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Vince Russo Reveals…Everything!
The Top 101 Questions, Complaints & Attacks About Me
THE CLASSICS
1. What on earth were you thinking when you put the title on David Arquette!?
[Response here] WCW needed attention fast at the time because WWE was killing them in the ratings. It was an all-out publicity stunt that worked. Next day we were on the cover of USA Today, shortly after that David was talking about it on all the late night talk shows. We even were able to get Courtney Cox, Kevin Cosner and kurt Russell do a pre-tape for us with the belt—FREE OF CHARGE. You can read more about it on the website.
2. The only reason you did anything good in WWE was because Vince McMahon was your filter.
[Response here]A myth. While all the shows were bounced off Vince for final approval, Vince never changed what Ed and I wrote. He just “tweaked” some things within the segment. If Vince is “the filter”, than how do you explain where ratings are today, compared to when Ed and I were writing the show? And—the ratings have been in the 3-range since 2002.
3. You have no respect for the business!
[Response here]If I had no respect for it, would I have put 20 years in it? Really a foolish question.
4. You killed WCW!
[Response here]Yup, the 9 months that I was “actively” working there. What a great accomplishment, to take down Ted Turner in nine months all by my lonesome. Very proud of that. Another foolish, uneduacated remark made over the years. WCW closing shop was strictly a business decision that came from the top. Executives who jusy didn’t want to be in the wrestling business. Had nothing to do with what was being “written” on TV. That notion alone is a joke.
5. Fire Russo! [Clap. Clap. Clap clap clap.]
[Response here]Can’t wait to use that on a t-shirt. MONEY!!! First time that chant started it was with an electrified cage match that was ALEADY BOOKED by the creative team prior to me joining them. In other words—I had nothing to do with it.
6. What is your obsession with “on a pole” matches??? Judy Bagwell on a Pole Match!?
[Response here]There is no obsession. Never did pole matches more than I did cage matches, or anything else. Another foolish, unsubstancial myth created over the years.
JIM CORNETTE
7. Why does Jim Cornette hate you so much?
[Response here]Ask Jim Cornette, I’m sure he’ll be happy to tell you. I would think it all goes back to when he, Vince and I worked together, and Vince eventually chose me over Jim, making it a two-man creative team. That would be my guess.
8. Have you and Jim EVER gotten along?
[Response here) I thought we did when we first started working together. But again---you have to ask him.
9. What are YOUR true feelings on Jim as a person?
[Response here]I have no personal issues with him. Different strokes for different folks.I do know that Jim is VERY passionate about what he does—and I understand that.
10. What do you think of Jim Cornette’s career and his “mind for the business”?
[Response here]He has a great mind for the business, but, the business changes on a daily basis.
BASH AT THE BEACH 2000
11. First and foremost, how much of Beach ’00 was a shoot?
[Response here]Only part that was a “shoot”, was that I never let Jeff Jarrett know that it was a work.
12. Hulk Hogan ended up suing you for defamation? How did all of that end up?
[Response here]Got thrown out of 2 courts then died.
13. Take us through the rest of your night, from the second you walked through the curtain after shooting on Hogan, until you left the building. What was the backstage feeling like?
[Response here]It was business as usual for me, because it was all a work, like everything in wrestling is a work. So, there’s really nothing to talk about. It was really just another day at the office for me.
DAVID ARQUETTE
14. Who actually came up with the idea for David Arquette to win the World Title?
[Response here]Tony Schivone. You can read all about it on the website.
15. What was the backstage reaction by most wrestlers/staff after David Arquette won the World Title?
[Response here]Everybody thought it was great. Not one complaint—to me any way. All the boys liked David.
16. Explain the pros & cons of David Arquette winning the title.
[Response here]Pros—great publicity from USA Today, to Davis talking about it on late night talk shows, to Courtney, Kevin Cosner and Kurt Russell doing a pre-tape for us—for no charge—with the WCW World Title. Cons—having to hear people for the past 20 years who still don’t understand the business side of it.
BRET HART
17. Could you respond to this Bret Hart quote from 2009 (courtesy of Ministry of Slam radio show): “I think they should take Vince Russo and hang him by the neck somewhere in the back of the parking lot.”
