Eric Embry [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Every once and a while, RF Video pulls off a real coup. They either score a guest who makes an exceptional showing (sometimes people who have been tight-lipped or dull elsewhere), they giving someone the time of day and they really deliver the goods or, in this case, they bring in someone who never does shoot interviews or has been MIA for years. Eric Embry has not been much seen or heard from in nearly 20 years and like Dave Schultz, Austin Idol and several other people who have done shoot interviews in the past few years, he has a lot to say! I am always a sucker for those laid-back Southerners who use the same phrases over and over ("sonuvagun worker") and put themselves over like a million bucks. Eric Embry certainly has his critics and if you believe much of what he says here, you'd think he had the "quickest mind for pro-wrestling in the business" (which apparently Jerry Jarrett stated), to here him talk about causing riots in Mexico, bringing Dallas back to life and keeping Puerto Rico rocking and rolling after Luke Williams' famed tenure. Embry details his whole career in good detail and seems to be fairly straight-forward. He has people he dislikes, did not see eye-to-eye with and developed heat with, but he does not really bury people out of spite. Even Jerry Lawler, who he admits to disliking more than anyone, he credits as one of pro-wrestling's greatest performers.
The Bad
I recall seeing Eric Embry in the Apter Mags as a kid and wondering what all the fuss was about. To look at him, he seems like a short, chubby generic heel. Once I saw him actually work though, I could understand how he amassed as much power as he did. He is an excellent worker, talker and entertainer. He has his critics still, but after hearing his perspective, I tend to feel he is unnecessarily blamed for killing World Class, ending wresting in Texas and overly pushing himself (he claims that Jerry Jarrett told him to push himself as the top babyface). Embry really needs to get some more media (KFC Guest Booker, perhaps?). I did feel that he embellished his accomplishments a tad, but not so much that I'd say this shoot interview is laden with with lies and falsehoods.
The Rating: ****
Showing posts with label world class. Show all posts
Showing posts with label world class. Show all posts
Friday, January 27, 2017
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Percy Pringle / Paul Bearer [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Great stories by a great storyteller, Percy Pringle (aka Paul Bearer) has had such a full career that it was easy for him to just go on and on with road stories, rib stories and funny memories. Who else could tell you what always makes the Undertaker vomit, how creative a teenage Michael Hayes was or what made Rick Rude such a likable guy? Percy Pringle's gift of gab just boils over here and he lets his guard down more and more as time passes. While he could and other interviews have proven this, go more into the psychological aspects and behind the scenes workings of companies, Percy delivers the endless tales that RF Video is always trying to pull out of an interviewee. It makes for a light-hearted and enjoyable interview. Percy is also so passionate about pro-wrestling that he seems almost mournful that kayfabe is dead and that young people cannot experience it or breaking into it the way he did. In a few instances he gets into that sentiment, but even that and the issue of drug abuse, deaths and political nonsense do not seem to hamper his excitement and he largely glazes over those negative aspects.
The Bad
If you've never heard Percy Pringle do a shoot interview, I cannot image how you would not love this. If you have, then you might see how this has is not a great as some others he has done. His series with Jim Cornette are second-to-none and are like ramped up versions of these as he gets into some of the same stories and issues. Although it is briefly mentioned, I think focusing more on his recollections of Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling would be so fascinating. Obviously he was just a mark fan then, but it is an area that is simply unexplored and forgotten. The road stories are great and plentiful here, but it seems like this is someone who could get more into the psychology of the business. Finally, Percy Pringle is pretty reserved in naming names. I think one of the great strengths of the Jim Cornette interview is that Corny will blast almost anyone, so it was easier for Percy to do it. These all seem knit-picky, but it prevented this from being a five-star interview in my view.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
Great stories by a great storyteller, Percy Pringle (aka Paul Bearer) has had such a full career that it was easy for him to just go on and on with road stories, rib stories and funny memories. Who else could tell you what always makes the Undertaker vomit, how creative a teenage Michael Hayes was or what made Rick Rude such a likable guy? Percy Pringle's gift of gab just boils over here and he lets his guard down more and more as time passes. While he could and other interviews have proven this, go more into the psychological aspects and behind the scenes workings of companies, Percy delivers the endless tales that RF Video is always trying to pull out of an interviewee. It makes for a light-hearted and enjoyable interview. Percy is also so passionate about pro-wrestling that he seems almost mournful that kayfabe is dead and that young people cannot experience it or breaking into it the way he did. In a few instances he gets into that sentiment, but even that and the issue of drug abuse, deaths and political nonsense do not seem to hamper his excitement and he largely glazes over those negative aspects.
