Bobby Heenan on Vince Russo, Wrestlemania 17 & WWF Return Plans
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Bobby Heenan discusses how he felt about Vince Russo while working with him in World Championship Wrestling.
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➡ • Bobby Heenan - Full 2 ...
RIP to the late-great Bobby "The Brain" Heenan.
Hear what the Brain has to say about Vince Russo, former writer for the World Wrestling Federation who helped spearhead the Attitude Era in WWF.
Also Bobby tells us about how it felt to return to commentary for the Wrestlemania 17 gimmick battle royal. We also learn if there were any discussions with Vince McMahon for a full-time return.
Unfortuntately, Bobby would develop throat & tongue cancer the same year that this interview was conducted. He returned to accept his place in the WWE Hall of Fame two years later in 2004. Heenan's last WWE appearance would come in 2007 before his health declined.
This interview was originally produced by RF Video Inc in 2002. Licensed for distribution on Title Match Network.
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RIP to the best manager of all-time Bobby "The Brain" Heenan
Stream the Full Shoot Interview:
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RIP Bobby Heenan 🙏
Heenan and Monsoon. They were like the Madden and Summerall of Pro Wrestling.
Just great!
Well said 👍💪🔥💯 They the BEST EVER, 2nd to them id put Good Ol JR and the King Jerry Lawler 💯
It's so odd that Bobby has been gone for so long. Even before his surgery he disappeared after WCW died. I would have loved to hear him doing a podcast or something.
Podcasts weren't really a thing 20 years ago
@@americandiablo I think his point was that he wishes Bobby was still around to be able to do a podcast.
@@americandiablo I just mean if he didn’t have his issues he might be a bit like Cornette today
@lilmikeycarson I wish he was still around too. It was terrible how he suffered many years before his passing, as well.
A Heenan podcast would be incredible.
Him saying he can't talk gives me goosebumps after knowing what happened to Bobby.
You were unbelievable, Bobby! Rest In Peace
I love that line "it's like someone pulling the stake from our heart and coming alive again".
I'm glad we have these old shoot interviews to look back on. Heenan is so missed.
Bobby Heenan was gold....The best manager, and best announcer of all time.....
I'll go further than that, Bobby lasted 40 yrs in the business & there was no better character & spokesman for wrestling than he.
@@richardmorris6365 Also one of the few not suffering from HHDS....Hulk Hogan Derangement Syndrome.
I doubt Bobby forgot his name, just didn’t want to give him the dignity of saying it out loud
RIP Bobby Heenan The Goat of Wrestling Entertainment as an Announcer, Manager, A man who could take bumps in the ring and could even wrestle, We lost a Legend and an Icon of the industry, He is so right about a lot of things, the Vince Russo comments where spot on
I disagree , Bobby the brain is royalty but don’t forget mean gene and Gordon solie , lance russell , Jessie the body Ventura , Jim Ross those guys made u want to watch wrestling 😮😢
@@martinalarcon3108 Mean Gene could not wrestle, Ventura wasn't on The Brains level when it came to announcing, he may have him in the ring, and nobody I have ever since could draw heat like the Brain, Jimmy Hart is one of my personal favorites, But he isn't really an announcer, Or a wrestler, Mainly I am a Hulk Hogan fan so Jimmy is up there for me just like mean Gene, To me the Brain was the Goat because of how versatile he was, I meant no disrespect to any of the names you mentioned, all legends in their own right
He is the clearest speaker. The best.
We all got stakes in our hearts after bobby died.
i got to meet him at wrestlecon in 2013 when he was in poor health but it was still an honour meeting him. can you imagine if he was here now and able to do podcasts
@@gregclark3268he'd be all over it- he looked so bad before he died, had no idea they botched his throat surgery.
The best "Broadcast Journalist" in the history of the business.🐐🏆🥇
2:11 Paul bearer said something similar…when he was briefly brought back to be Takers manager in 2004, he was adamant that he was only willing to do TV and PPVs…that road schedule is grueling, even moreso for older guys
“I don’t think there is going to be wrestling any more. “
Very prophetic in the age of entertainers and artists.
