Seth Rollins & Vince Russo: A Wrestling Feud Rekindled
A recent exchange between WWE Superstar Seth Rollins and veteran wrestling personality Vince Russo has ignited a flurry of discussion within the wrestling world. Rollins referenced Russo during a recent appearance, prompting a detailed response - and a series of pointed observations – from the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it reveals about the current landscape of professional wrestling.
The Spark: Rollins’ Comments & Russo’s Reaction
Rollins, known for his various personas including “The Monday Night Messiah” and “The Visionary,” alluded to Russo as a “hanger-on,” suggesting a lingering attachment to the wrestling buisness despite a long absence. Russo, who left WWE over 26 years ago, took exception to this characterization.
He swiftly responded via social media, directly addressing Rollins and challenging his assessment. Russo’s response wasn’t simply a defense of his own position, but a broader critique of the current state of WWE creative.
Key Points from Russo’s Response:
* Creative Concerns: russo highlighted SmackDown’s recent viewership numbers – dipping below one million for the third time – as evidence of a broader creative issue. He directly questioned Rollins’ and Triple H‘s roles in the writing process, asserting that neither are writers.
* Longevity & Relevance: Despite Rollins’ implication of irrelevance, Russo pointed to his continued demand within the industry, even at 65 years old, as proof of his enduring value. He playfully suggested that Rollins wouldn’t last three minutes attempting to “hang on” like he suggests.
* Character Work & Storytelling: Russo offered a direct invitation to Rollins to study his work, specifically mentioning his YouTube show, jcwlunacy, as a resource for understanding character development, storylines, and the art of “selling” in professional wrestling.
* A Jab at Triple H: He even extended the invitation to Triple H, suggesting the WWE executive could benefit from a refresher course in wrestling fundamentals.
* Seeking Engagement: Russo concluded with a humorous plea for Rollins and his guest to acknowledge his response, hoping to drive traffic to his website, RussosBrand.com.
The Underlying tension: Old School vs. new School
This exchange represents a familiar tension within the wrestling community: the clash between “old school” and “new school” philosophies. Russo, a key figure in the Attitude Era, is known for his unconventional and frequently enough controversial approach to storytelling.
Rollins, a product of the modern WWE system, embodies a different style - one that emphasizes athleticism, complex character work, and a more polished presentation. You can see how these differing perspectives would led to friction.
What Does This mean for fans?
Ultimately, this public back-and-forth is entertaining for wrestling fans. It provides insight into the creative process, sparks debate about the direction of the industry, and reminds us that even the biggest stars aren’t immune to criticism.
It also underscores the enduring passion and dedication of individuals like Vince Russo, who continue to contribute to the wrestling conversation decades after leaving the mainstream spotlight. This is a reminder that wrestling is more than just a sport; it’s a complex art form with a rich history and a vibrant community.
![Facial Recognition UK: Police Fight to Keep Flawed Tech | [Year] Update](https://i0.wp.com/www.techdirt.com/wp-content/themes/techdirt/assets/images/td-rect-logo-white.png?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "Facial Recognition UK: Police Fight to Keep Flawed Tech | [Year] Update"){kind=logo}