The Bad
If you've never heard Percy Pringle do a shoot interview, I cannot image how you would not love this. If you have, then you might see how this has is not a great as some others he has done. His series with Jim Cornette are second-to-none and are like ramped up versions of these as he gets into some of the same stories and issues. Although it is briefly mentioned, I think focusing more on his recollections of Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling would be so fascinating. Obviously he was just a mark fan then, but it is an area that is simply unexplored and forgotten. The road stories are great and plentiful here, but it seems like this is someone who could get more into the psychology of the business. Finally, Percy Pringle is pretty reserved in naming names. I think one of the great strengths of the Jim Cornette interview is that Corny will blast almost anyone, so it was easier for Percy to do it. These all seem knit-picky, but it prevented this from being a five-star interview in my view.
The Rating: ****1/2
Friday, February 22, 2013
Faded Glory
Director: Rusty Baker
Distributor: n/a
Released: ?/99
Featured Talent
Bill Mercer (narrator), Kevin Von Erich, Fritz Von Erich
The Good
The Von Erich story is fascinating and people have wanted to and tried to get at it, but the truth is elusive and perhaps impossible to capture. This attempt by Rusty Baker is interesting in that it is somewhat of an unfiltered presentation with lots of raw footage from home videos to World Class television. Kevin Von Erich's comments add something, even if they are kayfabed. However, his views on his wife and children gives an insight into how he survived and his brothers did not. Fritz's are more kayfabed and add little. Bill Mercer's, however, save this even if they are at times over the top. The rise of Kevin, David and Kerry is fair. The deaths are what one would expect. If there was ever a documentary done about the Von Erichs, this would mean more, but after the release of Heroes of World Class, this seems amateurish.
The Bad
Any time words are coming out of a Von Erich mouth, you have to take what is said with a grain of salt. Not that they are liars, but they lived in a bubble that seems to have distorted their view of the pro-wrestling world. Unlike Heroes of World Class, this piece gives them an uncontested platform. This is bubbling over with romanticization and the true contributions of the Von Erichs are not really addressed because the overblown ones are focused upon. The stories of Mike and Chris are tragedies, but they it never seems like the full story is presented. The death of David in all its mystery is omitted, which is sad.
The Rating: **1/2
Director: Rusty Baker
Distributor: n/a
Released: ?/99
Featured Talent
Bill Mercer (narrator), Kevin Von Erich, Fritz Von Erich
The Good
The Von Erich story is fascinating and people have wanted to and tried to get at it, but the truth is elusive and perhaps impossible to capture. This attempt by Rusty Baker is interesting in that it is somewhat of an unfiltered presentation with lots of raw footage from home videos to World Class television. Kevin Von Erich's comments add something, even if they are kayfabed. However, his views on his wife and children gives an insight into how he survived and his brothers did not. Fritz's are more kayfabed and add little. Bill Mercer's, however, save this even if they are at times over the top. The rise of Kevin, David and Kerry is fair. The deaths are what one would expect. If there was ever a documentary done about the Von Erichs, this would mean more, but after the release of Heroes of World Class, this seems amateurish.
The Bad
Any time words are coming out of a Von Erich mouth, you have to take what is said with a grain of salt. Not that they are liars, but they lived in a bubble that seems to have distorted their view of the pro-wrestling world. Unlike Heroes of World Class, this piece gives them an uncontested platform. This is bubbling over with romanticization and the true contributions of the Von Erichs are not really addressed because the overblown ones are focused upon. The stories of Mike and Chris are tragedies, but they it never seems like the full story is presented. The death of David in all its mystery is omitted, which is sad.
