Post by Joe Clark on Apr 20, 2008 1:23:27 GMT -5
Admin Note: After our board malfunction, I was able to do a cache search online and salvage this interview we conducted with "Lonewolf" Bobby Blade back in October 2007. Here it is in it's entirety:
Host: Bobby, first of all I want to say that it is an honor and privilege to have an icon such as yourself with us today. And I want to thank you for doing this interview.
BB:EXXXXXXXXXXXXXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! It's about time that you got your wits about you, put your ego in check, closed your mouth, turned up your belltones, and finally interviewed a former 7 time MWA Light Heavyweight champion, former 6 time tag team champion....with multiple partners, the man, the myth, the living legend, and a TRUE OLD SCHOOL ICON! And thats me baby! "Lone Wolf" Bobby Blade!
Host: I know you have been involved in wrestling for a number of years now, first as a wrestler, then as a manager, then as a GM for MWA, and various other roles. But let's back up if you will and tell the fans what made you want to get into professional wrestling and how you got started.
BB:Well, my dad used to watch wrestling every saturday morning and Sunday night when I was a little kid. I didn't watch it with him at first. I didn't understand what was going on and I thought it was stupid. Then one week, I decided to watch it with him. The first wrestling I ever saw was ICW (International Championship Wrestling). And to tell you the truth, it didn't do anything for me. I still didn't fully understand it. Then the next week, my dad turned on Georgia Championship Wrestling. I saw a guy on there by the name of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. You may know who he is...LOL. He was loud, brash, and was very entertaining. After seeing Piper, I was immediately hooked.I had to watch every week after that just to see what Piper was gonna do or say. Then one week, I saw a guy by the name of Ric Flair. From the first time I saw Flair in action, I was in awe. He was despised by just about everyone. I always thought "How could a guy who is such a great wrestler be hated by so many people?" I became a huge fan of his, as well as Piper. When I was about ten years old, my dad took me to see the first Starrcade on closed circuit television. I wanted to see Flair win the NWA title from that "old man" Harley Race, and I wanted to see Roddy Piper beat the snot out of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Piper's match with Valentine was the infamous Dog Collar match. After the match went down, I leaned over to dad and said "This is what I wanna do. I wanna be like Roddy Piper." ...... He laughed at me. After we got back home, I told both my dad and my mom. Their response was complete silence. I never mentioned it again. It ate away at me inside for a number of years. But I never brought it up again, because I knew that without my parents approval my dream would never be a reality.
When I got to high school, there were a couple of students there who knew some guys that were wrestlers. One of them is now the owner of the MWA, "Dirty" Chris Hayes. His dad wrestled, "Dr. Mack Attack" Ron Starr. I had always heard about Chris, but didnt know him personally. And the other guy was a guy whose brother and brother in law wrestled. I always pestered and bugged him about what I need to do to get in wrestling. "I can get my brother in law to train you." I got extremely excited and began to think about nothing but wrestling. He told me that he would get his brother in law to call me and we would talk about it. I waited by the phone for hours and hours. Day after day. Week after week. He never called.
Then I was at Kroger's one day visiting a friend that worked there. There was a guy in the store shopping that I thought I had recognized as a wrestler from one of the indy tapes that I had borrowed from someone. His name was Terry Valiant. I walked up to him and asked him if it was indeed him. And it was. I asked him about how to get in wrestling. He told me to come back to Kroger the next week at a certain time and he would have WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Valiant there to talk to me. After he left, I went back to my friend and said "We'll never see him again. Jimmy Valiant won't be here next week."
I went back to Kroger the next week and waited for about three hours. Just when I was about to give up hope. Terry came around the corner and said "Come up to the front, someone would like to meet you." I went up to the front and low and behold there was none other than "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant. We went out to his car where he gave me all the info that I needed. And the rest is history.
I got hooked up with a group called the Sothern Wrestling Alliance (SWA). I ended up having my first match on August 7th, 1991 in Scottsburg, Indiana against a guy named "Mr Irresistable" Terry Embry. I lost that match in 4:21 by pinfall. I got hit with a chain. I was beat up, sore, and felt like I wanted to puke due to my nerves. But the only thing I could think of is "When can I do this again?"
About a year later, I met a guy named Dale Bass. He was the ring announcer for the Mountain Wrestling Association for many years. I asked him who I needed to talk to about getting work with the MWA. He pointed me to several people. Then took me to meet Dale Mann, who owned the MWA at the time. Dale put me in the ring for a tryout. "You have been working with the SWA for so long we need to retrain you." He said. So I began going to every MWA training session where I got the hell beat out of me every single time. But I hung in there, took the beatings, and ended up having my first "official" MWA match against a guy named Hitman Tony in Simpsonville KY. I was very nervous because I was in a locker room with a different class of guys. EVERY single person on the roster was talented. Not just me. But every person. Before in the SWA, there were really only 3 or 4 guys that could work. Now I was in the locker room with a bunch of guys who could work. And I didnt seem to stand out anymore. It was really different.
Host: Who in the business did you / do you look up to?
