George Steele [RF Video Shoot Interview]





The Good
Sometimes I am baffled at how well an RF Shoot interview goes. I've heard a number of George Steele interviews on different shows, including 57Talk and Legends Radio, but none of them could even touch this one. First of all, he starts off with, "Do you want to
George or Jim?" Of course, the well-spoken and insightful Jim Meyers does the interview and really gives a lesson. He explains psychology, he explains leverage with promoters, he explains the logic of his career choices and he explains how he went from a serious heel to a cartoon character. All along the way, he throws is funny stories, yells at the dozing off crew and realistically sets himself up for a second shoot interview (about developing his George Steele character, his struggles with learning disabilities and his successes as a teacher/coach that ran parallel to his pro-wrestling career). RF's goofy trailers never made this seem like a top-notch shoot and it is certainly not Rob's doing, it is all the brilliance of Jim Meyers. This is a classic.


The Bad
I had thought Al Snow's second RF Video shoot was exceptional in that he really got into the meat and potatoes of psychology. While he has his own perspectives, it was enjoyable to listen to. This is along that line, but George Steele really explores his own career. The advantage he had is that his seasonal approach (summer runs when school was out for him) meant he did not have as many matches and therefore not as many angles, feuds, etc. Surely, some people would want him to spend more time on these and less on the psychology. Some people would probably prefer it the way around. Regardless, this is not hampered by all the usual RF Video flaws because the power of Jim Meyers' personality and his ability to talk and explain for hours.

The Rating: *****

Face Off 8 - Midnight Madness - Raven & Jim Mitchell



The Good

Another RF Video Face-Off starring Raven. This time he is joined by Jim Mitchell and the two of them have just returned from the late Chris Kanyon's wake. Obviously, they spend plenty of time recollecting their memories of Kanyon, his coming out, his battles with depression and his generosity. It is a nice little tribute in that way. Then, they get off onto promos, psychology and the current product. It is hit-or-miss in those parts. I think if you generally like listening to Raven, were an ECW fan or whatever, you can enjoy this for sure. These two have distinct personalities and in all their tales of debauchery and such, there is a friendship here that comes out. A fun little FaceOff, although maybe not the best.

The Bad
Raven, who I love listening to, seems to be off a bit and while he and "Vandy" have some chemistry, this does not work like previous Raven FaceOffs. Mitchell, while a great promo and an interesting fellow, is totally all over the page here. This seems like two guys chatting and it is such disorganized stream of consciousness discussion that it can hardly be considered a shoot interview. I guess Rob can just throw in a few questions, offer up some chocolate wine and pizza along with how much ever money and we'll get an interesting shoot. For what I expected, this was grossly disappointing.

The Rating: ***1/2