Debra's AOL Chat
July 21, 1999
WWFBBANKS: Welcome Debra, let's get started.
WWFDeb: I'm glad to be here talking to आप guys and I'm looking आगे to the Pay Per View this Sunday, July 25. It will be a great show!
WWFBBANKS: How do आप like working with Jeff Jarrett?
WWFDeb: Jeff is great to work with. I've worked with him for a number of years now. I've really worked a lot working with him. I think we have great chemistry. It will actually be strange working with someone else. I know right it feels very odd us not working with Owen, because we all worked so well together, Jeff, Owen and me.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, do आप ever see yourself working without Jeff?
WWFDeb: I'm sure on down the line it may happen. But I don't have any control over that. It depends upon how the storylines are going. I'm sure if they ever did that it'd be for a great storyline. But I hope not because I really enjoy working with him. When you're out in the ring, it takes time to get to know their moves. Working with Jeff, I know all his moves, I know where he's going to be standing. I feel very comfortable with him. Working with someone new would really be scary in the beginning. I trust Jeff and Jeff is very good with the psychology of wrestling. He's really good at saying, "Debra we're going to do this, we're going to do that." Jeff really wants it to make sense. And our प्रशंसकों expect that.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, when are आप going to get back in the ring and wrestle?
WWFDeb: I'm really not sure. I would guess I am going to have to leave that up to the writers. I really enjoyed being the Women's Champ, it was a wonderful feeling to win that बेल्ट from Sable. But I do want the girls to have a chance at the belt. They deserve it too. They've worked really hard in wrestling. And I think it makes for a और interesting storyline if और women have a chance to win. I believe Sable had the बेल्ट for way too long. This is sports-entertainment and we have writers who write these storylines. If they write it in that I have the बेल्ट down the line, then so be it.
WWFBBANKS: How does WWF.compare to WCW?
WWFDeb: I am really thankful that I had a chance at WCW because it makes me really appreciate working for the WWF. The WWF is very professional, they treat आप with respect. They definitely know how to make stars out of their talent. They see something in each character that can help make आप a star. Just like when they started telling me, do the business suit and start revealing parts of your body on TV. And I'm going, "Where is this going?" And then the पिल्लें thing started. But they've really marketed me well and I'm really getting over with the fans. The WWF is just excellent at making stars out of the talent. Another thing is the WWF has writers and WCW users wrestlers as writers. Which is terrible because they'll write in their best फ्रेंड्स in the storylines. And so the most talented people will be left out. The WWF uses everyone to their full extent. That's why we have the No. 1 and best show. That's why the WCW is so boring to watch now.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, आप were seen with Stone Cold at Shea … what's going on between आप guys?
WWFDeb: Yes we are a couple. I will not elaborate any और on that because that's my personal life
WWFBBANKS: How did आप get your start in the business?
WWFDeb: I got my start. I was married to a guy that played in the NFL and he retired So the WCW hired him, and therefore they brought me in to be his manager. And so I worked with my ex-husband for a while and then they put me with Jeff Jarrett. And then I got a divorce and they fired me. So it's funny how that all worked out. Once I got fired, I had heard through the grapevine that the WWF was interested in me. I just called and told them that I was available and I would प्यार to work for the company. They offered me a contract and I took it. And then they started out using my last name, just to bring in my प्रशंसकों from WCW. Now they've dropped the last name. But my background, I've studied अभिनय for 6-7 years in N.Y. I always wanted to do soap operas and now I'm doing a male soap opera. But I will admit the script is a lot shorter to memorize.
WWFBBANKS: What सलाह do आप have for a female that wants to break into the business?
WWFDeb: I would say it's very hard and from what I can tell most of the women are usually brought in द्वारा husbands, boyfriends...usually they know someone in the industry. that's how they're brought in most of the time. A small percentage is brought in द्वारा them sending in tapes.
WWFBBANKS: What do आप think of Vince and Shane McMahon?
WWFDeb: I think Vince and Shane, on camera, are great characters. They know how to raise your blood pressure & get under your skin. Which makes for a very entertaining show. But off camera they're very nice and very class. Very respectful. They always speak to आप They always tell आप how glad they are that आप work for the company. I like that Vince does all these crazy things--bleed, get cut--he'll do all these things, that when आप are asked to do it, आप feel better about it. Because Vince doesn't have to do it, he owns the company and is worth millions. And he would do it too!
WWFBBANKS: Debra, what do आप like to do in your spare time?
WWFDeb: In my spare time, I'm actually very boring and quiet. I'm an outdoors person. I actually go hunting believe it या not. I'm actually a bit of a tomboy off camera. I like to go four-wheeling. And I प्यार to go water स्कीइंग and go to the gym. Any kind of activity outside. I really don't watch TV and I really don't stay inside a lot
WWFBBANKS: What is life on the road like?
WWFDeb: Life on the road I think takes a special kind of person. In the beginning आप have to just get used to it. आप learn how to pack & wash your clothes. आप learn how to eat healthy on the road. And आप have to make sure आप go to the gym every day. But the weird thing is you're body gets used to it. आप become a big family with all the people आप work with. If I didn't have this job, I'm probably be in a traveling theatrical group. And it's kind of the same thing. And I really will miss working for this company because it becomes addictive. When I'm at घर a lot I actually get bored.
WWFBBANKS: Can we expect to see आप in a प्लेबाय spread in the future?
WWF Deb: I would प्यार to do a प्लेबाय spead. But only if the money is right. I think it's a very classy magazine. I normally would never do something of that nature. प्लेबाय is the only magazine I would do that for.
WWFBBANKS: Who do आप hang out with backstage?
WWFDeb: Backstage my best friend is Chyna. I hang with every night at the दिखाना and I talk to her every night at घर when I'm not working. We're opposites on the outside, but on the inside we're the same person. We both think alike. We like the same things. But we just look different on the outside.
WWFBBANKS: What are आप excited about concerning Fully Loaded?
WWFDeb: Pay Per देखा गया are always high energy. It's always our best work. All our shows are really चोटी, शीर्ष quality. But all our storys build up to the PPV. There's a lot of energy backstage at PPV. Everyone wants to go a good job. And I think all our PPVs are excited.
WWFBBANKS: What's in the future for आप Debra?
WWFDeb: I wish I knew that myself. I hope that I can be a big part of the WWF. I would hope that one दिन I would be one of the चोटी, शीर्ष lady stars of the WWF. After this job, I hope to work in public relations for a company. I know this job will not last forever. Especially as a female. That's why I'm thinking PR because I really प्यार this company and I really would want to do it for them. Last साल I signed a two साल deal with a third साल optional. I would hope for another two या three साल contract. I'm hoping for another four years या five years.
WWFBBANKS: Besides Jeff, who is your प्रिय superstar?
WWFDeb: Of course, Stone Cold. I like Chyna and Hunter. Those three are my favorites. I think those three are very educated with the psychology of wrestling. They put their दिल and soul into each match. They know what they're doing out there. They know how to play the प्रशंसकों and put on a very entertaining match. I personally have learned a lot watching these people. And they've helped me a lot to with my character backstage. I didn't know who to root for when Stone Cold stunned Jeff! But seriously, when I'm on camera I'm Debra the character 100 percent. The प्रशंसकों paid a lot of money to see us perform. My character is supposed to be very tough, very sexy and sensuious. And I try to be all those things. When they say my name I'm Debra 100 percent. And I do try to दिखाना the पिल्लें every time.
WWFBBANKS: Do आप keep in touch with anybody from WCW anymore?
WWFDeb: No. The other दिन I was in San Francisco and I ran into Elizabeth and Lex Luger in the gym. And that was the first time I've actually talked with anyone from that organization in a very long time. We talked for a while and it was nice to see them. But it's pretty much two different worlds. Those people, all आप have in common is wrestling, and आप don't want to talk about what your company is doing. So it's pretty much, "Hi, how are you?" So pretty much I don't talk to people from other companies.
WWFBBANKS: What do आप think of the current "puppies" craze?
WWFDeb: I प्यार it. I think it gives me और of an identity with my character. That even people can relate to and find it entertaining to chant. It's amazing being at the arenas now and when I walk out I can hear thousands of people chanting for the puppies. And it makes me laugh every time. And then again it's an excellent marketing tool. I've got a couple of T-shirts coming out. I'm on the cover of an upcoming RAW with two puppies. And they're making a poster of that, and they're actually going to do some hats too. So that पिल्लें craze is definitely a good thing for me.
WWFBBANKS: The NEW पिल्लें T-Shirt can be found in the Shopzone on WWF.com
WWFBBANKS: When आप were a child, what were your career aspirations?
WWFDeb: I was a big ham. I loved to be in front of people. I was always a clown I would always act goofy to get a laugh out of people. In school I was very outgoing. I was cheerleader, homecoming क्वीन and the most popular. And I was in the drama club. So doing this is pretty much on track with what I wanted to do. I didn't think I'd be in wrestling, but I प्यार it. I did think I'd be in some sort of entertainment as a child.
WWFBBANKS: Did आप watch the WWF when आप were growing up?
WWFDeb: Growing up I never watch WWF. I hate to admit to that. But I never did. That's why working with Jeff has helped a lot learning the business and the psychology of it. I never knew that wrestling had storylines and build up. I never knew how loyal the प्रशंसकों were to wrestling. And I've found out that wrestling प्रशंसकों are very smart and loyal and आप can't trick 'em they know what's going on. And they're very dedicated. It's so nice to work with the WWF and talk with the प्रशंसकों and they say "what about this storyline?" It makes आप know that your work isn't going unnoticed and the प्रशंसकों appreciate what आप do. And I know I wouldn't have a job without the fans. And I try to give the प्रशंसकों my दिल and soul so they can enjoy the match I'm involved in.
WWFBBANKS: What was your most embarassing moment?
WWFDeb: I'm had so many. Let me think. That's a tough one. I've had so many stupid and embarassing moments I can't even सूची them. Some of them are so embarrasing I wouldn't want anyone to know about them!
WWFBBANKS: Thank आप very much Debra. Is there anything else आप would like to say in closing?
WWFDeb: I just want to thank them for all their support and helping make our ratings so super! For आप I have a job.
Credit: Adam Gunnett and ProWrestling.com.
July 21, 1999
WWFBBANKS: Welcome Debra, let's get started.
WWFDeb: I'm glad to be here talking to आप guys and I'm looking आगे to the Pay Per View this Sunday, July 25. It will be a great show!
WWFBBANKS: How do आप like working with Jeff Jarrett?
WWFDeb: Jeff is great to work with. I've worked with him for a number of years now. I've really worked a lot working with him. I think we have great chemistry. It will actually be strange working with someone else. I know right it feels very odd us not working with Owen, because we all worked so well together, Jeff, Owen and me.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, do आप ever see yourself working without Jeff?
WWFDeb: I'm sure on down the line it may happen. But I don't have any control over that. It depends upon how the storylines are going. I'm sure if they ever did that it'd be for a great storyline. But I hope not because I really enjoy working with him. When you're out in the ring, it takes time to get to know their moves. Working with Jeff, I know all his moves, I know where he's going to be standing. I feel very comfortable with him. Working with someone new would really be scary in the beginning. I trust Jeff and Jeff is very good with the psychology of wrestling. He's really good at saying, "Debra we're going to do this, we're going to do that." Jeff really wants it to make sense. And our प्रशंसकों expect that.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, when are आप going to get back in the ring and wrestle?
WWFDeb: I'm really not sure. I would guess I am going to have to leave that up to the writers. I really enjoyed being the Women's Champ, it was a wonderful feeling to win that बेल्ट from Sable. But I do want the girls to have a chance at the belt. They deserve it too. They've worked really hard in wrestling. And I think it makes for a और interesting storyline if और women have a chance to win. I believe Sable had the बेल्ट for way too long. This is sports-entertainment and we have writers who write these storylines. If they write it in that I have the बेल्ट down the line, then so be it.
WWFBBANKS: How does WWF.compare to WCW?
WWFDeb: I am really thankful that I had a chance at WCW because it makes me really appreciate working for the WWF. The WWF is very professional, they treat आप with respect. They definitely know how to make stars out of their talent. They see something in each character that can help make आप a star. Just like when they started telling me, do the business suit and start revealing parts of your body on TV. And I'm going, "Where is this going?" And then the पिल्लें thing started. But they've really marketed me well and I'm really getting over with the fans. The WWF is just excellent at making stars out of the talent. Another thing is the WWF has writers and WCW users wrestlers as writers. Which is terrible because they'll write in their best फ्रेंड्स in the storylines. And so the most talented people will be left out. The WWF uses everyone to their full extent. That's why we have the No. 1 and best show. That's why the WCW is so boring to watch now.
WWFBBANKS: Debra, आप were seen with Stone Cold at Shea … what's going on between आप guys?
WWFDeb: Yes we are a couple. I will not elaborate any और on that because that's my personal life
WWFBBANKS: How did आप get your start in the business?
WWFDeb: I got my start. I was married to a guy that played in the NFL and he retired So the WCW hired him, and therefore they brought me in to be his manager. And so I worked with my ex-husband for a while and then they put me with Jeff Jarrett. And then I got a divorce and they fired me. So it's funny how that all worked out. Once I got fired, I had heard through the grapevine that the WWF was interested in me. I just called and told them that I was available and I would प्यार to work for the company. They offered me a contract and I took it. And then they started out using my last name, just to bring in my प्रशंसकों from WCW. Now they've dropped the last name. But my background, I've studied अभिनय for 6-7 years in N.Y. I always wanted to do soap operas and now I'm doing a male soap opera. But I will admit the script is a lot shorter to memorize.
WWFBBANKS: What सलाह do आप have for a female that wants to break into the business?
WWFDeb: I would say it's very hard and from what I can tell most of the women are usually brought in द्वारा husbands, boyfriends...usually they know someone in the industry. that's how they're brought in most of the time. A small percentage is brought in द्वारा them sending in tapes.
WWFBBANKS: What do आप think of Vince and Shane McMahon?
WWFDeb: I think Vince and Shane, on camera, are great characters. They know how to raise your blood pressure & get under your skin. Which makes for a very entertaining show. But off camera they're very nice and very class. Very respectful. They always speak to आप They always tell आप how glad they are that आप work for the company. I like that Vince does all these crazy things--bleed, get cut--he'll do all these things, that when आप are asked to do it, आप feel better about it. Because Vince doesn't have to do it, he owns the company and is worth millions. And he would do it too!
WWFBBANKS: Debra, what do आप like to do in your spare time?
WWFDeb: In my spare time, I'm actually very boring and quiet. I'm an outdoors person. I actually go hunting believe it या not. I'm actually a bit of a tomboy off camera. I like to go four-wheeling. And I प्यार to go water स्कीइंग and go to the gym. Any kind of activity outside. I really don't watch TV and I really don't stay inside a lot
WWFBBANKS: What is life on the road like?
WWFDeb: Life on the road I think takes a special kind of person. In the beginning आप have to just get used to it. आप learn how to pack & wash your clothes. आप learn how to eat healthy on the road. And आप have to make sure आप go to the gym every day. But the weird thing is you're body gets used to it. आप become a big family with all the people आप work with. If I didn't have this job, I'm probably be in a traveling theatrical group. And it's kind of the same thing. And I really will miss working for this company because it becomes addictive. When I'm at घर a lot I actually get bored.
WWFBBANKS: Can we expect to see आप in a प्लेबाय spread in the future?
WWF Deb: I would प्यार to do a प्लेबाय spead. But only if the money is right. I think it's a very classy magazine. I normally would never do something of that nature. प्लेबाय is the only magazine I would do that for.
WWFBBANKS: Who do आप hang out with backstage?
WWFDeb: Backstage my best friend is Chyna. I hang with every night at the दिखाना and I talk to her every night at घर when I'm not working. We're opposites on the outside, but on the inside we're the same person. We both think alike. We like the same things. But we just look different on the outside.
WWFBBANKS: What are आप excited about concerning Fully Loaded?
WWFDeb: Pay Per देखा गया are always high energy. It's always our best work. All our shows are really चोटी, शीर्ष quality. But all our storys build up to the PPV. There's a lot of energy backstage at PPV. Everyone wants to go a good job. And I think all our PPVs are excited.
WWFBBANKS: What's in the future for आप Debra?
WWFDeb: I wish I knew that myself. I hope that I can be a big part of the WWF. I would hope that one दिन I would be one of the चोटी, शीर्ष lady stars of the WWF. After this job, I hope to work in public relations for a company. I know this job will not last forever. Especially as a female. That's why I'm thinking PR because I really प्यार this company and I really would want to do it for them. Last साल I signed a two साल deal with a third साल optional. I would hope for another two या three साल contract. I'm hoping for another four years या five years.
WWFBBANKS: Besides Jeff, who is your प्रिय superstar?
WWFDeb: Of course, Stone Cold. I like Chyna and Hunter. Those three are my favorites. I think those three are very educated with the psychology of wrestling. They put their दिल and soul into each match. They know what they're doing out there. They know how to play the प्रशंसकों and put on a very entertaining match. I personally have learned a lot watching these people. And they've helped me a lot to with my character backstage. I didn't know who to root for when Stone Cold stunned Jeff! But seriously, when I'm on camera I'm Debra the character 100 percent. The प्रशंसकों paid a lot of money to see us perform. My character is supposed to be very tough, very sexy and sensuious. And I try to be all those things. When they say my name I'm Debra 100 percent. And I do try to दिखाना the पिल्लें every time.
WWFBBANKS: Do आप keep in touch with anybody from WCW anymore?
WWFDeb: No. The other दिन I was in San Francisco and I ran into Elizabeth and Lex Luger in the gym. And that was the first time I've actually talked with anyone from that organization in a very long time. We talked for a while and it was nice to see them. But it's pretty much two different worlds. Those people, all आप have in common is wrestling, and आप don't want to talk about what your company is doing. So it's pretty much, "Hi, how are you?" So pretty much I don't talk to people from other companies.
WWFBBANKS: What do आप think of the current "puppies" craze?
WWFDeb: I प्यार it. I think it gives me और of an identity with my character. That even people can relate to and find it entertaining to chant. It's amazing being at the arenas now and when I walk out I can hear thousands of people chanting for the puppies. And it makes me laugh every time. And then again it's an excellent marketing tool. I've got a couple of T-shirts coming out. I'm on the cover of an upcoming RAW with two puppies. And they're making a poster of that, and they're actually going to do some hats too. So that पिल्लें craze is definitely a good thing for me.
WWFBBANKS: The NEW पिल्लें T-Shirt can be found in the Shopzone on WWF.com
WWFBBANKS: When आप were a child, what were your career aspirations?
WWFDeb: I was a big ham. I loved to be in front of people. I was always a clown I would always act goofy to get a laugh out of people. In school I was very outgoing. I was cheerleader, homecoming क्वीन and the most popular. And I was in the drama club. So doing this is pretty much on track with what I wanted to do. I didn't think I'd be in wrestling, but I प्यार it. I did think I'd be in some sort of entertainment as a child.
WWFBBANKS: Did आप watch the WWF when आप were growing up?
WWFDeb: Growing up I never watch WWF. I hate to admit to that. But I never did. That's why working with Jeff has helped a lot learning the business and the psychology of it. I never knew that wrestling had storylines and build up. I never knew how loyal the प्रशंसकों were to wrestling. And I've found out that wrestling प्रशंसकों are very smart and loyal and आप can't trick 'em they know what's going on. And they're very dedicated. It's so nice to work with the WWF and talk with the प्रशंसकों and they say "what about this storyline?" It makes आप know that your work isn't going unnoticed and the प्रशंसकों appreciate what आप do. And I know I wouldn't have a job without the fans. And I try to give the प्रशंसकों my दिल and soul so they can enjoy the match I'm involved in.
WWFBBANKS: What was your most embarassing moment?
WWFDeb: I'm had so many. Let me think. That's a tough one. I've had so many stupid and embarassing moments I can't even सूची them. Some of them are so embarrasing I wouldn't want anyone to know about them!
WWFBBANKS: Thank आप very much Debra. Is there anything else आप would like to say in closing?
WWFDeb: I just want to thank them for all their support and helping make our ratings so super! For आप I have a job.
Credit: Adam Gunnett and ProWrestling.com.