JM Nash

well I had a thread about this but its been pruned out now, I'll make a new one I guess...




Catching up with Virgil
By Brett Hoffman
Written: January 28, 2007



Over the course of sports-entertainment history, few men have had as infectious a smile as Virgil. From his time wrestling with Jerry Lawler in Memphis, to his participation at WrestleMania and later the nWo, the man born with the name Mike Jones has seen it all in the wrestling business. Years after his departure from WWE competition, fans still remember the man who personified courage throughout an inspirational and accomplished career.

Virgil wasn’t always a fan favorite though. Upon his arrival at WWE, he positioned himself as the assistant extraordinaire to the evil "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase. Whether it was as partners or foes, they drew on the emotions of crowds all over the world. Virgil told WWE.com that the two were as close as brothers.

“It was the greatest experience of my life,” said Virgil. “Ted Dibiase’s quality as a wrestler was matched only by Ted Dibiase’s quality as a man. We were together every day for years, and we never had a single fight,” he continued. “It was two men getting along as gentlemen, professionals and friends. Together, we were the greatest act in sports-entertainment.”

Before Mike Jones became part of sports-entertainment’s greatest act, he earned a degree in mathematics from the University of Virginia. Upon his retirement from the sport, Jones put the degree to use. The man formally known as Virgil now teaches mathematics several days a week at a Catholic High School in his home town of Pittsburgh, Pa., and is known in the classroom as Mr. Jones. In his new role, the former Million Dollar Champion looks to pass on some of the knowledge he picked up from years on the road to his students.

“On the road, you learn how to respect people,” said Jones. “That is a lesson that can be useful for my students or any students. WWE is a first-class organization, and while there you learn how to become a first-class individual,” he continued. “You learn how to control yourself in different situations, how to act around people, how to bite your tongue, and how to turn the other cheek and walk away. All that stuff translates to the real world.”

Outside of the classroom, Jones continues to make occasional appearances in the ring. In 2006, Virgil made a comeback to the squared circle as part of a tour with Armed Forces Entertainment. As part of the venture, he wrestled for troops in Korea, Tokyo, Guam and Honolulu, Hawaii. Despite being inactive for the last few years, the tour brought Jones some of the same feelings he experienced during his memorable matches in the early '90s. One of those matches, his victory against Ted Dibiase as part of SummerSlam ’91 at Madison Square Garden remains the most exciting moment of his career.

“Standing on the top turnbuckle at the Garden, it doesn’t get any better,” said an emotional Jones. “Holding that Million Dollar Belt up as 20,000 people chanted my name, it was a moment and a feeling I’ll never forget.”

To those 20,000 fans and the millions more whose path he crossed over his long career, Jones sends a poignant message.

“I can’t thank them enough,” said Jones. “I want to wish them all the best in their health, and in their futures. I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart, and I appreciate all their support over the years.”


Catching up with Jake "The Snake" Roberts
By Brett Hoffman
Written: January 29, 2007



With a single glance and a few dark words, Jake “The Snake” Roberts could make any Superstar believe that his career was about to come to a miserable end. To many, Roberts wrote the book on wrestling psychology, an art and skill which he displayed on a weekly basis to WWE fans throughout the '80s and early '90s. With his trademark snake companion at his side, Jake created and mastered the “DDT,” a deadly maneuver used regularly today by wrestlers all over the world. Despite the fact that he never wore WWE gold, his in-ring exploits made him a champion to his fans forever.

Jake’s career has spanned more than three decades, but according to the legendary performer, nothing has, or ever will, top his experience at WrestleMania III. In front of more than 93,000 people on sports-entertainment’s greatest stage, Jake was accompanied to the ring by his childhood hero, rock star Alice Cooper. "The Snake" still remembers that day like it was yesterday.

“At the time I had a couple of blown discs in my neck and I was in pain 24 hours a day, but on that night, I felt no pain,” said Jake. “It was an incredible feeling. I remember when Alice and I were riding to the ring in that little cart and I looked over to see him gasping for air. He told me it was too much of a rush. He couldn’t handle it,” Jake continued. “The adrenaline and the energy coming from that crowd was overwhelming. It was an amazing night, and I’m very proud of it. Nobody can ever take that away from me.”

When Jake wasn’t being accompanied to the ring by rock stars, he was accompanied by a snake. There have been several memorable snakes at Jake's side over the years, Damien and Lucifer to name a couple, but Jake remembers one snake that never saw the bright lights of a WWE arena.

“We were at the Survivor Series in 1989. I was teaming with Hulk Hogan and Demolition,” said Roberts. “Vince had wanted to get a snake that was long enough for the four of us to carry to the ring."

Jake continued, laughing as he began to describe the scene backstage at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago.

“I remember calling the handler and telling him to bring something so big and so strong that nobody will want to get near it. He told me it would be no problem. So we get to the arena, and Vince asks to see the snake. The handler points over to this wood crate that is 5 feet tall by 5 feet wide,” Jake recalls. “He starts to open the crate, and all of the sudden the top flies off and this 27-foot monster starts slithering out of the crate. The head is as wide as my waist, and the thing could swallow a human whole. The handler was having a hell of a time just keeping it contained. Vince took one look at it and called it off right on the spot.”

Following an inspirational return to the ring in the mid-'90s which included a famous match at The King of the Ring which launched Stone Cold Steve Austin to Superstardom, Jake left WWE. Since then, Jake’s life has taken him in several different directions. Today though, he lives comfortably in Gainesville, Fla., and continues to make independent wrestling appearances all over the world. Wrestling is not Jake’s only passion anymore though. “The Snake” has found a new hobby.

“I’m doing some serious fishing now,” said Roberts. “I’ve become a professional kingfisher. Last year we participated in five FLW tournaments. There was one tournament where we came in third, which made us some nice money,” he continued. “It’s a lot of fun for me. We had the smallest boat out there last season, so sometimes it got rough, but it’s going to change this season. We’re going to have a great year.”

Things haven’t always been going this well for Jake. His addiction to drugs and alcohol have been well- documented, and were addressed by Jake himself in the Pick Your Poison DVD. The fight against those addictions continues today, and it’s a fight that Jake says will never end.

“You never stop battling addiction,” said an emotional Jake. “You never become free from the monster. You might keep yourself in check, but sometimes the monster gets loose. If I do have a relapse, or whatever you want to call it, I pick my ass up and start again. It’s the only way I can live and it’s the only thing I can do. It’s something I would never wish upon anyone.”

The “demons” in Jake’s life have cost him both personally and professionally. Roberts told WWE.com his only regret in life — his failure to be a proper parent to his children — was due to his addiction to drugs. Those relationships have since been repaired, but not without years of heartache and struggle. Today, Jake has devoted much of his time toward helping others overcome their addictions, and avoiding the same pitfalls that Jake experienced during his bumpy journey.

“Nobody tries to fail, but some people fail to try,” said Roberts. “I’m in the process of writing a book that I hope can help people that are in the same situation as I was in. I want to give my side of the story. If anyone ever has a problem that they want to talk to me about, my door is open. Having been through the things that I went through, I can always make time to help people with a problem. After all the years of support from my fans, I feel like it’s my turn to give back and help them out.”


Catching up with The Outlaw
By Brett Hoffman
Written: January 29, 2007



For many years, the frightening sound of a bullwhip’s snap meant one thing in WWE: "Outlaw" Ron Bass was in the building. With the trusty Miss Betsy at his side, the rugged Texan used an aggressive old-school offense to intimidate and punish his unlucky opponents.

