Memphis Wrestling 11-22-08
0.5 (8,103 viewers) 1 share
-Landell
-A Express vs ECBB
-DK interview
-DK vs Kamala [start]
1st Quarter
0.2 [3241 viewers]
-DK vs Kamala [finish]
-Lawler vs Rex
-Brian C vs Doom
-Wrestling Professor [start]
2cnd quarter
0.4 [6421 viewers] [+3241 viewers]
-Wrestling Professor [finish]
-Lawler vs Dundee [start]
3rd Quarter
0.6 [9662 viewers] [+3241 viewers]
-Lawler vs Dundee [finish]
-Dundee interview
-Dundee on the phone interview
4th Quarter
0.8 [12903 viewers] [+3241 viewers]
Start to Finish = +9662 viewers
----Although the ratings are still low with only about 13.000 people watching the show, this show had perfect show increases. What I am saying here is that TV people want their show to increase with every quarter and this show did that. It increases the same amount every quarter – 3241 viewers – and ended with the high quarter. This would have been a great sign for Memphis Wrestling if they starting out at 3.0 and increasing .2 every quarter.
Memphis Wrestling Poll Results
Thumbs Up 60%
Thumbs Down 40%
+20%
----I actually gave the show a Thumbs Up this week just due to the fact that it aired some interesting stuff. Was the show good?? Not really, especially if you ware wanting new stuff. The Lawler/Dundee stuff was good and it will always be good no matter what year it is.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
RassleResults: SAW Millersville, TN 11.28.08
1. Sigmon beat Chris Hall.
2. Drew Haskins beat Tatt2
3. TJ Harley beat Frank Malone.
4 Gary Valiant & Arrick Andrews beat Chris Michaels& Rick Santel.
5 Chase Stevens beat JT Stahr.
6. Hammerjack & Bad Boy Dixon beat Krull & Harold Knight.
SAW Episode 69 features Raven, and is available free online at www.championshipwrestling.tv/saw69.wmv.
Attendance: 120 - 130
Credit: fullforcepro
2. Drew Haskins beat Tatt2
3. TJ Harley beat Frank Malone.
4 Gary Valiant & Arrick Andrews beat Chris Michaels& Rick Santel.
5 Chase Stevens beat JT Stahr.
6. Hammerjack & Bad Boy Dixon beat Krull & Harold Knight.
SAW Episode 69 features Raven, and is available free online at www.championshipwrestling.tv/saw69.wmv.
Attendance: 120 - 130
Credit: fullforcepro
RassleResults: USWO Nashville, TN 11.28.08
79 attended
Travis Starr & Shawn Hoodrich b Convict & Super Delirious Black Ninja via stereo sunset flips
Nazi Terror b JD Fluffy
"Cousin" Jason Xavier b Josh Crowe to win the USWO Jr. Championship
Petey Wright b Damien Payne
USWO Champion Jeremiah Plunkett b Psycho Medic
Shane Eden & Steven Green b Saint & Tim Renesto by DQ when Saint hit Green with a chair
Nazi Terror won a 10-man Thanksgiving Rumble pinning Travis Starr
Credit: Jimmie Daniel
----I know a Nazi would still be considered a heel, but damn come up with something else!!...Looks like the attendance pretty much stayed the same for the post-Thanksgiving show.
Travis Starr & Shawn Hoodrich b Convict & Super Delirious Black Ninja via stereo sunset flips
Nazi Terror b JD Fluffy
"Cousin" Jason Xavier b Josh Crowe to win the USWO Jr. Championship
Petey Wright b Damien Payne
USWO Champion Jeremiah Plunkett b Psycho Medic
Shane Eden & Steven Green b Saint & Tim Renesto by DQ when Saint hit Green with a chair
Nazi Terror won a 10-man Thanksgiving Rumble pinning Travis Starr
Credit: Jimmie Daniel
----I know a Nazi would still be considered a heel, but damn come up with something else!!...Looks like the attendance pretty much stayed the same for the post-Thanksgiving show.
Friday, November 28, 2008
"What Memphis Watches" - Quickies
Life has run me ragged over the past 2 weeks (momma been sick) and I haven't been the most reliable reporter but I did want to post last week's numbers in "quick mode". Enjoy!
TNA Impact 11-20-08
1.7 (27,549 viewers) 2 share
WWE Smackdown 11-21-08
2.7 (43,754 viewers) 4 share
Memphis Wrestling 11-22-08
0.5 (8,103 viewers) 1 share
quarter hours: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8
WWE RAW 11-24-08
5.6 (90,748 viewers) 8 share
TNA Impact 11-20-08
1.7 (27,549 viewers) 2 share
WWE Smackdown 11-21-08
2.7 (43,754 viewers) 4 share
Memphis Wrestling 11-22-08
0.5 (8,103 viewers) 1 share
quarter hours: 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8
WWE RAW 11-24-08
5.6 (90,748 viewers) 8 share
The Thompson Perspective 11.28.08 by Brian Thompson
Let me begin this edition of the “Thompson Perspective” by saying that I hope each and every one of you enjoyed your “Thanksgiving.”
We all sometimes get so caught up in what we are doing that we forget to be truly thankful for everything we have. I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends and family. I’m sure you all have the same so, if you didn’t yesterday, be sure to take a moment to think about what you have to be thankful for.
I’ve discussed message boards as part of my column on several occasions. We’ll, in addition to local boards, I’ve recently become hooked on the board at www.wrestlingclassics.com. You have wrestling fans and personalities from across the country discussing the business – past, present and future. And you even have the occasional off-topic discussions that are intriguing as well.
There was recently a post that I found very entertaining. Someone posted about memories of people who truly “believed.” He brought up an instance in the early 1980’s during a church service in Texas. During the portion of the service where the pastor asked for prayer requests, someone stood up and asked that everyone pray for Kevin Von Erich. The gentleman said that Kevin had been “beaten up pretty bad by the Freebirds.”
That is awesome! Those of us involved in the business have seen people who believe. I’ve seen some around here, but they are really in abundance in places I’ve been like East Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.
That story reminded me of my late uncle, who was married to my mom’s sister.
In the late 1980’s thru the late 1990’s, I would tape World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) television shows and take them to my grandparents’ house each Sunday. It was a weekly tradition for our family members to gather there for Sunday dinner. Well, before and after dinner, my uncle and I would watch wrestling. He was a “believer” to say the least. He always liked to yell at the referees for making bad calls. He passed in 1999 and, in a way, part of my enjoyment of wrestling died as well.
Do you have a story like this? If so, share it on the RRO News Message Board!
As you have all read I’m sure, Sal Corrente has teamed with myself, Brian Tramel and the site in a re-release of Bruno Sammartino’s autobiography. I really enjoyed editing the book and I hope those of you who purchase the book will enjoy it. It is a good read and really is a story about a man who just happened to be a wrestler as much as it is a wrestler’s autobiography. Keep in mind the time frame of its release – 1990. This was LONG before the wrestling book craze primarily started by Mick Foley in 1999.
I want to tip my hat and say “thank you” to Loose Cannon for some recent kind words about me in his column that can be found at a number of locations including www.hollywoodjimmy.com. Cannon takes a lot of grief and sometimes I haven’t always agreed with his opinion, but you can’t deny that he has a lot of passion. No matter what promotion he works for, he’s very loyal to making it a success. He will do his best to get the word out. And, you can look back in the archives of this site, sometimes he has had the best or most logical matches on local cards.
I was on a show with him a couple of years ago in Harrisburg, AR, and I reported at the time that I thought he had the most logical match. So instead of jumping on the typical “bash Cannon” bandwagon, I’m going to take the high road and give him a “thank you.”
That’s it for this edition of my column.