[Response here]Had many conversations with Bret at WCW, never said anything like this to me. If Bret did indeed say it—than I don’t understand it. I think the world of Bret Hart. Keep in mind, many things have been said about me behind my back—never to my face—so it’s hard for me to really understand the reasoning behind it.
18. Why book a legitimately injured Bret Hart in a hardcore match with Terry Funk (this is right after Bret was kicked in the head by Goldberg)?
[Response here]I would never book anybody in a match that was hurt—if I was aware of it. Can’t remember back that far, but I’m sure Breat hadn’t spoke up about his injury yet.
19. What were your original plans with Bret Hart coming into WCW?
[Response herePut him high on the pedastal that he deserved to be on.
20. You once stated that you had a ton of respect for Bret Hart. Has that changed, professionally or personally, since hearing all of the negative stuff he's said about you?
[Response here]Not one bit.
OWEN HART/PIPER SHOOT
21. Did you know Roddy Piper was going to cut the promo in TNA and say what he said?
[Response here]I had no idea. I didn’t even know he was at the building.
22. Was it scripted for you to come out there?
[Response here]Not at all. Nobody knew I was coming out—including me. It was just a knee-jerk reaction on my part because I wanted Roddy to just stop talking.
23. How do you respond to Roddy Piper (and Jim Cornette) saying you caused Owen Hart’s death?
[Response here]That’s just sad. Really, really sad. Nobody wants to know the facts—here they are: the PPV was already written–there was NOTHING written in the format about Owen descending from the top of the arena. As I was at my desk finalizing the show, I received a called from Steve Taylor, who was head of building operations for the WWE at the time. Steve had been with the company since day 1. Steve told me that he had received a call from the company that descended Sting for WCW. He said that they were coming to the PPV, and they wanted to know if there was anything they could do, to show us how they work. As Steve spoke, I went up and down the format and saw Owen’s name. It ran through my head that it might be cool for Owen and his character to have a super hero entrance, and be descended from the top of the arena. So I suggested that to Steve—Steve said OK and called the company back. THAT’S HOW the situation went down. It was NEVER written into the show until I received that call from Steve. Nobody thought twice about it at the time. Owen NEVER even hinted that he had any issues with anything. As a matter of fact, I saw him that day after rehearsal. He said everything went fine, and he was just wondering if he could make his entrance first before the Godfather’s. I told him no problem–and that’s what we did. I loved Owen hart–LOVED HIM. have never worked with anyone else like him IN MY LIFE. For Piper and Cornette to make those comments is just DEMENTED and SICK. How anybody can even be capable of making those kind of statements is beyond me. But yet–I worked with Roddy after that at TNA, and he NEVER, NEVER said anything to my face. And, for the record–neither did Jim.
WCW – WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
24. Why did you book yourself to win the WCW World Championship?
[Response here]Just another week of TV. Was never a big deal to me, especially knowing I was going to relinquish it 3 days later.
25. Do you still have a WCW title belt hanging up in your office?
[Response here]I never had the belt in my possession after that TV was over.
26. Why did you book yourself as an on-screen character in WCW so much?
[Response here]Authority figure heads just seem to play big roles in the storyline. I hated being on TV–trust me.
27. Ric Flair doesn’t have kind words for you either when talking about his time working with you in WCW. What was your experience working with The Nature Boy?
[Response here]I loved every second of it. Again, while we worked together Ric never said ANYTHING negative about anything. It was HIS IDEA for me to shave his head. I gave his son, David, the most exposure he ever had in his career. We put his younger son Reed on TV. What more did Ric want? Again—nothing was ever said to me to my face by Ric—even when we worked together later at TNA.
28. Um, were you going to be revealed as the father of Stacy Keibler’s “baby”?
[Response here]No.
29. What was the plan for Keibler’s pregnancy and why was it scrapped without a reveal?
[Response here]It was supposed to be Rick. It was scrapped because I left.
30. Why on earth would you put a popular Booker T back in The Misfits as GI Bro!? Thank GOD it didn’t last that long!
[Response here]Booker brought the gimmick to my attention. He used to do it when he first started. Again–with 52 weeks of TV a year—you try new things.
