WWF Magazine
February 1999
BLOND AMBITIONS - Is everybody beneath Debra McMichael?
By: Bill Banks
How many of us are Melrose Place fans? Heather Locklear, one if the stars of the show, portrays Amanda Woodward - the beautiful but dangerous blond who has schemed and connived her way to the top. Several seasons ago, Amanda purchased the apartment complex Melrose Place and found it an unlimited source of lovers, enemies and potential clients for her advertising business. Amanda is extremely demanding and when anyone crosses her there's hell to pay.
Maybe the producers of the series were thinking of Debra McMichael when they created the character of Amanda Woodward.
A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Debra grew up with three brothers and a sister in what she calls an average family. Her mother was a nurse, her father worked in a foundry and in her free time the high school cheerleader liked to ride horses on their 10-acre spread. But she dreamed of a career in television and movies.
"Growing up, my parents were very protective, and they didn't even want me to become a cheerleader," Debra revealed in a telephone interview. "But I snuck out and did it anyway, and there wasn't much they could do about it. From there, I got involved in beauty pageants because I thought it would be fun to dress up in beautiful gowns."
"Debra went on to become Miss Illinois America and Miss Texas USA. In 1985 while on a Chicago flight Debra met the mother of her future husband, then - Chicago Bears star Steve McMichael. After meeting on a blind date, the two hit it off and eventually married. It must have been like winning the lottery for the Southern belle. In her own words their lifestyle was like "the Super Bowl every year." Money may not buy happiness, but it certainly helped Debra open a few doors.
The beauty made certain the wherever Steve went, she was a star as well. As a result of their marriage, Debra was featured on ESPN and HBO, numerous sports talk programs and Oprah Winfrey's show on two occasions. In addition, Debra appeared in half a dozen television commercials, two of country singing star George Strait's music videos and landed roles in films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre IV.
"My second appearance on Oprah was the best," Debra recalls. "The topic was 'How do you handle your mate being a sex symbol.' Well, Steve was the NFL star, but I was the one who was the sex symbol on the show."
When Steve entered World Championship Wrestling, it wasn't long before Debra accompanied him. The woman who came from Tuscaloosa with the dream of making it in show business must have fallen in love with the bright lights and the big city. After all, she was turning more heads then her husband.
In the South is where Debra also first met Jeff Jarrett. Without much hesitation, McMichael quickly cast aside her husband for a successful business relationship with Jarrett. Her marriage to Steve deteriorated and they soon divorced. Debra followed her protégé to the World Wrestling Federation within a year.
After debuting on RAW, McMichael quickly asserted her power. Proving she was above the gyrations of Val Venis when she resisted her advances - something other "ladies" would jump at - Debra turned the table and played Val! While the former beauty queen pretended to be interested in him, Venis left himself wide open to an attack by Jarrett. Other women superstars are no threat to Debra either. After Terri Runnels confronted McMichael over what she had done, the business woman simply shrugged it off like a fly. Once McMichael gets a reaction out of someone - male or female - they're little more than pawns in her game. In the big picture, the beauty knows that all who cross her will have to pay a price down the road.
Jarrett's recent battle with Al Snow is another example of how Debra combines intelligence and beauty. After learning that Head had an eye for the ladies - and Debra in particular - McMichael did everything to take advantage of the situation. Soon Head was completely out of the fight, thanks to a shrew strategy and her provocative attire. Debra knows what men want, and using that to her advantage is just one of her many skills.
McMichael is equally clever in her business dealings. According to sources, prior o signing a contract with the Federation Debra made it clear that she would be the only one controlling her business dealings. Thanks to her connections in both entertainment and business, she seems to have dirt on anyone who dares to challenge her. But one wonders what might happen if the beauty queen ever hungers for more. Would she cast aside Jarrett, like her former husband, to further her own career?
After all, Amanda has no problem deceiving her long-time clients for the power and wealth on Melrose Place. Why would Debra do otherwise?