The Rating: **1/2
Monday, November 21, 2011
Iceman King Parsons [RF Shoot Interview]
The Good
"Iceman" King Parsons had a heck of a career and much of his success was as the token black babyface in World Class. I hate to put it that way, but it's true and he even presents it that way. Parsons gets into the racial issues he ran into with someone (by my records it was perhaps Rip Rogers) who buried him to booker Dutch Savage, he talks about Wahoo not wanting to book he an Porkchop Cash as a top tag team and little things like that. He was a good athlete, great entertainer and had something special about him that got over many places and especially in Texas. Parsons seems like a thoughtful guy who kept his nose clean, but was limited as a babyface in WCCW. He was really looking out for himself (as is the nature of the business) and he was able to get to a level that few blacks did and sadly he is not recognized for his accomplishments. This seemed like a solid shoot interview that most any fan who watched (or has later watched) the Iceman could enjoy.
The Bad
Parsons has a unique story and credits his family and those who helped him quite a bit. That humble attitude is not always so common to shoots, which means he might not be as entertaining as other blacks like Brickhouse Brown, New Jack or even his mentor Rocky Johnson . He is pretty honest about drug use (others, not his own as he apparently only drank champagne), racism he experienced and his own limitations. He did not seem bitter, but rather frustrated that he was not as savvy to the business and working while he was in it as he is now (I've heard this numerous times from people like John Tatum, Al Snow, David Sammartino and even Paul Orndorff to an extent). He was a semi-final babyface and had some hot angles, but will never be remembered alongside men like Ernie Ladd, Junkyard Dog or even Butch Reed who were top blacks in multiple places. I had to frame his career in terms of race, but unfortunately that was the norm when he was working.
The Rating: ***3/4
The Good
"Iceman" King Parsons had a heck of a career and much of his success was as the token black babyface in World Class. I hate to put it that way, but it's true and he even presents it that way. Parsons gets into the racial issues he ran into with someone (by my records it was perhaps Rip Rogers) who buried him to booker Dutch Savage, he talks about Wahoo not wanting to book he an Porkchop Cash as a top tag team and little things like that. He was a good athlete, great entertainer and had something special about him that got over many places and especially in Texas. Parsons seems like a thoughtful guy who kept his nose clean, but was limited as a babyface in WCCW. He was really looking out for himself (as is the nature of the business) and he was able to get to a level that few blacks did and sadly he is not recognized for his accomplishments. This seemed like a solid shoot interview that most any fan who watched (or has later watched) the Iceman could enjoy.
The Bad
Parsons has a unique story and credits his family and those who helped him quite a bit. That humble attitude is not always so common to shoots, which means he might not be as entertaining as other blacks like Brickhouse Brown, New Jack or even his mentor Rocky Johnson . He is pretty honest about drug use (others, not his own as he apparently only drank champagne), racism he experienced and his own limitations. He did not seem bitter, but rather frustrated that he was not as savvy to the business and working while he was in it as he is now (I've heard this numerous times from people like John Tatum, Al Snow, David Sammartino and even Paul Orndorff to an extent). He was a semi-final babyface and had some hot angles, but will never be remembered alongside men like Ernie Ladd, Junkyard Dog or even Butch Reed who were top blacks in multiple places. I had to frame his career in terms of race, but unfortunately that was the norm when he was working.
The Rating: ***3/4
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Straight Shootin' with Kamala
The Good
Kamala is one of those rare people whose shoots I would say everyone should check out once, but once might be enough. He has a particular charm that few people can get across in a shoot interview. He loves his family, he wanted to take care of his mother, he never wanted to cheat the people, he loved to perform and would go to great lengths to preserve the integrity of his character. Jim Harris is able to get himself over for that dedication and loyalty without coming across as negatively as others who had similar situations. I find him to be someone who understands that he was a gimmick wrestler and that's why he worked to protect the gimmick. While some of his approaches (i.e. "eating" a live chicken in a van for fans before the show) might not work in the post-kayfabe era, it makes you think how suspending the disbelief is helped by going to great lengths and when people do not commit - gimmicks, angles and even matches fail! Kamala also gets into a lot of perceived racism that he experienced, which is interesting. While he admits that most promoters will never be entirely fair with you, he felt many just took him as a dumb old countryboy who would be happy with whatever they paid him. He talks about his financial struggles quite a bit and even states that he wouldn't "do it all over again" because of all the hardships. While he is not broke and desperate for indy work like some others of his generation, Kamala is certainly not as well off as one might expect someone who worked for the WWF at their peak, WCW with their ridiculous contracts and was a maineventer in a number of territories. His story is fascinating and heartbreaking. As for the typical qualities that make for a "good shoot," Kamala is not one to hold back. He talks about confronting Andre the Giant with a concealed weapon, he buries Abdullah the Butcher and he has no regard for Eric Bischoff. Generally, Kamala was the type who tried to get along with everyone and did not get involved in all the drugs and carousing, yet he had nice things to say about almost everyone brought up, even people he probably could've buried!
