Dusty
Wolfe
Dusty Wolfe: Just a fan like, a lot of the folks not born into the business. I wanted to play baseball or wrestle. And when it became obvious I wasn't playing baseball, I went after the wrestling business. Joe Blanchard was running Southwest Championship at the time. I got a little training, and kind of forced my way in. Joe and Tully took a liking to me for some reason, and gave me the chance to learn.
”The MiC”: Who were your favorite wrestlers growing up? Least favorite?
Wolfe: I don't remember any least favorites. I don't ever remember getting mad at anything. I enjoyed the show. The Funks and Murdoch were my favorites growing up. I'd never tell him, but I always enjoyed watching Jose Lothario.
”The MiC”: What was it like working all over the world? Do you have any funny travel stories?
Wolfe: Plenty. I've told some over on my site and at KayFabe. There are even more I can't tell. Boys will be boys when they get bored.
”The MiC”: During your tenure with WWF and WCW you were used as enhancement talent. Did you mind putting people over, or do you think you could've been used better?
Wolfe: When I first went to New York, I didn't care. I was making money. Real money. Towards the end, I resented things a little, but the checks always soothed that. I got in better shape like I was asked, and still watched other underneath guys get a chance. Then I decided that it just wasn't happening, so I stuck around as long as I could. As far as WCW, I knew it would never happen. Before I ever walked in the door. WWF used me one way, and that was the only way Atlanta was going to use me. I was ok with that. By then, I enjoyed getting lost in the shuffle and still getting paid. And I didn't have to put up with any of the cutthroat politics that was WCW.
”The MiC”: What was it like being in locker rooms with such legends as Hulk Hogan, Don Muraco, Harley Race etc?
Wolfe: I don't ever recall being "in awe" after my first 2-3 years. Those first years, I stayed in shock. Then as I was around more, I understood more. These were just guys that did the same job I did. At a much higher level, for certain. But even then, I understood that their talent/charisma was only part of what made them. Eddie Graham made sure I knew "the power of the pencil". And I understood that concept from early on. No one was ever a star in wrestling without being made. I was part of the recipe that made them. Sounds a bit arrogant, but it's true. I would still get amazed at the response some of the guys could get. But I also saw them as humans with faults, and that tends to take some of the shine off.
”The MiC”: How does it feel when you get put in title matches, and promotions let you run as their #1 guy, like you did in WCCW (Arkansas) CWF (New Orleans) and others?
Wolfe: Vindicated. There's nothing I can do about being 5'11" in a land of giants like New York. But I knew I had some talent. A bit of charisma. Obviously not enough at that point in time. But I always had some faith in myself. I just needed a chance. I wasn't ready before WWF. After that, I was branded to a lot of people. I've helped draw a few houses. And I've helped kill a few. But I always knew I was doing something right whenever I started getting jealous heat from the local guys.
”The MiC”: How has wrestling changed from when you were wrestling fulltime, to now? Do you think if there was a change, do you think it has benefited or hurt wrestling?
Wolfe: Wrestling is in horrible shape. There is only one company that a man or woman can make a living out of. There is a shortage of talent that can be anything in the future. I'm not saying there's a shortage of wrestler's. There are too many. And too many that don't know a damn thing. And these guys are put in the ring. And they are so bad, that the paying public won't go back when they see the words pro wrestling. Unless it's WWE. Which in turn gives the few that deserve a chance even fewer places to work. Which in turn gives them less chance to improve, and move towards the WWE. And none of this will change as long as people that have no idea about wrestling keep getting involved and running shows after watching 3 weeks of RAW.
”The MiC”: Do you still watch the current wrestling programs on TV's?
Wolfe: I'll watch RAW. Past that, I don't have time.
”The MiC”: What have you learned on the indies, that could be valuable knowledge to an up and coming wrestler?
Wolfe: I've learned so much. I think the most valuable lesson I've learned. The louder/bigger the promoter talks. The less you listen. A promoter than knows what he's doing, and one that will pay as promised, doesn't have to talk a lot. Something about the old saying about actions and words.
”The MiC”: What have you been up to recently?
Wolfe: Wrestling. Being a single father. Watching friends die way too soon. Trying to get far South Texas started as a small territory.
”The MiC”: You have traveled all over the world from Mexico to South Africa, to wrestle. How does it feel to wrestle all over the world?
Wolfe: That is one aspect I always loved. I get paid to see places I never would otherwise. Sometimes it's been a pain getting to and from. But I wouldn't trade any of the trips.
”The MiC”: How would you like to remembered by your peers in the industry?
Wolfe: Truthfully, I'd prefer to be the one that does the remembering. But, I guess as a guy that tried to live up to his word. A guy that may not have been a great talent, but certainly a good, solid talent. And someone that had a bit more influence than folks thought I did when I was still around.
”The MiC”: What do you have to say to anyone reading this?
Wolfe: The stories I mentioned are over at kayfabememories, dustywolfe.com, oldschool-wrestling.com. I know I sound bitter at times. And I am at what I see passing as wrestling so many nights. I have wonderful memories. And a few not so good. The business as we knew it is gone forever. The new wrestling has a few talents out there that can make a difference. Kevin Northcutt, the Phantom Lords, Doug Williams, Paul London (when he gets his ego in check). They just need the chance. And that ain't so easy anymore.
The MiC: Thanks a lot for doing this interview with me
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