Nature Boy Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection

Directors: Kevin Dunn
Distributor: WWE Home Video
Released: 7/08
Featured Talent
Arn Anderson, Steve Austin, Batista, Tully Blanchard, Nick Bockwinkel, Jack Brisco, Jim Brunzell, John Cena, Jim Cornette, David Crockett, J.J. Dillon, Edge, Ric Flair, Ashley Fleihr (daughter), David Fleihr (son), Megan Fleihr (daughter), Reid Fleihr (son), Tiffany Fleihr (wife), Dory Funk Jr., Greg Gagne, Michael Hayes, Bobby Heenan, Shawn Michaels, Gene Okerland, Bob Orton Jr., Randy Orton, Bruce Pritchard, Harley Race, Baron Von Raschke, Dusty Rhodes, Jim Ross, Triple H, Greg Valentine, Kevin Von Erich

The Good
Generally speaking, the WWE’s documentaries on legendary pro-wrestlers have been good. They usually have the footage, interviews and a version of the story that is a worthwhile watch - at least once. This documentary, while a good retrospect of Ric Flair’s legendary career, lacks the depth that his excellent autobiography did. It is positive though and many people want to see those highlights and hear those stories. In that sense, it delivers. This was a big step-up production-wise as it featured some really fun graphics (depicting the NWA’s control over the US, Flair’s touring and title defenses), it also had some good lighting and presentation for the newer interviews and it really captured the past in a nostalgic way (as opposed to low-rent way). It was fun to hear Flair and some of his running buddies talk about his early days and peak when he was living the high life. There was a lot of focus on big feuds and rivalries, which has gone over well in recent WWE Legend documentaries. There really were no surprises here and it was basically a feel-good type documentary, which one has to expect. As always there were some great interviewees: Harley Race, Jim Cornette and David Crockett were all great and brought so much to this piece.

The Bad
As with almost all WWE documentaries, this lacked depth. It was missing that critical side that even Flair’s autobiography had. His financial woes, his lackluster WWF run and his burial in WCW are largely glossed over. There is no Eric Bischoff, Hulk Hogan or Mick Foley to offer some criticism, heck, Ricky Steamboat is not even on this! Although the list of interviews is solid, there were definitely some MIAs that could have added insight. Terry Funk really jumps out, but he is yet to appear on a WWE documentary. There also is some due criticism of the WWF/WWE that is sadly missing. His `91-`93 run is deemed a success, although it is acknowledged that not booking he and Hulk Hogan in a pay-per-view match was strange. While he had a good showing and had some great matches, he was not the larger than life character that he had been in JCP and was another legendary NWA champion reduced to something far less than he deserved to be like “King” Harley Race, Hoss (Dory) Funk and “The Common Man” Dusty Rhodes before him. As for his return after WCW died, well, it is clear that with the exception of a few instances, Ric Flair was not utilized well. One of the greatest interviews of all-time was seldom left to cut his money promos, a figure who could draw in the older fans was over-used and jobbed out and that final run that should have carried him into his final match was pathetically executed. All of these facts are swept aside, so we can hear him talk about the few things that were done right. While one has to expect that in a WWE production that does not mean that it is okay and the credibility of this documentary takes a hit as result. As for the matches, let's just say they did an average job complimenting the previously released "Ultimate Ric Flair Collection."

