Tommy Rich [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
An early RF Video shoot that features the legendary Tommy Rich at the start of his ECW run. Obviously, he'd had a great career and had great stories to share. I'd not heard him prior to this, so I was intrigued. His whole Tommy Rich act is really great the first time you hear it. I'm still not sure why he doesn't get more shoots (other than he largely seems humble and positive about things) because he is quite a character. He uses "Mama & the Babies," "wild-eyed southern boy," "cornbread" and other great phrases to explain his desire to stay off the road, his roguish attitude and his countryboy appeal. It seems so funny to hear this and than think about the goofy faux-Italian he played in ECW. This had its moments as Tommy Rich just seems like an affable and honest ol' boy.
The Bad
Did I say this was an early RF Video shoot? Needless to say the questions were passable, but their scope was atrocious. They did call-in questions, which are never good and thankfully they stopped doing. That was a pointless segment. Tommy Rich totally shilled ECW, which is understandable, but still obnoxious. I personally like Tommy Rich's character and find his shoots to be enjoyable, but I'm sure many would not like them. He does not bury people, he watches his language and he does not go into a lot of depth. Thankfully Gary Cubeta had him on a few times and showed how to get a really good interview out of "Wildfire."
The Rating: ***1/4
Showing posts with label georgia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label georgia. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Peach State Pandemonium [Weekly Podcast]
The Good
At a time when I was regularly listening to ten different podcasts, this was always amongst my favorites. The main host changed a few times early on, before settling on Michael Norris. The regular co-hosts are Jerry Oates and Bobby Simmons. Some of you may be asking, who are these gentlemen? Norris worked as a pro-wrestler back in the day and has an amazing knowledge base. Oates was part of a great team with his brother Ted and worked all over the South and a few other places. Simmons worked in the office for Ann Gunkel and Jim Barnett, he also worked and refereed. Though not the most famous trio, these three have great chemistry and can do shows by themselves if need be with no wasted time. The guests they've had on range from the well-known (in their day) like Dutch Savage, Don & Jackie Fargo and Billy Wicks to the somewhat obscure like Sweet Daddy Banks, El Mongol and Jim Lancaster. The are a number of regulars who call in and provide great stories and insight like Joe Turner & Bill Bowman, former referee Charlie Smith and most notably Dick Steinborn. It is an amazingly informative show that covers history often left unexplored in the podcasting and shoot interviewing world. While the show is "supposed to" focus on Georgia, they certain go all over the place. Jerry Oates worked in practically every Southern territory, had several Japanese tours and a notable run in Portland. Norris grew up on Gulf Coast wrestling and regularly focuses on that often forgotten area. The show regularly features a unique theme such as journeyman wrestlers, famous publications or looking back at those who have passed on. They also get into side tangents about things like wrestling boots, pay-offs and all manner of humorous ribs and road stories. This podcast may seem kind of homespun and folksy, but it is among the most insightful and unique out there. A must-listen for any serious pro-wrestling historian.
The Bad
I suppose there are a number of things about this podcast that could drive some people crazy. It is not of the highest production value quality. There is plenty of retelling of the same stories by the hosts and frequent guests. They talk about plenty of non-wrestling issues from the plight of the Atlanta Falcons to Jerry's adventures as a dog-catcher! I think it takes a while before you really enjoy the show for what it is. If you only listen once or twice, you might find it less than impressive.
