01:47 – 03:39 | Ticket Prices, TKO Era, and Hidden Fees Anthony breaks down the dramatic rise in wrestling ticket prices since the TKO era, including the impact of fees and taxes, and how attending live events has become more expensive. 03:39 – 06:00 | The Cost of Entertainment & International Comparisons Joe and Anthony share stories about the rising costs of entertainment, including ATM fees in the US and abroad, and how price gouging is everywhere. 06:00 – 10:39 | Toy Collecting, Wrestling Figures, and AEW Merch Anthony recounts stories about rare wrestling toys, the decline in value of AEW merchandise, and the changing landscape of collectibles. The hosts discuss the local comic shop scene and the fate of AEW action figures. 10:39 – 13:36 | MVP’s Critique of Wrestling Journalism Anthony plays a clip of MVP criticizing wrestling journalism, star ratings, and the disconnect between wrestlers and the media. The hosts analyze MVP’s points and the ongoing debate about wrestling coverage. 13:36 – 22:00 | AEW’s Young Talent, Veteran Advice, and Industry Frustrations A deep dive into the challenges of getting younger wrestlers to heed veteran advice, the career prospects of AEW stars, and the realities of aging in the business. The hosts debate whether it’s worth trying to change the culture. 22:00 – 25:00 | Billy Gunn, Longevity, and the Next Generation Anthony and Joe discuss Billy Gunn’s career after 60, his approach to wrestling, and the prospects for his sons in WWE. 25:00 – 28:00 | Andrade, Non-Competes, and Wrestling Contracts The conversation shifts to Andrade’s career moves, the complexities of non-compete clauses, and the peculiarities of wrestling contracts. 28:00 – 32:00 | Vince Russo, NWA, and Wrestling’s Old Guard A humorous look at Vince Russo’s potential influence on NWA, the tropes he might bring, and the generational divide in wrestling creative. 32:00 – 36:00 | Goldberg’s Streak, Legacy, and Retirement Anthony and Joe analyze Goldberg’s recent interview, his obsession with his win streak, and the broader implications for wrestling legacies. 36:00 – 39:00 | Nakamura’s Ambitions, Foreign Heels, and WWE Storylines Discussion of Shinsuke Nakamura’s goal to become WWE champion, the “foreign heel” trope, and how classic wrestling storylines could be updated for today. 39:00 – End (~1:05:17) | Closing Thoughts, Shoutouts, and Sign-Off Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wrestling-soup--1425249/support.
