Exclusive Interview
In March 2005 fans had the opportunity to send in questions for Terri to answer as part of her RHD Interview. We took the best questions from the fans and mixed them in with some of our own and gave Terri the opportunity to pick which she'd like to answer… here is the interview.
Firstly thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions. What made you want to enter the world of professional wrestling, knowing that it was and, to an extent, is a male-dominated sport?
I didn't do it intentionally. I was a make-up artist for CNN and on the weekends they taped wrestling at our studios. That was back when Jim Crockett owned the company. Ted Turner then bought it and it became WCW. Ole Anderson is the first one that asked me to actually become a part of the on air talent.
What did your friends and family think when you informed them of your desire to become a pro wrestling personality?
I never informed them of that because I never intended to be a pro wrestler!
Which was your favourite character to perform as: Marlena or Alexandra York?
Marlena...hands down! What a great time that was.
What advice would you give to any readers that might be thinking about becoming a professional wrestler/valet?
Don't do it unless you are one hundred and ten percent committed. It is unbelievably difficult to get into and to maintain at that level. You must want it more than anything. However, like I always say...where there is a will there is a way. Don't stop until you get what you want!
Backyard wrestling? Good or bad
BAD - asking for trouble!
You once appeared on a celebrity edition of The Weakest Link, a show that saw a unique interaction between the host and contestants. What was it like appearing on the show?
The Weakest Link was a blast to do. The chick that was the host was great fun until one minute before we started taping. Then she became wickedly serious and didn't stop until the end! It was great fun!
You've taken part in so many Diva Photo Shoots with the WWE over the years. Out of all the locations you've visited for the shoots, which has been your favourite one?
I enjoyed the Dominican Republic the most. Ironically enough I was not thrilled with that location when I first heard that's where we were going...however, it ended up being so gorgeous. We were at a place called Casa de Campo.
What was Sable like to work with off-screen? Was she as bad as Tammy Lynn Sytch has publicly stated in interviews?
I have never had a problem working with any of the other girls. I happen not to have an immense amount of respect for Rena because of some of her choices but she was never a problem to me.
Were you ever pressurized into training to wrestle or were management comfortable with the fact that you fell more naturally into a valet role?
There was a time when I was asked to go and train and I was very clear that I did not desire to wrestle full time. I enjoyed entertaining fans but wrestling was not what I wanted to do. I would cringe when Vince would say things like..."You've got a bra and panties match tonight!" Oh holy crap....but I don't want to do a bra and panties match I would think to myself. Of course I went ahead and did it and always tried to make him proud of me. I am so proud of the girls and guys who desire to be wrestlers and train as such. I was happiest when I was fully clothed and taking big bumps from one of the boys!
Do you still have a close relationship with Dustin and what was it like being able to work with him in many memorable storylines?
Dustin and I get along very well. We always try to put Dakota first which means that we make things happy and pleasant. I firmly believe that she didn't ask to be placed in the middle of this adult decision and our problems shouldn't be her problems. Any parent who speaks negatively about their ex-spouse to their children or in ear shot of them are incredibly BAD parents as far as I am concerned. Ignorant and selfish would best describe that kind of parent. Dustin and I co-parent very well. As far as working with him...those are some of my fondest memories in the business! We had a blast doing our gig together. The heat we had was amazing!!! Who would think that deafening "boos" would be such a great thing?
Were you comfortable doing the XXX Files storyline with the late Brian Pillman?
I loved that story line and the way it was supposed to go...such a tragedy that Brian is no longer with us. We had fun doing the vignettes. Lots of laughing behind those scenes. :)
You enjoyed a long rivalry with The Kat and had the opportunity of facing her in the ring at WrestleMania 2000. What was it like performing on such a high profile PPV and what was it like working with Kat?
Working Wrestlemania 2000 was a great thrill. Wrestlemania's are always tons of fun! I found Kat to be a hoot at all times. She was like this little girl who was always doing something extremely shocking or funny.
Tell us how PMS (Pretty Mean Sisters) came about and what was Jacqueline like to work with?
Don't know whose original idea it was to put Jacqueline and myself together however I loved working with her. We had so much fun together! I hated the name. I wanted us to use the acronym POW. There were several different meanings behind that. Power of Women. Prisoner of War and the whole connotation of being hit with a fist....like POW Batman! When they decided to use PMS all I could think of was feminine products...GROSS man! We should have gone to the ring with tampons hanging all over us or something. I just hated that name!
What did you think to Vince McMahon purchasing WCW?
I didn't want him to purchase WCW...however he didn't ask me! I didn't want to see our business become such a monopoly. Competition is great for our industry. Hopefully TNA will continue to rise and eventually become a rival.
Trish Stratus has come along way since her modelling days, did you enjoy working with her and did you ever expect her to make it as far as she has?
Trish is one of my absolute favorites in the business. We have had so many laugh sessions it makes me smile just thinking about her. To answer your question...no, I didn't expect her to excel as she has in the wrestling aspect, however I am so proud of her that she has worked hard and achieved a high level work rate.
Christy Hemme is the latest WWE Diva to grace the covers of Playboy Magazine. Is it true you turned down a very lucrative offer to pose for the Magazine in the 90's?
That depends on what you consider lucrative. A million is a small pence to Bill Gates however I would never do it because of Dakota!