The Rating: *****
The Good
At a time when I was regularly listening to ten different podcasts, this was always amongst my favorites. The main host changed a few times early on, before settling on Michael Norris. The regular co-hosts are Jerry Oates and Bobby Simmons. Some of you may be asking, who are these gentlemen? Norris worked as a pro-wrestler back in the day and has an amazing knowledge base. Oates was part of a great team with his brother Ted and worked all over the South and a few other places. Simmons worked in the office for Ann Gunkel and Jim Barnett, he also worked and refereed. Though not the most famous trio, these three have great chemistry and can do shows by themselves if need be with no wasted time. The guests they've had on range from the well-known (in their day) like Dutch Savage, Don & Jackie Fargo and Billy Wicks to the somewhat obscure like Sweet Daddy Banks, El Mongol and Jim Lancaster. The are a number of regulars who call in and provide great stories and insight like Joe Turner & Bill Bowman, former referee Charlie Smith and most notably Dick Steinborn. It is an amazingly informative show that covers history often left unexplored in the podcasting and shoot interviewing world. While the show is "supposed to" focus on Georgia, they certain go all over the place. Jerry Oates worked in practically every Southern territory, had several Japanese tours and a notable run in Portland. Norris grew up on Gulf Coast wrestling and regularly focuses on that often forgotten area. The show regularly features a unique theme such as journeyman wrestlers, famous publications or looking back at those who have passed on. They also get into side tangents about things like wrestling boots, pay-offs and all manner of humorous ribs and road stories. This podcast may seem kind of homespun and folksy, but it is among the most insightful and unique out there. A must-listen for any serious pro-wrestling historian.
The Bad
I suppose there are a number of things about this podcast that could drive some people crazy. It is not of the highest production value quality. There is plenty of retelling of the same stories by the hosts and frequent guests. They talk about plenty of non-wrestling issues from the plight of the Atlanta Falcons to Jerry's adventures as a dog-catcher! I think it takes a while before you really enjoy the show for what it is. If you only listen once or twice, you might find it less than impressive.
The Rating: *****
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Bob & Brad Armstrong [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Bob Armstrong is one of the old-timers who still kayfabes and it seemed that it took getting him to sit down with his son Brad to get him to let his guard down. Although he wasn't all into using the lingo and such, he basically broke character and told the true stories behind some legendary angles and events. Bob was fairly reserved and Brad, who I think is a great interview in the shoot format, helps to keep the conversation going. There is a lot of focus on Bob's early career, how his children (specifically Brad) was impacted by his father's career and their time teaming together in Georgia and elsewhere. In spite of the usual RF Video limitations, this was really good and really informative. I think Bob Armstrong, if sitting down with the right person (Les Thatcher and the Ringside Rap crew?), could be an extremely informative and reflective interview. His statement about most territories only having a 5-year lifespan (or high period) has largely rung true when I've applied it and he had several other nuggets like that throughout.
The Bad
Brad Armstrong has already done an extensive RF Video shoot interview, so really this was more a vehicle to get "The Bullet" to shoot. They tried to include Brad, which makes sense, but you really wanted to hear about and from Bob (although Brad was much more entertaining). If it didn't happen after 1977 in the top territories, then RF Video seems not to have much information about it. Obviously, the Armstrongs run in Georgia when the cable push was changing the game is worthwhile, but the Southeastern/Continental discussion was grossly limited here. No talk of the Flame (Jody Hamilton), Ken Lucas, Buddy Colt and only a little talk of the Fullers, Jimmy Golden, Jerry Stubbs and other legendary stars of the Alabama region. This was "good," but it was really only scratching the surface.
The Rating: ****
The Good
Bob Armstrong is one of the old-timers who still kayfabes and it seemed that it took getting him to sit down with his son Brad to get him to let his guard down. Although he wasn't all into using the lingo and such, he basically broke character and told the true stories behind some legendary angles and events. Bob was fairly reserved and Brad, who I think is a great interview in the shoot format, helps to keep the conversation going. There is a lot of focus on Bob's early career, how his children (specifically Brad) was impacted by his father's career and their time teaming together in Georgia and elsewhere. In spite of the usual RF Video limitations, this was really good and really informative. I think Bob Armstrong, if sitting down with the right person (Les Thatcher and the Ringside Rap crew?), could be an extremely informative and reflective interview. His statement about most territories only having a 5-year lifespan (or high period) has largely rung true when I've applied it and he had several other nuggets like that throughout.
