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Rope Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo
It’s been a decade since The Monday Night War waged between the WWF and WCW generated unprecedented and astronomical ratings, and the landscape of “the sport of kings” has changed radically. But one thing remains constant: the fans chanting “Fire Russo!” can still be heard at TV tapings and pay-per-view events across North America. And Vince Russo, the man who has at times been called “the most hated man in professional wrestling” wouldn’t have it any other way. In his first book, Forgiven, Vince Russo delivered a modern-day parable about the price of success. In heartbreaking detail, he showed how a “godforsaken business” and the desire for acclaim in his career as a writer for Vince McMahon’s WWF led him into a spiritual wasteland. Today, a changed Russo has returned to prominence in wrestling — a world he both loves and that has, he acknowledges, broken his heart — as one of the writers and masterminds behind TNA, the world’s fastest-growing and most cutting-edge wrestling promotion. For two hours every Thursday, Russo’s ideas and words revolutionize wrestling on Spike TV; but what he achieves on Impact! on a weekly basis has been many years in the making. He’s been known as both the saviour of the WWF and the man who destroyed WCW, and Rope Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo is the true, behind-the-scenes story of, quite simply, the rise and fall and rebirth of professional wrestling. Many have tried to explain the inner workings of wrestling’s most turbulent era — but this is the first time someone in the centre of the maelstrom has ever laid everything bare. In returning to the page to take readers from the death of WCW to the rise of TNA, Vince Russo has crafted his most remarkable storyline: that a grown man can come to terms with, and find peace within, the insanity of the squared circle.
- GenresBiography
255 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 24, 2020
You can practically hear a faint “I guess you had to be there,” after every anecdote.
January 18, 2012
Yes. I should have known.
I should have known that this would be awful. And, trust me, if Borders had not been going out of business, I would never have purchased this book. It was something like 90% off the cover price so I don't feel too bad. I feel worse about the time that I lost reading this worthless piece of . . .
Well, some things are better left unsaid.
But other things must be said. I have to admit that when I was a kid, wrestling was big. In St. Louis in the 1970s, "Wrestling at the Chase" was a Sunday morning staple. After church and before lunch, every Sunday. I loved it. I was a kid, though, and that's the only good excuse that I have.
I got back into wrestling once again, with no good age-related excuse in the late 1990s, after the NWO emerged in the World Championship Wrestling promotion. It provided some common ground for me and one of my cousins and his now ex-wife. Whatever. Yada Yada. Anyway, I outgrew that short-lived interest too, but soon after I stopped following the WCW, Vince Russo became its head writer. And, around the same time, before or after, who knows, the entire WCW began a rapid decline and it eventually died out entirely.
I had hoped that this book, given its cover and title, would tell me what happened to the WCW. It didn't. No, mixed among a few behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, was the story of the author being, apparently, a bad guy and then becoming a Christian.
Now, don't get me wrong, anyone's coming to Christ is a good thing. And I don't have a problem reading books or memoirs about religion or conversion experiences in general. But, if I wanted a to read a book on religion, I'd pick one written by someone other than Vince Russo.
I should have expected a bad book and on that, Russo delivered. But I didn't expect the bait-and-switch. And that makes it even worse.
Avoid this one at all costs. If you've got the choice between this one and the back of a cereal box, choose wisely.
I should have known that this would be awful. And, trust me, if Borders had not been going out of business, I would never have purchased this book. It was something like 90% off the cover price so I don't feel too bad. I feel worse about the time that I lost reading this worthless piece of . . .
Well, some things are better left unsaid.
But other things must be said. I have to admit that when I was a kid, wrestling was big. In St. Louis in the 1970s, "Wrestling at the Chase" was a Sunday morning staple. After church and before lunch, every Sunday. I loved it. I was a kid, though, and that's the only good excuse that I have.
I got back into wrestling once again, with no good age-related excuse in the late 1990s, after the NWO emerged in the World Championship Wrestling promotion. It provided some common ground for me and one of my cousins and his now ex-wife. Whatever. Yada Yada. Anyway, I outgrew that short-lived interest too, but soon after I stopped following the WCW, Vince Russo became its head writer. And, around the same time, before or after, who knows, the entire WCW began a rapid decline and it eventually died out entirely.
I had hoped that this book, given its cover and title, would tell me what happened to the WCW. It didn't. No, mixed among a few behind-the-scenes wrestling stories, was the story of the author being, apparently, a bad guy and then becoming a Christian.
Now, don't get me wrong, anyone's coming to Christ is a good thing. And I don't have a problem reading books or memoirs about religion or conversion experiences in general. But, if I wanted a to read a book on religion, I'd pick one written by someone other than Vince Russo.
I should have expected a bad book and on that, Russo delivered. But I didn't expect the bait-and-switch. And that makes it even worse.