31. Did you read the “Death of WCW” book? If so, what did you think about it?
[Response here]Why on God’s green earth would I read that?
32. You completely devalued Ric Flair’s infamous Figure 4 Leg Lock by staying in the hold longer than you ever should have during your cage match with him.
[Response here]Yup—I was in the figure four—and at the same time I was in charge of releasing the lever that would allow the “new blood” to shower him. I was in it so long because the tech was suppose to drop and blood and he waited FOREVER. was that my fault? Come on.
33. Did you lose your job as Head of Creative because you made Tank Abbott the World Champion?
[Response here]I never lost my job as Head of Creative–I had a contract. I decided to go home because I was sick and tired of certain people–JJ Dillon and Kevin Sullivan—politicing behind my back to gain power in the company. As far as I was concerned—if they wanted it that bad they could have it!
34. What were you thinking having Ric Flair buried in a desert, only to return to TV three months later to begin his feud with Terry Funk?
[Response here]I wish I could remember everything form 15 years back, but I can’t any more. But, I wasn’t the one who brought him back. They brought him back after I left.
35. It’s been said that your stint as head booker in WCW saw the PPV revenue cut in half within three months.
[Response here]I have no idea. I never knew what the PPV numbers were. Before I were to believe that—I’d like to see the numbers. AGAIN—I booked WCW for NINE MONTHS.
36. It’s been stated that you publicly claimed your booking of WCW wasn’t going to plan because Ted Turner prevented him from using angles calling women wrestlers fat. Is this true?
[Response here]That was one example. And it wasn’t a woman wrestler. It’s hysterical how these things just take on a life of their own over the years. Funny.
37. Why did you book Jeff Jarrett to the top of WCW for so long?
Because he was a great wrestler, could talk, get heat, and he was dependable.
38. Why did you book yourself as an on-screen character in WCW, and into programs with legends like Ric Flair?
[Response here]Because I’m an egomaniac who loves myself. You people have to stop it already. Again 52 WEEKS OF TV–that is A LOT of CONTENT!
39. How would you explain the “death of WCW”? What caused it in your mind, how bad was it in the end, etc.?
RACISM
40. You’re a racist!
[Response Here]Won’t even dignify that with a response.
41. Why did you hold Pope down in TNA? He was supposed to win the title at Lockdown and you threatened to leak insider information if they did it!
[Response here]Are you nuts? Ask D-Angelo himself about our relationship.
42. Defend your comments made to Ben Miller regarding Japanese wrestlers never being able to get over in America. This interview is where the “Vince Russo is a racist” stuff began! Your quote: “You will never ever, ever, ever, ever see the Japanese wrestler or the Mexican wrestler over in American mainstream wrestling.”
[Response here]I’ve answered this ONE MILLION TIMES. I said that it was difficult to get Japanese/Mexican wrestlers over because their was a language barrier, which made it difficult for the American fans to relate to them. Add to that the fact that most wear maskes, so it’s hard for them to get story across through facials. That’s what I said. How many foreign language speaking actors do you see on US Network television speaking their home language—SAME THING.
CHRISTIANITY
43. You only turned to Christianity because it “worked for Shawn Michaels”!
[Your Response]Sickening.
44. Was there a certain moment, event or experience that made you convert to Christianity?
Yes. God came and got me when I hir rock bottom. I wasn’t searching, or looking, for anything at the time—it just happened. Becoming a Christian changed me for the inside out. It literally saved my life at the time.
45. What is the difference between the Vince Russo “of old” and the “new” Vince Russo?
Even though I am human, with everything I say, and everything I do—I want it to be a refection of God. I want people to see God through me because I believe that is ALL our jobs here on earth. Sometimes it gets tough to watch every P and Q, but I do my best. In the past—I just always said what was on my mind—regardless. I never thought twicw about it.
46. What happened to your “Ring of Glory” promotion?
[Your Response]The two shows that I put on, were by far the two greatest experiences I have had in the wrestling business—nothing else comes even close, no WrestleMania—nothing. If it were up to me I would have never stopped doing them. After the second show, I just didn’t have the money needed to do a third.
