An Open Letter From Vince Russo

[Guest cue_meanie]

AN OPEN LETTER TO MAYBE ONE PERSON THAT WILL LISTEN

I’ve just seen it too many times. . .and every time it breaks my heart even more.

 

Maybe some will disagree with what I’m about to write, but as a caring human being—I feel it’s my responsibility. I’ve been involved in the sports/entertainment/wrestling business for over 10 years now—and as you can imagine—I’ve seen, and been through it all. Some like me, some can’t stand me, but that’s OK—it all comes with the job. I try to make it a habit to be the “Teflon Man” and just let things slide right off --but on this occasion—I can’t.

 

It’s common knowledge to those that knew, but “Miss" Elizabeth, as she always was to me, wasn’t a big fan of mine. We had some differences when it came to business, and that’s just part of the territory. Even though I’m sure Liz never knew it—I was a big fan of hers. From that one “unforgettable” spot at SummerSlam at MSG back in the 80’s I was hooked. She was a class act—and the ultimate “Diva” before “Diva” was in.

 

But this open letter isn’t a tribute to Liz. Yes, I’m deeply sorry that I never took the time to tell her that she had such a big influence on me in the business—but there’s nothing I can do about that now. But maybe—there’s something I can do for somebody else in the future.

 

As an outsider looking in, and never being “one of the boys”, I’ve always been distraught over the drug abuse that goes with our business. Prescription, or not, drugs are being abused—not only every day. . .but every second. Nobody has done a damn thing about this—and it sickens me. How many wives are going to have to lose a husband, or children lose a parent before something is done? It seems as if every week somebody I worked with, somebody I cared about, is just gone in the prime of their life.

 

And I always get the same answer as to why. Due to a year-round schedule the boys are constantly asked to go above and beyond the call of duty. And they do—they’re the boys—but the price they’re paying is becoming deadly. With pain comes pills and with pills come addiction. It’s just the nature of the beast. No—I haven’t been there so I don’t know—but what I do know is this—NOTHING—NOTHING is worth your life. Not a payday—not a main event—not even “icon” status.

 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—this business is the coldest and harshest business I’ve ever been involved in. One day your phone is ringing of the hook—the next day they won’t even allow you to put up the ring. But—the bottom line is this. When the glory is gone—and that spotlight goes out—all you have is your family. In the end nothing else matters, not how many houses you sold out, not how many pay-per-views you headlined, not how much money you made—NOTHING.

 

The question is—do you want to be there for them?

 

Think about that before you take your next pill.

 

Hate me if you will—but somebody had to say something.

 

Vince Russo

 

credit: 1popup.com

[Guest Steviekick]

He did have a few good points in there.

[Guest Downhome]

I've always liked the guy, other than his booking mistakes in the past. Great read, thanks. It's too bad Vince McMahon doesn't feel as strongly about this than he does.

[Guest nikowwf]

How exactly does he feel stronger than Vince does? By writing a letter? Is he going to fire any wrestlers he sees on drugs? Is he going to use them less so they don't get as hurt? is he going to do ANYTHING except writing this letter?

 

i think its hypocritical more than anything else.

 

niko

[Guest cue_meanie]

At Least he's saying something about, and I've never seen Vinnie Ru get indicted for pilfering this crap on his entire roster before.

[Guest Downhome]

It's more than Vince does apparently, and that's a start. Fuck it, Vince GAVE it to his wrestlers in the past, and God knows if it goes on today or not in any way. If more "in power" in Pro. Wrestling spoke out against drugs, then perhaps we could really change the way things are.

[Guest Nanks]

Well, doesn't Juvi have some kind of drug problem?? The match he worked with Jerry Lynn was fuckin' good and he was hella over, yet we've not seen him since, could this be the reason?? Perhaps Vince told him he wasn't going to get any work if he couldn't prove himself to be clean. Just an idea, but I have to say, Vinnie Ru is really echoing my own sentiments here.

[Guest The Son of Sting]

Juvi not being brought back was to do with Lynn.

[Guest nikowwf]

If Vince Mac right now gave the same speech Vince Ru gave, it would mean nothing unless he followed it up with action. Sentiments are wonderful, but if you are in power (like Russo is) and you don't follow it with actions, its ultimately pointless.

 

Russo loves gimmick matches regardless of the danger factor, I've seen him book injured guys in spots they shouldn't be taken (people with concussions getting hit too many times, etc.), and I don't think NWA/TNA is going to not book someone with possible substance problems. Think about it, they are reaching out to Jeff Hardy who the WWE released FOR substance abuse problems.

 

Empty words and crocodile tears are all Vince Russo is offering here. Don't get me wrong, WWE is just as bad if not worse cause what they do is on a larger scale.

 

niko

[TheOriginalOrangeGoblin]

Yah Russo booked Bret Hart to get powerbombed by Sid twice after suffering 3 concussions from Goldberg.

 

And I agree with everything Russo said BUT it's not gonna chnage. Like it or not it's nearly impossible to kill all drug use in wrestling.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

It's the dirtiest secret in professional wrestling and the media shrugs it off because wrestlers are seen just above Circus Freaks and just below Sweatshop workers.

[King Cucaracha]

Yah Russo booked Bret Hart to get powerbombed by Sid twice after suffering 3 concussions from Goldberg.

 

And I agree with everything Russo said BUT it's not gonna chnage. Like it or not it's nearly impossible to kill all drug use in wrestling.

Boy, was I waiting for something like that. Hate Russo + hate Goldberg + love Bret = that.

 

And I don't think Russo has the power to fire people from NWA TNA...I doubt he had the power to fire anyone in WCW without Bischoff's approval. It sure wasn't just his own decision I can gaurantee that. Russo doesn't own TNA...Jerry Jarrett does.

