Source: Wrestling-Radio.com
Orlando Quinones of Wrestling-Radio.com has conducted a rare 40-minute interview with legendary manager Paul Bearer. Bearer talks about life after WWE, the recent Michael Hayes incident, managing The Undertaker, working for Vince McMahon, how the business has changed over the years and much more. It’s worth checking out. You can listen to the exclusive audio interview by clicking Here. Some highlights:
– On Life After WWE: Paul Bearer keeps busy by making appearances on the independent scene, saying “There is life after Pro Wrestling”. Believe it or not, Paul still runs his funeral home business to thi sday. He talks about the gastric bypass surgery he had 4 years ago and how it saved his life. He also briefly talked about his sons being “born into the business” and what the future holds for them. Paul told a story of how he broke into the business and says he’s managed over 40 wrestlers.
– The Michael Hayes Incident: Paul Bearer says he grew up with Michael Hayes and he probably knows him better then anybody. He says Hayes has a great mind for wrestling and has been Vince McMahon’s right hand man for several years. Paul says Michael Hayes wouldn’t have been suspended if this happened 10 years ago, but Vince had to suspend him because WWE is a public company and cannot be put at risk. He says Michael Hayes is not a racist and he was joking around and Wrestlemania 24 with Mark Henry. Paul Bearer believes that it was more the people around who took offence to the comments and not Mark Henry.
– Meeting Vince McMahon / “Paul Bearer” gimmick: Rick Rude hooked Paul Bearer up with Vince McMahon and literally told him to write Vince’s number down and call him. He recalls his very first round table meeting with Vince McMahon, JJ Dillion and Pat Patterson at the old Titan Towers.
– Working with The Undertaker: Paul Bearer reflects on managing The Undertaker in his very first match, back when he was known as the masked “Texas Red”. He then tells the story of when he managed The Undertaker we all know today and how it all began back in January 1991.
Scripting Wrestling back then vs. Today: “Back in those days Vince gave us the ball and we ran with it.” Paul says his funeral parlour segment on WWF TV back in the day was never scripted and Vince had confidence Paul and The Undertaker.
* TONIGHT: WWE Backlash LIVE COVERAGE – Detailed Updates EVERY MINUTE!