2004 Ask Chris Questions

December 21, 2004

I was wondering, which WWE wrestlers did you hang about with, and who was the most pleasure to hang out with. BTW, President Nowinski would be the best president in the US, because he can be funny, obnoxious, sweet, and charismatic, and that's what really matters to be a versatile president. You should consider the post, you will knock George W Bush off of the white house. And also, have you ever visited the UK, and if so, what do you think of us English people and the country itself. Bye, I hope you get well, and really, you should think about becoming the president, you will make history of becoming the youngest president in the American history.
I had the honor of last riding with Christian and Lance Storm, and I never laughed more. Those two didn't stop entertaining after they left the ring. Doing Smackdown Your Vote stuff, I've really gotten to know Mick Foley and Mark Henry well, and I think they are two of top character guys around.
Thank you for your Presidential endorsement. I'll have to go for it eventually, right? It's the only position worthy of my wide range of skills.
I have visited the UK three times, and had a wonderful time each trip. The first was to work an indy show in London for FWA in early 2002. Those guys over there where amazing hosts, the wrestlers cool and talented, and I got to see the town quite a bit. The second time was a consulting trip from my former life... that was all work, no fun. The last time was with the WWE, when we did a PPV in Nottingham. It was nice to see some of the smaller towns on that trip.

If you are unable to compete in a wrestling ring again, how would you feel taking on a managerial role within the company. I know WWE isn't very big on male managers anymore, but I think you have the right charisma to join the racks of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, "The Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart, Paul Heymen, and the other great male managers in professional wrestling history. By the way, get well soon.
If I was unable to wrestle again, I'd love to be a manager. I love to be a part of the show, and I love to make you people hate me.

December 16, 2004

What was your response to Nidia being released? I thought the WWE gave up on her way too early
I love Nidia, and I know she was committed to becoming a great wrestler, so I really think it's too bad. She's the kind of person who will be successful no matter what, so I wouldn't worry too much about her.

Chris, ever consider a tattoo? maybe a Harvard "H"?
No, I wouldn't defile my educated skin with such foolishness. A lot of Harvard football guys get Ivy and a Harvard H on the upper are, but it wasn't for me. (Luckily I couldn't afford it at the time)

hope you return soon but I have a question I am dying to ask: What is the wildest thing a fan has done for you or to meet you??
Fans definitely do some strange things. I've had guys get down on all fours at clubs and offer to be my footrest before. I try not to take them up on it, unless my feet are REALLY tired. But I'm always flattered when fans travel to meet me or have gone through hell and high water.
Any good stalker stories?
No, and lets try to keep it that way. I think I've had potential stalkers - the kind that send inappropriate pictures - but luckily I haven't bit.

December 1, 2004

I am a huge wrestling fan, and a well-known genius (i am only 15 and doing a medical degree at Oxford University in Britain- this is like Harvard in the U.S.A) and i was wondering, whether or not you could actually watch wrestling at Harvard? And can ii ask you what your IQ is.
Congratulations on being a super genius, first and foremost. I didn't watch wrestling my first three years at Harvard. We didn't have cable in the dorms. The summer before my senior year 5 of my teammates and I rented a 2 bedroom apartment (with cable), and I got hooked. When I moved back to the dorms with my 7 usual roommates, we bought a satellite dish and would watch every Monday and Thursday night. Wrestling was enormously popular at Harvard at that time, and there were never open seats on our couches. Even the one big screen in the Mather House common room was always tuned in. Smart people love wrestling.

As for my I.Q., all you need to know is that it's high enough. I'm thinking of joining Mensa...

I don't really have a question, and there's tons that I want to say, but I have to be short and sweet. I've been a wrestling fan for all of my 27 years, and I just want to say that I hope you get well soon, bro, because I sure as heck miss you being on tv. Oh, and just so you know, I was highly disconcerted when you didn't win Tough Enough - but thought it was awesome when you showed up anyhow. You're the man! Be safe and take care of yourself.
I have the smartest fans in wrestling. "Highly disconcerted" is something only poindexters say.

Would you ever return to the Heartland Wrestling Association?
I had a great time in HWA, and I'd be happy to return....but I have to return to the WWE ring first.