Terri the presenter of WWE Excess. How did that come about and do you have any desire to do more presenting work?
I had the most fun doing Excess with Coach! That was one of my most fun periods of time and yes, I would host again.
The current travel schedule for the WWE is pretty tough. Wrestlers are not only working the weekly television show but also several house shows and the WWE are increasing the number of overseas tours. Many wrestlers can handle the travel schedule but some, like Brock Lesnar, have found the schedule to be too demanding. How did you cope with life on the road, who were your road buddies and did you have any favourite cities that you loved to perform for?
First off when I met with Vince I told him I would not do house shows because of Dakota. Her Dad was on the road full time and I couldn't do that to her. I only did TV's and PPV's. Even that was gruelling. Big Bossman was my travelling partner after Dustin left for WCW. Ray and I started in the business together in 85. I miss him so much. He was the brother I never had. If I had video of some of our trips...oh the laughs we had. We always got lost no matter where we went. When Dustin was in between jobs we would actually call him at home and ask him directions. Dustin has such a great memory where that is concerned. Ray once got us lost in a multi level parking deck! I am being serious. We were lost inside this thing for like 20 minutes...laughing until we cried it was so funny! I always loved performing at MSG...just hated getting there. I loved Baltimore, Boston, Los Angeles, Anaheim and a few others.
What kind of workout do you do? And how many hours per week on average do you spend working out?
I have a gym in my home and usually do weights twice a week and cardio 6 days a week. My stairmaster is in my bedroom and I sometimes hop on it at 2 in the morning when everyone is asleep. I do what I have to do to stay in shape.
What would you call your best physical feature?
Oh dear...that is tough! Only because I am not real thrilled with any of my attributes. I don't like my butt however others do. Maybe I like my hair the most.
Talk to us about what you've been up to since leaving the WWE. Do you have events or appearances coming up that you'd like to share with us?
Yes, I still do appearances however my energies as of late have been devoted to being a Mommy and writing a book. Not a wrestling book! Too many of those on the market...plus if I can't tell it all I am not telling at all! Guess I am not telling then! I also spend time with my fans on my website.
TheRealTerriRunnels.com is your latest project. What can fans expect to see if they become paid members?
TheRealTerriRunnels.com is a blast for me because I get to talk to the fans and help sick children and share the personal part of me with my fans. We have live parties every Monday night and I get to hear their voices and they can hear mine. Pretty cool concept. Don't know of any other wrestling site where you have such access to the performer. I also highlight a soldier who is over in Iraq or the middle east and let people email them and give them a boost along with a child who is facing physical difficulty from disease to illness. It is wonderful when fans email these people and give them a hello. The smiles they share are so awesome!
Who came up with the concept of the website?
I did
Have you been in contact with the Jarrett's TNA? What are the chances of making an appearance in that promotion?
No, I am through with wrestling. 18 years is a long time don't you think???
If you don't have plans to return to the WWE fulltime, would you at least make special appearances?
Would consider that.
What do you think of the WWE's current, more T&A-themed approach with the Divas?
Don't really watch that much anymore. I have not enjoyed it as of late. Beautiful girls though.
Favourite movie?
Sideways....I love that movie!!!!
Which Hollywood actress would you love to see play yourself in a bio-pic?
Demi Moore - blonde or Kelly Ripa if done on television.
Favourite television show?
20/20, Dateline NBC, I love the History channel, Military Channel, Food
Network!
If RedHotDivas.com were to take you out for a meal, what would we order?
Oooooh! We would order a lot first of all. I am an eater! We would have a traditional Caesar Salad no croutons, a really nice Beef Carpaccio, an absolutely HUGE lobster cracked and ready to eat...very simple no sauces with the lobster...I love the claws most! Whole Green Beans sauteed with shallots and white wine. We would have a lovely 2002 Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in Australia with the beef carpaccio and a really creamy buttery Chardonnay with the Lobster. Geez, you are killing me! It is 11 in the morning and I am now officially starving. Should I stop and eat something? :)
What has been your best personal experience in the business so far?
Hands down...helping sick children or people who are down on their luck believe in themselves again. I love helping people!
What has been your worst personal experience in the business so far?
Leaving my daughter every week and not being able to fix her breakfast or hear her say her prayers at night. Special times with her that I lost and will never know about!
Do you still watch WWE shows and if so, RAW or SmackDown, which do you prefer?
I have a great time on Monday nights with the fans and they talk about the show but I usually stay out of the conversation. Been there done that...you know!
Word association, quickly sum up each of the following in a few words:
Vince McMahon: Tough as nails
Stephanie McMahon: Hard worker
Triple H: Scruffy and smart
The Rock: Pretty
Hulk Hogan: Old
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin: Awesome Handsome
Undertaker: Purple
Hardy Boyz: Diversity
Trish Stratus: Beautiful
Lita: Harsh
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Happily married with another baby and living my life to the fullest and enjoying my passions!
Any message that you would like to send out to everyone reading this interview?
As hokey as it sounds...Be nice to others, give instead of take, when you feel like crapola do something good for someone else who is in need, if you are going to have babies for the love of God take care of them before you take care of yourself...don't lose your spirit to anyone or for anyone and last but not least stay in the race and don't lose sight of your dreams!!! Oh yeah and stop by and visit with me on Monday nights. We have fun. Thanks for such fun questions everyone!
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