"Shoot from the Crypt: The Percy Pringle / Paul Bearer Shoot Part 2"

Percy Pringle, known worldwide as Paul Bearer, carved a niche in the wrestling world that few could shadow. His journey began under the bright lights of World Class Championship Wrestling, where he first made his mark managing champions amidst the turbulent times of wrestling's territorial days. As the effervescent manager of WWE's iconic Undertaker, Pringle transformed into Paul Bearer, a character as memorable for his haunting presence as his eerie, drawn-out call of "Ohhh yesss!" Bearer's unique, ghostly persona, complete with ashen face and dark, circled eyes, became a staple of WWE programming through some of its most pivotal years.His tenure in wrestling spanned over three decades, during which he witnessed and contributed to the evolution of the sport from its regional territorial roots to its status as a global spectacle. Pringle's deep, personal connections with wrestling royalty like the Von Erich family and his pivotal role in the careers of numerous wrestlers underscored his importance behind the scenes as much as on screen. His candid reflections on the industry, combined with poignant recollections of personal and professional highs and lows, painted a picture of a man deeply embedded in the fabric of professional wrestling.Despite the challenges, including shifts in audience perception and personal tragedies, Pringle's passion for wrestling never waned. His move to managing The Undertaker transformed his career, aligning him with one of wrestling's most enduring figures. This partnership not only defined his career but also reshaped wrestling's narrative, giving rise to some of the most memorable moments in WWE history.Paul Bearer remains a beloved figure, remembered as much for his significant impact on the wrestling industry as for his distinctive character work that captivated millions worldwide. His legacy is a testament to the enduring allure of wrestling's theatrical magic, a blend of performance, personality, and storytelling that continues to enchant fans across generations.- **(00:02-01:07)** Percy Pringle discusses how the wrestling landscape changed when Fritz Von Erich broke away from the NWA, creating their own champion, and his own excitement at managing a world champion for the first time.- **(01:36-02:11)** Reflecting on the decline of the World Class Championship Wrestling, Pringle believes the territory declined after several key events and tragic family incidents that led to bad publicity, contrasting with his personal career success during that period.- **(04:23-05:54)** Pringle shares personal anecdotes about his relationship with the Von Erich family, particularly his close bond with Kerry Von Erich and the impact of the family’s tragedies on public perception and their careers.- **(06:36-07:38)** Discusses the shift in his viewing habits due to changes in wrestling product quality and his reduced interest in contemporary wrestling shows, except for notable matches like those involving Ric Flair.- **(16:10-25:15)** Recounts his transition from the wrestling scene in Texas to joining the WWF (now WWE), including how he became the manager of The Undertaker as Paul Bearer, highlighting the creative process behind his character and the significant impact of his role on his life and career.