TNA – WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
47. What on earth happened to the Samoe Joe kidnapping angle!?
Tell me and we’ll both know. Unfortunately for my critics–not my idea. I was just as perplexed as you. Still am.
48. Don’t you think you took Abyss’ character about a million times too far? (Shot his dad in the back three times, sent to prison, tried to made human by Sting, faced him in a casket match where the casket actually ROSE FROM THE RING – which prompted many “Fire Russo chants), he was unmasked, masked again, faced Judas Messias, could talk, got a girlfriend). K-I-S-S!
Just for the record, I wasn’t head of creative at that time. I just pitched ideas like everybody else. Some of those ideas were mine, some weren’t. For whatever reason, people just want to believe that every idea came from me—when the fact is I was working with others—whether it be Jeff Jarrett, Dutch Mantell, or Eric Bischoff at TNA. The only time I can honestly say I was responsible for EVERYTHING creative was my WWE run—when it was Ed and I and we were ALWAYS on the same page, my firt 3 months at WCW–before I was told I was now working with Eric Bischoff, and about 8 weeks at TNA between Jeff Jarrett leaving, and Eric Bischoff coming in. I was 100% responsible during those times—but, that was it. For the record, I take FULL CREDIT for the casket rising from the ring. It was just something new to try. Again—52 shows per year–NOT even including PPV.
49. Was it your idea to book yourself as an on-air camera so much in TNA?
No. Jeff Jarrett was in charge at creative at the time—not me. It was his company—not mine.
50. Did you leave because you couldn’t work with Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan?
No, there were many issues that I’m not at liberty to go into.
51. Did Kevin Nash refuse to put over the X-Division wrestlers?
No. Kevin was great with the X-Division wrestlers from what I saw. But, a lot of that was booked before I ever came back to TNA.
52. Why have a MMA-style match with AJ Styles and Frank Trigg, only for it to end in DQ?
Ask Christian Cage.
RANDOM HATERS
53. Kevin Kelly said you “spoiled the well” in TNA. What’s his beef with you?
How was the well spoiled when after Jeff Jarrett left, and I was given more creative power, the ratings/audience hit an all-time high at TNA. And, don’t get me wrong—Matt Conway who was working with me was a huge part of that. At one time we had over 2 million viewers. So, exactly what well Kevin is talking about I don’t know.
54. Mark Madden buries you constantly in his editorials on WrestleZone.com. What was your experience working with him in WCW and why does he bury you so much?
We had a great relationship. I think Mark talks to SHOCK people. Again, if he does indeed have a beef with me, he’s never said anything to my face. just from behind his computer where I guess anything goes.
55. JBL said you never liked him and Barry Windham when they were tagging together in WWE during your time there. He also said that you criticized his commentary because of his southern accent? Your response?
[Response here]I told them that I didn’t like the gimmick because I thought it may have been too regional. It was my job to be honest with the talent concerning my thoughts and opinions. If talent couldn’t handle my honesty—I apologize.
56. Mike Johnson and Dave Scherer of PWInsider.com do not like you, it appears? Why?
Maybe it’s because I had an interview set up with Mike after I left TNA. Then prior to the interview I had a conversation with Mike where he already seemed to know all the answers to the questions before even speaking to me. I told Mike that if he already had the answers—then there was no need in him interviewing me. So I canceled the interview. Dave? Dave is just another guy who writes whatever he wants to write about me without ever confronting me. That’s the power of the computer age . . . i guess.
57. Lance Storm said a couple of years ago that he was going to boycott TNA if you were not fired from TNA Creative (while you were still under contract). Is there anything personal between you and Storm that you’re aware of?
Not that I’m aware of. Maybe he didn’t like that I put all the World Titles on him when I was writing for WCW.
58. Remember Leilani Kai? Yeah…me neither. BUT…she clearly doesn’t like you (HERE’S WHY]. Your response?
I swear, this is the God’s honest truth—-maybe I’m going senile, but I don’t remember ever even working with LeiLani Kai—I swear to you.
59. You apparently stated in a recent shoot that a lot of the “Fire Russo!” chants in TNA were directed toward angles you had nothing to do with. You even mentioned that some of them were Dutch Mantel’s ideas. Dutch said in a recent shoot that your claims were “bullsh*t”, and that you should own up to your bad mistakes. Your response?
