Former WWE writer Vince Russo has questioned whether younger creative writers possess the life experience necessary to develop believable characters and storylines, arguing that professional qualifications alone are not enough to succeed in WWE’s creative department.
Speaking on The Coach and Bro alongside former WWE personality Jonathan Coachman, Russo discussed a WWE job listing for a writer and producer position, which emphasized the ability to develop emotionally complex characters and compelling television storylines.
During the conversation, Coachman raised the hypothetical example of a 22-year-old applicant attempting to meet those expectations.
Russo argued that someone at that age would likely lack the personal experiences needed to accurately portray how people respond to conflict, relationships and other situations. “They’re not capable of doing it because they haven’t lived life. You got to understand, man, I started writing for the WWE in my mid-30s. When I say living life, guys, I was in enough life experiences at that point, Coach, that I knew how people would react to certain circumstances. I knew what people would say under certain circumstances.”
Russo continued by questioning how much real-world experience someone in their early 20s could bring to a professional wrestling creative team. “At 22 years old, seriously, guys, what has been your experience? You were in high school and you went to college. You’ve not lived one day in the world. So you literally have no idea how people interact with each other in the workplace, their thoughts, their actions, their emotions. They’re not capable of that, Coach.”
Coachman responded by pointing out that WWE’s advertised position already included several requirements that would make it difficult for someone so young to qualify.
Among those requirements was at least five years of writing experience in television or film, along with an understanding of WWE’s audience and its demographic and psychographic characteristics.
The listing also identified a bachelor’s degree in film, television, drama, media studies, communications or a related discipline as a preferred qualification, while allowing relevant professional experience as an alternative. “They’re going to push back and say, ‘Well, Vince, the top line says five-plus years of writing for TV or film.’ So let’s say 27 or higher,” Coachman explained.
He continued, “Then you come down to understanding of WWE’s audience, the demographic and psychographic preferred. And then they want a BA or a BS in film, TV, drama, media studies, communications, or a similar field of study, or validated experience in lieu of a degree preferred.”
Russo’s argument centered on the distinction between having experience writing television scripts and possessing the personal judgment needed to create realistic interactions between characters.
The former WWE creative figure maintained that his own experiences before joining the company’s writing team in his mid-30s helped him understand how individuals would behave and react under different circumstances.
Russo has frequently expressed opinions about WWE’s creative direction and storytelling decisions, but his latest comments focused on the qualifications and personal experiences he believes are necessary for those responsible for developing the company’s television programming.
