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PWINSIDER Q&A: NITRO GIRLS, VERNE GAGNE, ECW AND MORE

Answered: 7/27

You guys, as well as I, know that ECW had a major impact on the wrestling industry. While most people know that ECW inspired both WWE & WCW to put more edgy storylines/angles on TV, I feel there is another impact that is vastly overlooked. If there was no ECW, there wouldn't be promotions such as TNA, ROH, PWG, CZW, & other countless promotions in the U.S. ECW was what I call, "the little promotion that could." Before the word "independent" was apart of the wrestling vocabulary, ECW shows us that if you have loyal workers, with big hearts & a "never give up" attitude, you can achieve some success in the wrestling industry. Even though they went bankrupt, I feel they succeed in their original goals, thus leaving their mark on wrestling history. Your thoughts on this?

I wouldn't say that "independent" wasn't part of the wrestling vocabulary before ECW, but I would agree that ECW had a huge impact on a whole generation of wrestling fans, performers and promoters.  It did inspire many to start their own promotions, and more importantly, I think it broke down a lot of walls that had existed in U.S. wrestling in the early 90's.  It brought back blood and violence to wrestling, it brought back the idea that two men could have a pure wrestling match and the fans would accept it, it brought back the idea that a wrestler did not have to look like a cartoon character or a super hero or a giant to be a star. It showed you could have an "edgy" product that was "not for everyone" but still find a loyal audience.  

Rumors have been flying around the internet that SummerSlam will finally be the end of Cena's almost year long title reign. I was wondering if there are any inside reports on whether these rumors were true at all or just speculation? Orton has been on fire but he did have that incident in Europe. Which way do you think it will go?

The match was announced on Monday, and already people are speculating that Cena might lost the belt.  Honestly, it's five weeks until Summerslam, and WWE Creative will most likely change their minds ten times anyway, so even if I did hear one way or the other, I wouldn't put any stock in it right now.  I will say that if Cena is dropping the title to Orton, I would be a bit surprised, but I would also expect Orton to quickly drop the belt to Triple H then. 

Is Terry Funk still wrestling? If not, has he showed any interest in working alongside his brother Dory Funk, Jr and his wrestling promotion Bang! in Florida?

Terry Funk has not "officially" retired (and probably never will), but he has definitely slowed down his schedule and if you see him on a show, it's because the promoter made him an offer worthy of his time and effort.   Funk is enjoying life in Texas, and from what I understand has no intentions of working with his brother's promotion in Florida. 

Whatever happen to the original WCW Nitro Girls? 

Kimberly Page is involved in various acting projects.  Whisper married Shawn Michaels.  AC Jazz runs a dance studio.  Chae and Fyre returned to modeling.  Spice is a chiropractor. Storm is now better known as Queen Sharmell in WWE. 

Is Verne Gagne still involved in wrestling? What is he doing these days?

Verne Gagne is retired and living in Minnesota and is no longer involved in professional wrestling, aside from attending the annual Cauliflower Alley Club banquets. 

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