Post by Pennyroyal_Tea (admin) on Mar 29, 2005 7:48:19 GMT -5
David Sahadi is currently the most hated man in Stanford-based WWE Headquarters. Who is David Sahadi you ask? If you watched WWE TV programming or saw one of their commercials teasing a PPV in the last 10 years, then chances are you saw his work as the Creative Director of On-air Promotions. Mr. Sahadi currently works with TNA Wrestling is the same capacity. If you saw the teasers for the PPVs that sent goosebumps up your arms, then you have seen his current work. This interview that will give you behind the scenes access to how WWF/WWE operated, the truth and fiction behind the infamous TNA milk and cookie delivery to the WWE during a commercial shoot and what you can possibly expect from TNA Wrestling in the coming months.
AW: What were your initial impressions of Vince McMahon?
David Sahadi: Like most, I was intimidated by Vince before I even met him. I had heard all the negative rumors that were circulating at the time. When I walked into Vinces office for my interview, he was wearing sweats, blasting a heavy metal entrance music theme for one of his new superstars and happily eating a hot meal. He came across more as a frat boy than an executive for a global empire. It was a very casual atmosphere at that was comforting. He embraced me warmly, spoke of his mantra to, above everything else, just have fun, and made me feel wanted. I walked out of his offi! ce with a whole different image of Vince McMahon and knew right then it was the place I needed to be.
AW: I believe one of your first tasks was producing the Monday Night Raw intro piece filmed on the roof of WWF Headquarters, known as the Titan Towers. Talk about the spot and some other ideas Vince had for the spot.
David Sahadi: Actually, one of my first tasks was to produce the promos and openings for the premiers of both RAW and Mania (a Saturday morning magazine show). The graphics were awful a lot of pinks and yellows which are not colors you would associate with such a physical product. I also introduced film and an editing style that was fast-paced and cutting edge. Two years later, we filmed the opening for Raw on the Roof that you mentioned. And the shoot was beset with a myriad of problems. For one, Vince and I had a different vision. I wanted the feel to be rebellious and attitudinal (this was before the era of attitude) while Vince pitched a few ideas t! hat were more campy and slapstick. We also had plans to ignite pyro and burn a huge "RAW" logo in flames upon the entire length of the roof. But there was a drought in CT at the time and our pyro permits were pulled the day before the shoot. Our helicopter also lost its spotlight midway through the shoot, as well as communication with us on the ground, so we were simply winging everything. The neighbors also complained to the Stamford police about the noise disturbance. Of course, with a copter flying above and a live band performing on the roof, it was had to hear their complaints or the police trying to contact us so the shoot continued on until midnight!
AW: What was your work relationship like with Vince and Jim Ross?
David Sahadi: I had a wonderful work and personal relationship with all the McMahons during my eleven years there, as well as with Jim Ross and many of the talent. They treated me with reverence and respect and embraced me like a family member. No complaints there. The only thing that saddened me is that Vince treated me differently the moment he found out I was leaving the company. I first told my boss, Kevin Dunn, and said that I would give the company however much time they needed me to stay until a replacement could be found, whether it be two weeks, two months or half a year. Kevin decided on one month. During that last month I never had a discussion with Vince about anything. He actually avoided me in public. I had scheduled three meetings with Vince to say goodbye, but all three were postponed. I couldnt understand why he turned a cold shoulder. After all, I wasnt leaving the company to work for the competition or to take another job elsewhere. I was quitting and! leaving everything behind. All I wanted to do was give him a hug and express my gratitude for all he had done for me. The fact that I felt dissed hurt on the deepest of levels, considering all I had done for the company and the countless sacrifices I made. But a couple of months later, once I was in the mountains, I let all the hurt go. I understood why Vince felt awkward: he couldnt understand why I was leaving. And looking back I dont blame him. How could he understand why I was leaving when I didnt understand myself? All I knew is that I had to leave that company. My heart was no longer enamored with the product. My soul needed to embark on a journey of discovery. My spirit longed for a new adventure. So I walked away from everything, without a plan, with trust that the Universe would lead me.
AW: Did you have day to day dealings with Linda McMahon?
David Sahadi: She is a great businessperson one of the classiest people I know. I have so much respect for her. When I met Linda to say goodbye, I broke down in her office and couldnt utter a single word. She hugged me, spoke the words I couldnt speak, and made me feel wonderful. She is one of the most compassionate, benevolent beings I know and I send her my love.
AW: Fans that I am friend with aren't big fans of Stephanie, what is your view of Ms. McMahon-Levesque?
David Sahadi: I like Stephanie, but I think she was put in a difficult position and asked to do too much too soon. I dont feel she was ready for the role of head writer when it was given to her. And I think Stephanie, like Vince, tries too hard to control everything. She would do well to trust people around her more, and be a unifying force as opposed to one which alienates. She also works her butt off. I remember seeing her in the gym after one of her typical fourteen hour days doing work onthe treadmill! Poor girl. I admire her work ethic and her unyielding commitment, but I sincerely hope that one day she realizes there is a vast, beautiful world outside of the WWE. And I truly hope she finds happiness, if she hasnt already.
AW: At one point Shane McMahon was on-air as talent, now he is behind the scenes. What are your thoughts on Shane-O-Mac?
