25 years ago, on July 9, 2000 in Daytona Beach, FL at Bash at the Beach 2000, one of the greatest “shoot” promos of all time took place.
It was when WCW Head of Creative, and co-leader of the New Blood, Vince Russo went uber-deep on “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan.
To understand the magnitude of this promo, it interweaved behind-the-scenes animosity between Hogan, Mr. Russo, and Eric Bischoff, while maintaining story continuity with Jeff Jarrett and Booker T later in the night.
Thanks to IGN back in 2000, here is the word-for-word transcript of Mr. Russo’s diatribe:
"Three weeks ago, I left WCW, and quite frankly, I didn't know if I was going to come back. And the reason I didn't know is because from day one I've done nothing but deal with the bullshit of the politics behind that curtain. The fact of the matter is, I have a wife, I have three kids at home, and I really don't need this shit. But let me tell you why I did come back. I came back for every one of the guys in the locker room that week in, week out bust their ass for WCW." Medium pop. "I came back for the Booker Ts. I came back for every single guy in MIA. I came back for the (Filthy) Animals, I came back for Jarrett, I came back for the guys behind that curtain that give a sh*t about this company. And let me tell you who doesn't give a sh*t about this company. That God Damn politician, Hulk Hogan.
Let me tell you people what happened in this ring tonight. All day long I'm playing politics with Hulk Hogan, because tonight Hulk Hogan wants to play his creative control card, and to him that means that in the middle of this ring, when he knew it was bullshit, he (would) beat Jeff Jarrett. Well guess what! Hogan got his wish. Hogan got his belt and he went the hell home, and I promise everyone, you will never see that piece of sh*t again!
I also¿ I sat out there with people just like you. I know you paid good money to come here tonight, and nobody is going to be ripped off tonight. So Hulk Hogan now has the WCW belt. And Hulk, let's refer to that as the Hulk Hogan Memorial Belt, because from here on in, that belt don't mean shit! Because there will be a NEW WCW belt, and as far as I'm concerned, that belt still belongs to the one guy who bust his ass week in and week out in the middle of this ring, and you guys can love him or hate him, but that guy doesn't screw anybody back there, and that's Jeff Jarrett.
Jeff Jarrett is still the official WCW champion, but he will defend that tile in this ring tonight. He will defend that title against the son of a bitch who for 14 years has been busting his ass in WCW and can't get a Goddamn break because of the Hulk Hogans. I'm talking about Booker T. Booker T. and Jeff Jarrett are the two reasons why I'm in this business to being with. Tonight in this ring, two deserving guys, Jarrett and Booker will compete, and they'll tear this house down. And Hogan, you big bald son of a bitch, kiss my ass!"
Over the years, Mr. Russo has told his side of the story. Eric Bischoff has told his side. There was a Dark Side of the Ring episode about it. Hulk Hogan unsuccessfully sued Mr. Russo twice for defamation over it. It has lasted the test of time.
This writer’s opinion: it is the greatest “shoot” promo of all time. If Vince Russo was not despised by the Internet Wrestling Community as badly as he was, is, and will be (which I think is unjust), I feel many people would feel the same.
The one note I personally love is that Mr. Russo did NOT lie in this promo. Hulk Hogan NEVER appeared in World Championship Wrestling again.
Say what you will about Vince Russo, but, as a character on television, this was his most memorable moment.
Bankie Bruce
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