Avoid this one at all costs. If you've got the choice between this one and the back of a cereal box, choose wisely.
June 1, 2010
If you believe the IWC (internet wrestling community) then Vince Russo is the embodiment of Satan himself who is solely responsible for everything that is wrong with the professional wrestling industry. Browse through wrestling forums and you will no doubt read such "wisdom" as to how Vince Russo is scum, he's a loser, he's pathetic, he's an idiot who couldn't write his own grocery list without swerving the cashier at the check-out, he's trying to kill the industry, he knows nothing about the wrestling industry and so on and so forth.
If you are not a wrestling aficionado you might not know who Vince Russo is but you would be forgiven for thinking that this guy sounds as if he should be locked-up in a maximum security prison with the key thrown away for good. It might come as a shock to you then to know his "crime" is that he writes the storylines that are currently portrayed on TNA wrestling. Previously he was a writer at WCW and before that he was responsible for writing the content for WWE during the attitude era which produced two of the biggest names of all time in Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
One of the biggest accusations leveled at Russo is that he was responsible for the demise, and death, of WCW. In this heartfelt and poignant (yes, you read that last part correctly...heartfelt and poignant) Vince Russo addresses the myth of how he was apparently responsible for the demise of a multi-million dollar company. Even more than that, and far more importantly, he opens his heart and lays bare his soul about how he has become a changed man due to finding God. Now, if you're not a Christian, let me assure you this isn't a book that will preach the gospels and Bible bash you until you feel like Mick Foley after 1999's 'I Quit' match with The Rock. Instead, Russo explains how he hit rock bottom (nothing to do with The Rock!) and, after God's intervention, found himself with a completely different attitude and outlook on life. Quite frankly, this was not something I was expecting but I found myself very happy for Mr Russo as he does appear to be the changed man he proclaims to be. This is shown throughout the text, amongst other things, by his refusal to talk nasty about anyone.
If you've ever read any wrestling autobiography or biography you will know that there is always a bunch of trash talking in them. This usually takes the form of one wrestler blaming another for an opportunity he never got or hating on a promoter for not using him correctly but that doesn't happen in 'Rope Opera'. Even when Russo obviously has issues with people he discusses those issues in a very polite and non-threatening manner and doesn't resort to any bad mouthing. Certainly makes a change for a wrestling related book.
One of my biggest enjoyments in this book is the writing style of Vince Russo. At times it doesn't feel like one is reading a book but sitting there listening to Russo fill you on what is, and was, going on his life. He also has a great sense of humor, akin to the style of Ellen DeGeneres, and at various points had me laughing with his rants about all kinds of things from IHOP pancakes to fantasy baseball.
No doubt the majority of people who read this book will be doing so to find out exactly how WCW killed Vince Russo but, ultimately, you will find that WCW went a long way into making him born again. During this hugely enjoyable journey he also talks about making David Arquette WCW champion, the 'Bash at the Beach' controversy and his relationships with various friends and wrestling personalities. Whether I found myself agreeing or disagreeing with his opinions, loving or hating his views on what makes great wrestling, I always felt he was being 100% honest and wearing his heart on his sleeve. Couple that with his entertaining style of writing and you would be a fool not to read this book if you have any interest whatsoever in the world of professional wrestling.
If you are not a wrestling aficionado you might not know who Vince Russo is but you would be forgiven for thinking that this guy sounds as if he should be locked-up in a maximum security prison with the key thrown away for good. It might come as a shock to you then to know his "crime" is that he writes the storylines that are currently portrayed on TNA wrestling. Previously he was a writer at WCW and before that he was responsible for writing the content for WWE during the attitude era which produced two of the biggest names of all time in Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.
One of the biggest accusations leveled at Russo is that he was responsible for the demise, and death, of WCW. In this heartfelt and poignant (yes, you read that last part correctly...heartfelt and poignant) Vince Russo addresses the myth of how he was apparently responsible for the demise of a multi-million dollar company. Even more than that, and far more importantly, he opens his heart and lays bare his soul about how he has become a changed man due to finding God. Now, if you're not a Christian, let me assure you this isn't a book that will preach the gospels and Bible bash you until you feel like Mick Foley after 1999's 'I Quit' match with The Rock. Instead, Russo explains how he hit rock bottom (nothing to do with The Rock!) and, after God's intervention, found himself with a completely different attitude and outlook on life. Quite frankly, this was not something I was expecting but I found myself very happy for Mr Russo as he does appear to be the changed man he proclaims to be. This is shown throughout the text, amongst other things, by his refusal to talk nasty about anyone.
If you've ever read any wrestling autobiography or biography you will know that there is always a bunch of trash talking in them. This usually takes the form of one wrestler blaming another for an opportunity he never got or hating on a promoter for not using him correctly but that doesn't happen in 'Rope Opera'. Even when Russo obviously has issues with people he discusses those issues in a very polite and non-threatening manner and doesn't resort to any bad mouthing. Certainly makes a change for a wrestling related book.
