LOD's Animal Speaks On WW_ Return

[Guest notJames]

Credit 411mania.com

 

(Emphasis and comments mine)

 

This past week on the No Holds Barred radio show we caught up with Road Warrior Animal and below are the highlights from the interview.

 

Animal started by talking about his recent trip to South Korea with Hawk where they each had to do a little bit of "Human Relations" with people who were following the two of them and watching them. He joked that one guy who was keeping an eye on them with a pair of binoculars stopped doing so after he flexed his bicep at him.

 

He talked about being glad to be back working for the WWE and said he and Hawk will appear in Philadelphia this coming Monday night for RAW and in Baltimore on Tuesday for Smackdown. He said both cities have always appreciated and responded well to the team's success. He did note that they are scheduled to perform in dark matches on each show but he reminded us that they were also booked to work a dark match at the Manhattan Center when they first joined the WWF and things changed quickly.

 

He said people should look at their return to the WWE as a move which is being done to bring back talent not a nostalgia act. He gave an example by saying that a tag team they have worked with in New Japan "The Shane Twins" are listed as a new breed of a tag team while they are looked at as old. He then added that the Shane Twins are 38 years old and he is only 3 years older. He said that just because they have been successful for so long it doesn't mean that they are too old to continue.

 

Animal said that when it comes to the talk of not being able to keep up with the younger and more athletic tag teams it's a mute point* and people only say that when they have nothing else to defend their criticisms. He said if anyone feels that way they can simply get in the ring with he and Hawk and they will find out quickly that they can still work with anyone and if they can't then he'll be the first to tip his cap and admit that he can't do it. He closed the comment by saying that people look at a guy like Eddie Guerrero and say they won't be able to keep up with a talent like him, yet they forget that Eddie's been wrestling for over 20 years and it's not always about age but rather by how well you stay in shape and how bad you want it.

 

*Actually, Animal, it's a "moot" point. Idiot.

And not for nothing, but comparing himself to UNCLE EDDY~! is as funny as comparing filet mignon to horse manure.

 

He talked about all of the titles and awards he and Hawk have won as a team and said that they will be wrestling this weekend in Montreal for the Rougeaus and they are supposed to be taking the Canadian Tag Titles.

 

He talked about the industry's quote of "Never Say Never" and said that their appearance on NWA TNA probably had something to do with them being given another shot with the WWE because they showed that they can still perform. He also stated that Jeff Jarrett and other TNA officials told them that TNA's ratings improved 28% while they were on the show but he's not sure why they haven't been brought back since.

 

He talked about Hawk's previous problems with Vince McMahon and the WWE and said that both Hawk and Vince had things they were both right and wrong about and he feels that Hawk's changed a lot since turning Christian*. He said that both men will most likely apologize to one another and agree to move forward before they work their matches next week.

 

Hope they have enough seats for the "Wrestlers For Jesus" bandwagon; last I saw, Hawk will need at least two for his fat ass.

 

Animal was happy to see some morals coming back in the wrestling business and is especially encouraged by the progress the women have made in the business. He said it's a positive to see female talent being showcased more in the ring rather then by being naked on TV and said that the swearing has been toned down and the product is becoming more fan friendly once again.

 

When asked about Johnny Ace's rumored move into the Talent Relations department when Jim Ross steps down, he said that he and Johnny don't talk business that often and he didn't talk to him in order to get back to the WWE*. He said that the lines of communication opened up after he e-mailed Jim Ross. He did say that he's sure that Johnny is looking forward to his rumored promotion down the road and he feels there is no better person to take JR's spot. He also said that he too would love to help out the office in 2-3 years when his run is over.

 

*Oh my. My bullshit detector just exploded.

 

He described Lex Luger as a good guy who was moody at times. He talked about Lex's close friendships with Sting and Buff Bagwell and said he trained with him almost everyday along with Steiner.

