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Rockin' Rich Interview 2/2/99
This interview with Rockin' Rich was conducted by Surfin' For Scoops writer the Big Kahuna. At the time of the interview, Rockin' Rich had been retired for the the 1998 season after successfully winning a retirement match against his former New World Alliance compatriot the Mountain of Love at MWF In Your Face II : August Armageddon.
TPBKahuna: Yo, dudes, welcome to Surfin' For Scoops! Joining me, Heartbreak Big Kahuna, for the first exclusive interview of 1999 is none other than MWF legend, Rockin' Rich! Welcome Rockin'!!!
Rockin MWF: Hi there Mr. Kahuna.
TPBKahuna: If I may get right into it, Rockin' Rich: On August 1, 1998, you wrestled the Mountain of Love in what was supposed to be your final match. At the time, what influenced your decision to retire?
Rockin MWF: Well, the Rockin' One felt he gave the sports entertainment world all he had to offer, and I wanted to make way for the next generation of MWF superstars. But after seeing the lack of talent arriving on the scene in recent months, I thought maybe I should give it another try and come out of retirement. And maybe add some more gold to my resume.
TPBKahuna: You couldn't have been watching too closely, dude! Since you left, the MWF saw the debut of Carnage, the Candyman, Black Scorpion, and Count Rico Malachi; arguably the greatest influx of talent in MWF history!
Rockin MWF: Who? I haven't heard of any of them. But of course, I mean no disrespect. Maybe they were wrestling when I was out mowing the lawn or helping old ladies cross the street. (I am a "good guy" now, you know.) So maybe it was just bad timing. I usually don't watch any of that preliminary stuff anyway. It just doesn't interest me.
TPBKahuna: Regardless, Rockin' Rich...
Any other factors weigh into your decision to return? Dude?
Rockin MWF: Yes, actually. My old partner, The Mountain of Love, is apparently issuing some challenges to me over the internet. Maybe he hasn't gotten over the fact that I whipped his pretty boy ass all over the ring in my retirement match. I might need to remind him of just how bad of a beating the Rockin' One can dish out.
TPBKahuna: That last match was very controversial. You were criticized in some corners for not adhering to the "time honored tradition" in wrestling.i.e, putting your opponent over in your final match. Can't you understand why the Mountain would be upset with you?
Rockin MWF: Traditions are meant to be broken. Mountains are meant to be crumbled. M.O.L. needs to move on with his life and prepare for the challenges in 1999. Not worry about the defeats of 1998. That is, if he wants to hold on to that U.S. Title.
TPBKahuna: Back to 1999. While you were gone, MWF Superstars continued to work, sweet and bleed for the fans. Do you expect to step over some of those workers and immediately contend for a belt, or will you be content to work your way back up through the ranks?
Rockin MWF: Titles aren't really that important to me right now. Sure, if the opportunity presents itself, then by all means I will give it my best shot. But it's the competition and sportsmanship that I truly long for and miss. You don't need gold around your waist to prove that you're a champion. It just looks nice.
TPBKahuna: And that Tag Team Championship belt sure looks gnarly around this waste, wouldn't you agree, dude?
Rockin MWF: Sure.
TPBKahuna: Yeah!
Now, Rockin' Rich, for the burning question every MWF fan is waiting for me to ask. Respected journalist Buck Kilamangaro recently reported exclusively to Surfin' For Scoops that you would be returning not as Rockin' Rich, but as Rugged Ralph! Not only that, you would be reforming the hated New World Alliance along with the Mountain of Love. You obviously have joined us today as Rockin' Rich, but what about that report? Do you deny it?
Rockin MWF: First of all, my "Rugged" days are over. I sold the rights for use of that moniker to Rod Price of Extreme Championship Wrestling. I guess I was always one of his idols, and he wanted to compete in my honor for the rest of his career. And besides, I didn't think I would ever want to step back in the ring again anyway. And as far as those NWA rumors go, they're all lies man! I am very loyal to the MWF, and I would never consider doing something like that again. Trust me.
TPBKahuna: You give a convincing argument, dude, but Buck Kilamangaro is seldom, if ever, wrong...
Rockin MWF: How do rumors get started? They're started by the jealous people. Maybe Buck is jealous of Rockin' Rich.
TPBKahuna: Now onto my personal favorite part of the interview. I'll rattle off some topics or names, and you give me brief responses to each. Are you ready... Rockin' Rich?
Rockin MWF: Rock & Roll, Strut & Stroll, Slam & Jam!
TPBKahuna: The Mountain of Love.
Rockin MWF: He doesn't want another piece of me.
TPBKahuna: The United States Championship.
Rockin MWF: I've held it twice. Maybe it's time for the hat trick.
TPBKahuna: World Champion Doctor Destruction.
Rockin MWF: He wouldn't be wearing that gold if it weren't for me.
TPBKahuna: Fiend and the Flock.
Rockin MWF: I guess he's trying to mold a bunch of upstarts into the superstars of tomorrow. They'll all have short careers.
TPBKahuna: The "Real Ring."
Rockin MWF: It almost convinced me not to retire, but the decision had already been made and there was no turning back.
TPBKahuna: The New World Alliance.
Rockin MWF: It brought the MWF back to life.
TPBKahuna: MWF President Fred Travelenee.
Rockin MWF: I'm sorry I hurt him in the middle of the ring last year, with the devastating Shocker Dropper, now known as The Eradicator. He can be quite annoying though.
TPBKahuna: Mike Speedo.
Rockin MWF: Gimp.
TPBKahuna: Carnage.
Rockin MWF: Who?
TPBKahuna: The Real HBK, Heartbreak Big Kahuna!!!
Rockin MWF: The Real HBK is Shawn Michaels. But hey, you're not so bad. After all, you are a Tag Team Champion.
TPBKahuna: Thanks, dude!
On that high note, I'll be letting you get back to the Rockin' and Rollin' night life, dude! Any words for your legions of fans who are looking forward to your return in 1999?
Rockin MWF: Here I am! Now what are your other two wishes?
TPBKahuna: Good one, dude! Thanks for your time!
Rockin MWF: Have a nice day.