“Hardcore” Holly Discusses Growing Up With Wrestling, “Tough Enough,” His Book

WWE recently caught up with former multi-time Hardcore Champion Bob “Hardcore” Holly to discuss his wrestling career and what he’s up to these days. Below are some of the highlights of the article.

On growing up around several wrestling territories as a kid and looking up to certain superstars:

“I couldn’t wait for Saturdays,” he said. “I would see Pat Patterson, Pepper Gomez, Bob Roop and Mr. Saito on Big Time. And Portland Wrestling had Jesse Ventura, Roddy Piper and Curt Hennig, a lot of big names that went on to do big things.”

Holly was also known as one of the toughest men to step into a ring, and this was shown as he was a coach on one of the older seasons of “Tough Enough.” There, he roughed up contestant Matt Cappotelli. On the incident:

“What blew the whole thing out of proportion was him crying on the show. It was called ‘Tough Enough,’ ” he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I was in the ring and got popped in the mouth and bled a little. I never said anyone was too rough.” 

He also gave insight to his autobiography:

“I wanted it to be honest as it could be,” he said. “I didn’t want it to be bitter or bashing anyone, but a straightforward book. I wanted it to be like I was sitting there, telling you the stories. That’s how it came out.”

The entire piece can be read here.

Editor’s Note

I always liked Holly. He was a guy who lived and breathed wrestling. Never a huge star, but he was a player.

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