During his tenure with WWE in the late '80s, the battle-tested brawler participated in several historic matches which helped revolutionize the industry. In addition to being involved in the first-ever Survivor Series and Royal Rumble contests, Bass was involved in a Saturday Night’s Main Event classic when he battled Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake in a Hair vs. Hair match. At the time, sports-entertainment was yet to reach its greatest heights, but "Outlaw" told WWE.com that you could feel something special was about to happen.

“I came from the time of regional territories and small-time promotions,” said Bass. “I had heard of so many of these Superstars before, but I had never shared a ring with them before. I looked around and saw all these huge stars working for one company. It was just a magical feeling. That was the start of the WWE’s rise.”

After years and years on the road, which included a stretch of 104 straight days away from his home, the constant nagging injuries left the veteran with no choice but to hang up the bullwhip and face life after wrestling. For Bass, retirement meant returning to his home in Tampa, Fla., where he found religion, golf, and a place to put his Bachelor's of Science Degree from Arkansas State University to work.

“Generally when a wrestler retires, they open a bar or a gym, but I didn’t want to do that,” said Bass. “I jumped into Florida’s booming construction market, where I work as a sales rep for a major supply company. Business has been good, and things have worked out well. There is life after wrestling.”

Living with his 13-year-old son, the Superstar of yesterday is left with no choice but to follow the Superstars of today. The current WWE roster offers a dramatic contrast to the days when Miss Betsy rested in Ron’s corner, but the retired grappler is still happy to offer his endorsement.

“It’s all about adrenaline now,” said Bass. “These guys are always pushing the envelope and it’s exciting to watch. It’s awesome to watch them in action, and I tip my cap to them. The future is bright for WWE.”


Catching up with Haku
By Brett Hoffman
Written: January 29, 2007



The sports-entertainment world has had its share of “monsters” over the years, but few have played or lived the part as intensely as the fearless Tongan warrior, Haku. From his early days terrorizing opponents north of the border in Montreal, to his multiple WrestleMania appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment, Haku earned his reputation as one of wrestling’s toughest competitors.

Upon his entry to WWE, Haku established himself as a highly skilled tag team specialist. As a member of the “Heenan Family,” Haku first tagged with fellow Islander Tama before moving on to capture the World Tag Team Championship as a member of the Colossal Connection with his partner, Andre the Giant. While the “Heenan Family” may have been a popular moniker onscreen, the relationship that Haku shared with those men felt like a real family offscreen.

“I look at those days with great fondness,” says Haku. “They were such great people. We used to travel together, stay together, take care of each other, it was like a brotherhood. They were great friends to me.”

In the mid '90s, Haku moved south to enjoy a lengthy run as “Meng” in WCW. There, he excelled in singles competition while competing with some of the company's top performers. In 2001, Haku made a shocking return to WWE with an appearance in the Royal Rumble. Not long after, the big man hung up the boots and retired to his home in the Sunshine State.

Today, “Tonga” as he is known to his co-workers and friends, manages the detail shop at David Maus Toyota in his hometown of Kissimmee, Fla. When he’s not patrolling the lot, he’s patrolling the links in his new sport of choice: golf. While WWE.com was unable to confirm if he holds his golf clubs with the patented “Tongan Death Grip,” we were able to confirm that his game is a work in progress.

“I play all the time, but I’m not that good yet,” said Haku. “I’m going to keep trying though.”

Aside from his battles with his putter, Haku still makes a few rare appearances inside the squared circle for local independent wrestling companies. The itch to compete and be in the ring is something that the big man has never lost.

“Wrestling has always been my life, it’s still in my blood,” said Haku. “I don’t know anything better. When I go to these shows, I see some of the guys that I used to work with years ago, and it’s like being back on the road. It’s a cool feeling and it’s nice to be back with the boys.”

Haku also knows that he couldn’t have enjoyed the extended success he did without the continued support of WWE fans. Tonga wanted to send a special message to those people, and a message regarding the future of sports-entertainment.

“Thank you for all your support over the years,” said Tonga. “Thank you for watching every week, and thank you for watching today. The next generation of WWE Superstars are ready to carry the ball."


Catching up with the Honky Tonk Man
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 7, 2007



Some people say he’s a loudmouth, and some say he’s obnoxious. If you ask him, he’ll tell you, “I’m cool, I’m cocky and I’m bad.” But, regardless of whether you like him or not, it’s widely agreed that he’s the “greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.” For close to a decade, he was one of WWE’s most hated villains. His name is the Honky Tonk Man.

In the Honky Tonk Man’s long and storied career, he’s competed at WrestleMania, held numerous championships and headlined Madison Square Garden. But, according to HTM, just making it to WWE was good enough for him.

“My goal from the start was to one day make it to the New York territory, and make a name for myself,” said HTM. “I was fortunate enough to be able to go there and become a star, and it was very exciting. Being a part of that organization at that point in time, it was an honor.”

Honky Tonk Man not only became a star, but also a champion. The greasy-haired Elvis impersonator is the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history, holding the title for more than 14 months while defeating challenger after challenger all over the globe. His days as a champion however, came to a sudden end at SummerSlam ’88, when a jam-packed Madison Square Garden crowd saw him torn apart by the Ultimate Warrior in less than a minute.

“I was Champion for 15 months, and lost the title in 13 seconds,” remembers HTM. “The roof absolutely came off the Garden that night. I had headlined the Garden six times before and heard some explosive crowds, but nothing compared to the crowd on that night.”

Since his departure from weekly TV, Honky Tonk Man has caught his share of controversial headlines. The ring veteran has been outspoken in his opinions on the sport, and several Superstars associated with it. Recently, HTM himself was the subject of another personality’s pointed opinion, that man being Eric Bischoff. In promoting his book, Controversy Creates Cash, Bischoff said that his favorite firing was the time he fired The Honky Tonk Man. The WWE legend shed some light on why Bischoff may have felt the way he did.

“When I was in WCW, Eric and I didn’t exactly see eye to eye,” recalled the HTM. “I remember the night I walked out of WCW. The last thing I said to Eric was, ‘you couldn’t hold Vince McMahon’s jockstrap’.”

“Of all the people that he fired over the years, for him to pick me, well I guess it’s an honor. It means that he’s still thinking of me,” laughed HTM.

In regards to all the controversy that has followed him in recent years, Honky Tonk Man says it wasn’t about bitterness, but about business. He even told WWE.com that he agreed with Eric Bischoff on one thing.

“I don’t like to give Bischoff a lot of credit, but he was right when he said ‘controversy creates cash’,” said HTM. “It was about survival for me. I said a lot of things and created a lot of controversies to keep my name on people’s minds. Those days are gone now though. I’ve moved on with my life.”

Today, the Honky Tonk Man lives and operates out of his adopted hometown of Phoenix. In addition to keeping busy by wrestling for independent wrestling promotions all over the world, he spends a good deal of time being a father to his kids and a husband to his wife of over 22 years.

“I don’t walk around the neighborhood with an Elvis jumpsuit on,” said HTM. “In my neighborhood, I’m known as Roy and Megan’s dad. I’m the watchdog on our block.”

When he’s not keeping the neighborhood kids in line, he’s keeping his in-ring opponents in line. In 2006, Honky Tonk Man wrestled on 81 shows in six different countries, and he has no intention of slowing down any time soon.

“It’s the business I love, it’s what I’ll always do,” said HTM. “I’ll never be away from this business, I’ll never quit. Being out on the independents, it’s like starting over for me. It’s refreshing to be around people who are so young and hungry to succeed. It’s like a fountain of youth for me.”

