Russo Talks About TNA's Ratings, Hulk Hogan's Debut

 Vince Russo recently did a Q&A with the readers of TNAInsider.com. Below are a few highlights:

What was the idea and mindset behind your shoots in the ring during the 2002-2003 TNA era? To re-invent the business a bit—go beyond the “attitude Era”.

In 2010-2011 Mr. Anderson looked to be on his way to becoming a big time player in TNA. Merchandise was selling, he was feuding with main event caliber wrestlers, and the crowd was getting behind him. But when he was finally rewarded with two world title reigns, it felt like he was never properly given the chance to make those reigns successful(hence why both only lasted a month). Why were his reigns cut short when he had so much going for him? From what I can remember, he suffered a real bad concussion at the time. I know that derailed him for a while.

What do you feel went wrong following January 4 2010 (The debut of Hulk Hogan)? I just think people’s expectations were way to high. One person isn’t going to turn an entire organization around. It takes much more than that.

Was there any one situation or one point in time in 2012 where you just decides it’s time to depart the company? Yes. When Bruce Prichard became a part of creative. Nothing against Bruce personally—there just became too many chefs at that time.

Following your 2012 departure from TNA, the very first episode without you at the writing helm dropped in the ratings. Over two years later, TNA is at one of its lowest ratings points in their history. What are your thoughts on this? There’s only one Vince Russo. There’s a certain way to write wrestling that I’m not sure everybody understands, or are capable of doing. It’s just a “style”, that’s all.

If Dixie Carter would call you and offer you a job as head of creative again would you accept? That would depend on what she EXACTLY meant by “Head “ of Creative.