Behind the Curtain: David Sahadi’s “Backstage Pass” Reveals Wrestling’s Human Side
David Sahadi, a veteran producer with decades of experience in WWE, TNA, and beyond, is offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of professional wrestling with his new book, “Backstage Pass.” A recent interview with Sahadi on Wrestling Epicenter, hosted by James Walsh, highlighted the book’s focus on the personalities and human dynamics that shaped the industry, rather than simply recounting well-known storylines.
The Evolution of WWE Branding and the WWF Lawsuit
Sahadi recounted the transition from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), revealing Vince McMahon’s initial desire to simply call it “WE” – a suggestion thankfully vetoed. This rebranding was largely driven by a decade-long legal battle with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The lawsuit intensified as WWE content became more provocative, particularly with the rise of the Attitude Era and acts like Degeneration X. Sahadi noted the WWF’s content became “salacious” and “lewd” which ultimately led to the World Wildlife Fund winning the case.
Interestingly, the infamous “Animal Scratch” logo, often speculated to be a point of contention, wasn’t the primary issue. According to Sahadi, McMahon disliked the circular design of the original logo, deeming it “feminine,” and requested it resemble a prison wall with scratch marks. The legal dispute centered on the content itself.
The Attitude Era: Risk, Reward, and Regret
Sahadi expressed a fondness for the risk-taking nature of the Attitude Era, despite acknowledging its controversial elements. He specifically cited his disapproval of the Katie Vick storyline, describing it as “vile and offensive” and unproductive. He explained that the intent was to generate shock value and fuel hatred for Triple H, but ultimately felt it was unnecessary and damaging.
Early Impressions and Creative Innovation
Sahadi’s early days with the WWF were a stark contrast to his previous work in traditional sports broadcasting. He recalled encountering characters like Doink the Clown and Kamala, and being surprised to identify Kamala reading The New York Times in full makeup. He quickly began pushing boundaries, experimenting with black-and-white segments and unconventional editing techniques, often facing resistance from those accustomed to established practices. He emphasized the importance of trying “things differently” to revitalize a struggling product.
The Birth of “Attitude” and the Monday Night Wars
Sahadi played a key role in the creation of the “Attitude” tagline that defined the era. He developed a spot featuring wrestlers discussing their backgrounds, culminating in the inclusion of the word “Attitude” – a concept initially rejected by Vince McMahon but ultimately approved by Kevin Dunn. This spot helped pave the way for the edgier writing of Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara.
He also offered insight into the dynamic between WWE and WCW, acknowledging Eric Bischoff’s strategic approach of differentiating WCW’s product. While McMahon harbored animosity towards Bischoff, Sahadi respected Bischoff’s efforts, even if he found some of WWE’s retaliatory tactics, like the “Billionaire Ted” vignettes, to be ineffective and even detrimental.
The RAW is WAR Open: A Defining Moment
Sahadi identified the “RAW is WAR” show open as one of his proudest achievements. The visually striking sequence, featuring fire, explosions, and imagery of war, perfectly captured the intensity of the Monday Night Wars. He shared anecdotes about the challenges of filming the segment, including a memorable encounter with Vince McMahon during frigid conditions and a resourceful solution involving a bribe to the fire marshal to allow the ropes to be lit on fire.
Pyro and Production Secrets
Sahadi revealed a fascinating detail about the use of pyrotechnics, explaining that WWE used a mixture of 25% propane and 25% gasoline to achieve the desired visual effect – propane for a cleaner burn, and gasoline for a darker, more dramatic flame.
FAQ
Q: Where can I purchase David Sahadi’s book?
A: “Backstage Pass” is available for pre-order on Amazon via ECW Press and Simon and Shuster.
Q: Where can I listen to the full interview with David Sahadi?
A: The complete interview is available on WrestlingEpicenter.com and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ojHHCyMqYZ0.
Q: What was the main focus of Sahadi’s book?
A: The book focuses on the human side of professional wrestling, exploring the personalities and dynamics behind the scenes, rather than simply recounting storylines.
Did you understand? The “RAW is WAR” logo’s fiery ropes were achieved with a little help from a well-placed bribe to the fire marshal!
Pro Tip: Understanding the production side of wrestling can greatly enhance your appreciation for the artistry and effort involved in creating a compelling show.
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