For years, sports-entertainment fans hated the HTM with a passion. Today, fans see the Honky Tonk Man in a different light, as he is cheered in every town in which he steps foot. The ring legend told WWE.com that the wrestling fans have always been, and will always be the foundation of the wrestling business.

“Wrestling fans are the truest fans in the world,” said an emotional Honky Tonk Man. “If we the wrestlers ever lose sight of that, it will be the end of the business.”


Catching up with Clarence Mason
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 7, 2007



As an obnoxious attorney, Clarence Mason represented one of America’s most loathed professions. Hailing from Sioux City (get it?), Mason litigated his way in and out of the ring for several years as a fixture on WWE programming.

Mason, better known as Herman Stevens to his family and friends, was no stranger to sports-entertainment upon his entry to WWE in the mid ‘90s. As a child, Herman had always wanted to be a WWE Superstar.

“I was huge wrestling fan growing up,” said Stevens. “It was always a dream of mine and it was something I always wanted to do. I always had it in my system.”

For Herman, the childhood dream almost didn’t happen. With no prior experience in the business, getting a foot in the door was difficult for the aspiring law school student. While in college, Herman unsuccessfully attempted to obtain an internship with WCW. When that didn’t work, he turned to a Hall of Fame friend for help.

“When I was in law school, I befriended the Big Cat Ernie Ladd,” said Stevens. “He knew what I wanted to do, and he managed to get me a meeting with WWE. I went to New York to meet with Mr. McMahon, and the rest is history.”

Having never spent a day in the business, Stevens was in awe as he walked into the arena on his first day as a WWE employee. The men he grew up watching on TV were now his co-workers.

“I remember walking in there and being taken back at what I saw,” said Stevens. “I was used to seeing these guys under the bright lights, in front of the camera and in action; I was shell-shocked to see them in an unfamiliar environment.”

On camera, Stevens played the role of the obnoxious lawyer. During the early days of his WWE career, he continued to maintain that role in his life outside of wrestling. Herman told WWE.com that sometimes, even a lawyer has to bend the rules.

“When I first started with WWE, I was getting away with murder,” said Stevens. “I’ve been practicing law since October 1993, and I was working for the prosecutor’s office when I first started in wrestling. I was taking sick days from my office job so I could make it to the TV tapings. After a while, I think they started to figure it out, so I left to join WWE full-time.”

Herman, due to his lack of experience in sports-entertainment, became an instant target of locker room pranksters. The once outspoken legal counsel of The Nation of Domination, Owen Hart and Yokozuna jokingly recalled one night when he had to call a locksmith to the building in order to make it to the ring for his match.

“I was getting ready to throw my suit jacket on when I realized somebody had put a padlock through one of the button holes,” remembered Stevens. “Of course, you can’t go out to the ring with a padlock hanging off your jacket, so I had to find a way to get it off. I got in contact with a locksmith, brought him to the arena and had him cut the lock right off the jacket. I kept it all as quiet as possible so nobody would know I was angry.”

Following a brief run in WCW towards the end of its existence, Stevens hung up the boots (or jacket in his case), headed to South Florida, and returned to his original profession as a practicing attorney. While he enjoyed his time in wrestling, Herman says the experience of helping his fellow man has become his new passion.

“What I did in wrestling was for me; the work I do now is for others,” said Herman. “How I perform now directly impacts other people’s lives, and that’s important to me. If I have a bad day in the courtroom, somebody could go to prison for a very long time. If I have a good day, I can walk my client out of the courtroom myself. It’s the greatest reward, being of service to your fellow man.”

While the legal veteran is now fully entrenched in his current practice with no plans of turning back, he looks back on his sports-entertainment days with great fondness.

“The whole thing was a blast,” said Stevens. “Just being a part of it was a wonderful thing. I don’t have any regrets. It was a great time and a great experience. Not many people can say they lived their dream, I can say I lived mine twice.”


Catching up with Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 14, 2007



With his golden locks and trademark shin pad wrapped around his boot, Greg “The Hammer” Valentine made an impact in WWE rings for more than a decade. With a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Valentine has seen and done it all in sports-entertainment. In 2004, he was honored for his contributions when he was officially inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

As a child, Greg Valentine was constantly surrounded by the business. His father was the legendary Johnny Valentine, who prior to a 1975 plane crash (which also involved Ric Flair) was one of the top stars in all of wrestling. However, until his late teens, Greg had no intentions of following in his father’s footsteps. It took an eye-opening road trip with his dad in the summer of 1969 to give the young Hammer the motivation he needed to step into the squared circle.

“I had my sights set on other things,” said Valentine. “I never wanted to follow him into the business, until I went on the road with him in ’69. The travel was very appealing to me because I was so young,” he continued. “Between that, the excitement of the wrestling itself and seeing my father perform to sold-out crowds every night was what inspired me.”

Following the road trip, Valentine returned to his home in Seattle where he was supposed to return to school. However, The Hammer soon realized that his heart was no longer in the classroom.

“When I got back to Seattle, I called my dad,” recalled the Valentine. “I called him and said that I didn’t want to go back to school, and that I wanted to become a wrestler. Soon after, he sent me up to the dungeon in Calgary to train with Stu Hart.”

After nearly eight months of zero degree temperatures and intensive “training” from the Hart family patriarch, Valentine returned to the United States where he began the next chapter of his long and storied career. In the decades that would follow, The Hammer won numerous championships, competing with the best in the business along the way. One of his favorite partners and opponents over the years was his good friend, Ric Flair. Valentine jokingly told WWE.com that he still has unfinished business with the Nature Boy.

“Flair was always a good friend, and a friendly enemy,” laughed The Hammer. “Of course, I was always better than him at two things, the Figure Four, and falling on my face. In fact, I want to send a personal challenge to Ric for a Retirement Match so I can retire him myself.”

Today, Greg Valentine operates out of his home base of 22 years, Clearwater, Fla. No longer committed to wrestling on a weekly basis, Valentine spends as much time as possible working in his garden, talking on the phone, lifting weights in the gym, or relaxing out on his boat. The Hall of Famer was even spotted on a recent episode of the hit VH1 reality show, Hogan Knows Best.

The Hammer still spends a lot of time on the road as well, hosting seminars and getting in the ring with the stars of tomorrow at WWE’s developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. The veteran told WWE.com that contributing to the future of the business is one of the most rewarding experiences of his career, and he hopes to continue doing so as long as he can.

“I’ll never be able to do anything else,” said Valentine. “I can’t teach people how to fly a plane or how to work a computer, my profession is wrestling, and that’s what I’m going to teach them. I’ve learned things in my 35 plus years in the business that you couldn’t learn in any school or college, and I want to pass my knowledge on. I’m looking forward to contributing as much as I can.”

Aside from working with younger wrestlers, The Hammer is also enjoying the time he spends meeting fans he never got to meet during his many years on the road. Valentine wanted to send a message to those fans.

“I really appreciate their support,” said the Hall of Famer. “For a lot of years, I never got to meet my fans because I was so busy. Recently, I’ve gotten to meet and greet so many of them and it’s been great. Everyone has been so nice to me, and it’s really been a great compliment. I want to say thank you to everyone.”


Catching up with Kevin Sullivan
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 21, 2007



For more than thirty years, “The Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan terrorized opponents all over the world with his methodical, aggressive and hardcore in-ring (and often outside the ring) tactics. From matchmaking to main-eventing, the New England native with the pronounced Boston accent has seen it all in sports-entertainment.

