Missy Hyatt [Wrestling Universe Shoot Interview]
The Good
Missy Hyatt is one of those rare people who despite having little or nothing to do with pro-wrestling anymore, not supplying much insight and a less than legendary career keeps getting brought onto radio shows and asked to do shoot interviews? The reason being that Missy Hyatt loves to fling mud and loves to talk about all the sex and drugs in the business. Shockingly, Missy never entirely comes across as bitter, but rather as someone who will dish the dirt and makes no bones about who she likes, who she dislikes and what opinions she has of everyone else. The WrestlingUniverse shoot series is exceptional and they largely throw softballs at Missy, so she can hit jaw-dropping homeruns (if you've never heard Missy Hyatt before). She says who screwed who, who she screwed, who she did not screw and who she owes favors. You'll learn about certain pro-wrestler's abilities, inabilities and adequacy. You'll learn about valet's drug problems, man problems and attitude problems. It is a free-for-all with the only caveat being she does not want to spoil her book (which was about what you'd expect).
The Bad
If you've never heard Missy, than you'd probably dig this. If you've heard her on WOL or a tame radio show, you'll probably notice she's a bit more colorful. If you've heard her YouShoot or some other shoots (RF Video, SmartMark Video, etc.) than this will probably seem like more of the same. She puts people over, but rarely specifies their good qualities usually just that they were "nice" or "smart." Conversely, she often buries people like Kevin Sullivan, Tony Anthony and Jeff Jarrett for no apparent reason and does not validate her thoughts with examples of being wronged. In the overall scope of her shoots, I'd rate this as "above average." I must insert though, you have to enjoy listening to the kind of interview she does.
The Rating: ***1/2
Showing posts with label UWF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UWF. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Jim Duggan [Straight Shootin' Interview]
The Good
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is one of pro-wrestling's great acquired tastes. I had a cousin who absolutely loved him. I know a lot of "smart marks" cannot stand him. While he was not my favorite later in his WWF run, his Mid-South stuff is wildly entertaining and his later days in WCW were great in their own way. His character is definitely an extension of his real-life personality and that comes across strongly here. I cannot remember another shoot interview (and they're often conducted in the wee hours of the morning) where they had so many problems with disturbing others due to noise. I guess if you have someone yelling "Hooooo" and chanting "U-S-A!" at regular intervals, you'll have issues with the neighbors. Aside from all that, Duggan is very honest and is willing to talk about most everything, including the infamous New Jersey arrest with the Iron Sheik and considering others (Ken Patera, Jimmy Snuka and Chris Adams) were not willing to dig the skeletons out of their closets. I found Duggan to be both frank in his comments and funny in his delivery, so this was a difficult interview not to enjoy.
The Bad
As much as I enjoyed Hacksaw's over-the-top personality and its presence in this interview, I am sure some people would not. I would rather have that and get some extra goofiness than the bland deliveries I've heard out of charisma kingpin Jimmy Valiant. Duggan has had such a full career and has enjoyed some booze and gimmicks along the way, so he seems to be missing memories of many high points of his career (according to fans, his personal high points he remembers). My only complaint is that Duggan seems kind of bitter toward how the business changed during the Monday Night Wars and how a cartoon character like himself was simply cut out of the spotlight. It is funny because if you pulled him out of 1987 and stuck him in there, he could have been a hot commodity, but after nearly a decade of being a goof, he just could not offer much past a nostalgia act. Therefore, he seems angry at the smaller workers (Lance Storm, Dean Malenko and others), annoyed with the youngsters who need gimmicks (Buff Bagwell, Van Hammer, etc.) and upset with the management that took to an edgier style.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan is one of pro-wrestling's great acquired tastes. I had a cousin who absolutely loved him. I know a lot of "smart marks" cannot stand him. While he was not my favorite later in his WWF run, his Mid-South stuff is wildly entertaining and his later days in WCW were great in their own way. His character is definitely an extension of his real-life personality and that comes across strongly here. I cannot remember another shoot interview (and they're often conducted in the wee hours of the morning) where they had so many problems with disturbing others due to noise. I guess if you have someone yelling "Hooooo" and chanting "U-S-A!" at regular intervals, you'll have issues with the neighbors. Aside from all that, Duggan is very honest and is willing to talk about most everything, including the infamous New Jersey arrest with the Iron Sheik and considering others (Ken Patera, Jimmy Snuka and Chris Adams) were not willing to dig the skeletons out of their closets. I found Duggan to be both frank in his comments and funny in his delivery, so this was a difficult interview not to enjoy.
