10 Things We Learned From Bruce Prichard's WWF & ECW Podcast
4. Bruce Prichard Told Paul Heyman That Taz Was Talking To The WWF
In 1999, top ECW star Taz was the one who first made contact with the WWF. Up until now, many may have believed that it was the WWF who pursued the wrestler, but that's not the story Bruce Prichard told on his podcast. Remarkably, he claims that Taz called Vince Russo, which means that this must have taken place before Russo left for WCW in October of that year.
Wishing to keep things calm between the WWF and ECW, Prichard informed Paul Heyman of what was happening. Clearly, Taz wanted out of Heyman's company and aimed to strike a deal with Vince McMahon's organisation. Knowing this could cause friction, Prichard wanted to keep communication lines very much open.
This was partly due to his friendship with Paul, as well as the fact that both companies were working together. Heyman was apparently less-than-thrilled when he found out about discussions between one of his top names and the WWF.
That's entirely understandable, especially if Taz hadn't come to Heyman and informed him of his plans. It was Prichard who clued Heyman in.