Whoever said that I said they were Dutch’s ideas—that’s about as BS as it gets. I would never put the heat on somebody else when it came to who came up with what, but, on the other hand, it’s hard to go down for the entire team when you are left to take the brunt of everything. The ELECTRIFIED CAGE was NOT my idea. It was already booked when I went back to TNA Creative. I will never point the finger at anuone concerning whose idea it was. I told you that the “rising casket” was mine, and the Al Snow/Boss Man fiasco was mine—IF it was mine—I have no problrm owning it. Joe in the van was not mine. The right thing to happen is for others to come forward, but if they chose not to—that’s on them.
WWE - WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?
60. You wrote for Mae Young to give birth to a hand!? One of the WORST ideas ever!
I was not even a part of WWE when that happened. I was long gone from the company. Must have been Vince “filtering” Vince.
61. Do you regret doing PMS? Even Terri Runnels said she “HATED” the angle and that it was cheap and ineffective.
I don’t even know what you’re talking about. I don’t recall anything about that. Terry and I had a great relationship God, I hope she hasn’t jumped on the “let’s blame Vince Russo for everything bandwagon”!
62. What is your memory of The Montreal Screwjob and what did you or didn’t you know about the plans before the match? What is your take on the whole situation, meaning: which side are you on?
The story is just too long to go into. It’s a whole chapter in one of my books. To this day, I think Vince did the right thing because at the end of the day, he was trying to protect his company. It’s not that Vince didn’t trust Bret, he didn’t trust Eric Bischoff who had just signed Bret to a contract. I suggested the finish that you saw to Vince, only after Vince had exhausted every other possible scenerio to Bret—that he turned down. A few days after the incident, I called Breat and tried to explain the situation to him. But again, despite our history, I stand behind Vince on that one.
63. Val Venis castration, super-soaker ejaculation – heck, the whole Val Venis character.
When I had to come up with a gimmick for Sean, he reminded me of a porn star. That simple.
64. How do you defend the incest angles you were rumored to be a part of - Stephanie & Vince, Ryan & Ken Shamrock, etc.?
Again, don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t involved in any of that.
PAUL HEYMAN AND ECW
65. The “Attitude Era” was a blatant ripoff of ECW!
Yeah, I hear that alot. I knew of ECW, and had maybe seen a handful of shows. No offense, but what they were doing at the time had no impact on me whatsover during the birth of the “Attitude Era”. Here’s a great story of how the “attitude Era” actually started. It was Vince’s birthday—I had to get him something. What do you buy a millionaire? So, I bought him a T-Shirt that said, “Keep your ATTITUDE to yourself—I have enough of my own.” That was literally weeks before the “Attitude Era” was born.
66. What did you think about the ECW product?
Of what I say, I loved that everybody on that roster seemed to give 100% all the time. I never saw anybody phone it in at ECW—never. That says quite a lot. I admired and respect Paul Heyman, even though I really didn’t know him at the time, because he was able to get all those guys to give him everything they had—every night. To me—that’s amazing.
67. What was your experience working with Paul Heyman?
Really never had the opportunity to work with him in a creative environment. We’ve had a few phone calls, her, and there—but that’s about it. I was really trying to get Paul to come into TNA at one point, but that just didn’t pan out. Unfortunate.
68. What is your reaction when you read/hear Heyman receive so much praise and being called a creative “genius”?
I think early on that Paul did a very smart thing by “working” with the “IWC”. I never did that, and maybe it was a mistake. But, it’s not that I didn’t do it because I didn’t care about them, it was more that I was just so focused on writing a show 52 weeks out of the year. Paul was smart to get the PR, I was just really concentrating on doing my job. It wasn’t my concern to get good publicity for the WWE. Other people were paid to do that.
THE DIRT SHEETS
69. How much of an influence have the dirt sheets had on your career?
ZERO on my writing. I also wrote what the fans dictated. If it was working, we went with it based on the ratings, if it wasn’t—we killed it. Personally? It’s been a horrible ride, horrible. I have never been around anything so negative in my life—and I’ve worked with some negative people trust me. There is just an overall feeling of “bitterness”, and I really don’t understand that—-you have to ask them. In my opinion, they should embrace the business if they truly love it—not bury it to get themselves over. That’s just my opinion.
