September 12, 2002
By Scott Bowden
Kentucky Fried Extra-Crispy Death Match!
Readers step into the ring with Scott Bowden
The success of Mick Foley’s books proved that wrestling fans can read. But who knew they could write? (Sorry, I’m a heel at heart…always.) While devoting a column to answering mail is nothing new -- legendary columnist Dan Shocket did it all the time, after all -- I really didn’t feel like writing about the WWE after Monday’s RAW. Maybe I’ll have the stomach to cover it next week.
Don’t you agree that Memphis was years ahead of its time during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s? I mean, we were having scaffold matches years before the Road Warriors and Midnight Express, as well as every kind of “hardcore” match they try to dream up today. I surely miss those old days. Having watched the local show recently, it is obvious that the biggest differences are 1) lack of a good announcer -- Lance could make Ken Raper and Robert Reed seem like legitimate contenders; 2) a big-time hated manager a la Jimmy Hart; 3) the top stars willing to pass the torch.
-David Nanney
Scott: I’m glad you brought this up, as I haven’t had a chance to talk much about Memphis wrestling. Oh, wait. (See next letter.) Other classic Memphis matches included Coal Miner’s Glove on a Pole, Coward Waves the Flag, Snake Box, Double Jeopardy, Hospital Elimination, Stretcher, Back Alley Street Brawl and Tennessee Street Fight. (In case you are wondering, there are subtle differences between a Hospital Elimination bout and a Stretcher match, and a Back Alley Street Brawl is not the same thing as a Tennessee Street Fight. First person who can e-mail me with a clear explanation wins … something.)
Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that longtime job boys Ken Raper and Robert Reed -- with an assist from Fabulous Ones Steve Keirn and Stan Lane -- defeated the Masked Assassins to win the CWA World tag titles in one of the biggest upsets in sports since the Jets beat the Colts in Super Bowl III. (Comparable only because former Colt Bubba Smith claims his team’s loss was also a work. To my knowledge, the Fabs were not involved in that one, however. )
Please stop going on about Memphis wrestling. We get the point you love Memphis wrestling of old but as someone who didn’t grow up in the South, I really don’t care about 30-year-old matches.
-Paul Chetty
Scott: Most of the matches I’ve discussed are 25 years old … tops. So there. And yes, in addition to last week’s column on the WWE’s mishandling of the World title, I’ll soon be getting into today’s exciting scene of Hot Lesbian Action and Homosexual Tag-Team Weddings. But not without discussing former Memphis worker “Exotic” Adrian Street, who in his televised debut provided me with my earliest memory of seeing two men kiss when he planted one on jobber Ira Reese. (From what I understand, promoter Eddie Marlin slipped Reese an extra $5 for his trouble.) My poor mother was so horrified she threw her Bible at the screen.
Who would win a First-Blood match between Tommy Rich and Dusty Rhodes, and would it take more than 10 seconds?
-Mike and Maria
Scott: That’s like trying to predict who would have won a shoot between the late Lou Thesz and Billy Robinson -- too close to call. Actually, if you threw Kerry Von Erich in there, he’d probably win (uh, the hypothetical first-blood match, that is). After all, he accidentally juiced while fumbling around with the blade in the dressing room before his match with Jerry Lawler at SuperClash III in Chicago.
You mentioned in your column the match where Owen Hart gave a Tombstone to Steve Austin without protecting him. I stopped watching wrestling for a few years and have started back again. I have noticed that Undertaker doesn’t do the Tombstone Piledriver anymore. Is that the reason why?
-Rob Lumley
Scott: The Undertaker has successfully enhanced his gimmick over the years. When he returned with a biker image, he came back with a new finishing move, the Last Ride. Still, he used the Tombstone recently. That being said, the Tombstone-style piledriver wasn’t the problem; it was Owen’s execution. The planned spot called for Owen to perform a Tombstone after reversing out of Austin’s own attempt of the same hold. Owen had Austin set, but instead of dropping to his knees a la the Undertaker (and taking the brunt of the force), he executed it like a regular piledriver (jumping up and falling on his backside). But with Austin’s arms around Owen (because of the Tombstone position), it left him with zero protection -- his neck jammed straight into the canvas. For a while, they didn’t think Austin would ever be the same.
What did you think of Randy Hales? I met him at a show in Jonesboro about four years ago and he seemed like a nice guy. Then, Mick Foley, whom I’m a total mark for, trashes the guy in his book, so what's your take?