WWF Magazine
April 1999
Is Owen "In Love" With Debra?
By: Bill Banks
Sure, everybody knows that outside of the World Wrestling Federation spotlight Owen Hart is happily married. So, you're probably wondering what the headline means. How could he be in love with another woman? Is he cheating on his long-suffering wife, Martha, who is back home in Calgary taking care of their two children? Has Debra won over the heart of the youngest member of the Hart clan?
Actually, it's just the opposite. Is Owen in love with the idea of having a woman in his corner for the first time? The answer is no. For a young, second generation superstar who has prided himself on being a winner his entire career, teaming up with an athlete cut from the same mold, Jeff Jarrett, suited himself perfectly. Nothing makes the Canadian happier than the mountain of wins he and his newfound partner are accumulating. What troubles him is that "she" is in their corner helping them.
Now, Owen faces the biggest test to his pride ever - somebody who has never actively competed inside a wrestling ring, somebody half his size and weight who has never won any Slammy Awards, somebody who could never beat him physically at his craft. But when it comes down to who the majority of the fans would rather see, Debra beats Owen hands down.
Whether Hart welcomes her into the mix is irrelevant - he has to grin and bear it because there's an ingredient that the former pageant winner brings to the mixture that no other manager can. Perhaps, in his mind, Debra represents the new girlfriend of a best friend who threatens the friendship. However, she has proven her track record of success in many ways. Her air of superiority and confidence has rubbed off on Jarrett, allowing him to be more vocal and cutting edge. Her brains, beauty and lethal charm can upstage even the most dedicated opponent. Is Owen happy with the mountain of wins he and Jarrett have amassed? Of course. Would he rather acquire them without Debra's involvement? Of course.
In many ways, Hart and the beautiful blonde have much in common as far as their personalities go. As opposed as their roles in the World Wrestling Federation, they might be two of a kind. Both crave camera, and each has been just as cunning and manipulative as the other - which leads us to another question: Is Debra using Owen and Jeff? I think we all know the answer to that one.
Even if she is manipulating Owen and Jeff, they still have garnered an abundance of prestige. Just by being near Debra, the Nashville native has seen his stock soar in the eyes of the fans. In a matter of weeks, the masses realized that wherever Jeff went, so did Debra. So, they eagerly anticipated a Jarrett match! Owen, as his tag team partner, has ridden on those coattails; but lets not forget that there is someone else in Owen's life as well.
"There is a little bit of the Blue Blazer in each and every one of us," Owen told us all last year. Despite being revealed as the Blazer on one occasion - and Jeff Jarrett on another - the Blazer continues to be a part of Owen's life. It's almost as though the Blue Blazer is Owen's little invisible friend. You know, the only one who listens, the only one who cares…
While Jeff has Debra, Owen has the Blazer. Every time Debra undoes a button or winks her seductive blue eyes at an adversary, she gets what she wants. If Jeff is in trouble, Debra is there with the goods to bail him out. At the same time, when Owen is down and out, the Blazer is there to pick him up.
Dou you think that Jeff Jarrett cares who helps him? As long as the former Intercontinental Champion gets his hand raised, he could care less. It seems that while Owen may not care for Debra's assistance, he like the results nonetheless. Perhaps the Blazer is his own form of justification. Debra helps Jeff and the Blazer helps Owen. But perception is the biggest problem. Despite the success of Owen and Jeff does anyone doubt that Debra is the MVP of this team?
That is perhaps what bothers Owen the most. Once again, one of the most decorated champions is Federation history is taking the back seat. When will he say, "enough is enough"? Might he part ways with Jarrett is Debra becomes too much for him to stomach?
If it ever reached that point, Owen would have a tough decision to make. He would be faced with leaving a winning combination to go on his own or perhaps purposely undermining their manager's plans, which might possibly cause friction with Jarrett. Which poison would the Canadian choose? If only her could learn to accept Debra in his corner, the trio's success would span years into the next millennium.
