Raven Talks Stand-Up, ECW, Johnny Polo

Check out some highlights from the recent interview with Raven on World Wrestling Insanity.

Raven talks about getting into stand-up comedy.

“I decided to do standup because I’ve always been considered a very funny individual. But, of course, it’s much harder to write a joke than it is to be funny in a situation. Because there are lots of people who are funny but can’t do standup. I wasn’t sure if I could. So I finally did a gig in Norfolk, Virginia. Did about 30 minutes in my first gig and I killed. But I knew because I ran my material by a lot of my buddies first, which is the hardest thing anyway.”

JG and Raven discuss his comedy career in depth and the skills he used in pro wrestling that have come in handy. One skill is his comedy ability from promos and commentary. James points out the work he did prior to becoming Raven and how his days as Johnny Polo, Scotty the Body, and Scotty Flamingo all allowed him to be comedic. The transition to Raven, as Guttman points out, must have been difficult. Not only did he give up a producer’s job with WWE, but it took away his opportunities to deliver comedy one-liners in favor of a darker image. Raven explains that situation and, as the ClubWWI.com interview continues, talks about the decision to become Raven.

“I always knew I had the talent, which I proved on a smaller stage in Portland and everywhere else. But back then, getting the opportunity, I was in the land of giants. Everyone was 275 (pounds) and I was still 220. It’s why WWF made me a manager at the time, Johnny Polo, because they thought I was too small. Even though they brought the 123 Kid in, he was the exception to the rule. I had to reinvent myself, which made it even more difficult in ECW. But that’s why I made it a 180 degree turn. I didn’t necessarily want to, but I had to.”

Raven’s success in ECW is legendary. From his initial debut until the day he left, fans and ClubWWI.com members were shocked at how the new gimmick clicked and the way he fit in. However, the hardcore crowd was notorious for being tough on performers. Does that experience help with his new standup comedy gigs? What were Raven’s thoughts on the ECW Arena crowd? Former stars today look back at it with fondness. James asks and he answers.

“Yeah, but you know what, though. It’s completely different, though. You know, I never thought the ECW Crowd was hard. That’s what’s really interesting. It’s really funny, now everybody who wrestled there are like, ‘They were my favorite crowd to wrestle in front of. Blah, blah, blah.’ But no. Everybody hated it. I remember when I first got to ECW, everybody hated wrestling at the ECW Arena because the audience was unforgiving.”