The Bad
As much as I enjoyed Hacksaw's over-the-top personality and its presence in this interview, I am sure some people would not. I would rather have that and get some extra goofiness than the bland deliveries I've heard out of charisma kingpin Jimmy Valiant. Duggan has had such a full career and has enjoyed some booze and gimmicks along the way, so he seems to be missing memories of many high points of his career (according to fans, his personal high points he remembers). My only complaint is that Duggan seems kind of bitter toward how the business changed during the Monday Night Wars and how a cartoon character like himself was simply cut out of the spotlight. It is funny because if you pulled him out of 1987 and stuck him in there, he could have been a hot commodity, but after nearly a decade of being a goof, he just could not offer much past a nostalgia act. Therefore, he seems angry at the smaller workers (Lance Storm, Dean Malenko and others), annoyed with the youngsters who need gimmicks (Buff Bagwell, Van Hammer, etc.) and upset with the management that took to an edgier style.
The Rating: ****1/2
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bad News Allen [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
There a some things to consider when evaluating a shoot interview. One, is the person involved still alive (or still in their right mind)? Two, has the person done other shoot interviews before (even if they were brief radio interviews)? Three, are there any details about the time, location or circumstances involving this shoot that would substantially harm its quality? The first two questions are usually easier to answer, but that third question is often not. Bad News Allen, who I'd heard previously on WOL on Eyada, struck me as someone who would probably great every time out. He had an amazing career, he was funny storyteller, he was a no-nonsense bad ass and his judo background was fascinating as well. In any event, RF Video sat down with him and now that he has passed, the interview is a significant historical source. Allen has hilarious anecdotes, he shoots on people who he didn't like, he seems honest and thoughtful in his reflections and few have the kind of insight into New Japan that he had. Bad News was with the company for a long time as it was on its ascent and he talked about having Akira Maeda as a kohei (pupil), watching Fujinami come up, having issues with Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes and a few others. Allen also talked briefly about his stint with UWFi, which is curious. There are other experiences in his career that were interesting - working the unstable Randy Savage, feuding with Bret Hart, being "lied to" by Vince McMahon and his recollections of Dynamite Kid and Jacques Rougeau. This was just a top notch shoot and it was entirely because of the interviewee.
The Bad
Obviously, the New Japan stuff is gold for many fans. RF got into it some, but really did not push the interview in that direction as much as it could've been and probably should've been. Allen had great stories from his time there and interesting opinions on business and personalities, so that area should've been mined thoroughly. Does hearing about his short run in Florida, his inability to get into WCW or his time on the Canadian indies really need much time? Though that chronology is paramount in RF Video shoots, it is really a travesty here and took a little of the shine off one of the great shoot interviews.
The Rating: ****3/4
The Good
There a some things to consider when evaluating a shoot interview. One, is the person involved still alive (or still in their right mind)? Two, has the person done other shoot interviews before (even if they were brief radio interviews)? Three, are there any details about the time, location or circumstances involving this shoot that would substantially harm its quality? The first two questions are usually easier to answer, but that third question is often not. Bad News Allen, who I'd heard previously on WOL on Eyada, struck me as someone who would probably great every time out. He had an amazing career, he was funny storyteller, he was a no-nonsense bad ass and his judo background was fascinating as well. In any event, RF Video sat down with him and now that he has passed, the interview is a significant historical source. Allen has hilarious anecdotes, he shoots on people who he didn't like, he seems honest and thoughtful in his reflections and few have the kind of insight into New Japan that he had. Bad News was with the company for a long time as it was on its ascent and he talked about having Akira Maeda as a kohei (pupil), watching Fujinami come up, having issues with Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes and a few others. Allen also talked briefly about his stint with UWFi, which is curious. There are other experiences in his career that were interesting - working the unstable Randy Savage, feuding with Bret Hart, being "lied to" by Vince McMahon and his recollections of Dynamite Kid and Jacques Rougeau. This was just a top notch shoot and it was entirely because of the interviewee.
The Bad
Obviously, the New Japan stuff is gold for many fans. RF got into it some, but really did not push the interview in that direction as much as it could've been and probably should've been. Allen had great stories from his time there and interesting opinions on business and personalities, so that area should've been mined thoroughly. Does hearing about his short run in Florida, his inability to get into WCW or his time on the Canadian indies really need much time? Though that chronology is paramount in RF Video shoots, it is really a travesty here and took a little of the shine off one of the great shoot interviews.