Then again, this trio is really a quartet. We can't forget about the Blue Blazer. It's inevitable that a blow-up will occur one day. Owen Hart doesn't love the idea of having Debra on his side. And someday, it might lead to a messy divorce…
Inside the Ladies' Locker Room
Raw Magazine; March '99
So, you want to know what goes on inside the ladies locker room? You want to know what kind of panties Debra wears (or doesn’t)? You want to know who hates who, who’s dating who and whose breasts are real or fake? Well, if that is indeed what you’re looking for, then read no further and just look at the pretty pictures.
But if you want to know what it is really like being a female in a male-dominated industry and how the women of the World Wrestling Federation feel on the other side of the door, then most definitely read on.
Last December 28, I took a trip to Albany, New York, to chat with the Federation women before the live RAW scheduled that night. I divided my time between the ladies dressing room at the Pepsi Arena and at a photo shoot involving the women of the Federation. I had really good talks with a couple of the women—some were very candid and took me into their confidence, others weren’t so open. While I got more out of observing the women interact with each other than from my own inquiries, I feel my time with them was so short that I barely scratched the surface.
As is the case in most western industries—from the corporate world to the carnival—women are confronted by a myriad of battles based on their gender. The World Wrestling Federation is no exception. One of the most common inequities between the genders in the working world is in the area of salaries. Most women, regardless of their skills, education and contributions, earn approximately 66 cents of every dollar earned by a man. Although I do not know the exact rate of pay of the World Wrestling Federation Superstars, it is common knowledge that women generally are not paid the same as their male counterparts. When I asked how they feel about this, most of the Federation women responded as any woman would.
One of the women told me: "It’s hard to accept that we make one-quarter to one-third less than the men." Continuing, the Federation Superstar explained that such inequities make her feel that she "is not taken as a serious athlete—not taken seriously by the men."
Another remarked that some of the women work even harder than the guys, yet their salaries do not reflect this. On the flip side, one of the women claimed that because she doesn’t wrestle, such inequities don’t really bother her. While another offered that when she competes, she makes just as much as any of the men—I just wonder if she has her facts straight…
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect women face when working in a Boys’ Club is in the area of creative expression. I asked the women if they felt that they had an open forum when it comes to expressing their ideas and opinions. While I was informed that everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and opinions, another picture unfolded as the conversation proceeded. Luna told me she felt that there is not as much creative opportunity given to the women—a situation she feels is an effort to keep the women under some kind of control. Terri Runnels mentioned that sometimes when the women express ideas and opinions to some members of "the Boys’ Club", the women are regarded as "pains in the asses and bitches." But when a male colleague contributes, his efforts are often met with, "Oh, thanks for the input."
Terri continued, "At the same time we have creative geniuses at the helm of this ship. We are so lucky to have such creative people…" Luna agreed, in her own words, expressing her gratitude for the genius of the writers. I detected an almost apologetic tone in Luna’s last remarks, as if there was an element of guilt for negative expression directed toward "the boys."
When I asked Chyna about her experiences with creative expression, she told me that she has had no problem being taken seriously by the guys in the Federation, from the top right on down. However, the Ninth Wonder of the World said that she has noticed a lot of the other women aren’t taken as seriously. I asked if this was a result of gender or personality and Chyna responded that she believed it was both.
Posed with the same question, Sable also felt that she was taken seriously and that "[Women] are given the same opportunity... We just may have to work a little harder to get there."
Issues I most wanted to explore with the women revolve around beauty, sex and their bodies. I wanted to know how they feel about being women who are mostly regarded for their appearance and who are taking on roles that really tug on the line of what is deemed acceptable. It is no secret that just as the face of wrestling has been undergoing incredible changes, so has the role of women both in the squared circle and at ringside. Women wrestlers traditionally, while flashy and flamboyant, were not very attractive. In fact, they were quite the opposite—big, brawny and masculine. Today the women in the Federation are a far cry from their predecessors. As Janet Ventriglia, the make-up artist, commented, "Women’s wrestling is so new again—their prominence hasn’t hit yet. They are more beautiful and physically fit than in the past." In fact, today’s Federation women are redefining what role women in wrestling will have in the future. At present, the women in the ring have to be everything—strong, sexy, athletic, intelligent—reflective of what the media and society portray a true 90s’ woman to be.