Except that wrestling is bigger than it's ever been today.
@@sandyunderpants4376 That's a pile of BS.
@@user-pc8uq6df2k Vince just sold the WWE for a trillion dollars after building the biggest worldwide fan base in wrestling history and the most viewers of Survivor Series in history, etc etc etc.
Wrestling needs competition to survive.
Five yrs ago Bobby got his wish.
A couple of years later Bobby's wish is returned to him with a large sorry added.
We still need a competitor to WWE.
The best to ever do it, rip Bobby the brain. You made me hate you as a youngster and admire you as a adult. Truly gifted x
2:39 He really was "The Brain" wasn't he?
He called exactly what would happen over the next 20 years. Once WWE had opposition again, wrestling came back
So Jim Cornette wasn't the only one who felt that way about Vince Russo #RIPBobbyHeenan
RIP Bobby Heenan 🙏
I love that Heenan couldn't remember Russo's name lol. Shows how insignificant he was compared to Bobby.
I thought it was real....what a great time to be a kid in the 80's and 90's
Simply the best!
He echoes what Jim Cornette says more or less.
It's almost like he knows what he's talking about regardless of how you feel about him.
He was technically right. No more wrestlers, only SUPERSTARS 😂
Bobby was smart with his money though he still wanted too be involved with the business that is a true love and passion.. RIP Bobby!
He was wrong that people won't buy tickets but he was right that it's not wrestling anymore. Watched the end of Wrestlemania XL and just shook my head
I get dual emotions watching Bobby😢 i loved to hate him in the 80's then it turned into just love for the guy,he was one of a kind and my goodness is that way overused but it literally fits Bobby man,i feel like we were all robbed of him,like he had so much more to tell,give etc...ik this much there's never been nor ever will be a better color guy/manager in the sport imho,so creative funny and could play you the audience like a fiddle if he chose to...😊 R.I.P
It's like he's still alive
Heenan was great in the WWF.
His book was fantastic.
I thought of his WM 17 appearance along with Mean Gene as them both "Coming home". I know they were both in AWA but they were both much better known for their work in WWF. That should have been his farewell to the business and it would have been quite appropriate going out on for me anyways, was the best pro wrestling event ever produced (WM 17)
He was so talented. I loved when he managed Andre The Giant and Ravishing Rick Rude. He was a great commentator also!
I love that the brain doesn't even know Russo lol n that wasn't him being a dick that was a real pro in the biz showing how lil of an impression bro left on the Brain 🧠 rest in peace brotha .... You never got the send off you deserved...
Greatest all around performer in the history of pro wrestling. He was a true class act.
Smart bloke and really deserved "The Brain" moniker. RIP
RIP Bobby.
"Who Killed WCW" by Vice TV is excellent.
I remember Macho Man destroyed Vince Russo his last night on Nitro
Major Part of Pro Wrestling's Glory Days Bobby Was Amazing .
I wish Hogan had turned heel sooner and took The Brain for a manager in like 1988. It would have went over huge.
Funny humble and just a nice guy rest in peace
He predicted wrestling future correct. Today wrestling is not good. Rateings are low abd ticket sales are down. Todays wrestling is just not as good as it once was.
Came from nothing and accomplished everything in his field. God bless the Brain.
Greats like Bobby and Cornette know the business.
What a guy!
Heenan was and is the Goat
Hes right, far as im concerned there isnt wrestling anymore,brilliant profecy.
id die for another gimmick battle royal at wm
If there had been a strong regional promotion based in Florida, Heenan would probably have gone there over WCW.
Really sad because in 2002 or 2003 he got diagnosed with throat cancer and had health issue for years so he never really got another commentary gig with WWE 😢
Brain called it.
Russo was and is amazing and he made it more popular than ever. The ratings don't lie, WCW died because of Ted and AOL nothing else. Bobby is hypocritical at times but mostly good
1:05 "If he (Russo) came up with 20 ideas, Vince McMahon used one and changed to what he wanted".
