On a recent edition of his “My World With Jeff Jarrett” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett revealed how Vince Russo didn’t like using international talent while leading TNA’s creative team.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Vince Russo not wanting to bring in international talent to TNA: “He despised the fact that we would give Lucha Libre or Japanese, or I’ll just say the non-English speaking talent much TV time, because he didn’t believe you could tell stories. I can remember saying, ‘Vince…’ That’s why you have mouthpieces — and I don’t mean that as a derogatory term — but you have managers all that. You also have the ability to have subtitles. You also have the ability to have a Konnan, and we’re gonna get into Konnan here in a little while. I don’t think people understand the magnitude of his talent, his notoriety, and the importance he has played. Not just in Lucha Libre, but in American wrestling. It’s one of those things — unfortunately, 30 years from now I think a lot of people are gonna go, ‘Oh, wow, Konnan was this, this, this, [and] this.’ And I know he’s got Keepin’ It 100, and I was a guest on there and. And he’s great fun to talk with. But the importance of his thread throughout his entire career is remarkable. But Russo did not like Lucha Libre talent on TNA at all.”
On being able to tell the story of international wrestlers: “At the very core of a wrestler, performer, sports entertainer, whatever you want to call us, the Hispanic culture is much more passionate in life. Get outside of wrestling, get outside of soccer, get outside of culturally in Mexico City or Monterey or Acapulco or wherever. You go down into those communities, and just the dialogue and the conversation. It’s much more passionate. So you put that, coupled [with] in-ring, hard-hitting high-flying unique action. To me, it was really an element of early TNA that set us apart. It’s like, ‘Oh, okay. You don’t get to see that all anywhere else.’ And it really resonated with our brand.”
Vince Russo’s Dislike for International Talent in TNA: A Missed Opportunity
In the world of professional wrestling, the inclusion of international talent has become increasingly prevalent over the years. Promotions like WWE and AEW have embraced wrestlers from various countries, showcasing their unique styles and adding diversity to their rosters. However, not all wrestling minds have been open to this idea. One such person is Vince Russo, who, during his time leading TNA’s creative team, expressed a dislike for using international talent.
During a recent episode of the “My World With Jeff Jarrett” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett shed light on Russo’s aversion to bringing in international wrestlers to TNA. Jarrett revealed that Russo despised giving non-English speaking talent, such as those from Lucha Libre or Japan, significant TV time. Russo believed that it would be challenging to tell stories with these wrestlers due to the language barrier.
Jarrett disagreed with Russo’s viewpoint, arguing that there were ways to overcome this obstacle. He suggested using mouthpieces, managers, or even subtitles to convey the messages of these international talents. Additionally, Jarrett emphasized the importance of individuals like Konnan, who served as a bridge between Lucha Libre and American wrestling. He believed that Konnan’s talent and influence were often overlooked and would only be recognized years later.
Jarrett also highlighted the significance of international wrestlers in TNA’s early days. He noted that the Hispanic culture, in particular, brought a passionate energy to their performances. The combination of their in-ring skills and unique styles made TNA stand out from other promotions. Jarrett believed that showcasing international talent was an essential element that resonated with the TNA brand.
Russo’s reluctance to embrace international talent in TNA can be seen as a missed opportunity. By excluding these wrestlers, TNA potentially limited its ability to attract a broader audience and expand its global reach. The inclusion of international talent not only adds diversity but also exposes fans to different wrestling styles and storytelling techniques.
Fortunately, the wrestling landscape has evolved since Russo’s time in TNA. Promotions like WWE, AEW, and NJPW have successfully integrated international talent into their rosters, creating exciting and compelling storylines. Wrestlers from Mexico, Japan, Canada, and various European countries have become fan favorites, proving that language barriers can be overcome through creative storytelling and effective communication.
In conclusion, Vince Russo’s aversion to using international talent in TNA reflects a missed opportunity for the promotion. While Russo believed that language barriers would hinder storytelling, Jeff Jarrett and others disagreed, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the unique contributions international wrestlers can bring to the industry. Thankfully, the wrestling world has since embraced international talent, enriching the sport and providing fans with a more diverse and exciting experience.