Again, I hope you all had a great “Thanksgiving!”
Take care all.
(Brian Thompson is a contributor to www.rronews.com. He has been involved in the wrestling business since May 2000 in a variety of capacities. Currently he serves as an announcer and public relations director for New Experience Wrestling and the “Nightmare” Ken Wayne School of Professional Wrestling. He may be reached by e-mail at bptbookings@yahoo.com)
We all sometimes get so caught up in what we are doing that we forget to be truly thankful for everything we have. I am truly blessed to have wonderful friends and family. I’m sure you all have the same so, if you didn’t yesterday, be sure to take a moment to think about what you have to be thankful for.
I’ve discussed message boards as part of my column on several occasions. We’ll, in addition to local boards, I’ve recently become hooked on the board at www.wrestlingclassics.com. You have wrestling fans and personalities from across the country discussing the business – past, present and future. And you even have the occasional off-topic discussions that are intriguing as well.
There was recently a post that I found very entertaining. Someone posted about memories of people who truly “believed.” He brought up an instance in the early 1980’s during a church service in Texas. During the portion of the service where the pastor asked for prayer requests, someone stood up and asked that everyone pray for Kevin Von Erich. The gentleman said that Kevin had been “beaten up pretty bad by the Freebirds.”
That is awesome! Those of us involved in the business have seen people who believe. I’ve seen some around here, but they are really in abundance in places I’ve been like East Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.
That story reminded me of my late uncle, who was married to my mom’s sister.
In the late 1980’s thru the late 1990’s, I would tape World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) television shows and take them to my grandparents’ house each Sunday. It was a weekly tradition for our family members to gather there for Sunday dinner. Well, before and after dinner, my uncle and I would watch wrestling. He was a “believer” to say the least. He always liked to yell at the referees for making bad calls. He passed in 1999 and, in a way, part of my enjoyment of wrestling died as well.
Do you have a story like this? If so, share it on the RRO News Message Board!
As you have all read I’m sure, Sal Corrente has teamed with myself, Brian Tramel and the site in a re-release of Bruno Sammartino’s autobiography. I really enjoyed editing the book and I hope those of you who purchase the book will enjoy it. It is a good read and really is a story about a man who just happened to be a wrestler as much as it is a wrestler’s autobiography. Keep in mind the time frame of its release – 1990. This was LONG before the wrestling book craze primarily started by Mick Foley in 1999.
I want to tip my hat and say “thank you” to Loose Cannon for some recent kind words about me in his column that can be found at a number of locations including www.hollywoodjimmy.com. Cannon takes a lot of grief and sometimes I haven’t always agreed with his opinion, but you can’t deny that he has a lot of passion. No matter what promotion he works for, he’s very loyal to making it a success. He will do his best to get the word out. And, you can look back in the archives of this site, sometimes he has had the best or most logical matches on local cards.
I was on a show with him a couple of years ago in Harrisburg, AR, and I reported at the time that I thought he had the most logical match. So instead of jumping on the typical “bash Cannon” bandwagon, I’m going to take the high road and give him a “thank you.”
That’s it for this edition of my column.
Again, I hope you all had a great “Thanksgiving!”
Take care all.
(Brian Thompson is a contributor to www.rronews.com. He has been involved in the wrestling business since May 2000 in a variety of capacities. Currently he serves as an announcer and public relations director for New Experience Wrestling and the “Nightmare” Ken Wayne School of Professional Wrestling. He may be reached by e-mail at bptbookings@yahoo.com)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
----I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday. I am very thankful this year for my friends and family!!! You are all the best!!!
RRO ON TOUR!! Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jimmy Hart, Sal Corrente, Brian Thompson and Brian Tramel - All At the Same Show!!
----Next weekend I will be attending the biggest show of this site's history as I will be taking an offical RRO "road trip" with Brian Thompson at the helm. I have plans to present the show match by match Wi-Fi. I will have more on that as the week goes. If anyone reading this in other areas of the country want to designate a meeting place sometime on Saturday, then drop me a line!!
FIRST TIME IN 20-YEARS THESE FOUR HAVE WRESTLED EACH OTHER!
One of the most famous feuds of all time in the Carolinas returns for one last time! The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) battle The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton & "Sweet" Stan Lane) managed by "The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente.
Live wrestling action featuring REID & DAVID FLAIR managed by RIC FLAIR versus THE NASTY BOYS managed by JIMMY "MOUTH OF THE SOUTH" HART, and more to be announced! Plus special live appearance of "The Nature Boy" RIC FLAIR!
JUST ANNOUNCED! SPECIAL REFEREE FOR MAIN EVENT
"THE IMMORTAL" HULK HOGAN!
FIRST TIME IN 20-YEARS THESE FOUR HAVE WRESTLED EACH OTHER!
One of the most famous feuds of all time in the Carolinas returns for one last time! The Rock 'n' Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) battle The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton & "Sweet" Stan Lane) managed by "The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente.
Live wrestling action featuring REID & DAVID FLAIR managed by RIC FLAIR versus THE NASTY BOYS managed by JIMMY "MOUTH OF THE SOUTH" HART, and more to be announced! Plus special live appearance of "The Nature Boy" RIC FLAIR!
JUST ANNOUNCED! SPECIAL REFEREE FOR MAIN EVENT
"THE IMMORTAL" HULK HOGAN!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Flashback: A book review...
This week I’m taking a little detour and doing a review of Dusty Wolfe’s new book, “Journal of A Journeyman”. The book was put together by Brian Tramel and Brian Thompson.
On the front end, I’ll let you know I enjoyed the book. Tramel and Thompson did an excellent job of structuring the book, it flows well. I’ve read just about every wrestling book out there and this one reads as easy as any I’ve seen. There are 54 chapters that range from 2-5 pages each. I found myself picking it up to read a chapter or 2 frequently.
As far as Dusty’s story, it held my interest. I consider myself well versed in wrestling and always look for as much “meat and potato” stories as I can get. I’m not interested in books that are told in somewhat Kayfabe style (as if the matches were real). This book has it all: the good, the bad and the ugly. Most wrestling books focus on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the subject’s time in wrestling and Dusty’s is no different. Very little in-ring time is covered as the focus is more on his: travels, friends, enemies, family, finding work, keeping work, drinking, working in the big leagues (WWE/WCW), deaths, etc.
As you read the book, it’s quick to see that “Journeyman” is a good term to describe the travels of Dusty Wolfe. In addition to travelling all over the U.S., Dusty covers his tours of Canada, Japan, South Africa, Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Mexico, Israel, etc. There aren’t many places that Dusty didn’t travel to.
The toll that wrestling took on Dusty’s family life is made brutally clear. He doesn’t pull any punches and you can see the regrets he has. From not being there while his children grew up, to a string of ex-wives, Dusty talks about it all. In doing so, he acknowledges a life in wrestling was his decision to make.
There are many stories about the drunken times that occurred over the years. Some funny, some crazy. I did find myself thinking it sounded like a college frat party that never ended.
With the funny stories of drunken times, there are serious stories as well. Death of wrestlers are unfortunately a too common occurrence and Dusty cover the death of his good friend Ken Timbs (as well as Brusier Brody, Dick Murdoch, etc.) He pulls no punches and you can tell that the losses still affect him today.
The only thing I found hard to follow was the naming convention that they used. As an example, Ken Timbs and Ken Johnson became Ken T and Ken J. As I would read a chapter or 2 at a time, this became a hassle and I found myself having go back to previous chapters to try and find out who the Dusty was talking about.
In closing, I give the book a “thumbs up”. While the casual fan might not be interested in Dusty’s story, true wrestling fans will enjoy the journey through the dying days of kayfabe all the way into the Wal-Marts of wrestling (WCW & WWE).
