MISC News Mickey Rourke says a WWE Hall of Famer inspired him to sign on for "The Wrestler," calls for the U.S. Department of Labor to look into wrestling Sep 17, 2008 - 10:11 AM Email This Article | Printer Friendly Page Send Us News & Results | Back to Main Listing Mickey Rourke admits he was initially not attracted to the role he ended up taking in The Wrestler. "I did not have an attraction to it, coming from a boxing background," he told Slam Wrestling. Rourke began researching the industry by meeting with wrestlers and revealed that a former WWE Hall of Famer was an inspiration for his character. "Greg "The Hammer" Valentine was this big, big guy in, maybe his early 60s, but he was still all tanned, and with all this long blonde hair," Rourke said. "He spoke about wrestling with such enthusiasm, and such pride." Rourke noted that his meeting with Valentine inspired him to accept the movie role. Meanwhile, Rourke and director Darren Arnofsky sounded off on the lack of benefits available to pro wrestlers. "Absolutely, these (promotions) should be looked into," Rourke said. "There's no insurance, no pensions." To read the full article, visit Slam Wrestling. Powell's POV: Very interesting article. Rourke and director Darren Arnofsky also had very kind words for Necro Butcher, and they sounded off on the industry's problems. The article is written by former WWE creative team member Ranjan Chhibber and is highly recommended. Is it possible that Rourke and Arnofsky could help spark change in the industry if the movie becomes a hit? HELP SUPPORT DOT NET! BECOME A MEMBER AT OUR CHARTER RATE OF JUST $5 A MONTH - GET THE FIRST LOOK AT EXCLUSIVE INSIDER DOT NET NEWS, TONS OF EXCLUSIVE AUDIO SHOWS, MESSAGE BOARD ACCESS, START YOUR OWN BLOG, AD-FREE MAIN LISTING: SIGN ME UP (or MORE INFO) GOT AN IPHONE OR IPOD TOUCH? THEN BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD OUR NEW FREE iPhone APP: (click here!) (or SEARCH "pro wrestling" in iTunes App Store) FOR MORE BREAKING WWE & TNA NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE PWTORCH.COM (click here!) FOR MORE MMA & UFC NEWS AND COMMENTARY, VISIT OUR AFFILIATE MMATORCH.COM (click here!) CLICK TO RETURN TO DOT NET MAIN LISTING OR SELECT A LINK BELOW FROM THIS CATEGORY MISC News Latest Twelve Articles Pro Wrestling Guerilla "Battle of Los Angeles" tournament begins tonight with Austin Aries, Brian Kendrick, Alex Shelley, El Generico, Roderick Strong, Kenny Omega (correspondents needed) Wrestler's Rescue auctioning the gear that a former NWO wrestler wore in a match against Ric Flair Former ECW owner Paul Heyman can sympathize with UFC president Dana White Dragon Gate USA booker Gabe Sapolsky responds to WWE star Chris Jericho mocking him TMZ readers believe Hulk Hogan used fake blood during his press conference angle with Ric Flair Hulkamania Tour: Video footage available of Ric Flair bloodying Hulk Hogan at a press conference