Icons of the Ring : Tell us about your time in your father's promotion:
International Championship Wrestling.
Lanny Poffo: It was the best and worst of times. The trips were too far. The work was too hard. Promoting is hard work. I was 1/3 owner with my brother and father.
IOTR: How did you get noticed by the then WWF for your first run as Leaping Lanny Poffo?
LP: I'll never be done thanking George Scott for that. "Thanks George!"
IOTR: What made you decide to mix your love for poetry into your wrestling?
LP: You have to play your aces! I wasn't 7 feet tall. I was in shape but couldn't compete with the muscle of the 80s and 90s. I had to do something, right?
IOTR: What drove you to write a full book of anti-smoking limericks? Do you
hate smokers!?
LP: I love smokers. I hate smoking. My purpose was to protect children from peer-pressure. It's a never-ending quest.
IOTR: How did the Genius character get created, was it another one of Vince's brainchild's? I believe it was one of the most memorable characters. I mean, there were some characters that didn't work as we all know. Do you watch WWE programming now and if so who do you think works the best?
LP: It was all Vince. Everything was Vince. It was his decision to push me, pull me and fire me. I'm still grateful for the opportunity. I've always been a fan of RVD, Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio Jr. and Eddie Guerrero.
IOTR: Your family is one of the most distinguished families in pro-wrestling history. How are your father and brother doing these days?
LP: My Dad is 80. My Mom is 78. My brother is 52 and I'm 50. Our names have not been in the newspapers in alphabetical order yet. That has to say something, right?
IOTR: What are some of your favorite matches while wrestling? One that comes to mind was the Genius and Mr. Perfect vs. the Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan. God I miss Saturday Night's Main Event!
LP:
Genius vs. Hulk
Leaping Lanny vs. Terry Funk
Leaping Lanny vs. Bob Orton Jr.
IOTR: Name Game: Say the first thing that comes to mind!
A) Curt Hennig- The greatest 4 months of my career. I cried when we lost him.
B) the Ultimate Warrior- Pure charisma
C) Hulk Hogan- The greatest star of the 80s
D) Rowdy Roddy Piper- He gave more to wrestling than anybody I ever met.
E) Macho Man Randy Savage- Smarter than A through D and F through H.
F) the Beverly Brothers- Fun times
G) Ted DiBiase- He's a good man.
H) Duke the Dumpster Droese!- I never met him. He came after I left.
IOTR: When you were managing the late "Mr. Perfect" Curt Henning and the Beverly Brothers, what are some memories that come to mind quickly? Any good road stories!?
LP: We never really travelled together. I'm a tea-todler and I never got involved with any of that nonsense. I travelled with people like Rick Martell. He was on the straight and narrow, just like me.
IOTR: What are you up to these days? Let us know- In a brief limerick style!
LP: I'm a Certified Credit Counselor. I also find time to speak to schools, churches and organizations about the evils of tobacco and drugs.
3 smokers with nothing to do Decided to go to the zoo.
As they lit up to smoke I heard one monkey joke:
"Hey look, human see-human do!"
IOTR: Wow, Thanks so much Lanny! Our very own Icons of the Ring limmerick from the Genius!! It doesn't get much better than that!
Please visit Lanny's website and check out his latest book!
