The following is a small excerpt of the "Torch Talk" with Road Warrior Hawk conducted Nov. 30, 1992. The rest of the interview is available to Torch VIP members in the "Torch Talk Library" in the "Torch Archives" section...

Wade Keller: Would you rather have been promoted differently, either as a team with Animal or as a singles wrestler? Should you personally have had a more prominent role?

Road Warrior Hawk: Yes, by far. Listen, it's always been with us, "Aw, these guys, we don't have to push them because they're so over." I always looked at it like this - and me and Animal have talked about this - we're very fortunate in this business, but you don't just end up at the top. If the door is opened, you either walk through it or it gets slammed in your face. Well, we ran through it and we were consistent. And we did more as a tag team than any other tag team has ever done. It's one thing to get to the top, it's another thing to stay there. I gauge what your value is by the response you get by the crowd. Another thing is also, if you're one of Vince McMahon's own creations or babies, it's a different story for you. We weren't his babies. I told him many times there were other things I wanted to do. I told him I wanted to commentate. Heenan, Ventura, and Gorilla are the best. I could blow their doors off. If I sound like a braggart, that's too bad, but I'm confident with myself. I mean, if I wasn't, I wouldn't be a professional in my eyes. I don't think a lot of people were used right.

Keller: What went into the decision for you and Animal not to stick together?

Hawk: Well, Animal didn't know I was going to quit. It was something I talked about a long time. I subtly let him know about it. I let him know it was time to stop talking and start walking. He said, "I stand to make more money here." I told him, "Let's see if you can," but it must've went right over his head. Nobody knew (I was leaving).

Keller: You called the WWF offices the day after SummerSlam to let Vince McMahon know you were gone.

Hawk: I called the day I knew Vince got back to the office.

Keller: What was his reaction when you told him.

Hawk: I didn't talk to him. I talked to his secretary. I told 'em the truth, "Due to mental stress and physical duress, I've had it." There's other things to life. I can work doing what I'm doing now, make a very comfortable living, get treated like a human being, have my expenses paid for, have the promotion be appreciative, and get some pride back in my work.

Keller: Did you see you and Animal growing apart, not as a tag team, but as friends over the last couple of years?

Hawk: No. I just saw that I wanted to do my own thing.

Keller: Have you been in contact with Animal since you quit?

Hawk: Some, but not much.

Keller: Do you see yourself possibly teaming with him again?

Hawk: Well, I don't know what he's doing. I've heard some stories. I've heard other people say he is going to become an agent for Vince which I find hard to believe. I don't think he's done any wrestling. I heard because of a tailbone injury he was going to collect Lloyd's of London. I have no idea what his disability is but I heard that and I had already cut my deal for Japan and he's calling me and trying to negotiate a deal with me in Japan, so I'm mixed up on that.

Keller: How much longer do you want to be in the wrestling business?

Hawk: I tell you what, I feel now controlling my own schedule working for the Japanese who I respect and who are honorable, there's no aggravation or bull. The promotion are my friends. I feel as excited about it as when I did about the second year in the business when I got a grasp and knew what I was doing in this business? I deal with Masa Saito and Brad Rheingans.

Keller: Do you ever get tired of the recognition factor? Do you ever wish you could go to the mall and not be inundated with autograph seekers and people recognizing you?

Hawk: First of all, I have a different philosophy than a lot of guys. And no it doesn't bother me. I see a lot of guys who are rude to people who ask for autographs. I'm the opposite. The reason for that is not to be a goody two shoes, it's because if people aren't coming up to you to shake your hand or ask for an autograph, that means you're not very good at what you do. It's a compliment when they do. They're your bread and butter and that's just part of the territory. I've met a lot of professional athletes, entertainers who didn't have the same philosophy I do. I think mine is right. Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that's morally right. If I see somebody, I don't care if it's Frank Sinatra or somebody else, and they're rude in that type of situation, I'll be the first one to tell them that I think they're a piece of shit as a human being.

Keller: What do you see yourself doing in 20 or 25 years?

Hawk: I don't see myself wrestling.

Keller: What are your other interests outside of wrestling?

Hawk: Acting. Voice-over business, which I'm working on now, but it's very tough to crack into. I find it very easy to do radio, very easy. If none of that pays off, I see myself doing charity and good things for people. It makes me feel good. I've been involved in that a lot in the past and it has been important to me.

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