David Sahadi: Over time Shane has really risen in my eyes. I respect the fact that at one point not too long ago he decided to scale back his responsibilities and spend more time with his wife in NYC. He wanted to appreciate life. I really think he gets it now. Man, being Vinces son must have been a heavy burden growing up. Talk about a huge shadow to emerge from. But I also think a few years down the road Shane will surprise everybody and become the savior the WWE needs and restore it to great heights. He listens to people. Shane is also very approachable and personable. I do consider him a friend, even though we have not spoken since I left. One day, I hope we bump into each other somewhere, share a beer, look back and laugh at the insanity and fun - of it all.
To read the rest of the interview go to www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=12611.
AW: What were your initial impressions of Vince McMahon?
David Sahadi: Like most, I was intimidated by Vince before I even met him. I had heard all the negative rumors that were circulating at the time. When I walked into Vinces office for my interview, he was wearing sweats, blasting a heavy metal entrance music theme for one of his new superstars and happily eating a hot meal. He came across more as a frat boy than an executive for a global empire. It was a very casual atmosphere at that was comforting. He embraced me warmly, spoke of his mantra to, above everything else, just have fun, and made me feel wanted. I walked out of his offi! ce with a whole different image of Vince McMahon and knew right then it was the place I needed to be.
AW: I believe one of your first tasks was producing the Monday Night Raw intro piece filmed on the roof of WWF Headquarters, known as the Titan Towers. Talk about the spot and some other ideas Vince had for the spot.
David Sahadi: Actually, one of my first tasks was to produce the promos and openings for the premiers of both RAW and Mania (a Saturday morning magazine show). The graphics were awful a lot of pinks and yellows which are not colors you would associate with such a physical product. I also introduced film and an editing style that was fast-paced and cutting edge. Two years later, we filmed the opening for Raw on the Roof that you mentioned. And the shoot was beset with a myriad of problems. For one, Vince and I had a different vision. I wanted the feel to be rebellious and attitudinal (this was before the era of attitude) while Vince pitched a few ideas t! hat were more campy and slapstick. We also had plans to ignite pyro and burn a huge "RAW" logo in flames upon the entire length of the roof. But there was a drought in CT at the time and our pyro permits were pulled the day before the shoot. Our helicopter also lost its spotlight midway through the shoot, as well as communication with us on the ground, so we were simply winging everything. The neighbors also complained to the Stamford police about the noise disturbance. Of course, with a copter flying above and a live band performing on the roof, it was had to hear their complaints or the police trying to contact us so the shoot continued on until midnight!
AW: What was your work relationship like with Vince and Jim Ross?
David Sahadi: I had a wonderful work and personal relationship with all the McMahons during my eleven years there, as well as with Jim Ross and many of the talent. They treated me with reverence and respect and embraced me like a family member. No complaints there. The only thing that saddened me is that Vince treated me differently the moment he found out I was leaving the company. I first told my boss, Kevin Dunn, and said that I would give the company however much time they needed me to stay until a replacement could be found, whether it be two weeks, two months or half a year. Kevin decided on one month. During that last month I never had a discussion with Vince about anything. He actually avoided me in public. I had scheduled three meetings with Vince to say goodbye, but all three were postponed. I couldnt understand why he turned a cold shoulder. After all, I wasnt leaving the company to work for the competition or to take another job elsewhere. I was quitting and! leaving everything behind. All I wanted to do was give him a hug and express my gratitude for all he had done for me. The fact that I felt dissed hurt on the deepest of levels, considering all I had done for the company and the countless sacrifices I made. But a couple of months later, once I was in the mountains, I let all the hurt go. I understood why Vince felt awkward: he couldnt understand why I was leaving. And looking back I dont blame him. How could he understand why I was leaving when I didnt understand myself? All I knew is that I had to leave that company. My heart was no longer enamored with the product. My soul needed to embark on a journey of discovery. My spirit longed for a new adventure. So I walked away from everything, without a plan, with trust that the Universe would lead me.
AW: Did you have day to day dealings with Linda McMahon?
David Sahadi: She is a great businessperson one of the classiest people I know. I have so much respect for her. When I met Linda to say goodbye, I broke down in her office and couldnt utter a single word. She hugged me, spoke the words I couldnt speak, and made me feel wonderful. She is one of the most compassionate, benevolent beings I know and I send her my love.
AW: Fans that I am friend with aren't big fans of Stephanie, what is your view of Ms. McMahon-Levesque?
David Sahadi: I like Stephanie, but I think she was put in a difficult position and asked to do too much too soon. I dont feel she was ready for the role of head writer when it was given to her. And I think Stephanie, like Vince, tries too hard to control everything. She would do well to trust people around her more, and be a unifying force as opposed to one which alienates. She also works her butt off. I remember seeing her in the gym after one of her typical fourteen hour days doing work onthe treadmill! Poor girl. I admire her work ethic and her unyielding commitment, but I sincerely hope that one day she realizes there is a vast, beautiful world outside of the WWE. And I truly hope she finds happiness, if she hasnt already.
AW: At one point Shane McMahon was on-air as talent, now he is behind the scenes. What are your thoughts on Shane-O-Mac?
David Sahadi: Over time Shane has really risen in my eyes. I respect the fact that at one point not too long ago he decided to scale back his responsibilities and spend more time with his wife in NYC. He wanted to appreciate life. I really think he gets it now. Man, being Vinces son must have been a heavy burden growing up. Talk about a huge shadow to emerge from. But I also think a few years down the road Shane will surprise everybody and become the savior the WWE needs and restore it to great heights. He listens to people. Shane is also very approachable and personable. I do consider him a friend, even though we have not spoken since I left. One day, I hope we bump into each other somewhere, share a beer, look back and laugh at the insanity and fun - of it all.
To read the rest of the interview go to www.liveaudiowrestling.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=12611.