[Originally published in buzz Magazine November 30, 2000]
The nWo was basking in the height of popularity. The tight ratings war between the WWF and WCW was contested weekly. Goldberg’s popularity was rising. In lieu of the past two years, it is truly hard to believe--wrestlers were actually wanting into WCW. And Teri Byrne was the sleek red-headed Nitro Girl known as “Fyre.”
Pinfalls: During our initial contact, you mentioned being a writer in college. Before you got into the wrestling industry, what were your career objectives? Were you a wrestling fan before you started with WCW?
Teri: I never dreamed I would be in the wrestling industry. I studied journalism and writing in college as well as public speech. After college, I taught school for a year, worked in the hotel business and the mortgage industry. I was not a wrestling fan at all, not until becoming part of the show.
Pinfalls: How did you get involved in the wrestling industry? How were you selected as one of the first Nitro Girls?
Teri: I was in the right place at the right time. I was training at Lex's gym in Georgia for a fitness show when Kim Page spotted me and asked me to audition.
Pinfalls: How would you classify your time as a Nitro Girl--as either positive or negative and why? What it was like being a Nitro Girl (routines, travel schedule, etc).
Teri: My time as “Fyre” was very positive and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I had life changing experiences and made some incredible friends. We traveled every Monday and Tuesday for Nitro and then returned home for rehearsals during the week and workouts. Then we also traveled again on weekends for promotions and appearances. Every week was a different schedule depending on the time of year.
Pinfalls: As I’ve recently learned, being backstage at a wrestling program is obviously a different world versus what the fans see in the arenas and on TV every week. What were some memorable backstage stories while at WCW?
Teri: There are so many stories I should write a book. Mostly there were always funny stunts and practical jokes being played on each other. One time the girls dressing room was right next to the guys and there was no door to separate them, only a rope. We had a big shower and so all the girls took a shower together and made "funny" remarks to get the guys all hot and bothered. They couldn’t see us but they could sure hear us! Mean Gene will remember this!!
Pinfalls: I'm sure that you have quite a few stories about being on the road with WCW. What was the weirdest or most memorable incident you saw during your WCW tenure?
Teri: Again, there are so many incidents I can not pick one. Meeting the critically ill children backstage has to be one of the most prominent memories for me.
Pinfalls: WCW has been criticized lately for the lack of direction in their angles, talent utilization and programming. Do you still watch WCW shows and if so how do you feel about their current product?
Teri: I don’t watch the show any longer because it is so bad. I am saddened to see how far gone the product is and I hope the [possible] sale of WCW will help turn it around.
Pinfalls: After your WCW release, Internet rumors had you headed for the WWF. Was there any truth to these rumors?
Teri: No there was no truth to this, I have no desire to wrestle and this is where the industry is headed. All women are cat-fighting and I don’t want to be a part of this.
Pinfalls: You were my favorite and in my opinion, the most talented Nitro Girl. I have always felt as if WCW underutilized you in angles and obviously lost a great talent when they released you. Would you ever consider working for WCW again?
Teri: Thank you very much. I would consider going to WCW if it is under new management and new conceptual ideas. It could happen!!
Pinfalls: Wrestling has changed drastically over the past few years. While you were a Nitro Girl, these changes were in the midst of taking place. How do you view the current direction of the wrestling industry?
Teri: Yes the changes were fast and during my time there. I can’t say I feel that the changes are for the better. I certainly feel the use of women has been in the wrong direction. Stories and matches could have been so much better but instead, too much was focused on getting the quick ratings, at any cost.
Pinfalls: Who is your favorite wrestler and why?
Teri: It changes a lot, now it is the Rock. He is incredible stylist, funny, sharp and what a dresser. I admire his work and his performances are like no other!
Pinfalls: Many fans may be unaware that you recently started delving into the world of fantasy artwork. You are truly the first pro wrestling star to venture into the fantasy art genre. How did this endeavor come about and what type/how many different pieces of artwork are you currently the model of?
Teri: I have three great comic/fantasy pieces complete now and available for purchase on my website. They were done by three incredibly talented artists in the field. Dorian Cleavenger, the most influential artist in fantasy art today, Ric Frane who is famous for his pirates, vampires and demons, and Monte Moore who created the Angelheart, my first piece. I was encouraged by fans in wrestling and comics to pursue it, so I did and it has been a great success.
Pinfalls: What future projects in the fantasy art--or art world in general--do you currently have planned? The artwork on your site is very beautiful--how might interested fans go about purchasing your prints?
Teri: I will have a feature story and centerfold in the 2001 issue of Femme Fatales magazine. You can see all three pieces of artwork along with brand new photos. I have other sci-fi theme projects in the works but I cant say just yet. You may see me very soon modeling as one of the most famous women in comics. I also had a photo shoot with Cherif Fortin & Lynn Sanders for Romance artwork. Fans can go to my website at www.TeriByrne.com and find all three pieces of my artwork, along with other merchandise available for purchase. I also have a fan club that is very active and will keep fans informed on all the latest news with my career and travel schedule.
Pinfalls: And finally ... what's next for Teri Byrne?
Teri: What’s next for me? I wish I could tell you but it is a BIG surprise and I promise will be a great surprise for you and all the fans. I hope to tell you all about it by the end of December!!! Stay tuned...
Visit Teri's Web Site at: www.TeriByrne.com
Visit buzz Magazine at: www.illinimedia.com/buzz
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