Sullivan’s accomplished career began nearly four decades ago when he made a name for himself competing in Florida. In the years that followed, Sullivan’s career would weave its way all over the country and he would gain fame as the leader of the “Varsity Club,” with fellow amateur wrestling specialists Rick Steiner, Mike Rotunda and Steve Williams.

While working in the Sunshine State in the early '70s, Kevin crossed paths with a certain golden-haired individual who would later go to be a household name.

“I knew Hulk Hogan before he ever thought of becoming a wrestler,” recalled Sullivan. “He was playing bass guitar in a lounge in Tampa, Fla., and we never talked about wrestling.”

Sullivan was also there for one of Hogan’s first matches in Mobile, Ala., "The Taskmaster" remembers there was something special about the man who was then competing as “Sterling Golden.”

“He had a special presence in the ring,” said Sullivan. “I could tell he was going to make it, and that he was going to become a major star.”

Little did Sullivan know that more than two decades later, he would become a major player in WCW as “The Taskmaster,” and lead his Dungeon of Doom on a bitter quest to end the phenomenon known as Hulkamania. A few years later, perhaps fueled by his inability to conquer Hulkamania, Kevin Sullivan hung up the boots for good.

“Wrestling is a young man’s sport,” said Sullivan. “I knew my time had passed, and that it was time to move on.”

Moving on for Sullivan meant returning to his home in the Florida Keys. There, he owns and operates “Froggy’s Fitness” in Tavernier, Fla., the largest gym in the Keys. While Sullivan likes to stay active in the gym, there are other activities that now consume his time as well, including a business he started with a friend.

“I’m in the lobster business,” said Sullivan. “Me and a friend have 5,000 lobster traps between us, and we sell them commercially. We have a staff that helps us out, but I like to head out there on the boat myself from time to time and pull some lobsters.”

Sullivan also keeps busy with a number of other hobbies. The former Taskmaster makes use of his aquatic surroundings, taking the occasional dive into the surrounding ocean and competing in local shellfish tournaments. Kevin is also involved in an upcoming film project about independent wrestling entitled Card Subject to Change. In addition, the self-professed sports fan was recently spotted in Miami as a spectator at Super Bowl XLI.

When he’s not in Florida, Sullivan can be found at his home on Whidbey Island, eighty miles northwest of Seattle. The retired Superstar tries to spend time every month at his west coast retreat.

“I’m in the 8th and the 49th parallel,” said Sullivan. ‘I have a place up there that’s right on the beach. It’s a nice place to kick back and relax.”

With his successful career firmly behind him, Sullivan told WWE.com that he doesn’t miss climbing into the ring. The veteran bruiser is proud of his career, but even prouder that he was able to move on from the business that he dedicated most of his adult life to.

“I don’t miss it anymore,” said Sullivan. “I had a lot of great experiences and worked with some great people. It was a wonderful time in my life, and I have nothing but fond memories.”


Catching up with Smash
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 28, 2007



A man of many identities, Barry Darsow, better known to many as “Smash” from the most dominant tag team of the ‘80s - Demolition, was a major player in sports-entertainment for nearly two decades. Also known as Krusher Khruschev, The Repo Man and the Blacktop Bully to name a few, Darsow’s lengthy career and multiple personalities are remembered by several generations of wrestling fans.

Darsow’s career was seemingly destined for success right from the start. As a part of Minnesota’s long and proud wrestling tradition, Barry grew up and trained with other Gopher State natives such as the Road Warriors, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Darsow has fond memories of coming up in the business with his fellow Minnesotans.

“We were all pretty tight,” recalled Darsow. “We were a close knit group. We trained together, we drank beer together, and our families spent time together. We always tried to help each other out, and always had each other’s backs.”

Having a partner’s back was something that Darsow took very seriously. As half of the NWA’s Tag Team Champions with partner Ivan Koloff in the ‘80s, the man who was then known as Krusher Khruschev remembers one night when he literally “took one for the team” following a match with wildly popular fan-favorites, The Rock ‘n Roll Express.

“The crowd was really going nuts that night, everyone hated us,” said Darsow. “We had just fought for 58 minutes and nearly lost our titles, but we cheated to win. On the way back to the dressing room, I remember looking up and seeing something coming towards Ivan from the upper deck. I pushed him out of the way and got hit right in the face. I had blood gushing out of my face the whole way back to the locker room.”

Darsow remembers the shock he experienced when he got to the back and found out what had hit him.

“When we got to the back, I asked Ivan what had hit me,” laughed Darsow. “He handed me a hot dog with a giant bolt sticking out of it. I’ll never forget that.”

Following his time in the NWA, Darsow moved north to work for WWE where he enjoyed the greatest success in his career. Teaming with his partner “Ax,” Demolition held the World Tag Team Championships for 16 months, a WWE record that stands to this day. During his time as “Smash,” Darsow enjoyed what he considers to be the highlight of his career at WrestleMania VI in Toronto.

“We were wrestling against Andre the Giant and Haku,” remembers Darsow. “Not many people got the opportunity to even wrestle Andre. Not only did we get to face him and Haku, but we beat them in the middle of the ring at WrestleMania. It was a huge deal at the time.”

Following his time in WWE, Darsow moved on to WCW where he competed for a few years before retiring to his home in Maple Grove, Minn. Today, Darsow stays busy, balancing his time between his two businesses, his family, and the golf course. The former grappler owns Added Value Printing, a printing company that specializes in hard-hats and medical supplies, and also sells real estate on the side.

When he’s not busy in the office, the former “Hole-in-One Darsow” as he was known at one point in WCW spends time hacking it up from tee to green on the golf course. When weather permits, Barry plays several times a week, including participation in league play every Friday night. The former grappler admits that sometimes the frustration of the game makes him want to turn back the clock.

“I play against 60 other guys in my league,” said Darsow. “I’m usually a six or seven handicap, depending on how often I play. Sometimes when we’re out there and I’m losing, I get the urge to morph back into Hole-in-One Darsow and swing a club at somebody, especially after I shank one into the woods.”

Several years after retiring from the sport that supported his family, Darsow admits there are times when he misses the business, but has accepted the fact his in-ring career is long behind him. Still his love for the sports-entertainment is as strong as ever.

“I miss it sometimes,” said Darsow. “I miss seeing the boys, and I miss being on the road. But, at the same time, I know I could never get back in the ring. I couldn’t do the sport justice. Wrestling is still in my blood though, and it always will be. I had the time of my life.”


Catching up with Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake
By Brett Hoffman
Written: February 28, 2007



With his imposing steel shears, colorful outfits, wide eyes and contagious smile, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake became one of the most beloved Superstars in WWE history. Brutus’ career tells a story of courage and commitment. The popular Superstar overcame numerous obstacles and a near fatal accident in 1990 to compete at WrestleMania, and carve out his spot as one of sports-entertainment's most memorable characters.

The name “Brutus Beefcake” is one of the most unique to ever grace a sold-out arena’s flashing marquee. Looking back over a long and successful career, the legend told WWE.com that he has fond memories of his time as Brutus Beefcake, but also remembers a time when even he wasn’t ready to get behind the unusual moniker.

“I was just excited to be there,” remembered Brutus. “We were sitting in a meeting when somebody suggested I use the name 'Baron Beefcake,' wear a top hat, carry a cane, and have long tuxedo tails. My excitement quickly dissipated, and in my mind, it quickly became one of the worst days of my life. I kept asking myself, ‘What’s a Beefcake?’”

Sitting across the table from Beefcake was his long- time friend and road partner, Hulk Hogan. The WWE Hall of Famer was able to calm his disappointed friend, and convince him to accept his new role.

