Sherri Martel was the best female valet by far, because she could do more than just stand there and look pretty – she was a wrestler, after all, and a damn good one at that. The Grand Wizard was the best male valet/manager. There was only one like him, and he’ll never be replaced.

I was surprised to read in the archives that you got in to the business by driving the ring truck in 1970. What was the date of your first official match?
-- Rob in Portland

On December 3, 1973 I wrestled Bob Remus (now known as Sergeant Slaughter) in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. We went to a 15-minute draw.

If you were in a video game, what would your finisher be? By the way, have you considered being in the Legends of Wrestling video game?

Tilt! Why? Because I would go crazy on everyone and the video game would TILT! But if you want to be legitimate about it, I have used both the Billy Robinson over-the-knee backbreaker and the Las Vegas Jackpot (my own version of the DDT) as finishers.

Am I going to be in the new Legends of Wrestling video game? You’ll just have to wait and see…

Back in the late 70s you were drawing as much (or more) heat than anyone in Portland wrestling history. Great work. I am just curious, during that time, what was the reaction to you from the fans as well as fellow wrestlers? You had to be one of the most infamous Vancouver residents back in the day. Did you draw heat 24-7, or did you blend in to society while out of the ring?
-- Richard Conner

As far as heat with the wrestlers went, I did not have any trouble. Simply put, in our era, wrestlers knew how to work. Whether you liked your opponents or hated them, when you got in the ring it was business, and the best of the best shined, We all knew we had to draw the line with our personal feelings, regardless of how we really felt, in order to stay employed. Bottom line, we needed each other, and we all wanted to make the big bucks.

I never had any serious trouble with the fans. In general, the fans have always treated me well, even when I was the most hated man around. I was the guy they loved to hate. I can't go anywhere without people recognizing me in the Northwest – I’m not bragging, it’s just a fact. The fans are always kind to me and thankful for the memories that we gave them during the glory days of Pacific Northwest Wrestling.

If you could single out the single biggest accomplishment in your career, what would it be?
-- Ryan Keller

It would be this: making it through 30 years of professional wrestling without a major scratch, and getting to experience different cultures and meet so many wonderful people across the globe.

The Rose/Sommers vs. Rockers feud in the AWA is one of my all-time favorites. What are your memories and stories from the year-long feud? Do you have a favorite match from the feud?
-- Chris Tilley

It was a pleasure to work for so long with such talented men. It made my job easy to have such a capable partner at my side, and two enthusiastic and talented young wrestlers at the other end. I never tired of the matches, and neither did the fans. Shawn and Marty were great listeners and workers, and knew what we were trying to achieve. Both had, even then, good instincts about the business.

It’s hard to pick a favorite match, as so many of them were so good. I guess our most famous bout was the bloodbath from 9/2/86, seen on AWA television. That bout really took our matches to the next level. (You can find this match, by the way, on the WWE From the Vault: Shawn Michaels DVD, which is available everywhere.)

We sure made a lot of money together.

Can you give us some stories about working with Lonnie Mayne? He really seemed like something special.
-- Marc Covert

Lonnie Mayne was a night off. He was a Santa Claus kind of a guy, cheerful and jolly, if you weeyul. Everybody loved him. The most similar personality we have in this business today is Mick Foley, and we all know how successful he has been. We tragically lost Lonnie at a young age, and he will be remembered and missed by all.

Did you work out in some way, or did you rely on your wrestling every evening to keep you in shape?

No, I never had to work out because I was an all-around athlete. Amidst my wrestling schedule, I played baseball, hockey, raced -- you name it. I was able to sell myself in the ring with my wrestling ability and my mike skills. I didn’t need to be a bodybuilder to be a success.

With all the wrestling autobiographies now being written, have you ever considered putting in your own two bits? If this web site is any indication, you could have a very successful book on your hands.
-- Carl Teager

Stay tuned my friend, because I have a lot to say, and when you least expect it -- BAM! -- I wrote a book.