What up, Chris! I would like to know when you are FINALLY able to return to action, which brand seems more appealing, your former home RAW or SmackDown, especially since much has change since you last competed.
Gee, sorry my health is inconveniencing your entertainment. Just kidding. I appreciate your impatience. I feel it too. I'll return when my doctors and I decide it is the right time, and I really hope it would be RAW. Love the live show.

I really enjoyed your storyline with Molly Holly. I was wondering, what was it like working with her, did you guys feel uncomfortable with the position you were put in. BTW, i think you are very charismatic, you should become the president.
President Nowinski... too ethnic, don't you think? I loved working with Molly (I talked to her yesterday, what a sweetheart). I didn't feel uncomfortable in my role. I can separate myself from the role I play, and some of our stuff was damn funny. Jerks do that sort of thing, and I'm a jerk.

Hey, i;m 12 years old and i've always wanted to be a wrestler since I was 12 years old.I;ve got over $1,000 saved up for wrestling school... I wanna go to The Monster Factory.I've got more then 78 wrestling DVD's,over 28 autographes,i've read more then 48 wrestling books.Your one of my favorite wrestlers... anyways to my point... I wanna be a wrestler so badly!...Do you have any tips?
Good work on all your reading. As a spokesperson for the Get R.E.A.L. program, kudos to you. My advice to you would be to be a regular athlete in school to build physical strength, skills, and stamina. Join the the theatre. And I alway recommend graduating from college first as well. Wrestling careers are short, if you even get there. But, stay watching and learning, and when you are old enough, go for it.

October 29, 2004

How (exactly) were you injured?
The big concussion involved a boot to my chin that for various reasons connected with a little too much force during a house show in June 2003. I've learned the severity of my problems stemming from that impact are caused by a longer timeline of events, including the cumulative effect of receiving at least one less severe concussion only a few weeks before that hit, and I've learned more damage was done because I refused to rest the injury immediately. The whole story will be revealed in due time.

Hi Chris. I wanna first say that I really do admire you as a performer, but I haven't really had the chance to see you on air much (I'm from Finland - we only got the cut episodes...). Was Really glad to find this place, proved to me that you really have the wit you boast with. Smart people rule the world! My question was, how did you get interested in politics? I'm one of the 18-year-olds with just the right to vote here, and I don't know what I even need to know about parties... I'd like to. How did it start for you?
Ah, a chance to guide another future genius of the world... In my experience, becoming politically aware doesn't happen overnight, but involves an awakening followed by a lifelong learning process. I started tuning in during college, where I was surrounded by politically motivated and engaged students. Specifically, the first issue at Harvard that got me interested probably had had a lot to do with understanding how the government affects opportunity through access to education. At that school, especially on the football team, you meet people with a wide range of backgrounds and upbringings. I began to be concerned that young people get the same chance (or at least some chance) to end up at a place like Harvard regardless of those backgrounds.

What is with the long hair?
What long hair? Didn't you see my Smackdown Your Vote! segment on Raw and Smackdown this week?

What are your chances of being a color commentator?
I don't know. It is something I would love to do, but it remains to be seen whether or not I can do it well.
As usual, there is no lack of confidence over here.

Who do you usually travel with when you were wrestling?
I was last traveling with Lance Storm and Christian. Personally and professionally, it was the best.

How much do you bench press?
These days, around 170 kgs. Yes, I'm making it so that you have to go look up the conversion rate between kilograms and pounds, and then do the math. Preferably without a calculator. You have five minutes - pencils up - and... begin.

July 12, 2004

Remember when you did Confidential and had a black eye and assorted bruises? Some people said you received them as retalliation for doing the upcoming Confidential piece which many wrestlers saw as being too revealing, any truth to that?
I have never heard that rumor, although I do find it amusing. No, I wasn't held down and beaten for doing the same interview that a lot of guys do. I just have bad luck with my head and face in the ring.

Did you really like molly holly, what is your opinion on her. And get well Chris, i hope you'll be fine.
Our storyline was not based on a real relationship off camera, however I do think she is a sweetheart and a wonderful performer.