70. What impact do you think the dirt sheets have had on the wrestling business as a whole?
They completely changed the business SINGLE HANDEDLY. They took it from kayefabe, to everybody knowing everything. Because of that—we had to change our philosophy because now===everybody knew everything.
71, Do you RESPECT the dirt sheets as a whole? Why or why not?
Very few members. Why? It’s real simple. out of all the BS said about me over the past 20 years, I can count maybe 1, or 2 instances where I was actually “contacted” for a response. They wrote whatever they wanted to write because there was no accountability. Just like they said a few weeks ago that I was under contract with TNA. Even with all the rumors concerning my status of late—NOBODY—has picked up the phone to ask ME. How can you respect that?
72. Do you read the dirt sheets? If so, any favorites?
Honestly? When I’m bored I’ll pop on. I like “wrestlezone” because to me, it is just the easiest to raed. I’m a visual guy as you can see by my website. I like pictures.
VINCE MCMAHON
73. What was the “real” Vince McMahon like?
WOW—not too many people know. When you get past all the layers, and there’s a level of trust, you see a Vince that very few see. A guy that never grew up, and was still a kid at heart in many aspects. That wasn’t a good thing—it was a great thing. I loved those times I got to spend with the unguarded Vince. I actually miss them.
74. What was it like writing television with Vince at his house?
Believe it, or not—it was fun and quite enjoyable. The atmospher, for me any way, was very relaxing. Never really felt much pressure. Maybe because back then everybody was on the same page.
75. Have you ever seen Vince vulnerable?
Very few times—very few. Vince is an extremely strong—emotionally—human being. Nothing scares him, he backs down from nothing. I can tell you that the days after Owen passed weren’t good for Vince. But, they weren’t good for anybody.
GIVE US MORE, VINCE!
76. Did anyone know you were thinking about leaving WWE for WCW?
Only one person—Jack Lanza. Jack was my mentor when I started at TV for the WWE. He taught me so much and I loved him for it. The night I was meeting with WCW, I called Jack and let him know because I thought it was the right thing to do. Jack supported my decision 100%, and that took a huge load of my shoulders. He never tried to talk me out of it. After I did live, I tried to call Jack again—but he never responded back to me. That’s the wrestling business, and that’s why it’s just so damn sad at times. I miss Jack Lanza—I miss him alot.
77. Do you ever regret leaving WWE for WCW?
Tough question. I have to go back to WHY I left. I was literally on the verge of a nervous breakdown at that point. Vince had added “Smackdown” without even talking to Ed and I about it, and the pressure, stress and work load just became to much to handle. You have to remember there weren’t 20 people writing TV back then—there was TWO—Ed Ferrara and myself. It was just too much.
78. Have you encountered a wrestler showing up at tapings or an event under the influence of drugs or some other altering substance? If so, how did you handle it?
You know, having never been on any type of drug, or drugs, I never like to accuse anybody because I never really had any experiences with them myself—so you just don’t know. Usually, if there was a concern, I would ask one of the boys to talk to that individual and let me know. They were always honest with me when it came to that.
79. Do you have any pet peeves when it comes to pro wrestling?
YES—naking referees look STUPID. I think that is ridiculous in 2014. There is NO EXCUSE for it—ZERO. I also hate when storylines, angles, characters, aren’t followed theough with. Another huge pet peeve of mine is when characters don’t stay true to THEMSELVES–meaning atht will do things that in retrospect their characters would never do. DRIVES ME CRAZY!!!
80. Jerry Jarrett isn’t your biggest fan, as evident in his book. What are your feelings toward Jerry and his beef toward you?
I just think that Jerry may have been a bit jelaous because of my realtionship with Jeff at the time. Jeff and Jerry never really got along like a father and son, and there I was right in the middle—”the friend”. I have no issues with Jerry at all, I know that he doesn’t care for me, but there’s not much I can do about that.
