In the world of wrestling, there have been several legends who walk among us, and one is Bill DeMott.
Bill DeMott has had a prolific career as a wrestler, performing in the WCW, WWE, ECW, and others. After he retired from the sport, he became a coach for WWE’s Tough Enough program until 2015. He started a non-profit organization called the Keri Anne DeMott Foundation, which works to raise awareness on the consequences of drunk driving.
DeMott’s story is one of strength, resilience, and a can-do attitude. I sat down with him recently to discuss his career and his non-profit.
McElwain: What are the top three highlights of your wrestling career?
DeMott: Looking back on almost 35 years in this industry, it is tough to come up with my top three highlights. But I will give it a shot: 1) Being able to see the world by working in Japan, Mexico, and Puerto Rico before I ever had a thought or dream of becoming a “superstar.” 2) After WCW was bought by WWF, I was given a phone call letting me know that they wanted me to become part of their company. 3) The first time I won the WCW United States Championship and the whole locker room came out to congratulate me!
McElwain: Describe wrestling in one word.
DeMott: Whirlwind!
McElwain: What do you hope your non-profit organization can do to help those struggling with alcoholism?
DeMott: We don’t. The Keri Anne DeMott Foundation recognizes that “alcoholism” is a disease. However, we focus on ending and educating about Drunk, Impaired, and Distracted driving, as well as helping and supporting VICTIMS of this epidemic!
McElwain: Where do you see wrestling going in the next 30 years?
DeMott: There has been such a change in this industry from Divas to Women, from Attitude Era to PG Era, and now with all this streaming and lack
of live events. I’m not sure if “wrestling” will be around in 30 years. If it is, you will probably have to go to Vegas to see an entertaining
McElwain: What’s your advice to anyone wanting to make it in the world of wrestling?
DeMott: My advice is this: If you are doing what you like, having fun and making money, you made it! You don’t need anyone else defining you, whether it’s AEW, WWE, TNA, or the independent circuit. But, if you want to run with the big companies, you gotta learn a lot more than a headlock take-over! The days of “Wrestling” are over, and you must try extra hard to be different because everyone is flip-flopping and flying. Right now, it’s probably the easiest it’s ever been to call yourself a “Pro Wrestler.”
McElwain: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
DeMott: I am 60 years old this year. If I am alive at 90, I hope and pray that I see my children be successful, happy, and healthy. I pray that my wife is well and continues to be the amazing woman she is. Hopefully, when most people speak of or about me, there is something positive that came from their experience with me.
McElwain: Describe your experience in WWE in five words.
DeMott: Confusing, Demanding, Selfish, Amazing, and Gratifying!