----Mark James is the author of “Memphis Wrestling History – Cards, Matches, Results, Newspaper Clippings” Vol 1 and "Vol 2: The Programs 1972 - 1976" James also is the webmaster to the BEST Memphis Wrestling site in the area – memphiswrestlinghistory.com - Click on his site and order his books!!
On the front end, I’ll let you know I enjoyed the book. Tramel and Thompson did an excellent job of structuring the book, it flows well. I’ve read just about every wrestling book out there and this one reads as easy as any I’ve seen. There are 54 chapters that range from 2-5 pages each. I found myself picking it up to read a chapter or 2 frequently.
As far as Dusty’s story, it held my interest. I consider myself well versed in wrestling and always look for as much “meat and potato” stories as I can get. I’m not interested in books that are told in somewhat Kayfabe style (as if the matches were real). This book has it all: the good, the bad and the ugly. Most wrestling books focus on the behind-the-scenes aspect of the subject’s time in wrestling and Dusty’s is no different. Very little in-ring time is covered as the focus is more on his: travels, friends, enemies, family, finding work, keeping work, drinking, working in the big leagues (WWE/WCW), deaths, etc.
As you read the book, it’s quick to see that “Journeyman” is a good term to describe the travels of Dusty Wolfe. In addition to travelling all over the U.S., Dusty covers his tours of Canada, Japan, South Africa, Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Mexico, Israel, etc. There aren’t many places that Dusty didn’t travel to.
The toll that wrestling took on Dusty’s family life is made brutally clear. He doesn’t pull any punches and you can see the regrets he has. From not being there while his children grew up, to a string of ex-wives, Dusty talks about it all. In doing so, he acknowledges a life in wrestling was his decision to make.
There are many stories about the drunken times that occurred over the years. Some funny, some crazy. I did find myself thinking it sounded like a college frat party that never ended.
With the funny stories of drunken times, there are serious stories as well. Death of wrestlers are unfortunately a too common occurrence and Dusty cover the death of his good friend Ken Timbs (as well as Brusier Brody, Dick Murdoch, etc.) He pulls no punches and you can tell that the losses still affect him today.
The only thing I found hard to follow was the naming convention that they used. As an example, Ken Timbs and Ken Johnson became Ken T and Ken J. As I would read a chapter or 2 at a time, this became a hassle and I found myself having go back to previous chapters to try and find out who the Dusty was talking about.
In closing, I give the book a “thumbs up”. While the casual fan might not be interested in Dusty’s story, true wrestling fans will enjoy the journey through the dying days of kayfabe all the way into the Wal-Marts of wrestling (WCW & WWE).
----Mark James is the author of “Memphis Wrestling History – Cards, Matches, Results, Newspaper Clippings” Vol 1 and "Vol 2: The Programs 1972 - 1976" James also is the webmaster to the BEST Memphis Wrestling site in the area – memphiswrestlinghistory.com - Click on his site and order his books!!
Listen to this morning's Cheap Heat Radio w/Bruno Sammartino
Check out a special Thanksgiving Eve edition of Cheap Heat Radio w/Gene Jackson with our very special guest "the Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino. Bruno joined the show for a full hour to discuss his upcoming re-release of his Autobiography 'Bruno Sammartino: An Autobiography of Wrestling's Living Legend' which will come out on Dec. 9, 2008. Bruno talked about a variety of topics including: his very first match, the role of the atheletic commisions in pro wrestling and how it could have possibly saved the lives of many wrestlers had it stayed in place, wrestlers that he never got a chance to wrestle such as Jack Brisco and the Funks, why he returned to the ring in '86 after his retirement in '81 and why he hated it, the current status of his relationship with his son David, his thoughts on Ring of Honor, thoughts on "Superstar" Billy Graham, The Sheik, Dusty Rhodes, and many others, his take on MMA and what it means to current day pro wrestling, his response to Ric Flair's recent comments on him and Flair's comparison of the NWA champions to the WWF/WWWF champions, his current training regimine, and much more covered during the 60 minute interview with a true gentleman and legend of the industry.
NBW is Moviing Confirmed!!
----As reported earlier this week, NBW will be having their final show at the NBW Arena in Dyerburg, TN Saturday night. The following Saturday night they will begin a new chapter running at the RWL Arena in Newbern, TN. I had the chance to talk to NBW booker Jeremy Moore earlier yesterday and he seems to be happy to be in Newbern. He is excitied about running the new building. This building has a really nice setup and hopefully they can pull it off.
----As always, when it comes to wrestling in Dyersburg and the area, there is always something else going on. The Walkers do plan to run Saturday nights at the NBW Arena with a new name or old name of DCW/WOWF or both. I am hearing rumors that Derrick King has been contacted about booking for that show. Names like Ron Rage and Sarge O'Reilly have been told to me also. I also hearing that a lot of the talent will stay in Dyersburg and not move with Moore & NBW.
----What happens when all the dominos fall? Your guess is good as mine. I can't see where another show on Saturday night is going to help wrestling in this area, especially so close together. You have TIWF, which 30 minutes from Dyersburg. You will have NBW, which is 15 minutes away and then TLCW in Ripley, TN is about 30 minutes from Dyersburg. Four promotions this close together - the piece of the pie becomes smaller and it hurts all the promotions involved. TLCW and TIWF may not be affected by any of this, but NBW and new Walker promotion will duel it out.
----As always, when it comes to wrestling in Dyersburg and the area, there is always something else going on. The Walkers do plan to run Saturday nights at the NBW Arena with a new name or old name of DCW/WOWF or both. I am hearing rumors that Derrick King has been contacted about booking for that show. Names like Ron Rage and Sarge O'Reilly have been told to me also. I also hearing that a lot of the talent will stay in Dyersburg and not move with Moore & NBW.
----What happens when all the dominos fall? Your guess is good as mine. I can't see where another show on Saturday night is going to help wrestling in this area, especially so close together. You have TIWF, which 30 minutes from Dyersburg. You will have NBW, which is 15 minutes away and then TLCW in Ripley, TN is about 30 minutes from Dyersburg. Four promotions this close together - the piece of the pie becomes smaller and it hurts all the promotions involved. TLCW and TIWF may not be affected by any of this, but NBW and new Walker promotion will duel it out.
Shows For The Weekend: 11.27.08 to 11.29.08
----CLICK HERE for regular scheduled shows. We start out with the special shows on Thanksgiving Night in Kingsport, TN. Brian Logan recently regained the AWA Title.
THURSDAY
Southern States Wrestling
17th Annual Thanksgiving Spectacular
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Kingsport, TN
National Guard Armory
7:30 pm Bell Time
***Main Event***
The Match The Fans Demanded!
Tony "The Dragon" Givens
Vs.
"Handsome" Beau James
SSW Heritage Title Match
Champion, "Sensational" Wayne Adkins
vs.
KC Thunder w/ Dawn Renae
Non-Title Match
AWA World Heavyweight Champion
"The Disciple" Brian Logan
vs.
The Iron Cross
Special Event
"The Queen" Misty James & ???
vs.
Ryan Dookie & Kole Layton King
5 Round Taped Fist Boxing Match
Moe Jenkins
vs.
Bobo Brown
CW Television Title Match
"Notorious" Nick Hammonds
vs.
The Returning
John Noble
Top 10 Rankings Match
"The Real Deal" Chase Owens
w/ Ashlee Hope
vs.
"Young Gun" Cody Ices
*Card Subject to Change*
Ticket Information
Front Row: $ 10
Adults: $8
Children under 12: $5
Venue Information
National Guard Armory
4401 West Stone Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
www.championshipwrestlingtv.com
FRIDAY NIGHT
----LAW will be in Rector, AR for a "Thanksgiving Throwdown" Show. Idol Bane/Cody Only main event vs "The Asylum" [Pappy/Psycho].