One of my biggest enjoyments in this book is the writing style of Vince Russo. At times it doesn't feel like one is reading a book but sitting there listening to Russo fill you on what is, and was, going on his life. He also has a great sense of humor, akin to the style of Ellen DeGeneres, and at various points had me laughing with his rants about all kinds of things from IHOP pancakes to fantasy baseball.
No doubt the majority of people who read this book will be doing so to find out exactly how WCW killed Vince Russo but, ultimately, you will find that WCW went a long way into making him born again. During this hugely enjoyable journey he also talks about making David Arquette WCW champion, the 'Bash at the Beach' controversy and his relationships with various friends and wrestling personalities. Whether I found myself agreeing or disagreeing with his opinions, loving or hating his views on what makes great wrestling, I always felt he was being 100% honest and wearing his heart on his sleeve. Couple that with his entertaining style of writing and you would be a fool not to read this book if you have any interest whatsoever in the world of professional wrestling.
November 15, 2018
I'm giving this book one star, because I can't go any lower. Yes, it's that bad.
One, it jumps back and forth between Vince's days as someone working in the wrasslin' business to his earlier days which had nothing to do with wrestling. The timelines are often confusing, and it was a hard read for me.
Two, it plays up the connection between him and God waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. Now, I have nothing against those who are committed to their faith, whatever it may be. I DO have something against those who use that faith to bludgeon others--ie. the readers--with references to religion. Sorry, ain't got time for that.
Finally, what it comes down to is that this book is basically a self-serving pack of pump-up for Russo. Why do I say that? Almost every single former and current wrestler or announcer or promoter who knew or knows Russo talks of his incompetence. That's what it comes down to. Jim Cornette, for example, is a motormouth, a foul-mouthed one at that, but he KNOWS the business. He grew up with it. Cornette may be somewhat old-fashioned in his views on what wrestling should be, but he knows the ins and outs.
Russo never did. And this book demonstrates that. It simply says nothing was his fault for WCW's failure. If you believe the words of those former and current people in wrestling--and I'm taking their word for it--then it is mainly his fault. He may have had good intentions, but he simply couldn't carry them out.
Not recommended, even if this book goes on sale.
One, it jumps back and forth between Vince's days as someone working in the wrasslin' business to his earlier days which had nothing to do with wrestling. The timelines are often confusing, and it was a hard read for me.
Two, it plays up the connection between him and God waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much. Now, I have nothing against those who are committed to their faith, whatever it may be. I DO have something against those who use that faith to bludgeon others--ie. the readers--with references to religion. Sorry, ain't got time for that.
Finally, what it comes down to is that this book is basically a self-serving pack of pump-up for Russo. Why do I say that? Almost every single former and current wrestler or announcer or promoter who knew or knows Russo talks of his incompetence. That's what it comes down to. Jim Cornette, for example, is a motormouth, a foul-mouthed one at that, but he KNOWS the business. He grew up with it. Cornette may be somewhat old-fashioned in his views on what wrestling should be, but he knows the ins and outs.
Russo never did. And this book demonstrates that. It simply says nothing was his fault for WCW's failure. If you believe the words of those former and current people in wrestling--and I'm taking their word for it--then it is mainly his fault. He may have had good intentions, but he simply couldn't carry them out.
Not recommended, even if this book goes on sale.
January 8, 2024
Id write a review but instead im going to take a shower cause i need it after reading this shite.
August 12, 2025
Surprisingly not as bad as I thought...learned some new stuff but it's Russo so...
October 8, 2012
Well, I am a little letdown as I got tease in the first one about more about his Rope Opera idea. That's not the book. Interesting look in the mind of the TV writer who has yet to understand that if your rating does not equal people buying tickets or ppv then it's a bad idea even if it grab attentions and get rating. It's still the wrestling business not matter how you want to sugar coat it.
June 20, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, even though it was very choppy in parts (jumping back and forth through his time line) and read more like someone's diary than an examination of the wrestling industry. I also thought he could either explore the topic of faith in wrestling more, so just leave out his conversion story.
October 17, 2013
I know exactly what he went through. Being in the entertainment (music not wrestling) business myself I too know the back stabbing ways of others. It's a great read if you'd like to fully understand the ways of entertainment "business".
September 11, 2020
leave out the strange evangelical bits and focus on russo's interpretation of his wcw days and you've got a fun book here. the guy has a breezy, pulp-magazine writing style, and the book is more enjoyable than you'd suspect, especially if you come in inclined to dislike russo
March 13, 2015
i thought this was going to be the worst wrestling book, based on the reviews I have seen about. Maybe my expectations were set very low, but this wasn't as bad as I thought!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews