WWE Paul Heyman DVD Review: 13 Things You Should Know

9. Vince McMahon's Involvement In ECW

One common accusation in the 90's was that Vince McMahon was funding ECW, operating is as a developmental league to the WWF. 'Ladies and Gentleman' finally offers the definitive truth on these accusations. "There was no greater supporter of ECW than Vince McMahon," Heyman states, "I think Vince thought we were good for the industry, we were a shop for the industry." Both Heyman and McMahon started to get close, realising they could learn from each other. "Vince called the ECW studio all the time," ECW producer Rob Buffone reveals. Stephanie McMahon adds that "I remember Paul would call the house and have long chats with my Dad." But did Vince actually have a financial stake in ECW's operation? "The accusation always was that I was on the WWE payroll. It wasn't true," Heyman states, "I was never paid by WWE." However, Heyman later details that ECW did in a roundabout way receive money from the WWF. Vince paid the company 1,000 dollars a week based on Too Cold Scorpio jumping to the WWF, which offset the advertising losses ECW incurred from losing Scorpio, who at the time had music advertisements built into his ECW appearances. McMahon's greatest support to Heyman was undoubtedly lending a professional ear to sound ideas off of. "Vince and Paul had a great relationship" Jim Ross states on the WWF / ECW co-operation.