Chris Bauer Interview Reveals Exciting Details About Heels Season 2

Chris Bauer: Thank you. Foley and Funk are definitely key ingredients in the mix. Terry Funk is like the flour in the bread, for sure. But it’s interesting because I draw inspiration from various sources. I love watching old promos, and while Bill doesn’t possess the idiosyncrasies of Macho Man [Randy Savage], he does have that intense focus and camera presence that Macho Man had. He also embodies the showmanship of DDP and the psychological danger of Jake “The Snake” [Roberts].

There are bits and pieces of different wrestlers that I incorporate into the character. Jake was incredibly predatory in the ring, and I remember Chavo Guerrero telling us to slow down and own the ring, which immediately reminded me of Jake. It’s funny because now I’ll watch other wrestlers and think, “Oh, he’s got a Wild Bill element.” It’s not something I consciously pull from, but there’s a certain trait that some wrestlers embody, and it’s also present in Wild Bill.

Chris Bauer: Just like how Eddie doesn’t simply enter the ring. The lights come on, he marches down the ramp, and he dives right into the action. There’s a singular focus in his narrative, a passion and authenticity that resonates with the audience. Bill adds his own flair and dance steps to it, but he’s on a mission. And that’s what I love about the character.

Chris Bauer: Absolutely. There have been enough anecdotes and reports to suggest that it’s a plausible occurrence. In season 1, Diego Cottonmouth questions Bill about his pill intake, and Bill brushes it off, insisting he’s fine. So there’s definitely a cause and effect there. But what I find great about that moment is how it pays homage to the unwavering commitment of a great wrestler. I believe, as the character, that Bill manages to turn it around and not become a laughingstock.

Chris Bauer: Well, if anybody would sh** their pants with pride, he’s the guy. He’s the best. The Best in the World, in fact.

Chris Bauer: Bill and Tom Spade, go back to the genesis of the DWL. And they followed their dreams together. They came up together. And they started off with a sort of naive, but relentless passion as dreamers. Heels begins much later in the timeline of the Tom and WIld Bill relationship. But in season 2, I think it’s really nice to see a little bit more of the biography between those two, and a little bit more detail of what went down. And I think it sheds a little more complicated light on Wild Bill. I wouldn’t say it’s a revelation, because I think he’s always been loyal. I think he’s always been an adherent of old school wrestling ethics. You can trust him in the ring. I think people might be surprised you can actually trust him in life, too.

Chris Bauer: I believe Bill thinks they are meant to be together. He knows that unless Willie feels the same way, he will be alone. Season 2 explores the dynamic between them, and it’s really beautiful.

Chris Bauer: I completely agree. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such talented writers. They are thoughtful, empathetic, clever, intelligent, and truly understand the human experience. It’s a privilege to portray characters created by writers of this caliber on Heels.

Chris Bauer: Wow, that’s an interesting question. I’ve never really thought about it. I imagine he would create a buzz around the State Fair finale. He would come up with a clever pun about excitement and maybe even make a joke about “number two” to grab attention. Something like, “Hey, folks! Keep an eye on Number Two! Number Two will make you feel like number one!” He’s quick-witted like that.