SATURDAY NIGHT
----TLCW presents "Thanksgiving Throwdown II" with "Lumberjack Match" - Ring surrounded by bikers - Stan Lee vs "TGB" Greg Anthony, "Loser Leave Town" - Dustin Starr vs Flash Flanagan, No Dq: TLCW Tag Team Title Match: Dell Tucker/Cody Melton vs "Picture Perfect" [Chris O'Neal/Christian Jacobs], "Coffin Match": "The Barron" Malkavain vs Bishop, Chris Rocker vs Alan Steele and more. RRO will be there in full force to post an Arena Report.
THURSDAY
Southern States Wrestling
17th Annual Thanksgiving Spectacular
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Kingsport, TN
National Guard Armory
7:30 pm Bell Time
***Main Event***
The Match The Fans Demanded!
Tony "The Dragon" Givens
Vs.
"Handsome" Beau James
SSW Heritage Title Match
Champion, "Sensational" Wayne Adkins
vs.
KC Thunder w/ Dawn Renae
Non-Title Match
AWA World Heavyweight Champion
"The Disciple" Brian Logan
vs.
The Iron Cross
Special Event
"The Queen" Misty James & ???
vs.
Ryan Dookie & Kole Layton King
5 Round Taped Fist Boxing Match
Moe Jenkins
vs.
Bobo Brown
CW Television Title Match
"Notorious" Nick Hammonds
vs.
The Returning
John Noble
Top 10 Rankings Match
"The Real Deal" Chase Owens
w/ Ashlee Hope
vs.
"Young Gun" Cody Ices
*Card Subject to Change*
Ticket Information
Front Row: $ 10
Adults: $8
Children under 12: $5
Venue Information
National Guard Armory
4401 West Stone Drive
Kingsport, TN 37660
www.championshipwrestlingtv.com
FRIDAY NIGHT
----LAW will be in Rector, AR for a "Thanksgiving Throwdown" Show. Idol Bane/Cody Only main event vs "The Asylum" [Pappy/Psycho].
SATURDAY NIGHT
----TLCW presents "Thanksgiving Throwdown II" with "Lumberjack Match" - Ring surrounded by bikers - Stan Lee vs "TGB" Greg Anthony, "Loser Leave Town" - Dustin Starr vs Flash Flanagan, No Dq: TLCW Tag Team Title Match: Dell Tucker/Cody Melton vs "Picture Perfect" [Chris O'Neal/Christian Jacobs], "Coffin Match": "The Barron" Malkavain vs Bishop, Chris Rocker vs Alan Steele and more. RRO will be there in full force to post an Arena Report.
A Piece of my Mind-SPECIAL EDITION Nov 26th 2008-by "The Big Cheese" Sal Corrente
HULK HOGAN AND RIC FLAIR IN CHARLOTTE ON DEC 6TH 2008
I wasn’t supposed to post another blog until a week after Thanksgiving but as so often happens in life the unexpected happens. I have written about the upcoming show in Charlotte NC on Dec 6th and my role managing The Midnight Express (Eaton and Lane) vs. The Rock and Roll Express. This feud was legendary in the Carolina’s and this will more than likely be the last time that these teams meet. As everyone knows Stan Lane is retired and is not considering any events after these two. It’s like I told him lets go and have a good time one more time. He agreed and so we will be on our way in about ten days.
It’s just today that I got word that there would be even more fun than originally expected. It was already going to be a great night for me because along with Stan Lane my buddy “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart was going to be there managing his Nasty Boys against the team of Reid and David Flair managed by their father “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. I hadn’t seen David since he appeared on the World Wrestling Legends event that I appeared on in Orlando.
On top of that I was advised that “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan would be appearing on this event as well. I understood that it was a phone call from Ric Flair to Hulk Hogan advising him of his son Reid’s pro wrestling debut. When Hulk heard about that and the fact that so many of his buddies were going to be on the show he decided why not head up to Charlotte and lets have some fun and rock the house. So Hulk Hogan has been assigned as the special guest referee for the Flair’s vs. Nasty Boys match.
Some might say why would Hulk Hogan do something like this but if you knew Hulk you would know that it is totally in his nature to do something like this. If you have been enjoying Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling on CMT you will be able to feel the electricity first hand in Charlotte when Hulk Hogan enters the arena. I can assure Hulk Hogan and everyone else it will be a special night and by far the biggest indy Wrestling night in the Carolinas since the huge show I ran in Kannapolis NC in nineteen ninety seven headlined by The Road Warriors. I had the privilege to appear on the show at The Fed Ex Forum show last year that Hulk was on and I feel lucky to once again be on the biggest Indy show of the year.
I haven’t been on a show in Charlotte in quite a few years. I am very much looking forward to the night of action. It seems the building is going to be full of legends that night. One other thing to mention is not only will both of Ric Flair’s sons be wrestling but also the son of the man Ric Flair has called his greatest opponent will be wrestling Ricky Steamboat Jr.
If you haven’t got a ticket for this one yet I wouldn’t wait one more minute.I say don’t miss this show for anything if you are a wrestling fan. You can get all the details that you need at www.highspots.com be in Charlotte on Dec 6th.
This has been a piece of my mind
I wasn’t supposed to post another blog until a week after Thanksgiving but as so often happens in life the unexpected happens. I have written about the upcoming show in Charlotte NC on Dec 6th and my role managing The Midnight Express (Eaton and Lane) vs. The Rock and Roll Express. This feud was legendary in the Carolina’s and this will more than likely be the last time that these teams meet. As everyone knows Stan Lane is retired and is not considering any events after these two. It’s like I told him lets go and have a good time one more time. He agreed and so we will be on our way in about ten days.
It’s just today that I got word that there would be even more fun than originally expected. It was already going to be a great night for me because along with Stan Lane my buddy “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart was going to be there managing his Nasty Boys against the team of Reid and David Flair managed by their father “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair. I hadn’t seen David since he appeared on the World Wrestling Legends event that I appeared on in Orlando.
On top of that I was advised that “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan would be appearing on this event as well. I understood that it was a phone call from Ric Flair to Hulk Hogan advising him of his son Reid’s pro wrestling debut. When Hulk heard about that and the fact that so many of his buddies were going to be on the show he decided why not head up to Charlotte and lets have some fun and rock the house. So Hulk Hogan has been assigned as the special guest referee for the Flair’s vs. Nasty Boys match.
Some might say why would Hulk Hogan do something like this but if you knew Hulk you would know that it is totally in his nature to do something like this. If you have been enjoying Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling on CMT you will be able to feel the electricity first hand in Charlotte when Hulk Hogan enters the arena. I can assure Hulk Hogan and everyone else it will be a special night and by far the biggest indy Wrestling night in the Carolinas since the huge show I ran in Kannapolis NC in nineteen ninety seven headlined by The Road Warriors. I had the privilege to appear on the show at The Fed Ex Forum show last year that Hulk was on and I feel lucky to once again be on the biggest Indy show of the year.
I haven’t been on a show in Charlotte in quite a few years. I am very much looking forward to the night of action. It seems the building is going to be full of legends that night. One other thing to mention is not only will both of Ric Flair’s sons be wrestling but also the son of the man Ric Flair has called his greatest opponent will be wrestling Ricky Steamboat Jr.
If you haven’t got a ticket for this one yet I wouldn’t wait one more minute.I say don’t miss this show for anything if you are a wrestling fan. You can get all the details that you need at www.highspots.com be in Charlotte on Dec 6th.
This has been a piece of my mind
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
More Reviews for Dusty Book!!