BB: Like I said before, I was always a huge fan of Ric Flair and Roddy Piper. I loved Flair because he was a great wrestler who talked the talk, walked the walk, and backed it all up. I loved Piper because of his ability to cut a promo, and because he was totally unpredictable. You never knew what he was gonna say or do next. I would give my left leg to be able to meet these guys. I am still, to this day, a HUGE mark for both guys.
After I got into the business, I looked up to Dale "TNT" Mann. He owned MWA for a number of years. He was a big older guy. But he absolutely DID NOT take anything from anybody. If you were in the wrong, he put you in your place. We are missing guys like this these days. I also looked up to "Fabulous" Danny Fargo. He gave me my first big push, and he was so d**n funny to be around. I appreciate everything that he did for me. Its a shame that he's no longer with us.
Host: I have to ask you this: Early in your career, you did a gimmick called "Simba". Who came up with that idea?
BB: Oh Dear Lord! I kinda knew this was coming. LOL. Back in 1995 Disney released the movie "The Lion King". The main character was Simba. Here's how the whole thing went down. Danny Fargo came to me during a show one night and said "Bobb-o, that Lion King movie is over with the kids. Why dont you get some orange and black face paint and be Simba?"
That was it.
The next day, I had placed a call to "Exotic" Adrian Street (a nationally known wrestler who now makes gear) to see if he had some kind of gear with animal prints on it. He said that he did. I ordered some gear with tiger stripes on it. I went out to a costume store and bought some orange and black face paint. Painted my face up like a cat, put the gear on, stuck my hair straight out like a lions mane (this is when I had abnormally long hair. YES I HAD HAIR!!!) And then all of a sudden, I was Simba.
Host: You have often referred to it as "the worst gimmick in wrestling history". Why?
BB:Just look at some of the tapes, or some of the old pictures...........I was a cat!
I didn't talk. I roared. My entrance music was "The lion sleeps tonight" I did a lot of pawing and scratching. At the time I thought it was ok. But when I go back and watch old tapes of it.....it was really pretty bad. It was definitely different than what everybody else was doing at the time. But then a lot of guys didn't wanna wrestle me because the face paint would rub off onto them and their gear. I was glad to see the gimmick die.
Host: I understand that you were forced to return to that gimmick not long ago How were you forced to do it and why?
BB:I was the MWA General Manager at the time. Longtime manager "Gentleman" Jim Chadwick challenged my power and said that he should be the GM. So we had an election, and Chadwick "won" the votes. I was then his whipping boy.....his "pregnant dog", as he so often referred to me. I had to do anything he said, or I would be fired. One week, he ordered me to be Simba. So I brought out the old gear (which didnt fit anymore), brought out the old face paint, I dont have any hair anymore so I had to wear a wig, and finally got the old "lion sleeps tonight" music. "Driller" Eddie Browning led me out to the ring by a chain that was tied around my neck. As soon as I stepped through the curtain I was met with a chorus of laughs from the crowd. Chadwick and Browning had suceeded in doing what they wanted to me, and that was embarrass me.
Host: Will we ever see the return of "Simba"?
BB: HELL NO! Simba is dead and buried right next to Mufasa. There will never again be a return of Simba to an MWA ring. LOL
Host: I have read from various sources online that earlier in your career, you formed a tag team with Terry Allen. What was the name of the tag team, and what was it like teaming with Terry?
BB:I had met Terry while we were both working in the Southern Wrestling Alliance. We worked a lot of shows together, and every promoter wanted to put us together as a tag team because we had a similar look. Long blond hair. Pretty boy attitudes. We seemed like a natural fit together. We complimented each other in the ring and worked very well as a team. When we both went to a group called the UWF, we were once again put together as a team. We decided together that since so many promoters were teaming us up, we should come up with a tag team name. I was "Pretty Boy" Bobby Blade. He was "Terrific" Terry Alan. So we just decided to combine our names and became "Pretty Terrific". During our stay in the UWF, we had a long feud with the Rock and Roll Express, as well as Todd Morton and several partners of his choosing. Terry and I had a lot of fun together and we almost always delivered the best matches on the card. We were extremely hated wherever we went. We even incited several riots or near riots. Like I said, we worked extremely well as a team. It was a lot of fun.
Host: Do you and Terry still communicate with each other?
BB:Not much. The last time I saw him was at a KCW show a couple of months ago. And before that it was probably six or seven years since I had seen him. When we ran into each other at the KCW show, we gave each other a big hug and talked endlessly about old times with "Pretty Terrific".
Host: Who has been your toughest opponent to date?
BB: Without a shadow of a doubt.....The Monster Abyss. I do hold a pinfall victory over him though. Although Sid Vicious ranks up there too. 10 seconds. I lost. Obviously.
Host: Every wrestler has a favorite match. What match has been your favorite to date, and why?
BB:I would say its a tie. The second time I won the MWA Light Heavyweight Title against "Sexy" Sean Casey. And also the one I had with Jason Cross in 1999. The first one because I had so much heat, and its great to piss off a packed house. The second one because the match was total perfection in my opinion.
Host: What Championships have you held?