The Bad
Brad Armstrong has already done an extensive RF Video shoot interview, so really this was more a vehicle to get "The Bullet" to shoot. They tried to include Brad, which makes sense, but you really wanted to hear about and from Bob (although Brad was much more entertaining). If it didn't happen after 1977 in the top territories, then RF Video seems not to have much information about it. Obviously, the Armstrongs run in Georgia when the cable push was changing the game is worthwhile, but the Southeastern/Continental discussion was grossly limited here. No talk of the Flame (Jody Hamilton), Ken Lucas, Buddy Colt and only a little talk of the Fullers, Jimmy Golden, Jerry Stubbs and other legendary stars of the Alabama region. This was "good," but it was really only scratching the surface.
The Rating: ****
Friday, May 13, 2011
In the Pit with Piper: Roddy Gets Rowdy
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Roddy Piper, Robert Picarelli
Publisher: Berkley Boulevard
Released: 11/02
The Good
Really fun stuff. Similiar to all wrestling books in that it has some priceless retelling of funny road stories. Piper might not explain psychology perfectly, but I think he does a better job than most. I guess it's just a matter of fact thing for him.
The Bad
This book is like a montage of Piper interviews. When you know what he's trying to say it's easy to follow and has funny bits thrown in. But when he's just talking...he's just talking. The rambling gets tedious at times with funny jokes having no real purpose. While chronology is good, he bounces around in his thoughts it seems. The prevalence of contradictions is really bad. One chapter he's saying his morals took over when something immoral happened then in the next chapter he says he was totally devoid of moral character. The faulty reaccounts are obvious in points like that, but I don't think he was malicious in his fallacies. My one complaint is that Piper's delivery isn't as good as Heenan's because Piper's might sound better on tape, but doesn't read as well. His voices and facials are 75% of his interviews and you can't have it here. You hafta want to read this to read, otherwise it can be slow going.
The Rating: ***
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Roddy Piper, Robert Picarelli
Publisher: Berkley Boulevard
Released: 11/02
The Good
Really fun stuff. Similiar to all wrestling books in that it has some priceless retelling of funny road stories. Piper might not explain psychology perfectly, but I think he does a better job than most. I guess it's just a matter of fact thing for him.
The Bad
This book is like a montage of Piper interviews. When you know what he's trying to say it's easy to follow and has funny bits thrown in. But when he's just talking...he's just talking. The rambling gets tedious at times with funny jokes having no real purpose. While chronology is good, he bounces around in his thoughts it seems. The prevalence of contradictions is really bad. One chapter he's saying his morals took over when something immoral happened then in the next chapter he says he was totally devoid of moral character. The faulty reaccounts are obvious in points like that, but I don't think he was malicious in his fallacies. My one complaint is that Piper's delivery isn't as good as Heenan's because Piper's might sound better on tape, but doesn't read as well. His voices and facials are 75% of his interviews and you can't have it here. You hafta want to read this to read, otherwise it can be slow going.
The Rating: ***
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Terry Gordy [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Shot about a year before his death in 2001, this is one of RF Video's earlier shoots and while I am happy it exists, I'm saddened that it is so poor. This was back when RF Video would have a shoot and tack on some matches and I'll just say the Japanese matches they included certainly saved this from being an utter failure. Terry Gordy's sharpness had been altered by a drug-induced coma in 1993 and you can tell it here. He does however have some worthwhile stories and thoughts to share that are made more important by the fact this is the only shoot interview that he did (that I know of) before his untimely death. Doug Gentry really saves the questioning side of things (although "saves" might be a bit strong) by having a working knowledge of All Japan Pro-Wrestling, so that part is not left out completely.
