Former WWE head writer Vince Russo recently shared an interesting anecdote about his time working with wrestling legend Ric Flair in WCW. During the final years of WCW’s existence, Russo was brought in to try and turn the company’s fortunes around as they struggled in the Monday Night Wars against WWE. As part of his involvement, Russo found himself booked in a Cage Match against Flair, a match that made him nervous due to his lack of experience in the ring.
Russo recalled on a recent episode of The Wrestling Outlaws podcast that he was a novice when it came to wrestling and was unsure of what to expect in a live setting. He mentioned that he went to the WCW Power Plant to rehearse the match with Flair, but the Nature Boy quickly walked him through the entire encounter in just 10 minutes. Despite feeling like he needed more time to grasp the intricacies of the match, Flair seemed hesitant to spend any more time preparing, leaving Russo feeling anxious about the upcoming bout.
In Russo’s own words, he expressed his apprehension about the situation, stating, “Bro, come on. I’m a freaking novice. I don’t know what the freak I’m doing, and I’m supposed to have a Cage Match with Ric Flair. Like come on, who’s kidding who?” Despite his concerns, Flair’s confidence and expertise shone through as he efficiently guided Russo through the match, leaving the novice wrestler in awe of Flair’s skill and experience.
Ultimately, Russo’s time in WCW was not as successful as he had hoped, with the company eventually shutting its doors in 2001 after being sold to Vince McMahon’s WWE. Meanwhile, Ric Flair went on to have a storied career in WWE, participating in several classic matches and solidifying his status as a Hall of Famer in the world of professional wrestling.
It’s clear that Russo’s brief stint in WCW provided him with valuable insights into the inner workings of the wrestling business, and his experience working alongside a legend like Ric Flair undoubtedly left a lasting impression on him. As wrestling fans, we can only imagine the dynamic between these two larger-than-life personalities behind the scenes and the impact it had on the industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Vince Russo’s recollection of his time working with Ric Flair in WCW offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional wrestling and the unique challenges that come with it. Flair’s mentorship and guidance undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping Russo’s understanding of the business, highlighting the importance of experience and expertise in the world of sports entertainment.
