Ric Flair is a free agent making personal appearances throughout the country and Mick Foley is working for TNA, but both are on a WWE program that has been running this month. Before each departed from WWE, the two legendary stars participated in a roundtable discussion with Tazz, Jim Ross and Gene Okerlund about wrestling factions on WWE 24/7’s Legends of Wrestling show.
In addition to the novelty of seeing Flair and Foley in one of their final appearances with the company (not to mention the novelty of seeing them seated next to each other given their past real-life heat), the show is worth watching because Flair holds nothing back. He had some interesting things to say about the nWo, Shane Douglas and some former members of the Four Horsemen.
Speaking of the Horsemen, they received a lot of love on the show – and rightfully so. It was kind of funny, though, how everyone – especially Tazz – gushed about the Horsemen with Flair sitting there. Flair wasn’t shy about putting himself over, either. When asked to name the top three factions of all-time, he named the two that he was in – the Horsemen and Evolution.
Here are my picks for the top five factions:
1. The Four Horsemen: As much as I would like to be a rebel and make a controversial selection for the top spot, I have to be honest, and that means joining the Horsemen lovefest. There were numerous Horsemen combinations over the years, but there were two that stood far above the others. And neither involves Paul Roma or Steve McMichael. I really liked the original lineup of Flair, Tully Blanchard and Ole and Arn Anderson. All four guys could wrestle, cut great promos and get under the fans’ skin. The best lineup as far as wrestling ability and star power, however, was Flair, Blanchard, Arn Anderson and Barry Windham. Windham wasn’t close to Ole Anderson on the mic, but he was significantly better in the ring and was nearly 20 years younger. Both of these versions of the Horsemen were money draws and had classic feuds with NWA stars such as Dusty Rhodes, The Road Warriors, Magnum T.A., Sting, The Rock and Roll Express, Nikita Koloff and Lex Luger.
2. The nWo: The nWo storyline was one of the most successful and influential angles of all time and a big reason for WCW’s 83-week winning streak in the Monday night ratings war with WWE. To me, the nWo was Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, although it was still a red-hot angle at the time when Syxx (Sean Waltman) and The Giant (Paul Wight) joined the group. As more and more members joined, however, the nWo began losing its luster.
3. The Fabulous Freebirds: Whether they were heels or babyfaces, Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts drew money wherever they went. The Badstreet boys had their most successful run in Texas, where they had a legendary feud with the Von Erichs. Each man brought something different to the group: Hayes was the charismatic mouthpiece, Gordy was the big man and the best worker and Roberts was the grizzled veteran. Jimmy Garvin later became a Freebird, but he wasn’t there during the glory days.
4. DX: Along with Steve Austin, DX helped usher in WWE’s incredibly successful “Attitude” era. When Shawn Michaels dropped his babyface act, Triple H abandoned his Greenwich, Conn., snob gimmick and the two real-life friends turned the volume up on their smart-aleck personalities to form DX (along with Chyna), it was must-see TV. Considered an nWo rip-off at first, DX eventually became the cooler of the two factions. After Michaels departed due to a back injury, DX – led by Triple H, who was joined in the group by Chyna, X-Pac (Waltman) and The New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg and Billy Gunn) – became a hugely popular babyface act.
5. The Dangerous Alliance: The stable of manager Paul E. Dangerously (Paul Heyman) did not have the longevity or impact of the others on this list, but it was a talented ensemble. The group, which consisted of Steve Austin (when he was “Stunning” and not yet “Stone Cold”), Rick Rude, Arn Anderson, Larry Zbyszko, Bobby Easton and Madusa, had a good run in WCW in the early ’90s. All of the guys were established stars and good workers and most of them were proficient talkers – although none were better on the mic than Dangerously. Rude was the centerpiece of the Alliance and had memorable feuds with Ricky Steamboat and Sting.
(Credit: The Baltimore Sun)
Greg Tingle comment
The NWO was the strongest in Australia. Also don't forget Australia's World Championship Wrestling circa 1970 with The People's Army and the Mercenary Soldiers. Long live Big Bad John, Killer Karl Kox and Steve "The Crusher" Rackman.
Media Man Australia Profiles
WWE
Wrestling
Wrestling Media Blog. Pro wrestling blog. WWE, WCW, WCW in Australia, ECW, NWA, interviews, promotions, news and more.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wrestling events, shows - The Miami Herald - 11th September 2008
Wrestlers Rescue, a very worthy cause, is Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Radisson in Piscataway, N.J.
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org. Check out sendspace.com/file/jh6awk.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Independent Championship Wrestling, Inc, is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at its headquarters, 124 NW 15th Ave., Miami.
ICW champ Shawn Prime vs. DSW/NRW/NAW champ J-Biggs. ICW United States tag team champs Dade County Collision vs. The Midnight Studds (J.T. Flash and Bobby Sanford).
In a six-man Bull in the Ring match, ICW Pure X Crown champ Skull Mussolini vs. Cuba's Q-Ba Libre vs. United Kingdom's The Photogenix's Romano Exchange ST and Vega vs. former FOW Light Heavyweight champ J-Dawg Brooks vs. The Network's Five Star Superstar Maxx Stardom.
ICW women's champ Angel Rose of the Network vs. Caribbean Queen Calypso. For the Latin American title, The Wild Stallions (Latin American champ Ricky Turbo and Anjel Gibson) vs. The Rude Awakening's Teddy Khan and that masked man Skorpio.
Parts Unknown native Hitman Machine wvs. Upper Classman Ernest R. Alexander III. Also, The Network's Mykal Manix, Rude Awakening's David Diamond and Kristy Kash, ICW Director of Authority Dash Maverick and ICW Commissioner Joker.
Tickets $5 general admission, free children 3-and-younger. Visit IndyCW.com. E-mail ICWowner@bellsouth.net.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Bourbon Street Night Club, 4331 US 19 N., New Port Richey, Fla. Tickets $7 at the door.
• Jersey All Pro Wrestling teams with the Beachwood Pine Beach Little League for a fundraiser to benefit the organization at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at the Toms River Intermediate South Middle School, 1675 Pinewald Rd., Beachwood, N.J.
See TNA's The War Machine Rhino, Black Machismo Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and TNA and JAPW tag team champs LAX. Plus, former WWE star Nunzio, the SATs, JAPW's Dan Maff, The Heavy Hitters, Champion Kenny Omega, New Jersey state champ The Grim Reefer and more.
Call 201-377-0308 or e-mail Frank at fatfrkjap1@aol.com.
• APWF is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at Matanzas High School, 3535 N Old Kings Rd., Palm Coast, Fla.
Former WWE developmental talent Francisco Ciatso with Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi vs. TNA's Kip James, formerly of WWE. Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi vs. former WWE star Jake The Snake Roberts. Former WWE star Doug Basham vs. The Sheik. Former WWE and TNA stars Shane Twins vs. Loggers. The Bug vs. CJ O'Doyle. Pat McGroin and Kory Chavis vs. The Lifeguards.
Tickets $20 ringside, $10 bleachers. Proceeds benefit the Matanzas Pirate Football Team. Call 813-960-8412.
• The Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup is Friday, Sept. 26 at The New Lakes in the Regency Park Civic Center, 8330 Civic Dr., Port Richey, Fla. and Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Brooksville National Guard Armory, 16386 Springhill Dr., Brooksville, Fla.
The participants are Gran Akuma (Chikara Pro), Jigsaw (Ring of Honor), Campus Legend Brad Attitude (former WWE development), Jaison Moore (Pro Wrestling Riot), Craig Classic (Big Japan Pro Wrestling), Nooie Lee (GEAR), Sweet and Sour Larry Sweeney (Ring of Honor/FIP), Kenny King (Ring of Honor/FIP), Sal Rinauro (Ring of Honor/G.E.A.R.), C.J. O'Doyle (Pro Wrestling Riot), Erick Stevens (Ring of Honor/Full Impact Pro), Tommy Taylor (former WWE Development), Addicted To Love Rhett Titus (Ring of Honor), Jon Davis (Believe/D1PW), Chris Jones (Pro Wrestling Fusion) and Chris Gray (former WWE development).
The Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup in conjunction with the Tammie Hamaoui Foundation, Pro Wrestling Riot, World Wrestling Network and Floridawrestlingfans.com will be running this year's tournament as fundraiser for Port Richey 2-year-old Devin Deschaine and his mom.
She is single and needs help paying the bills. He also has a few upcoming procedures his insurance won't cover.
Devin is in Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. About 600 children in the country will be diagnosed with Neuroblastoma each year. About 30 percent will survive.
In November 2002, independent wrestling star Jeff Peterson lost his long battle with cancer. On May 16, 2003, the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, a 16-competitor tournament in honor of the fallen star, debuted in Florida.
Previous winners of the annual tournament are Reckless Youth Tom Carter, Justice, Chris Sabin, Milano Collection AT and Chris Hero.
To purchase tickets or to make donations, go to jpc2008.com.
• Total Nonstop Action Pro Wrestling makes its South Florida debut at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
See TNA champ Samoa Joe, Booker T, A.J. Styles, TNA Knockouts women's champ Taylor Wilde, Christian Cage, Awesome Kong, TNA tag team champs Beer Money, Inc. ( James Storm and Robert Roode), Jacqueline, Motorcity Machine Guns, Cute Kip, TNA X Division champ Petey Williams, Consequences Creed, Traci Brooks and more.
Tickets ($20-$50) are on sale at the BankUnited Center Box Office, TicketMaster locations, TicketMaster online or charge by phone at 305-358-5885. TNA iMPACT! is 9 p.m. Thursdays on Spike TV.
• TNA is 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at The Lakeland Center. Tickets also are on sale. Prices vary.
• TNA tapes TNA iMPACT! four times a month at Soundstage 21 of Universal Studios Orlando. Admission is free. Seats are first come, first serve.
• Pro Wrestling Unplugged is 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.
PWU Title: Steel Cage: Teddy Fine with George Frankenstein vs. The Hardcore Icon The Sandman. Diamond Dallas Page and All Money is Legal vs. Savio Vega and the S.A.T. (Jose and Joel Maximo).
The New Jersey All Stars (Rage and Westler) vs. Angus Brothers vs. Team Macktion (T.J. and Kirby Mack) vs. a mystery tag team. DWF Tag Team Titles: The Lost Boyz (Yar and Wolf) with Doc Diamond vs. The Latin Connection (D-Krazed and El Monstro).
Ladder Grudge Match: Aramis vs. Lucky of the New Jersey All-Stars. DWF Title: Steel Cage: Rockin' Rebel vs. Sinister X.
Johnny Kashmere vs. Devon Moore. Barbed Wire Steel Cage: Kevin James vs. Joe Ettell vs. Loco. Rich Swann vs. Rocky Styles.
Two Ring Battle Royal: Cousin Luke, Bushwhacker Luke, 7-0 Annihilation, Twisted Sand (the son of the Sandman), The Southern Enforcer, the magician the Amazing John, Dr. Ruthless, Dave McCormick of PhiladelphiaRevolution.com, Man-Thing, Kwami, Salvatore Soprano with George Fuggetaboutit, Kage, Bash Manta, Big Nasty, a member of Survial Rate Zero and more.
• Former WWE star Savio Vega will conduct a training seminar 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Devastation University in Pennsauken, N.J.
Learn from the former member of The Nation of Domination and Los Boricuas. Cost is $25. Vega is a TNA talent coordinator and a talent scout in Puerto Rico.
• The first DVD release through Combat Zone Wrestling's new international distribution deal is a historical look at some of the fieriest and most extreme matches in the company's near 10-year hardcore history, entitled Hotter Than Hell.
The DVD, which captures some of the classic moments in CZW history, will be released Sept. 30 in North America via Locomotive Vision/Ryko Distribution. Visit czwrestling.com.
• Fans seeking to participate in the South Florida homecoming of popular mixed martial arts star Kimbo Slice of Perrine have the opportunity to reserve their seats now. Slice will face MMA legend and former WWE/TNA pro wrestler Ken Shamrock, and the event will be broadcast live on CBS.
Tickets for the event on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise start at $30. They are available at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 954-523-3309 in Broward County, 305-358-5885 in Dade County and 561-966-3309 in Palm Beach County, online at ticketmaster.com and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices 954-835-7825.
The first live fight on Oct. 4 begins at 6 p.m.
The fight card, headlined by the unbeaten, exciting Kimbo and talented, undefeated women's superstar Gina Carano is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.'s live fight division, EliteXC.
A major MMA attraction, Kimbo (3-0) possesses ferocious striking skills and is coming off a thrilling third-round TKO over England's James Colossus Thompson on May 31.
''I'll fight anybody, anywhere, but it's always nice to fight at home,'' said Kimbo, who required 62 seconds to dispatch of his initial two opponents.
Kimbo, also known as Kevin Ferguson, made a name for himself on the Internet where videos of the bald, bearded, menacing-looking, former underground bare-knuckle street fighter have been downloaded literally millions of times on YouTube.
Carano, also known as Crush on American Gladiators, is the most recognizable female MMA fighter in the world. A Muay Thai specialist, she registered a second-round TKO over Kaitlin Young in her last start on May 31.
Carano battles Kelly Kobald.
Also, Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley for the EliteXC Welterweight title. Murilo Ninja Rua vs. Benji Radach and more. Visit elitexc.com.
The third installment of CBS ELITEXC Saturday Night Fights will be broadcast live 9-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 on CBS.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets ($60, $45, $35, $25 and $20) are on sale at the Bank Atlantic Center Box Office, TicketMaster locations, TicketMaster online or charge by phone at 305-358-5885.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Ring of Honor, based in Bristol, Pa., is 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at the (South Florida) Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr.
ROH is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex, 649 W Linvingston St. Call 215-781-2500. Visit rohwrestling.com or tickets.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company and co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• D1PW's second anniversary show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Davie PAL Gym, 4300 SW 57th Ter., (South Florida) Davie.
The Marquee Bruce Santee vs. former WWE star Savio Vega. Maximum Capacity vs. former WWE Spirit Squad member Mikey.
Francisco Ciatso with Amy Vitale vs. Jerrelle Clark. Tommy Vandal vs. Johnny Vandal in a ladder match.
Loggers vs. Heartbreak Express. Chris Jones vs. Dantastic. Falcon vs. Fabulous Frank. Sammie Joe vs. Lou Cypher.
Lifgeuards vs. Dark City Fight Club. Kimberly vs. Kellie. Craig Classic, Jaison Moore and more. Tickets $12 adults, $5 kids.
Call 954-554-7688. Visit d1pw.com.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• The Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Fla. is the official training center in America for All Japan Pro Wrestling.
All Japan Pro Wrestling is run by President Keiji Muto (Great Muta), Osamu Nishimura, Masanobu Fuchi, Kyohei Wada and Uchida San.
The legendary Dory Funk Jr. heads the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School. Visit dory-funk.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com.
(Credit: The Miami Herald)
Meet Torrie Wilson, Terri Runnels, Mick Foley, Dawn Marie, Tammy Sytch, Missy Hyatt, Iron Sheik, Superfly Snuka, Greg Valentine, Lou Albano, Balls Mahoney, Nikolai Volkoff, Lanny Poffo, Brutus Beefcake, JJ Dillon, Sandman, Manny Fernandez, Baywatch's Traci Bingham, boxing legend Emile Griffith and others.
There will be a wrestling convention/autograph session and a semi-formal dinner with the stars. For up-to-date information on the star-studded celebrity guests, schedule, prices, super tickets, auction, charity, etc. visit WrestlersRescue.Org. Check out sendspace.com/file/jh6awk.
Questions about the event, e-mail Michele at wrestlersrescue@aol.com.
• Independent Championship Wrestling, Inc, is 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at its headquarters, 124 NW 15th Ave., Miami.
ICW champ Shawn Prime vs. DSW/NRW/NAW champ J-Biggs. ICW United States tag team champs Dade County Collision vs. The Midnight Studds (J.T. Flash and Bobby Sanford).
In a six-man Bull in the Ring match, ICW Pure X Crown champ Skull Mussolini vs. Cuba's Q-Ba Libre vs. United Kingdom's The Photogenix's Romano Exchange ST and Vega vs. former FOW Light Heavyweight champ J-Dawg Brooks vs. The Network's Five Star Superstar Maxx Stardom.