The Bad
Everybody is a "good guy," every match was "easy" and every negative "do you think he…?" is answered with a "yeah, he sure was." It is maddening. Although Terry was not exactly talkative and did not have stories springing to mind, this was such a barrage of vague questions, closed comments and loaded inquiries that anyone would have struggled. After ten minutes, they've already covered breaking in, partnering up with Michael Hayes, forming the Freebirds trio and blinding the Junkyard Dog. They spend more time of his ECW run than that initial Mid-South run!! I can say that RF Video's quality has improved across the board, but not by the leaps and bounds I would have hoped for.
The Rating: **3/4
The Good
Shot about a year before his death in 2001, this is one of RF Video's earlier shoots and while I am happy it exists, I'm saddened that it is so poor. This was back when RF Video would have a shoot and tack on some matches and I'll just say the Japanese matches they included certainly saved this from being an utter failure. Terry Gordy's sharpness had been altered by a drug-induced coma in 1993 and you can tell it here. He does however have some worthwhile stories and thoughts to share that are made more important by the fact this is the only shoot interview that he did (that I know of) before his untimely death. Doug Gentry really saves the questioning side of things (although "saves" might be a bit strong) by having a working knowledge of All Japan Pro-Wrestling, so that part is not left out completely.
The Bad
Everybody is a "good guy," every match was "easy" and every negative "do you think he…?" is answered with a "yeah, he sure was." It is maddening. Although Terry was not exactly talkative and did not have stories springing to mind, this was such a barrage of vague questions, closed comments and loaded inquiries that anyone would have struggled. After ten minutes, they've already covered breaking in, partnering up with Michael Hayes, forming the Freebirds trio and blinding the Junkyard Dog. They spend more time of his ECW run than that initial Mid-South run!! I can say that RF Video's quality has improved across the board, but not by the leaps and bounds I would have hoped for.
The Rating: **3/4
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Road Warriors [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I have to feel a little nostalgic about this one because this was the first shoot interview I ever heard and it was one of RF Video's earliest non-ECW shoots. I remember stumbling across RF Video's kiosk at Franklin Mills in PA and leaving with this as well as some All Japan. I was definitely impressed as this is an impressive interview. Hawk is over-the-top in calling Vince McMahon the most evil man ever and comes across as bitter and angry. Even Animal, typically considered the level-headed one, is angry in talking about being misused in their two WWF runs. I thought the WWE's Road Warriors DVD was much more organized and better produced, but this had the raw emotion and lacked the WWE revisionist history, so in many ways in was preferable. Listening to them wax nostalgic about killing everyone in Georgia and how over they were when they came to the WWF is one thing, but hearing them bury the New Age Outlaws, Bill Watts and others for being inept is another. The cutting honesty here is pretty incredible.
The Bad
I remember when I first watched through this over a decade ago, being blown away by it all. It had the stories right from the wrestlers themselves. It was full of anger and honesty. It was even supplemented with matches I'd never seen before. But when it was all over, I kind of felt like "I paid X amount of money for this?" because once you've listened to a shoot interview, it has drastically reduced playback value, so you feel a tad ripped off. I would say the exception lies in shoots that are just above-and-beyond entertaining or exceptionally insightful to the business. This was neither. The Road Warriors totally believe their own hype and while they were huge stars for the better part of a decade, they simply could not offer the same goods in `99, despite what they say here. I would give this high marks for its uniqueness and historical relevance, it also has the advantages of including someone who has since passed away, but this is not the best shoot interview.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
I have to feel a little nostalgic about this one because this was the first shoot interview I ever heard and it was one of RF Video's earliest non-ECW shoots. I remember stumbling across RF Video's kiosk at Franklin Mills in PA and leaving with this as well as some All Japan. I was definitely impressed as this is an impressive interview. Hawk is over-the-top in calling Vince McMahon the most evil man ever and comes across as bitter and angry. Even Animal, typically considered the level-headed one, is angry in talking about being misused in their two WWF runs. I thought the WWE's Road Warriors DVD was much more organized and better produced, but this had the raw emotion and lacked the WWE revisionist history, so in many ways in was preferable. Listening to them wax nostalgic about killing everyone in Georgia and how over they were when they came to the WWF is one thing, but hearing them bury the New Age Outlaws, Bill Watts and others for being inept is another. The cutting honesty here is pretty incredible.
