You and Doug Sommers were an awesome team in the AWA, both great in the ring, and very believable, credible heel champs. I'm wondering how long you knew Doug for, and what he's up to nowadays.
-- Billy Bob

I’ve known Doug since he was running the AWA ring truck back in 1970-71. I used to ride with him and help out, putting the ring up, carrying the wrestler’s jackets and robes to the back at every wrestling show, etc. We both shared the same dream, to work in the business, and did anything we could to be involved. I don't know what Doug is up to these days, but I wish him nothing but the best. We sure found a lot of success together.

During your last run in the WWF did it bother you that you did not have as a successful win loss record and did not receive any title matches, compared to your previous success in the early 80s? Being a Playboy fan it bothered me.

Not at all! The money that the WWF paid me was the same as some of the top workers, because of my experience, and what I was basically doing was passing the torch to a new generation of talent. I loved it more, in many respects, not having to worry about the next angle or the next program. I had been involved in programs of one kind or another for many years, and it's a lot easier to do your work when you don’t have to think about all the specifics of a storyline. All I needed to do was my own thing, all for the same pay. Just Remember, it's not how much you win or lose in the end, it's how much you make.

Was there ever a time in the ring when two wrestlers truly did not like each other and actually tried to hurt one another? Who were the wrestlers that nobody wanted to mess with? I have heard not even Andre the Giant would mess with Jimmy Snuka.
-- Eric Freeman

Yes, many times wrestlers did not like each other, but when you got in the ring, you had to work or you would be fired. Most of the boys could separate the business end from personal feelings, and that benefitted them in the long run.

Many wrestlers that were just in opening bouts throughout most of there career were able to beat any top wrestler, any day of the week. Some guys (even some referees) were a lot tougher than people will ever know – even more so than the main event guys. The secret: built for show, not for go.

Andre and Jimmy had no problems. A few wrestlers attempted to try Andre over the years, but Andre in the end would have killed anyone if he wanted.

Were there heel and face locker rooms in the Portland Sports Arena, and, if so, were they somehow connected?

Yes they were separate dressing rooms with a door adjoining the two rooms. The shower was in the babyface side.

What’s your take on wrestling in the Northwest today, and what did you think of the new Portland Wrestling? Also, curious why you were not involved in any way.
-- Donald P.

There is no Portland Wrestling today – that was taken off the air, and replaced with a syndicated WWE show. If the people who ran the recent show better knew what the fans wanted, and more experienced people were in charge behind the scenes, I think the new Portland Wrestling could have made it. Some people just don’t understand the concept.

The glory days of Portland wrestling will never be duplicated in any manner. Many attempts have been made, but because of the commissions and state regulations, on top of cultural changes in the area, it will never be able to be done again the same way. There are endless restrictions on what you are able to do now, compared with what we did during the glory days of Portland Wrestling.

As far as working for a local wrestling show, if the money is right, I would help in any way. The business is still very important to me, but I’m also realistic about things. However, I am doing great making personal appearances around the country. Stay tuned for some big surprises.

You were the best heel I ever saw. Week after week, year after year, people in the Northwest watched and paid to see you get your ass kicked. What would you say are the keys to being a great heel? How would you advise someone planning to be a heel in wrestling?
-- John in Seattle

It's a mixture of ring psychology, charisma, and being able to do the unexpected. If you know how to work that into your own character, you will always be successful. Not everyone gets it. A select few understand how to incorporate themselves into a promotion, and they have the best chance of working their way to the top. You have to be able to see the big picture, and be realistic with how you fit into it.

You bled a lot (especially in the 70s and early 80s), and I wanted to know if that was real blood we saw, or if it was stage blood.

I wish that it was staged blood! I swear I cut myself over 500 times throughout my career, with a small piece of a razor blade, which we call a “blade” in the business. I did it only because it was called for at certain times, during certain angles. You also get paid a little extra to do it. Some guys go to extremes with it nowadays, but I only bled to heighten the effect of a beating during a big match or angle. The rest of the time, I depended on my wrestling skills to get over.

I know some of your managers throughout the years included Classy Freddie Blassie, the Grand Wizard, and Sherri Martell. Who did you enjoy being managed by the most, and did you feel having a manager took away from your identity?

I was managed by Bobby Heenan, Capt. Lou Albano, Fred Blassie, Percy Pringle, The Grand Wizard, Dr. Ken Ramey, Sherri Martell, just to name a few. All were great in their own way. It’s hard to pick a favorite. I always made sure that they never took any of my heat, nor did I do anything to take any of theirs. That’s just part of playing your role.

Who would you say you most patterned your style after?
-- J. Lucas

I would say a combination of wrestlers that took the time to explain the wrestling industry to me, its politics, and what have you. Trust me, there’s a lot to learn. Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel, Terry Funk, Lars Anderson, Buddy Wolfe, Bobby Heenan, Blackjack Lanza, and Bob Orton Jr. were just a few of the people who were kind enough to impart their knowledge upon me. So many of the big name wrestlers took the time to make me a better wrestler, because they wanted to see their craft perpetuated in the correct manner.

I will never forget Verne Gagne and Billy Robinson, and the hard training they put me through before I could call myself a professional. They were the two that made me respect professional wrestling for what is was and is.