The following is a transcript of the Gerwick Hotline's interview with Joanie Laurer conducted April 16, as sent to PWTorch.com by Steve Gerwick. The direct link is: http://www.gerweck.net/joanielaurerinterview.htm.

Steve Gerwick: What projects are you currently involved in?

Joanie Laurer: I am working on several big projects at this time that I am very passionate about. I have just finished production for a VH1 series, Fame Games, which was done in Vegas and was a lot of fun for me because I got to do a lot of physical stunts and I love working out and being physical. I am also one of the leading ladies in a comedy film Illegal Aliens. Last month I was at a hugely successful screening for the movie and I am told it got picked up for a theater release. I believe a movie called Romantic Wrestling Comedy which I co-starred in is also coming out soon as well. In addition I plan on doing many promotional appearances and autographs signings very soon. I have many great projects on the table.

Gerwick: Talk about working with Anna Nicole Smith?

Laurer: Anna is a great friend. She was a true professional and a very funny lady. Despite what you read about her in magazines she is not crazy. She is very intelligent and very talented.

Gerwick: What do you take away from your experience doing the "Surreal Life."

Laurer: I took away some great friendships and beautiful experiences. These people really became my family and helped me through some very tough times in my life and helped me realize that I had to get my life together and I couldn't thank them enough for that.

Gerwick: Do you keep in contact with Sean Waltman?

Laurer: I do not. I have not spoke with Sean since last January. I have nothing negative to say about him, I have said everything I had to say, our relationship was the worst thing I had ever been through and I hope Sean is able to find happiness in his life.

Gerwick: Are you benefiting financially from the release of your video with Waltman?

Laurer: No, I did the video with Sean for our enjoyment, but when he let it get into the hands of an outside party I decided to release it before the other party did, but Sean went and did a deal with the Red light District behind my back and I was not given any money for the video. Now that I look back on it I would have never even made the video but it all happened at a time in my life when my life was spinning out of control and I lost sight of who I was.

Gerwick: There were rumors that you went into rehab after your appearance on the Howard Stern TV show. True or false?

Laurer: False, I did not go to rehab. I actually went to a place that specializes in helping people who have battles with depression. After about a week I decided to stop drinking and these people were able to help me deal with the drinking problems, then I got great professional representatives who deal with people that have addictions so they have been able to help me stay on the right path and I owe a lot to them.

Gerwick: What is your reaction to the finished DVD - "101 Reasons Not To Be A Pro Wrestler"?

Laurer: I actually had not seen it until recently. I thought it was very well done and I am very glad I did it to get my views on wrestling out there.

Gerwick: What do you miss most from not being in the wrestling business?

Laurer: The instant gratification from twenty thousand fans, there is nothing like the reaction of thousands of screaming fans, it is a complete adrenaline rush.

Gerwick: Have you had any contact with Vince McMahon in recent times? Any chance you’ll return to WWE?

Laurer: Never say never. I am an actress, a model and a wrestler. At this time I have a lot going for me and do not wish to return. I went through too much to return at this point but I am forever indebted to the WWE for their help in making me a star. I had many good memories with them and the good will always out shine the bad ones.

Gerwick: Why did your relationship with WWE end?

Laurer: I was up for contract renewals and after I found out that Triple H had cheated on me and I confronted him about it. Then I was put in the Women's Division and had to take a pay cut. I tried to remain professional about the whole thing but the WWE wanted to make it personal. Many people thought that I had gotten the big head and asked for a billion dollars but that was not true. The contract which they presented me did not let me do other things and I would have gone backwards in my career and I didn't want to do that to myself or my fans who had watched me for many years.

Gerwick: Do you have any regrets looking back to your WWF days?

Laurer: No regrets. I enjoyed my time there and now look forward to the future.

Gerwick: Do you have a favorite WWF match or memory?

Laurer: Probably winning the Intercontinental Championship. I worked very hard for it and felt honored to hold a title that so many greats before my time had done.

Gerwick: Talk about working with Eddie Guerrero. Thoughts on his untimely passing.

