Wrestling Gold Collection
Director: n/a
Distributor: Kit Parker Films
Released: ?/01
Featured Talent
Jim Cornette & Dave Meltzer

The Good
This five disc collection features approximately sixty matches from various territories with material that is predominately from the 1980s. There are matches from Memphis, Detroit, San Antonio and several companies. Without the commentary a lot of this action would be boring, however the insight from Cornette and Meltzer make this material more meaningful. Rather than calling the matches in kayfabe (which Cornette could do brilliantly), they use the matches as talking points as two of pro-wrestling's greatest minds explain the history and psychology of the sport. Cornette's humor and personality adds greatly as Meltzer is a journalist, not an entertainer. I purchased these tapes at a good price and really enjoy their content. Although you can turn off the commentary, most of the announcers (except for Lance Russell) add little to the quality of the matches. There really are some gems in here: Randy Savage, Jerry Lawler, Bobby Heenan, Rock-N-Roll Express and the Dynamic Duo (Gino Hernandez & Tully Blanchard) are all in their primes. There are also appearances by stars like Shawn Michaels, The Road Warriors, Rick Rude, Magnum TA and the Von Erichs before their primes. Finally, there is a long list of legends featured: The Sheik, Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Dick the Bruiser, The Crusher, Bruno Sammartino, Ernie Ladd, Bruiser Brody and the Funks, amongst others. This is a nice hodge-podge of pro-wrestling.

The Bad
Due to the WWE owning the rights to most major pro-wrestling company's libraries, there was limited footage from which to pull matches. Furthermore, many matches were clearly chosen for the names involved, rather than the quality of the action. If you have never seen the likes of Bob Sweetan, Ox Baker, Tiger Jeet Singh and Ivan Putski - this is a chance to see them (like it or not!). There are plenty of ugly-looking moves, matches and men, but there is enough humor and quality to keep Wrestling Gold from being Wrestling Garbage.

The Rating: ****