 

I don't mind Russo...I'm not saying he hasn't made some GOD AWFUL decisions in his tenure. And well, no-one's gonna change the drug policy in wrestling totally...which is a sad thing.

[Guest buffybeast]

It's to Vince Mcmahon's benefit to turn a blind eye to drug use in his company. I suspect that as long as the problem is kept in check by the performers, Vince doesn't give a shit. When the problem becomes out of hand and begins to effect the wrestlers work, ala Jeff Hardy, then he gets involved. Sad but true.

[Guest NoSelfWorth]

I think this is just Russo trying to get himself over.

[Guest AndrewTS]

Yah Russo booked Bret Hart to get powerbombed by Sid twice after suffering 3 concussions from Goldberg.

 

And I agree with everything Russo said BUT it's not gonna chnage. Like it or not it's nearly impossible to kill all drug use in wrestling.

Boy, was I waiting for something like that. Hate Russo + hate Goldberg + love Bret = that.

That was just stating a fact, I don't see any Goldberg/Russo hate or Bret love there. It's just an example of Bret being booked to do something he really shouldn't have after the concussions.

 

Bret doesn't seem too bitter about that match, but he basically says Goldberg is sloppy and should be more concerned with his opponent's welfare, instead of just getting so absorbed in himself.

[Guest Eagan469]

I don't have anything against Russo -

 

yes, he seriously fucked up WCW, but look what he had to work with

[Guest Trivia247]

even in the WWE, you be able to get what you considered the little people fired off the show

 

Jeff Hardy

 

Regal in his late 98 push

 

but if you let your Main eventers use unabated then no one will take you seriously because you are more worried about your product than the conditions of your workers.

[Guest NoSelfWorth]

I don't have anything against Russo -

 

yes, he seriously fucked up WCW, but look what he had to work with

A host of talented cruiserweights. Jushin Liger, Great Muta, established stars, young talent he was willing and able to push. I can see how he screwed up with shit like that.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

I think this is just Russo trying to get himself over.

 

I think that is a valid point. I'm not saying that Russo isn't truthful in what he says, because he's right on the money, but I'd say that there was a lil bit more motivation to this than just raising awareness. Why now? Why not after Hennig or Bulldog?

[Guest NoSelfWorth]

I think this is just Russo trying to get himself over.

 

I think that is a valid point. I'm not saying that Russo isn't truthful in what he says, because he's right on the money, but I'd say that there was a lil bit more motivation to this than just raising awareness. Why now? Why not after Hennig or Bulldog?

And remember, he used Hennig's name in his 'retirement' angle in NWA:TNA. Russo isn't above using the dead to try and get over.

[Guest geniusMoment]

Guess what jackasses Russo didn't know Bret had a concussion. Blame the doctors, who didn't diagnose one till too late. God your hate blinds you causing stupidity to run rampant.

[Guest bravesfan]

I don't have anything against Russo -

 

yes, he seriously fucked up WCW, but look what he had to work with

A host of talented cruiserweights. Jushin Liger, Great Muta, established stars, young talent he was willing and able to push. I can see how he screwed up with shit like that.

...AND the tier of main-eventers with iron-clad guaranteed contracts.

 

...AND the problem with upper-mid-carders and main-eventers refusing to job to the new breed of home-grown stars.

 

...AND the fact that with each new star he had a hand in pushing (NBT, Team Canada, the influx of cruisers nearing the end), an established star went behind his back to argue with Bischoff or a WCW executive to keep their heat.

 

You forgot about those.

 

 

EDIT: This was an intended attempt at sarcasm.

Edited May 9, 2003 by bravesfan

[Guest Zack Malibu]

I just LOVE how a thread about someone saying something worth saying got turned into more Russo-bashing here.

 

Fuck what he's done with the book. Personally, I LIKE a lot of shit he's done.

 

But this thread is about drug use in wrestling, and he's got one step above everybody else who lets it take place without speaking up. Give the guy some credit.

[Guest LuisKero]

Never thought id say it but i agree with what he says..

[Guest Cerebus]

Eloquent and classy...if only his booking had been the same...

[Guest EN090]

I just LOVE how a thread about someone saying something worth saying got turned into more Russo-bashing here.

 

Fuck what he's done with the book. Personally, I LIKE a lot of shit he's done.

 

But this thread is about drug use in wrestling, and he's got one step above everybody else who lets it take place without speaking up. Give the guy some credit.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth, Zack.

[Guest gwf0704]

Agree with Russo's take on the matter...

[Guest Slapnuts00]

Um, is it just me but he isnt saying anything! I mean, yeah he says the drug use is bad, and needs to stop since its taking a toll on lives, then again he admits that they feel the need to take the pain pills and steroids because of ther reigorous schedual and need for a push. But he doesn't offer a solution. He says family is more important, but they can't just give up on their proffesion. It would be impossible to go on with the same schedual and life on the road taking bumps without the drugs, so what's the solution? Cutting back ring time? (Russo advocates that) How about cutting back dates like eliminating house shows?

I know the sentiments are good, but its not like Russo penned some great insight or anything. He's stating the obvious, everyone with a brain knows the drugs use is rampant and needs to stop, but the fact that it contibues anyway is a testament to its need because of the pain and stress involved in wrestling almost every day.

[Guest RavishingRickRudo]

I think we all agree that Russo is right in this issue - it's just some of us question his motivation.

[Guest Max Danger]

It would be impossible to go on with the same schedual and life on the road taking bumps without the drugs, so what's the solution?

Doesn't Lance Storm not take painkillers? I'm pretty sure I've read that he's completely clean from everything like that. *shrug* Just saying it is possible to work their schedule and not need the pills.