81. Were you ever intimidated by any wrestlers you worked with? If so, who?
This is weird—yes. The only person that I ALWAYS felt a bit intimadted by was Kevin Nash. I’ve never said that to anybody before—including Kevin. The truth is—I could never put my finger on it. Kevin and i always got along, never had an argument, but for some reason he just intimidate me. Maybe it was that combo anf just being an phyical opposing force—while being extremly intelligent at the same time.
82. Were you ever physically threatened by any wrestlers?
Yes. Shawn threatened me once by saying, “I know I can take you”, which was his “funny” way of threatening me, and Goldberg made me feel uneasy once. That’s about it, and that’s ridiculous on all our parts because at the end of the day it’s just business—nothing is personal.
83. What would you be doing if you never got into the wrestling business?
WOW! That’s a great question. Ten years ago I would have gone into the ministry. I even took some classes at Denver Seminary, but before that? I have no idea. Pretty sure that it would have involved entertainment/writing though.
84. How would you sum up your WCW experience in hindsight?
Just a bad situation. You have to understand, at WWE, I was 100% protected by Vince. I was his golden goose and NOBODY screwed with me because they were afraid of him. That allowed me to concentrate 100% on the writing of the show. the minute I walked into the WCW locker room—I had a HUGE bullseye on my chest. Various people were looking to take me down–ESPECIALLY—because I believed in pushing the younger talent at the time. Because of that I always had to have eyes in the back of my head—that took away from me writing the best product that I could.
85. What are your thoughts on Eric Bischoff and what was it like working with him in WCW and TNA?
This is a tough question. The funny thing is that deep down inside I like Eric Bischoff, I do, and I think both Eric and I really tried hard to get along—I mean really tried. I can even remember that when I first started working with Eric, he got me, and my family front row passes to an Elton John concert at the Phillips Arena through his partnet Jason Hervey. I’ll never forget that. But—at the end of the day we are just so different—I mean, completely different. And, on two occassions I guess you can say we were forced to work together, when it wasn’t organic. We had to work at it every day. BUT—I admire the h*** out of him. What he’s done in his career—I envy. I have nothing bad to say about Eric—nothing.
86. How would you compare your personal experiences working with, an the differences between both, Vince McMahon vs Dixie Carter?
You can’t compare the two. I mean, who had Vince’s experience when it comes to wrestling—nobody alive. BUT, on the other side of that coin—who has Dixie Carter’s heart? I know Vince doesn’t. Dixie cared about me, as a person, more than anybody else ever did in the business. That meant everything to me, and that made me want to give her everything I had—every day I worked with her. Just two completely different human beings.
87. What is something that wrestlers, wrestling fans, and the like would find VERY surprising to know about Vince Russo, professionally and/or personally?
Two things—professionally—I’ve always taken my job–as a JOB. Nothing more, nothing less. I treated my position to the best of my capabilities 100% of the time. Personally? I’m a huge—over the top—Rihanna mark
REGRETS…I’VE MADE A FEW
88. Do you regret anything you’ve ever done in the pro wrestling business? If so, what?
I regret not standing up for myself more. I regret keeping my mouth shut and taking every barb and criticism that was thrown my way. I regret allowing myself to be the whipping boy for everything. But as I said earlier—on many occassions I have chosen to eat ****, because there was/is a higher power that I have to answer to.
89. Are there ANY creative decisions you made that you’re willing to admit were simply bad? If so, which ones stand out?
I think I’ve already stated a few—rising casket with Abyss/Sting, dog kennel match BossMan ?Al Snow. Those two come to mind. I’m telling you, I wrote so many shows that they just came and went so fast—I really don’t remember much.
90. If you knew then the backlash you would constantly receive for putting the title on Arquette, would you honestly still have done it?
Yes. To this very day I think it was a good idea. Sorry.
91. Even further, if you knew then what you know now, would you have ever gotten into the wrestling business at all?
No, I wouldn’t have. There has been more heartache than joy—by far. It’s a dirt business, with a lot of dirty players. Much of it was not fun for me, but, it was a job and how I made a living.
92. On the opposite side of the “regret” coin, what are the things you’ve done in the pro wrestling business that you are most proud of?
Yes, that along with Ed Ferrara, we were responsible for writing television shows that brought the greatest ratings ever recorded—to professional wrestling. And, like Joe DiMaggio’s 56 game hitting streak—I don’t think that will ever be broken. If somebody comes along that’s better—I’ll be the first one in line to shake his hand. Arrogant? Maybe. True? Absolutely.