ICW women's champ Angel Rose of the Network vs. Caribbean Queen Calypso. For the Latin American title, The Wild Stallions (Latin American champ Ricky Turbo and Anjel Gibson) vs. The Rude Awakening's Teddy Khan and that masked man Skorpio.
Parts Unknown native Hitman Machine wvs. Upper Classman Ernest R. Alexander III. Also, The Network's Mykal Manix, Rude Awakening's David Diamond and Kristy Kash, ICW Director of Authority Dash Maverick and ICW Commissioner Joker.
Tickets $5 general admission, free children 3-and-younger. Visit IndyCW.com. E-mail ICWowner@bellsouth.net.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Bourbon Street Night Club, 4331 US 19 N., New Port Richey, Fla. Tickets $7 at the door.
• Jersey All Pro Wrestling teams with the Beachwood Pine Beach Little League for a fundraiser to benefit the organization at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at the Toms River Intermediate South Middle School, 1675 Pinewald Rd., Beachwood, N.J.
See TNA's The War Machine Rhino, Black Machismo Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and TNA and JAPW tag team champs LAX. Plus, former WWE star Nunzio, the SATs, JAPW's Dan Maff, The Heavy Hitters, Champion Kenny Omega, New Jersey state champ The Grim Reefer and more.
Call 201-377-0308 or e-mail Frank at fatfrkjap1@aol.com.
• APWF is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at Matanzas High School, 3535 N Old Kings Rd., Palm Coast, Fla.
Former WWE developmental talent Francisco Ciatso with Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi vs. TNA's Kip James, formerly of WWE. Hardcore Giant Ron Niemi vs. former WWE star Jake The Snake Roberts. Former WWE star Doug Basham vs. The Sheik. Former WWE and TNA stars Shane Twins vs. Loggers. The Bug vs. CJ O'Doyle. Pat McGroin and Kory Chavis vs. The Lifeguards.
Tickets $20 ringside, $10 bleachers. Proceeds benefit the Matanzas Pirate Football Team. Call 813-960-8412.
• The Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup is Friday, Sept. 26 at The New Lakes in the Regency Park Civic Center, 8330 Civic Dr., Port Richey, Fla. and Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Brooksville National Guard Armory, 16386 Springhill Dr., Brooksville, Fla.
The participants are Gran Akuma (Chikara Pro), Jigsaw (Ring of Honor), Campus Legend Brad Attitude (former WWE development), Jaison Moore (Pro Wrestling Riot), Craig Classic (Big Japan Pro Wrestling), Nooie Lee (GEAR), Sweet and Sour Larry Sweeney (Ring of Honor/FIP), Kenny King (Ring of Honor/FIP), Sal Rinauro (Ring of Honor/G.E.A.R.), C.J. O'Doyle (Pro Wrestling Riot), Erick Stevens (Ring of Honor/Full Impact Pro), Tommy Taylor (former WWE Development), Addicted To Love Rhett Titus (Ring of Honor), Jon Davis (Believe/D1PW), Chris Jones (Pro Wrestling Fusion) and Chris Gray (former WWE development).
The Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup in conjunction with the Tammie Hamaoui Foundation, Pro Wrestling Riot, World Wrestling Network and Floridawrestlingfans.com will be running this year's tournament as fundraiser for Port Richey 2-year-old Devin Deschaine and his mom.
She is single and needs help paying the bills. He also has a few upcoming procedures his insurance won't cover.
Devin is in Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. About 600 children in the country will be diagnosed with Neuroblastoma each year. About 30 percent will survive.
In November 2002, independent wrestling star Jeff Peterson lost his long battle with cancer. On May 16, 2003, the Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup, a 16-competitor tournament in honor of the fallen star, debuted in Florida.
Previous winners of the annual tournament are Reckless Youth Tom Carter, Justice, Chris Sabin, Milano Collection AT and Chris Hero.
To purchase tickets or to make donations, go to jpc2008.com.
• Total Nonstop Action Pro Wrestling makes its South Florida debut at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables.
See TNA champ Samoa Joe, Booker T, A.J. Styles, TNA Knockouts women's champ Taylor Wilde, Christian Cage, Awesome Kong, TNA tag team champs Beer Money, Inc. ( James Storm and Robert Roode), Jacqueline, Motorcity Machine Guns, Cute Kip, TNA X Division champ Petey Williams, Consequences Creed, Traci Brooks and more.
Tickets ($20-$50) are on sale at the BankUnited Center Box Office, TicketMaster locations, TicketMaster online or charge by phone at 305-358-5885. TNA iMPACT! is 9 p.m. Thursdays on Spike TV.
• TNA is 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at The Lakeland Center. Tickets also are on sale. Prices vary.
• TNA tapes TNA iMPACT! four times a month at Soundstage 21 of Universal Studios Orlando. Admission is free. Seats are first come, first serve.
• Pro Wrestling Unplugged is 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J.
PWU Title: Steel Cage: Teddy Fine with George Frankenstein vs. The Hardcore Icon The Sandman. Diamond Dallas Page and All Money is Legal vs. Savio Vega and the S.A.T. (Jose and Joel Maximo).
The New Jersey All Stars (Rage and Westler) vs. Angus Brothers vs. Team Macktion (T.J. and Kirby Mack) vs. a mystery tag team. DWF Tag Team Titles: The Lost Boyz (Yar and Wolf) with Doc Diamond vs. The Latin Connection (D-Krazed and El Monstro).
Ladder Grudge Match: Aramis vs. Lucky of the New Jersey All-Stars. DWF Title: Steel Cage: Rockin' Rebel vs. Sinister X.
Johnny Kashmere vs. Devon Moore. Barbed Wire Steel Cage: Kevin James vs. Joe Ettell vs. Loco. Rich Swann vs. Rocky Styles.
Two Ring Battle Royal: Cousin Luke, Bushwhacker Luke, 7-0 Annihilation, Twisted Sand (the son of the Sandman), The Southern Enforcer, the magician the Amazing John, Dr. Ruthless, Dave McCormick of PhiladelphiaRevolution.com, Man-Thing, Kwami, Salvatore Soprano with George Fuggetaboutit, Kage, Bash Manta, Big Nasty, a member of Survial Rate Zero and more.
• Former WWE star Savio Vega will conduct a training seminar 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28 at Devastation University in Pennsauken, N.J.
Learn from the former member of The Nation of Domination and Los Boricuas. Cost is $25. Vega is a TNA talent coordinator and a talent scout in Puerto Rico.
• The first DVD release through Combat Zone Wrestling's new international distribution deal is a historical look at some of the fieriest and most extreme matches in the company's near 10-year hardcore history, entitled Hotter Than Hell.
The DVD, which captures some of the classic moments in CZW history, will be released Sept. 30 in North America via Locomotive Vision/Ryko Distribution. Visit czwrestling.com.
• Fans seeking to participate in the South Florida homecoming of popular mixed martial arts star Kimbo Slice of Perrine have the opportunity to reserve their seats now. Slice will face MMA legend and former WWE/TNA pro wrestler Ken Shamrock, and the event will be broadcast live on CBS.
Tickets for the event on Saturday, Oct. 4 at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise start at $30. They are available at Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 954-523-3309 in Broward County, 305-358-5885 in Dade County and 561-966-3309 in Palm Beach County, online at ticketmaster.com and at the BankAtlantic Center box offices 954-835-7825.
The first live fight on Oct. 4 begins at 6 p.m.
The fight card, headlined by the unbeaten, exciting Kimbo and talented, undefeated women's superstar Gina Carano is presented by Los Angeles-based ProElite, Inc.'s live fight division, EliteXC.
A major MMA attraction, Kimbo (3-0) possesses ferocious striking skills and is coming off a thrilling third-round TKO over England's James Colossus Thompson on May 31.
''I'll fight anybody, anywhere, but it's always nice to fight at home,'' said Kimbo, who required 62 seconds to dispatch of his initial two opponents.
Kimbo, also known as Kevin Ferguson, made a name for himself on the Internet where videos of the bald, bearded, menacing-looking, former underground bare-knuckle street fighter have been downloaded literally millions of times on YouTube.
