Former WWE, WCW and TNA writer and booker Vince Russo recently discussed several different TNA topics with Pro Wrestling Report which included TNA's partnership with Spike TV, his relationship with Dixie Carter and more.
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Russo spoke about his last run with TNA, which had a bit of controversy behind it since there are claims Spike TV didn't know Russo was working with the company.
"I had been working with them just as a consultant since October [2013] so I was there for the last 10 months," Russo told the show. "I was told by John Gaburick, I guess he is vice president of talent and creative that he told Spike of my involvement in working with TNA in January. So to set the record straight, if John Gaburick is telling the truth and I have no reason doubt him, Spike knew about my involvement with TNA going back to January. To say that Spike found out around it right around the time contract negotiations broke down, that is just an untruth."
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Russo expanded on his secretive relationship with TNA.
"From the get-go my job at TNA hinged at nobody knowing I worked for them," Russo said. "It was going to be secretive. I didn't like that from the get-go. I don't like to be dishonest and not being in the open and to hide things. I don't like that and I felt very uncomfortable. The fact of the matter is, that's what [TNA President] Dixie Carter wanted. I did my best for 10 months and do the best i could do for what they wanted."
Russo also said he didn't believe that Spike TV -- which is dropping TNA Impact Wrestling from its schedule at the end of the year -- was a good partnership with TNA.
"I've been holding this back for years and I finally get to say this. I felt like Hannibal Lecter when he was strapped in and had his mouth wired shut," he said. "Spike TV is a horrible partner. Why TNA would ever want to partner with Spike is beyond me unless there were no other options. If Spike TV were the only option to stay on television then I would understand it. They are a horrible partner, they know nothing about the wrestling business. The way they advertised and marketed the program over the years was absolutely atrocious."
Russo then touched on his relationship with Carter.
"You know here is the thing. I've worked with Dixie Carter for over 10 years now," he said. "Every time I sat back and watched while Dixie brought in new leader after new leader. I know full well how things were going to turn out and where it was heading. But my job was the television part so I never got involved. I always took on this attitude of looking out for Dixie Carter and looking out for her interest and I think Dixie knows that. That's why I think there will always be a relationship between us. I just wanted to have the best television show and protect her."
Russo also delved into his thoughts on Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan, Bischoff being the reason his consulting role was kept secret and his thoughts on the Internet Wrestling Community possibly hating him. A full transcript of the interview can be viewed courtesy of TNAInsider.com.
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