World's Greatest Wrestling Managers
Directors: Kevin Dunn
Distributor: WWE Home Video
Released: 6/06
Featured Talent
Captain Lou Albano, Steve Austin, Shelton Benjamin, Gerald Brisco, John Cena, Michael Cole, Bob Costas, Ted Dibiase, Danny Doring, Howard Finkel, Mick Foley, Todd Grisham, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, Hulk Hogan, Iron Shiek, Ken Kennedy, Jerry Lawler, Steve Lombardi, Theodore Long, Chris Masters, Stephanie McMahon, Vince McMahon, Shawn Michaels, Gene Okerland, Bob Orton Jr., Pat Patterson, Roddy Piper, Bruce Pritchard, William Regal, Road Warrior Animal, The Rock, Jim Ross, Terri Runnels, Sharmell, Arnold Skaaland, Sgt. Slaughter, Trish Stratus, Joey Styles, Tazz, Triple H, Nikolai Volkoff, Harvey Whippleman
The Good
The WWE's expansive pro-wrestling library is something that are always trying to market. Who can forget all those Coliseum Video releases from back in the 80s with some pretty strange themes. This is a takeoff on that tradition and it is not without the campiness of those releases from over twenty years ago. Vince McMahon has the sharpest and best insight in this and it is one that is so often missing from his comments on WWE documentaries. He concisely explains a manager's job and is pretty blunt about the strengths and weaknesses of the managers covered here. It seemed not-so-surprising that female managers/valets are put over strongly as that is the norm in the WWE nowadays. The argument against female managers has been that it is not so easy when it is time for them to get their comeuppance and there is simply not the big payoff in the end. Although that argument is not stated here, it is certainly demonstrated and it should make a fan watching scratch their heads about current WWE “managers”. Particular highlights were demonstrating the mic skills of numerous managers, including Freddie Blassie, Bobby Heenan and Jim Cornette. It was also curious that the legacy of Sunny was fairly covered. The Paul Bearer transformation from Percy Pringle is also great to see because it is so unique. There are some neat questions posed, whether or not a manager needs to be/have been a worker, being the best one. This DVD pretty much delivers what you'd expect and it is fine, well-edited piece.
The Bad
The title is grossly misleading because this does not exactly cover non-WWF/WWE managers and worse yet it ignores the past of many of them. A short list of great managers who are not mentioned or even shown here - Saul Weingeroff, Gary Hart, Skandor Akbar, Sir Oliver Humperdink, Dr. Ken Ramey, Lord Alfred Hayes, J.C. Dykes, Professor Boris Malenko, Eddie Creatchman, Precious, George “Crybaby” Cannon and Robert Fuller. Now several of those people they simply don't have footage of, but others are just sad omissions. If they wanted to keep this purely WWWF/WWF/WWE managers than they should have done that. The idea that Freddie Blassie was the “first” manager is laughably ignorant because there were some legends (see above) that predated him. Seriously, they included Arnold Skaaland (a road agent) and left out even people like Slick, Mr. Fuji and Harvey Whippleman who while not the best were certainly superior to Skaaland. The commentaries from talent are largely good, although there is the usual kayfabe and Jerry Brisco nonsense and some horrendous decisions on what to wear for taped interviews. Todd Grisham, the host, only detracts from this and is given some stupid material to segue between segments. For extras, they have some matches that are largely dull and some promos and angles that are largely great. This may sound like a scathing or nit-picky review, but this DVD certainly has its flaws and a follow-up seems unlikely, which is sad. Hopefully Greg Oliver and Stephen Johnston have a PWHOF Managers book in the wings.
