?Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com

On Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 2:04 PM EST

Shawn Walters of MondayNightMayhem.com sent in the following recap:

The official show link for the Cornette interview is here & you can check out the entire show here.

Uncensored, uncut, and no five-second delay! The man behind Smokey Mountain Wrestling & Ohio Valley Wrestling and the legendary manager of such great superstars as The Midnight Express, The Fantastics, Yokozuna, Owen Hart, and Vader, "The Louisville Slugger" Jim Cornette, was a guest on the 08/11/05 edition of Monday Night Mayhem, which can be heard in streaming audio every week exclusively on MondayNightMayhem.com & on The AudioWrestling Radio Network -- your official home of "The Spring Break Incident" Video-On-Demand, featuring RAW Diva, Stacy Keibler!

The interview with Jim Cornette is now available to hear for FREE in Real Audio!

Here are highlights from the interview provided by the show's correspondent, Dan "Ho-Ju" Kriegbaum, of www.MondayNightMayhem.com.

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The Big Mosh & The Angry Hero welcomed Jim into the Monday Night Mayhem squared circle for the first time. As the interview opened, Cornette gave his comments about his past six years in Ohio Valley Wrestling, in addition to the 307 shows that he's been part of -- all but one he was unable to attend. He then joked about himself & the WWE not liking each other, before commenting that his release was just to take a few months off, before he would make his return & continue doing what he did before his release -- controlling the regular day-to-day operations of OVW. Jim then spoke his mind about Paul Heyman replacing him in OVW creatively, using a quote from the great Ole Anderson to pretty much describe his thoughts about him. He then mentioned, however, that Paul Heyman was the best candidate to fulfill the duties responsible of keeping the promotion running.

Cornette is really looking forward to the second installment of WrestleReunion, being held in Valley Forge, VA from August 26-28th (www.WrestleReunion.com). He remembered the great time that he had this past January at the first WrestleReunion in Tampa, FL and how it was nice to see guys that he hasn't seen in 20 years. Cornette went on, discussing the six-man tag team match he was going to be involved in -- the "dream team" of Mick Foley & The Funk Brothers (Dory Jr. & Terry) w/Bobby "The Brain" Heenan against his clients, all 3 members of The Midnight Express ("Loverboy" Dennis Condrey, "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton, & "Sweet" Stan Lane). He said this would be a contest that he would rather sit in the stands to watch, in order to feel the whole aura & magnitude. Jim gave a history lesson to the audience -- a complete history of "the team of teams," The Midnight Express. He also described the many "firsts" that the fans would see in this matchup, including "The Brain" managing against The Midnight Express for the first time ever. Cornette also gave his takes on some of the other highly-contestes bouts, including Matt Hardy & Rhino vs. The Dudley Boyz, and the eight-man Elimination Tag Team Match, featuring "The King Of Old School" Steve Corino, Andrew "Test" Martin, D-Lo Brown, The Missing Link, and many more.

Speaking of The Dudley Boyz, The Big Mosh then brought up a comment that D'Von made on the Get In The Ring show, which stated that The Dudley Boyz do not have any heat with Cornette, which Jim confirms as being accurate. He explained that both Dudleyz were at a recent OVW Six Flags event, and that he hugged D'Von and shook hands with Bubba. Cornette wanted to dispel the rumors: that there is no personal heat between the two parties, unlike contrary belief.

The Big Mosh then mentioned the recent scandal between Matt Hardy & Edge, which Cornette gave his takes about being that it was a shoot from the start, and anyone thinking different is ridiculous. Jim explained that Vince is just using it to capitalize on and turned it into a work. Hero & Mosh kept on topic about recent WWE happenings, and talked about the recent RAW Diva Search, in which Cornette jokes about the writing team & the IQ levels of the contestants -- a comment that words cannot do justice on (listening to the interview is the best way to have yourself in stitches until SummerSlam).