----Joe Babinsack posted another review about "Journal of A Journeyman" on www.wrestlingobserver.com today. There are a few different things in it CLICK HERE to read it.
----RRO Site of the Year - Mid-Southern Message Board - posted the following review by Trent Van Drisse. CLICK HERE to read it. I sent Trent a note after reading the review, because during the time that Bruiser Brody was talking about going to the WWF everyone in the "kayfabe press" knew he was going to do the job for Hulk Hogan. It would have made him even a bigger star - he could have just went home and worked indys after a big Wrestlemania payoff. Brody was very smart to the business and knew that the angles leading up to the match would have had him just destroying Hogan and maybe even a win. For all you young pups, Hogan made a career of getting his ass kicked. I laugh every time I hear someone say that a babyface in this area would not take heat. Jerry Lawler, who will be known as the biggest star of this area, did the same exact thing - made a career of taking huge amounts of heat and then coming back for the win.
----Thanks to Joe and Trent for their kind words. I loved the book - Dusty tells a good story.
----RRO Site of the Year - Mid-Southern Message Board - posted the following review by Trent Van Drisse. CLICK HERE to read it. I sent Trent a note after reading the review, because during the time that Bruiser Brody was talking about going to the WWF everyone in the "kayfabe press" knew he was going to do the job for Hulk Hogan. It would have made him even a bigger star - he could have just went home and worked indys after a big Wrestlemania payoff. Brody was very smart to the business and knew that the angles leading up to the match would have had him just destroying Hogan and maybe even a win. For all you young pups, Hogan made a career of getting his ass kicked. I laugh every time I hear someone say that a babyface in this area would not take heat. Jerry Lawler, who will be known as the biggest star of this area, did the same exact thing - made a career of taking huge amounts of heat and then coming back for the win.
----Thanks to Joe and Trent for their kind words. I loved the book - Dusty tells a good story.
RassleResults: TLCW Ripley, TN 11.22.08
Stan Lee beat Jake Johnson [Jackhammer]
Commish Dustin Baker came out for Stan Lee to do an interview. Baker starts talking about the “The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony. Baker says TGB is not here tonight. TGB does an interview via cell phone. He talks about his lawyers since he was attacked last week by the fans. Cody Melton/Dell Tucker came out to the ring. “Picture Perfect” [Chris O’Neal/Christian Jacobs] comes out next and ask the Commish for a match. Dustin Starr then comes out and says he will be tagging with Cody/Dell and then Flash Flanagan comes out. Tag team match made for the titles. Commish then starts a battle royal for a shot at the TLCW Title after “Thanksgiving Throwdown”. It comes down to Flash and Dustin. Flash uses a chair and then goes to hit Dustin again, but Dustin jumps over the top rope. Flash vs winner of TGB vs Lee bout. Flash then challenges Dustin to “Loser Leave Town” Match for “Throwdown”.
“Rockin” Randy beat Jon “Biscuit” Roberts
“The Baron” Malkavain by DQ over Alex Krisis – Bishop interfered. Malkavain came out for his entrance in the coffin. Rashard Devon was left in the ring with Baron – Rashard pisses on himself. [gimmick water thingy] Baron puts Rashard in the coffin and before he can close it Bishop returns and beats him up.
“Picture Perfect” [Jacobs/O’Neal] vs Melton/Tucker was No Contest after the ref got posted. Commish announced after match – PP vs Melton/Tucker for Tag Team Titles – NO DQ.
80-85 in the crowd
----Backstage was “Trendsetter” Jon Michael...I am not a fan of all of the guys coming out to say this and that, but since next week is the BIG SHOW, then they have to get everything over.
Commish Dustin Baker came out for Stan Lee to do an interview. Baker starts talking about the “The Golden Boy” Greg Anthony. Baker says TGB is not here tonight. TGB does an interview via cell phone. He talks about his lawyers since he was attacked last week by the fans. Cody Melton/Dell Tucker came out to the ring. “Picture Perfect” [Chris O’Neal/Christian Jacobs] comes out next and ask the Commish for a match. Dustin Starr then comes out and says he will be tagging with Cody/Dell and then Flash Flanagan comes out. Tag team match made for the titles. Commish then starts a battle royal for a shot at the TLCW Title after “Thanksgiving Throwdown”. It comes down to Flash and Dustin. Flash uses a chair and then goes to hit Dustin again, but Dustin jumps over the top rope. Flash vs winner of TGB vs Lee bout. Flash then challenges Dustin to “Loser Leave Town” Match for “Throwdown”.
“Rockin” Randy beat Jon “Biscuit” Roberts
“The Baron” Malkavain by DQ over Alex Krisis – Bishop interfered. Malkavain came out for his entrance in the coffin. Rashard Devon was left in the ring with Baron – Rashard pisses on himself. [gimmick water thingy] Baron puts Rashard in the coffin and before he can close it Bishop returns and beats him up.
“Picture Perfect” [Jacobs/O’Neal] vs Melton/Tucker was No Contest after the ref got posted. Commish announced after match – PP vs Melton/Tucker for Tag Team Titles – NO DQ.
80-85 in the crowd
----Backstage was “Trendsetter” Jon Michael...I am not a fan of all of the guys coming out to say this and that, but since next week is the BIG SHOW, then they have to get everything over.
RassleResults: EPW Booneville, MS 11.22.08
"Dangerous" David Cox won a 3-way match over Keylo Green & Slammer.
Down To Party ("Prime Time" Nick Grimes & David Andrews) w/Nathan Lee defeated Devon Raynes & BB.
The Ghost Riders (Buzz Harley & Blade) vs. Bonecrusher & Soultaker ended in a no contest ruling when Pain, Inc. interfered in the match and attacked all four men.
Pain, Inc. (Brett Michaels & Izzy Rotten) w/Nathan Lee defeated The Executioners (Axe & Dagger) to retain the EPW Tag Team Belts.
PHAT Foundation (Justin Rhodes & Chris Fontaine) defeated Bitty Little & "Boogie Woogie Boy" Gary Valiant w/Ms. Boogie. This was an outstanding match - in fact it was the most entertaining match I have seen in a long, long time.
In the main event, it was Pure Destruction (Cody & Brody Hawk) over 24/7 (Kross & JR Mauler) by DQ. Another very good match. It's not over between these two teams, who absolutely hate each other.
About 60 fans were treated to an outstanding show.
Gary Valiant will be returning to EPW in the near future.
Next week's EPW card will include a 3-way tag team match, Pain, Inc. vs. The Ghost Riders vs. Bonecrusher/Soultaker. That will definitely be wild & crazy, and will probably be a bloody brawl, so don't miss it!
Credit: "Axeman" Randall Lewis @ www.wrestlingnewscenter.com
Down To Party ("Prime Time" Nick Grimes & David Andrews) w/Nathan Lee defeated Devon Raynes & BB.
The Ghost Riders (Buzz Harley & Blade) vs. Bonecrusher & Soultaker ended in a no contest ruling when Pain, Inc. interfered in the match and attacked all four men.
Pain, Inc. (Brett Michaels & Izzy Rotten) w/Nathan Lee defeated The Executioners (Axe & Dagger) to retain the EPW Tag Team Belts.
PHAT Foundation (Justin Rhodes & Chris Fontaine) defeated Bitty Little & "Boogie Woogie Boy" Gary Valiant w/Ms. Boogie. This was an outstanding match - in fact it was the most entertaining match I have seen in a long, long time.
In the main event, it was Pure Destruction (Cody & Brody Hawk) over 24/7 (Kross & JR Mauler) by DQ. Another very good match. It's not over between these two teams, who absolutely hate each other.
About 60 fans were treated to an outstanding show.
