In an exclusive interview, WWE Superstar and Tag Team Champion Barry Darsow, famous for his role as Smash in the renowned tag team Demolition, talks about his transformation into the unforgettable character of Repo Man character’s true story and reveals the struggles and challenges he faced during the most important period of his career, giving wrestlers a rare glimpse behind the scenes.
End of an era: The decline of demolition
In the early 1990s, Demolition’s star began to fade. In 1991, Darsow found itself on the job. The team’s previous strengths have dissipated, leaving Darsow to ponder what to do next. A phone call from WWE Chairman Vince McMahon provided an unexpected opportunity for a new build.
New Generation: The Birth of Repo Man
Vince McMahon called for a revival, and Darsow took the opportunity to create a new image. The character was conceived as a swamp man, an idea based on Darsow’s personal experiences. “I bought the car and got into a situation that I couldn’t get out of,” Darsow recalled. These real-life experiences are the foundation of innovation.
Design Reveal: Hidden Wonder
The next step is to design the character of Repo Man. Drawing from Batman’s Riddler, Darsow thought of a small mask to add a mysterious and sinister look. The goal is to combine seriousness with humor, creating a character that can be transformed into a baby or a hero.
Challenges Ahead: Separation of Combatants
However, the road to success is not an easy one for consumers. “It was very difficult for me as a swamp person because people liked me but they didn’t like me, it was hard to work in those situations,” explained Darsow. “You either want to be hated or you want to be loved.” The lack of audience made it difficult for Darsow to introduce the image.
Bid Rejected: Darsow’s Attempt to Sell as a Babyface
When the pressure was on, Darsow made a bold request to McMahon: turn the swamp into a baby shape. Unfortunately, McMahon rejected the idea. This is a turning point for Darsow. “I told Vince to give notice because that wasn’t what we were talking about, and I was leaving a few months later,” Darsow recalled.
The Final Series: An Invitation to Become a Doctor of Technology
Even after his resignation, McMahon tried to keep Darsow by giving him another gimmick. This time his character was Doink the Clown, a character who would later become famous in WWE history. However, Darsow did not care. “I told him I don’t know if I can do this and I don’t want to do it again,” Darsow said. He decided to leave WWE forever.
New Chapter: Tarmac Bullies in WCW
After leaving WWE, Darsow sought new opportunities in WCW, where he returned as the Blacktop Bully. This innovation allows Darsow to demonstrate its strength and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling.
Conflicting Issue: Fired from WCW
Despite his success, Darsow’s stay in WCW was not without controversy. In 1995, he was fired by WCW manager Eric Bischoff after a disastrous “King of the Road” match at an unsuccessful pay-per-view event. Dassault and his opponent Dustin Rhodes were bloodied during the match, violating WCW’s no-knife policy. The violations led to the firing of wrestler and manager Mike Graham, marking the end of Darsow’s WCW career.
“Mr. Hole-In-One” Barry Darsow WCW Promo Photo [1999]
Reminder how the WWE has all of these WCW promo photos in their archives in high-resolution that we just haven’t ever seen. pic.twitter.com/sTrf9SliYN
— WCW Worldwide (@WCWWorldwide) April 11, 2024
A legacy of innovation
Barry Darsow’s journey into the world of professional wrestling has tested his ability to adapt and reinvent himself. From the powerful Visitor to the Repo Man and the tough Blacktop Bully, Darsow’s work is a story of resilience and creativity. His experiences reflected the challenges and triumphs of life in the squared circle, leaving a lasting impression on wrestling history.
