David Sahadi on RAW is WAR, Vince McMahon & Wrestling’s Attitude Era – Wrestling Epicenter Interview
The world of professional wrestling is often perceived as spectacle, but behind the larger-than-life characters and dramatic storylines lies a complex creative process. A new perspective on that process is emerging with the release of “Backstage Pass,” a book by veteran producer David Sahadi, currently available for pre-order via ECW Press and Simon and Schuster. Sahadi’s career spans multiple wrestling promotions – World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Total Nonstop Action (TNA), Major League Wrestling (MLW) – and currently includes work with Real American Freestyle.
A Career Behind the Camera
Sahadi’s contributions weren’t in the ring, but in shaping the presentation of wrestling for a generation of fans. He’s known for his work on vignettes, show openings and overall visual style. His new book, as discussed in a recent interview on WrestlingEpicenter.com, delves into the human dynamics of the industry, focusing on how success impacted individuals and how those who felt overlooked navigated the landscape.
From WWF to WWE
Sahadi’s career began during a pivotal period for the industry. He initially joined the organization when it was known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). A legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund ultimately forced a name change. Vince McMahon initially proposed simply calling the organization “WE,” or World Entertainment, before settling on WWE and launching the “Get the F Out” campaign. The legal dispute intensified as the WWF’s content became more provocative, featuring elements from Degeneration X and R-rated programming.
Pushing Boundaries and Facing Backlash
Sahadi expressed a fondness for the edgier content of the Attitude Era, despite acknowledging its controversial nature. However, he specifically criticized the “Katie Vick” storyline as “vile and offensive,” and unproductive for the product. He also revealed that WWE hoped to generate “shock value” and increase fan animosity towards Triple H with a prolonged necrophilia angle, a decision he found unnecessary and excessive.
Early Impressions and Creative Innovation
Transitioning from NBC Sports, where he worked with athletes like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, Sahadi found himself immersed in a very different world backstage at WWF Superstars, encountering personalities like Doink the Clown and Kamala. He quickly sought to implement new creative approaches, experimenting with black and white segments and unconventional audio synchronization, often facing resistance from those accustomed to established practices. One example was a spot featuring Chuck Norris with deliberately out-of-sync audio.
The Birth of the “Attitude”
Sahadi played a key role in developing a segment where wrestlers introduced themselves with their backgrounds outside of wrestling, culminating in the introduction of the word “Attitude,” which ultimately became synonymous with the era. While Vince McMahon initially disliked the script, Kevin Dunn encouraged its production, anticipating a positive reaction. This segment paved the way for the edgier writing styles of Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara.
Rivalry and Creative Conflicts
Sahadi also discussed the competitive dynamic between WWE and World Championship Wrestling (WCW), noting that Eric Bischoff’s strategy focused on differentiating WCW’s presentation from WWE’s. He described McMahon’s animosity towards Bischoff, even to the point of avoiding his name during the “Billionaire Ted” vignettes. Sahadi himself ultimately refused to work on the final installments of those vignettes, finding them increasingly bitter and crossing a line when they referenced Ted Turner’s mental health and medication.
Looking Ahead
The interview suggests a wealth of further stories to be revealed in the upcoming portion of the WrestlingEpicenter.com write-up, including details about conflicts with Kevin Dunn and “Big” John Guberick over the “TNA Cookiegate” incident, his assessment of The Rock’s ego, and his current work with Real American Freestyle. The full interview is available on www.WrestlingEpicenter.com and on YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is David Sahadi’s primary contribution to professional wrestling?
David Sahadi is a producer known for his work on the visual presentation of wrestling, including vignettes and show openings, for WWE, TNA, MLW, and Real American Freestyle.
What was the initial reaction to the “RAW is WAR” show open?
The “RAW is WAR” show open was a favourite of Sahadi’s, featuring fire, explosions, and imagery of war, and was internally well-received despite initial reservations.
What was Sahadi’s opinion of the “Katie Vick” storyline?
Sahadi strongly disliked the “Katie Vick” storyline, describing it as “vile and offensive” and unproductive for the product.
Considering the creative clashes and boundary-pushing described in Sahadi’s career, what role do you believe risk-taking plays in the evolution of professional wrestling?