BB:WHere do I start??? MWA Light Heavyweight Title 7 times (I still hold the record for this as far as number of times someone has held the belt)
MWA Tag Team Champion 6 times
UWF Tag Team Champion 2 times
First ever PTW Hardcore Champion
CWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion
TCW US Champion
SSW Light Heavyweight Champion
SWA World Champion
International Champion
International Tag Team Champion
Thats all I can remember right now....but I'm sure theres more.
Host: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in wrestling so far?
BB:Without doubt, being the MWA Light Heavyweight Champion. To me, there was no greater feeling. Its a shame the title isnt around anymore. But, I understand why, with no light heavyweights, you can't really have a Light Heavyweight title now can you?
Host: Describe your most embarrassing moment in wrestling to date.
BB:The infamous Whipped Cream Match from SCW. It was me and a female wrestler named Syren against a girl named Tammy B and I think either Larry D or Shayne Parker ( dont really remember ). The mat was to be covered with whipped cream. The problem was, however, that the whipped cream needed to be refrigerated. Needless to say, it wasn't. It spoiled waaaaaaaay before it was spread on the mat. Then we go out there and roll around in it, getting it all over us. After the match was over, there was no place to clean off. So, the whipped cream stayed all over us and the smell was the worst smell I have ever encountered in my entire life. We did a photo session after the show that night. Several fans wanted to get their picture taken with me. I obliged, but I smelled to high heaven. The fans didn't even wanna get close to me because I smelled so bad. I just kept apologizing over and over. That was definitely embarrassing.
Host: You made the transition from wrestler to manager. Why did you do that, and what was it like for you?
BB:The original reason I became a manager was that I had hurt my back during a match a couple of weeks before. I knew I needed to take time off to let my back heal but I still wanted to be involved. So I went to Danny Fargo and asked him if I could be a manager. He said that it would be a good idea and he put me with a guy named Blackjack Danza, who later became "Big" Bo Johnson. We were immediately the most over heels on the show. Then I started to miss the ring. So I asked Fargo if he could put me back as a wrestler. The second time I became a manager was when I severely broke my ankle in a match against Rob "The Bomb" Williams. I was out for 10 months with the injury. When I came back I donned a mask as masqueraded as The Medic. I started coming to the ring with Tuffy, who then was just a rookie. Then I started to come out with "The French Freak Show" Dregen. And finally started to come out with "Maniac" Michael Payne. During a match (it was Tuffy vs Patriot, with my mask on the line) Tuffy ended up losing....and off came the mask! The crowd made a gasping noise then let out a chorus of boo's. I was actually surprised that they didn't know it was me under the mask the whole time. I started managing that group of guys, and we were dubbed Lone Wolf Enterprises.
Host: Your stable, known as Lone Wolf Enterprises, ran rampant for a number of years and consisted of some of the best wrestlers in the business. But what version of LWE do you think was the most formidable and why?
BB:Well, the first incarnation holds a special place in my heart because it was the first. But the most formidable was probably the one with Prince Justice (now known as The Monster Abyss), "Maniac" Brian Beech, Tuffy, and "Dirty" Chris Hayes.
Host: I have noticed that you have now returned to actual wrestling, or at least to some degree. So, my question is do you think we will ever see the return of Lone Wolf Enterprises or are those days gone for good?
BB:Well, I wouldn't call what I do these days as "wrestling". But rather an old man hobbling around the ring trying to entertain the paying fans as best as he could. LOL. I hear all the time from the boys in the back about "How good I am" and blah blah blah. But honestly, I feel that my skills are eroding and my best days are definitely behind me.
But as far as Lone Wolf Enterprises goes, I certainly hope it returns! You betcha! Some of the most fun I have ever had in the business was when we were the LWE. I would love to just retire from active wrestling and make a return to managing.
Host: You have been the General Manager for a couple of different promotions over the years. What was it like being in that role?
BB:Its ok.I can't say that I love it. I can't say that I hate it.Its just ok. Its nice to have a hand in the business side of it. But then when you have to deal with constant bickering between the wrestlers, ego's, attitudes, among other stupid stuff, you have to ask yourself is it really worth being in charge?
Host: I've asked other guys this question, and it is only fitting to ask a legend such as yourself this as well. Who on the current Kentucky Indy Scene do you think has had the most impact on the business and why?
BB:Well, Abyss and "Wildcat" Chris Harris are right up there. As well as the Naturals. I think Brian Beech's work is TV quality, but he doesnt seem to get down to Ky all that often anymore. As far as impact goes, definitely Abyss, Harris, and you CANNOT deny the drawing power that Rated X had when he was with the MWA.
Host: Along those same lines, there are a lot of newcomers to the Kentucy Indy scene; rookies if you will. Of all of them, who do you think has the most potential of becoming a major player on the Kentucky Indy Scene?
BB: Some people may disagree with me. But, Larry D. He's not a rookie anymore per say, but he has stepped up his game tremendously lately, and is an entirely different wrestler than he was just a year ago. Also I think Rob Valor is going to be very good. If he can just get his connectivity with the crowd down. They like him when he's wrestling. But he seems to get so focused on his matches that he forgets the crowd is there. I really don't get to see very many rookies anymore. LOL.
Host: Where do you see yourself as being in ten years?