Cornette's Mayhem debut also saw the return of MNM Correspondent, Blade, who questioned Jim on a quote that he made about Batista five years ago. Cornette called the huge, uber-push of "The Monster" Batista and was right on the money when saying he would "be in the main event at WrestleMania within five years." Blade then asked who Jim thought highly of on the current roster, to which Cornette strongly believed Matt Morgan would be, but obviously not now, due to his recent release from the WWE. The Angry Hero mentioned how Morgan was on the show last week and how the 7'0 330 lb. giant still continues to feel highly of himself. Cornette said that he 100% has the right to do that and how he will be able to draw money wherever he works. Jim also explained that Batista's "Leviathan" gimmick was the most over World Heavyweight Champion in Ohio Valley Wrestling (with his monster-like gimmick), which Morgan could get elsewhere if he keeps working as hard as he is now.

The Big Mosh went even further back in history, to Smokey Mountain Wrestling from 11 years ago, asking if Jim feels if the new Deep South developmental territory will have any similarities and/or differences with SMW. Jim said flat out that there will be no comparison, because Smokey Mountain had a lot of experienced veterans & worked in many big venues, unlike what Deep South Wrestling would have. He then continued on by saying that with there being no more "territorites" to get talent from that Deep South will have to try to continue bringing in the future of the wrestling world on their own. The Angry Hero then talked about some of the "higher-ups" that will be working in Deep South Wrestling, including Bill Behrens & Bill DeMott, and asked if Jim thought it would be run differently than OVW. Jim mentioned that it remains unseen as to how things will be run down there, regardless of his knowledge of Jody Hamilton's work & Bill DeMott's small work in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Jim also brought up some of the talent that came through OVW, including Johnny Jeter & Muhammad Hassan, which Blade then asked what he thinks OVW would do with Hassan (if he is sent there) to work out a possible new gimmick. Cornette's response was a simple "Michael Jackson plastic surgery." Former OVW Champions, Randy Orton & John Cena, were brought up by Mosh & Hero, and Cornette truly believes that "the sky is the limit" for both superstars. Both men are only in their mid-20's and will only improve with more time in the ring. He is very impressed with their work and their latest programs, with Cena taking on Chris Jericho & Randy Orton going on-on-one with he Undertaker at SummerSlam next Sunday night.

The positives & negatives (as of late) in the WWE are talked about -- from the recent 20 releases, to the new batch of talent coming in, including MNM (Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, & Melina), "The Future" Frankie Kazarian, Johnny Parisi, & CM Punk. Cornette said that it's always a positive to bring new guys in, as long as they are used right. He feels that with if any of them develop an attitude in the locker rooms, they won't get that chance to shine -- that behavior will not be tolerated. Cornette also believes that if the new talent happens to get over more than the current and/or older main-event stars, that especially the older stars should back down if they start getting stale, and help the new talent work more -- "to create new matchups." Jim mentioned names like Mick Foley & "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair always giving new talent the chance to shine and that's why their staying power still goes strong to this very day.

Cornette was asked for his thoughts of working with Ring Of Honor, in addition to his takes on TNA and their new cable television deal with Spike TV. Jim answered the ROH question first, saying how that they "have a niche-group of fans, and they aren't trying to chase Vince McMahon." He has really enjoyed his times thus far in Ring Of Honor, with his recent work against Bobby "The Brain" Heenan & also The recent Midnight Express reunion. Jim looks forward to having more "fun times in ROH" in the future. Cornette's thoughts shifted to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling and where he feels the company is headed. Jim's relationship with the Jarrettt family goes back several decades, when Jeff was only 14 years old. It was Jerry who got him into the wrestling business -- something he is eternally grateful for. Cornette believes that although the Spike deal cannot pre-determine how well the company does, that it is currently "a big step in the right direction." Jim also gave his extremely personal takes about the early days of TNA when Vince Russo was heading the creative ship. Back then, he did not wish to get himself mad in his own living room watching a wrestling show. Cornette felt that Russo only did damage to TNA and he does not want to be a part of anything he touches when it comes to the wrestling business. To answer the question on the minds of most wrestling fans, Jim does not see himself working with TNA in the near future, as it's a long drive between Louisville, KY to Orlando FL, and that he still has some unfinished business in OVW. He is simply concentrating on relaxing for a few months before his pending return to Ohio Valley. The Big Mosh mentioned that he's heard a people in the business say that Cornette would be a good manager for America's Most Wanted. Jim Cornette followed up with that statement saying that you can "never say never," and that AMW, although they aren't begging him to manage, are on his short list for teams to manage if it ever came about. He also says that "Wildcat" Chris Harris & "The Tennessee Cowboy" James Storm are doing fairly well on their own, and does not think they need a manager, or himself, to help them out.

Being only one week away from tha annual WWE "Summer Spectacular," Jim's past SummerSlam matches were talked about, in addition to his favorite clients while working in the WWE. Cornette took the audience back to SummerSlam '93 at The Palace Of Auburn Hills outside of Detroit, MI, giving the insider perspective on The Heavenly Bodies/Steiner Brothers match. He is pleased to see that many fans remember that as one of the Tag team mat classics to this day in time. Jim misses "The British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith & Owen Hart very much -- they were his personal favorites to spend time with. He believes that Davey & Owen were great singles competitors, and were misused in the tag team division. The late Yokozuna & Vader were then brought up by Mosh & Hero and Jim remembered his times with the both of them just like it was yesterday. Great times were had by all, including the many ribs that were pulled by all four. While managing in the WWE, he actually got a call on one of the locker room phones from the late patriarch of the Hart family, Stu Hart. Because he was ribbed so much in his time in New York, he didn't believe it was him at first, but after a while he realized he would never forget that memory as part of his time withWorld Wrestling Entertainment.

The wrestling world is still buzzing about the possible return to the WWE of Brock Lesnar, in addition to the upcoming debut of former ROH standout, CM Punk. Jim said that he really likes the work ethic of Punk, and still does not know if he'll be in OVW or go straight to the WWE. He then spoke candidly about Lesnar. Cornette said that Brock signed one of the biggest contracts ever for someone so young in the business, before leaving to pursue "his dream" of being an NFL player. Jim still asks himself every day if Lesnar is in it for the love of professional wrestling, or for the love of the "7 figure checks."

The recent WWE meetings with Bret "Hitman" Hart & "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in Stamford, CT -- both of which Cornette didn't know about, and were discussed next. The Angry Hero filled Jim in on both sides, what appears to be coming out of both sides, and the highly-talked about picture of Vince McMahon with Bret on WWE.com. Jim does not anticipate an in-ring return by either man, but now, more than ever, the WWE needs experience in superstars that used to wrestle (such as Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Sgt. Slaughter, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase & Fit Finley -- just to name a few). Cornette is glad to see some closure to the problems between Bret & Vince, and that Dusty's insight into the business can be a valued asset to the WWE, if indeed he does join the Creative Team.

Blade asked when Cornette was going to come out with a book detailing his legendary career, in following with all of the other recent books that legends & current superstars both have been coming out with. Jim said he is going to wait until he retires, and at that point will find a good editor, just so his autobiography does look like an encyclopedia.

With WrestleReunion II nearly upon us, The Angry Hero then asked how Jim would describe to the younger fans what the teams of the 80's that he managed were like, including The Midnight Express. Cornette still feels, that after all this time, that the entrance, mic work, and in-ring ability of Condrey, Eaton, and Lane need to experienced live & in-person. Jim mentioned that in addition to being at WrestleReunion II, he is going to be appearing at the NWA Legends Convention next weekend (August 19th-21st) in Charlotte, NC -- managing The Midnight Express against their hated rivals, The Rock 'N' Roll Express.

The Big Mosh asked Jim what the creative impetus was behind his legendary "and that's my opinion" shoots on WWE RAW, during the heyday of the Monday Night Wars, in addition to an extremely controversial WWE/AOL Chat from 1996 (included the fantastic quote: "If it came to a choice of WCW or Jiffy Lube, I'd be sitting here with a can of 10 W40."). Cornette's thoughts of those times are very fond, but most importantly, he wanted to set the record straight -- that 99% of that was not scriped. He was allowed to go in front of a television camera and rant about the competition and the current state of the business, which included takes on "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan, & Bret "Hitman" Hart. If there was a part that he can remember being partially scriped, it would be his "televised shoot on Piper calling himself an icon in his WCW run. Roddy was one of his favorites growing up before getting into the business and that he loves him to this day. One of his favorite quotes was "If it came to a choice of WCW or Jiffy Lube, I'd be sitting here with a can of 10 W40."

The Big Mosh asked Cornette if his thoughts on Eric Bischoff have changed from ten years ago to today. Jim replied that his takes on Bischoff stay the same, and he always thought "he was a prick."

The recent ECW nostalgia was talked about, as Jim explained that he was there only once in 1997. He still believes very strongly and does not agree with today's wrestling, with the fact of having to put somebody through stacks of tables or set on fire to get over. That added to the heat between himself & Paul Heyman, which goes back 16 years to their time in WCW. Jim also explained his personal thoughts on the ECW One Night Stand Pay-Per-View, which he described as "hogwash wrestling" & "a clown show." He wished to state that one of the biggest draws of all time was The Rock vs. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, in addition to main event from this past WrestleMania (between Triple H & Batista), where there wasn't even a move off of the top rope, let alone using stuff like thumbtacks, tables, & barbed wire.

"The Cornette Crusade" continues next weekend in Charlotte, NC at the NWA Legends Fanfest, where Jim will be managing his Midnight Express against The Rock 'N' Roll Express. Jim will also be in the corner of The Midnights (Stan, Bobby, & Dennis) against Mick Foley & The Funk Brothers (w/Bobby "The Brain" Heenan in their corner, as part of the WrestleReunion II convention in Valley Forge, PA (August 26th-28th). Check out www.NWALegends.com & www.WrestleReunion.com for more details on both weekend's festivities.

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Be sure to check out the rest of this week's slam-packed edition of The Mayhem, which also features one the stars of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling & former Super X-Cup Winner/X-Divison Champion, Chris Sabin.

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Make sure you tune into The Mayhem next week (August 18th), as the MNM exclusives continue -- Former WWE Women's Champion, Nora "Molly Holly" Greenwald, will step into The Mayhem squared circle this Thursday to breakdown exactly why she voluntarily left World Wrestling Entertainment and to promote her new Shoot DVD, "Shootin' The Crap" (which can be purchased at www.NoraDVD.com).

What are her honest thoughts on the future of women's wrestling, the RAW Divas Search, and Vince McMahon? Will we see her appear in TNA anytime soon?

All these questions & many more will be answered this week, so be sure to e-mail your questions to MondayNightMayhem@hotmail.com, or post them on the MNM Uberfun Message Board.

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Don't forget that Monday Night Mayhem is your place for the best in WWE Pay-Per-View previews -- and this upcoming week's show will be no different, as "The Summer Sizzler" is upon us! It's time for SummerSlam! Former WWE announcer, Kevin Kelly, will also join The Mayhem to preview next Sunday's epic WWE SummerSlam Pay-Per-View. The Big Mosh, The Angry Hero, & Kevin will analyze & breakdown the night's card, in addition to taking a trip down memory lane to old SS's of the past.

It's the next best thing to being live at The MCI Center in Washington D.C. -- so grab your ringside seat this Thursday for the official Monday Night Mayhem SummerSlam '05 Countdown Show!

E-mail your questions on the event & for Kevin to MondayNightMayhem@hotmail.com or post them on the MNM Uberfun Message Board. There's a lot to cover, but we will do our collective best to add your fans' thoughts into the coverage itself.

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"The Summer Of Mayhem" Part Deux isn't going anyway just yet, as Nora Greenwald & Kevin Kelly heat up The Mayhem airwaves this Thursday!

You can hear feel The Mayhem in its entirety every week -- exclusively on www.AudioWrestling.com & www.MondayNightMayhem.com.