“The whole time, Hulk is kicking me under the table,” said Brutus. “He basically told me to trust him, and that it was going to be ok. He said we would make it work.”

As history states, the Hulkster knew what he was talking about, because Beefcake was about to embark on one of the most successful periods of his career. After years of hard work and long road trips, Brutus Beefcake was rewarded when he competed in front of a jam-packed Madison Square Garden as part of the first-ever WrestleMania.

“It was such an exciting time,” said Brutus. “I knew that if I kept working hard and paid my dues, the reward would come. I fought for my life, and had the hell beat out of me literally night after night all over the country. I fought and survived, and learned a lot about respecting the business in the process. I was proud when I was told I would be a part of WrestleMania.”

Following WrestleMania, Beefcake’s career continued to thrive. Under the guidance of the legendary Johnny Valiant, Beefcake became a World Tag Team Champion while teaming with the legendary Greg “The Hammer” Valentine as the universally hated “Dream Team.”

“It was a great time,” said Beefcake. “We were on top of the world. We were a tag team that was selling out 25,000 seat arenas all over the world. Before us, they never had a tag team that could do that. We were fortunate to be there at the time we were because wrestling was so popular. We had a great run.”

Following the breakup of the Dream Team, Brutus Beefcake became “The Barber” and embarked on a lengthy reign as one of the most popular Superstars in the WWE. On one day in 1990 though, The Barber’s career, and life nearly came to a sudden and tragic end when the legend was nearly killed in a parasailing accident.

“Imagine walking down the street, and getting hit in the face by a 2x4 sticking out of a truck’s window that’s going 35 mph,” said Brutus. “My face was crushed, and it nearly took my head off.”

An emotional Beefcake continued, describing in detail the horrific surgery that led to his unlikely survival from an accident that would have killed most.

“I wasn’t supposed to live, it should’ve ended my life,” said The Barber. “A team of doctors performed an operation that had never been done before on a living person, much less one that would later get up and walk away. I had gone blind because of damage to my optic nerve, and it took them seven hours to restore my eyesight alone.”

Eight titanium plates, 32 screws, 100 feet of steel wire and a reconstructed skull later, Brutus Beefcake laid in his hospital bed as a modern day miracle. As the legend told WWE.com, the long road to recovery still remained, and was one that he may not have conquered if not for the help of his best friend, Hulk Hogan.

“Hulk got on a plane, and flew in to be there when I got out of surgery,” recalled Beefcake. “He was there for me when I was down. He picked me up, convinced me I was going to live, and refused to let me give up hope. He took me to his home, fed me, took me to the gym everyday and stayed with me until I was back to 100 percent.”

After a long and tedious period of rehabilitation, Beefcake finally returned to full strength, and wrote a fairy-tale ending to a near tragic tale when he competed alongside his friend and partner Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania IX in Las Vegas.

“I was told I would never walk again,” said Beefcake. “But then, here I was again, with Hulk Hogan as part of the main event of WrestleMania. They said it couldn’t be done, but God gave me the strength to keep going, and I did. I haven’t stopped since.”

Following several more years of prominence, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake retired from wrestling and returned to his home outside of Boston. There, he spends the bulk of his time with his wife Barbie, and 10-year-old daughter Alana, who happens to be an equestrian in training.

When he’s not with his family, Brutus can be spotted at Planet Fitness, one of the largest gyms in New England. Here, he serves as General Manager and supervisor of more than 30 employees. Beefcake told WWE.com it was a natural transition.

“At first it was difficult, because I was on the road for 30 years,” said Brutus. “But, at the same time, it was an easy adjustment for me. I’ve been in the gym my whole life. It’s like a second home to me, and I really enjoy it.”


Catching up with Luna Vachon
By Brett Hoffman
Written: March 14, 2007



As the daughter of a “Butcher,” and the niece of a “Mad Dog,” Luna Vachon was destined to become a sports-entertainment Superstar. Sporting a look that could easily introduce fear into the hearts of any young fan, Luna succeeded in carrying on the proud tradition of the Vachon wrestling family.

As far back as she can remember, Luna always wanted to follow in the family footsteps. As the daughter of a wrestler, she was constantly exposed to the business, and eventually decided that she loved it so much, that she wanted to become a wrestler herself. Early on however, Luna’s family wasn’t so excited about her wrestling dreams.

“I grew up wanting to be a part of this business so badly,” remembered Luna. “My family discouraged me at first. My aunt Vivian was a wrestler, so they knew the kind of toll that wrestling could take on a woman’s body. I didn’t let that stop me though. It was in my blood, and all I wanted to do was become a wrestler.”

Despite her family’s initial objections, Luna overcame the odds and fulfilled her wrestling dreams. In a career that spanned nearly two decades, Vachon may be most remembered for her unique look and unusual ring attire. Displaying a memorable mane and multiple colorful tattoos, Luna succeeded in her goal of attracting the eyes of packed arenas all over the world.

“In a world full of butterflies, it takes balls to be a caterpillar,” said Luna. “When I entered the sport, I wanted to attract as much attention to myself and women’s wrestling as I could. There were pretty girls and cowgirls, but nobody had a look that really stood out. I wanted to take it to the extreme.”

During her time with WWE, Luna appeared in multiple roles. Vachon appeared as the “main squeeze” of the late Beast from the East, Bam Bam Bigelow, before later forming partnerships with The Oddities and Goldust, among others. In a career full of unlikely triumphs, Luna cites her tag team loss at WrestleMania XIV as the highlight of her professional career.

“Sable wasn’t a wrestler until I made her one,” said Luna. “A real wrestler can wrestle a mop, and make it look like the mop is kicking their ass, and that’s what happened that night. She beat us, and when we got to the back, there was champagne and confetti, and everyone wanted to celebrate with Sable. I kept walking until Owen Hart came up to me and told me I had just put on the match of my life. It meant a lot to have someone like him say that to me.”

In 2007, Luna leads a dramatically different life from the one she lived for so many years inside the squared circle. The former “main squeeze” still makes time for the gym, and even makes the occasional wrestling appearance, but, after years of breaking down her opponents in the ring, Vachon now makes her living by helping those that have broken down…on the side of the road. With excitement in her voice, Luna told WWE.com about her new role, as the driver of a massive C6500 Chevy Rollback two-car carrier for Ultima Towing and Recovery in Port Richey, Fla.

“I’m not the kind of girl who can sit behind a desk and answer phone calls,” said Luna. “I got bored of doing nothing, and I wondered what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I decided that I had to get out there and be in the sunshine, and get my hands dirty.”

For many, the thought of driving a tow truck, especially after a long and successful life on the road in the wrestling business, would be a last resort. Not so, according to Luna. The countless hours of hard labor and challenging tasks produce the very reward that Vachon is looking for.

“I absolutely love it,” proclaimed Luna. “At the end of the day, my hands and face are greasy, there’s dirt under my fingernails, and my body is exhausted. But, it makes me feel good to know that I’ve put in a hard day of labor, and ultimately, I’ve lent a hand to somebody that needed my help.”

The transition from the ring to the tow-truck wasn’t the only dramatic change in Luna’s life. The instability and unpredictability that Luna showed on TV wasn’t far from her real life personality, and as Luna told WWE.com, she wasn’t always headed down the right path in life. That all changed for Luna three years ago, when she was invited to spend the weekend at the Athletes in Ministry conference in Phoenix, a conference once attended by current WWE Superstar Shawn Michaels.

“I was a lost soul,” said an emotional Vachon. “When these people heard my story, they asked me to come to their conference and see what it was all about. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but I agreed to go with an open-mind.”