The Rating: ***1/2
Showing posts with label managers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label managers. Show all posts
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sir Oliver Humperdink [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I'd listened to this one a couple years back and had it on my to-review list and felt obligated after Sir Oliver Humperdink's recent passing to bump it to the front of the list. One of the greatest, yet often most overlooked, managers of all-time, Humperdink was a staple in Florida for years and had significant runs in a number of other territories. His stories of breaking in are hilarious from crashing the ring truck with "Hippie" Mike Boyette on his first night as a referee (after being a long-time security guy) to getting legitimately suspended after interfering in his managerial debut in Quebec City. He was endless tales like those and is definitely a great talker and storyteller. His rise to prominence came when Buddy Roberts and Jerry Brown became the Hollywood Blondes and headed into Quebec for the Vachons. The duo took this pudgy guy with long red hair, gave him a name stretching of English nobility (major heat-getter in French-Canada) and they popped the territory. Humperdink became a vital part of the act that traveled to Los Angeles, Florida and Mid-South before parting ways. Humperdink had established himself in Florida and remained there with periodic trips out for nearly a decade. Although he is really a nice guy and not looking to bury anybody, Humperdink gives some pretty honest opinions and has a hilarious way of getting his points across. Not surprisingly, he waxes nostalgic about the old territory days and expresses frustration with what the business became. However, he seems like a well adjusted person who periodically visits "the boys" when they're in town and was active in Cauliflower Alley Club and other reunions and fanfests up until his death several years later.
The Bad
If this was the first and only shoot that I heard with Sir Oliver Humperdink, I would probably count it as an excellent one that most everyone should check out. However, the "Art of Managing" shoot he did with Gary Hart is amongst the best shoots out there and this seems uninspired in comparison. There is the typical lack-of-knowledge nonsense that undermines what should've been one of the best of the best. It is very good and Humperdink is never disappointing, but this is not the best interviewer he's been paired with.
The Rating: ****
The Good
I'd listened to this one a couple years back and had it on my to-review list and felt obligated after Sir Oliver Humperdink's recent passing to bump it to the front of the list. One of the greatest, yet often most overlooked, managers of all-time, Humperdink was a staple in Florida for years and had significant runs in a number of other territories. His stories of breaking in are hilarious from crashing the ring truck with "Hippie" Mike Boyette on his first night as a referee (after being a long-time security guy) to getting legitimately suspended after interfering in his managerial debut in Quebec City. He was endless tales like those and is definitely a great talker and storyteller. His rise to prominence came when Buddy Roberts and Jerry Brown became the Hollywood Blondes and headed into Quebec for the Vachons. The duo took this pudgy guy with long red hair, gave him a name stretching of English nobility (major heat-getter in French-Canada) and they popped the territory. Humperdink became a vital part of the act that traveled to Los Angeles, Florida and Mid-South before parting ways. Humperdink had established himself in Florida and remained there with periodic trips out for nearly a decade. Although he is really a nice guy and not looking to bury anybody, Humperdink gives some pretty honest opinions and has a hilarious way of getting his points across. Not surprisingly, he waxes nostalgic about the old territory days and expresses frustration with what the business became. However, he seems like a well adjusted person who periodically visits "the boys" when they're in town and was active in Cauliflower Alley Club and other reunions and fanfests up until his death several years later.
The Bad
If this was the first and only shoot that I heard with Sir Oliver Humperdink, I would probably count it as an excellent one that most everyone should check out. However, the "Art of Managing" shoot he did with Gary Hart is amongst the best shoots out there and this seems uninspired in comparison. There is the typical lack-of-knowledge nonsense that undermines what should've been one of the best of the best. It is very good and Humperdink is never disappointing, but this is not the best interviewer he's been paired with.
The Rating: ****
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
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Legends of Wrestling - Managers
The Panel - JJ Dilon, Jimmy Garvin, Michael Hayes, Jim Ross, Joey Styles
The Good
The WWE series is one of the most noteworthy features of WWE 24/7. It features a handful of people who will seemingly never do extensive shoot interviews elsewhere and people who are great in the shoot interviews and gives them a topic to probe. I've never seen a bad one. They integrate footage from the expansive WWE video library and generally have good discussions. Michael Hayes and JR are regulars and they're always fantastic. I generally enjoy Joey Styles in venues such as these, Jimmy Garvin is always good for a story and a laugh and JJ Dillon is easily one of the best in-depth analysts on the business there is. I've seen the WWE's "Greatest Managers" release and found it enjoyable, although highly limited in its scope. This was excellent because it mentioned people like Bobby Davis, Maw Bass, Gary Hart and some others who never got their due on that release. There were some good stories and overall this was fun one.