The Rating: ****1/2

Secrets of the Ring - Dusty Rhodes

The Good
Gabe Sapolsky sits down with Dusty Rhodes (this was while he was working with NWA-TNA) and they go through his journal, specifically the year of 1987. If you love Dusty, I cannot imagine you would not enjoy this. He is a toned down version of his "American Dream" character and delivers so many of those "Rhodeisms" that it spices things up. They talk briefly about building things to this high-point in Jim Crockett Promotions. Dusty talks about his jump from Florida, his promotion of Starcade and how that changed, his relationship with Jim Crockett (and other big wigs in the business) and they go over some of the turmoil that followed JCP's decline. The crux of this is going through the year, picking out some key shows, talking about Dusty's booking psychology, the UWF merger and JCP's expansion and they discuss the talent. If you want to know about how the War Games, the Great American Bash tours, the Crockett Cup and other JCP standards came to be, this is the place to hear about them. Why did Ronnie Garvin get pushed so hard? Why did Nikita Koloff "replace" Magnum TA after TA's car wreck? How could he successfully run two and three shows every night? Why did Dusty not push the UWF talent harder and try to work an interpromotional feud? Dusty has some great answers and especially as it concerns that last question. If you look at the history of interpromotional feuds, there is a trend. Sometimes the invaders are put over strong (Poffos in Memphis, The Outsiders & nWo in WCW, UWFi contingency in New Japan) and business spikes, but ultimately the whole things cools off ad transitioning to the next big thing can be hard as it is kind of "hotshot" type angle. Sometimes the in-coming crew is buried (WCW/ECW talent in WWF being the most infamous example). Dusty explains why he, as the booker, could not justify pushing these outsiders over the talent that he'd been up and down the road with. He felt he gave the in-coming stars chances and several delivered Steve Williams, Big Bubba and, of course, Sting. However, some of them like Eddie Gilbert, Terry Taylor and others did not. I cannot say I entirely agree with his stance and feel like that missed opportunity probably did JCP more harm than good, but I think his defense is reasonable.

The Bad
Dusty Rhodes is such a hit-or-miss person for me. He is someone who I can pop for when he does his schtick, I thought he had some great ideas in Crockett and 1993 WCW, I would crack up at his color commentary and thought the WWE Documentary on him was great, however his book was unimpressive, his RF Video shoot was lackluster, his matches and booking were awful at times and he has kind of become a cartoon character and his serious side seems to have retired years ago. This shoot is a great concept and it has some great content, however I would say I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if it was the lack of depth in his notes, Gabe's lack of digging or Dusty's lack of communication skills (hard to believe, considering he was one of the greatest promos ever), but this shoot interview was not the masterpiece I would have hoped for.

The Rating: ***3/4

Lex Luger [RF Video Shoot Interview]

The Good
I cannot say much positive about this. Lex Luger is asked questions, he answers them, he passes on some (mostly rumors that he does not seem to know about) and he keeps most of his answers concise and straightforward. He is not angry, bitter or obnoxious, all qualities that can give an interview entertainment value at the very least. He seems to not want to say anything too controversial, which is a testament to him. He does not really come across negatively here, unless you think he is being overly political and evasive in his answers, I tend to think he is just being thoughtful. My favorite part, in all its briefness, was his thoughts on steroids. An admitted user, Lex explains convincingly that steroids do not work alone, they need to be combined with hard work to be truly effective. He has some strong views and that topic pulls some fire out of him. It seems like talking about his gym, training regiment and views on health could have been really fascinating because that seems to be where his passion lies. Oh well.

The Bad
This interview falls in between the death of Elizabeth in 2003 and the physical ailments that Lex Luger had in 2007, so he is in the middle of his tragic fall here. In pro-wrestling, most everyone has some heat with someone somewhere, but Lex Luger has this reputation as a heat magnet that is probably based mostly on his personality and the perception that he is a prima-donna. He tries to dispel some of those ideas and in doing so reveals something. He is a well-educated and was even considering law school before pursuing pro-wrestling, he does not seem to want to talk bad about anyone, he does not want to be self-deprecating and he does not feed into the rumors and gossip about him, therefore his answers seem very calculated. This is probably him just being thoughtful, but it could be him riding the fence so to speak. He does not want to knock Vince McMahon, despite the fact that the WWF/WWE has been only negative toward him and his contributions to the business since buying WCW in 2001. Lex Luger has been a target since breaking in and has understandably learned to not read the "dirt sheets" and "internet," so he seems as if he does not really care about the business or even his legacy. It is odd. That aloofness really prevents this from being riveting. They go over his career, address some of good and bad parts, but you go away feeling like you spent almost three hours listening but that not much was said. Even the Elizabeth controversy is poorly approached (in typical RF fashion), washed over and practically dismissed. Lex Luger saw and did so much and this just seems to not be the interview to capture the good or the bad about his career.

The Rating: ***

Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling


Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Ole Anderson, Scott Teal
Publisher: Crowbar Press
Released: 12/03

The Good
This book has that in common with Dynamite Kid's book and if it had come out then it might be held in the same high regard. Ole Anderson is one of the most important figures in pro-wrestling who is often overlooked, but now we can hear his side of the story of pro-wrestling's change from territories to national products. He does come across like a self-centered and greedy jerk at times, but he doesn't care and I like that. What sets this book apart is Ole goes into depth on booking, not as much as I'd like, but more than any book before this. I think Bill Watts and Dusty Rhodes might do better books, but only if they go into much more depth on the psychology of booking. It also tackles a time and area (Southeast wrestling in the late 60s through early 90s) that is somewhat unpublished territory. This is a must read for many reasons. He gives blunt opinions on people, but doesn't just spew venom like I'd been led to believe.

