What do you think of pro wrestlers as athletes? —D. Schultz, via Facebook
Arnold’s Answer
I’ve always had nothing but respect for wrestlers and all of sports entertainment. I think they are some of the best showmen (and women) on the planet.
In the 1970s, “Superstar” Billy Graham made time to train with me at Gold’s Gym. I was tremendously impressed by his size, as well as his strength—there are pictures of him bench-pressing 500 pounds while I look on; Google them. Of course, everyone knows that Jesse Ventura and I made Predator and The Running Man together, and he was unforgettable in both movies.
I’m pleased to see Paul “Triple H” Levesque and his wife, Stephanie McMahon, on the cover of a recent M&F issue. You may remember when I appeared on an episode of Smackdown in 1999 and got to slap Triple H (as part of a story line, of course!).
I appeared again this past March to promote my movie Sabotage, and I got to do a vignette with the immortal Hulk Hogan—as big a thrill for me as it was for the fans.
I’m glad to see that sports entertainers are getting the respect they deserve as athletes and storytellers. I look forward to working with them in the future and laying many more smackdowns!
Your in Iron,
Arnold Schwarzenegger
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