-Steve Crawford
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Scott: I always tried not to think of Hales too much. When booking the Memphis-based USWA while I was there, Hales (or as I called him, “The Forrest Gump of Professional Rasslin’”), always relied on angles that Jerry Jarrett and Lawler had used in the past. To me, the best bookers in the business have been innovative, so in that sense, I didn’t respect his work at all. It was also difficult to keep a straight face when he would try to script out TV interviews for Tommy Rich, Doug Gilbert and me in the dressing room. Typical Hales (in his slow, bumbling, awkward cadence): “OK, guys, you start off with something like, ‘Let me tell you somethin’, brother (which he ALWAYS said) we’re mad and we’re coming for you.’” Um, OK, Randy, whatever. And then I’d go out there and say something completely different, much to his chagrin. Ah, nothing like live TV.
I've read that a few wrestlers are known for working “stiff” and it seems to me this could be a problem -- other wrestlers retaliating, etc. How much is too much?
-Keith Silcox
Scott: While I have no direct experience with the guy, Stan “the Lariat” Hansen was generally regarded as one of the stiffest guys around, and the late, great Bruiser Brody could be a bastard like that as well. In fact, during a tag bout in Japan, Hansen and Brody were knocking around Nick Bockwinkle pretty good when partner Harley Race stepped in and took control of the situation. Brody is also noted for putting a young Lex Luger in his place during a bout in Florida.
Actually, Lawler and the boys used to joke that my Jimmy Hart-style kicks were the “stiffest in the business.” The first time I tore into Lawler with my Doc Martens, he was saying, “Shit, shit, shit -- what the hell are you doing?”
I had subscribed to the [PRO WRESTLING] TORCH for 10 years and then discovered Meltzer and have become a huge fan. Meltzer appears to be a respected figure and I am sure has decent sources, but he has never been in the locker room for extended periods, if at all. It would be nice if someone like you would run a “sheet,” but I suspect it comes down to integrity.
-Josh Marino
Scott: Contrary to popular belief, being in a wrestling locker room really isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And while the reasons why I don’t run a sheet are numerous, integrity has nothing to do with it, I can assure you. Memorable locker-room moment in Memphis: I was walking past the Dream Machine’s (the late Troy Graham) dressing room following one of his many bloody brawls at the Coliseum. Inside I could hear the sickening sound of fists pounding flesh. I peer inside and see the Dream punching his face in front of a mirror. He says, “I’m getting ready to cut a promo. How do I look?” I say, “Uh, terrible, Dream. Absolutely terrible.” To which he replies, “OK, good. Let’s do it!”
I was born in Memphis in ’69 and grew up watching Lance Russell on Saturday mornings with my grandfather on Channel 5. Like everyone else, I hated Lawler and loved Bill “Superstar” Dundee and “Wildfire” Tommy Rich. But my favorite? By far, Tojo Yamamoto. Remember him? I suppose he was a minor player but, for some reason, he captured my imagination. Quiet but mysterious in that “Eastern” way. I couldn’t wait to see if he would appear and start distributing some well-deserved chops to the throat of some challenger. But, of course, I was just 6 or 7 years old. I’m scarred for life, I guess.
-Kevin Wade
Scott: Tojo was “quiet but mysterious in that ‘Eastern’ way”? For the life of me, I can’t figure out if you were joking there. Tojo was actually a big player in his day and drew lots of money with Jarrett and Jackie Fargo. One of the saddest stories in wrestling, Tojo committed suicide after retiring from the business. Apparently, the biz was his life and he had become a recluse in his last days. And if you think you’re scarred for life, you should check out Rich’s forehead.
I swear as a 25-year-old lifetime wrestling fan who obviously inherited the love of the “sport” from his father, I look forward to reading your article every time it comes out. My name is Phillip Coley but until a few days before I was born in September of ’76 it was Dusty Daniel, and yes that is “Dusty” as in Rhodes and “Daniel” as in Wahoo McDaniel. Thank God for name changes. Also, please touch on the downfall of the Rock and Roll Express.
-Phil Coley
Scott: Could have been worse. (“Kamala LeDuc” immediately comes to mind.) Actually, I can’t say much: My father wanted to name me “Kerry Gus” Bowden after two of his favorite football players. Thank God he didn’t -- I’d probably be flipping burgers somewhere right now. I believe the downfall of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson started around the time I became their manager in Memphis in 1996. Actually, under my guidance, they were undefeated at high-school gymnasiums across Arkansas -- a far cry from their days as “5-time World tag-team champions.” (Typical interview: Ricky speaks of their 5-time championship laurels as Robert motions the numeral 5 circling the world).