Carano, also known as Crush on American Gladiators, is the most recognizable female MMA fighter in the world. A Muay Thai specialist, she registered a second-round TKO over Kaitlin Young in her last start on May 31.
Carano battles Kelly Kobald.
Also, Jake Shields vs. Paul Daley for the EliteXC Welterweight title. Murilo Ninja Rua vs. Benji Radach and more. Visit elitexc.com.
The third installment of CBS ELITEXC Saturday Night Fights will be broadcast live 9-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 on CBS.
• WWE's Monday Night Raw is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. Tickets go on sale Saturday, Oct. 4. Prices $70, $50, $40, $30 and $20.
WWE Raw has a house show 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at the Bank Atlantic Center in (South Florida) Sunrise. Tickets ($60, $45, $35, $25 and $20) are on sale at the Bank Atlantic Center Box Office, TicketMaster locations, TicketMaster online or charge by phone at 305-358-5885.
WWE SmackDown/ECW has a house show 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 at the Leon County Civic Center in Tallahassee. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 24. Prices $40, $30, $25 and $20.
• Ring of Honor, based in Bristol, Pa., is 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 at the (South Florida) Coral Springs Gymnasium, 2501 Coral Springs Dr.
ROH is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Orlando Downtown Recreation Complex, 649 W Linvingston St. Call 215-781-2500. Visit rohwrestling.com or tickets.com.
• Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling television series debuts 8 p.m. EST Oct. 18 on cable channel CMT.
The celebrities are Dustin Diamond from Saved by the Bell, Tiffany, Todd Bridges from Different Strokes, Trishelle from Real World, boxer Butterbean, Nikki Ziering from Playboy, Sylvester Stallone's acting/singing brother Frank, Erin Murphy from Bewitched, Danny Bonaduce and former NBA player Dennis Rodman. They will be learning to wrestle.
The reality-type television show, under the direction of Eric Bischoff (AWA/WCW/WWE), Jason Hervey (Wonder Years) and Hogan, was filmed in a converted warehouse in California.
WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart, Bischoff and Hogan will be the judges. Rodman previously worked with Bischoff and Hogan in WCW. Sylvester Stallone inducted Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Bischoff and Hervey run their own production company and co-produced a reality show on television sitcom star Scott Baio for VH-1 and actor/singer Billy Ray Cyrus for CMT as well as I Want To Be a Hilton for NBC. Hogan starred in Hogan Knows Best on VH-1.
• D1PW's second anniversary show is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Davie PAL Gym, 4300 SW 57th Ter., (South Florida) Davie.
The Marquee Bruce Santee vs. former WWE star Savio Vega. Maximum Capacity vs. former WWE Spirit Squad member Mikey.
Francisco Ciatso with Amy Vitale vs. Jerrelle Clark. Tommy Vandal vs. Johnny Vandal in a ladder match.
Loggers vs. Heartbreak Express. Chris Jones vs. Dantastic. Falcon vs. Fabulous Frank. Sammie Joe vs. Lou Cypher.
Lifgeuards vs. Dark City Fight Club. Kimberly vs. Kellie. Craig Classic, Jaison Moore and more. Tickets $12 adults, $5 kids.
Call 954-554-7688. Visit d1pw.com.
• The Killer Kowalski Memorial Wrestling Show is 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at the Irish-American Club in Malden, Mass. Proceeds will benefit the Walter Killer Kowalski Memorial Fund. See Tito Santana, Nikolai Volkoff and more. Visit superstarprowrestling.com.
• Florida Championship Wrestling, the feeder group to WWE, is Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Lee County Civic Center in Fort Myers, Fla. See talent signed to WWE developmental contracts. Go to fcwwrestling.com.
• The Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Fla. is the official training center in America for All Japan Pro Wrestling.
All Japan Pro Wrestling is run by President Keiji Muto (Great Muta), Osamu Nishimura, Masanobu Fuchi, Kyohei Wada and Uchida San.
The legendary Dory Funk Jr. heads the Funking Conservatory Wrestling School. Visit dory-funk.com.
• Between The Ropes wrestling radio is 6-8 p.m. EST Tuesdays on ESPN Florida AM 1080 and AM 1060. Brian Fritz, Vito DeNucci and Dickerman host the show which is simulcast worldwide online at BetweenTheRopes.com.
(Credit: The Miami Herald)
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Update From The King
I know I have not upated my site with a personal message in a very long time. I apologize for this. No real excuse other than I have been extremely busy and I am the world's biggest procrastinator. But now I feel the need to explain some recent "news" concerning the King and more or less let everyone hear what happened straight from the horse's mouth, or in this case, the King's mouth. I have been a professional wrestler for over 30 years now and I thought I had seen it all, but this past week someone pulled a "new one" on me. I think most people know that my primary job is as color commentator on WWE's Monday Night Raw TV show on USA network. On that show I wrestle occasionally, but mostly commentate. Aside from that, I still wrestle on a weekly basis in our Tennessee wrestling company, and on various independent shows from time to time. Well, last week, (Friday, June 15, 2007) we had a show at Sam's Town Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. We do shows there on a monthly basis. I wrestled former WWE star, Mr Hughes on the semi-final match, and the final match of the night was a cage match featuring the Assassins, managed by a guy called the "Big Cheese" against Corey Maclin and Birdman Koko B. Ware. After my match was over, I stood in the back and watched the last match from behind the stage curtains. As their match ended, and the "Big Cheese" was on his way back to the stage through the fans, a minor altercation took place and someone said, "that idiot "Cheese" just hit a fan!" I actually didn't see that but I did then see security and a crowd gathering in that area. So as the "Big Cheese" came up the stairs to the stage I proceeded to run out on the stage to make a little "comeback" on the "Cheese" to divert attention from the fracas he had just caused. As I approached him, he begged off in typical bad guy fashion and then I gave him a little kick and then one punch. He took what we call a "bump" by falling backward and attempting to roll his overweight body in a back somersault. He then jumped up and ran off the side of the stage. That was the end of my involvement in the match. After that, both Maclin and Koko made another "comeback" on the "Big Cheese" and chased him to the dressing room, where "Cheese" apparently grabbed his bag and clothes and ran out to his car screaming...."Jerry Lawler hit me too hard! Jerry Lawler was "shooting" on me! I'm out of here!" That was the last anyone saw of the "Big Cheese." At least we thought. The following Wednesday, as I was dressing to go play softball, my phone rang and a friend of mine from WMC TV5 was on the other end. She said, "Have you heard about the charges filed against you down in Mississippi?" When I said, "no," she went on to explain that Tunica, Ms authorities had called the TV station to tell them that "Cheese" had come in and filed assault charges against me and that there was now a warrant out for my arrest. She had to assure me she wasn't joking, and I finally believed her when another TV reporter beeped in with the same information. I found out that "Cheese" filed a complaint and a sworn affidavit that claimed I punched him three times in his face and that it wasn't part of the "script." As I told the TV reporters, if I got arrested every time I punched a manager or wrestler on a wrestling show over my 30 plus year career, I'd be on death row! Koko B. Ware would be the "Birdman" of Alcatraz! Jails around the country would be filled with guilty grapplers! I guess I should go and have Mr Hughes arrested because he hit me about 50 times during our match that night! This whole situation would be laughable if it were not real. I am just shocked that the Mississippi law enforcement people would actually issue a warrant when one wrestler walked in and said that another wrestler, "hit me "too hard" during a wrestling show." Anyway, I am sure there will be more details to come on this unusual incident. Our next event at Sam's Town Casino is scheduled for July 20, at which time the Mississippi authorities claim they will "serve" me. We'll see..... If anyone out there has ever heard of anything similar to this, please let me know. As I said, I've been in this business for over 30 years and this is a first for me! Stay tuned.....
(Credit: Jerry "The King" Lawler)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Jerry "The King" Lawler
(Credit: Jerry "The King" Lawler)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Jerry "The King" Lawler
$uper $lam, by Randy Shemanski - 25th September 2008
Wrestling stars join with local athlete to raise money at North Pocono High School
Rowdy Roddy Piper enjoyed almost unparalleled success as a professional wrestler from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. With his trademark kilt and bagpipes, Piper was one of the most despised, yet most recognizable, wrestlers during the sport's heyday.
