In a relatively short period of time Shannon Ward has become one of wrestling's most popular female performers. As Daffney in WCW, Shannon showed fans a whole new type of female character, one who got over on her talent and energy, rather than just looking good. Shortly before WCW was sold to the WWF, Shannon was released from the company along with most of the other women on the roster. In this TWV exclusive interview, I asked Shannon how the DaffnEy character came about, her thoughts on Crowbar and David Flair, and the release among other topics.

MP: You were pursuing acting at the time, when you got the call to audition for WCW. What were your thoughts at the time on working for a wrestling company?
SW: At first, I didn't think I would like it. But, I guess it's the mix of acting and athleticism that got me hooked. I love it.

MP: At the start you were paired with David Flair. How was he to work with?
SW: He was very nice.

MP: You brought an energy to the Daffney character that isn't seen too much with most women's characters in wrestling. What do you credit that to?
SW: The fact that Daffney acts like a kid sometimes, and the screaming. Screaming=Energy.

MP: Probably one of the matches you were involved in that fans remember most, was the "wedding gown" match with Stacy Keibler. Did participating in that type of match bother you at all?
SW: Well, actually yes. I didn't want to be stripped in front of an entire audience. That's why I wore that ugly ass body suit under my lace dress.

MP: Who helped the most during your WCW tenure?
SW: Helped in what sense? Crowbar was the most help with teaching me moves and always looking out for me.

MP: Whose idea was the screaming?
SW: Ed Ferrara told me to run down the hall screaming at the top of my lungs after I bit Jerry Only on the nose. I said, "As loud as I can?" After that, I started to do it all the time.

MP: Who came up with all the different looks Daffney would have from week to week?
SW: Me. I came up with all the shirt ideas, or took suggestions from my husband or guys in the back, crew or workers. Then I would build a look around what it was going to say.

MP: WCW wasted Crowbar pretty badly, amongst other poor decisions. What do you think was the problem in that organization?
SW: I don't know because I've never run a federation. It must be tough coming up with catchy story lines week after week.

MP: Shortly before the whole WWF-WCW deal went down, you were released along with four other female performers. There was a tremendous outpouring of fan support for them to change their mind and give you your job back. Did you think so many people thought so highly of your work?
SW: I never knew. I must say that there is a group of fans (I call them my Daffanatics) that visit my site and a certain fan site. They got me through my release. I love those guys.

MP: Speaking of that, how do you feel about the WWF acquiring WCW?
SW: I hope its a good thing

MP: Currently you've hooked up with Dusty Rhodes' Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling. How did that come about?
SW: My husband (The Duke) was friends with Shocker Sean Evans. He called him up and set things up for me.

MP: Finally, what would your dream job be in the wrestling business?
SW: Daffney Dudley (without having to go through too many tables).