 

He talked briefly about Elizabeth's passing and said he didn't know that she did drugs and he didn't know her well but always thought of her as a sweet heart. He said her loss is tragic and it appears to be an accident but he wasn't completely sure of what happened.

 

On the topic of drug testing in the business he feels it's up to each individual to take care of themselves but he adds that if the business had a union in place with guidelines, it would help everyone involved. He said it would take a lot of pressure off the boys and the promoters because the testing schedule would be cut and dry and the penalties would be known ahead of time before talents decide to take a risk.

 

Animal said that right now the business is down, the tag team ranks are down and aren't making a lot of money and if they can come in and create a spark and help other teams make more money then it will be a good thing for everyone involved. He said that he and Hawk know what the fans want and the same can be said for many of the older talents that are coming back and he finished by saying that it's something that may not be realized by some who are currently in the business and the bottom line comes down to giving the fans what they pay their money to see.

 

Wow, I didn't know senility and dementia can hit in your 40s. Wrestling fans pay to see talent and action, not dinosaurs lumbering around the ring pulling up their Depends™.

 

Even if they're being used to put over other teams, whatever rub they might have given is long gone. Nobody cares about Hawk and Animal above the dreaded "nostalgia pop" and 2 weeks after they stink up the ring, it'll be business as usual.

 

Put me firmly in the "Down with O.L.D." camp.

[Guest edotherocket]

For fun, WWE should do a 6-man tag match where the combined age of all the wrestlers is 300 years of age.

[Guest Spaceman Spiff]

*Actually, Animal, it's a "moot" point. Idiot.

To be fair, the transcriber probably made this error (although Animal may have pronounced it as "mute" rather than "moot").

[Guest Coffey]

You know...I'm sure that Animal isn't the one who wrote his response to the questions. So, making fun of him for saying "mute" instead of "moot" just makes you look like an idiot...because the way I see it, it was the writers fault.

[Guest Coffey]

...

 

I guess that's what happens when you click "reply" then go to use the bathroom...

[Guest FeArHaVoC]

Typo or not, I still think Animal is an idiot!

 

He's no where near as bad as Hawk though.

 

I can't stand that guy.

[Guest notJames]

You know...I'm sure that Animal isn't the one who wrote his response to the questions. So, making fun of him for saying "mute" instead of "moot" just makes you look like an idiot...because the way I see it, it was the writers fault.

Granted. In retrospect, the thought did cross my mind that it was Ashish's fault, considering the amount of typos he usually has in his reports.

 

However, I still stand by my assertion that Animal is an idiot, even if it's for reasons other than the typo.

 

Misspelled words make baby Jesus cry. Being called on the carpet makes baby Jesus smash things.

[Guest TheGame2705]

He talked about Hawk's previous problems with Vince McMahon and the WWE and said that both Hawk and Vince had things they were both right and wrong about and he feels that Hawk's changed a lot since turning Christian*. He said that both men will most likely apologize to one another and agree to move forward before they work their matches next week.

 

Hope they have enough seats for the "Wrestlers For Jesus" bandwagon; last I saw, Hawk will need at least two for his fat ass.

 

What religion the wrestlers are a part of has nothing to do with anything and you look like an idiot yourself for now just nitpicking on what you believe.

 

When asked about Johnny Ace's rumored move into the Talent Relations department when Jim Ross steps down, he said that he and Johnny don't talk business that often and he didn't talk to him in order to get back to the WWE*. He said that the lines of communication opened up after he e-mailed Jim Ross. He did say that he's sure that Johnny is looking forward to his rumored promotion down the road and he feels there is no better person to take JR's spot. He also said that he too would love to help out the office in 2-3 years when his run is over.

 

*Oh my. My bullshit detector just exploded.

 

How do you know it's bullshit? Everyone thought Matt would be sad Jeff got released but if you read the book they really don't even talk that much.