Is Heenan wrong? If Bobby is wrong, how did Russo do in WCW and TNA?
Why are the marks defending Vince Russo? I don't get it.
Russo is delusional and is never wrong in his own mind. His fans are just the same way. Russo talks about improving nitro because the ratings went up. If you watch the shows they were a mess.
No doubt McMahon would filter through Russo's ideas. They did work well together and it worked during the attitude era. But left unfiltered you would get a lot of ideas that did not work from Russo
The best thing you can say about Vince Russo is he wasn't afraid to try or pitch new ideas and things. But, when someone else is footing the bill and they know, based on experience, that it just won't work, what's the point? Jim Cornette had problems with Russo and has always been very adamant and outspoken about it. I would be more inclined to listen to guys like Bobby Heenan for instance, Vince McMahon, guys that have been in the business that have had ideas that actually worked and that are proven. These experienced guys also respect the business and also give props to the guys and gals who actually came up with the idea(s). You can't run show business or any business very long with one good idea in 20. If that is your batting average in baseball you need to find a sport you could be better at.
@@josereyes1148 Jose, why are fans defending Russo though?
I'm not a fan of TK but at least Tony isn't as bad of a booker as Russo.
@@kenterminateddq5311 because they listen to Russo and give him improper credit for the attitude era. I believe Russo for awhile until I heard cornet explain why Russo was successful during the attitude era. Then I heard JR say it. Then I heard Pritchard say it. When all the facts are looked at objectively you can see Russo is basically a goof who has his 1 or 2 good ideas filtered from McMahon. Then he has legends performing that idea in the ring backed by world class production. If you listen to Russo, he makes it sound like he was the main reason things turned around creatively. Based on everything I've heard from multiple people who were there, that's not the case.
It's funny that no one has anything nice to say about Vince Russo & yet the higher ups still employ him.
Bobby Heenan said Vince Russo was a disgrace..........and the heart of Jim Cornette grew THREE TIMES BIGGER that day lol😅😅😅
Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and Al Bundy in the same room...😊
He was right. Wrestling died.
Except that it didn't and it's making more money then ever.
@@deadeyedarwin it's not wrestling and learn a little about the economy, society, and life in general before talking to me please. Thank you.
@@deadeyedarwin It did and it isn't.
Bobby and JR would have been great together.
Supposed to be a writer!!!! LMMFAO!!!!
How did the Weasel know about Russo's work relationship with McMahon?
He obviously wasn't there at the time.
Interest in wrestling did die hard not too long after this. The John Cena era/pg era was one of the worst all time. 3k people gor Raw? 5k for a PPV? Horrible. It barely started to recover after Lesnar came back, now its much improved.
It still sucks.
@christopherwood2290 I mean I don't watch it now either but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that's its better than the Cena era. I'll watch sunmerslam royal rumble and wrestlemania
The guys today have zero charisma and kayfabe being dead ruins it for me.@@digknight4455
LISSIN BRO. I DON’T EVEN KNOW BOBBY HEENAN LIKE THAT. HE IS CLEARLY, BRO, JUST TRYIN’ TO GET WITH “THE COOL KIDS,” THAT’S ALL. I PULLED IN 10 MILLION VIEWERS WEEKLY, BRO. AND I DID IT WITHOUT BEIN’ ONE IF THESE MARKS.
(Don’t forget to read this slowly for full effect 😂😂)
When were these recorded? If would of stayed healthy we could of got so many more stories from him
Bobby looks fantastic, great to see him
You do realize he passed years ago
@@itsmeandnotyou113I don't think he does
@@BuddyRose-kt1nuyeah he’s dead. He looked awful. It was sad…
@@Cultofpersonality09129 I was replying to the guy above my comment
This was from 2002, he did look great there. Such a shame he got cancer and his health deteriorated after this
Russo is, was, and always will be a TOOL
lol even the brain thought poopstain was bad
🤣
I wonder if Bobby has ever done a shoot on his brief face turn in AWA. He feuded with Lord Hayes over the services of Super destroyer Mark 2. Bobby didnt seem very comfortable in the role.