The Bad
I remember when I first watched through this over a decade ago, being blown away by it all. It had the stories right from the wrestlers themselves. It was full of anger and honesty. It was even supplemented with matches I'd never seen before. But when it was all over, I kind of felt like "I paid X amount of money for this?" because once you've listened to a shoot interview, it has drastically reduced playback value, so you feel a tad ripped off. I would say the exception lies in shoots that are just above-and-beyond entertaining or exceptionally insightful to the business. This was neither. The Road Warriors totally believe their own hype and while they were huge stars for the better part of a decade, they simply could not offer the same goods in `99, despite what they say here. I would give this high marks for its uniqueness and historical relevance, it also has the advantages of including someone who has since passed away, but this is not the best shoot interview.
The Rating: ****1/2
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Gary Hart [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
This has everything and more. Gary Hart had a career that spanned from the Golden Age to the modern age, he was known for his effectiveness as a manager, his creative yet simple booking, his great eye for talent and pulls-no-punches attitude. He demonstrates all of these dimensions and convinces you of his greatness throughout this mere two and a half hour interview. In talking about managing, he explains how he was, in fact, a shoot manager who did not merely "pull legs and pass gimmicks for the office." This is the tip of the iceberg and I'd strongly recommend the "Art of Managing" interview he and Alfred Humperdink did with Wrestlingclassics.com. In talking about booking, he details his head booking runs in Dallas, Atlanta and influence in booking his men with various offices. He explains in great detail the various legendary angles and figures of World Class and how the stars were aligned to make that promotion take off. In discussing the talent he managed, Gary explains how he was successful at gaining trust, how he helped talent develop and how he successfully scouted talent time and time again. As for the more eyebrow-raising parts, Georgia promoter Fred Ward was a worthless "fat bastard," Jerry Jarrett was condescending and disrespectful to wrestlers, Paul Boesch was a great promoter but needed to be and was slapped around, Eddie Graham was an overrated and predictable booker, Sting was a self-absorbed and "arrogant ass" and on and on. Gary Hart was his opinions and free to share them and at no point do you believe he is being anything other than honest.
The Bad
I've said it before and I'll say it again, RF Video's interviewers (specifically Rob Feinstein himself) lack of interviewing skills prevents good interviews from being great and only has great interviews when the interviewee is great themselves. Gary Hart is great and although RF's bumbling and tirelessly linear questioning fails to help things, it cannot stop his greatness from shining through.
The Rating: *****
The Good
This has everything and more. Gary Hart had a career that spanned from the Golden Age to the modern age, he was known for his effectiveness as a manager, his creative yet simple booking, his great eye for talent and pulls-no-punches attitude. He demonstrates all of these dimensions and convinces you of his greatness throughout this mere two and a half hour interview. In talking about managing, he explains how he was, in fact, a shoot manager who did not merely "pull legs and pass gimmicks for the office." This is the tip of the iceberg and I'd strongly recommend the "Art of Managing" interview he and Alfred Humperdink did with Wrestlingclassics.com. In talking about booking, he details his head booking runs in Dallas, Atlanta and influence in booking his men with various offices. He explains in great detail the various legendary angles and figures of World Class and how the stars were aligned to make that promotion take off. In discussing the talent he managed, Gary explains how he was successful at gaining trust, how he helped talent develop and how he successfully scouted talent time and time again. As for the more eyebrow-raising parts, Georgia promoter Fred Ward was a worthless "fat bastard," Jerry Jarrett was condescending and disrespectful to wrestlers, Paul Boesch was a great promoter but needed to be and was slapped around, Eddie Graham was an overrated and predictable booker, Sting was a self-absorbed and "arrogant ass" and on and on. Gary Hart was his opinions and free to share them and at no point do you believe he is being anything other than honest.