Now, at age 54, Piper has slowed down, only doing a few appearances now and then, mainly to help raise money in small communities or for families in need. "I'm just a big marshmallow," he says of his willingness to help those in need.
Piper will join Jerry "The King" Lawler, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and female pro wrestling stars Cherry and Velvet Sky for Moscow Mania, a fundraiser for the North Pocono Athletic Boosters, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at North Pocono High School.
Former North Pocono football standout A.J. Sabatelle will also step into the ring for one of the eight scheduled bouts. There will also be a Meet & Greet for fans from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to give fans an opportunity to get autographs and pictures with the wrestlers.
While Moscow Mania won't feature all of the glitz and glamour one might see during a *Monday Night RAW* telecast, it will provide a trip down memory lane for wrestling fans in their mid-20s or older, as well as a chance for fans to see local boy Sabatelle in action.
Some fans in the 570 might remember when Hacksaw Jim Duggan fought Andre The Giant at the Scranton CYC (now the Lackawanna Student Union) in the late 1980s as the feature bout on a pro wrestling card. The match was a draw as both wrestlers were counted out after the match spilled out of the ring. But the most memorable moment of the fight for this fan, who was barely old enough to notice girls at the time, was a point early in the match when The Giant screamed at the referee (f-bombs included) after Duggan apparently bit his ear. And you thought Mike Tyson was the only pugilist with an affinity for ear cartilage.
Anyway, back to Moscow Mania.
For Piper, the fundraiser, which is being presented by Northeast Wrestling, represents a chance to step back into the ring and perform, something he rarely does these days.
"I don't know when my last appearance is going to be," Piper told ec by phone from his home just outside Portland, Ore. "I keep saying this is the last one. I lie to my kilt and my boots. Just one more time. They scream at me as I pull them out of my bag. 'You liar.' "
Piper was one of the sport's most recognizable stars when he played foil to arguably the most popular pro wrestler of all time, Hulk Hogan. Despite performing in front of hundreds of thousands and becoming a popular figure worldwide, Piper said he does not miss wrestling.
"Whether I fight in Madison Square Garden again, it would not hurt me," he said. "I wouldn't think about it because I had the honor and privilege of being there so many times that a bit of that thrill is gone. ... I'm old school, I'm an improv guy, I don't know what I'm going to say most of the time. I definitely never knew what I was going to do when I was going to fight, and that doesn't seem to mesh (now). So, I don't enjoy that as much anymore."
But, when a smaller event like Moscow Mania comes up, Piper is often willing to lend a hand.
"(I don't mind helping with) something when just every once in a while you can come in and say hi and it's more a family event," he said. "If it wasn't for these people, I wouldn't have a family."
For Sabatelle, the event is a chance to perform in front of family and friends, while helping to raise money to support athletes who are busting their butts on the same playing fields he competed on before graduating from North Pocono in 2002.
"I'm excited that these stars are going to be here and I get to wrestle in the same place as them in front of my friends ... in the same place I had gym class," he said.
Sabatelle, who lives in Madisonville, decided to get into professional wrestling after his football career ended following college. He went to wrestling school in Whitehall, where he was trained by pro wrestling Hall of Famer Afa, "The Wild Somoan."
Now, he's hoping Saturday's event gives him a chance to open some eyes, as he's still looking for the break that could boost his career into big time pro wrestling.
"It's going to be crazy. It's just really cool that I get to be in the same place as these guys, the same show," Sabatelle said. "It's real exciting for somebody that's trying to get into the business. You hope something might catch somebody's eye that might say something to somebody else. I'd love to go farther with this. That's the whole reason for me (wrestling)."
After spending time passing fliers around the community and trying to get the word out about the fundraiser, Sabatelle's ready for his bout against Brian Anthony. With the local boy and the pro wrestling stars on the schedule, he's hoping it's a successful event.
"I think it's going to be a great show," he said.
Moscow Mania will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at North Pocono High School at 701 Church St. in Moscow. Tickets are $15-30 and can be purchased at locations throughout the community or at the door. High school and college students can show their school ID at the door and receive a general admission ticket for only $10. For more info, visit www.northeastwrestling.com
Where to buy tickets
North Pocono High School, Moscow
Bill's Shop Rite, Daleville
Browns A Plus, Dunmore
Battaglia's Sporting Goods, Scranton
Sabatelle's Food Market, Pittston
Tobacco Road Shop, Hamlin
-rshemanski@timesshamrock.com
(Credit: Electric City)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rowdy Roddy Piper
Wrestling
Rowdy Roddy Piper enjoyed almost unparalleled success as a professional wrestler from the early 1980s through the late 1990s. With his trademark kilt and bagpipes, Piper was one of the most despised, yet most recognizable, wrestlers during the sport's heyday.
Now, at age 54, Piper has slowed down, only doing a few appearances now and then, mainly to help raise money in small communities or for families in need. "I'm just a big marshmallow," he says of his willingness to help those in need.
Piper will join Jerry "The King" Lawler, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and female pro wrestling stars Cherry and Velvet Sky for Moscow Mania, a fundraiser for the North Pocono Athletic Boosters, on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at North Pocono High School.
Former North Pocono football standout A.J. Sabatelle will also step into the ring for one of the eight scheduled bouts. There will also be a Meet & Greet for fans from 5 to 7:30 p.m. to give fans an opportunity to get autographs and pictures with the wrestlers.
While Moscow Mania won't feature all of the glitz and glamour one might see during a *Monday Night RAW* telecast, it will provide a trip down memory lane for wrestling fans in their mid-20s or older, as well as a chance for fans to see local boy Sabatelle in action.
Some fans in the 570 might remember when Hacksaw Jim Duggan fought Andre The Giant at the Scranton CYC (now the Lackawanna Student Union) in the late 1980s as the feature bout on a pro wrestling card. The match was a draw as both wrestlers were counted out after the match spilled out of the ring. But the most memorable moment of the fight for this fan, who was barely old enough to notice girls at the time, was a point early in the match when The Giant screamed at the referee (f-bombs included) after Duggan apparently bit his ear. And you thought Mike Tyson was the only pugilist with an affinity for ear cartilage.
Anyway, back to Moscow Mania.
For Piper, the fundraiser, which is being presented by Northeast Wrestling, represents a chance to step back into the ring and perform, something he rarely does these days.
"I don't know when my last appearance is going to be," Piper told ec by phone from his home just outside Portland, Ore. "I keep saying this is the last one. I lie to my kilt and my boots. Just one more time. They scream at me as I pull them out of my bag. 'You liar.' "
Piper was one of the sport's most recognizable stars when he played foil to arguably the most popular pro wrestler of all time, Hulk Hogan. Despite performing in front of hundreds of thousands and becoming a popular figure worldwide, Piper said he does not miss wrestling.
"Whether I fight in Madison Square Garden again, it would not hurt me," he said. "I wouldn't think about it because I had the honor and privilege of being there so many times that a bit of that thrill is gone. ... I'm old school, I'm an improv guy, I don't know what I'm going to say most of the time. I definitely never knew what I was going to do when I was going to fight, and that doesn't seem to mesh (now). So, I don't enjoy that as much anymore."
But, when a smaller event like Moscow Mania comes up, Piper is often willing to lend a hand.
"(I don't mind helping with) something when just every once in a while you can come in and say hi and it's more a family event," he said. "If it wasn't for these people, I wouldn't have a family."
For Sabatelle, the event is a chance to perform in front of family and friends, while helping to raise money to support athletes who are busting their butts on the same playing fields he competed on before graduating from North Pocono in 2002.
"I'm excited that these stars are going to be here and I get to wrestle in the same place as them in front of my friends ... in the same place I had gym class," he said.
Sabatelle, who lives in Madisonville, decided to get into professional wrestling after his football career ended following college. He went to wrestling school in Whitehall, where he was trained by pro wrestling Hall of Famer Afa, "The Wild Somoan."
Now, he's hoping Saturday's event gives him a chance to open some eyes, as he's still looking for the break that could boost his career into big time pro wrestling.
"It's going to be crazy. It's just really cool that I get to be in the same place as these guys, the same show," Sabatelle said. "It's real exciting for somebody that's trying to get into the business. You hope something might catch somebody's eye that might say something to somebody else. I'd love to go farther with this. That's the whole reason for me (wrestling)."
After spending time passing fliers around the community and trying to get the word out about the fundraiser, Sabatelle's ready for his bout against Brian Anthony. With the local boy and the pro wrestling stars on the schedule, he's hoping it's a successful event.
"I think it's going to be a great show," he said.
Moscow Mania will take place Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at North Pocono High School at 701 Church St. in Moscow. Tickets are $15-30 and can be purchased at locations throughout the community or at the door. High school and college students can show their school ID at the door and receive a general admission ticket for only $10. For more info, visit www.northeastwrestling.com
Where to buy tickets
North Pocono High School, Moscow
Bill's Shop Rite, Daleville
Browns A Plus, Dunmore
Battaglia's Sporting Goods, Scranton
Sabatelle's Food Market, Pittston
Tobacco Road Shop, Hamlin
-rshemanski@timesshamrock.com
(Credit: Electric City)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Rowdy Roddy Piper
Wrestling
Monday, September 15, 2008
World Championship Wrestling on DVD
"Ruff Tuff & Real" Available Now!
The documentary plus classic matches 3 DVD set.
The history and memories of World Championship Wrestling in Australia.
Ron Miller, Australian Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from 1975 to 1984, takes us on a journey back to when all these lords of the ring thundered rage and reigned from the top rope Downunder and across the world. Ron travels Australia and the USA to find which friends and foes are still fighting fit from the glory days of wrestling…
Ruff, Tuff and Real” not only relives the “Saturday” television and weekday
stadium bouts, but discovers “where are they now.” We speak with Aussies
Ron Miller, Mario Milano, Steve Rackman, George Barnes, Ex-pat Jack
Claybourne, Announcer Mike Cleary (also Doco Narrator) and Larry O’Dea’s
family. Traveling then to Hawaii, Ron finds King Curtis… then it’s on to Las
Vegas and the Annual Cauliflower Alley Fighters’ Convention, where Ron
Miller tracks down Yankee greats Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Ox Baker,
Red Bastien and wrestling managers, JJ Dillon and ‘Playboy’ Garry Hart.
Exclusive classic TV video and Stadium film footage of the wrestlers interviewed and many greats who have passed on. There are one on one’s for the world titles, tag teams, fighters’ managers who insisted on getting in on the act.
It was reality television decades before the term was coined and it gave the many fans a real kick watching their favourites battle with nothing but their strength and showmanship.
Ron Miller is now in his 60’s, but his memory and love of the great wrestling days is sharp and clear. He can remember the good and frequent press, the camaraderie, the extensive Australian and successful USA Tours and the many injuries.
Made by Australian owned and based Instinct Television, “Ruff Tuff and Real” is a one hour commercial documentary that speaks to a fan audience who want to remember… and a new audience who want to know where the current USA wrestling phenomenon came from. More than just footage of big blokes kicking the hell out of each other, this is a critical, cultural moment in Australia’s lifetime… but mostly, it’s just bloody good entertainment.
(Credit: Ron Miller)
Website
World Championship Wrestling
Media Man Australia Profiles
Ron Miller
The documentary plus classic matches 3 DVD set.
The history and memories of World Championship Wrestling in Australia.
Ron Miller, Australian Heavyweight Wrestling Champion from 1975 to 1984, takes us on a journey back to when all these lords of the ring thundered rage and reigned from the top rope Downunder and across the world. Ron travels Australia and the USA to find which friends and foes are still fighting fit from the glory days of wrestling…
Ruff, Tuff and Real” not only relives the “Saturday” television and weekday
stadium bouts, but discovers “where are they now.” We speak with Aussies
Ron Miller, Mario Milano, Steve Rackman, George Barnes, Ex-pat Jack
Claybourne, Announcer Mike Cleary (also Doco Narrator) and Larry O’Dea’s
family. Traveling then to Hawaii, Ron finds King Curtis… then it’s on to Las
Vegas and the Annual Cauliflower Alley Fighters’ Convention, where Ron
Miller tracks down Yankee greats Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Ox Baker,
Red Bastien and wrestling managers, JJ Dillon and ‘Playboy’ Garry Hart.
Exclusive classic TV video and Stadium film footage of the wrestlers interviewed and many greats who have passed on. There are one on one’s for the world titles, tag teams, fighters’ managers who insisted on getting in on the act.
It was reality television decades before the term was coined and it gave the many fans a real kick watching their favourites battle with nothing but their strength and showmanship.
Ron Miller is now in his 60’s, but his memory and love of the great wrestling days is sharp and clear. He can remember the good and frequent press, the camaraderie, the extensive Australian and successful USA Tours and the many injuries.
Made by Australian owned and based Instinct Television, “Ruff Tuff and Real” is a one hour commercial documentary that speaks to a fan audience who want to remember… and a new audience who want to know where the current USA wrestling phenomenon came from. More than just footage of big blokes kicking the hell out of each other, this is a critical, cultural moment in Australia’s lifetime… but mostly, it’s just bloody good entertainment.
(Credit: Ron Miller)
Website
World Championship Wrestling
Media Man Australia Profiles
Ron Miller
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Wrestler hurt in family feud, by Marlon Walker - Fairfax - 10th September 2008
Raleigh, North Carolina.- A fight between former professional wrestler Ric Flair and his daughter's 22-year-old boyfriend left the 59-year-old Flair bloodied and bruised, police said today.
Neither man was charged by police in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but Flair's daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr, was charged for resisting police after she became belligerent and kicked an officer.
Neighbours called police on Friday about a fight at an apartment. Officers followed a trail of blood to the wrestler's apartment.
Officers found Flair, whose real name is Richard Fliehr, on a bed in the back room. The boyfriend was in another part of the apartment.
Flair admitted fighting with the boyfriend but said he did not want to press charges, Gunter said.
Flair, known for his platinum blond hair, fur-lined robes and signature ``Wooooo!'' catchphrase, retired earlier this year after a
36-year career. He had wrestled for a number of big-name organisations, including World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment.
He is a 16-time world heavyweight champion and a member of WWE's Hall of Fame.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Ric Flair
Neither man was charged by police in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but Flair's daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr, was charged for resisting police after she became belligerent and kicked an officer.
Neighbours called police on Friday about a fight at an apartment. Officers followed a trail of blood to the wrestler's apartment.
Officers found Flair, whose real name is Richard Fliehr, on a bed in the back room. The boyfriend was in another part of the apartment.
Flair admitted fighting with the boyfriend but said he did not want to press charges, Gunter said.
Flair, known for his platinum blond hair, fur-lined robes and signature ``Wooooo!'' catchphrase, retired earlier this year after a
36-year career. He had wrestled for a number of big-name organisations, including World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment.
He is a 16-time world heavyweight champion and a member of WWE's Hall of Fame.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Ric Flair
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Premonition, by Jamie Pandaram - The Sydney Morning Herald - 6th September 2008
The ultimate fighting heavyweight championship bout between Randy Couture and Brock Lesnar in November will break pay-per-view subscription records for the, ahem, sport. While Lesnar is a relative newcomer to mixed martial arts (MMA) and boasts an unimpressive 2-1 record - hardly worthy of shot at the title - UFC organisers have wasted no time making him the contender. This is because Lesnar made his name in World Wrestling Entertainment, the scripted pro wrestling saga that dominates pay-per-view subscription figures. Lesnar was not only a three-time WWE champion but one of the show's most impressive athletes before he quit in 2004 to pursue an NFL career. Lesnar has been given a crack at the championship when others may have been more deserving - dollars make sense. Couture (16-8) is the only fighter in history to win the UFC world heavyweight title three times. "There is one goal that I've had since I started training in MMA and that is to capture the title," said Lesnar, who possibly has the biggest trapezius muscles of any human alive.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Brock Lesnar
UFC
MMA
WWE
Foxtel
PPV
Sports Betting
Media Man Australia Profiles
Brock Lesnar
UFC
MMA
WWE
Foxtel
PPV
Sports Betting
Couture Returns to Defend Heavyweight Crown against Lesnar on Nov. 15, by Thomas Gerbasi - 2nd September 2008
If we’ve learned one thing in combat sports, it’s to never say old adage was solidified once again today, as UFC President Dana White announced the November 15th return to the Octagon of heavyweight champion Randy Couture to face Brock Lesnar in the main event of UFC 91 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The announcement comes after nearly a year of contentious relations between the organization and Couture, who walked away from the UFC in October of 2007 with two fights remaining on his contract. But in August, the heavyweight champion and the organization worked on a renegotiation of his contract that will enable ‘The Natural’ to finish his Hall of Fame career with the UFC.
“We had some problems with Randy, we’ve resolved them all, and he’s always been the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “It took us some time to get everything straight, but I think we’re all good now and ready to move forward and get Randy back out there fighting again.”
”I think we cleared the air and addressed a lot of the issues, we’re both in a different place, and both the company and myself are trying to move forward,” said Couture. “I think we understand each other, and I certainly would much rather fight in the Octagon than anywhere else. Spending the last year in legal fights is not someplace where I’ve had a very good time. At 45, I can’t sit around in court rooms for very long – I want to fight.”
Couture’s first order of business – taking on the imposing 6-3 ½, 265 pound Lesnar, a former NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion whose arrival in the UFC earlier this year shook the foundations of the MMA world. Add in the former pro wrestling superstar’s spectacular victory over Heath Herring at UFC 87 in August, and the stage is set for what will most certainly be one of the most highly-anticipated heavyweight title fights in history.
“I haven’t looked at tape yet and studied him,” said Couture of Lesnar. “Obviously, he’s a great big guy, and on the ground or standing, he poses some interesting problems, so I’ve got to go to work and find the answers to those questions.”
“My whole goal coming into this company was to get a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, so for me, this is a great opportunity, one that anybody in my position wouldn’t turn down,” added Lesnar. “Randy poses all kinds of threats, and we’re gonna try to nullify them and try to win the title that night.”
You don’t have to convince White when it comes to the importance of this matchup.
“I can tell you this right now,” said White. “Couture vs Lesnar will be the biggest fight in UFC history.”
And though some might question whether Couture
Click here to find out more!
- 45 years old and more than a year removed from his last fight – will be able to keep up with a younger, faster, and stronger challenger, keep in mind that the Las Vegas resident has made a career of baffling oddsmakers, most recently in March of 2007, when he returned from a year-long retirement to shutout 6 foot 8, 263 pound Tim Sylvia to win the UFC heavyweight crown a record third time.
Couture went on to successfully defend the title with a third round TKO of Gabriel Gonzaga in August of 2007, but two months later, the title was left in limbo, leaving Brazil’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to swoop in and take the interim belt by submitting Sylvia in February. Nogueira is scheduled to clash with his fellow Ultimate Fighter 8 coach (and former heavyweight champion) Frank Mir in December, with the winners of these two heavyweight megafights to meet sometime in 2009.
“The winner of the Brock-Randy fight will be the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “Obviously, the reality show is already in motion, and those two (Nogueira and Mir) are already scheduled to fight, so they’ll fight for the interim (title) and then it will be Champion vs Champion when this thing’s all done. So it’s a pretty interesting little tournament.”
Of course, Lesnar will have something to say about putting a dent in Couture’s fighting plans, and he’ll get his chance to say it on November 15th.
“Things happen in mysterious ways, and I’m fortunate and honored to get in the Octagon with Randy, so it’s very exciting all the way around,” said Lesnar.
As for Couture, it’s been a long, strange trip to get to this point, but suffice to say, he’s happy to put acting, book tours, and speaking engagements on the side for now in order to get back to where he belongs – the Octagon.
Media Man Australia Profiles
UFC
Brock Lesnar
MMA
Las Vegas
WWE
PPV
Main Event
Foxtel
Sports Betting
The announcement comes after nearly a year of contentious relations between the organization and Couture, who walked away from the UFC in October of 2007 with two fights remaining on his contract. But in August, the heavyweight champion and the organization worked on a renegotiation of his contract that will enable ‘The Natural’ to finish his Hall of Fame career with the UFC.
“We had some problems with Randy, we’ve resolved them all, and he’s always been the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “It took us some time to get everything straight, but I think we’re all good now and ready to move forward and get Randy back out there fighting again.”
”I think we cleared the air and addressed a lot of the issues, we’re both in a different place, and both the company and myself are trying to move forward,” said Couture. “I think we understand each other, and I certainly would much rather fight in the Octagon than anywhere else. Spending the last year in legal fights is not someplace where I’ve had a very good time. At 45, I can’t sit around in court rooms for very long – I want to fight.”
Couture’s first order of business – taking on the imposing 6-3 ½, 265 pound Lesnar, a former NCAA Division I National Wrestling Champion whose arrival in the UFC earlier this year shook the foundations of the MMA world. Add in the former pro wrestling superstar’s spectacular victory over Heath Herring at UFC 87 in August, and the stage is set for what will most certainly be one of the most highly-anticipated heavyweight title fights in history.
“I haven’t looked at tape yet and studied him,” said Couture of Lesnar. “Obviously, he’s a great big guy, and on the ground or standing, he poses some interesting problems, so I’ve got to go to work and find the answers to those questions.”
“My whole goal coming into this company was to get a shot at the UFC heavyweight title, so for me, this is a great opportunity, one that anybody in my position wouldn’t turn down,” added Lesnar. “Randy poses all kinds of threats, and we’re gonna try to nullify them and try to win the title that night.”
You don’t have to convince White when it comes to the importance of this matchup.
“I can tell you this right now,” said White. “Couture vs Lesnar will be the biggest fight in UFC history.”
And though some might question whether Couture
Click here to find out more!
- 45 years old and more than a year removed from his last fight – will be able to keep up with a younger, faster, and stronger challenger, keep in mind that the Las Vegas resident has made a career of baffling oddsmakers, most recently in March of 2007, when he returned from a year-long retirement to shutout 6 foot 8, 263 pound Tim Sylvia to win the UFC heavyweight crown a record third time.
Couture went on to successfully defend the title with a third round TKO of Gabriel Gonzaga in August of 2007, but two months later, the title was left in limbo, leaving Brazil’s Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira to swoop in and take the interim belt by submitting Sylvia in February. Nogueira is scheduled to clash with his fellow Ultimate Fighter 8 coach (and former heavyweight champion) Frank Mir in December, with the winners of these two heavyweight megafights to meet sometime in 2009.
“The winner of the Brock-Randy fight will be the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” said White. “Obviously, the reality show is already in motion, and those two (Nogueira and Mir) are already scheduled to fight, so they’ll fight for the interim (title) and then it will be Champion vs Champion when this thing’s all done. So it’s a pretty interesting little tournament.”
Of course, Lesnar will have something to say about putting a dent in Couture’s fighting plans, and he’ll get his chance to say it on November 15th.
“Things happen in mysterious ways, and I’m fortunate and honored to get in the Octagon with Randy, so it’s very exciting all the way around,” said Lesnar.
As for Couture, it’s been a long, strange trip to get to this point, but suffice to say, he’s happy to put acting, book tours, and speaking engagements on the side for now in order to get back to where he belongs – the Octagon.
Media Man Australia Profiles
UFC
Brock Lesnar
MMA
Las Vegas
WWE
PPV
Main Event
Foxtel
Sports Betting
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Gentle Killer leaves ring, by D. D. McNicoll - The Australian - 2nd September 2008
SYDNEYSIDERS who spent any time in Kings Cross in the late 1960s will remember the terrifying sight of Walter Kowalski ambling along the streets. Better known as Killer Kowalski, Walt was a 2m-tall, 125kg professional wrestler from North America who made his home here during the first television boom of the biff and nonsense entertainment. He was one of the biggest stars of the sport, the man fans loved to hate. Kowalski, who got his nickname after accidentally tearing off Yukon Eric's ear during a bout in Montreal in the early '50s, was famed for his dreaded claw hold, a thumb squeeze to his opponent's solar plexus that immediately ended matches. Despite his appearance, Kowalski was a gentle soul whose great love was photography. He died in Everett, Massachusetts, during the weekend, aged 81.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Media Man Australia Profiles
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Wrestling fans won't forget Killer Kowalski, by Terry Brown - Herald Sun - 2nd September 2008
Killer Kowalski - wrestling's boots-and-all bad guy of the 1960s - has gone down fighting.
