Vince Russo

Writing

Vince Russo

Born 1961-01-24 · Long Island, New York, USA

Vincent James Russo is an American professional wrestling writer, booker and pundit. He is notable for his tenures with WWE, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) in creative roles. He also occasionally made appearances as an on-screen authority figure, and professional wrestler, in WCW and TNA. Russo's writing style often blurred the lines between reality and fiction, while also favoring elements such as shock twists, grand moments and larger-than-life characters over in-ring action, which made him a controversial figure amongst certain wrestling fans. Russo was head of the WWE's creative department during the widely acclaimed 'Attitude Era', during which the company achieved record high television ratings. During a self-booked in-ring career in WCW, Russo became a one-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and scored televised singles victories over future WWE Hall of Famers Ric Flair and Booker T (the latter to win his world title).

Acting credits

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows poster
7.5

This documentary follows superstar Bret Hart during his last year in the WWF. The film documents the tensions that resulted in The Montreal Screwjob, one of the most controversial events in the history of professional wrestling, in which Vince McMahon, Shawn Micheals, and others, legitimately conspired behind the scenes to go against the script and remove Bret Hart as champion.

Hitman Hart: Wrestling with Shadows

1998

Beyond the Mat poster
7.3

A heartfelt documentary focusing on the day-to-day lives of professional wrestlers, some on the rise, some on the wane, and others fighting for their lives.

Beyond the Mat

1999

You Cannot Kill David Arquette poster
6.7

Following his infamous championship as part of a marketing stunt for the film Ready to Rumble, David Arquette is widely known as the most hated man in pro-wrestling worldwide. Nearly 20 years after he "won" the initial title, through ups and downs in his career, with his family, and with his struggles with addiction, David Arquette seeks redemption by returning to the ring...for real this time.

You Cannot Kill David Arquette

2020

Jeff Jarrett: King of the Mountain poster
10.0

Founder of TNA Wrestling, Jeff Jarrett has become a legend in pro wrestling both inside and outside of the ring. In this four disc set, TNA Home Video chronicles the life and story of Jeff Jarrett: King of the Mountain. See it all as Jeff begins his wrestling career, talks about starting TNA Wrestling and endures the hardship of losing his wife. This set includes a special bonus disc with rare unreleased matches from Jeff's early days.

Jeff Jarrett: King of the Mountain

2009

The Rise & Fall of WCW poster
7.2

WCW grew out of a southern promotion, into a giant that battled World Wrestling Entertainment every Monday Night. For the first time ever, the complete story of World Championship Wrestling, from Ted Turner’s purchase and entry into the world of professional wrestling, through the Monday Night Wars, and the company’s eventual collapse.

The Rise & Fall of WCW

2009

The Rise & Fall of WCW poster
7.2

WCW grew out of a southern promotion, into a giant that battled World Wrestling Entertainment every Monday Night. For the first time ever, the complete story of World Championship Wrestling, from Ted Turner’s purchase and entry into the world of professional wrestling, through the Monday Night Wars, and the company’s eventual collapse.

The Rise & Fall of WCW

2009

WCW New Blood Rising poster
7.0

The New Blood is on the rise. Booker T puts the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line as he faces Jeff Jarrett. Kevin Nash, Goldberg and Scott Steiner clash in a Triple Threat Match. Lance Storm defends the United States Championship against Mike Awesome. Plus, Sting, The Great Muta and more.

WCW New Blood Rising

2000

TNA Victory Road 2004 poster
7.0

TNA debuts on monthly PPV with a three hour supercard from Orlando, FL. that features Jeff Jarrett vs. Jeff Hardy in a ladder match for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, AJ Styles challenges Petey Williams for the X-Division championship while Abyss, Monty Brown and Raven go to war in the inaugural Monsters Ball match.

TNA Victory Road 2004

2004

YouShoot Live: Vince Russo poster
NR

After leaving TNA in 2012, Vince Russo was laying low. Out of the limelight, he only became more of a mythic figure to smart fans. Here is his first public appearance after that…where he answers all of your most pressing questions!

YouShoot Live: Vince Russo

2012

WCW Slamboree 2000 poster
10.0

Jeff Jarrett, David Arquette, and Diamond Dallas Page compete in a Ready to Rumble Cage Match with the WCW World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Hulk Hogan battles Billy Kidman. Shane Douglas takes on Ric Flair. Sting faces Vampiro. Plus, Terry Funk, Chris Candido and more.

WCW Slamboree 2000

2000

Vice Versa: Chyna poster
7.8

The rise and fall of wrestler Joanie Chyna Laurer, whose life was cut short in 2016. Her contributions to the WWE business and her pioneering work and her gripping tale of the "comeback" starting in 2015.

Vice Versa: Chyna

2021

Breaking Kayfabe with Vince Russo poster
NR

One of the most maligned, controversial figures to ever enter the pro wrestling game has agreed to open up all aspects of his life for you to examine. In this edition of the probing Breaking Kayfabe series, Vince Russo sits across from Sean and takes part in a nearly two and a half hour exploration of what makes Russo who he is. In the spirit of all editions of this series, we go deep inside our guest and try to root out the causes for the things he’s done and said. You may know what Vince Russo has done, but we are pretty sure you don’t know the man. From his childhood to his faith, Sean explores the positives and negatives and won’t drop the issue until we have the answers on issues ranging from his views on women’s roles to today’s wrestling fans. It’s part therapy, part interview, all shoot. It’s another Breaking Kayfabe.

Breaking Kayfabe with Vince Russo

2018

The Nine Lives of Vince McMahon poster
4.3

A Vice documentary look into Vince McMahon’s role in the world of wrestling.

The Nine Lives of Vince McMahon

2022

Timeline The History of WWE – 1998 – As Told By Vince Russo poster
NR

The Attitude Era has become a benchmark in WWE history, universally agreed to signify one of the most successful eras in the company’s history. This year would rivet us to TVs, eagerly awaiting Stone Cold’s next move against his nemesis and chess master Mr. McMahon. ‘Smart marks’ would just as eagerly await the Tuesday morning ratings. So as seemingly everyone was awaiting something, our guest for this edition of Timeline was trenched down with Vince McMahon, busy helping create what would shock us next Monday. Join WWE’s former head writer Vince Russo and head inside the locker rooms, writing meetings, and everywhere else once restricted and relive the era that breathed new life into wrestling’s biggest company.

Timeline The History of WWE – 1998 – As Told By Vince Russo

2016

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 3: One on One with Vince & Ed poster
NR

Pro wrestling writers and Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara host this inside look at the history, drama, scandal and controversy of the WWF, WCW, and TNA. In Volume 3, the duo reveals their thoughts on the influence of the ECW and the negative impact of the WWF's purchase of the WCW. The writers also share their forecasts on the future of professional wrestling and open up about the TNA promotion and the differences between the TNA and the WWE.

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 3: One on One with Vince & Ed

2005

Timeline: The History of WCW – 2000 – As Told By Vince Russo poster
NR

There has never been another name in pro wrestling that has sparked so much debate. Savior? Provocateur? Whatever you think, he was behind the most talked about moments in a wrestling ring. And now he’s here to take you through a first-hand account of the most rocky time in WCW’s history. In what Vince has declared his last wrestling interview, he has nothing to lose in setting the record straight on many issues he’s never been able to be open and honest about…until now. Vince tackles the tough stuff head on, and lets you inside the meetings and arguments inside WCW, as the ratings war was winding down. As Russo came into WCW with great hopes, he also realized there was a target on his back from day one. Did he ever really have a shot? They didn’t realize it, but he heard their whipsers around ever corner. WCW 2000…from the only man that can tell it!

Timeline: The History of WCW – 2000 – As Told By Vince Russo

2013

Guest Booker with Vince Russo poster
NR

It’s notable that the man whose booking was in part responsible for one of the biggest boom periods in wrestling, had nothing to do with wrestling’s most hotly anticipated angles. Vince Russo was already gone when the WWE completed its purchase of WCW and planned to integrate the talent and history of the WCW and NWA. Many feel WWE dropped the ball on this opportunity. What would Russo have done? The most controversial figure in pro wrestling in the last 15 years was not known for being in the ring or on camera. Russo was a writer and his decisions sparked passionate debate, wild ratings points, and hatred. Well now, we profile the creative mind of the most polarizing off-camera wrestling figure ever, and we have him bring his unique philosophies and techniques to the WCW Invasion angle. Love him, hate him…if you were running a federation, chances are you’d want him! For the first time, watch Vince Russo weave angles over the weeks and months after the WCW purchase.