Little did Luna know that the journey she was about to take would change her life forever. Vachon told WWE.com that her experience that weekend is one she will never forget.

“The Lord touched me, and it was something I had never felt before,” said Luna. “In front of thousands of people, I started shaking. No drug, and no alcohol had ever given me the feeling that god gave me that weekend. I thought I needed to go to the hospital, but I really needed to walk with the Lord.”

Shortly thereafter, Luna was baptized by fellow wrestling great and Ministry attendee, Nikita Koloff. Since that day, religion has played a major role in Vachon’s life.

“I’m a baby Christian, and my walk has just begun,” said Luna. “It’s been three years since I was baptized, and I can’t get enough. I can’t learn fast enough, I can’t read the bible fast enough. I always thought I would need something to make me feel good, but I found out it didn’t have to be drugs or alcohol. I can feel that good by living with Christ.”

Despite the fact that religion now plays a major role in her life, Luna admits that wrestling is still in her blood. The veteran grappler still catches Raw or SmackDown when she can, and told WWE.com that she is impressed with how far women have come in wrestling from the time she started in the business more than two decades ago.

“I’m proud of how far the women have come, they are the most awesome female athletes in the world,” said Luna. “The women are wrestling more like men now. When I grew up, my aunt Vivian, and the Fabulous Moolah were the only women who could pull it off. These women are throwing hard punches, and moving in-and-out of wrestling combinations on a regular basis. It’s amazing to watch.”

During her career, Luna wasn’t always a fan-favorite. But, as she looks back on her career, Vachon told WWE.com that she has nothing but fond memories of the WWE fans.

“Thank you for all the years,” said an emotional Vachon. “Thank you to those that knew me back then, and those that still remember me today. Thanks to everyone that ever screamed at me, cheered for me, spit at me or threw beer on me. I want to thank them for everything.”


Catching up with Tugboat
By Brett Hoffman
Written: April 4, 2007



Depending on who you ask, Fred Ottman is best known as either the loveable sailor- Tugboat, the oversized Natural Disaster - Typhoon, or the stumbling Storm Trooper mask wearing Shockmaster. While there may be some debate as to which is the most recognizable of his many aliases, fans around the world will widely agree that Fred Ottman was one of sports-entertainment’s most memorable personalities.

When Ottman first arrived to WWE in the late ‘80s as Tugboat, he was paired with the legendary Hulk Hogan, forming a tag team to counteract the evil actions of the man who would eventually become his partner, Earthquake. The Tugboat character was an instant favorite of WWE fans, especially kids, and was a role that Ottman says was a natural fit.

“I always loved kids,” said Ottman. “It was an easy role, and I liked being a good guy. It was the perfect character for me.”

The Tugboat persona, however, didn’t last forever, as Fred soon made the transition into a role that was the complete opposite of the friendly sailor. As “Typhoon,” the oversized veteran ventured into the tag team ranks, teaming with the only other man in the WWE who could claim a similar waist size: Earthquake. Together, they dominated the tag team scene, capturing the World Tag Team titles in 1992 when they defeated Money Inc. Ottman told WWE.com that his late friend was more than a tag team partner.

“We were like two big kids,” laughed Fred. “I loved working with John, he was awesome. Unlike a lot of teams, we really got along outside the ring. Quake and I spent a lot of time together. We traveled together, ate together and went to the gym together. We had a great time and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner or friend. I was very sad when he passed, and I still think about him today.”

Following his WWE career, Ottman moved South and worked for WCW. His shocking on-screen debut as “The Shockmaster,” in which he donned a Storm Trooper helmet and tumbled through a wall in front of a live pay-per-view audience is considered to be one of the most unintentionally funny moments in sports-entertainment history. While he was furious at the time, Fred is able to look back on that night and share a laugh with millions of wrestling fans.

“I was part of the most infamous moment in wrestling history,” said the former Shockmaster. “They put me in a Storm Trooper mask which they painted and covered in glitter, I couldn’t see a thing. I got to the wall and put my hands up like a double axe handle and bust through. The top broke perfectly, but the bottom didn’t give. The momentum took me through the wall and to the floor.”

In the end, Ottman had the last laugh. The Shockmaster character survived its shaky beginnings and went to be a part of some of WCW biggest matches of the mid ‘90s.

Today, Ottman is retired from in-ring action and, along with his family, operates out of his home base in Lakeland, Fla. Unlike his former career where he abused his colleagues on a daily basis, Ottman now spends his days looking after his co-workers as the safety manager for Gaffin Industrial Services, a company that specializes in industrial waterblasting and vacuum services all over the Sunshine State.

“I made a career out of killing guys in the ring,” joked Ottman. “Now, I get paid to keep them safe. I’ve got a lot of roughnecks working with me now, and we have a good time. It’s like being back on the road.”

When he’s not on the job, Ottman can be found in the gym, working on an old hot rod, or more likely, at the diamond playing his favorite role: Little League dad to his three kids Berkley, Bailey and Beau.

“I live for my children,” Fred says. “They are the best gift that God has ever given me. I try to spend as much time as I can with them.”

While Ottman has moved on from life on the road, the days he spent competing all over the world remain fresh in his mind as some of the most enjoyable years of his life. Ottman told WWE.com that his love for sports-entertainment is as strong as it ever was.

“I loved being a part of the business,” said Ottman. “I enjoyed every minute of it. From the times I was struggling, living with two other guys in a one bedroom apartment, or traveling thousands of miles for little or no money, it all meant something to me. I loved being a part of it, and I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to do it.”


Catching up with Paul Bearer
By Brett Hoffman
Written: April 11, 2007



After 15 years in the wrestling business, Percy Pringle was determined to step up to the major leagues of sports-entertainment. Nearly two decades ago, Percy walked into WWE headquarters for an interview that he hoped would help him accomplish that very goal. Little did he know that shortly thereafter he would become Paul Bearer, and was about to embark on a journey that would take him to the top of the wrestling world.

As a mortician prior to his life in wrestling, Paul Bearer was a perfect fit for his role as manager of a young, ghoulish looking character known as Undertaker. In the decade and change that followed their union in 1991, the chemistry between Bearer and The Deadman would carry them to unforeseen heights, which included multiple championships and a place in history as one of the most successful duos to grace a WWE arena.

While managing Undertaker, Bearer enjoyed some of the most memorable experiences of his career. The urn-carrying manager cites many overseas tours, including a trip to London’s Wembley Stadium in 1992 for SummerSlam, and multiple appearances at WrestleMania as just a few highlights of his lengthy WWE tenure. One of the proudest moments of his career however, came outside of the ring during an early edition of Bearer’s talk show segment, appropriately titled The Funeral Parlor.

“I have a picture of it hanging on my wall,” said Bearer. “Ric Flair had just joined the company, and I had both him and Hulk Hogan in The Funeral Parlor at the same time. As I was standing there with these two legends on either side of me, I thought to myself, ‘Where do I go from here? This is the top of the mountain.’ I’ll never forget it.”

Over the years, Bearer and Undertaker severed ties on many occasions, only to reunite in grand fashion to the delight of WWE fans. One of the most emotional nights of Bearer’s career took place in Madison Square Garden at WrestleMania XX when, after an extended hiatus, he was once again reunited with Undertaker. As Bearer explained to WWE.com, his dramatic return almost never took place due to a particular issue with his health that threatened not only his career, but also his life.