The Rating: ****3/4
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Jack Victory [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
One of the early RF Video shoot interviews as Jack Victory on the shelf during his ECW run talks about his early years in Mid-South and World Class, his peak years in the UWF, his time in WCW and finally his return with ECW. It is your standard RF Video shoot, but because it is an early on it seems less formulaic and more open. When Jack shares a couple Von Erich stories, they egg him on to tell more! This is likely the start of RF's fascination with the erratic behavior of the Von Erichs. Tales of murdering cats, openly abusing drugs, no-showing small towns and other shenanigans are all detailed by Jack Victory more than a decade ago. Jack has endless road stories about Missy Hyatt, Buddy Roberts, the Samoan Swat Team and John Tatum. I don't really know a lot about the timeline of RF Video shoot interviews, but this seems to really be early on and sets some standards of wanting to hear about road stories and ribs. Jack Victory seems to have them right at his fingertips and is a shockingly good storyteller, so this is a success in many ways.
The Bad
I guess if you know the RF Video formula than you can pretty much expect the linear discussion that happens. What's worse is this is back when they used to have call-in questions that were just awful because they had often just gone over those things in question. Jack is funny and has a million stories, but there is not much depth to this and it seems to set RF Video shoots on the wrong path. Road stories and ribs are entertaining, but once you've heard them, that's all there is. Discussions about psychology, the inner workings of the business and how people developed is always a preferable narrative. That is why the shoots with Bill Watts, Jim Cornette, Raven and even Lanny Poffo are great and interviews with WWF midcarders who just answer questions one-by-one are not great.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
One of the early RF Video shoot interviews as Jack Victory on the shelf during his ECW run talks about his early years in Mid-South and World Class, his peak years in the UWF, his time in WCW and finally his return with ECW. It is your standard RF Video shoot, but because it is an early on it seems less formulaic and more open. When Jack shares a couple Von Erich stories, they egg him on to tell more! This is likely the start of RF's fascination with the erratic behavior of the Von Erichs. Tales of murdering cats, openly abusing drugs, no-showing small towns and other shenanigans are all detailed by Jack Victory more than a decade ago. Jack has endless road stories about Missy Hyatt, Buddy Roberts, the Samoan Swat Team and John Tatum. I don't really know a lot about the timeline of RF Video shoot interviews, but this seems to really be early on and sets some standards of wanting to hear about road stories and ribs. Jack Victory seems to have them right at his fingertips and is a shockingly good storyteller, so this is a success in many ways.
The Bad
I guess if you know the RF Video formula than you can pretty much expect the linear discussion that happens. What's worse is this is back when they used to have call-in questions that were just awful because they had often just gone over those things in question. Jack is funny and has a million stories, but there is not much depth to this and it seems to set RF Video shoots on the wrong path. Road stories and ribs are entertaining, but once you've heard them, that's all there is. Discussions about psychology, the inner workings of the business and how people developed is always a preferable narrative. That is why the shoots with Bill Watts, Jim Cornette, Raven and even Lanny Poffo are great and interviews with WWF midcarders who just answer questions one-by-one are not great.
The Rating: ***1/2
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Missing Link [Shoot Interview]
The Good
There have been few careers quite like that of Dewey Robertson aka The Missing Link. Here is a guy who was a classic cleanie for the first decade-plus of his career, he worked in the middle of the card and had a few shots near the top in Toronto, but lacked that something special to go to the next level. Then in an attempt to reinvent himself as a Mongolian, he was turned into the fur and makeup-wearing Missing Link who did not speak and worked a madman gimmick. Link hit new territories (WCCW, UWF and the WWF) and enjoyed success that he never had before. That story in and of itself is interesting. Then there is the story behind the scenes as the transformation happened, so did new addictions to alcohol, marijuana and steroids. The Link's amazing peak late in his career was followed by an incredible fall that left him a broken man. While that part of the story is not entirely unusual, it is intriguing through this bizarre character's eyes. Sadly, the Link was in his final years at this point as cancer (which he attributed to his substance abuse) took his life.
The Bad
If his ghost writer had not been sitting with him, this interview would have been riddled with mistakes and some key parts left out. Even with that editorial presence, Dewey Robertson says a great number of things that will make you scratch your head. Some of his claims seem astonishing such as him being a dark horse for an NWA title run in the 1970s, putting over Ken Mantell as the real genius of Mid-South and World Class (he certainly had a role, but he's never been labeled a great booker by his peers) and claiming that the whole WWE roster is now using and abusing steroids. Robertson is an interesting fellow and his life story is amazing, but he certainly has some warped perspectives and memories.