Laurer: Eddie was a great guy. He was always cracking jokes. I would always go out to the ring with a smile on my face when working with him. That smile was not an act. He was a good friend and always made me smile. When I heard he died, my heart was broken. God Bless you Eddie.

Gerwick: Are you still in contact with anyone currently in wrestling? Last time you spoke to Triple H?

Laurer: I do keep in contact with some of the old New Japan gang since I am always working out at the L.A. Dojo, but I live a very busy life, as do the wrestlers so I do not get to see much of my old friends. The last time I spoke with Triple H was in 2004 when he went to get Sean at a hotel to take him to rehab. Despite breaking my heart, I do wish Triple H all the success in the world.

Gerwick: Do you keep up with the WWE product? TNA? If so, what is your opinion of the product?

Laurer: I do not keep up wrestling. As I said I have been very busy, so I don't really find the time. If I am not on the set, I am at a production meeting, or an opening, or working out. To me wrestling is not what it use to be. There are a lot of politics. When I began my career we did not have all of that, everyone looked out for everyone else, now everyone is in it for themselves.

Gerwick: At one time, TNA expressed an interest in working with you. Did you strongly consider it?

Laurer: Yes, I did, but at that time I got sick with phenomena and was unable to make it. I called them to let them know this. Right now I don't have a desire to work with them at this point.

Gerwick: Any chance we’ll see you return to pro wrestling in the future?

Laurer: Possibly, but not right now I am happy with where I am at. I did a lot in wrestling and loved my time there, but there comes a time when everyone needs to move on. I do NOT feel I am better than wrestling, as many have speculated. Wrestling made me famous and I can't thank the people who helped me enough, but I just felt I had to move on. In the right place and at the right time I might return.

Gerwick: Why did your relationship with New Japan and Antonio Inoki end?

Laurer: I really felt like I had done all I could do in wrestling at the time. I loved being in Japan. I was doing something no one had ever done before and making history. It was the biggest thing in that country. I really didn't know what I had gotten myself into, but I am glad I did it. My match with Chono was featured on the cover of every magazine and newspaper. I have no idea what any said but to have people scream your name in a totally different part of the world is just amazing. And to be able to influence so many people on such a big level is something I am very proud of.

Gerwick: What is the biggest misconception do you think people have of you?

Laurer: That I'm stupid. I am a college graduate, I speak four different languages and have a major in foreign language. I love to read and write and plan on releasing another book in the future.

Gerwick: Any last words for your fans?

Laurer: I love all of you. I can't tell you how much your support has meant me. You were all there with me through the good times and the bad times and when I was at my lowest it was my fans who helped pick me up and I thank you all for that. You will all be seeing a lot more of me and will always be special to me.

Give me your initial reaction or a short statement about the following:

Gerwick:Vince McMahon

Laurer: Brilliant

Gerwick: Linda McMahon

Laurer: Smart

Gerwick: Stephanie McMahon

Laurer: Beautiful

Gerwick: Shane McMahon

Laurer: Athletic

Gerwick: Shawn Michaels

Laurer: Friend

Gerwick: Triple H

Laurer: Cerebral

Gerwick: Sean Waltman

Laurer: Bad news

Gerwick: Road Dogg

Laurer: Entertaining

Gerwick: Billy Gunn

Laurer: Friend

Gerwick: Eddy Guerrero

Laurer: Smile

Gerwick: Killer Kowalski

Laurer: Unique

Gerwick: Antonio Inoki

Laurer: Father figure

Gerwick: Steve Austin

Laurer: Entertaining

Gerwick: Jeff Jarrett

Laurer: Guitar

Gerwick: Miss Kitty/Stacy Carter

Laurer: The Kat

Gerwick: Chris Jericho

Laurer: Fozzy

Gerwick: Kane

Laurer: Monster

Gerwick: Lita

Laurer: Amazing

Gerwick: Scott Steiner

Laurer: Peaks

Gerwick: Hugh Hefner

Laurer: Sweet Heart

Gerwick: Joanie Laurer

Laurer: Survivor

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