The Bad
There are a few details that are wrong (but really they're not grossly obvious) and some of his knocks on people are questionable (but they're his opinions after all) and that's about all one can say. Ole does seem bitter in parts, remember his appearance on WOL shortly after this, it just seems like an essential part of his personality. Some people probably think he puts himself over too much, but I think he's pretty humble considering his strong opinions. The book really turns a corner in the last leg after "Black Saturday" when he loses the last full authority he'd ever hold. Afterwards, Ole's bitterness toward the changes in pro-wrestling become stronger and they sometimes reach unbearable proportions. I can see some people thinking this is a dull and self-indulgent book by a grumpy old codger, but I personally think it needs to be read to be fairly evaluated.

The Rating: ****1/2

Ron Garvin Shoot Interview [Highspots]

The Good
Ron Garvin can talk...and talk...and talk. If you like a shoot interview where the interviewer gets a few questions in and the next hour is story after story, opinion after opinion until it's over. Ronnie waxed nostalgic about breaking in, coming to the US and some of his successful runs in different areas. Most of the time was spent however with a philosophical lecture that included: success, happiness, society degrading and other weighty topics. It is interesting and not at all what I expected.

The Bad
Due to Ron Garvin's nonstop diatribes, his run with Terry and Jimmy, his time in Knoxville, his time with the ICW and even his run with the Crocketts and later the WWF are all cut short or left out. If you want that classic chronological interview, this ain't it. Garvin rambles and gives some pretty strong opinions about mainly different parts of our culture. I was disappointed by the lack of information on specific territories, angles and characters, but the trade off was not completely worthless.

The Rating: ****

The American Dream
Directors: Kevin Dunn
Distributor: WWE Home Video
Released: 6/06 

Featured Talent
Arn Anderson, Shelton Benjamin, Tully Blanchard, Jerry Brisco, John Cena, Simon Dean, Ted Dibiase, Ric Flair, Tony Garea, Mike Graham, Superstar Billy Graham, Michael Hayes, Bobby Heenan, Jerry Lawler, Chris Masters, Vince McMahon, Trevor Murdoch, Gene Okerland, Pat Patterson, Roddy Piper, Bruce Pritchard, Harley Race, William Regal, Dusty Rhodes, Michelle Rhodes, Dustin Runnels, Sgt. Slaughter, Joey Styles, Triple H


The Good
Dusty Rhodes is one of those once-in-a-lifetime personalities that comes along and despite hardships and limitations, they have that special something that makes them a legend. Dusty Rhodes story as the son of plumber in Austin, Texas is true, so telling it is very easy. There are great photographs and some fitting music that compliment the distinct voice and vernacular of the man. Like numerous other biographical documentaries by the WWE, the personality of the performer carries much of the quality of the piece. Although he's no Billy Graham, Dusty Rhodes can talk well and keep the viewer engaged with his storytelling. The legacy of the Texas Outlaws (Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) is appropriately explained, but there is definitely more to that story. The Florida territory is succinctly and accurately described in a way that helps the modern fan understand how it worked and why it worked. Eddie Graham is put over and it connects to Dusty's own promotional acumen. Luckily they address some of Dusty's faults as well because he certainly has some that cannot fairly be left unsaid. Ultimately though it explains how Dusty Rhodes simply had a gift for getting things over, namely himself. He got over as a bad ass heel, he got over as a flamboyant jive-talking average Joe babyface and he even got over in his yellow polka dots. The tales of that last part are particularly funny. While you can grasp some of his excellence on the mic, it does not come across as strongly as in the Superstar Graham DVD. The real highlight of this is the story of the Dusty and Dustin Rhodes. They genuinely try to explain the hardships that being a pro-wrestler have on a family and how difficult it is for a son to follow his father when that father is a huge star. Dustin Rhodes brings a lot of emotion and honesty to this and it makes this more than a run-of-the-mill documentary about a pro-wrestling legend. The extras are all good from okay matches to great promos and vignettes. 