Gary Valiant will be returning to EPW in the near future.
Next week's EPW card will include a 3-way tag team match, Pain, Inc. vs. The Ghost Riders vs. Bonecrusher/Soultaker. That will definitely be wild & crazy, and will probably be a bloody brawl, so don't miss it!
Credit: "Axeman" Randall Lewis @ www.wrestlingnewscenter.com
RassleResults: TFW Tupelo, MS 11.21.08
A tournament to crown a new Lightweight Champion began tonight.
Tournament Match - Dirty Sanchez defeated Orion. After the match Orion attacked Sanchez and cut his hair. Sanchez advances to the next round of the tournament.
Tournament Match - Chris Chaos defeated "Dangerous" David Cox to advance in the tournament.
Tournament Match - Suicide defeated "The Greatness" Jay Webster & "Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs in a 3-way match to advance in the tournament.
Izzy Rotten defeated J-Kid.
"Southern Thunder" Chris Kilgore vs. Mason ended in a double DQ. This match was a brawl from the beginning with the referee unable to control it.
The Ghost Riders (Buzz Harley & Blade) defeated Bitty Little & Curly Moe.
Syn & DJ Stunner defeated TFW Tag Team Champions Sons of the South (Chris Styles & Josh Matthews) in a non-title match.
Chop Top the Clown defeated Neil "The Real Deal" Taylor to win the TFW Championship. Neil had said that if he could not beat Chop, he would leave TFW. So... bye bye Neil!
The TFW card for this Friday night will include a Texas Bull rope match between "Southern Thunder" Chris Kilgore and Mason. These two guys absolutely despise each other and I am sure it will be another major brawl. It will be great - so don't miss it!
Attendance was about 100.
Credit: "Axeman" Randall Lewis @ www.wrestlingnewscenter.com
Tournament Match - Dirty Sanchez defeated Orion. After the match Orion attacked Sanchez and cut his hair. Sanchez advances to the next round of the tournament.
Tournament Match - Chris Chaos defeated "Dangerous" David Cox to advance in the tournament.
Tournament Match - Suicide defeated "The Greatness" Jay Webster & "Bad Attitude" Tony Dabbs in a 3-way match to advance in the tournament.
Izzy Rotten defeated J-Kid.
"Southern Thunder" Chris Kilgore vs. Mason ended in a double DQ. This match was a brawl from the beginning with the referee unable to control it.
The Ghost Riders (Buzz Harley & Blade) defeated Bitty Little & Curly Moe.
Syn & DJ Stunner defeated TFW Tag Team Champions Sons of the South (Chris Styles & Josh Matthews) in a non-title match.
Chop Top the Clown defeated Neil "The Real Deal" Taylor to win the TFW Championship. Neil had said that if he could not beat Chop, he would leave TFW. So... bye bye Neil!
The TFW card for this Friday night will include a Texas Bull rope match between "Southern Thunder" Chris Kilgore and Mason. These two guys absolutely despise each other and I am sure it will be another major brawl. It will be great - so don't miss it!
Attendance was about 100.
Credit: "Axeman" Randall Lewis @ www.wrestlingnewscenter.com
Monday, November 24, 2008
ATTENTION SITE NEWS!!!
----RRO offices will pretty much be closed on Thursday and Friday. Unless there is some "breaking news", then look for both days to be slow news days. If you have a show this weekend or Thursday - please send in info ASAP. I plan to do the "Shows of The Weekend" tomorrow night. If you have not sent in results yet for this week, then PLEASE send them ASAP!! I plan to go back to normal posting on Saturday to catch up on everything I missed and I also plan to be at "Thanksgiving Throwdown" in Ripley, TN Saturday night.
NBW MOVES TO NEWBERN!!
----I have heard from various sources tonight that New Blood Wrestling will be moving from Dyersburg, TN to Newbern, TN taking over the RWL spot. I am not sure if they will be running Fridays or Saturdays. I am hearing that NBW "bought" the RWL building. This could be an interesting situation because it has been well documented that the Walkers, who own the NBW Arena in Dyersburg, wanted to start their own wrestling. Will there be another show in town or everything just go to Newbern??
----RWL debuted in Newbern on 1.22.08 and has become a place where most of the workers just go to have fun. No big crowds, no big payoffs or no big angles. Just simple stuff. I am not sure if this will help or hurt NBW. The building is real nice and if they can bring their fans to Newbern, then it should be a good fit.
----We will have more details as they come into the offices of RRO!!
----RWL debuted in Newbern on 1.22.08 and has become a place where most of the workers just go to have fun. No big crowds, no big payoffs or no big angles. Just simple stuff. I am not sure if this will help or hurt NBW. The building is real nice and if they can bring their fans to Newbern, then it should be a good fit.
----We will have more details as they come into the offices of RRO!!
Dusty Wolfe Book Review!!
----This was posted yesterday on www.wrestlingfigs.com
Journal of a Journeyman
By Dusty Wolfe
With Brian Thompson and Brian Tramel
www.rasslinriotonline.com
$19.99
Reviewed by Joe Babinsack
“Guys like the Fargo’s, Red Bastien, Terry Funk, Dick Murdoch, Johnny Valentine, and Roddy Piper wouldn’t stand a snow balls chance in hell today. Simply due to the fact that they wouldn’t be allowed to be themselves.”
Thus is the wisdom of Dusty Wolfe.
Dusty is a Texan, a world-traveler and a one-time Hollywood Blonde. He is, as the tile screams, a journeyman wrestler, with little presumption and no disdain for the moniker. He has been a booker, an organizer of various world tours (Singapore, India, South Africa and other wild and not so wild locales.)
Dusty comes to grips with the lifestyle of a true professional. Not just the pampered life of a superstar, who can now spill the beans for another big payday, but a man who made a living and worked, partied and paid for it while it happened.
His tale is an honest book..
One that reveals his regrets (missing most of the lives of his three children, and several failed marriages;) his ‘success’ in terms of actually living out a career as a professional wrestler, and learning an awful lot about the industry; as well as his accomplishments – overcoming a painful and debilitating disease, bouncing around the indy promotions and getting some good paydays from the WWF, from the WCW and from fans and promoters across the world.
Journeyman, in terms of Dusty’s life, is more than just a good phrase to call someone who has seen it all, knows a lot more than he’d ever be credited with, and has the track record of being a true veteran of the sport.
Considering the miles he’s flown, traveled and experienced, Dusty Wolfe truly is a journeyman, who has taken each tour, each stint, each date worked as a step in his rugged life.
What is it about the life of Dusty Wolfe that deserves further scrutiny?
Well, telling that story is Dusty himself, in the book, and I just can’t do that justice by rephrasing it. What I love about the book is the constant stream of stories, insights and gritty reality of life on the road.
What I love is how open and honest Dusty is about how his career destroyed his family life – especially his marriages – all the while he was able to lean on his mother (“Big Mama”) to help rear his boys. The only sidestep is his daughter, Dana, who likely was with her mother more often than not.
While there are some flaws, much are understandable. This is a 200 page book packed with details and information. There’s always a perception that it should be deeper, longer and more informative, but especially in terms of someone steeped in kayfabe, there’s a reality that getting so much is well worth getting.
The places where I wished I saw more (and let me say that this isn’t a Larry Z situation where too much was self-edited out) was when Dusty talked about Bruiser Brody, Dick Murdoch and Andre the Giant. Then again, we didn’t hear the obligatory Andre drunk two cases of beer story, only the “Andre did like me, and I was lucky” slant.
The Brody situation would have been much appreciated, though. Wolfe obviously knew the man, and had his friendship. But then again, and the same thing is true with Murdoch – this isn’t the story of anyone but Dusty Wolfe, and I’d more than likely complain if he did talk too much about other guys.
