The Steve Austin Show
Episode: Ivory aka Lisa Moretti PART TWO - SAS CLASSIC
Date: March 5, 2026
Host: Steve Austin
Guest: Lisa Moretti (Ivory)
Episode Overview
In this lively, candid episode, Steve Austin reconnects with wrestling legend Lisa Moretti—better known as Ivory—to cover the winding roads of her wrestling career, from her days in GLOW through the WWF/WWE, all the way to her Hall of Fame induction. The conversation, filled with behind-the-scenes stories and thick with old-school wrestling camaraderie, highlights Ivory's journey as both an in-ring performer and industry trailblazer, her transition through various wrestling eras, and her reflections on the evolution of women’s wrestling.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Breaking In: Ivory’s WWF Entry & First Impressions
[06:09–14:06]
- How it started: Ivory recalls being recruited for a one-off WWF gig while juggling multiple jobs—including as a Revlon trainer.
- Quote: "They were looking for a girl that could look good in a dress and take a bump." (Lisa Moretti, [06:19])
- Backstage dynamics: Describes arriving at the arena with her Revlon gear and being mistaken for one of the Godfather’s "hoes" until Luna Vachon and Steve Lombardi vouched for her as a seasoned worker.
- Quote: "She's a worker. She's not a hoe." (Luna, [09:01])
- Quote: "She's a worker. Pay her like a worker, not a hoe." (Steve Lombardi, [09:26])
- Unexpected connections: Scotty 2 Hotty recognized her from a Universal Studios stunt show.
- Juggling gigs: Recounts flying directly after the show to fulfill her Revlon teaching duties—arriving with her "hoe dress" still on due to lost luggage.
2. Early WWF Landscape & Challenges of the Women's Division
[14:06–19:44]
- Transition to wrestling: Initial concern about fitting in a landscape dominated by models over wrestlers, wanting to focus on in-ring action rather than sex appeal.
- Quote: "I was hoping that they would require that I get into [my boots] and start tangling. So they did, thank God..." (Lisa Moretti, [14:51])
- Audience reception issues: Faced discouragement over "puppies" chants from crowds. Jackie Moore gave perspective:
- Quote: "We just have to train them different." (Jackie Moore, [17:09])
- Chyna's advice: "You just need to shut up because you're here. That means you're good. They don't just let anybody work here." (Chyna, relayed by Lisa, [18:57])
3. Creative Direction & Right To Censor
[19:44–25:14]
- Gimmicks and guidance: Vince Russo’s only direction—just "be a bitch" as Ivory.
- Quote: "That was about the gist of my direction. Just be a bitch, Ivory." (Lisa, [19:50])
- Embracing Right to Censor: Stephanie McMahon tentatively pitched the idea—Ivory jumped at it, relishing the chance to "sink [her] teeth into" a character.
- Performing heel vs. babyface: Ivory discusses the freedom and fun of being a heel versus the restrictions of being a face.
- Quote: "When you're a heel, you are not constrained one bit. You can say what you want, you can do, you can laugh, you can hiss..." (Lisa, [24:24])
4. Locker Room Politics, Hardcore Matches, and "Diva" Label
[28:06–36:22]
- Early "catty" environment: Wrestlers skeptical of outsiders; Molly Holly ushered in a new era of women workers.
- Notable matches: Discusses early women’s hardcore matches, working with Jackie, Luna, and more.
- On the "diva" transition: Discomfort with the image focus as "divas" replaced "women wrestlers."
- Quote: "They were making us Sports Illustrated models … instead of women who wrestle on a wrestling program." (Lisa, [35:01])
5. Career Pivots: From Studio Host to Wanting More In-Ring Action
[36:22–40:06]
- Behind the desk: Took on a studio hosting role ("talking head"), which offered comfort but left her unsatisfied due to a passion for wrestling.
- Quote: "But I was disgruntled because there was still some good action to be had back in the ring..." (Lisa, [37:35])
- Mentoring: Enjoyed working with Tough Enough, training aspiring wrestlers.
6. Reflections on Tough Enough, Teaching, and Return to Ring
[41:27–44:38]
- Tough Enough chemistry: Loved the crew of trainers and the raw ambition in participants.
- Back to in-ring action: Found transitions back challenging, especially when paired with less-experienced models.
7. Hall of Fame, Legacy & Thoughts on Modern Women's Wrestling
[44:38–51:07]
- Career highlights & legacy: Reflects on three women’s titles, legendary feuds, working with pioneers like Moolah & Mae Young.
- Quote: "I’m just glad that women are still coming out to the ring and there’s still a few of us out there that want to do wrestling..." (Lisa, [45:27])
- Pride in progress: Emotional appreciation of the rise in women’s wrestling quality and diversity.
8. GLOW Netflix Series – Real vs. Fiction
[51:07–55:38]
- Reviewing the show: Ivory praises the series for capturing the "kooky, weird ass time" of the 80s and combining real experiences with strong storytelling.
- Quote: "They did a great job of taking what they know, what sells … and mixing it in with what really was our experience." (Lisa, [51:21])
- Addressing criticism: Understands why some GLOW originals felt slighted but would’ve made the same creative choices as the producers.
9. Preparing for Hall of Fame, Personal Trivia & Social Media
[56:56–63:38]
- Speech prep: Lisa is putting care into her induction speech, gathering fan input on who should induct her, and seeking to "enjoy the moment."
- Debunking rumors: Firm denial about being in the landscaping business as Wikipedia claimed.
- Quote: "I don’t—Not a landscaper. I don’t like it." (Lisa, [60:04])
- Embracing social media: Recently joined Twitter & Instagram, enjoying reconnecting with fans and friends.
- Twitter: @morettiivory
- Instagram: @lisamorettiofficial
10. Parting Advice and Message to Fans
[66:39–67:09]
- Lisa’s “big push”:
- Quote: "Just, you know, be nice to your animals and go walk your damn dogs and get them spayed or neutered." (Lisa, [66:39])
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "She’s a worker. She’s not a hoe." – Luna (as recounted by Lisa, [09:01])
- "I was taught that you don’t say no in wrestling. You say, yeah, how can we make that work?" – Lisa, [30:18]
- "When you’re a heel, you are not constrained one bit… There is that freedom. And as the baby face… there is that box." – Lisa, [24:24]
- "I was disgruntled because there was still some good action to be had back in the ring, and I wanted to be in my boots and not be a talking head..." – Lisa, [37:35]
- "There’s not a lot of girls that can do this… you put up with it, you take your craft seriously and you deliver. And there’s not a lot of girls that can do this." – Lisa, [45:53]
- "I don’t… Not a landscaper. I don’t like it." – Lisa, [60:04]
Important Timestamps
- 06:09 – Lisa gets her WWF "hoe train" gig, first impressions backstage
- 09:01 – Luna and Lombardi vouch for Lisa as a "worker," not just another extra
- 14:06 – Realization of the "model" era and her desire to wrestle instead
- 17:09 – Jackie Moore’s perspective & “train them different”
- 19:44 – Gimmick as directed by Vince Russo, entering Right to Censor
- 24:24 – The creative freedom of being a heel vs. babyface
- 35:01 – Frustrations with the "diva" era
- 45:27 – Emotional legacy and pride in women's wrestling progress
- 51:07 – Ivory’s review of the Netflix GLOW series
- 60:04 – Refuting Wikipedia rumors about landscaping
- 66:39 – Parting advice: "Be nice to your animals and go walk your damn dogs"
- 67:44 – Steve's closing compliment: "You paved the way for a lot of these young ladies today."
Tone and Style
The conversation is down-to-earth, with plenty of humor, honesty, and glimpses behind the curtain of wrestling’s golden (and not-so-golden) eras. Lisa’s voice is candid, humble, and passionate about wrestling as a craft—not just a spectacle—while Steve Austin brings his trademark wit, respect, and genuine curiosity as both an old friend and fan.
Summary for Non-Listeners
If you missed the episode, you’ll get a vivid sense of Ivory’s journey, the shifting tides of women’s wrestling, backstage realities of the Attitude Era, and the bittersweet thrills of a lifelong pro-wrestling career. Whether you love wrestling, women’s sports history, or just great storytelling, this candid conversation brims with colorful anecdotes, hard-earned wisdom, and a celebration of the unsung grind behind wrestling glory.