Unveiling the Rugged and Untamed Odyssey of Heels Star Chris Bauer in Season 2

Summary

Heels season 2 dives deeper into the story and characters of the Duffy Wrestling League, with Wild Bill Hancock returning as an important figure.

The future of the league is at stake as the DWL encounters a fresh challenge from Charlie Gully, a competing wrestling promoter.

In Season 2, delve into Wild Bill's past and unravel his connection with the late Tom Spade. Additionally, discover the complexities of his strained relationship with Willie Day.

Chis Bauer reprises his role as Wild Bill Hancock in season 2 of Heels, which delves deeper into the storyline and characters of the Duffy Wrestling League. The new season picks up after the DWL's triumphant success at the Georgia State Fair, although Bill himself experienced an embarrassing incident when he soiled his own tights.

In season 2 of Heels, brothers Jack Spade (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig) are forced to set aside their differences as the DWL faces a formidable adversary. Rival wrestling promoter Charlie Gully (Mike O'Malley), who holds a grudge against the Spade brothers, is determined to take down the DWL by promoting his own Florida Wrestling Dystopia. Furthermore, this season delves into the backstory of Wild Bill and his late best friend, Tom Spade (David James Elliott), as well as Bill's strained relationship with Willie Day (Mary McCormack).

Chris Bauer Talks Wild Bill's Past & Future In Heels Season 2

Chris Bauer discusses Wild Bill's wrestling influences, embarrassing mishaps in the ring, and the exceptional writing in Heels season 2. Please note that this interview took place prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, and it's important to acknowledge the significant contributions of the writers and actors from WGA and SAG-AFTRA that made this show possible.

Screen Rant: I am a lifelong wrestling fan, and I love Heels. I'm the guy you made the show for.

Chris Bauer: Wow. That means extra coming from a wrestling fan.

Were you a wrestling fan before the show started or did Heels make you one?

Chris Bauer acknowledges that he used to be a wrestling fan, but he distinguishes himself as a lowercase "f" fan compared to an uppercase "F" fan. He expresses sincere respect for dedicated fans. Initially, he became interested in indie wrestling in Southern California around 2010 or 2011 and was immensely impressed by it. During this time, his son also developed an interest in WWE wrestling, so Chris started taking him to indie matches. For several years, both Chris and his son enthusiastically followed indie wrestling. This passion led Chris and his late friend Alan Denkinson to establish a promotion called QPW. However, after organizing just one match and experiencing constant fear of injuries, Chris realized that he was not meant to be a promoter but rather a mere poser in the wrestling world. Nevertheless, his fan energy and deep appreciation for wrestling remained strong due to his encounters with many wrestlers who demonstrated incredible ethics, hard work, and remarkable generosity behind the scenes, even though they might not want it publicly known. By the time the show "Heels" came along, Chris had become an extreme admirer of wrestling, almost surpassing the label of a fan. Portraying a professional wrestler on "Heels" has brought him immense joy in his career.

I recently spoke with Luke Hawx, the stunt coordinator for Heels, and he was incredibly impressed with the dedication and hard work that the actors put into their wrestling performances. Are you also heavily involved in the wrestling scenes, or do you rely on the expertise of the stunt team?

Chris Bauer: I mostly leave the wrestling to Damian Wayne, who serves as my double. In my opinion, Damian deserves to be recognized in the Road Dog Hall of Fame for the countless matches he has performed. However, I did participate in enough wrestling to establish that my character belongs in the ring. That being said, I have a realistic understanding of my level of skill. Stephen and Xander, on the other hand, are in a league of their own. Stephen can wrestle proficiently and Xander is essentially an acrobat. Kelli Berglund, despite starting from scratch, has also developed impressive wrestling abilities.

But if I were to take over wrestling from Damien, it would be like snatching the violin from the front row of a symphony and exclaiming, "Let me give it a try!" I can create some noise, but I won't be able to take the spotlight. However, the wrestlers I have always admired not only possess exceptional physical abilities but also radiate a captivating energy and demonstrate a dedicated commitment to their persona. I aimed to infuse Wild Bill with a plethora of the principles and dramatic vocabulary inherent in the world of professional wrestling, so that someone else can handle the actual wrestling skills as they rightfully should. Yet, I remained unwavering in my desire to pay homage to the art of wrestling when it comes to speaking into the microphone. Additionally, I considered how a skilled wrestler gracefully maneuvers through the arena.

Wild Bill excels at promos, delivering truly amazing monologues in Heels. When I observed your portrayal of Bill, I noticed shades of Mick Foley and Terry Funk. Who else served as inspiration for the character?

