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The following Quotebook feature was published in the Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter #410 cover-dated Oct. 12, 1996. The entire newsletter was just posted for PWTorch VIP members, who ca
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QUOTEBOOK
Vince McMahon: “J.R. would talk to anyone. J.R. had a problem I think in terms of credibility. J.R. liked to have his back patted, as we all do, but J.R. maybe more than others.”
Vince McMahon: “J.R. took advantage of this live forum to get a lot of things off his chest. Cool, that’s great. And he is a very good broadcaster, therefore if he doesn’t get too far out of line, it’s all right.”
Vince McMahon, with a smile on his face, responding to Vince Russo battering him about hogging the play-by-play spot on the number one show Raw and relegating Jim Ross to second string status: “There are, I would hope, some executive privileges around here somewhere.”
Vince McMahon: “I’m not sure if J.R. was trying to embarrass the WWF. It’s quite a novel concept… No matter whether you call them Razor or Diesel or whatever, the important thing is whether they can perform in the ring.”
Vince McMahon: “ECW is a local wrestling organization in Philadelphia. They took advantage, they came out and interjected themselves. On the live show we tried to stay off of it as much as we could, but nevertheless we picked up some of it. They wanted to make a name for themselves at the expense of the WWF. It’s all about ego.”
Paul Heyman, calling under the name Bruce from Connecticut: “Mr. McMahon, I happen to agree with you that the E in ECW should have the word ego involved because isn’t it your ego sir that the WWF continues to steal concepts, ideas, and talent from ECW without giving them the proper credit? Isn’t it true Mr. McMahon that it’s your ego, that you’re the one who wants to take the credit for the hardcore style of ECW… Shut up! You’re interrupting while I’m talking. You think the NWO is extreme. You think Eric Bischoff’s hairstyle is extreme. Why don’t you invite your viewers to check out ECW? What the hell do you have to be afraid of?… Why don’t you shut the ‘f’ up?”
Vince McMahon: “To this gentleman who called earlier, you really don’t have to hide who you are. If you have something to say that’s important or a question even if it’s controversial, if it’s possible we will get you through.”
Vince Russo in response: “You mean you will dance around it… Maybe you should have run for office.”
Vince McMahon: “I think J.R. blames the WWF for a lot of his problems. Here is a man who many would say probably shouldn’t be on camera. He has Bell’s Palsy. I don’t know of any other producer who would allow a talent like that to be on the air except us here in the WWF. He was not fired for that. His contract expired. But we continue to put him on the air because he is a good broadcaster.”
Vince Russo: “I have to agree with you on this one. Jim Ross does have this Bell’s Palsy. He’s got one eye up here and one eye down here in Ft. Lauderdale.”
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