The Bad
I've said it before and I'll say it again, RF Video's interviewers (specifically Rob Feinstein himself) lack of interviewing skills prevents good interviews from being great and only has great interviews when the interviewee is great themselves. Gary Hart is great and although RF's bumbling and tirelessly linear questioning fails to help things, it cannot stop his greatness from shining through.
The Rating: *****
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Stan Hansen [RF Video's "Behind Closed Doors" Shoot Interview]
The Good
RF Video's second shoot interview with Stan Hansen is not much different from the first. It is a little more scattered, but that can be okay. Stan Hansen has a variety of experiences in both the US and Japan that could be explored. Rob goes more into the Japanese experiences than I would have expected, but ultimately his ignorance of the culture, product and legacy of Stan Hansen limit the depth of discussion there. Hansen explains how he grew to enjoy Japan, why the preferred that style and some of his experiences with different people in and out of the ring. Overall, he seems to understand the nature of this interview better than previous outings, so he is a little more open. I found this enjoyable, but it was certainly not all I would have hoped for.
The Bad
A notorious kayfaber, Stan Hansen even says, "What's kayfabe?" when asked about it. Rob takes the bait and tries to explain it before realizing how stupid he is. Hansen sort of knows what the score is and answers a fair number of question with "that's what I've heard, so it must be true" and perpetuates old angles with a grin (i.e. breaking Bruno's neck with the Lariat). While he was not as bad as I've heard, it got aggravating at times as he did not give the straightforward answer you'd hope for. Overall, it seems that Rob's inability to develop a narrative, ask follow-up questions or carefully ask more prying questions really hindered this. If Stan Hansen wants to play the kayfabing game, you've got to be a better interviewer to get more out of them. People like Arn Anderson, Jimmy Valiant and Stan Hansen will always be worthwhile people to interview, but it takes a quality interviewer to get them to really shoot.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
RF Video's second shoot interview with Stan Hansen is not much different from the first. It is a little more scattered, but that can be okay. Stan Hansen has a variety of experiences in both the US and Japan that could be explored. Rob goes more into the Japanese experiences than I would have expected, but ultimately his ignorance of the culture, product and legacy of Stan Hansen limit the depth of discussion there. Hansen explains how he grew to enjoy Japan, why the preferred that style and some of his experiences with different people in and out of the ring. Overall, he seems to understand the nature of this interview better than previous outings, so he is a little more open. I found this enjoyable, but it was certainly not all I would have hoped for.
The Bad
A notorious kayfaber, Stan Hansen even says, "What's kayfabe?" when asked about it. Rob takes the bait and tries to explain it before realizing how stupid he is. Hansen sort of knows what the score is and answers a fair number of question with "that's what I've heard, so it must be true" and perpetuates old angles with a grin (i.e. breaking Bruno's neck with the Lariat). While he was not as bad as I've heard, it got aggravating at times as he did not give the straightforward answer you'd hope for. Overall, it seems that Rob's inability to develop a narrative, ask follow-up questions or carefully ask more prying questions really hindered this. If Stan Hansen wants to play the kayfabing game, you've got to be a better interviewer to get more out of them. People like Arn Anderson, Jimmy Valiant and Stan Hansen will always be worthwhile people to interview, but it takes a quality interviewer to get them to really shoot.
The Rating: ***1/2
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Listen You Pencil Neck Geeks: "Classy" Freddie Blassie
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Freddie Blassie, Keith Elliot Greenberg
Publisher: First Pocket Books
Released: 5/03
The Good
The WWE books have been very hit-and-miss, this is a hit. It's tough to really do justice to a long, full life and a legendary and colorful career, but Keith Elliot Greenberg does an excellent job at both. Blassie's antecdotes are hilarious and Greenberg put them into a nice order and makes this story flow smoothly. Before he was "Classy" Freddie Blassie he was "Sailor" Fred Blassie and it shows in some colorful language. His stories are excellent and well-placed. The family and childhood is good enough for even the most impatient people, the love story is amongst the best parts of the book. Blassie doesn't short-change any part of his career and other parts aren't overblown, which is huge flaw in many recent books. He also seems to accurately portray himself and others, which is often a problem in wrestling books. A great book about a great career, period.