The Bad
Dusty Rhodes' legacy within the WWF is very different than his time spent elsewhere. He had a great feud with Superstar Graham in the late 70s and a run in the late 80s that many believe ruined his legacy. Although he was moderately successful in that ridiculous role and it was fun for everybody, it did his career no favors. The character of Sapphire and the racial baggage that comes with it is not even addressed (no surprise there), but she stands out as an example of the underlying bigotry that existed in the WWF worldview at that time. The final sticking point is that Dusty Rhodes does not seem to really take much of the heat for the death of Jim Crockett Promotions. He admits he usually catches the blame, but by no means admits his guilt. He was not alone, but he was certainly complacent as JCP spent its way into the ground. 

The Rating: ****1/4

Barry Windham [RF Video Shoot Interview]

The Good
As highly regarded as Barry Windham was as a worker, he seems like he's an underrated interview.  Here, shortly after being released by the WWE (where he was an agent), he is as candid as you'd want without seeming bitter or angry.  His honest is really unique as he talks about his own steroid use, recklessness of himself and the boys as well as the people who held him back.  I would argue that he is one of the most insightful workers into the true nature of wrestling today and the fact he's a free agent is a travesty because he seems like a huge asset.  Windham also throws in a couple classic road stories to give his interview some flavor.  If you like the man himself, old-school, new school or whatever, you'll enjoy this.

The Bad
The interviewer (typical RF Video issue) jumps around horribly after the going through a timeline since the last interview.  Jumping from TNA to the Iron Shiek to the Four Horsemen is an example of why most of this 2:30 interview seems disjointed.  If Barry Windham was not a helluva talker, this could have been just awful.

The Rating: ****1/2

Rock-N-Roll Express [RF Video Shoot Interview]

The Good
Ricky Morton didn't just carry the team, he carries this interview.  Opinionated, honest, funny and insightful, Morton has to be one of the best shoot interviews out there.  Robert Gibson "works the apron" by adding in little comments and jokes when needed and one brings to truly understand the dynamics of the Rock-N-Roll Express.  Although I usually feel RF's questioning is poor, it is acceptable here and he really digs into some of the early years in Tennessee and Alabama more than I would have expected.  It is really Ricky Morton's powerful personality that make this fantastic and you'll see him in a whole new light when you catch this.

The Bad
Without dwelling on the faults of RF Video Shoot Interviews, one would find this really enjoyable.  I always want to here more about the Alabama region because it has been downplayed so much.  Ricky and Robert seem to have more nostalgia and excitement in talking about Memphis than any other place and that could probably be an interview all by itself.  My faults with this are pretty minimal.

The Rating: ****1/2

Jimmy Valiant Shoot Interview [Highspots]

The Good
Jimmy Valiant is generally a good interview if you like his persona, his little catchphrases and understand that he tends to kayfabe.  He has led an interesting career spanning an amazing time frame and has been on top in some of the most noteworthy markets in the US.  All of this makes great fodder for a great interview.  I've heard him due interviews, usually radio shows, half a dozen times or so and he's never shocked me.  This shocked me.  He seemed to be out-of-character (as much as he probably is in real life) and was very honest about everything.  He is upbeat about everything from his career to modern pro-wrestling to his life in general, which is always nice to hear from a retired pro-wrestler.  While he's not the best talker (in contrast to his promos), Jimmy Valiant shows fascinating insight into how he created, developed and adapted his persona over the years.  Whether it was "Handsome" Jimmy, the arrogant bleach-blond heel, or the "Boogie Woogie Man," the kissin', huggin', dancin' bearded babyface, Jimmy Valiant understood how to be different, how to stand out and ultimately - how to get over!  If you clip those parts out, this is golden.

The Bad
I'll be honest, I've never cared for Jimmy Valiant.  His in-ring work, his promos, his whole presentation, it's never been my thing.  That aside, I respect the contributions he has made and have no desire to rip on him.  He was/is a great talker, he had a lot of catchphrases and integrated them to the delight of fans (much like the Rock, whose promos I generally don't care for).  That being said, when he's talking like a regular person, he seems to trip over his words and says "ya know" more than Dave Meltzer interviewing Lance Storm.  Overall, Valiant's happy-go-lucky approach plays well, but it seems like there is another side to his experiences that might be going unsaid.  If his book reads like this...well, hopefully it doesn't.

The Rating: ***3/4