I asked all the women if they felt the "Boys’ Club" judged them more on their ability or their physical appearance. Many of the women felt that initially it is the body that gets one in the door, but it is talent that will prevail. However, I was not too convinced by this reply. It felt like a ready-made response—one lacking thought and said for convenience. Some of the other women went a little deeper, stating that they felt that sometimes more importance is given to their bodies than abilities. In fact, one female told me that there are some women who reap the rewards without paying any dues directly because of their physical beauty. Another superstar remarked that for her it’s all about entertainment and she is willing to push her looks and her body if it will get her work. She explained that it is no different than in the movies or television programming such as Baywatch—she is a performer and she’s happy with that.
One of the Federation Superstars said, "Yes, I know I’m eye candy, but I also know who I am inside and I’m comfortable with my intelligence—I don’t care if the guys out there think I’m a retard." And as far as testing the boundaries of sexuality, she went on to explain that every decision she makes is based on whether she can explain it to her daughter—who is her highest priority. On the other side of the "beauty card", Luna suggested that she isn’t "paid to be pretty—I know I’m not pretty on the outside, but I’m gorgeous on the inside. I’m eccentric... unique." She then added that she gets an abundance of requests from doctors, lawyers and policemen who want to be tied up and spanked by Luna. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!
Eye candy—who doesn’t like it? I’m sure very few men or women can deny that looking at beautifully sculpted bodies and attractive faces is pleasing, and I really don’t believe there is anything wrong with that. However, too often the physical can take center stage and become the central focus for how people are judged by others and themselves.
Without naming names, I went on to ask these women about body modification—getting plastic surgery to enhance or completely transform their looks. I asked them if they felt having large breasts and flawless beauty were "unwritten prerequisites" to be in the World Wrestling Federation. Some responded affirmatively. One of the women explained to me that it was a matter of symmetry for the cameras, while another suggested that sadly to get ahead in the entertainment industry it is a necessity. In fact, her decision to get work done to her body still weighs heavily on her conscience.
It is a general rule of society that women are judged by their appearance—especially in the world of entertainment. And while all of the superstars regardless of gender must be body conscious, the men are not judged by their looks the same way women are. The size of a male superstar’s penis has no bearing on his career; although if it did, I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of a sudden increase in penile enlargements—or reductions!
I also wanted to explore the relationships the women of the World Wrestling Federation have—how they really feel about one another. What is it like to be in such close proximity all the time (they share one large dressing room)? Also, is there any truth to the rumor that a high degree of tension exists among them?
Those who were trained in old school wrestling may feel a little slighted by the new face of women in the ring. Some of the women commented on how frustrating it can be to watch others get ahead in the industry without "taking any bumps." One woman suggested that a plastic belt sold at venues might mean more to her than the real one probably does to "new school" women. I agree that is unfortunate, but what we all have to recognize is the fact that wrestling is changing—the new school is in progress and its curriculum is entertainment.
All the women acknowledged that there have been problems in the ladies’ locker room in the past—mostly due to an immature former superstar who had an inflated ego. Of course this is not unusual—any company or corporation has its fair share of inflated egos—which are not gender specific, by the way. Off the top of my head I can think of one major Federation Superstar whose ego got in the way of his relationships—and almost his career. With regard to the Federation women, most of the ladies claimed that they all get along very well. Sable told me she works with a "great bunch of people" and Deborah told me again and again that they all get along great and all the girls are wonderful. Others said basically the same things, too. Chyna discussed how she was never too bothered by the women—she was always more concerned with being accepted by the guys, which she feels she has accomplished. She told me she sticks to herself—staying out of the locker room as much as possible. She is here to work—if she makes friends along the way, fine—but that is not her main objective. In fact, Chyna feels that other women may regard her "as a bitch."
