Larry Hennig Shoot Interview
Larry “The Axe” Hennig is a true legend in the sport of professional wrestling, and the architect of a wrestling dynasty. RF Video had the honor of sitting down for what Larry call ed, “the best interview he ever did.” As Larry said, “You guys were the first to cover everything from start to finish.” The interview is fascinating whether you are a fan of Larry, his son Curt, or his era of the business. Larry talks extensively about his relationship with Verne Gagne. Why would Larry have bad feelings towards someone he worked for most of his career? You will find out what led to the falling out between these two. Larry talks quite a bit about the AWA. Larry talks about all of the famous AWA personalities like Nick Bockwinkel, Bobby Heenan, Crusher, Bruiser, Wally Karbo, the Gagnes, Baron Von Rachke, the Vachons, and provides some hilarious anecdotes to go with the names. Larry goes in depth about his legendary run with Harley Race as tag team champions. Larry tells some great road stories about going on the road with one of wrestling’s most colorful personalities. Larry recounts occasions where both men took each other to the hospital. Larry talks about the night Harley Race was stabbed in a bar. Larry talks about tagging with Harley and what made their team so good. Larry talks a lot about the valued relationship he has to this day with the legend. The interview also covers a lot about his famous son, Curt Hennig. Larry talks about taking Curt on the road as a kid. Larry talks about why Curt got into the business, and training his son. Larry gives his thoughts on Curt’s tenure at Verne Gagne’s wrestling camp. Larry talks about wrestling with his son and his son’s early days on the territories. Larry gives a great story about a match he and Curt had with the Road Warriors in the Meadowlands. Larry also talks about advising his son throughout his career. What were some of Larry’s proudest moments as the father of Curt? Larry also recounts a contentious meeting with he, his son, and Vince McMahon and a bidding war between WWF and WCW for Curt. In what was truly a precious moment, Larry talks about the passing of Curt. Larry gets very emotional when recounting of the day he and his family found about Curt. Larry talks about how his death impacts the family to this day. Larry also talks about what it meant to induct Curt at two Hall of Fame ceremonies. It is almost impossible not to shed a tear when listing to Larry talk about losing his on at such an early age. Whether you were a fan of the AWA, Larry Hennig, Curt, Larry’s era of stars like Lou Thesz and Karl Gotch, Larry has great stories. Larry also has fantastic stories about some of wrestling’s biggest stars like Ric Flair, Superstar Graham, Dusty Rhodes, and others as they were coming up the ranks of the wrestling business. Larry’s memory is impeccable and he is one of the best storytellers ever to sit down with RF Video. Howd you get started Why did you drop out of school Was the training more difficult than you thought What was the kayfabe like for a young guy back then Memories of your first match What are some of the things you remember you did to pay your dues Who mentored you early on Who named you Pretty Boy Memories of Joe Pazandak What were some of the early territories you worked How did you wind up in the AWA Initial memories of Verne Gagne What was he like as a trainer Memories of Duke Hoffman What was the Minnesota territory like travel wise Memories of Crusher Memories of Bruiser Who did you like to travel with throughout your career Memories of matches with Red Bastien Memories of Baron Von Rachke Were you on the plane for that infamous Mad Dog Vachon plane story Memories of Nick Bockwinkel Memories of teaming with Ray Stevens Memories of Billy Robinson Do you think he was a bit of a bully Memories of the Amarillo territory Memories of the Funks Who’s idea was it to team you with Harley Race Did you know you guys had something right away What did you like most about Harley Memories of teaming with Chris Markoff Memories of touring Australia Memories of Jim Barnett Memories of matches with Mark Lewin and Dom Denucci Memories of Pat O Connor Memories of matches with Crusher and Bruiser Was it frustrating when Verne kept putting the belts on himself What happened the night you wrestled John Powers and injured your knee Is it true that Verne asked you to keep working Is it true that you only got an extra $50 Was Verne cheap Memories teaming with Lars Anderson Memories of matches with a young Andre the Giant How hard was it to come back from your knee injury Were you a lot more limited with your mobility How come you didn’t leave with Harley to work somewhere together fulltime Compare teaming with Lars to teaming with Harley Memories of working the Florida territory for Eddie Graham Memories of matches with Ron Fuller Memories of matches with Rocky Johnson Memories teaming with Dirty Dusty Rhodes Memories of matches against Dusty Did you think Dusty had it to be a successful babyface Thoughts on Greg Gagne Memories of matches with the Gagnes Memories of your babyface turn against Bockwinkel and Stevens Did you like wrestling as a babyface Memories of making The Wrestler Are you surprised its being remade Memories teaming with Jos LeDuc When did you realize Curt was going to wrestle How hard were you on him in training Are you surprised so many Minnesota kids went into wrestling and became successful Did you think Curt had it when you were training Who’s idea was it to send him around the territories for experience Memories teaming with him Memories of matches with the Road Warriors Did they give you a hard time about selling You beat Roddy Piper in 10 seconds in his debut. Do you remember it Memories working for Vince SR Did you like him Memories of Pedro Morales Memories of matches with Bruno Sammartino Who were your favorite and least favorite promoters to work for Memories of Lou Thesz Memories of the Valiants Do you think if Verne went national in the 70s or early 80s he could have done what Vince JR did Memories of matches with Danny Hodge Memories of Billy Graham Memories of Wahoo McDaniel Memories of Bobby Heenan Memories of Johnny Valentine Memories of matches with Bill Watts Memories of matches with Tim Woods Memories wrestling Jack Brisco How important was it to know how to hook when you broke in Did Verne try and get you involved when he got on ESPN What did you think when you heard Vince was going national How important was it to you to see your son win the AWA title Did you give Curt any advice when he made the jump to Vince How close did you monitor his career What did you think of the Mr. Perfect character How proud of him are you when you hear a lot of wrestlers today cite him as an influence He and Bret Hart had tremendous matches, thoughts on Stu Did WWE ever try and get you to come back for any angles with Curt What made you finally decide to hang it up Were you surprised when Verne went under Do you think he lost touch Is it true that there are still bad feelings between you two Where were you when you heard about Curt How difficult was that on you and your wife What do you think happened How did it change your life Why do you think there have been so many deaths the last several years Do you think that the government should investigate wrestling Was there any pressure to use steroids when you were in the business How important was it for you to induct Curt into the Hall of Fame What makes someone a good heel in your opinion Is there anyone that made it that surprised you and made it and is there anyone who didn’t make it who you thought would Do you still watch wrestling Thoughts on UFC and comparisons to pro wrestling Do you want to write a book Is it hard to adjust to life after pro wrestling What do you do today Fav and least fav guys to work with Fav ribs and road stories Favorite ribs Thoughts on the lack of kayfabe today Do you still have a passion for the business What do you miss most and least about being a full time wrestler