The Bad
The panelists on these shows largely draw from their own experiences, which can provide a limited scope. While Gulf Coast wrestling was mentioned, Memphis and its many talented managers (from Saul Weingeroff and J.C. Dykes to Dr. Ken Ramey and Sir Clements) were left out completely! Other legends like Homer O'Dell, Big Bad John, Tarzan Tyler and Lord Alfred Hayes were left out. Although I've grown to expect that, it does mean it's okay. If you can move past the limitations of these discussions, as you typically have to if you want to enjoy WWE's documentaries, then you can certainly enjoy this.
The Rating: ****
The Panel - JJ Dilon, Jimmy Garvin, Michael Hayes, Jim Ross, Joey Styles
The Good
The WWE series is one of the most noteworthy features of WWE 24/7. It features a handful of people who will seemingly never do extensive shoot interviews elsewhere and people who are great in the shoot interviews and gives them a topic to probe. I've never seen a bad one. They integrate footage from the expansive WWE video library and generally have good discussions. Michael Hayes and JR are regulars and they're always fantastic. I generally enjoy Joey Styles in venues such as these, Jimmy Garvin is always good for a story and a laugh and JJ Dillon is easily one of the best in-depth analysts on the business there is. I've seen the WWE's "Greatest Managers" release and found it enjoyable, although highly limited in its scope. This was excellent because it mentioned people like Bobby Davis, Maw Bass, Gary Hart and some others who never got their due on that release. There were some good stories and overall this was fun one.
The Bad
The panelists on these shows largely draw from their own experiences, which can provide a limited scope. While Gulf Coast wrestling was mentioned, Memphis and its many talented managers (from Saul Weingeroff and J.C. Dykes to Dr. Ken Ramey and Sir Clements) were left out completely! Other legends like Homer O'Dell, Big Bad John, Tarzan Tyler and Lord Alfred Hayes were left out. Although I've grown to expect that, it does mean it's okay. If you can move past the limitations of these discussions, as you typically have to if you want to enjoy WWE's documentaries, then you can certainly enjoy this.
The Rating: ****
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Art of Managing with Gary Hart & Sir Oliver Humperdink
The Good
Gary Hart was one of the greatest shoot interviews ever and I've never heard him do anything that was not excellent. Sir Oliver Humperdink, in stark contrast to his on-screen character, is pretty low-key and uncontroversial, but insightful nonetheless. Mark Nulty is generally a meticulous researcher and interviewer and this is perhaps his best effort yet. What makes a great manager? How do you get talent over? How do you get the right heat? How do you cut a "money promo"? And so on and so on, Mark Nulty puts together an orderly and provocative interview. Gary Hart carries the day here (as one would expect) and even throws a couple jabs at John Nord, Jim Ross (I think?!) and "The" Sting. Humperdink is excellent as well and cuts a great lil' impromptu promo on Dusty Rhodes. This is just great stuff and what I think Kayfabe Commentaries is largely geared toward.
The Bad
I'm sure plenty of people might find this boring. It is in-depth, thorough and not particular controversial in its commentary. While one could find this dull that is largely a matter of opinion. I personally found this riveting and cannot say much negative about it.
The Rating: *****
The Good
Gary Hart was one of the greatest shoot interviews ever and I've never heard him do anything that was not excellent. Sir Oliver Humperdink, in stark contrast to his on-screen character, is pretty low-key and uncontroversial, but insightful nonetheless. Mark Nulty is generally a meticulous researcher and interviewer and this is perhaps his best effort yet. What makes a great manager? How do you get talent over? How do you get the right heat? How do you cut a "money promo"? And so on and so on, Mark Nulty puts together an orderly and provocative interview. Gary Hart carries the day here (as one would expect) and even throws a couple jabs at John Nord, Jim Ross (I think?!) and "The" Sting. Humperdink is excellent as well and cuts a great lil' impromptu promo on Dusty Rhodes. This is just great stuff and what I think Kayfabe Commentaries is largely geared toward.
The Bad
I'm sure plenty of people might find this boring. It is in-depth, thorough and not particular controversial in its commentary. While one could find this dull that is largely a matter of opinion. I personally found this riveting and cannot say much negative about it.
The Rating: *****
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