BB:Dead. Just kidding......hopefully. I see myself in 10 years as being retired from actually wrestling. I would like to be still involved somehow. As in managing, announcing, running shows, or whatever. I have always heard that once you're in the business, you're in for life. I have already had over 16 years in... and I still haven't escaped the "prison" LOL.
Host: Where do you see the Kentucky Indy Scene as being in ten years?
BB:Honestly? Near death.The problem with Ky wrestling these days are so many people are so set in their ways that they refuse to change to reflect what the people want to see. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "old school" wrestling. Nothing at all. As a matter of fact, I love it. It was what I was raised on, how I was trained, and how I've worked all these years. But when you look out at the crowds and see them dwindling week after week, you have to admit that something is wrong and attempt to fix it. My motto as far as wrestling goes is "If it ain't broke, fix it anyway." My opinion is, you have to constantly come up with new things. Showcase new wrestlers. Come up with new concepts. You have to be constantly evolving with the business in order to stay fresh.
As indy wrestlers, there are no contracts. Wrestlers are free to go and work for anyone they want to. But the problem, at least for me, is this...too many wrestlers work for promotions too close to each other. There is no exclusivity anymore. Lets say Fan #1 wants to go see Wrestler A. Wrestler A wrestles for Promotion 1. Promotion 2 is running a show 3 miles closer to Fan #1 and is charging $1.00 less than Promotion 1 for admission and is featuring Wrestler A. Fan #1 only has enough money to take his family to one show. If he wants to see Wrestler A that bad, then he is going to go to the show closer to him featuring Wrestler A, which would be Promotion 2. And in retrospective this takes money and fans away from Promotion 1. Does that make sense??? I think if there was more of a commitment from the wrestlers to stay "exclusive" to one or two, or maybe even three promotions in each given state, the houses would go up. Because you would have to go to the promotions that they are "exclusive" to to see the wrestler you want to see. But then the old saying comes up "You can't tell us what to do, we are independent contractors."
Host: Let's get into the mind of Bobby Blade here. What is it that makes you "tick" as far as wrestling goes?
BB:I absolutely love wrestling. I know my role as far as my part in the business goes. As a professional, it is my job to make sure that the fans are entertained and feel like they are getting their money's worth. I'm not there to put myself over. I am there for the show and the fans. We are a team. And as a team we need to make sure that the fans don't feel like they are getting ripped off by what they are seeing. They are our paying customers. And we need to make sure that their "wrestling fix" is taken care of whenever we have shows. I can't stand a show thats disorganized.
As a babyface, I tend to be "Super Smiley, Happy Guy". As a heel, I dont wanna hear any cheers at all. My goal when I am out in the ring is to look out and see everyone involved during the match. If I look out and see someone just sitting there, then I dont feel that I did my job. The rest of the crowd can be on their feet. But if I see one guy just sitting there, then I feel that my goal was not accomplished. Before matches, I get really focused and kind of in a "crazy state". I dont wanna be talked to. I dont wanna be messed with. I want to go out there, do my job, and make sure its done well.
Host: Lets get to Bobby Blade, the individual and not the wrestling icon. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of wrestling?
BB:I am pretty much a homebody. I enjoy sitting around watching my dvd's, which I have over 900 (and close to 1000). I also enjoy video games. I love Grand Theft Auto. I really enjoy hanging out with my friends. When I'm not wrestling, I can usually be found hanging out with either Stephanie, Mike, Bryan, and Dana. We always like to act stupid and laugh our heads off about the dumbest things.
Host: Is there anything that you have not yet accomplished in your career, but would like to accomplish?
BB:Yes, to be inducted into The MWA Hall of Fame That would be a fitting end to my career.
Host: This is always my favorite part of the interviews. I'm going to drop some names here, and you tell me, within a couple of words, the first thing that comes to mind about that individual or company
BB: You know me, I have never been able to keep things at just a couple of words. LOL
Host: Mountain Wrestling Association:
BB:Home for many years
Host: "Dirty" Chris Hayes
BB:One of my favorite people
Host: "Honest" Donnie Green
BB: We dont always see eye to eye, but have buried the hatchet. Very talented worker. Never had a bad match with him.
Host: One of my personal favorite MWA stars here, Kasey Kaos?
BB:Boy meets World (long story). He gained some weight due to his injury and time off which seemed to slow him a little. But otherwise, very entertaining and one half of my favorite Ky Tag Team. Thats more than just a couple of words. Sorry
Host: TNA
BB:Excellent future
Host: Hamid Jihad / Ali Akbar
BB:Love Jihad! He did a tremendous job for me and the MWA. Hope to see him on PPV one day, great worker
Host: Northern Wrestling Federation
BB:Great group of guys
Host: Roger Ruffen
BB:Extremely professional
Host: Vince McMahon
BB:WWE is very stale.
Host: Tuffy
BB:Always joking around
Host: "Gentleman" Jim Chadwick
BB:Who???
Host: Ray "The Bear" Steele
BB: Doesnt work often enough. But good, otherwise.
Host: Mr. Blade, thank you for taking the time to sit and talk to us today..it has been a pleasure.
BB:Yeah, the pleasure was all yours. Now get out of here before I have to slap you!
Host: Bobby, first of all I want to say that it is an honor and privilege to have an icon such as yourself with us today. And I want to thank you for doing this interview.
BB:EXXXXXXXXXXXXXCUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! It's about time that you got your wits about you, put your ego in check, closed your mouth, turned up your belltones, and finally interviewed a former 7 time MWA Light Heavyweight champion, former 6 time tag team champion....with multiple partners, the man, the myth, the living legend, and a TRUE OLD SCHOOL ICON! And thats me baby! "Lone Wolf" Bobby Blade!
Host: I know you have been involved in wrestling for a number of years now, first as a wrestler, then as a manager, then as a GM for MWA, and various other roles. But let's back up if you will and tell the fans what made you want to get into professional wrestling and how you got started.
BB:Well, my dad used to watch wrestling every saturday morning and Sunday night when I was a little kid. I didn't watch it with him at first. I didn't understand what was going on and I thought it was stupid. Then one week, I decided to watch it with him. The first wrestling I ever saw was ICW (International Championship Wrestling). And to tell you the truth, it didn't do anything for me. I still didn't fully understand it. Then the next week, my dad turned on Georgia Championship Wrestling. I saw a guy on there by the name of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. You may know who he is...LOL. He was loud, brash, and was very entertaining. After seeing Piper, I was immediately hooked.I had to watch every week after that just to see what Piper was gonna do or say. Then one week, I saw a guy by the name of Ric Flair. From the first time I saw Flair in action, I was in awe. He was despised by just about everyone. I always thought "How could a guy who is such a great wrestler be hated by so many people?" I became a huge fan of his, as well as Piper. When I was about ten years old, my dad took me to see the first Starrcade on closed circuit television. I wanted to see Flair win the NWA title from that "old man" Harley Race, and I wanted to see Roddy Piper beat the snot out of Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. Piper's match with Valentine was the infamous Dog Collar match. After the match went down, I leaned over to dad and said "This is what I wanna do. I wanna be like Roddy Piper." ...... He laughed at me. After we got back home, I told both my dad and my mom. Their response was complete silence. I never mentioned it again. It ate away at me inside for a number of years. But I never brought it up again, because I knew that without my parents approval my dream would never be a reality.
When I got to high school, there were a couple of students there who knew some guys that were wrestlers. One of them is now the owner of the MWA, "Dirty" Chris Hayes. His dad wrestled, "Dr. Mack Attack" Ron Starr. I had always heard about Chris, but didnt know him personally. And the other guy was a guy whose brother and brother in law wrestled. I always pestered and bugged him about what I need to do to get in wrestling. "I can get my brother in law to train you." I got extremely excited and began to think about nothing but wrestling. He told me that he would get his brother in law to call me and we would talk about it. I waited by the phone for hours and hours. Day after day. Week after week. He never called.
Then I was at Kroger's one day visiting a friend that worked there. There was a guy in the store shopping that I thought I had recognized as a wrestler from one of the indy tapes that I had borrowed from someone. His name was Terry Valiant. I walked up to him and asked him if it was indeed him. And it was. I asked him about how to get in wrestling. He told me to come back to Kroger the next week at a certain time and he would have WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Valiant there to talk to me. After he left, I went back to my friend and said "We'll never see him again. Jimmy Valiant won't be here next week."
I went back to Kroger the next week and waited for about three hours. Just when I was about to give up hope. Terry came around the corner and said "Come up to the front, someone would like to meet you." I went up to the front and low and behold there was none other than "Handsome" Jimmy Valiant. We went out to his car where he gave me all the info that I needed. And the rest is history.
I got hooked up with a group called the Sothern Wrestling Alliance (SWA). I ended up having my first match on August 7th, 1991 in Scottsburg, Indiana against a guy named "Mr Irresistable" Terry Embry. I lost that match in 4:21 by pinfall. I got hit with a chain. I was beat up, sore, and felt like I wanted to puke due to my nerves. But the only thing I could think of is "When can I do this again?"
About a year later, I met a guy named Dale Bass. He was the ring announcer for the Mountain Wrestling Association for many years. I asked him who I needed to talk to about getting work with the MWA. He pointed me to several people. Then took me to meet Dale Mann, who owned the MWA at the time. Dale put me in the ring for a tryout. "You have been working with the SWA for so long we need to retrain you." He said. So I began going to every MWA training session where I got the hell beat out of me every single time. But I hung in there, took the beatings, and ended up having my first "official" MWA match against a guy named Hitman Tony in Simpsonville KY. I was very nervous because I was in a locker room with a different class of guys. EVERY single person on the roster was talented. Not just me. But every person. Before in the SWA, there were really only 3 or 4 guys that could work. Now I was in the locker room with a bunch of guys who could work. And I didnt seem to stand out anymore. It was really different.
Host: Who in the business did you / do you look up to?
BB: Like I said before, I was always a huge fan of Ric Flair and Roddy Piper. I loved Flair because he was a great wrestler who talked the talk, walked the walk, and backed it all up. I loved Piper because of his ability to cut a promo, and because he was totally unpredictable. You never knew what he was gonna say or do next. I would give my left leg to be able to meet these guys. I am still, to this day, a HUGE mark for both guys.