The Bad
I've heard a few interviews with Kamala before, so this seemed to be largely the same stuff. He comes across as a really nice guy who had some ups and downs and the business that have made a him a little bitter, yet thankful for the opportunity he had to entertain people. I've stated this before, but Jim Harris can come across as a victim of the business, whether that is true or not. He was a fair worker who had great size, good athletic ability and kept himself out of trouble. However, he got started late and probably only "made it" because of the gimmick he landed. Kamala's money woes are more prominent in his interview than many others because others probably do not want to seem like failures after having made a fortune that they blew. He genuinely believes he was not paid what he was due (some places more so than others) and while he was able to take care of his family and buy his home, he really struggled after leaving Mid-South. He is very honest about numbers and while they might seem substantial to some, when you take into account all the travel expenses, you can understand why he ended up having to drive a broken down truck. Then again, maybe you can't.
The Rating: ****1/4
The Good
Kamala is one of those rare people whose shoots I would say everyone should check out once, but once might be enough. He has a particular charm that few people can get across in a shoot interview. He loves his family, he wanted to take care of his mother, he never wanted to cheat the people, he loved to perform and would go to great lengths to preserve the integrity of his character. Jim Harris is able to get himself over for that dedication and loyalty without coming across as negatively as others who had similar situations. I find him to be someone who understands that he was a gimmick wrestler and that's why he worked to protect the gimmick. While some of his approaches (i.e. "eating" a live chicken in a van for fans before the show) might not work in the post-kayfabe era, it makes you think how suspending the disbelief is helped by going to great lengths and when people do not commit - gimmicks, angles and even matches fail! Kamala also gets into a lot of perceived racism that he experienced, which is interesting. While he admits that most promoters will never be entirely fair with you, he felt many just took him as a dumb old countryboy who would be happy with whatever they paid him. He talks about his financial struggles quite a bit and even states that he wouldn't "do it all over again" because of all the hardships. While he is not broke and desperate for indy work like some others of his generation, Kamala is certainly not as well off as one might expect someone who worked for the WWF at their peak, WCW with their ridiculous contracts and was a maineventer in a number of territories. His story is fascinating and heartbreaking. As for the typical qualities that make for a "good shoot," Kamala is not one to hold back. He talks about confronting Andre the Giant with a concealed weapon, he buries Abdullah the Butcher and he has no regard for Eric Bischoff. Generally, Kamala was the type who tried to get along with everyone and did not get involved in all the drugs and carousing, yet he had nice things to say about almost everyone brought up, even people he probably could've buried!
The Bad
I've heard a few interviews with Kamala before, so this seemed to be largely the same stuff. He comes across as a really nice guy who had some ups and downs and the business that have made a him a little bitter, yet thankful for the opportunity he had to entertain people. I've stated this before, but Jim Harris can come across as a victim of the business, whether that is true or not. He was a fair worker who had great size, good athletic ability and kept himself out of trouble. However, he got started late and probably only "made it" because of the gimmick he landed. Kamala's money woes are more prominent in his interview than many others because others probably do not want to seem like failures after having made a fortune that they blew. He genuinely believes he was not paid what he was due (some places more so than others) and while he was able to take care of his family and buy his home, he really struggled after leaving Mid-South. He is very honest about numbers and while they might seem substantial to some, when you take into account all the travel expenses, you can understand why he ended up having to drive a broken down truck. Then again, maybe you can't.