Outside of your hometown and Boston, what are some of your favorite cities and not so favorite cities to wrestle in? and on a normal day, how many times do people recognize you?
Of the big cities, I love wrestling in New York, Montreal, Los Angeles and anywhere overseas. But I've always espcially liked working the small towns where I've never been before and would have no reason to go otherwise, like Poughkeepie, NY, Tulsa, OK, or Rapid City, SD.

What was it like working with people such as William Regal .. Molly Holly .. Theodore Long .. etc.?
The real beauty of working closely with people like William Regal, Molly Holly, or Theodore Long it's like being giving a history book and a how-to book at the same time. Wrestling books or stories are fine on paper, but you've never really heard them until you've heard them from someone that was there.
These people have been everywhere and worked with everyone, and I always find their experiences fascinating. Their experiences and talents have led them to be successful, and when you work with them, part of that is given to you. It's up to you how much you absorb, but if you look at it that way, you'll see the opportunity.

Hey Chris, did you ever do Primal Scream while at Harvard? Any truth to the rumors that Ric Flair is a Primal Scream kind of guy?
I didn't do Primal Scream at Harvard. For those of you who don't know, Primal Scream occurs the night before finals begin each semester, where the students meet in Harvard Yard, and at the stroke of midnight, release a yell heard across the land. Of course, that's followed by a naked lap around the yard afterward for some. I don't know if Ric would be up for it. I saw some strange characters in that mob, some which I'm still trying to forget, and others that I hope I never forget.

What advice would you give to aspiring WWE superstars? I am currently in high school (senior) and I would like to join the WWE after college. (as Yuna, that's not my real name!!) Thanks for the help
The quick advice is that wrestling requires two major things: athleticism and performance abilities. While in college, if you aren't doing a college sport, be sure to give yourself a physical background both in the weight room and a competitive sport, whether it be intramural, club, or whatever. Second, get involved in some sort of acting, whether it be theater, improv, drama, sketch comedy... Give yourself experience and a skill set to draw on.

What was it that made you want to become a wrestler and what attracted you to the WWE?
What made me want to become a wrestler was the look in the eyes of the Superstars when I watched them on TV. I loved watching the show, but that look told me it was better to be a part of it.

How do your employers react when they know that a superstar has a serious health problem such as anorexia or any other disorder that may effect your performance? Do they make you get help, fire you, offer you advice?
From what I know, they first offer support and then access to proper help.

Are WWE superstars expected to fit a certain mold? (weight, appearance, strength type requirements) It would be nice to know so I know what i need to do to be fit for the job.
It's important to have a good physique, but it's not a requirment.

why Do you brag about going to Harverd??
Because you didn't graduate from there.

June 29, 2004

Do you have a girlfriend right now?
I am currently dating a wonderful girl.

hey chris, why did you spend so much money having nose surgery, cause Bubba kept trying to break it?
Good question, because it isn't much better now than before the $7000 fix. You never realize how important your second nostril is until you lose it.

I enjoy the way you infuriate your opponents but i have a phrase for you:"Know your role and shut your hole"
Not bad, although the Rock may sue me for gimmick infringement. However, I have been a fan of rhyming couplets since my early exposure to Shakespeare's sonnets.

Are you Polish?
Of course.

Chris, i was wondering if you were to come back which brand do you see yourself on? And who do you see yourself feuding agiasnt?
I am a RAW guy, and I'd imagine Eugene would have a bullseye on his back.

Are you ever going to think about coming back to the ring after your head and sleepwalking problems?
I always think about coming back. After things go away, which they slowly are, the question will become, "How easily can they come back?" Like right this second, I feel amazing, but I have to remember that yesterday afternoon for a few hours I felt dizzy, slow, foggy, and nauseous - and that's not good.

First, let me say that we're all looking forward to your return, Chris, no matter how it happens. Even a non-wrestling position would still be of interest -- you're a great heel, regardless. Are you still doing any workouts in the ring, or are you completely laying off of practice and taking bumps while you recover?
No bumps. The brain jiggling does not make me feel well.

Do you still travel sometimes with the WWE to be backstage at shows?
I go to shows within driving distance, and I still travel to do appearances with the WWE's Smackdown Your Vote Program. Maven and I also had the honor of visiting injured troops at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. last month.

