In the world of professional wrestling, few journeys are as tumultuous and riveting as that of Scott Levy, better known to fans as Raven. His career, marked by extreme highs and lows, includes stints in major promotions such as WCW and WWE before his groundbreaking tenure in ECW. Recently, Raven opened up about his challenging early years in a candid interview with “Wrestling Shoot Interviews,” revealing the frustrations and setbacks that shaped his path to wrestling stardom.
Raven’s initial foray into WCW began under the moniker Scotty Flamingo, where he competed until 1993. His departure from WCW led him to WWE, where he reinvented himself as Johnny Polo. However, his time in WWE was marred by dissatisfaction and a lack of in-ring opportunities. “Not a great period of time,” Raven reflected. “I wasn’t wrestling, I wasn’t doing what I wanted to do. At that time, I wanted to wrestle, but when they took me off TV completely, I quit. I was managing, but they had me stop managing and doing the wraparound segments on the All-American show, which was the No. 2 show. They just wanted me to produce, and I’m like, ‘That’s not what I got in this business for.'”
The frustration of being sidelined in favor of behind-the-scenes roles ultimately led Raven to make the difficult decision to leave WWE. His departure was driven by a deep-seated passion for wrestling that was not being fulfilled. “I got into this business to be in the ring, not behind the curtain,” he emphasized.
Raven’s experience in WCW last year was just as tumultuous but for a different reason. The Ravens, led by Booker Bill Watts, were unceremoniously dismissed because of their size. “Watts came and got me out, which was ridiculous, and it was for a great cause,” Raven said. Shooting was a big problem, especially considering the mentality in the industry at the time that favored big boxers. Despite having a lot of talent, Raven has gone against the expectations of WCW management.
The size issue also plagued Raven during her time in the WWE, with Vince McMahon also deeming her “too small.” This mindset limited his opportunities and limited him to non-boxing activities, which only made him more frustrated. “Only Sean ‘X-Pac’ Waltman of the WWE was shorter than me at the time,” Raven said, referring to the challenges he faced in an era dominated by larger-than-life characters
His woes in WWE were compounded by a feud with Vince McMahon, exacerbated by Raven’s off-screen antics. Known for her rebellious nature, Raven often clashed with McMahon over her partying lifestyle, particularly her close relationship with Vince’s son Shane McMahon This pressure led to her business relationship with company had him more difficult, causing him to eventually leave.
Raven’s revelations provide a poignant insight into the struggles he faced during his early wrestling career. His journey is a testament to his resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft. Despite the setbacks, Raven’s determination to pursue his passion for wrestling never wavered, ultimately leading him to the success and recognition he found in ECW and beyond.
The wrestling world is no stranger to tales of hardship and perseverance, but Raven’s story stands out for its raw honesty and the stark realities he endured. His experiences serve as a reminder of the often unseen challenges that wrestlers face behind the glitz and glamour of the ring.
