Beyond the Ring: A Conversation with Wrestling Veteran, The Barbarian
For decades, The Barbarian – known for his imposing presence and powerful style – has captivated wrestling fans. From his time in WCW’s Raven’s Flock to memorable clashes with Goldberg and Juventud guerrera, his career is a testament to adaptability and enduring passion. Recently, we sat down with The Barbarian to delve into his experiences, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain of professional wrestling.
Early Impressions & Working with Legends
The wrestling world is built on respect, and The Barbarian clearly holds that in high regard. He fondly recalls opportunities to share the ring with iconic figures.”Any time you can work with a legend like ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage, you take that opportunity. ‘Macho Man’ was great,” he shared, highlighting the importance of learning from the best.
finding a Place in WCW’s Raven’s Flock
The Barbarian’s journey led him to WCW and a unique role within Raven’s Flock. He found a compelling dynamic in the group’s narrative. “That was great. Raven sold it that I was an outcast because of my size. It was a great time,” he explained, noting how Raven cleverly utilized his physicality in the storyline.
Interestingly, by the time The Barbarian joined, the Flock’s notorious off-screen antics had mellowed. “I don’t know if management got to them or if they were just tired,” he chuckled. “But it was calmer by the time I got to be a part of it. I heard the wild stories… Saw some of it too.” He’s even looking forward to a reunion, stating he’ll be at The Gathering on November 28th alongside Raven, Scotty riggs, Lodi, and Saturn.
Embracing a More Agile Style & Facing Goldberg
Many fans remember The Barbarian’s feud with the high-flying Juventud Guerrera. This series of matches allowed him to showcase a different side of his wrestling ability. “it was freeing! I always thought I could move a lot more than I had gotten to show. so, working with Juventud Guerrera gave me the chance to show that while I was big, I could also move around a little bit.”
He also recounted a memorable encounter with Goldberg,even taking the devastating Jackhammer. “I like Bill Goldberg. I had taken the Jackhammer before back at the Power Plant,” he revealed. “You could tell he was moving fast towards the top. I think I was number 130 or so?”
The Fall of WCW: A Collective Responsibility
When asked about the factors contributing to WCW’s demise, The Barbarian offered a candid assessment. “everyone.It was everyone’s fault. It just got so big and spun out of control. It wasn’t just one person’s fault. Also, it got away from the wrestling. It just got so far from the wrestling.” This highlights a common sentiment among wrestling veterans – the importance of prioritizing the in-ring product.
Hollywood & Beyond: Shadow Warriors II & Dusty Rhodes
The Barbarian’s career extended beyond the squared circle. He even appeared alongside Hulk Hogan and Carl Weathers in the film Shadow Warriors II. “Academy Award winning Shadow Warriors II!” he joked. “Everyone asks about being in the movie with Hulk Hogan which was cool but I was also in the movie with Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from Rocky. I grew up a big fan of Rocky. And, this was I think before Happy Gilmore. So, he was still Apollo Creed to me. He was great.”
he also spoke highly of his time working with Dusty Rhodes in Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. “Working for Dusty was always great. He treated me great.I teamed with ray Lloyd,Glacier. Those were some good times.”
A WWE Opportunity & A Playful Jab at Triple H
The Barbarian did attempt a foray into WWE.”I did. I got called up to do something where I could be a bodyguard for Edge and Christian. I whent up,I did a dark match. I thought everyone went great. And then, the calls weren’t being responded to quite as quickly as before and I guess they lost interest. I believe they went with Tyson Tomko?”
He then playfully took credit for triple H’s success. “
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