I remember that match between Von Erich and Flair at Texas Stadium. It was given the same weight here (West Texas) in the media as the Super Bowl. You should really consider writing a book about Memphis Wrestling. I for one have never heard or read any of this stuff before, and you certainly have a knack for exposition on this topic. My only complaint is that often times I really have no clue who you’re talking about. I mean, everybody who watches WWE programming knows who Jerry Lawler is, and I have a good idea who Harley Race was ... but some of the other names leave me cold with ignorance.
Scott: I know, I know. I often frustrate the POOP SHOOT copy editor, who calls me “the Dennis Miller of wrestling journalism.” I’m sure that Dennis Miller would be greatly offended at that.
I hope you don’t take this as an insult, it’s not my intention, but who are you? Did you ever go by a gimmick?
-Moniegrril
Scott: Much to my parents’ dismay, I used my real name -- Scott Bowden -- during my rasslin’ days. Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden was not really my uncle though. He was my grandfather.
(This next letter is a bit long, so I’ll answer it point by point. --Scott)
First let me start off by saying I really enjoy your column. (Nice start.) I am 30 years old and have been watching wrestling since the mid-70's when my dad got me in to it. I am a huge wrestling mark and I follow the Web boards frequently while believing 1/3 of what I read.
(1/3? You give them far too much credit.)
I was compelled to write you after once again reading your comments bashing DDP again. While he was not the most prolific champion WCW has ever had, he does not suck. (I never said that he did. And even if I thought that -- which I don’t -- I wouldn’t disrespect him in that way. That’s Tom Zenk’s job.)
For him to have gotten as far in the business as he has and as old as he is establishes not only his work ethic but his talent. While he may not be the best, he certainly was supported by the fans. (The fact that he was supported by the fans means little to me. The fans supported Hacksaw Duggan and the Ultimate Warrior, too.)
It was nice to see someone like DDP get the highest honor for his company even for a short while. As a person on the inside, you should realize the champion is placed on someone who is over with the fans and will generate $ for the company. (Actually, that’s the VERY reason I had a problem with DDP getting the strap. He wasn’t over anymore and he didn’t make a dime for the company as champ.)
Sometimes DDP was the victim of bad gimmick but he always wrestled great and with heart. Maybe I am just too much of a mark. (Could be.) I have had the pleasure and displeasure of meeting many wrestlers over the years. (Likewise.) Not only is DDP a talented wrestler, but in meeting him on three different occasions, he is a genuinely nice guy who cares about the fans, something I cannot say about other past WCW champions. Was he worthy of being a world champ? Yes. (Uh, no.) As far as David Arquette goes, that thing was nothing but a joke. (In very poor taste.) The only thing that was good about it is something that I have never heard anyone mention. All of the money that David was paid by WCW for his appearances and winning the title was donated to charity. He made not one red cent off of that. (Yeah, nobody made a red cent off of it.) I realize that every wrestler, even Iron Mike Sharpe, has a fan base that will support them. (And who wouldn’t mark out for Sharpe and his loaded arm brace?) Just don't take away from DDP’s talent because you don't think he was worthy.
-Scott Reeves
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Scott: Final thoughts: While DDP is to be respected for overcoming the odds to become a success in a tough business, he never deserved to be World champ. When I think of great World champs, I think of Jack Brisco, Dory Funk Jr., Race, Bockwinkle, Ric Flair, Steve Austin and Rick Steamboat. DDP’s greatest feat was getting over like crazy at one point (‘97-’98) with talent that can only be described as average at best.
I read your insightful and well-written article about wrestling titles, and I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it. As I live in England, we've only had extensive U.S. wrestling coverage for a comparatively short time, but I agree with you about the title being demeaned with numerous changes and people winning the belt a ridiculous amount of times. The numerous title changes and the split between RAW and SMACKDOWN appear to be a direct result of the soap-opera story lines that some idiot is now coming up with.
Kind regards,
-Jamie Vaide
Scott: Well, idiots coming up with wresting story lines has been going on for years now. (See earlier question regarding Randy Hales.) England? Something tells me that this guy would’ve stood out at a USWA show in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Wish I would have had access to more Memphis back when you were working there. I only saw a little when you were around but always enjoyed your work -- thought you had a really quick wit on the mic. And you have my respect as you broke in with what traditionally has always had the reputation as the toughest and sometimes scariest promotion in the U.S. Glad you didn't have any knives pulled on you backstage.
-Michael Branch
Scott: While I did have a knife pulled on me by a fan in Nashville once, that’s nothing compared to the old days when fans would burn Lawler with cigarettes on his way to the ring, and fans in Louisiana would fill water guns with Drano and aim for the eyes of the Freebirds. Now that was heat.
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