Vince Russo, known for his outspoken views on professional wrestling, recently criticized the creative directions of both WWE and AEW. In a discussion with former WWE writer Ariel Helwani, Russo argued that the main issue today is that those in charge are designing shows based on their personal tastes rather than appealing to a wider audience. Although he insisted that he hasn’t contributed to recent projects, he believes WWE and AEW aren’t open to his perspective.
Russo pointed out that Triple H and Tony Khan have limited their audience by focusing heavily on in-ring wrestling, appealing mainly to a niche group of hardcore fans. He contrasted this with his approach at JCW, where he aims to create content that resonates with a broader, more diverse audience, not just his personal preferences.
He used WWE’s Attitude Era as an example, highlighting how its varied content attracted casual viewers alongside hardcore fans. Russo urged WWE and AEW to stop catering exclusively to die-hard wrestling enthusiasts and instead try to win back millions of casual fans who have drifted away.
According to Russo, JCW understands the importance of expanding beyond the core wrestling fanbase, something that WWE and AEW should consider. He stressed that broad appeal is crucial, quoting Violent J’s vision of reaching audiences beyond those who watch wrestling weekly.
Russo’s comments have reignited a longstanding debate within wrestling: should the industry focus on hardcore fans or aim for mainstream popularity?
Fan Take: Russo’s critique highlights a vital crossroads for WWE and AEW as they seek to grow their audiences. If they choose to embrace a more inclusive style like the Attitude Era, it could not only revive lapsed fans but also reshape the future landscape of professional wrestling.