YOUR LEGACY
93. Do you care about your “legacy” and what people think about your career?
No, but I care about what people think about ME. Being a Christian that is important to me because I want to lead by example.
94. What do you “want” to be remembered for when people think of Vince Russo?
A guy who worked harder than everybody else, and never—NEVER gave less than 110%. A guy who wasn’t afraid to take chances, because it was never in me to play it safe. And, that’s what you see a lot with today’s product—they’re playing it safe. I don’t believe you’re ever going to grow your business if you take that route.
95. Do you think your legacy — or the way people sum up your career — will ultimately be a positive one years from now, or do you fear a handful of things (ex: Arquette) will always overshadow the good things you contributed?
You know, I really hate to say this—but, I’m proud to say that while he was alive, I was a friend of the Warrior’s. The truth is, that many of the people who put him over NOW—wouldn’t even give him the time of day when I was working with him—that is the truth—sorry. Now, in his passing, he was “the greatest guy that ever lived”! So yeah—-I guess I will be too. Sad.
96. If’s pretty safe to say that in the history of the pro wrestling business, you are easily in the Top 10 — maybe even Top 5 “Most Hated” individuals in the industry. How does that make you feel and how would you respond to that?
people hate me because they hated my “character” on TV. When I was on WCW, everybody bought into that brash New Yawker being who I really was. THAT is when the heat started. There was no heat on me when I was in the WWE, even though the “critics” were ripping the product when we were doing 6′s. My name was very rarely mentioned. But, once I went public on TV—that all changed. I literally had to tell people who would stop me in the mall when I was with my family—and cut a promo on me—-that it was FAKE, and that I “really” wasn’t that guy. To this day, many people still believe that I’m “that guy”. Well, I’m not that guy—and I never was.
97. Do you consider yourself a “victim” of false accusations, misinformed people, personal agendas against you, ect., and do you ever say to yourself, “This just isn’t fair”?
The answer s YES. But, what really is far in life? I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t hurt at times. I gave everything I had to the wrestling business—EVERYTHING—and in some instances I paid dearly for it. To this very day, I’ll never forgive myself for missing my son Will’s first home run. That has stayed with me to this day and he is 27 years-old now. The time I spebt away from my wife, Amy, while she was actually raising 3 kids on her own, becausr her famioly lived a thousand miles a way. She married me, and came with me to New York, leaving everything behind, and in a way I abanoned her. I hate myself for that. And honestly—I olook at it and what did I get in return? I’ve dealt with depressionfor 2 decades because of the wrestling business—so—you have to ask yourself “why”? But the answer to that question is the people who are reading THIS. The people who supported me from day one, and never left becausr they “got it”. That is the payoff I have today, and without them . . . I just don’t know.
YOUR FUTURE
98. What the HECK is this “Pyro and Ballyhoo” shenanigans, bro!?
It’s my passion. truly writing about the THINGS I want to write about. Saying everything I want to say without pulling any punches. Just having the complete freedom to finally be ME. I think that’s all I’ve strived for, for all these years. Just doing what makes ME happy, without anybody else telling me what makes THEM happy. Throughout my career, I was ALWAYS catering to somebody–the fans, the brass, the Network–Pyro and Ballyhoo gives me the complete freedom to just be me.
99. What do you see in your future as far as pro wrestling is concerned?
I don’t know. I don’t think about it. I love what I’m doing now perhaps more than anything else I’ve ever done. But, I’m open. If somebody approaches me, and RESPECTS me for what I’ve accomplished in this business, and I can help them in anyway—who knows? First and foremost I’ve been a lifelong fan of this business—I want to see it thrive again, I really do, so if anybody thinks I can help them with that—-I’d listen to what they had to say.
100. Where do you want to be in life 10 years from now?
Enjoying grand kids. Enjoying my wife. Letting go of all I’ve been consumed with my whole life. Having nothing on my mind—NOTHING. Just complete peace.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST…
101. What will it read on your tombstone?
“ARQUETTE KILLED RUSSO”. I just popped myself HUGE!!!
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