"She had no need for Eric Bischoff" – Vince Russo on Hulk Hogan's TNA deal (Exclusive)

Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan played vital roles in WCW's television ratings success over WWE in the mid-to-late 1990s. Vince Russo, a former writer for both companies, recently reflected on his experience working with the two men in TNA.

Russo had several spells with TNA as a creative team member between 2002 and 2014. Dixie Carter, the company's former President, wanted to add more star power to the product by recruiting Hogan in 2009. However, The Hulkster only agreed to join if Carter also hired Bischoff.

Hogan passed away on July 24 at the age of 71. Discussing the wrestling icon's life, Russo reminisced with Sportskeeda host Mac Davis about Bischoff being included as part of the TNA deal:

"While I'm doing this [creating TNA storylines], she's having these conversations with Hogan and Bischoff. And, Mac, let me make one thing perfectly clear, she wanted Hulk Hogan. She had no need for Eric Bischoff. Eric Bischoff, of course, became part of the deal because Hulk said, 'If you want me...' You know what I'm saying?" [1:30 – 1:50]

What happens when wrestlers get too selfish? - Watch Here!

Watch the video above to hear Russo reveal a piece of advice he gave Carter about Hogan's TNA creative freedom.

Vince Russo's conversation with Dixie Carter about Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan

In 2000, Hulk Hogan filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Vince Russo after WCW Bash at the Beach. A judge dismissed the case in 2003, ruling that Russo's scathing promo about The Hulkster at the event was storyline-based.

According to the veteran writer, Carter had concerns about whether he could work alongside Hogan and Eric Bischoff behind the scenes in TNA.

"She brings in Hulk and Eric," Russo continued. "[Dixie was] scared to death to tell me, and I said, 'Dixie, it's your company. You can bring in whoever you wanna bring in. I don't have a problem. I did nothing wrong. I don't have a problem. I can work with them.'" [1:56 – 2:12]

Carter was in charge of TNA for 14 years before leaving in 2017. The company is now owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment.

Please credit Sportskeeda Wrestling and embed the video if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart