During a recent edition of his “Tuesday with The Taskmaster” podcast, former WCW wrestler and booker Kevin Sullivan commented on WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff, and his belief that Orndorff doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Paul Orndorff: “Here’s another guy that doesn’t get his due. I want you to look at Paul Orndorff, go back and look at his tapes, and watch when he gets a guy down in the corner and starts kicking him. He goes first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear, overdrive, and then he goes berserk. He was a real athlete.”
On Orndorff knocking out Vader: “I knew Paul from the time he got in the business, I was only a couple of years ahead of hi. He was the branded bull, he was the real deal, a tough guy. I was there when he KO’d Vader and almost kicked his head off.”
During a recent Q&A session at Monopoly Events’ “For The Love of Wrestling” convention, WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner commented on his heel turn and transition to singles work in WCW staring in 1998.
You can check out some highlights from the Q&A session below:
On his heel turn in 1998: “I love wrestling with my brother, proving that we’re the best tag team in the world but at some point it had to come to an end.”
On changing his look after he turned heel: “I was at the point in my career where I was really pissed off. The next day [at WCW Nitro] a lot of people didn’t recognize who I was, even the announcers didn’t know who I was.”
On using the Steiner Recliner as his finisher: “I basically didn’t want the fans to cheer for because in my mind [if you’re a heel] and you get cheered, you should be fired.”
In a recent episode of the “Tuesday with The Taskmaster” podcast, former WCW wrestler and booker Kevin Sullivan discussed the lack of credit given to WWE Hall of Famer Paul Orndorff. Sullivan highlighted Orndorff’s athleticism and intensity in the ring, particularly when he would get a wrestler down in the corner and unleash a series of powerful kicks. According to Sullivan, Orndorff would gradually increase the intensity of his kicks, going from first gear to overdrive, before going berserk. Sullivan emphasized that Orndorff was a real athlete and deserved more recognition for his contributions to the wrestling industry.
Sullivan also recalled a specific incident involving Orndorff and Vader, another prominent wrestler. According to Sullivan, Orndorff knocked out Vader and nearly kicked his head off during their match. This further showcased Orndorff’s toughness and ability to hold his own against formidable opponents.
In a separate Q&A session at the “For The Love of Wrestling” convention, WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner discussed his transition from tag team wrestling to singles competition in WCW in 1998. Steiner, who had previously teamed up with his brother, expressed his love for tag team wrestling but acknowledged that it was time for him to pursue a solo career.
Steiner also mentioned that he underwent a significant change in appearance after turning heel. He explained that he was frustrated and angry at that point in his career, and wanted to reflect that through his new look. The transformation was so drastic that many people, including the announcers, did not recognize him the next day at WCW Nitro.
Furthermore, Steiner revealed his motivation behind using the Steiner Recliner as his finisher. He wanted to ensure that the fans did not cheer for him because, in his mind, if a heel wrestler receives cheers, they should be fired. This decision was a testament to Steiner’s commitment to his character and the art of storytelling in professional wrestling.
Both Sullivan and Steiner’s comments shed light on the often overlooked aspects of professional wrestling. While certain wrestlers may not receive the credit they deserve, their contributions to the industry should not be underestimated. Orndorff’s athleticism and intensity, as well as Steiner’s dedication to his character, are just a few examples of the passion and talent that make professional wrestling so captivating.