Though the superstars are under contracts with the World Wrestling Federation, they are regarded as independent contractors and everyone is therefore jockeying for the maximum television time. The question arose as to whether the competition is higher among the women or the men of the Federation. One of the women told me that she felt that the guys were a little more brutal with each other than the women are. But another told me that she has noticed a lot of competition among the girls, too. She told me that some get big heads, which she said is really sad "because there is room for us all."
Editor-in-chief of both RAW and World Wrestling Federation Magazines Vince Russo, working behind the scenes for the past five years, offered his thoughts regarding the nature of competition in the Federation. "There is no question that the competition between the few females we have is by far much more significant than the competition between the men. And I’m not just talking about the six women we have now, but the history over the past five years."
I also got the impression from many of my male colleagues that the relationships between the women would be high tension—resulting in cat fights and dissension in the locker room. While competition and tension exist—as they do in many working environments—from what I observed, it appears that for the most part the women seemed to get along. Think about it—when they’re on the road they share such close quarters and a lot of the rituals most women conduct alone. For instance, these women get dressed together, do their hair and make-up together. In a sense, these women have what a lot of modern western women who live and work in this transient society miss out on, and that is a sense of affinity.
When the girls were getting ready for the photo shoot, Deborah realized that she only had a gray business suit with her but needed a black one. She was able to throw together an outfit, but was a little unsure of herself. Terri was extremely complimentary of Deborah’s outfit, offering reassurance that she looked fine. At the photo shoot itself a lot of the women remarked on Terri’s beautiful body—I swear, she has not one ounce of fat on her bones! And I do believe these remarks were made with genuine affection and sincerity. In other words, I did not get the sense that the women were critical and suspicious of one another—but note that I did not say all of the women…
It is true that women are socialized to judge both themselves and each other based on their exteriors—from fairy tales to commercials women learn that beauty (and a man) will ultimately fulfill them and should be their ultimate goal. This can create tension among women initially, and I would assume most especially for those who work in an industry where their physical beauty is their primary attribute. Nevertheless to believe that women base all their relationships, with others and themselves, on a beauty contest is really to do a disservice to women and exposes an ignorance of the dynamics of being female. I am not denying that there are a few women who are very insecure and remain on that superficial level—but that I’m afraid is just as true of men as of women. So, for all you boys out there who fantasize about the beautiful women of the Federation scratching at each other behind the ladies locker room door... well, dream on…
As the face of the World Wrestling Federation has been undergoing a lift—moving from "rasslin’" to entertainment—women have definitely moved center stage. With greater emphasis on emotion and intricate plots, women—both in the ring and outside—have become much more prominent. No longer simply valets or managers, female superstars are much more than mere mannequins or pretty centerpieces and now have strong active roles. Moreover, the World Wrestling Federation is appealing to a larger number of women in the audience than ever before with more intense story lines.
Perhaps now the importance of the other gender in the ring will be fully recognized and influence future generations in the domain of sports-entertainment. In an industry where men are supreme and physical beauty is mandatory, it really isn’t easy being a woman. Although times are changing, I don’t believe that women have yet achieved the same status across the board, but perhaps the Federation women will be the ones to break the mold.
Wrestle America
April 1999
JARRETT'S FATAL RETRACTION: "Sorry For Calling You A Dumb Blonde!"
By: Harry Burke
(Credit goes to DXPAC727@aol.com)
When Jeff Jarrett left Debra McMichael and WCW more than a year ago, he made a bad situation worse by referring to McMichael as a "dumb blonde." Can he ever take those words back? More importantly, can he still trust Debra?
