Vince Russo Talks About Why Shane McMahon Originally Left WWE

In an interview with Wrestling Inc, Vince Russo gave his thoughts on the return of Shane McMahon and spoke about why he left WWE in the first place. Here are highlights:

On Shane’s return on RAW: “It was very personal for me. I was thrilled to see him back in that ring. I had a different relationship with Shane than the other McMahons. At Titan Tower, the big shots were on the fourth floor, the magazine department was on the second floor, and at that time, Shane was getting social media started and he was on the second floor, so I had a lot more interaction with Shane than Vince.”

On his relationship with Shane: “I pitched that Shane needs to be a character. I remember him going out and delivering a promo and sitting in the back saying he’s better than his old man. When I almost went back in 2002, there was no doubt in my mind Shane McMahon wanted me back and Stephanie McMahon didn’t because I would be a threat to her power. I have a warm spot in my heart for Shane, I don’t think there could be anyone else I’d be more happy to see.”

On Shane’s relationship with talent: “Shane had a great relationship with the talent. When Vince walks around Titan Tower, he wants people to fear him. He gets off on that. Shane was never that guy. It was never a power trip, and ego. You’d never know he was the boss’ kid. He was more of one of the boys than the boss’ son. The things that were important to Vince– money, power ego, were not important to Shane McMahon.”

On Shane’s exit from WWE: “I know the final showdown was a clash. Vince brought a couple of guys in his office, and told them that Shane was no longer with the company, and Shane was ready to be in charge, and even though it was his son, he wasn’t ready to step down and that’s the reason (Shane) stepped down. I’m watching this tonight, and everything that they’re saying in the ring is real. What is really going on behind the scenes?”