Russo says Bro one time on the mic and I want to shut off the TV
Somewhere Cornette is laughing.
Vince Russo wanted wrestling to be Jerry Springer.
Bobby knew his name fine but had no respect for him.
Brain is a legend. Russo who???
Most underrated guy in wrestling. Hogan is wrong about the heel turn commentary. "But who's side is he on!" is exactly what The Brain would have said without knowledge of the heel turn. It was the perfect line.
When was this interview filmed?
2002
Vince Russo destroyed WCW
Watching this after OJ Simpson’s death. Saying this because he mentioned Nicole Simpson.
Hello
Attitude was a neccessary evil for WWF in order to compete with WCW. If Vince McMahon didnt go raunchy, WWF probably never beats WCW in the ratings. WCW just had too much talent
In the end, I think Attitude ruined wrestling. I enjoyed it at the time, but in hindsight I have no interest in rewatching any of it. All style and no substance imo. I find myself rewatching the Golden Era and even New Generation on occasion. Attitude just didnt age well with me
I'm glad im not the only who felt that way. The main event angles are still great but nothing else really aged well.
@@shinzontheta well said
Russo shouldn't be allowed 50 miles from a wrestling ring. Court ordered! This guy was toxic to the wrestling industry! What a joke!
Right. That's why WWF did record numbers when he became Head Writer. And why people still yearn for that Era to return till this day .....
He's right, Russo ruined WCW. It may have been losing to WWF at that point, but not by much, but Russo pushed it over the edge.
Stop it. WCW was trash in 99. Before Russo ever showed up. Anyone saying otherwise is LYING.
Love Bobby. Glad he was wrong about the future of wrestling though.
I have no interest in wrestling anymore it's just not the same thing anymore.
I agree man, and I have people tell me all the time it's as good if not better than it's ever been, but these guys don't understand how to work anymore, I think kayfabe dying completely changed the way people work, and it just doesn't mean anything anymore
@@foxholiday4308 Thanks Man!!! You're the first to actually agree with me and not get all Pissed!!! LoL
The only thing I can say about the Vince Russo WWE era? I wouldn't let my kids watch wrestling anymore. It turned into garbage. Then he went to WCW and ruined that too.
The only thing Vince Russo did was make it uncool for older guys to wear Baseball Jerseys….
Bobby is wrong for blaming Russo for removing him from nitro commentary Russo was gone in mid January. Kevin Sullivan was in charge then so he would be the one who should be blamed.
If Heenan did not like Russo... You gotta suck bro
WWE is BIGGER than it's ever been
Love BH but he was way off the mark thinking wrestling was going to die off once the court case made it clear it wasn't 'real'.
When you're in the business too long or too deep you cannot have an outsider's perspective and so you only preach to the converted
Russo ruined wrestling
Stop it 😂😂😂
@@kevinlee9929WCW was objectively terrible when he ran things.
Ive gone back. And watched Evory episode of nitro. Im on the year 2000. And its god awful. Just like i remember 20 plus years ago. Russo demolished the place and drove it to the ground with dumb ideas 👋🤣
Russo
WCW is better than modern day WWE.
No.
@@vincesmith2499 Yes.
@@user-pc8uq6df2k Nope.
@@user-pc8uq6df2k Nope.
@@user-pc8uq6df2k No.
💩Stain
Skandor Akbar was was better than Heenan as a manager. A much better entertainer.
Bobby was great, but I wonder what he would think of the WWE just growing and growing in terms of net worth. Apparently, it doesn't matter so much if everyone is in on it.
Sounds drunk
Wanna grab a drink?
lol crazy he predicted how the business would go down !!! And man did it!!!
He Knew Sports Entertainment Would Decline After Death Of WCW.
RIP Bobby Heenan 🙏
I'm so glad to hear this from Bobby about Russo. Russo gave 110% at being terrible and just a bad person