After I got into the business, I looked up to Dale "TNT" Mann. He owned MWA for a number of years. He was a big older guy. But he absolutely DID NOT take anything from anybody. If you were in the wrong, he put you in your place. We are missing guys like this these days. I also looked up to "Fabulous" Danny Fargo. He gave me my first big push, and he was so d**n funny to be around. I appreciate everything that he did for me. Its a shame that he's no longer with us.
Host: I have to ask you this: Early in your career, you did a gimmick called "Simba". Who came up with that idea?
BB: Oh Dear Lord! I kinda knew this was coming. LOL. Back in 1995 Disney released the movie "The Lion King". The main character was Simba. Here's how the whole thing went down. Danny Fargo came to me during a show one night and said "Bobb-o, that Lion King movie is over with the kids. Why dont you get some orange and black face paint and be Simba?"
That was it.
The next day, I had placed a call to "Exotic" Adrian Street (a nationally known wrestler who now makes gear) to see if he had some kind of gear with animal prints on it. He said that he did. I ordered some gear with tiger stripes on it. I went out to a costume store and bought some orange and black face paint. Painted my face up like a cat, put the gear on, stuck my hair straight out like a lions mane (this is when I had abnormally long hair. YES I HAD HAIR!!!) And then all of a sudden, I was Simba.
Host: You have often referred to it as "the worst gimmick in wrestling history". Why?
BB:Just look at some of the tapes, or some of the old pictures...........I was a cat!
I didn't talk. I roared. My entrance music was "The lion sleeps tonight" I did a lot of pawing and scratching. At the time I thought it was ok. But when I go back and watch old tapes of it.....it was really pretty bad. It was definitely different than what everybody else was doing at the time. But then a lot of guys didn't wanna wrestle me because the face paint would rub off onto them and their gear. I was glad to see the gimmick die.
Host: I understand that you were forced to return to that gimmick not long ago How were you forced to do it and why?
BB:I was the MWA General Manager at the time. Longtime manager "Gentleman" Jim Chadwick challenged my power and said that he should be the GM. So we had an election, and Chadwick "won" the votes. I was then his whipping boy.....his "pregnant dog", as he so often referred to me. I had to do anything he said, or I would be fired. One week, he ordered me to be Simba. So I brought out the old gear (which didnt fit anymore), brought out the old face paint, I dont have any hair anymore so I had to wear a wig, and finally got the old "lion sleeps tonight" music. "Driller" Eddie Browning led me out to the ring by a chain that was tied around my neck. As soon as I stepped through the curtain I was met with a chorus of laughs from the crowd. Chadwick and Browning had suceeded in doing what they wanted to me, and that was embarrass me.
Host: Will we ever see the return of "Simba"?
BB: HELL NO! Simba is dead and buried right next to Mufasa. There will never again be a return of Simba to an MWA ring. LOL
Host: I have read from various sources online that earlier in your career, you formed a tag team with Terry Allen. What was the name of the tag team, and what was it like teaming with Terry?
BB:I had met Terry while we were both working in the Southern Wrestling Alliance. We worked a lot of shows together, and every promoter wanted to put us together as a tag team because we had a similar look. Long blond hair. Pretty boy attitudes. We seemed like a natural fit together. We complimented each other in the ring and worked very well as a team. When we both went to a group called the UWF, we were once again put together as a team. We decided together that since so many promoters were teaming us up, we should come up with a tag team name. I was "Pretty Boy" Bobby Blade. He was "Terrific" Terry Alan. So we just decided to combine our names and became "Pretty Terrific". During our stay in the UWF, we had a long feud with the Rock and Roll Express, as well as Todd Morton and several partners of his choosing. Terry and I had a lot of fun together and we almost always delivered the best matches on the card. We were extremely hated wherever we went. We even incited several riots or near riots. Like I said, we worked extremely well as a team. It was a lot of fun.
Host: Do you and Terry still communicate with each other?
BB:Not much. The last time I saw him was at a KCW show a couple of months ago. And before that it was probably six or seven years since I had seen him. When we ran into each other at the KCW show, we gave each other a big hug and talked endlessly about old times with "Pretty Terrific".
Host: Who has been your toughest opponent to date?
BB: Without a shadow of a doubt.....The Monster Abyss. I do hold a pinfall victory over him though. Although Sid Vicious ranks up there too. 10 seconds. I lost. Obviously.
Host: Every wrestler has a favorite match. What match has been your favorite to date, and why?
BB:I would say its a tie. The second time I won the MWA Light Heavyweight Title against "Sexy" Sean Casey. And also the one I had with Jason Cross in 1999. The first one because I had so much heat, and its great to piss off a packed house. The second one because the match was total perfection in my opinion.
Host: What Championships have you held?
BB:WHere do I start??? MWA Light Heavyweight Title 7 times (I still hold the record for this as far as number of times someone has held the belt)
MWA Tag Team Champion 6 times
UWF Tag Team Champion 2 times
First ever PTW Hardcore Champion
CWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion
TCW US Champion
SSW Light Heavyweight Champion
SWA World Champion
International Champion
International Tag Team Champion
Thats all I can remember right now....but I'm sure theres more.
Host: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment in wrestling so far?
BB:Without doubt, being the MWA Light Heavyweight Champion. To me, there was no greater feeling. Its a shame the title isnt around anymore. But, I understand why, with no light heavyweights, you can't really have a Light Heavyweight title now can you?
Host: Describe your most embarrassing moment in wrestling to date.
BB:The infamous Whipped Cream Match from SCW. It was me and a female wrestler named Syren against a girl named Tammy B and I think either Larry D or Shayne Parker ( dont really remember ). The mat was to be covered with whipped cream. The problem was, however, that the whipped cream needed to be refrigerated. Needless to say, it wasn't. It spoiled waaaaaaaay before it was spread on the mat. Then we go out there and roll around in it, getting it all over us. After the match was over, there was no place to clean off. So, the whipped cream stayed all over us and the smell was the worst smell I have ever encountered in my entire life. We did a photo session after the show that night. Several fans wanted to get their picture taken with me. I obliged, but I smelled to high heaven. The fans didn't even wanna get close to me because I smelled so bad. I just kept apologizing over and over. That was definitely embarrassing.
Host: You made the transition from wrestler to manager. Why did you do that, and what was it like for you?
BB:The original reason I became a manager was that I had hurt my back during a match a couple of weeks before. I knew I needed to take time off to let my back heal but I still wanted to be involved. So I went to Danny Fargo and asked him if I could be a manager. He said that it would be a good idea and he put me with a guy named Blackjack Danza, who later became "Big" Bo Johnson. We were immediately the most over heels on the show. Then I started to miss the ring. So I asked Fargo if he could put me back as a wrestler. The second time I became a manager was when I severely broke my ankle in a match against Rob "The Bomb" Williams. I was out for 10 months with the injury. When I came back I donned a mask as masqueraded as The Medic. I started coming to the ring with Tuffy, who then was just a rookie. Then I started to come out with "The French Freak Show" Dregen. And finally started to come out with "Maniac" Michael Payne. During a match (it was Tuffy vs Patriot, with my mask on the line) Tuffy ended up losing....and off came the mask! The crowd made a gasping noise then let out a chorus of boo's. I was actually surprised that they didn't know it was me under the mask the whole time. I started managing that group of guys, and we were dubbed Lone Wolf Enterprises.
Host: Your stable, known as Lone Wolf Enterprises, ran rampant for a number of years and consisted of some of the best wrestlers in the business. But what version of LWE do you think was the most formidable and why?
BB:Well, the first incarnation holds a special place in my heart because it was the first. But the most formidable was probably the one with Prince Justice (now known as The Monster Abyss), "Maniac" Brian Beech, Tuffy, and "Dirty" Chris Hayes.
Host: I have noticed that you have now returned to actual wrestling, or at least to some degree. So, my question is do you think we will ever see the return of Lone Wolf Enterprises or are those days gone for good?
BB:Well, I wouldn't call what I do these days as "wrestling". But rather an old man hobbling around the ring trying to entertain the paying fans as best as he could. LOL. I hear all the time from the boys in the back about "How good I am" and blah blah blah. But honestly, I feel that my skills are eroding and my best days are definitely behind me.
But as far as Lone Wolf Enterprises goes, I certainly hope it returns! You betcha! Some of the most fun I have ever had in the business was when we were the LWE. I would love to just retire from active wrestling and make a return to managing.
Host: You have been the General Manager for a couple of different promotions over the years. What was it like being in that role?
BB:Its ok.I can't say that I love it. I can't say that I hate it.Its just ok. Its nice to have a hand in the business side of it. But then when you have to deal with constant bickering between the wrestlers, ego's, attitudes, among other stupid stuff, you have to ask yourself is it really worth being in charge?
Host: I've asked other guys this question, and it is only fitting to ask a legend such as yourself this as well. Who on the current Kentucky Indy Scene do you think has had the most impact on the business and why?
BB:Well, Abyss and "Wildcat" Chris Harris are right up there. As well as the Naturals. I think Brian Beech's work is TV quality, but he doesnt seem to get down to Ky all that often anymore. As far as impact goes, definitely Abyss, Harris, and you CANNOT deny the drawing power that Rated X had when he was with the MWA.
Host: Along those same lines, there are a lot of newcomers to the Kentucy Indy scene; rookies if you will. Of all of them, who do you think has the most potential of becoming a major player on the Kentucky Indy Scene?
BB: Some people may disagree with me. But, Larry D. He's not a rookie anymore per say, but he has stepped up his game tremendously lately, and is an entirely different wrestler than he was just a year ago. Also I think Rob Valor is going to be very good. If he can just get his connectivity with the crowd down. They like him when he's wrestling. But he seems to get so focused on his matches that he forgets the crowd is there. I really don't get to see very many rookies anymore. LOL.
Host: Where do you see yourself as being in ten years?
