renewed focus on live events to help young talent gain reps—but prices skyrocket, causing concern.
    • 35:29 – Outrageous house show VIP pricing exposed—over $750 for minimal perks, sparking fan and host frustration.
    • 36:29 – Coach and Vinnie demand WWE adopt a “loss leader” strategy like Costco: affordable prices to build loyalty and excitement, not just short-term profits.
    • 38:41 – House shows historically improve talent health and performance, but the new regime prioritizes bottom-line over fan value and wrestler experience.
    • 44:49 – Light-hearted banter about Adam Pearce’s overexposure, how to spice up authority figure roles in wrestling, and what would be entertaining for fans.
    • 47:55 – AEW and MJF: MJF slams former colleagues for using AEW as a stepping stone to WWE—“Not on my watch.” Coach and Vince explore the deeper meaning and AEW’s evolution into a serious competitor.
    • 52:05 – AEW’s path to parity with WWE: what it takes, why stability matters, and how even giants like Blockbuster fell by ignoring innovators like Netflix.
    • 53:59 – Why culture and workplace happiness drive true loyalty, reviews on working for Tony Khan versus the TKO/WWE “cold, callous” approach.
    • 55:56 – Wrestler pay cuts: Coach defends talent who stay, explains the paranoia of wrestlers’ job security, and how the business structure enforces compliance.
    • 01:02:16 – Was Lesnar’s retirement real? Both agree—the emotion was genuine, and he’s one of the only stars with real leverage left.
    • 01:04:46 – Audience Q&A: Dream guests, Freemason WWE conspiracy, street fight stories, and what makes pro wrestling’s best segments truly legendary.
    • 01:15:57 – Show close, fan shoutouts, reminders about upcoming events and future giveaways, and advice to tune in to live wrestling and new Coach and Bro shows.

    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet