Vince Russo claims in his latest autobiography "Rope Opera" that he invited Paul Heyman to join TNA. "Oh, and one last thing, for the record," Russo writes in the final chapter of the book. "I called Paul E personally to ask him to join TNA. He declined."

Russo also addressed his critics. "To those fans who supported me over the years: thank you," he wrote. I'm just grateful that at least some of you 'got it'. To the critics: the negativity hurt . . . and it still does. If that was your intent, bravo. you win: I lose.

"I hope no other person has to endure the kind of criticism I've had to. What hurt the most of all is that those taking the cheap shot never knew me, never knew what I was about." To read more excerpts, visit the UK Sun.

Powell's POV: I don't know what role Heyman turned down, but I can't say I'd be surprised if Heyman passed on an offer to be part of a creative team. Why would Heyman want to work for or even with someone he's more talented than?

As for the response to critics, Russo is still positioning himself as the martyr again. He acts like critics personally attack him rather than his writing. Maybe some critics do personally attack him, but there are plenty of us who simply don't agree with him philosophically.

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