Jeff Jarrett leafed awkwardly through the cards and notes on display, unsure of which would be most appropriate. The headers on the cards ranged from "Have A Nice Day" to "Sorry For Your Loss." "None of these dang cards say what I want to say," Jarrett muttered under his breath. "Ma'am, could you give me one of those blank cards with a pretty scene so I can write what I want on it?" "No problem, sir," said the clerk. "As soon as you're finished, I'll place the card in the bouquet."
"Let's see now, what can I say to Debra?" Jarrett wondered aloud as he tapped his pen on the counter. "How about, 'Welcome to the War Zone'? No, not personal enough. What about 'Congratulations On Your D-I-V-O-R-C-E,' like that Tammy Wynette song? Nah, that's too personal. How about 'Ain't You Great'?"
Jarrett bit his lip and heaved a big sigh. He knew what had to go on the card.
"Sometimes, the simplest things in life---like sending flowers and a card---can be the most difficult," he said. With that comment, Jarrett scrawled the following message on the stationary:
"Sorry for calling you a dumb blonde!"
Jarrett fumbled for words on this day, but he wasn't tongue-tied last October, when he returned to the WWF after a year's absence. His renegotiations with WCW had fizzled when the then-Senior Vice President Eric Bischoff accused Jarrett of revealing the amount of his contract to outside parties. Jarrett was, however, able to seal a deal with WWF owner Vince McMahon after several days of negotiations. Jarrett's pent-up frustration was evident upon his return to Raw Is War. Before chastising Vince McMahon's vision for "Double-J," Jarrett expressed his disappointment with WCW.
"I was one of the most talented wrestlers you had, Eric, but you let me drown in mediocrity just because my stroke wasn't strong enough. Look who you put me with: an ex-football player who can't even lock-up and his ex-wife; she gives new meaning to the term 'dumb blonde.'"
Oops!
Those words have come back to haunt Jarrett one year later. Reeling from his loss to X-Pac in a hair vs. hair match at SummerSlam, Jarrett was struggling to regroup. His relationships with managers Jim Cornette and Tennessee Lee had been disasters. His closest allies, Southern Justice, were on hiatus because of Mark Canterbury's neck injury. Jarrett languished in the mid-card status he had despised in WCW.
That's when he called Debra McMichael.
It was difficult for Jarrett to pick up the phone in light of his unflattering comments, but he knew McMichael yearned for the spotlight. And since she was through with WCW, Jeff Jarrett and the WWF was just the vehicle she needed.
"We've got a sayin' down where we come from," said McMichael.
"'Don't turn down a pork roast just because you don't like the pie.' Sure, I was through with Jeff when he said those nasty things last year. I thought it was unnecessary. But just like he's done in the past, Jeff came to me like a knight in shining armor. He said that together we could take over the WWF. So I swallowed my pride a little bit and became his manager again. Besides, he needs me more than I need him."
Should that last sentence be considered a warning, a threat, or an admonishment?
"None of the above, hon," replied McMichael. It just takes some time for a girl to recover when her feelings are hurt, that's all. Jeff needs to be a little more understanding."
Although McMichael claims there is little resentment left, it should be remembered that Jarrett did more than call Debra a "dumb blonde." His sudden departure from WCW left McMichael in a vulnerable position just as she was hitting her stride as a manager. She was forced to struggle on with Alex Wright, who soon fired the ex-beauty queen. McMichael's managerial career came to an undignified end. Sources say she felt betrayed by Jarrett and his half-hearted attempt to extend his contract with WCW. Is it possible that Debra, who once viewed Jarrett as the root of her troubles, now regards him as her savior?
"Quite honestly, I didn't sense any resentment on Debra's part when she expressed a desire to be reunited with Jeff Jarrett," said Jim Ross, WWF broadcaster and vice president of talent relations. "But I've learned not to underestimate anybody in this business. If Jarrett's career starts sliding downhill, I'll bet my bottom peso that Debra will dump Jeff just as quickly as he dumped her."