What is especially impressive is the strength of Dusty’s connections in the business.
He worked for Blanchard, for Jarrett, for Graham, for Jovica/Colon and for Vince. He worked for WCW, for various outlaw promotions and for shady promoters across the world.
And he sloughs off the notion that he booked and ran several tours for several guys, all the while dropping names like Tony Atlas, Bundy, Brody, Murdoch and assorted other journeyman, to fill out his cards and his several week tours of exotic locations.
Some locations are certainly scary enough. Whether tales of machine guns in Malaysia, troops in India or police pull-overs in Mexico, this is a man who faced far more than just his opponents, or con-artists or a wife gunning for a divorce!
But getting back to the contacts, it was amazing to read how some off-beat promoter in Texas was looking for the Ultimate Warrior for booking purposes in early to mid 1990’s, and sure enough, Dusty makes a few calls and puts them together.
Then, as shady promoters are want to do, the deal fell apart, and Dusty provides insight into the reality of the urban myths of two (or is it more?) Ultimate Warriors.
Pain is the purview of a professional wrestler, especially one who transitioned from the regional realities of the early 1980’s up until the truly modern, WWE dominated era today.
Wolfe was there for the deaths of several close associates, including Brody, including Murdoch. He was impacted by Eddie Guerrero’s untimely death – helping people contact Chavo Classic. (He ironically was also not so fond of Chavo for other reasons, early on in his career.)
Maybe you haven’t heard of Dusty Wolfe, but you certainly saw him, or his influences, if you have followed the sport over the past twenty five years.
He was there to help the American Starship break in.
(That’s Scott Hall and Dan Spivey if you need to know the trivia.)
He was there to help babysit Zeus.
(That’s the movie made rival of Hulk Hogan after the No Holds Barred fiasco.)
He was there as a Hollywood Blonde, learning the ropes from Jerry Jarrett and also from Eddie Graham.
And, like I said earlier, he gained the confidence of Bruiser Brody and Dick Murdoch, and from their reputations, that isn’t an easy feat to accomplish.
But after reading the book, I can readily understand the appreciation. Dusty Wolfe is honest, a good story-teller and was crazy enough to hang with the party types, and solid enough to be trusted by the best of the business.
Now, going back to complaints, I wish Dusty et al would have spelled out Ken Johnson and Ken Timbs more than just naming Ken T. and Ken J., but the associations he had with his trainer, and long time tag team partner were moving and important.
The absolute important aspect of this book is that it is the story of a professional wrestler who has seen it all, and who has no particular axe to grind. This isn’t the story of professional wrestling over the past 25 years, it’s the story of the career of one of its unsung heroes.
And because of that, I’d highly recommend this book.
Joe Babinsack can be reached at chaosonejoe@yahoo.com. My thanks to Georgiann Makropoulos for securing this book to review. It’s another perspective of the business, and one that you must read if you really want to appreciate the business.
Journal of a Journeyman
By Dusty Wolfe
With Brian Thompson and Brian Tramel
www.rasslinriotonline.com
$19.99
Reviewed by Joe Babinsack
“Guys like the Fargo’s, Red Bastien, Terry Funk, Dick Murdoch, Johnny Valentine, and Roddy Piper wouldn’t stand a snow balls chance in hell today. Simply due to the fact that they wouldn’t be allowed to be themselves.”
Thus is the wisdom of Dusty Wolfe.
Dusty is a Texan, a world-traveler and a one-time Hollywood Blonde. He is, as the tile screams, a journeyman wrestler, with little presumption and no disdain for the moniker. He has been a booker, an organizer of various world tours (Singapore, India, South Africa and other wild and not so wild locales.)
Dusty comes to grips with the lifestyle of a true professional. Not just the pampered life of a superstar, who can now spill the beans for another big payday, but a man who made a living and worked, partied and paid for it while it happened.
His tale is an honest book..
One that reveals his regrets (missing most of the lives of his three children, and several failed marriages;) his ‘success’ in terms of actually living out a career as a professional wrestler, and learning an awful lot about the industry; as well as his accomplishments – overcoming a painful and debilitating disease, bouncing around the indy promotions and getting some good paydays from the WWF, from the WCW and from fans and promoters across the world.
Journeyman, in terms of Dusty’s life, is more than just a good phrase to call someone who has seen it all, knows a lot more than he’d ever be credited with, and has the track record of being a true veteran of the sport.
Considering the miles he’s flown, traveled and experienced, Dusty Wolfe truly is a journeyman, who has taken each tour, each stint, each date worked as a step in his rugged life.
What is it about the life of Dusty Wolfe that deserves further scrutiny?
Well, telling that story is Dusty himself, in the book, and I just can’t do that justice by rephrasing it. What I love about the book is the constant stream of stories, insights and gritty reality of life on the road.
What I love is how open and honest Dusty is about how his career destroyed his family life – especially his marriages – all the while he was able to lean on his mother (“Big Mama”) to help rear his boys. The only sidestep is his daughter, Dana, who likely was with her mother more often than not.
While there are some flaws, much are understandable. This is a 200 page book packed with details and information. There’s always a perception that it should be deeper, longer and more informative, but especially in terms of someone steeped in kayfabe, there’s a reality that getting so much is well worth getting.
The places where I wished I saw more (and let me say that this isn’t a Larry Z situation where too much was self-edited out) was when Dusty talked about Bruiser Brody, Dick Murdoch and Andre the Giant. Then again, we didn’t hear the obligatory Andre drunk two cases of beer story, only the “Andre did like me, and I was lucky” slant.
The Brody situation would have been much appreciated, though. Wolfe obviously knew the man, and had his friendship. But then again, and the same thing is true with Murdoch – this isn’t the story of anyone but Dusty Wolfe, and I’d more than likely complain if he did talk too much about other guys.
What is especially impressive is the strength of Dusty’s connections in the business.
He worked for Blanchard, for Jarrett, for Graham, for Jovica/Colon and for Vince. He worked for WCW, for various outlaw promotions and for shady promoters across the world.
And he sloughs off the notion that he booked and ran several tours for several guys, all the while dropping names like Tony Atlas, Bundy, Brody, Murdoch and assorted other journeyman, to fill out his cards and his several week tours of exotic locations.
Some locations are certainly scary enough. Whether tales of machine guns in Malaysia, troops in India or police pull-overs in Mexico, this is a man who faced far more than just his opponents, or con-artists or a wife gunning for a divorce!
But getting back to the contacts, it was amazing to read how some off-beat promoter in Texas was looking for the Ultimate Warrior for booking purposes in early to mid 1990’s, and sure enough, Dusty makes a few calls and puts them together.
Then, as shady promoters are want to do, the deal fell apart, and Dusty provides insight into the reality of the urban myths of two (or is it more?) Ultimate Warriors.
Pain is the purview of a professional wrestler, especially one who transitioned from the regional realities of the early 1980’s up until the truly modern, WWE dominated era today.
Wolfe was there for the deaths of several close associates, including Brody, including Murdoch. He was impacted by Eddie Guerrero’s untimely death – helping people contact Chavo Classic. (He ironically was also not so fond of Chavo for other reasons, early on in his career.)
Maybe you haven’t heard of Dusty Wolfe, but you certainly saw him, or his influences, if you have followed the sport over the past twenty five years.
He was there to help the American Starship break in.
(That’s Scott Hall and Dan Spivey if you need to know the trivia.)
He was there to help babysit Zeus.
(That’s the movie made rival of Hulk Hogan after the No Holds Barred fiasco.)
He was there as a Hollywood Blonde, learning the ropes from Jerry Jarrett and also from Eddie Graham.