“I weighed 525 pounds,” remembered Bearer. “When I left the road, I had a lot of problems. My wife was sick, I was depressed, and I gained a lot of weight. I was a big man for a lot of the years that I managed Undertaker, but I carried it well. At this point though, I could barely walk around my house.”

Bearer continued, detailing the phone call that would change his life forever.

“I got a call asking if I wanted to come back,” recalled Bearer. “I told them I would love to, but I didn’t think there was any way I could get back on the road in my condition. They asked what they could do to help me, so I told them about the gastric bypass surgery.”

Knowing that Bearer didn’t have the money or insurance to cover the costs of the expensive and risky surgery, WWE made Bearer an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“A few days later, I received another call,” said Bearer. “They said that they would really like to have me back, and so, as a signing bonus they offered to pay for the surgery. To make a long story short, I had the surgery and lost 240 pounds. The surgery saved my life, and without it, you wouldn’t be hearing from me today.”

Today, several years after his last appearance on WWE TV, Bearer has returned to his original trade in the funeral service industry. Toting a degree in mortuary science and a license he continually renewed during his years on the road, Bearer manages a full service funeral home in his hometown of Mobile, Ala.

“I’m the boss,” said Bearer. “I’m the managing funeral director, and I oversee all the operations within our crematory, cemetery and mausoleum. I also am an embalmer, and I offer grief counseling. I handle families from the time the person dies, until we put them in the ground.”

Believe it or not, Bearer draws on his experience in the world of sports-entertainment when preparing for a funeral service.

“The funeral isn’t for the dead person,” said Bearer. “It’s almost like a show for the living. There’s a distinct parallel between this and a WWE show. When WWE comes to town, they need to coordinate with the arenas and arrange for promotion of the event. When I set up a funeral, I need to coordinate plans with the church, the minister and the families. It’s a very similar procedure.”

Outside of the funeral home, Bearer likes to keep a finger on the pulse of the wrestling business. The veteran of the squared circle owns and operates his own promotion down south. Bearer boasts a mission statement to “celebrate tradition and set new standards,” all under the watchful eye of one of sports-entertainment’s most knowledgeable personalities.

Through his promotion, Bearer is able to stay close to the fans that cheered for him and Undertaker for so many years. A humble Bearer offers a simple message to those fans that followed his career.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to entertain you.”


Catching up with Slick
By Brett Hoffman
Written: April 18, 2007



In the mid ‘80s, the world of sports-entertainment was hit with a sudden injection of style. From the time of his debut, it didn’t take long for the smooth-talking and constantly scheming manager by the name of Slick to acquire and maintain one of the most imposing stables in the history of the sport. In the process, the man known outside of the ring as Kenneth Johnson made history by blazing a trail as the first African-American manager in WWE history.

Slick’s WWE career may be best remembered for his stirring rendition of “Jive Soul Bro,” but the greasy con man was also the manager of Hall of Famers and champions. The Doctor of Style boasts a client list featuring such names as The Iron Sheik, Nikolai Volkoff, Akeem, Big Boss Man, Power and Glory, Butch Reed, Kamala, Warlord, Rick Martel and more. The Slickster and his clients conned and cheated their way to countless victories over the years. What many fans don’t know is that the contrast in personalities between Slick and present-day Kenneth Johnson, the man who portrayed Slick on screen, are as different as could be.

“I’m a very religious person,” laughed Johnson. “I had a lot of fun playing the character, but the differences between us are as far as the east is from the west. I’m a very laid back, serious-minded and conscientious person, all things that Slick was not.”

Johnson told WWE.com that playing the role of Slick was easy for him, because he knew he was taking part in the deliverance of what he considered to be a very important message.

“I was a very evil character, but I didn’t have a problem with it,” says Johnson. “In most cases, I enjoyed it because my role as the evil character was always conquered by good. I liked knowing that the kids and WWE fans could see that good always conquers evil.”

Following his successful run with WWE, Kenneth Johnson retired from the sport and returned to his home in Longview, Texas. Ever the competitor, the former Slick took up the game of bowling, which he mastered in short time with a pair of ‘300’ games. However, bowling was not in Johnson’s long term plans, and he decided to devote his time to what he told WWE.com was his true calling.

“I finished my education and became a full-time minister,” said Johnson. “I received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Trinity Valley Bible College, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.”

As the presiding Pastor at Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, Johnson oversees his own congregation, a seemingly natural task for a man who once guided WWE Superstars to combat inside the squared circle.

“My job is to feed the flock,” said Johnson. “My preaching is real. I am here to teach, and preach the word of God to our congregation. We go door to door in hopes of spreading the word and recruiting new members for our Church.”

When the Slickster isn’t knocking on doors or preaching at the pulpit, he’s on a mission to raise funds in order to build a new church for his congregation.

“Right now, we are trying to build a new sanctuary,” said Johnson. “I would like all religious groups and organizations to know that I am available to come to their city for speaking engagements, or appearances. I would like to help out wherever I can.”

Most recently, after more than a decade away from WWE, Slick made a special one-time return at WrestleMania 23. The managing legend appeared backstage with several other WWE legends and Superstars to the delight of the millions of fans watching around the world. Slick asked WWE.com to send a message to those very fans.

“Without the fans, I wouldn’t have had a career,” said Slick. “Thank you for all your support over the years. I owe everything to you.”



Catching up with Kevin Von Erich
By Lennie DiFino
Written: May 9, 2007



Kevin Von Erich never believed that when he began playing football as a youth, he would end up becoming one of the biggest stars in sports-entertainment history.

As the son of wrestling legend Fritz Von Erich – a man who helped lay the foundation for future stars in the business, including all of his sons – breaking into sports-entertainment was “different, mainly because I didn’t think wrestling was going to be what I did. I always thought football was my future. Wrestling was more of an amazing summer job that lasted 22 years and paid very well.”

Our fans may remember Kevin Von Erich from his days as a barefoot competitor in World Class Championship Wrestling (the WCCW video library was recently purchased by WWE), or more recently his 2005 appearance at WWE Homecoming in Dallas. “The Golden Warrior” received a rousing ovation, along with many other legends of sports-entertainment, before disposing of then-Raw Superstar Rob Conway with his famed Iron Claw.

“That was great. I remember having swollen knees at that time, but I stepped into that ring and I felt I could go again – and I did. You feel that crowd and man, you’re there.”

When Von Erich entered WCCW, his journey within the squared circle would be a family affair, as his brothers Mike, Chris and Kerry (you may remember Kerry as The Texas Tornado in WWE) would all be by his side in the promotion. The Von Erichs would enter into one of sports-entertainment’s greatest rivalries when they began to battle the Fabulous Freebirds in classic six-man tag matches. Those matches and other recollections are something Von Erich will never forget.

“A lot of memories run together when you spend so much of your time wrestling, but I will always remember being able to step into the ring with the likes of Bruiser Brody and Terry Gordy, among many others,” Von Erich said. “There are many big moments for me beyond that, for example meeting Jack Brisco when I was just a 17-year-old kid – every moment to me was special when I first broke into the business.”

Von Erich then recalled one city he remembers the most – St. Louis.

“In one of the arenas, the lights above made a cross, and my brothers and I would always look up to those lights, slap each other on the backs, and go out there and perform,” he said. “Then I was looking up at those lights, and I was all alone. Sports-entertainment went from being a great experience, to drastically turning at the end.”

Along the way, Kevin Von Erich endured great personal losses before deciding to retire. Dealing with these tragedies among other things, played a role in why he decided to step out of the ring.

“My situation was so different because I lost my brothers. I knew I didn’t want to get old in the ring.” He added, “The real thing that took me out of the business was that it wasn’t fun anymore. Everything reminded me of my brothers.”

