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Karl Stern Interviews "Masked Superstar" Bill Eadie

Posted: Sep 12th 2008 By: CMBurnham

Beginning in 1973, Bill Eadie began a whirlwind wrestling career which would take him all over the world. Two different generations would view him as a top superstar. Those who were fans of pro wrestling in the 1970's into the early 1980's recognized The Masked Superstar as one of the best big man workers in the business and a master on the microphone.

After a brief stint as the Super Machine in WWF, Eadie soon morphed into the gimmick that he would be best remembered as by fans of mid-1980's through the early 1990's: Demolition Ax.

When I asked the legend who were the most influential people during his career, Eadie said, "I would have to say George Scott. He was the booker for Mid Atlantic at that time. He first made the suggestion to begin the Masked Superstar gimmick and gave me the opportunity to be featured as a single. Another would have to be Newton Tattrie, (Geto Mongol), he trained me and took me on as a partner which gave me a good opening to start off working with main event talent in a good strong position on the card."

There is one person whom Eadie says should be given special credit. "Perhaps the most important person would have to be my wife, Sue. We were married before I got into the business. She allowed me to leave a good secure teaching job and take the chance chasing a dream. She stood by me through the bad times and long trips away from home. She also made many sacrifices that permitted me to chase my goal. She raised two daughters while I was on the road and did an amazing job. Without her support I don't really think I would have been able to make the decisions I had to over my career. She always supported me even if the choices I made looked like bad ones at the time."

Among the most memorable matches and angles in his career, Eadie says, "As I have mentioned many times I was fortunate to be involved in several angle type matches. Igor, Mulligan, Paul Jones, Mr. Wrestling II, Tommy Rich, Antonio Inoki, Andre the Giant, Dino Bravo, Tags against The Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & Dynamite Kid), Tito Santana and Rick Martel, the Hart Foundation, the Powers of Pain, and many others. I enjoyed aspects from them all and have different positive memories from each. I couldn't make a choice."

Which role did The Masked Superstar/Demolition Ax most like to play during his career? I thought for certain it would be the heel role since he was most often featured in that capacity but Eadie said, "I always like the comfort level of the heel but did enjoy both. I am somewhat of a control person and being the heel allowed me to take charge without reservations."

Would he do it again?

"I would do it all again." says Eadie. "The only thing that I would change would be to take my family with me more often. I did when it was possible but I do feel my girls and wife would have enjoyed more overseas trips but it wasn't possible most times."

Now that his career is winding down (Eadie still works shows on occasion including recent tag matches with Barry "Demolition Smash" Darsow) how does The Masked Superstar reflect on life after wrestling?

"Life is good after the business but I still am able to be around it when I choose to. I am able to make several events per year and attend various conventions, etc. I really enjoy that and I also enjoy the opportunity to be home with my family. I have four grandsons, 13, 4, 2 1/2 and 18 months. I enjoy being around them. I didn't get a chance to spoil my daughters a much as I would have liked. I can do things with the kids now with lots of spare time. If I want to make an event I can. If I want to do a family thing now I can choose to do that to. I have no regrets. I have always said I got paid to go all over the world and was allowed to see sights that the many people paid thousands of dollars to see."

Tags: Masked Superstar, WWF, Andre the Giant, Barry Darsow, Mr. Wrestling II, Smash