Guest Booker with Vince Russo

WWE: Unauthorized poster
NR

WWE: Unauthorized provides a rare look at the empire Vince McMahon Jr. built by interviewing the wrestlers, writers, and wacky fans that provide the fuel for the most explosive show on television. We sit down with Vince Russo, the WWE writer responsible for shaping the personas of The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and others and gives insight to the tragic night of Owen Hart s death. Listen, as wrestlers spill their guts about the terrifying risks they take in hopes of being invited to the big show. Seasoned with insight from experts in the field of media, science and medicine, WWE: Unauthorized provides long time wrestling fanatics and recent converts alike a look at life in and beyond the squared circle.

WWE: Unauthorized

2006

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 2: Inside WCW poster
NR

Inside WCW focuses on the duo's highly controversial jump from the WWF to Ted Turner's WCW and the professional and personal chaos that would follow. Hear inside stories on Goldberg, Sting, Kevin Nash, DDP, Eric Bishoff, Hulk Hogan, and more.

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 2: Inside WCW

2005

Vince Russo's Attitude: Ken Shamrock poster
NR

What happens when the head writer of the Attitude era sits down with the stars he wrote for and together they examine the angles that riveted all wrestling fans in the late 90s? You get to relive the era that had us glued to Monday night TV, and who better a tour guide than the man behind the magic, Vince Russo. Tonight Vince is joined by Ken Shamrock…the original Rock, as you’ll hear all about. This legit, MMA badass talks about the secret recipes that made him shine, and also the line in the sand when he wouldn’t perform tasteless angles. Hear Vince and Ken review all those decisions and how Ken ultimately got out of his contract with a little “leverage.” Get ready for Vince Russo’s Attitude, with the World’s Most Dangerous Man!

Vince Russo's Attitude: Ken Shamrock

2017

Vince Russo's Attitude: Terri Runnels poster
NR

Who better to team up for a controversial stroll into pro wrestling TV production than a daring writer, an androgynous, flamboyant statuette come to life, and his cigar chomping glamour queen? Back in the vaunted Attitude Era, Vince Russo paired with Dustin Runnels and his then-wife Terri to create an onscreen sensation that the wrestling world, and angry advertisers, couldn’t ignore! Now, in this edition of Vince Russo’s Attitude, Terri Runnels sits with Vince to explore everything that made the angle unforgettable! Head back to the unpredictable, unforgettable days of pro wrestling in this episode of Vince Russo’s Attitude!

Vince Russo's Attitude: Terri Runnels

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 1: Inside the WWF poster
NR

Pro wrestling’s most influential writers, Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara, have been in the middle of some of the most important angles, stories, and developments in the history of pro wrestling. For the first time ever, the former WWF, WCW, and TNA writers give an in-depth account of their lives and times INSIDE THE WORLD OF PRO WRESTLING! After watching this documentary, you’ll never look at pro wrestling or its top stars the same way again! Go behind the scenes at a wrestling show and see how writers script interviews, skits, and matches. See the finished product and then see how it all came together on this groundbreaking DVD! Plus, get behind the scenes stories on Vince McMahon, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker...

Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders Vol. 1: Inside the WWF

2005

Behind the camera

WWE Fully Loaded: In Your House poster
4.7

Fully Loaded features a huge tag team main event when Stone Cold Steve Austin & The Undertaker take on Mankind & Kane with the WWE World Tag Team Titles on the line. Ken Shamrock competes with Owen Hart in a Dungeon Match. The Rock faces Triple H in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Mark Henry takes on Vader. Terry Funk and more!

WWE Fully Loaded: In Your House

1998

WWE St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House poster
7.3

The Rock challenges Mankind for the WWE Championship. Stone Cold Steve Austin battles Vince McMahon in a Steel Cage Match.

WWE St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House

1999

WWE WrestleMania XV poster
7.5

Stone Cold Steve Austin faces The Rock with the WWE Championship on the line. Mankind faces Big Show. Kane clashes with Triple H. The Road Dogg, Ken Shamrock, Goldust, and Val Venis compete in a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship and more!