At 81, Kowalski hung on to life like he had it in his trademark claw hold.
He died in Boston early on Saturday, eight full days after his life support systems were turned off.
Known as a brawler who ripped one opponent's ear off, family and foes remembered him fondly.
Nephew Mark Spulnik, from Sydney, said in a tribute yesterday the 198cm, 127kg Kowalski was a kind and caring person out of the ring: "Having Killer Kowalski as an uncle was definitely cool! School bullies would keep their distance and the young girls wouldn't. How perfect."
Not everyone saw the kind uncle inside Killer Kowalski.
"A few wrestling fans looked upon my uncle as a truly evil person," Mark said.
"They thought it was their duty to wait for him in the parking lot with baseball bats and metal pipes."
Kowalski was born Edward Walter Spulnik in Canada, and wrestled as a pro from 1947 to 1977.
In World Championship Wrestling's heyday -- when 6000 fans would pack Festival Hall each week -- Kowalski was huge.
He wrestled household names such as Mario Milano, Spiros Arion, Mark Lewin Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy. Kowalski was famed for his flying knee drop, but it was his claw hold that made fans' flesh crawl.
In 1967, at the height of his fame, Kowalski put it on TV host Don Lane when an interview turned sour.
The injured Lane missed his next show, but got off lighter than some.
In 1952 Kowalski's size-16 boot grazed, and dislodged, Yukon Eric's cauliflower ear.
"His ear came off, just like you knock a fly across a table," Kowalski recalled.
"It rolled across the ring, glub, glub, glub."
Forced to apologise at the hospital, the pair burst into laughter at the absurdity.
Kowalski was pegged forever as a cruel brute who laughed in his victim's mangled face. But Ron Miller, 66, a clean-fighting Aussie wrestler who tag-teamed with Larry O'Day, remembered Kowalski as a quiet man and a vegetarian.
"He was pretty quiet and very religious," Miller said.
"Killer was an amazing guy -- six foot eight, 28 stone and that name. He was more of a brawler and just kept going, going and going and never ran out of stamina.
"He was almost unstoppable in the ring."
Outside the ring, Kowalski was happy enough to play
the victim.
"Just because I get over-enthused about my work people hate me," he complained in 1961.
"Everywhere I go they throw chairs, newspapers, cigar butts, fruit and anything else they can grab. I have been burned, knifed, blinded by pea shooters . . ."
But if he took it, he could give it too. With so much of wrestling fake, he was asked once about his boots, and whether it hurt when he stomped an opponent.
"No it doesn't hurt at all," he grinned. "I wear special thick soles and it doesn't hurt my foot at all."
For all his faults, he inspired love as well as fear.
Female fans proposed marriage and, finally, two years ago, Kowalski got caught.
He wed Theresa Ferrioli, then 77, on June 19, 2006.
Asked why, he joked: "What can I do? She was pregnant." (Credit: News.com.au)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Killer Kowalski
At 81, Kowalski hung on to life like he had it in his trademark claw hold.
He died in Boston early on Saturday, eight full days after his life support systems were turned off.
Known as a brawler who ripped one opponent's ear off, family and foes remembered him fondly.
Nephew Mark Spulnik, from Sydney, said in a tribute yesterday the 198cm, 127kg Kowalski was a kind and caring person out of the ring: "Having Killer Kowalski as an uncle was definitely cool! School bullies would keep their distance and the young girls wouldn't. How perfect."
Not everyone saw the kind uncle inside Killer Kowalski.
"A few wrestling fans looked upon my uncle as a truly evil person," Mark said.
"They thought it was their duty to wait for him in the parking lot with baseball bats and metal pipes."
Kowalski was born Edward Walter Spulnik in Canada, and wrestled as a pro from 1947 to 1977.
In World Championship Wrestling's heyday -- when 6000 fans would pack Festival Hall each week -- Kowalski was huge.
He wrestled household names such as Mario Milano, Spiros Arion, Mark Lewin Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy. Kowalski was famed for his flying knee drop, but it was his claw hold that made fans' flesh crawl.
In 1967, at the height of his fame, Kowalski put it on TV host Don Lane when an interview turned sour.
The injured Lane missed his next show, but got off lighter than some.
In 1952 Kowalski's size-16 boot grazed, and dislodged, Yukon Eric's cauliflower ear.
"His ear came off, just like you knock a fly across a table," Kowalski recalled.
"It rolled across the ring, glub, glub, glub."
Forced to apologise at the hospital, the pair burst into laughter at the absurdity.
Kowalski was pegged forever as a cruel brute who laughed in his victim's mangled face. But Ron Miller, 66, a clean-fighting Aussie wrestler who tag-teamed with Larry O'Day, remembered Kowalski as a quiet man and a vegetarian.
"He was pretty quiet and very religious," Miller said.
"Killer was an amazing guy -- six foot eight, 28 stone and that name. He was more of a brawler and just kept going, going and going and never ran out of stamina.
"He was almost unstoppable in the ring."
Outside the ring, Kowalski was happy enough to play
the victim.
"Just because I get over-enthused about my work people hate me," he complained in 1961.
"Everywhere I go they throw chairs, newspapers, cigar butts, fruit and anything else they can grab. I have been burned, knifed, blinded by pea shooters . . ."
But if he took it, he could give it too. With so much of wrestling fake, he was asked once about his boots, and whether it hurt when he stomped an opponent.
"No it doesn't hurt at all," he grinned. "I wear special thick soles and it doesn't hurt my foot at all."
For all his faults, he inspired love as well as fear.
Female fans proposed marriage and, finally, two years ago, Kowalski got caught.
He wed Theresa Ferrioli, then 77, on June 19, 2006.
Asked why, he joked: "What can I do? She was pregnant." (Credit: News.com.au)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Killer Kowalski
Wrestling legend Walter 'Killer' Kowalski - News.com.au - 1st September 2008
PRO-WRESTLING pioneer and legend Walter "Killer" Kowalski has died following a heart attack. He was 81.
Kowalski died at Whidden Hospital in Everett, Massachusetts, on Saturday - 12 days after his family decided to take him off life support. He had been in critical condition since his heart attack on August 8, wife Theresa Kowalski said.
An obituary posted at Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home's Web site said Kowalski began his professional career in 1947. His 6-foot-7, 275-pound frame and a brutal wrestling style soon earned him the nickname "Killer."
He became known as a villain after severing part of Yukon Eric's ear during a match in Montreal in 1954. He visited his opponent in the hospital and "the two men began laughing at how silly Eric's bandages looked. The reporter incorrectly printed that Killer was laughing at his victim and soon after, Killer quickly became wrestling's most renowned 'heel,'" according to the Web site.
Kowalski later became famous for various moves, including a stomach vice grip called the Killer Clutch. He retired in 1977, a year after he and Big John Studd captured the WWF Tag Team Championship as The Executioners.
He went on to open a wrestling school in Malden, where he trained many current stars including WWE's Triple H.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Kowalski died at Whidden Hospital in Everett, Massachusetts, on Saturday - 12 days after his family decided to take him off life support. He had been in critical condition since his heart attack on August 8, wife Theresa Kowalski said.
An obituary posted at Weir Mac Cuish Family Funeral Home's Web site said Kowalski began his professional career in 1947. His 6-foot-7, 275-pound frame and a brutal wrestling style soon earned him the nickname "Killer."
He became known as a villain after severing part of Yukon Eric's ear during a match in Montreal in 1954. He visited his opponent in the hospital and "the two men began laughing at how silly Eric's bandages looked. The reporter incorrectly printed that Killer was laughing at his victim and soon after, Killer quickly became wrestling's most renowned 'heel,'" according to the Web site.
Kowalski later became famous for various moves, including a stomach vice grip called the Killer Clutch. He retired in 1977, a year after he and Big John Studd captured the WWF Tag Team Championship as The Executioners.
He went on to open a wrestling school in Malden, where he trained many current stars including WWE's Triple H.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Walter "Killer" Kowalski
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)