Vito says that if he heard someone was saying things behind his back he’d always walk up to that person and confront them about it because he hated all the whispering backstage. He’d rather have any potential issues out in the open so he could figure out what the problem was. He admits that a lot of people told him throughout his career that he could have been World Champion if he just would have kissed ass and played the game a bit.
Russo asks Vito if he regrets not playing the game now, knowing that could have resulted in bigger paycheques and opportunities. He says that he could certainly use a couple of Million dollars in the bank right now to help his family, but he never would have wanted to earn it from kissing ass. He thought his hard work and dedication should have earned him those opportunities.
Russo agrees and says that it’s pointless to accomplish things when the only way you’re accomplishing them is through ass kissing. If he would have earned all of his opportunities through sucking up to Vince McMahon and his other bosses, he doesn’t think he would be able to live with himself today.
He goes on to say that if you’re in a job where politics are that important, that’s not a good spot to be in the first place. If your bosses are stupid enough to fall for all the ass kissing and lies then maybe you shouldn’t be in that job at all. If you keep your integrity and don’t fall into the trap you’ll eventually find yourself in a much better situation elsewhere.
