Full Podcast Summary / Notes (Timestamped):

• Coach introduces the special “emergency” episode, sets the scene for why this is a must-see, and teases big news from co-host Vince Russo.

• Vince surprises Coach with the revelation that Coach's infamous Tajiri mist-selling clip was on "Castrating the Marks."
• Coach recalls the backstory of filming the segment, and both discuss the importance of entertainment in wrestling.

• Coach explains live show schedule changes, huge growth in audience numbers, and new policies for super sticker shoutouts.

• Coach reveals he’s technically part of the new ESPN deal through his projects and gives the rundown:
• Starting August 21, ESPN will offer a $30/month app featuring WWE PLEs, amounting to $516/year for hardcore fans.
• Debate on fan willingness to pay, value perceptions, and business motivations.

• Vince emphasizes that the move is pure business: maximize revenue, no company ever thinks they’ve made “enough.”
• Coach dives deep into the cable vs. app landscape, challenging “access” messaging and warning fans about misleading terms.

• Discussion of ESPN’s likely approach: exclusive PLE content, library moves (“the Vault”), Peacock hiking prices, and the coming battles between platforms for wrestling eyeballs.

• Addressing fans who feel priced out. They calculate annual spending, reference detractors who threaten to leave—but always come back for big events.
• Elaborate on how streaming providers manipulate consumer habits and revenues.

• Deep dive on Paul Heyman’s Ariel Helwani interview: evasive answers about The Rock at WrestleMania, the real power dynamics, and whether booking can ever be planned years in advance.
• Vince and Coach discuss wrestling “politics,” the creative chaos that comes with injuries and power plays, and why Heyman is the ultimate survivor in WWE.

• Who really benefits from the ESPN and Netflix deals?
• Coach advocates for a trickle-down approach: should WWE talent and staff receive bonuses?
• Vince ponders whether AEW could capitalize if WWE talent get underpaid.
• UFC pay structures discussed by Coach, with a comparison to WWE salaries—major reality check on earnings for top-to-mid level wrestlers and fighters.

• Teasers for upcoming live shows, thanks to an interactive audience, and reminders of the ever-changing landscape in sports entertainment business.