Are You Friends W Stone Cold Steve Austin and r u ever gonna come To NorthBay Ontario w the WWE?
Stone Cold and I don't have a relationship outside of work, but he has always been very kind to me, and of course I'm a huge admirer of his work.

How many hours before Raw/PPV/house shows do wrestlers have to arrive?
We usually arrive at TV eight hourse before showtime, and house shows 2-3 hours early, depending on travel.

June 1, 2004

What was Tough Enough Like?
Tough Enough was wild. I loved the wrestling, and I hated the reality TV. I've always hated reality TV, but I was willing to try out for Tough Enough because it had a worthwhile prize. I didn't do it for cash or fame, but to get my foot in the door with WWE.
Living your life on camera 24/7, isolated from family and friends was torture for me. At first I found myself second-guessing everything I did, imagining who would be watching it and how it would be presented 6 months later. We were all pretty happy when it ended.
The wrestling training, however, was priceless, and a lot of the success I've had is owed not only to what I learned from the trainers in the ring, but also to what I learned ouside the ring, especially living in that pressure-cooker environment.

Do you ever consider going out with any of the divas and if so which one?
I've learned not to mix business with pleasure. So while I once may have pondered it, I don't anymore. That being said, you really couldn't go wrong with any of them. They all have an attractive inner strength that has gotten them where they are today.

Did you have lots of friends in school?
To be honest, I developed in to quite a nerd in junior high, and was not a popular character. I began to excel in sports in high school, and through sports over the years I've developed a lot of life-long friendships. It's funny, but most of the guys I'm close with I've been on a team with. Despite what you saw on Tough Enough, I'm not a total jerk, I am just picky with the people I like to spend time with.

Have you watched NWA-TNA? If so, what do you think of it?
I've caught NWA-TNA a few times. I've enjoyed the show. It's good to see some old friends excel there, and it's always good to have different companies with different approaches and ideas.

When are you coming back?
That is yet to be determined. I've read everything ever written on brain injuries by now, and I've learned there is absolutely no way to know. There is no test that can determine the extent of an injury, nor which symptoms are permanent and which will go away. I still have some really bad days, and the mere fact that I still have them 10 months after the last concussion is not a good sign. No doors are closed, and things could turn around tomorrow, but I now have to accept the fact that I may never be able to take those risks with my head again.

Just what was the Honor Roll? (I refer to your finishing move, not what it's named after)
You didn't see the 3 times I used in one TV? It began not unlike Triple H's pedigree, except the head wasn't between my legs. I picked up my bent over opponent under his arms, leveraging my hands on his back, picked him up, swung him about 90 degrees to the right, and on the way down, flipped him on his back. It looks great in the Wrestlemania XIX Nintendo Gamecube videogame.

Chris, I am a worker with about 2 yrs under my belt! My question is do you have any suggestions or techniques to get good heat from the marks?
I always thought the best way to get heat was to insult peoples deepest values. Don't make fun of the hometown team - they don't really care. We live in a world where people want to be judged and valued by who they are, not what they do. So you make them angry by instead judging them by how much money they make, or how they dress, or what car they drive. They know that's not a "fair" way to look at people, and it gets at their deeper emotions. A lot of heels get heat because they represent a lot of things that just about everyone doesn't think is "fair" in the world - rich, smart, good looking kids get the breaks, and they get to live a lifestyle that isn't availabe to the average person. That makes everyone bitter. Someone always has it better than you. Tap into those kinds of emotions. It's harder to do, but much easier to sustain once it gets going.

April 28, 2004

I am fan of Chris Nowinski. I was wondering, was Chris one of the top student in his high school or valedictorian?
I was ranked #9 out of 405, but only because I slacked off my senior spring.

I have to say I can't wait to see you in the ring! But my question is, does WWE have a time limit on you getting better?
The WWE has been enormously supportive and has not put any time limit on me.

While competing professionally, who was your toughest opponent?
That's a hard question. Was it Al Snow because he taught me everything I know? Was it Maven because it was personal? Was it the Undertaker because he's the Undertaker? I don't know. With all the head injuries, I can't remember anymore.

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