Jim Ross Reflects on Vince McMahon’s Shock Over Vince Russo’s WWE Departure
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross these days unfolded on his “Grilling JR” podcast approximately one of the maximum unexpected departures in WWE records. When head writer Vince Russo and his assistant Ed Ferrara all at once left WWE in October 1999 to join rival WCW, it sent shockwaves thru WWE’s creative crew and control. This formidable move came inside the midst of preparations for WWE’s No Mercy pay-in keeping with-view occasion, setting an enormous pressure on an already packed schedule for the business enterprise. Jim Ross shared that even though the wrestling global isn’t any stranger to unexpected movements, this one took all of us through wonder.
Ross, who was a sizable voice in WWE’s operations at the time, recalled the feeling of shock that pervaded the organisation. While many assumed there would be a compromise to retain Russo and Ferrara, WWE faced the reality of dropping two pivotal figures within the creative group. Reflecting on the scenario, Ross stated, “I would have thought that they would have come to some sort of happy compromise prior to the final decision being made.”
Still, Ross emphasized WWE’s enduring resilience and its deep pool of skills. The agency, he explained, changed into now not with out sources to fill the creative gap left by way of Russo and Ferrara. In his phrases, “We had a lot of people on staff who could do their job. I thought that the company reacted positively. We had some depth, and we had people there. Pat Patterson and Bruce Prichard, myself to a lesser degree. And Vince, of course.” Ross went on to mention the growing stars who were creating a name for themselves, significantly the Hardy Boyz, Edge, and Christian. Their memorable ladder match at No Mercy changed into a standout, supporting “bail out” WWE in a second of upheaval.
However, the instant effect of Russo and Ferrara’s go out turned into profound. WWE’s weekly suggests run on a tight agenda, and dropping key creative voices and not using a time for transition intensified the already difficult venture of turning in fresh, excessive-stakes programming week after week. Ross admitted that Vince McMahon, WWE’s Chairman, became now not thrilled by the development. “I think Vince was surprised and not in a pleasant way,” Ross noted, hinting at the frustration that likely brewed behind WWE’s walls.
Ross went further to analyze the reasons behind Russo and Ferrara’s departure, attributing it to burnout. He expressed empathy for their decision, pointing out that the wrestling industry’s relentless pace can often push even the most dedicated individuals to the brink. “They just were burned out. And they tagged out too late. I mean, they got to the end of the rope, unfortunately,” he said, underscoring the demanding nature of WWE’s creative process and the toll it can take.
Despite their abrupt departure, Ross acknowledged the impact that Russo and Ferrara had during their time with WWE. “They did a nice job. The results speak for themselves,” Ross said. He reflected on the unexpected nature of the exit, noting, “I didn’t see them on the way out. I just know that it was a surprise and not a pleasant one. We didn’t have any time to regroup because we had another show to do.” This sentiment highlighted the intense nature of the Monday Night Wars, where every moment was crucial in maintaining WWE’s lead over WCW.
Ross’s account offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes turmoil that marked one of wrestling’s most competitive eras. While WWE held the advantage at the time, Russo and Ferrara’s defection to WCW was a bold move that heightened tensions between the two companies, driving both to take bigger risks in the battle for viewership dominance.
H/t to 411mania.com