And, like I said earlier, he gained the confidence of Bruiser Brody and Dick Murdoch, and from their reputations, that isn’t an easy feat to accomplish.
But after reading the book, I can readily understand the appreciation. Dusty Wolfe is honest, a good story-teller and was crazy enough to hang with the party types, and solid enough to be trusted by the best of the business.
Now, going back to complaints, I wish Dusty et al would have spelled out Ken Johnson and Ken Timbs more than just naming Ken T. and Ken J., but the associations he had with his trainer, and long time tag team partner were moving and important.
The absolute important aspect of this book is that it is the story of a professional wrestler who has seen it all, and who has no particular axe to grind. This isn’t the story of professional wrestling over the past 25 years, it’s the story of the career of one of its unsung heroes.
And because of that, I’d highly recommend this book.
Joe Babinsack can be reached at chaosonejoe@yahoo.com. My thanks to Georgiann Makropoulos for securing this book to review. It’s another perspective of the business, and one that you must read if you really want to appreciate the business.
C.H.R. this Wednesday morning at 9am with Bruno Sammartino
Tune in this Wednesday November 26th at 9am central as host Gene Jackson is joined by pro wrestling's true living legend Bruno Sammartino. We'll talk to Bruno about his upcoming book as well as a number of other topics and questions from fans. No phone calls during this show, so if you have questions send them to genejackson95@gmail.com.
You can listen to the show live or download it anytime after it airs at www.rroradio.com
If you have questions for Bruno, post them at the Kayfabe board and I will try to work them in.
http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/thread.php?forumid=31112&threadid=521171
RassleResults: USWO/ATL Nashville, TN 11.22.08
42 attended
Dominator (w/Ronnie Vegas) vs Super Delirious Black Ninja went to a double countout as they brawled on the floor
Psycho Medic b Tim Renesto
Toby Farley (w/"The Ace" Nick White) b Logan Shane
Chris Norte b Anthony Wayne in a 2/3 falls match. Wayne had won the third fall with a sharpshooter but would not release it the hold so ref Boogie reversed the decision
Derrick Neal b Kevin Dunn (w/Lekisha)
Damien Payne b LT Falk and Steven Green in a match where the winner had to get 2 pinfalls
Credit: Jimmie Daniel
Dominator (w/Ronnie Vegas) vs Super Delirious Black Ninja went to a double countout as they brawled on the floor
Psycho Medic b Tim Renesto
Toby Farley (w/"The Ace" Nick White) b Logan Shane
Chris Norte b Anthony Wayne in a 2/3 falls match. Wayne had won the third fall with a sharpshooter but would not release it the hold so ref Boogie reversed the decision
Derrick Neal b Kevin Dunn (w/Lekisha)
Damien Payne b LT Falk and Steven Green in a match where the winner had to get 2 pinfalls
Credit: Jimmie Daniel
Sunday, November 23, 2008
"Maniac" Marc Anthony on Jerkin' The Curtain Monday, Nov. 24th @ 10 PM CST.
Look out below kids...Tomorrow night, Monday November 24th at 10 Central time Jerkin' The Curtain will have an interview with the controversial "Maniac" Marc Anthony. He's not my favorite person in the world, and I'm not his, so this is going to make for an interesting show. Expect a frank exchange of views on this one. Marc Anthony asked that no phone calls be taken during this show, but said he may take e-mail questions that come in, as long as they're not too "stupid". Tommy Stewart will be on as well, and possibly Larry Goodman, though I still need to e-mail him to ask if he wants to join in. Anyhow, cya Monday night at 10. Trent Van Drisse
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TVD
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TVD
Memphis Wrestling TV Report 11.22.08 - Wow BT Watches The Show Edition!!
----I took a little time this morning to fast forward thru Memphis Wrestling, but was surprised to see some stuff on here that I wanted to re-watch. So here goes a quick Memphis Wrestling Report.
----Buddy Landell interview with Buddy saying something about “putting down the pipe”. LOL Landell was the best. He joined Corey Maclin on commentary during a “Alternative Express” [Chase Stevens/Andy Douglas] vs “East Coast Bad Boys” [Spiro/Serpent] match. Landell says enough stuff in this match to get them kicked off the air. LOL Great commentary and match wasn’t bad either. Athena really looked the part with the guys.
----Derrick King came out with a band-aid on his head. This was his return to Memphis Wrestling on CW 30. Kamala came out next, so we got DK vs Kamala. This was a squash after Kim Chee tripped DQ. DK was bumping his ass off and Kamala was also working hard. They beat up DK after the match and Koko Ware makes save.
----Jerry Lawler with Rocky Johnson vs Rex Moondog [this is the guy that teamed with Spot during his last match] with Spot Moondog. Quick typical Lawler bout. Spot jumps in and Rocky makes the save.
----Brian Christopher vs Nicolas Doom. Solid bout. Brian Christopher wins.
----Not bad for first 28 minutes of the show with some solid matches. I am not sure what the ratings were during this time frame, but they had a lot of good talent.
----And then, we have that stupid “Wrestling Professor” coming out!! This kid is horrible!! Lawler vs Bill Dundee in a “Loser Leave Town” match – classic great bout!! They had heels and babys surrounding the ring in chairs to see the outcome. Tony Falk handed something to Dundee for Dundee to use – pinned Lawler and won.
----Dundee interview talking about wrestling the “Midnight Rider” Monday night. They stole the old Dusty Rhodes gimmick. Dundee was also on the phone doing an interview with Maclin. Are they pushing towards Dundee vs Lawler??
NOTES
----Will Gibson, Bill Rush and Rashard Devon were all featured refs...I am still totally against this show not airing new stuff, but this show wasn’t that bad. They spent the last 30 minutes on Lawler vs Dundee, so how can that be bad; huh?? Well, we will just have to see how good the ratings were for this show.
----Buddy Landell interview with Buddy saying something about “putting down the pipe”. LOL Landell was the best. He joined Corey Maclin on commentary during a “Alternative Express” [Chase Stevens/Andy Douglas] vs “East Coast Bad Boys” [Spiro/Serpent] match. Landell says enough stuff in this match to get them kicked off the air. LOL Great commentary and match wasn’t bad either. Athena really looked the part with the guys.
----Derrick King came out with a band-aid on his head. This was his return to Memphis Wrestling on CW 30. Kamala came out next, so we got DK vs Kamala. This was a squash after Kim Chee tripped DQ. DK was bumping his ass off and Kamala was also working hard. They beat up DK after the match and Koko Ware makes save.
----Jerry Lawler with Rocky Johnson vs Rex Moondog [this is the guy that teamed with Spot during his last match] with Spot Moondog. Quick typical Lawler bout. Spot jumps in and Rocky makes the save.
----Brian Christopher vs Nicolas Doom. Solid bout. Brian Christopher wins.
----Not bad for first 28 minutes of the show with some solid matches. I am not sure what the ratings were during this time frame, but they had a lot of good talent.
----And then, we have that stupid “Wrestling Professor” coming out!! This kid is horrible!! Lawler vs Bill Dundee in a “Loser Leave Town” match – classic great bout!! They had heels and babys surrounding the ring in chairs to see the outcome. Tony Falk handed something to Dundee for Dundee to use – pinned Lawler and won.
----Dundee interview talking about wrestling the “Midnight Rider” Monday night. They stole the old Dusty Rhodes gimmick. Dundee was also on the phone doing an interview with Maclin. Are they pushing towards Dundee vs Lawler??
NOTES
----Will Gibson, Bill Rush and Rashard Devon were all featured refs...I am still totally against this show not airing new stuff, but this show wasn’t that bad. They spent the last 30 minutes on Lawler vs Dundee, so how can that be bad; huh?? Well, we will just have to see how good the ratings were for this show.
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