The Bad
I really can't knock this book all that much. It really exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I think some people might not be interested in a lot of it because they'd see his material as outdated and wouldn't know the many people he talks about from earlier times. This definitely reads like a WWE book because Greenberg has to get over the superiority of the product, which Blassie probably believed (but I doubt he closely followed pro-wrestling on a worldwide scale). This is a book for someone interested in wrestling's history, how it changed and one of it's legends. The stories are funny for non-fans or current fans, but I question if they could enjoyably read this whole book.
The Rating: ****1/4
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Freddie Blassie, Keith Elliot Greenberg
Publisher: First Pocket Books
Released: 5/03
The Good
The WWE books have been very hit-and-miss, this is a hit. It's tough to really do justice to a long, full life and a legendary and colorful career, but Keith Elliot Greenberg does an excellent job at both. Blassie's antecdotes are hilarious and Greenberg put them into a nice order and makes this story flow smoothly. Before he was "Classy" Freddie Blassie he was "Sailor" Fred Blassie and it shows in some colorful language. His stories are excellent and well-placed. The family and childhood is good enough for even the most impatient people, the love story is amongst the best parts of the book. Blassie doesn't short-change any part of his career and other parts aren't overblown, which is huge flaw in many recent books. He also seems to accurately portray himself and others, which is often a problem in wrestling books. A great book about a great career, period.
The Bad
I really can't knock this book all that much. It really exceeded my expectations in almost every way. I think some people might not be interested in a lot of it because they'd see his material as outdated and wouldn't know the many people he talks about from earlier times. This definitely reads like a WWE book because Greenberg has to get over the superiority of the product, which Blassie probably believed (but I doubt he closely followed pro-wrestling on a worldwide scale). This is a book for someone interested in wrestling's history, how it changed and one of it's legends. The stories are funny for non-fans or current fans, but I question if they could enjoyably read this whole book.
The Rating: ****1/4
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
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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 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: ****
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Oates Brothers on Ringside Rap
The Good
Ringside Rap is a tremendous show and Les Thatcher is able to create an environment that helps . The Oates brothers, Ted and Jerry, have great careers behind them and they are able to give glimpses of its significance here. Great stories of Jack Brisco, Dutch Mantell and especially mythical bookers Leo Garibaldi and Tom Renesto take this to a level of exceptionality that these shortish radio interviews rarely hit.
The Bad
The time is just too brief on this one as trying to say much about the careers of the Oates Brothers together let alone separately or as promoters just cannot be done in an hour. While the banter between Rich, Les and Mike is good, it is not the highlight of the show and I often fast-forward to the interview. It also seemed like while generally positive about the business, they were pretty negative about today's product, rising stars and all that. Fair criticisms, but unwanted when there is so much history to explore.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
Ringside Rap is a tremendous show and Les Thatcher is able to create an environment that helps . The Oates brothers, Ted and Jerry, have great careers behind them and they are able to give glimpses of its significance here. Great stories of Jack Brisco, Dutch Mantell and especially mythical bookers Leo Garibaldi and Tom Renesto take this to a level of exceptionality that these shortish radio interviews rarely hit.
The Bad
The time is just too brief on this one as trying to say much about the careers of the Oates Brothers together let alone separately or as promoters just cannot be done in an hour. While the banter between Rich, Les and Mike is good, it is not the highlight of the show and I often fast-forward to the interview. It also seemed like while generally positive about the business, they were pretty negative about today's product, rising stars and all that. Fair criticisms, but unwanted when there is so much history to explore.
The Rating: ***1/2
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