BB:Dead. Just kidding......hopefully. I see myself in 10 years as being retired from actually wrestling. I would like to be still involved somehow. As in managing, announcing, running shows, or whatever. I have always heard that once you're in the business, you're in for life. I have already had over 16 years in... and I still haven't escaped the "prison" LOL.
Host: Where do you see the Kentucky Indy Scene as being in ten years?
BB:Honestly? Near death.The problem with Ky wrestling these days are so many people are so set in their ways that they refuse to change to reflect what the people want to see. There is absolutely nothing wrong with "old school" wrestling. Nothing at all. As a matter of fact, I love it. It was what I was raised on, how I was trained, and how I've worked all these years. But when you look out at the crowds and see them dwindling week after week, you have to admit that something is wrong and attempt to fix it. My motto as far as wrestling goes is "If it ain't broke, fix it anyway." My opinion is, you have to constantly come up with new things. Showcase new wrestlers. Come up with new concepts. You have to be constantly evolving with the business in order to stay fresh.
As indy wrestlers, there are no contracts. Wrestlers are free to go and work for anyone they want to. But the problem, at least for me, is this...too many wrestlers work for promotions too close to each other. There is no exclusivity anymore. Lets say Fan #1 wants to go see Wrestler A. Wrestler A wrestles for Promotion 1. Promotion 2 is running a show 3 miles closer to Fan #1 and is charging $1.00 less than Promotion 1 for admission and is featuring Wrestler A. Fan #1 only has enough money to take his family to one show. If he wants to see Wrestler A that bad, then he is going to go to the show closer to him featuring Wrestler A, which would be Promotion 2. And in retrospective this takes money and fans away from Promotion 1. Does that make sense??? I think if there was more of a commitment from the wrestlers to stay "exclusive" to one or two, or maybe even three promotions in each given state, the houses would go up. Because you would have to go to the promotions that they are "exclusive" to to see the wrestler you want to see. But then the old saying comes up "You can't tell us what to do, we are independent contractors."
Host: Let's get into the mind of Bobby Blade here. What is it that makes you "tick" as far as wrestling goes?
BB:I absolutely love wrestling. I know my role as far as my part in the business goes. As a professional, it is my job to make sure that the fans are entertained and feel like they are getting their money's worth. I'm not there to put myself over. I am there for the show and the fans. We are a team. And as a team we need to make sure that the fans don't feel like they are getting ripped off by what they are seeing. They are our paying customers. And we need to make sure that their "wrestling fix" is taken care of whenever we have shows. I can't stand a show thats disorganized.
As a babyface, I tend to be "Super Smiley, Happy Guy". As a heel, I dont wanna hear any cheers at all. My goal when I am out in the ring is to look out and see everyone involved during the match. If I look out and see someone just sitting there, then I dont feel that I did my job. The rest of the crowd can be on their feet. But if I see one guy just sitting there, then I feel that my goal was not accomplished. Before matches, I get really focused and kind of in a "crazy state". I dont wanna be talked to. I dont wanna be messed with. I want to go out there, do my job, and make sure its done well.
Host: Lets get to Bobby Blade, the individual and not the wrestling icon. What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of wrestling?
BB:I am pretty much a homebody. I enjoy sitting around watching my dvd's, which I have over 900 (and close to 1000). I also enjoy video games. I love Grand Theft Auto. I really enjoy hanging out with my friends. When I'm not wrestling, I can usually be found hanging out with either Stephanie, Mike, Bryan, and Dana. We always like to act stupid and laugh our heads off about the dumbest things.
Host: Is there anything that you have not yet accomplished in your career, but would like to accomplish?
BB:Yes, to be inducted into The MWA Hall of Fame That would be a fitting end to my career.
Host: This is always my favorite part of the interviews. I'm going to drop some names here, and you tell me, within a couple of words, the first thing that comes to mind about that individual or company
BB: You know me, I have never been able to keep things at just a couple of words. LOL
Host: Mountain Wrestling Association:
BB:Home for many years
Host: "Dirty" Chris Hayes
BB:One of my favorite people
Host: "Honest" Donnie Green
BB: We dont always see eye to eye, but have buried the hatchet. Very talented worker. Never had a bad match with him.
Host: One of my personal favorite MWA stars here, Kasey Kaos?
BB:Boy meets World (long story). He gained some weight due to his injury and time off which seemed to slow him a little. But otherwise, very entertaining and one half of my favorite Ky Tag Team. Thats more than just a couple of words. Sorry
Host: TNA
BB:Excellent future
Host: Hamid Jihad / Ali Akbar
BB:Love Jihad! He did a tremendous job for me and the MWA. Hope to see him on PPV one day, great worker
Host: Northern Wrestling Federation
BB:Great group of guys
Host: Roger Ruffen
BB:Extremely professional
Host: Vince McMahon
BB:WWE is very stale.
Host: Tuffy
BB:Always joking around
Host: "Gentleman" Jim Chadwick
BB:Who???
Host: Ray "The Bear" Steele
BB: Doesnt work often enough. But good, otherwise.
Host: Mr. Blade, thank you for taking the time to sit and talk to us today..it has been a pleasure.
BB:Yeah, the pleasure was all yours. Now get out of here before I have to slap you!