Vince Russo

Vince Russo: 2023 Biography, Net Worth, Family, Income

Vince Russo is a former professional wrestling personality, writer, and booker. He was born on January 24th, 1961 in Long Island, New York. Russo is known for his time working in WWE, WCW and TNA. He is currently a wrestling podcaster, YouTuber and pundit.

He got his start in the wrestling business in 1992 when he was hired by WWE as a freelance writer for WWF Magazine. After two years, he worked his way up to the position of editor the under pseudonym of Vic Venom.

By 1996, Venom regularly appeared on WWF Livewire – A live interactive show where WWF personalities could answer fans’ questions via phone. That same year, he was promoted to the creative writing team to help improve the company’s television ratings during the Monday Night Wars with WCW.

Russo introduced a ‘younger’ and edgier product to the audience. Tapping into the popular “trash tv” elements of the Jerry Springer Show and the “shock jock” antics of Howard Stern, Russo’s over-sexualised, profanity-laden content saw drastic changes to WWE’s programming.

Russo replaced traditional wrestling storytelling with a soap-opera format, which relied heavily on surprising ‘swerves,’ unexpected heel turns, 4th-wall-breaking promos, and shocking angles.

The increasingly adult-oriented material ushered in the Attitude Era, which saw WWE’s television ratings begin to rise. Controversial factions like D-Generation X and riqué characters like Sable proved to be a massive hit with teenagers and young adult males.

WWE’s success reached the mainstream as the likes of The Rock, and Stone Cold Steve Austin became pop culture icons. This increasing popularity eventually saw the company overtake WCW in the ratings and end its 83-week of rating dominance. It was a big triumph for WWE and one that Russo’s over-the-top writing and angles helped achieve.

In 1999, after a falling out with Vince McMahon, Russo sensationally left the company and jumped ship to WCW. The promotion was attempting to get back on top after falling behind WWE in the ratings.

Russo immediately brought in his “Crash TV” style of booking to the promotion. He used similar storyline traits that helped WWE soar, however, at an accelerated rate and with much less success.

Despite implementing several good changes, like making Bret Hart the WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and focusing on the younger, underutilized talent, his raunchy angles, shoot-style promos, and excessive title changes weren’t the right fit for WCW.

Three months after his hiring, Russo left the promotion after refusing to work within a booking committee consisting of Kevin Nash, Terry Taylor, JJ Dillon, and Kevin Sullivan to curb some of his more outlandish decisions.

A year later, Russo was brought back in, this time alongside Eric Bischoff in yet another restart for WCW. However, not much improved, and Russo’s infamous decision to put the World Title on David Arquette was disastrous for the promotion’s reputation. Later that year Russo booked himself to win the World Title to equal disapproval.

Ratings continued to plummet the decision was made to sell WCW to WWE in 2001. Time Warner bought out Russo’s contract shortly after the buyout.

Amazingly Russo returned to WWE in 2002 in an advisory role, but after feeling disrespected by Stephanie McMahon, he left after just two weeks.

Russo then joined Jerry and Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion NWA/TNA as a creative writer and on-air personality. During this period Russo appeared on television in a variety of roles such as Mr Wrestling III, the manager of AJ Styles, and the Director of Authority.

Russo left TNA in 2004 only to return in 2006 as part of the promotion’s creative team alongside Dutch Mantell and Jeff Jarrett. In 2009, he became Head Writer, a position, which held before stepping down in 2012.

Russo currently works as a wrestling pundit on his podcast and YouTube channels.

Net Worth

Vince Russo has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million

Family

Vince Russo is married to his wife Amy and have three children together. Two sons Vince Jr. and Will, as well as a daughter Annie.

Income

Vince Russo’s yearly salary is unknown.

Record

Cagematch.net states Vince Russo has wrestled a total of 12 matches. 7 of those are wins, 2 losses and 3 draws giving him a winning percentage of 58.3%