Om Podcasten

Welcome to "Wrestling Shoot Interviews," the podcast that takes you behind the curtain of the squared circle, featuring raw and uncensored conversations with the biggest names and personalities in the industry. From legends of the ring to the architects behind the scenes, we cover the entire spectrum of professional wrestling's rich history and dynamic present.Dive into the world of Ox Baker, whose fearsome presence and Heart Punch left fans in awe, and journey through the strategic mind of Bill Watts, a master promoter and wrestler. Revel in the tales of the New World Order (NWO)'s dominance and Bret "The Hitman" Hart's technical prowess, which have captivated fans worldwide.But our canvas stretches even wider, bringing in voices like Missy Hyatt, whose pioneering persona shattered glass ceilings, and Shawn Michaels, whose in-ring storytelling is unparalleled. Hear from "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair on his illustrious career and the life lessons learned from decades on top, and Roddy Piper, whose charisma and intensity brought psychology and entertainment to new heights.Sting's transformation and enduring legacy, Sabu's death-defying style, and Rob Van Dam's innovative offense are all dissected here. We delve into the minds of Tod Gordon and Paul Heyman, the visionaries who revolutionized the industry with ECW, and Jake "The Snake" Roberts, whose dark charisma and psychological warfare left an indelible mark on fans and peers alike.Hear heartfelt stories from Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, insights from the controversial Scott Steiner, and reflections from the enigmatic Ultimate Warrior. Explore the strategic minds of Jim Cornette and Vince Russo, polar opposites whose impacts on wrestling are still debated today.Dusty Rhodes shares tales from the road and his vision for the sport, while Raven discusses the art of character work and storytelling. Sunny and Missy Hyatt open up about their experiences as pioneering women in wrestling, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future generations.From the unforgettable Kamala to the managerial genius of Gary Hart, from the high-flying Koko B. Ware to the hardcore legend Axl Rotten,"Wrestling Shoot Interviews: Legends and Trailblazers" is your unparalleled podcast series that offers an immersive journey into the lives, careers, and uncensored stories of professional wrestling's most iconic figures and unsung heroes. Each episode is a deep dive into the history, controversies, and legendary moments that have shaped the world of wrestling.The Legacy of Black Jack Mulligan - Explore the rugged life of Black Jack Mulligan, a true giant of the ring known for his imposing size and wild brawls that captivated audiences across the globe.Inside the Mind of Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan - Delve into the genius of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, the greatest manager in wrestling history, whose wit and wisdom transcended the sport.Tony Schiavone - The Voice of Wrestling - Listen to the stories of Tony Schiavone, whose distinctive voice narrated some of wrestling's most memorable moments, and his journey through the golden eras of WCW and beyond.Jesse 'The Body' Ventura - From the Ring to the Governor's Mansion - Discover the multifaceted career of Jesse Ventura, from his time as a colorful and outspoken wrestler to his tenure as the Governor of Minnesota.The Iron Sheik - Unbridled and Unmatched - Hear from the Iron Sheik, a symbol of patriotism and villainy, whose real-life struggles and triumphs are as compelling as his character in the ring.The Honky Tonk Man - Wrestling's Greatest Intercontinental Champion - Relive the reign of The Honky Tonk Man, whose charisma and controversy made him wrestling's greatest Intercontinental Champion.Fit Finlay and Steve Regal - The Craftsmen - Learn from the stories of Fit Finlay and "Lord" Steven Regal, two of the industry's greatest technicians, whose contributions to wrestling's art form span decades.The King's Court with Jerry Lawler - Enter the court of Jerry "The King" Lawler, a legend who reigned supreme in Memphis and battled Andy Kaufman in a feud that blurred the lines between entertainment and reality.Superstar Billy Graham and Bill Dundee - The Pioneers - Experience the charisma and influence of Superstar Billy Graham and "Superstar" Bill Dundee, whose flamboyant styles and promo skills set the standard for future generations.The Darkness of Kevin Sullivan and New Jack - Venture into the dark corners with Kevin Sullivan, the master of psychological terror, and New Jack, whose hardcore style and no-holds-barred interviews pushed the limits of violence and storytelling.The Road Warriors - The Legion of Doom - Join the ride with The Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal, whose sheer power and iconic look dominated tag team wrestling and left an indelible mark on the industry.Macho Man and The Dragon - Rivalries That Defined Wrestling - Feel the intensity of "Macho Man" Randy Savage and "Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat," whose legendary rivalry and WrestleMania III match are etched in wrestling lore.The Nasty Boys and The Sandman - The Rule Breakers - Get up close with The Nasty Boys and The Sandman, embodiments of chaos and rebellion whose unconventional styles and personas captivated fans of the hardcore genre."Wrestling Shoot Interviews: Legends and Trailblazers" goes beyond the ring to uncover the real stories, the unseen struggles, and the personal victories of those who lived to tell their tales. Join us as we document the journeys of these icons, providing wrestling fans with an unfiltered look into the industry's past, present, and future. "Wrestling Shoot Interviews" leaves no stone unturned, offering fans an all-access pass to the personalities that have shaped the world of professional wrestling.Join us as we explore the triumphs, the heartaches, the controversies, and the untold stories behind the spectacle. "Wrestling Shoot Interviews" is your definitive source for the real stories of wrestling's icons, told in their own words. This is the heart, soul, and raw emotion of wrestling, unfiltered and unleashed.