»Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com

On Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 1:31 AM EST

Brian Kelley of AudioWrestling.com sent in the following recap...

Terry Funk shoots on Vince McMahon

Recap of Terry Funk's "Mayhem" interview on AudioWrestling.com

“Wrestling’s Living Legend” Terry Funk was a guest on this week's edition of Monday Night Mayhem! The whole show can be heard right now in streaming audio on the AudioWrestling.com site!

Here are highlights from the Terry Funk interview provided by MNM's co-host Shawn Walters:

The MNM crew, The Big Mosh and The Angry Hero welcome the Hardcore Legend, Terry Funk to the program, promoting his new book, Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore, available at http://www.sportspublishingllc.com. Mosh gets to asking about Terry’s experience writing the book. Terry thanks Scott Williams in helping him recall all the dates for the book and helped him piece the book together.

AH describes the book as if a lesson is being taught to younger wrestlers, particularly the chapter on cutting promos. Terry is appreciative and emphasizes “remembering the people of the past” and how the newer wrestlers need to be taught how to love the business. Terry also discusses his recent attendance at the Cauliflower Alley awards.

On the subject of his brother, Dory Funk, Jr. and how they are different yet similar, Terry attributes that to wrestling being an extension of one’s personality.

AH mentions Dusty Rhodes and Terry’s relationship with the “American Dream”. Terry puts over Dusty as having tremendous talent, truly a great talker. AH enjoys Terry’s characterization of Dusty in the book. Terry remembers how over Dusty was with the Florida fans and how they all imitated Dusty.

Mosh asks Terry to compare the WWF of the 80’s to the WWE of the 90’s and his run with Cactus Jack. Terry says Vince was “running strong” in the 80’s and “running scared” in the 90’s. He thinks Vince realized that the product needed to change and began to emulate ECW.

Mosh asks about the early days of ECW. Terry says ECW built around one man, not even Paul Heyman -- it was a group of guys who came together for a common purpose and loved the product, willing to put their lives on the line for its success.

AH asks about the “Born To Be Wired” barbwire match from 1997 with Sabu. Terry recalls Sabu ripping open his bicep on the barbwire and taping it up like it was nothing. Funk says that raised the bar and he was determined to keep up with a stellar performance, despite the dangerous nature of the barbwire.

Mosh asks about the ECW fans, particularly in Buffalo (MNM’s home base). Terry was surprised by the turnout but chalks it up to ECW’s cult following. They weren’t normal fans, Terry recalls. AH remembers skipping out on a high school dance to go see ECW.

On the topic of Tommy Dreamer, Terry admired Tommy’s dedication to the group, capitalizing on the chances had ECW to thrive. He remembers how Tommy used to clean the lockerroom with a broom to make sure the fed would be allowed in that arena again. Terry calls him a “real good boy” and wants to see him do well.

Mosh asks about the Beyond the Mat segment on ECW and Paul E.’s speech before the Barely Legal PPV. Terry says Paul’s speeches were genuine and believed in what he said and meant it, motivating everyone, even an old fart like Terry

Terry feels it is going to be difficult to recreate the Three-Way Dance main event at Hardcore Homecoming with him and Shane Douglas and Sabu. Regardless of the physical limitations, particularly of Sabu, Terry knows all the participants will bust their asses and hopes (and prays) the match comes off well.

Mosh asks if either Hardcore Homecoming or the WWE’s sponsored ECW PPV will truly be an honest recreation of ECW. Terry think it will be good for the night but you need compassion for the profession and isn’t sure it could be sustained for more than one night.

Terry thinks the true passion is going to be with the Hardcore Homecoming group He has little faith in WWE to capture the passion of ECW, from the wrestlers and fans. Terry also predicts Hardcore Homecoming will do bigger numbers than WWE’s PPV, in DVD sales.

Terry is frustrated that while Vince McMahon flat out destroyed ECW and hated the product, he is now going to reap the rewards by putting out a DVD and PPV in its name. Terry calls Vince is a “pure, utter asshole” and doesn’t give a damn about Vince’s show. He wants to see his friends get a payday but doesn’t think Vince deserves a cut of the pie

The conversation shifts to Terry’s feud with Ric Flair back in 1989. Terry puts over Ric as great in-ring performer and remembers how they were “border-lining” on reality to bring extreme heat to the feud through their promos.

Mosh gets Terry’s thoughts on Ric Flair’s comments on Bret Hart and Mick Foley in his book. Terry thinks Foley is a great performer and understands the fans more than anyone in this business today. As for Bret, Terry respects his ability to draw money simply by wrestling (similar to Johnny Valentine)

Terry says he sees himself getting involved in other feds like TNA, seeing how its hard for him to put the business behind him. Surprisingly, Terry doesn’t watch wrestling on TV because he doesn’t want to see someone better or worse than him.

Mosh asks about Terry’s time in Japan. Terry retired initially in Japan but went back to help Giant Baba out “like a good soldier”

AH asks if its possible to spot future stars like Steve Austin or JBL early on in one’s career. Terry says its possible, especially when its an extension of one’s personality. Terry calls Austin a “tremendous talent with a lot of character” and Bradshaw a “goofy nut from Texas” but a “politician”.

Mosh asks if it is possible to have good barbwire matches today as opposed to 10 years ago when they were relatively new. Terry says “absolutely”, although they are not for the weak of heart, even for the participants. Terry remembers he and Sabu doing it to make a mark and even tosses around the notion of doing the Hardcore Homecoming match with him, Shane and Sabu as a barbwire bout.

Mosh gets Terry’s thoughts on the end of WCW. Terry says there was no way to resurrect the company, as “all the captains jumped off the ship before it sank”. Terry viewed people like Eric Bischoff and Vince Russo as being novices to the wrestling industry and had no business running the promotion.

AH asks about Terry’s participation in recent independent cards and conventions. Terry says it unbelievable and people want to see the stars of the 70s and 80s although he can’t understand why.

In wrapping up the segment, Mosh gets Terry’s thoughts on Hulk Hogan. He says Hogan has great charisma, mind for the business and knows the WWE fans better than most wrestlers. Check out Terry Funk’s new book, Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore, available at most major bookstores and at http://www.sportspublishingllc.com.

The whole show can be heard in streaming audio each week for free at AudioWrestling.com.