WWE WrestleMania XV

1999

TNA Destination X 2010 poster
3.5

Destination X (2010) is a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) promotion, which took place on March 21, 2010 at the TNA Impact! Zone in Orlando, Florida. It was the sixth event under the Destination X chronology and the third event of the 2010 TNA PPV schedule.

TNA Destination X 2010

2010

WCW The Great American Bash 2000 poster
NR

Jeff Jarrett defends the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against Kevin Nash. Ric Flair battles his own son, David Flair. Scott Steiner faces Rick Steiner & Tank Abbott in a Handicap Asylum Match. Sting faces Vampiro in a Human Torch Match. Hollywood Hogan battles Billy Kidman. Mike Awesome faces Diamond Dallas Page in an Ambulance Match.

WCW The Great American Bash 2000

2000

WCW Bash at the Beach 2000 poster
9.5

Chaos ensues during Jeff Jarrett's WCW World Championship match against Hollywood Hogan. Goldberg battles Kevin Nash in a match for Scott Hall's contract. Scott Steiner defends the United States Championship against Mike Awesome. A Wedding Gown Match pits Miss Hancock against Daffney.

WCW Bash at the Beach 2000

2000

WWE WrestleMania 13 poster
7.5

The Undertaker takes on "Sycho" Sid Vicious in a No Disqualification Match with the WWE Championship up for grabs. Bret "Hitman" Hart faces Stone Cold Steve Austin in a Submission Match with special guest referee Ken Shamrock. Mankind and Big Van Vader challenge Owen Hart & The British Bulldog for the WWE World Tag Team Championship. Hunter Hearst-Helmsley takes on Goldust and more!

WWE WrestleMania 13

1997

WWE Royal Rumble 1998 poster
6.6

Thirty Superstars compete in the annual Royal Rumble Match with the winner advancing to WrestleMania XIV for a chance at the WWE Championship. The Rock defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ken Shamrock. Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker battle in a Casket Match with the WWE Championship up for grabs. Plus, The Road Warriors, Goldust, and more!

WWE Royal Rumble 1998

1998

WWE Royal Rumble 1999 poster
6.0

Thirty Superstars compete in the annual Royal Rumble Match with the winner advancing to WrestleMania XV for a chance at the WWE Championship. The Rock defends the WWE Championship in a brutal "I Quit" Match against Mankind. Ken Shamrock defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship and much more!

WWE Royal Rumble 1999

1999

WWE Over the Edge: In Your House poster
9.3

Stone Cold Steve Austin and Dude Love compete for the WWE Championship in a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match with Mr. McMahon as special guest referee. The Nation faces D-Generation X in a six-man tag team match. The Rock defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Faarooq. Kane faces Vader in a Mask vs. Mask match and more!

WWE Over the Edge: In Your House

1998

WWE Survivor Series 1997 poster
8.6

The storied rivalry between Shawn Michaels and Bret "The Hitman" Hart comes to a shocking and dramatic conclusion in a main event bout for the WWE Championship. Stone Cold Steve Austin returns from a career-threatening injury to challenge Owen Hart for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Kane makes his in-ring debut against Mankind. All this and much more!

WWE Survivor Series 1997

1997

WWE Badd Blood: In Your House poster
7.6

The Road Warriors battles The Nation of Domination. The Headbangers defend the WWE World Tag Team Championship against The Godwinns. The first ever Hell In a Cell match as Shawn Michaels squares off with The Undertaker. Plus, Bret Hart competes in a Tag Team Flag Match and more!

WWE Badd Blood: In Your House

1997

WWE SummerSlam 1998 poster
9.0

Stone Cold Steve Austin defends the WWE Championship against The Undertaker. Edge & Sable face "Marvelous" Marc Mero & Jacqueline in a Mixed Tag Team Match. Val Venis battles D-Lo Brown for the WWE European Championship. X-Pac vs. Jeff Jarrett in a Hair vs. Hair Match. Plus, Triple H defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against The Rock and more.