Today, Von Erich has newfound happiness with his family. He recently relocated everyone to the island of Kauai, the northernmost of the Hawaiian Islands. It is here where he spears fish and enjoys his new property.

“I have my four kids, and I even brought my mother out there,” Von Erich said, as a smile came across his face. “My son Ross is 18, and he is the spitting image of my brother Kerry. He is a real good running back, but he hurt his knee, so I encouraged him to drop football. We talked about him getting into wrestling a little, but he wants to play for University of Hawaii.” Marshall, Von Erich’s 14-year-old son is described as “a wild man who loves to surf.”

In a family known primarily for its wrestling males, Von Erich’s daughters have made him just as proud.

“My daughter Kristen handles all my business, and then my other daughter Jill is still in Texas, finishing things up on the ranch I just sold, and then she will join us out here.”

Asked if he thought there was a place for him in today’s WWE, Von Erich smiled. “Heck, yeah. If I were still going, I would love it,” he said. “It would be like going to the old territories and trying to make a name for yourself by seeking out and killing the king of the mountain. If you want to be a king, you have to kill a king, that is just the way the business works.”

As for his favorite Superstars of today, Von Erich has a sentimental place for Shawn Michaels. “I see myself in Shawn a bit, because we both looked up to Jose Lothario, so watching Shawn brings me back.”

Kevin Von Erich’s message to our fans is simple and sincere. “Thanks for not forgetting me because I enjoyed everything I did. It was the very best I could do…it was the very best my brothers could do – so thank you.”


Catching up with Buddy Roberts
By Lennie DiFino
Written: May 16, 2007



Buddy Roberts’ accomplishments in the ring hold great meaning to him. What he is most proud of today, however, is the fact that he is still alive.

Our fans may remember Roberts as the former World Class Championship Wrestling star who wowed crowds throughout the ‘80s as a member of The Fabulous Freebirds, a legendary tag team that is widely associated among the greatest in sports-entertainment history.

“Working for the WCCW was absolutely fabulous,” he recalled, with a semi-intended pun. “I had a great run with The Freebirds, and we especially had that great rivalry with The Von Erichs.”

The rivalry between The Von Erichs and Roberts and his teammates – Michael “P.S.” Hayes & Terry Gordy – featured what many regard as some of the most physical and brutal matches ever fought. In fact, the immense popularity of their rivalry earned Roberts, Hayes and Gordy “Fabulous” cameos in the 1986 cult-classic film, Highlander.

Almost tragically, Buddy Roberts would confront his most powerful opponent after retiring from the squared circle — throat cancer. Successful surgery spared him from a long and tough battle with the disease, though he now speaks with the assistance of a voice transmitter. Roberts has a very simple, yet stern message to our fans: “Don’t smoke. I think the reason this happened to me is because I was smoking too much. I recommend to anyone who smokes to quit now. It is hard, but it is worth it.”

And where has his battle with cancer brought the former Freebird?

“Today, I am not sure where I am; I had a hard night last night,” he quipped. “I live in Chicago now. My wife works because I cannot. After the cancer, it is hard to breathe, so it is hard to work. On the positive side of that is, I am still alive. If it were 50 years ago, I might not be, but modern medicine saved my life.”

Much has changed in the world of sports-entertainment since Roberts retired, and he finds the comparisons are too hard to make. “It is totally different now,” he said. “It is two different worlds from when I started in the ‘60s and ‘70s…like apples and pears.”

Despite such vast differences, Roberts feels he could make an impact if he were competing in today’s WWE. “I would definitely fit in the tag team divisions,” he said. “Wherever I was as a tag competitor, I was a tag champion. Hollywood Blondes, Freebirds – so I imagine if I were in WWE today, I would have tag team championship gold around my waist.”

Buddy Roberts’ passion for the business is second only to his passion for life – a life he is grateful to have. Though his life has had its fair share of difficulties, the one constant has been the unending support of his fans.

“If it wasn’t for the fans, there would be no sports-entertainment,” he insisted. “I am sure it is the same crowd as when sports-entertainment started. To release their emotions, fans go to wrestling so they can scream – it’s good therapy.”

For Buddy Roberts, sports-entertainment has been the best therapy for a life he feels blessed to be living.


Catching up with Jim 'The Anvil' Neidhart
By LENNIE DIFINO
Written: June 27, 2007



An amateur record-holding shot-putter. A devoted family man. A former NFL player. Those are a few of the things you could call Jim Neidhart, but most would call The Anvil one of the most intense sports-entertainers of all-time. Intensity is an attribute that many Superstars go their whole careers attempting to perfect in the ring, but for this former WWE Superstar, it was a trademark all his own, although he is quick to point out his beginning in the business was extreme enough.

After an outstanding high school shot-putting career at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, Calif., and after being cut by the Dallas Cowboys, Neidhart ventured north to Calgary, Alberta, and Stu Hart’s infamous dungeon for professional wrestling training.

“Stu broke me in personally,” said Neidhart. “He was 63 years old, and here he was almost crawling down the stairs to me, when I was in the best physical shape of my life.”

"All I could think was, ‘I am going to kill this guy,’ but I was so wrong; he took me to the breaking point with the submission holds and I would be screaming and ready to pass out. And after these sessions, I was on the circuit.”

Once Neidhart began traveling with Stampede Wrestling, he was on the road seven nights a week, with 10 others in a van traveling across Canadian territories, pulling the ring behind them.

“We’d set up the ring, wrestle, take the ring down and drink beer,” he said. “I did that for three-and-a-half years, and even tried to get back into football with the Oakland Raiders during that time. I was cut by them, and returned to Stu who sent me down Bill Watts in Louisiana.”

But this was not before he was given the nickname he still carries to this day.

“I had just come off the road, and Stu barged into my room and told me about an anvil throwing contest. I told Stu, ‘We just drove 500 miles, I’m not doing it. Absolutely not doing it, Stu.’ He said he’d give me $500, so I did it,” Neidhart said with a hearty laugh. “I won the contest, and Helen Hart gave me the nickname, and obviously it stuck.”

During the time he was in Louisiana, The Anvil was teamed with Butch Reed, and then moved on to Memphis to work with Jerry Lawler. After six months there, Neidhart went on to the Florida territory, where he learned from the legendary Eddie Graham. It was also in Florida that former WWE Superstar Barry Darsow convinced Neidhart to shave his beard down to the trademark goatee. After all his time in the territories, Neidhart and others in the sports-entertainment world began to see changes in the industry, and that is when he made the biggest decision of his career.

“While I was in Florida, I had heard that Hulk Hogan had gone to New York and business was going crazy,” Neidhart recalled. “So I went up to New York, and in my first match I wrestled Tony Garea in Madison Square Garden. What a trip that was, starting off in The Garden – it was like being in the Super Bowl; nothing even comes close to it at all.”

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart then became a mainstay with WWE in the ’80s, one-half of the legendary Hart Foundation with Bret “Hit Man” Hart. The two men were on top of the tag team world for much of the decade, either holding the World Tag Team Championship or battling over the titles. Neidhart looks back at his time in WWE fondly, citing a few moments that stand out.

“WrestleMania III was a real moment for me,” he said. “And another great moment for me was being able to work with Andre the Giant. Man, he was great.”

After the Hart Foundation went their separate ways, Neidhart began to team with another Hart.

“Owen was up-and-coming, and everyone who had trained in the dungeon – myself, Bret, Davey Boy, Dynamite – we all agreed Owen was doing some amazing things