Scaling New Heights
WCW Magazine- February 2000
Since his return from a torn biceps, The Total Package has enjoyed some
of the most memorable moments of his illustrious career. With
Elizabeth
at his side, The Total Package has become a supernova in a sport filled
with stars and superstars.
The Total Package looks better than Lex Luger looked 10 years ago, and
his faithful manager Liz looks better than ever. Both spend countless
hours in the Package's gym, Main Event Fitness in Marietta, Georgia,
and
it certainly shows.
The times seems right for the duo to make a lasting impression on
wrestling, even if they don't agree on things. The Total Package, a
mixture of unmatched muscle and shameless self-promotion, clearly has
reached the summit of his career. And with Liz at is side, he seems to
accomplish anything.
"This is my time," says the Total Package. "I feel like some of the wrestlers who were ahead of
me are either fading, or should fade away. And the guys behind me,
they
can't touch me."
After Liz signed a contract to managed Sting, only to turn on him,
nobody should wonder why The Package/Liz relationship works. Although
it might seem that The Package takes more from the partnership than he
gives, the two share mutual respect for each other and are motivated by
the same prospects: fame and fortune.
After a recent Nitro in Denver, The Total Package and Liz ventured 90
minutes to a ski resort in the Rocky Mountains in search of business
opportunities, including venues for future Main Event Fitness
locations. The pair invited WCW MAGAZINE to join them for photo
opportunities.
Upon arrival at the resort in Vail, surrounded by majestic mountains
and
breath-taking scenery, The Total Package and Liz showed a different
side
of themselves. Absent was the adversarial relationship often seen on
Nitro and Thunder. Instead, they played the part of friends.
"What better location than to photograph the most beautiful tandem in
wrestling history, a team that has terrorized WCW for several months
now," the Total Package explained.
While Liz and The Total Package cavorted and posed in the snow, a
twinge
of animosity could be picked up in The Package's words. Gone are the
day of helping others, he says. He now looks out only for himself and
Liz.
"I was always doing things to please others. Not anymore," the Package says.
"Now I'm more dangerous than ever, and more about me. Everything that I do,
everything I say, everything I wear and everything I ask will be about
The Total Package." He even has taken to signing autographs with three letters, TTP---on
the infrequent occasions that he does grant autograph requests.
The Total Package and Liz in 2000 will emerge as the most vibrant duo
in
wrestling history, he believes. He doesn't care about offending
others. Past friendships and alliances mean nothing.. For her part,
Liz simply desires the stardom that goes with success. That means
she's
more than willing to interfere in matches on his behalf.
The two share the chemistry a team need to succeed. The Package knows
Liz will be nearby when he needs her help, and she knows he never will
let anyone disrespect her, except him on occasion.
Though she is somewhat timid by nature, Liz long has been one of
wrestling's top managers. Now she is expanding her role, becoming more
active and devious at ringside.
Liz clearly visualizes the money-making potential of The Total Package
outside the squared circle. There is big money in product endorsement
and both will resort ot cut-throat methods to gain opportunities.
"In the current state of professional wrestling, playing by the rules
is
for losers--that's reality," says the Total Package. "I've learned over the past couple of years
that if you don't promote yourself, no one is going to do it for you."
"You have to take matters into your own hands, which is what I've done.
You can't be dependent on the promoters, the magazine editors, Turner
Entertainment, Time-Warner or any other entity on the business side of
our sport."
The Total Package's new approach includes abandoning long-time friends
if it is to his advantage. The Package and Sting were partners for
years, but now they are mortal enemies. Sting was just someone for The
Package and Liz to use and betray on their climb to the top of the
mountain.
The Package and Liz no longer care about others, unless there is
something in it for them. Get out of their way or get run over.
