You mention the name Vince Russo, and - one way or the other - someone is going to make a comment. You may also get into a heated discussion about the man. He is what everone would call a "hot button" issue.
Without rehashing the train wreck that was his tenure in WCW (with the hotshotting and such), we know that it did not work out successfully, and the company was eventually sold to Vince McMahon. We also know that Mr. Russo has since resurfaced with Total Nonstop Action, and constantly, chants of "Fire Russo" are heard throughout the arena when we see the terrible gimmick matches that make everyone sick and come off as so second rate. The problem is, these matches aren't Russo's fault.
Let's start off with the Sting Vs. Abyss casket match. Most people blame Russo for this terrible idea, but this was actually an idea that came directly from Steve Borden (Sting) and Chris Parks (Abyss). There have been other terrible "gimmick" matches in TNA recently as well, and most people want to make Russo the scapegoat for these terrible ideas. But there is a problem with that thinking.
TNA booking is done by committee, with Russo, Dutch Mantell, Jeff Jarrett and Jim Cornette (although Cornette plays a lesser role in these proceedings). Regardless of what gets brought up in these creative meetings, it is Jeff Jarrett and Jeff Jarrett ONLY that has the final say on anything that makes it to PPV or TV. Believe it or not, this is probably when Russo is at his best, with someone above him. Remember, he did his best work for Vince McMahon when Vince had final say.
Another positive that most people do not attribute to Russo is the idea of slowing Impact down. One of the biggest complaints is that impact always looks rushed, and matches are not given enough time. Russo was actually the one to suggest slowing things down and focusing more on wrestling.
So, let me be the first to offer Vince Russo an apology. Our anger should be focused on others. Now, let's all go and help TNA become one of the best wrestling companies in the business.