Credit: WWE.com
During RAW’s Oct. 3 Homecoming on USA Network, WWE will pay tribute to many of the Legends who helped pave the way for all of WWE’s future success. WWE.com will be posting interviews with many of these Legends as we recognize the vital role they played well before RAW ever became the landmark show of sports-entertainment.
WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper has always been known for speaking his mind, and he’ll be given that chance once again when Piper’s Pit returns to RAW for WWE Homecoming.
Piper, who competed in the main event of the first-ever WrestleMania, has had legendary rivalries with the likes of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Ric Flair and the “Immortal” Hulk Hogan. But almost as famous as his matches, are his interviews on Piper’s Pit. No one can ever forget when he blasted Snuka over the head with a coconut or when he interviewed Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant, helping set up their epic clash at WrestleMania III. WWE.com was able to catch up with Hall of Famer to talk about his involvement in Monday’s WWE Homecoming on the USA Network and more.
WWE.com: How does it feel to be a part of such a big show in WWE Homecoming?
Piper: I’m very proud to be going there. WWE and I have a long history, and I remember some very fun days back in the day. To have a show, that’s three hours long on network TV is unusual. So, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘Baby, I’m gonna knock your socks off.’ Because I’m not going to go on an unprecedented three-hour Homecoming show, especially with the talent they have on the card, and not (leave my mark). It will be very interesting, because we’re all competitors. I want to be the best one on the card, bar none, and so does everyone else. So, it’s exciting and at the same time it’s quite a privilege to be in a spot like this.
WWE.com: You’re going to be hosting Piper’s Pit with Mick Foley as your guest. How do you feel about bringing Piper’s Pit back again?
Piper: Well for anyone who’s not familiar with Piper’s Pit, they need to know one thing – there’s absolutely no rules. Mick Foley and I have not crossed paths except for a couple of times. We were on Larry King together once, and we met at a book signing in New York once. However, in Piper’s Pit, I don’t bring people in there just to tell them how great they are. It’s a different forum. I don’t really know how I’m going to come at him yet. It will be really interesting for the fans, but the last thing I’m going to do is let someone stick a sock in my mouth. I’m sure Mr. Socko is going to be there, but maybe I’ll bring Nessy, a plaid sock. When you have two guys in this category, and they don’t know each other, it can be really exciting because it’s so unorthodox.
WWE.com: On the last Piper’s Pit with Shawn Michaels in August you were hit with Sweet Chin Music. How will it feel to be back out there?
Piper: Well, I went out there at WrestleMania 21 with my heart on my sleeve and I got Stunned (by Stone Cold Steve Austin). I came out with Shawn Michaels with my heart on my sleeve and I got Superkicked. Nobody’s going to be hitting me anymore without repercussions – I guarantee you that. And if Stone Cold had covered me I would have kicked out, and the same thing with Shawn Michaels. I’ve got to set a new rule. Next time someone hits me, I’m not going to beat him, I’m going to beat him up.
WWE.com: What do you think of RAW going back to the USA Network?
Piper: USA and I have a long history through WWE. I just did a movie for them called “The Three Wise Guys” that will come out around Christmas time in which I play a pastor. I have more of a relationship with them than just coming on as a wrestler. The people at USA are just first class and I always enjoy working with them. They’re definitely the way to go for WWE.
WWE.com: What are some of your past memories of WWE being on USA?
Piper: There was one time I got the USA Network so angry I almost got us kicked off. I was in one studio and Bobby Heenan was in another studio and we had been arguing for six or seven weeks, and it was Christmas time. Bobby had a Santa Claus outfit on and during the break he took his beard off. He was saying stuff to me and got me hot, so I charged over to the other studio and grabbed him and started hitting him. But we were still on the air and the little kids were crying, ‘Mommy, mommy, Roddy Piper’s beating up Santa Claus.’ Then came a flood of calls, and I didn’t even know we were on the air. I understand I didn’t get a lot of points for that one, but they kept us on the air and everything was fine.
WWE.com: Are there any other advantages RAW has switching back to USA?
Piper: WWE and USA have had a long-term relationship, and with a long-term relationship both parties start to understand the inner workings of each other, which allows them to work closely with each other and do a higher quality of work together. Personally, I’ve been in talks about doing another movie for USA so I have a double interest in the relationship. It’s a network where they know the (WWE) fans. USA is somewhat synonymous with WWE. They understand wrestling.
WWE.com: You have had a history with several of the legends that will be on hand at WWE Homecoming including “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. What will it be like to see him again?
Piper: He scares the heck out of me. Every time I see him I think he has a coconut behind him. He doesn’t say a lot but when he hits you, it hurts. Anyone that can get up from a coconut scares me.
WWE.com: Are you looking forward to seeing any of the other legends that will be at WWE Homecoming?
Piper: I’m looking forward to seeing anyone that will talk to me. It will be good to see how Hulk’s hair is doing. We’ve fought so many times we’re starting to like each other. There is a brotherhood there. What you need to do is get a camera, and when the show is over, turn the camera on. After you get this many personalities, and all of the egos – you’re going to need a lot of big doors and big dressing rooms for all these egos that will be there – after the show is over just let the animals out on the town and there’s a reality series right there.