The Rating: ***
The Good
There have been few careers quite like that of Dewey Robertson aka The Missing Link. Here is a guy who was a classic cleanie for the first decade-plus of his career, he worked in the middle of the card and had a few shots near the top in Toronto, but lacked that something special to go to the next level. Then in an attempt to reinvent himself as a Mongolian, he was turned into the fur and makeup-wearing Missing Link who did not speak and worked a madman gimmick. Link hit new territories (WCCW, UWF and the WWF) and enjoyed success that he never had before. That story in and of itself is interesting. Then there is the story behind the scenes as the transformation happened, so did new addictions to alcohol, marijuana and steroids. The Link's amazing peak late in his career was followed by an incredible fall that left him a broken man. While that part of the story is not entirely unusual, it is intriguing through this bizarre character's eyes. Sadly, the Link was in his final years at this point as cancer (which he attributed to his substance abuse) took his life.
The Bad
If his ghost writer had not been sitting with him, this interview would have been riddled with mistakes and some key parts left out. Even with that editorial presence, Dewey Robertson says a great number of things that will make you scratch your head. Some of his claims seem astonishing such as him being a dark horse for an NWA title run in the 1970s, putting over Ken Mantell as the real genius of Mid-South and World Class (he certainly had a role, but he's never been labeled a great booker by his peers) and claiming that the whole WWE roster is now using and abusing steroids. Robertson is an interesting fellow and his life story is amazing, but he certainly has some warped perspectives and memories.
The Rating: ***
Sunday, July 25, 2010
The Cowboy and the Cross - The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Bill Watts, Scott Williams
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 1/06
The Good
I anticipated this book for a long time and it didn't disappoint. Bill Watts' shoot interview with RF Video is arguably the best in their history and this book is more orderly version of that. He has a colored past and delves into without coming across as bitter or proud of his bad-old-days, he is wiser. His wrestling career is very interesting because few know about his accomplishments and that he was in fact an NWA Championship caliber talent. He was very successful before getting involved in booking and promoting and he is very honest about it. He pulls no punches, but often realizes the folly of his old ways. In regards to booking, his words are unmatched. Watts carefully explains numerous decisions with an eye for detail that is baffling. Scott Williams captured his genius in a way no one, not even his own words, has before. That is the strength of this book without question.
The Bad
Many pro-wrestling books are the story of men who have climbed to the top and fallen hard before being saved. It makes sense that in their reflecting time, they (or a ghost writer) get it down and they sell it off. It is a way of testifying to god's glory because he saved them from a life of sin. Watts' book is very much one of those. It seems genuine though and he was not willing to cut that down to a degree that "most" pro-wrestling fans would like to read. While I appreciate his dedication to his faith and the deep reflection he emparts...pro-wrestling fans will not take to that (generally speaking, of course). He is writing to an audience that enjoys a product that he is almost damning. It is a strange parallel that many of the wrestling writers partake in.
The Rating: ****1/2
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Bill Watts, Scott Williams
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 1/06
The Good
I anticipated this book for a long time and it didn't disappoint. Bill Watts' shoot interview with RF Video is arguably the best in their history and this book is more orderly version of that. He has a colored past and delves into without coming across as bitter or proud of his bad-old-days, he is wiser. His wrestling career is very interesting because few know about his accomplishments and that he was in fact an NWA Championship caliber talent. He was very successful before getting involved in booking and promoting and he is very honest about it. He pulls no punches, but often realizes the folly of his old ways. In regards to booking, his words are unmatched. Watts carefully explains numerous decisions with an eye for detail that is baffling. Scott Williams captured his genius in a way no one, not even his own words, has before. That is the strength of this book without question.
The Bad
Many pro-wrestling books are the story of men who have climbed to the top and fallen hard before being saved. It makes sense that in their reflecting time, they (or a ghost writer) get it down and they sell it off. It is a way of testifying to god's glory because he saved them from a life of sin. Watts' book is very much one of those. It seems genuine though and he was not willing to cut that down to a degree that "most" pro-wrestling fans would like to read. While I appreciate his dedication to his faith and the deep reflection he emparts...pro-wrestling fans will not take to that (generally speaking, of course). He is writing to an audience that enjoys a product that he is almost damning. It is a strange parallel that many of the wrestling writers partake in.