WWE SummerSlam 1998

1998

WWE WrestleMania XIV poster
7.7

Stone Cold Steve Austin battles Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship with Mike Tyson as special guest enforcer. The Undertaker battles Kane. The Rock defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ken Shamrock. Cactus Jack and Chainsaw Charlie face The New Age Outlaws for the WWE World Tag Team Championship in a Dumpster Match and more!

WWE WrestleMania XIV

1998

WWE No Way Out of Texas: In Your House poster
7.3

WWE No Way Out features a wild 8-Man main event featuring Stone Cold Steve Austin, Cactus Jack, Triple H, and more. The Nation of Domination faces Ken Shamrock, Ahmed Johnson & The D.O.A. in a War of Attrition Match. Kane takes on Vader and much more!

WWE No Way Out of Texas: In Your House

1998

WWE King of the Ring 1998 poster
7.9

Stone Cold Steve Austin puts the WWE Championship on the line against the demonic Kane in a brutal First Blood Match. The Undertaker and Mankind make history inside Hell in a Cell. Semi-Final matches to crown the WWE King of The Ring include Ken Shamrock vs. Jeff Jarrett and The Rock vs. "The Beast" Dan Severn. X-Pac battles Owen Hart and so much more!

WWE King of the Ring 1998

1998

WWE Rock Bottom: In Your House poster
7.5

The Rock defends his WWE Championship against Mankind. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin faces The Undertaker in a Buried Alive Match with the winner gaining a spot in the Royal Rumble. The Brood and The J.O.B. Squad go head-to-head in six-man tag team action. Plus, the New Age Outlaws defend the Tag Team Championship and more.

WWE Rock Bottom: In Your House

1998

WWE Survivor Series 1998 poster
9.0

The Deadly Game Tournament for The WWE Championship features Superstars such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Big Boss Man, X-Pac, The Undertaker and more. Plus, The New Age Outlaws defend the WWE World Tag Team Championship in a Triple Threat Match and much more!

WWE Survivor Series 1998

1998

WWE Mayhem in Manchester poster
8.0

WWF Mayhem in Manchester was a United Kingdom-only professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation that took place on 4 April 1998 at the Nynex Arena in Manchester, England. The event was released in an edited form on VHS in North America and in the UK. The Main Event saw The Undertaker face of against his brother Kane. Also the WWF Championship was defended when Stone Cold wrestled Triple H.

WWE Mayhem in Manchester

1998

WWE Royal Rumble 1997 poster
7.0

Thirty Superstars compete in the annual Royal Rumble Match with the winner advancing to WrestleMania for a shot at the WWE Championship. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels challenges "Sycho" Sid Vicious for the WWE Championship. Triple H defends the WWE Intercontinental Title against Goldust. The Undertaker faces Big Van Vader!

WWE Royal Rumble 1997

1997

WWE SummerSlam 1997 poster
7.8

WWE's Biggest Party of the Summer features a classic Steel Cage Match between Mankind and Triple H. Goldust faces Brian Pillman. Plus, the Intercontinental Championship is on the line in a match between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Owen Hart. The Undertaker faces Bret Hart for WWE Championship with guest referee Shawn Michaels!

WWE SummerSlam 1997

1997

WWE SummerSlam 1999 poster
7.4

WWE's annual Summer Spectacular features Triple H, Mankind, and Stone Cold Steve Austin colliding in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship with Jesse "The Body" Ventura as special guest referee. The Undertaker & Big Show battle X-Pac & Kane. Plus, The Rock, Ken Shamrock, Chris Jericho and much more!

WWE SummerSlam 1999

1999

WWE Rebellion 1999 poster
7.0

The Rock goes one-on-one with Triple H for the WWE Championship in a Steel Cage Match. Edge & Christian battle The Acolytes and The Hollys in a Triangle Match. Two monsters go to war when Kane takes on Big Show in a No Disqualification Match. Chris Jericho takes on The Road Dogg. A Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women's Championship and much more!

WWE Rebellion 1999

1999

WWE In Your House 13: Final Four poster
7.9

The Rock defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Triple H. The Nation of Domination battles Goldust, Flash Funk & Bart Gunn. "Wildman" Marc Mero vs Leif Cassidy. Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, Bret "The Hitman" Hart and Big Van Vader battle in a Four Corners Elimination Match for the vacant WWE Championship and so much more!

WWE In Your House 13: Final Four

1997