Dot Net TNA News: Creative update and Vince Russo contract note

By Jason Powell

The departure of Vince Russo from the TNA creative team has led to Dave Lagana working with the creative team in Orlando again this week (and presumably on a permanent basis). Lagana, Matt Conway, Bruce Prichard, and Eric Bischoff are believed to be handling the bulk of the creative matters. Prichard remains the head of the creative team, and Bischoff is an executive producer for the company. Hulk Hogan also has creative control over his own character has been an influence on other creative matters in the past.

Powell's POV: There's no word yet as to whether Conway or Lagana are doing the physical writing job that Russo had done in the past. Russo quit the creative team despite being under contract for several more months (one source stated that Russo was under until sometime in October). Russo was said to be frustrated by his lack of power in terms of writing content for the show. Russo's son, who had been working in production, also left the company.

There was a lot of frustration amongst the talent and some crew members, as TNA president Dixie Carter did not hold a meeting to address the situation. Rather, most of the wrestlers and crew didn't know Russo was officially out until Carter posted the information online. There's no word yet as to whether the situation has been addressed at this week's television tapings.

Update: The word within TNA is that Russo is being paid until his contract expires.

Dot Net Members received the first look at this news on Monday. They are currently listening to the Dot Net Weekly audio show, which has exclusive news items that have not been discussed anywhere else. To become a member for as little as $5.50 per month, visit the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.