The Rating: ****1/2
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Skandor Akbar [57Talk Shoot Interview]
The Good
An excellent three-part series conducted by Gary Cubeta that focuses on World Class (in part 1), Tri-State, Mid-South and the UWF (amongst other things in part 2) and everything else (in part 3). I enjoy how Gary narrow focuses his interviews and pumps in questions that are both pertinent and personally interesting throughout the interviews. Despite some technical difficulties, he and Skandor seem to have a good rapport that leads to an honest and insightful interview. They talk extensively about the demise of World Class, the sale of the UWF and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions and even get into some areas I'd not heard Skandor discuss much. Gary is quick to jump on Amarillo (in its last days under Dick Murdoch and Blackjack Mulligan), Australia (under Skandor's cousin Frankie Caine) and his brief runs in Florida and the WWWF. Skandor is just a torrent of memories and Cubeta is able to direct him into some great aspects that RF Video simply could not do.
The Bad
I feel like this is the tip of the iceberg. Skandor Akbar is a fascinating interview and I always enjoy him, but I always feel like there's a stone that's been unturned. Gary Cubeta uncovers some of the parts that RF did not, but some are not really delved into deeply. I think his experiences in Tri-State, which is so unexplored, and post-Barnett Australia would be excellent if given the time. Skandor is never at a loss for words and has a sharp memory, but basically sticks to the interviewer's questions. As great as this was I still want more.
The Rating: ****1/4
The Good
An excellent three-part series conducted by Gary Cubeta that focuses on World Class (in part 1), Tri-State, Mid-South and the UWF (amongst other things in part 2) and everything else (in part 3). I enjoy how Gary narrow focuses his interviews and pumps in questions that are both pertinent and personally interesting throughout the interviews. Despite some technical difficulties, he and Skandor seem to have a good rapport that leads to an honest and insightful interview. They talk extensively about the demise of World Class, the sale of the UWF and fall of Jim Crockett Promotions and even get into some areas I'd not heard Skandor discuss much. Gary is quick to jump on Amarillo (in its last days under Dick Murdoch and Blackjack Mulligan), Australia (under Skandor's cousin Frankie Caine) and his brief runs in Florida and the WWWF. Skandor is just a torrent of memories and Cubeta is able to direct him into some great aspects that RF Video simply could not do.
The Bad
I feel like this is the tip of the iceberg. Skandor Akbar is a fascinating interview and I always enjoy him, but I always feel like there's a stone that's been unturned. Gary Cubeta uncovers some of the parts that RF did not, but some are not really delved into deeply. I think his experiences in Tri-State, which is so unexplored, and post-Barnett Australia would be excellent if given the time. Skandor is never at a loss for words and has a sharp memory, but basically sticks to the interviewer's questions. As great as this was I still want more.
The Rating: ****1/4
Friday, April 2, 2010
Missy Hyatt: First Lady of Wrestling
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Missy Hyatt, Charles Salzberg, Mark Goldblatt
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 10/01
The Good
I got this book for free, thanks to photocopying fans. If you've ever heard a shoot interview with Missy, this is basically the same thing with more details and emotion. There was more dirt, but on print it really loses her vocal charm. She seems honest, brutally so at times, and you really understand Missy's journey through wrestling. Good stories that are funny and will stick with you and you'll probably pass along (though some of the visuals are a bit eerie). Good for what is, better than what I'd expect out of valet's autobiography.
The Bad
Like I said, I got this book for free, thank goodness. It's just under 200 pages and while it's straight to the point, I can't help but feel I would've never spent much money on this book. This is kind of the polar opposite of Ted DiBiase's dirt-free book, but it often makes Missy come across as petty. I got a shoot interview of her's tacked on to another one (so it was also free) and it was probably more interesting because listening to her jokes and complaints is better than reading them. Also, I'd heard many of these things when she's been on WOL and other shows. This was like all that stuff in a book with poor editing and lacking the Missy Hyatt presentation.
The Rating: **
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Missy Hyatt, Charles Salzberg, Mark Goldblatt
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 10/01
The Good
I got this book for free, thanks to photocopying fans. If you've ever heard a shoot interview with Missy, this is basically the same thing with more details and emotion. There was more dirt, but on print it really loses her vocal charm. She seems honest, brutally so at times, and you really understand Missy's journey through wrestling. Good stories that are funny and will stick with you and you'll probably pass along (though some of the visuals are a bit eerie). Good for what is, better than what I'd expect out of valet's autobiography.
The Bad
Like I said, I got this book for free, thank goodness. It's just under 200 pages and while it's straight to the point, I can't help but feel I would've never spent much money on this book. This is kind of the polar opposite of Ted DiBiase's dirt-free book, but it often makes Missy come across as petty. I got a shoot interview of her's tacked on to another one (so it was also free) and it was probably more interesting because listening to her jokes and complaints is better than reading them. Also, I'd heard many of these things when she's been on WOL and other shows. This was like all that stuff in a book with poor editing and lacking the Missy Hyatt presentation.
The Rating: **
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