[Guest AndrewTS]

Animal was happy to see some morals coming back in the wrestling business and is especially encouraged by the progress the women have made in the business. He said it's a positive to see female talent being showcased more in the ring rather then by being naked on TV and said that the swearing has been toned down and the product is becoming more fan friendly once again.

 

He hasn't been watching WWE, obviously.

 

I now want to see a Doomsday Device on Torrie, though. Like the Godwinn one.

[Guest notJames]

He talked about Hawk's previous problems with Vince McMahon and the WWE and said that both Hawk and Vince had things they were both right and wrong about and he feels that Hawk's changed a lot since turning Christian*. He said that both men will most likely apologize to one another and agree to move forward before they work their matches next week.

 

Hope they have enough seats for the "Wrestlers For Jesus" bandwagon; last I saw, Hawk will need at least two for his fat ass.

 

What religion the wrestlers are a part of has nothing to do with anything and you look like an idiot yourself for now just nitpicking on what you believe.

I just find it a little suspect that so many wrestlers who go overboard with drinking and drugging are all suddenly "turning to the Lord", especially after their time in the spotlight is done. Granted, Hawk himself hasn't mentioned this newly-found faith, but I keep seeing visions of him on Confidential going on and on about finding salvation from his demons, and then fucking up a move on SD! and breaking someone's neck.

 

When asked about Johnny Ace's rumored move into the Talent Relations department when Jim Ross steps down, he said that he and Johnny don't talk business that often and he didn't talk to him in order to get back to the WWE*. He said that the lines of communication opened up after he e-mailed Jim Ross. He did say that he's sure that Johnny is looking forward to his rumored promotion down the road and he feels there is no better person to take JR's spot. He also said that he too would love to help out the office in 2-3 years when his run is over.

 

*Oh my. My bullshit detector just exploded.

 

How do you know it's bullshit? Everyone thought Matt would be sad Jeff got released but if you read the book they really don't even talk that much.

 

With all the politicking that has been going on in the wrestling business for all these decades, is it so far-fetched that Johnny Ace had something to do with LOD's return, and that Animal is just playing spin doctor? I mean, when Ace got the book in wCw, isn't it a little strange that soon after, Animal was the surprise run-in during Sid's Joe Theissman moment?

[Guest creativename]

He described Lex Luger as a good guy who was moody at times. He talked about Lex's close friendships with Sting and Buff Bagwell and said he trained with him almost everyday along with Steiner.

 

 

Oh my, notice a pattern here? Animal, Buff Bagwell, Luger, and Steiner...gee, I wonder what they all have in common. There have been some rumors about Sting's steroid use as well, and this seems lend credence to them.

 

As for Ace not having anything to do with Animal's return...you'd have to be a little gullible to buy that. It's not completely out of the question, however the odds of that being the case are extremely remote.

 

Man, I hope that L.O.D. aren't pushed to the moon. That would be atrocious. I suspect they'll end up with the tag titles within a couple months, though.

[Guest WhenDanSaysJump]

I just find it a little suspect that so many wrestlers who go overboard with drinking and drugging are all suddenly "turning to the Lord", especially after their time in the spotlight is done. Granted, Hawk himself hasn't mentioned this newly-found faith, but I keep seeing visions of him on Confidential going on and on about finding salvation from his demons, and then fucking up a move on SD! and breaking someone's neck.

I have a feeling that Hawk will turn out to be more of the Jake Roberts kinda Xian than the Ted DiBiase kinda Xian.

[Guest SupaTaft]

Why are you guys being so pessimistic?

 

 

Oh yeah, sorry, forgot you're smarks.

 

 

The LOD were good workers and entertaining back in the day. I'm sure they'll be fine when they return. It's not that hard to have a successful nostalgia comeback. If anyone can do that, it's the LOD

 

-Taft

[Guest AndrewTS]

"The LOD were good workers and entertaining back in the day."

 

I can't vouch for that since I didn't watch then, but I saw their 98 run. Sure, they can do neckbreakers, but so can Triple Haitch still. What does that mean now?