Chris Bauer: Thank you. They definitely played a part in shaping Bill. I would say Terry Funk is like the essential ingredient, like flour in bread. Interestingly enough, I watch various clips and enjoy old promos. While Bill doesn't possess Macho Man's quirks, he does share the same focus and camera presence. Additionally, he exhibits showmanship reminiscent of DDP and the sinister psychology of Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

Now, there are small fragments. Jake had such a predatory presence in the ring. I can still recall the early days when Chavo Guerrero, who guided us through our initial weeks of training, which feels like ages ago, used to say, "Take it slow, take it slow, move at a slower pace. This ring is yours." That immediately reminded me of Jake, and it's something I have incorporated and depend on. It's amusing because sometimes I come across wrestlers I haven't seen before Heels, and I'll think to myself, "Oh, he has a Wild Bill element." You know what I mean? Like Eddie Kingston. I'm not imitating him in my performance, but there's a characteristic that he embodies, which is also present in Wild Bill.

It's like having a journeyman-like quality.

Chris Bauer admires how Eddie doesn't simply enter the ring, but instead, the lights illuminate his path as he confidently marches down the ramp and jumps into action. This display of unwavering focus and passion in the storytelling portrays authenticity and realism. Bill, however, adds his own touch by adorning feathers and incorporating dance steps, although he retains the same sense of purpose. Personally, I am enamored by this aspect of the character.

Season 2 seamlessly continues from where Season 1 left off. Bill finds himself in an unfortunate incident while in the ring – he accidentally soils his pants. It's quite comical. I wonder if this particular scenario was inspired by any real-life wrestling mishaps, as it has occurred to some famous individuals on multiple occasions.

Chris Bauer suggests that there is enough anecdotal evidence to consider the possibility as viable. In season 1, Diego Cottonmouth asks Bill if he should be taking so many pills, to which Bill responds that he is fine and requests the pills anyway. This exchange demonstrates a cause and effect relationship. What I find remarkable about this moment is how it pays tribute to the unwavering dedication of a great wrestler. As subjective as I may be because I play the character, I believe he skillfully maneuvers the situation to avoid becoming a laughingstock.

I recall a similar incident involving CM Punk. It is said that while he was in WWE, he faced a staph infection and resorted to taking pills. During a match or at ringside, he experienced an unfortunate accident. I believe this incident actually occurred.

Chris Bauer: He is truly the epitome of pride and excellence. Without a doubt, he is the finest individual, being recognized as the absolute Best in the World.

During the second season, viewers are immersed in the captivating history of the Spade family, tracing back to the remarkable connection between Wild Bill and Tom Spade. The show impressively delves into the intricate dynamics between Bill and Tom, as well as Willie and Carol. While I won't reveal any specific details, could we touch upon this fascinating backstory?

Chris Bauer: Bill and Tom Spade have been with the DWL since its inception, as they pursued their shared dreams. They started out as optimistic and driven individuals, fueled by their passion. Heels focuses on a later phase in the Tom and Wild Bill dynamic. In season 2, it is fascinating to witness a deeper glimpse into their personal stories and the intricate layers that shape Wild Bill. While it may not be a groundbreaking revelation, his unwavering loyalty and adherence to traditional wrestling principles are evident. He is not only trustworthy inside the ring, but also in the reality of life.

Is there potential for Bill and Willie to have a future together? Their past is filled with so much connection, it almost feels like a parallel universe where they could have ended up together. Chris Bauer shares that Bill believes in their destiny, but acknowledges that unless Willie feels the same, he will be left alone. In Season 2, we have the opportunity to explore the intricate dynamics between these two characters, which is truly enjoyable.

I'm enamored by the profound connections between these individuals, and reflecting on the past when everything started and observing how it led to the beginning of Heels. The show's writing is exceptional.

Chris Bauer: Absolutely. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work with exceptionally talented writers. They are considerate, compassionate, ingenious, perceptive, and they understand the complexities of human existence. It's an incredible experience to portray characters crafted by such remarkable writers like the ones we have on Heels.

Content must be written in English:

Wild Bill has proven himself to be an exceptional promoter. If given the task of hyping up season 2 of Heels, how do you think Bill would approach it?

Chris Bauer: This is quite an intriguing question. It never crossed my mind before. I imagine he would capitalize on the excitement of the State Fair finale. He would cleverly integrate a playful reference to a funny situation, perhaps involving him being surprised or amazed. Bill might say something like, "Hey, folks! Keep your eyes on Number Two! Number Two will make you feel like number one!" Something along those lines. He has a knack for thinking on his feet.

About Heels Season 2

Don't miss our exclusive interviews with the cast of Heels season 2, including the talented Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig who portray the warring brothers, Jack Spade and Ace Spade respectively. Discover how their characters must reconcile their conflicting differences and confront long-held family secrets in order to secure the future of DWL, as they face a formidable rival wrestling league seeking to dismantle their business.

Alison Luff

Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig

Robby Ramos, Allen Maldonado, Trey Tucker

Mary McCormack

New episodes of Heels season 2 air Fridays on STARZ.