In a special episode, host Brandon Contes interviews Dave LaGreca, co-founder and host of Busted Open on SiriusXM. With WrestleMania on the horizon, they delve into various topics, such as the limited buildup for non-main event WrestleMania matches, Cody Rhodes stepping up as the “Face of WWE,” the effectiveness of John Cena as a heel, and much more.
Here’s the complete breakdown:
- :52: Dave’s Las Vegas schedule
- 1:27: Being inducted to the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame
- 2:25: Envisioning HOF induction when Busted Open started?
- 2:54: Getting into radio
- 3:59: Dave’s brother Don in radio
- 4:47: First role at SiriusXM
- 5:03: Starting Busted Open
- 6:21: Getting bosses to believe in a wrestling show
- 7:15: Pro wrestling going mainstream
- 8:02: Busted Open being the most popular sports show on SiriusXM
- 9:32: Realizing when Busted Open became a hit?
- 10:10: Has the growth of Busted Open changed how Dave discusses pro wrestling?
- 10:46: Divide between WWE and AEW fans?
- 12:38: Is the pro wrestling audience large enough to be divided?
- 13:41: Do WWE and AEW embrace the divide?
- 14:21: Dave doesn’t see himself as a journalist
- 15:38: Interviewing a pro wrestler: as the person or the character?
- 16:59: Pro wrestling media scrums
- 19:13: Dave Meltzer’s contribution to pro wrestling
- 20:29: WrestleMania: the biggest pro wrestling event of the year
- 21:40: Dave’s favorite WrestleMania
- 22:35: What’s missing from this year’s WrestleMania build?
- 23:43: Surprised by John Cena’s heel turn?
- 24:25: Effectiveness of Cena’s heel turn?
- 24:50: Importance of Cody Rhodes as the good guy in making Cena a compelling heel
- 25:38: What makes Rhodes intriguing?
- 26:33: WWE flourishing without Vince McMahon
- 28:02: Possibility of McMahon’s return to WWE?
- 29:04: How should wrestling fans perceive McMahon?
- 30:26: Will McMahon stay involved in pro wrestling in some capacity?
- 31:08: A wrestler whose character surprised Dave by becoming popular?
- 31:48: A wrestler Dave expected to succeed but didn’t?
- 32:59: Pat McAfee and his influence on pro wrestling
- 34:30: Joe Tessitore’s role in WWE
- 35:07: Nick Khan’s impact on WWE
- 35:56: WWE distancing itself from PG ratings
- 36:40: Comparing the current era to the Attitude Era
- 39:10: Dave’s favorite wrestling era?
- 39:50: Predictions for WrestleMania: Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena?
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