Steve Carrier on March 10, 2018
Russo is joined on today’s show by his co-host Jeff Lane and Glenn Gilbertti (Disco Inferno).
Lane opens today’s show by mentioning that Pro Wrestling Sheet’s Ryan Satin has gotten himself into some legal trouble with Lucha Underground. Satin published an article which released some details of Lucha Underground’s recent television tapings, and the company was not pleased with this. Satin refuses to stop posting such articles, pointing out that he didn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement with Lucha Underground.
Gilbertti thinks this is an intriguing story, and he’s interested to see where it goes. He doesn’t think Lucha Underground has a case against Satin because unlike the talent, Satin didn’t sign a contract himself. Russo is of the mindset that once a show is taped and live audience members saw it, it’s out there. When he worked for TNA and they taped shows he knew full well that the results of those shows might be spoiled before it aired on television.
Gillbertti points out that there’s a case to be made for both sides of this story. Spoilers could prevent people from watching, or it could make them excited enough about a certain episode that they might tune in.
Lane points out that there were sexual harassment allegations made against Jonathan Coachman this past week. Russo is somewhat concerned about this from WWE’s end. He points out that WWE issued a statement saying that they’re investigating this because they take such matters very seriously, but Coach continues to work on RAW each week. However, when similar allegations were directed towards Rich Swann and Enzo Amore, WWE was quick to let both of those men go.
Gilbertti points out that those allegations were directed at Swann and Amore while they were working for WWE. The allegations against Coach are from a time when he was working for ESPN, so they’re probably trying to get to the bottom of it before making a decision.
Lane mentions that Sami Callahan struck Eddie Edwards with a bat on a recent episode of IMPACT. Gilbertti points out that the spot was atrocious and it looked like a backyard wrestling spot. He points out that this was partly Edwards’ fault as well because he should have never put himself in that position.
He adds that Callahan is working this angle now, and so is the company. Several wrestling personalities have expressed their hatred of the spot, and Callihan has responded by playing the role of a pure heel on Twitter. Gilbertti points out that Callihan and IMPACT are trying to capitalize on the suspension of disbelief and he thinks that’s the right way to handle it.
Russo doesn’t understand why Callahan was using a real baseball bat. He points out that Sting’s WCW bats were always made of rubber so that they’d make a great sound, but if something went wrong it wouldn’t result in terrible injuries. He points out that in today’s wrestling environment where guys are reckless with spots, a real bat should never have been used.
Lane mentions that WWE’s version of the Final Deletion was taped late last week, and the rumour is that this footage will be used before WrestleMania. Gilbertti asked Jeremy Borash if he was involved in the development of the match, but he wouldn’t confirm if he was or not. Russo thinks Borash is definitely involved, and that’s probably why WWE hired him.
Lane points out that fans were angry about a quick Brock Lesnar/Kane match at a house show last week. Gilbertti wonders how long fans would have liked this to go. He points out that this just goes to show where fans’ suspension of disbelief is today. The matches are fake, so now fans are demanding long matches so they’ll “get their money’s worth”. He adds that if fans are complaining, there’s a good chance WWE did it right.
Gilbertti mentions that WWE has really hurt Nia Jax’s character recently by having her look weak and by showing her crying in the backstage area. He points out that if Jax were to take some time off and change her body, she’d be over huge when she comes back.
Russo speaks about the Jim Ross parody character that was shown in WCW shortly after his arrival there. He calls that idea horrible, and says he’s ashamed and embarrassed by it. He’s apologized to Ross several times and Ross has accepted his apology. He recalls sitting in a production meeting shortly after one of Ross’ episodes of Bells Palsy, and Vince McMahon put a paper in front of his face so Ross couldn’t see and proceeded to make fun of him.
Russo says that’s why when he sees Nakamura or Asuka cutting promos on WWE television he knows it’s only for McMahon’s entertainment.
That sums up today’s episode of Vince Russo’s The Brand. You can listen to the show yourself anytime here, and I’ll catch ya next week for another recap!
March 10, 2018 4:05 pm
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