Russo is joined on today’s show by his co-host, Jeff Lane, and Glenn Gilbertti (Disco Inferno).
Gilbertti says a lot of today’s dirt sheet writers view professional wrestling in a completely different way than fans did in years prior. He points out that they just sit and watch with their pens and paper and grade matches, instead of worrying about storylines and build-ups. Most of them think the business is in a great place right now when in reality it’s one of the worst periods ever.
He notes that today’s performers can’t even brawl. They can’t even have a believable street fight, and this is supposed to be the greatest generation of performers. Russo agrees with these points, adding that a lot of people urged him to watch NXT, but after watching he was dissapointed by the fact that they aren’t any storylines on that show either.
Lane points out that Lita spoke out against the Greatest Royal Rumble last week, calling it a conflict of interest on WWE’s part to work their while promoting women’s rights here in North America. Gilbertti doesn’t think it’s a big deal that the women can’t work these shows. He points out that WWE signed a massive 10-year deal to work 20 shows in Saudi Arabia, and that’s 20 shows that the women can’t work on. He doesn’t think that’s a big deal.
Gilbertti goes on to say that there are a plethora of female wrestlers on the show nowadays anyways, and he doesn’t think any of them can complain about a lack of television time. He adds that if WWE wants to empower their women that much they should just give them their own show.
Russo understands all of Gilbertti’s points, but adds that WWE always finds a way to get themselves in trouble with this type of thing. He considers WWE to be one of the worst PR companies in the world, and he doesn’t understand how they continue to make themselves look this poor in the public’s eye.
Lane points out that there’s a rumour circulating that Chris Jericho was pulled from the Casket Match with The Undertaker at the Greatest Royal Rumble after telling Vince McMahon that he planned on going back NJPW for another match in the near future. Russo doesn’t believe that story because he doesn’t think McMahon would have an issue with Jericho working another NJPW match. Gilbertti agrees, sensing that this is a false story.
Lane notes that Pro Wrestling Sheet’s Ryan Satin reported last week that Big Cass went against Vince McMahon’s order during a RAW segment last week, attacking a little person when McMahon specifically told him not to. Russo thinks this story is ridiculous and can’t imagine a scenario where Big Cass would intentionally go against McMahon’ orders, unless he doesn’t respect McMahon at all. Russo thinks Cass would have just been fired if there were any truth to this story at all.
Russo notes that Total Bellas revolves around John Cena, Daniel Bryan and the Bella sisters. He’s a fan of all four of those people, but it’s a turn off to him how they spend money. He’s surprised that WWE wants those stars to be shown in this light, since WWE has always been a blue collar company. Gilbertti disagrees entirely, noting that characters like Ric Flair and The Rock were built on luxury and they became massive stars.
Lane mentions that rumours are circulating that Hulk Hogan may soon be returning to WWE. Apparently WWE’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia stoked the fire to start up negotiations for a return. Gilbertti thinks Hogan will be back with WWE, and he’ll probably be wrestling at the next Saudi Arabia event. He adds that Hogan was ashamed and embarrassed for the last couple of years; there’s no need to continue to punish him forever.
Booker T also spoke out this past week, noting that he wants to see Hogan return. He credits Hogan for helping him get started in WCW years ago, and he thinks it’s time for Hogan to take his rightful place back in WWE. Russo notes that Booker T is a class act who always takes the high road in situations like this.
Lane informs that WWE promoted Impact’s streaming service during their newest episode of Table for 3, which caught a lot of people by surprise. Russo notes that maybe WWE’s funding Impact, similar to how they funded ECW back in the day.
Lane mentions that MMA fighter, Colby Covington called Ronda Rousey a mark this past week, adding that Rousey is hurting the chances of other MMA fighters who want to transition to WWE by acting like this. Gilbertti agrees with Covington in the sense that Rousey debuted in WWE acting like a mark. Russo notes that Shayna Bazsler in NXT is very believable with her MMA gimmick.
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 tomorrow for another recap!
