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Marc and Rena Mero
2000-03-06 Rena Mero, a.k.a. "Sable," is one of the most controversial figures in recent wrestling history. After becoming a star with the federation, she slapped a lawsuit on the WWF, charging sexual harassment among other issues. Right now she’s entered the acting business. Critics insist that the Playboy star was hypocritical in some of her accusations, particularly since she publically resented being asked to disrobe in a wrestling ring. Marc, on the other hand, had a very successful career as a wrestler for the best part of ten years, by and large ducking controversy. He broke though as "Johnny B. Badd," a talented high-flyer in WCW. There he won the TV championship, before moving on to the WWF in 1996 where he captured the Intercontinental championship. In 1997, he suffered a severe knee injury which cut eight months out of his career and required reconstructive surgery. After that, his confidence in the ring slid and his career floundered; it was at that time that Sable became a bigger star. They left the WWF in the middle of 1999. The rest, as they say, is history. Marc Mero discusses his career IGN Wrestling: Why did you leave wrestling all together? Do you miss it? Marc: Part of our settlement agreement with the WWF was that I also was released from my contract. There are certain aspects of the business I miss. I had 9 good years in wrestling. Now that I'm out of the sport, my body has healed and I feel like I'm 20 again! I don't miss all the injuries. Marc: You never know what life may bring. Marc: We are able to separate acting from real life. When we went home she wasn't "Sable" and I wasn't "Marvelous" Marc Mero. Too many people in this business believe their own hype. They have their wives and family members call them by their ring names. It's like Sean Connery telling everyone tocall him James Bond! Marc: It was a tough time for me. Always being fearless and not worried about an injury. All of the sudden I have total reconstructive surgery on my knee. It is just now that I'm able to run again. The problem with most injuries in wrestling is there is a lot of pressure to get back as soon as possible. Marc: I am managing Rena. She has some nice projects ahead. Marc: No, unless they need a Little Richard look a like! (laughs) Marc: Dallas Page........No one works as hard as he does. Marc: I don't have just one. Beating Brian Pillman at Fall Brawl in 1995 was a great match. Winning the TV title in WCW and winning the Intercontinental in the WWF were great moments for me. Marc: Diamond Dallas Page. Marc: Johnny B. Badd without a doubt. Marc: Johnny B. Badd was a lot of fun to portray. He was so opposite of the real me. IGN Wrestling: Would you work for another wrestling company if you could? Rena: If I did return to wrestling I would consider WCW Rena: I absolutely agree! Without wrestling, people would not know who I am. Rena: I already achieved it. Being happy! Having the best husband and daughter anyone could dream of. Rena: It was quite an honor. Not many people can claim they were WWF woman's champion of the world! Rena: It was something Vince McMahon really wanted me to do. I was never trained as a wrestler. I was concerned that I would hurt my opponent or I would end up with a serious injury. Rena: I would totally support his decision.
IGN Wrestling: Will you ever return to the business in any capacity?
IGN Wrestling: We've seen many instances of valets overshadowing their charges in the last two years, all cases where the valet is a sexy lady. While your jealousy of Rena on screen was an angle, did you ever feel some jealousy off-screen because the fans were often more interested in the cut of her dress than they were the quality of your ring work?
Marc: I get asked this a lot! When this angle was presented to Rena and I, we made a business decision to go with it. I am very secure in my relationship where I didn't mind being the "Fall Guy." I am so proud of whatRena has accomplished and I'm glad I was there to help in some ways.
IGN Wrestling: Did you ever feel uncomfortable during scenes where you and your wife were fighting on-camera?
IGN Wrestling: After your leg injury in 1997, you never seemed as confident in the ring, particularly on the top rope. How did this injury change you physically and psychologically? Do you think it was the beginning of the end of your career?
IGN Wrestling: What are you working on these days?
IGN Wrestling: Do you plan to get on screen like your wife has?
IGN Wrestling: Who do you most respect in the wrestling business?
IGN Wrestling: What was the greatest moment of your wrestling career?
IGN Wrestling: Who did you enjoy wrestling the most?
IGN Wrestling: Who was more successful – The Wildman, Johnny B. Badd or "Marvelous?"
IGN Wrestling: Which gimmick / persona / period in your career did you enjoy the most and why?
IGN Wrestling: Critics say wrestling made Rena Mero a star. How do you respond to that?
IGN Wrestling: What is your ultimate goal in life?
IGN Wrestling: Did you consider winning the WWF Women's Title an honor?
IGN Wrestling: If your contract called for no wrestling, why did you agree to pick up the championship?
IGN Wrestling: If your husband wanted to return to wrestling, what would your reaction be?
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