The Rating: ****1/4
Monday, April 18, 2011
Gentlemen's Choice
Director: Mickey Grant
Distributor: Mickey Grant Productions
Released: 12/08
Talent Featured
Chris Adams, Jean & Cyril Adams, Jeanie Adams, Julia Adams, Karen Adams, Neil Adams, Shea Adams, Tyler Adams, Balon "Booray" Bradley, Nathan Bickerstaff, Killer Brooks, Billy "L.A. Steele" Cole, Sky "Lacey" Cole, Bill Colville, Rev. Tommy Drumm, Mickey Grant, Gary Hart, Pam Hernandez, Laurie Knight, Tom Lance, Martin Leyko, David Manning, Bill Mercer, Brent Parnell,Dorothy Parnell, Trinka Porrata, J.D. Reed, Dr. Rock, Emily Urban, Kevin Von Erich, Tony "Banger" Walsh, Earnest Wilkinson, John "Raven" Wymer, Roland Zamarano
The Good
I had this documentary for many months before the circumstances were right to watch it. I expected a lot of violence, vulgarity and tales of substance abuse that does not make for a fun evening movie with the family. This certainly had plenty of that and more. Toss in a few doped up and burnt out strippers, pro-wrestlers and buddies, vindictive indy performers and crabby old ladies and you've got the total package. The cast of characters in this was truly amazing and perhaps the greatest strength of this film. Yes, there were some people missing (mostly former peers in pro-wrestling, although many of them are dead or became estranged from Chris Adams), but it included practically every direct family member he had, a variety of friends and associates as well as some of the people who spent time with him for only a passing phase of his high-speed life. The quality of this was acceptable, it seemed almost jokingly low-rent at times because many of Chris's colleagues were kind of lower class people. There was definitely a tragically interesting story here and Mickey Grant did not try to gloss things over. Little pieces in this, such as comparing Chris Adams' to the infamous gunslinger Doc Holliday (who he apparently admired and dressed like during his fourth wedding), having him explain to a camera how his children are his world as his daughter behind him throws sand until it gets in her eyes and revealing that Chris had put a hit out on an indy valet to that very valet on camera, provided this shocking insight into the type of man Chris Adams was. If anyone thinks Mickey Grant wanted to put Chris Adams over (so to speak), they'd be wrong. This is a fair investigation in the life of man who had so much, but seemed hellbent on self-destruction.
The Bad
This documentary is about a pro-wrestler, but it's not about pro-wrestling per say. Chris Adams' fame was derived from pro-wrestling, specifically his time wrestling in World Class in the mid-1980s. He, like many of the young stars of World Class, were given so much, so quickly that they turned into some of the most deplorably immoral folks in the business. Some notable characters died, many of them survived, but none left Dallas untouched by the culture there. Chris Adams, could have gone elsewhere and been successful, but he chose to stay in Dallas and try to sustain his wild lifestyle. He went from a young and promising talent who loved fast cars, blondes and the nightlife to a broken down drug addict who was abusive, cruel and unable (or unwilling) to save himself. This is an extreme case, but one that mirrors the decline of many former pro-wrestlers. If some people disliked "The Wrestler" for its portrayal of pro-wrestlers, then you certainly will not like this.
The Rating: ****1/2
Director: Mickey Grant
Distributor: Mickey Grant Productions
Released: 12/08
Talent Featured
Chris Adams, Jean & Cyril Adams, Jeanie Adams, Julia Adams, Karen Adams, Neil Adams, Shea Adams, Tyler Adams, Balon "Booray" Bradley, Nathan Bickerstaff, Killer Brooks, Billy "L.A. Steele" Cole, Sky "Lacey" Cole, Bill Colville, Rev. Tommy Drumm, Mickey Grant, Gary Hart, Pam Hernandez, Laurie Knight, Tom Lance, Martin Leyko, David Manning, Bill Mercer, Brent Parnell,Dorothy Parnell, Trinka Porrata, J.D. Reed, Dr. Rock, Emily Urban, Kevin Von Erich, Tony "Banger" Walsh, Earnest Wilkinson, John "Raven" Wymer, Roland Zamarano
The Good
I had this documentary for many months before the circumstances were right to watch it. I expected a lot of violence, vulgarity and tales of substance abuse that does not make for a fun evening movie with the family. This certainly had plenty of that and more. Toss in a few doped up and burnt out strippers, pro-wrestlers and buddies, vindictive indy performers and crabby old ladies and you've got the total package. The cast of characters in this was truly amazing and perhaps the greatest strength of this film. Yes, there were some people missing (mostly former peers in pro-wrestling, although many of them are dead or became estranged from Chris Adams), but it included practically every direct family member he had, a variety of friends and associates as well as some of the people who spent time with him for only a passing phase of his high-speed life. The quality of this was acceptable, it seemed almost jokingly low-rent at times because many of Chris's colleagues were kind of lower class people. There was definitely a tragically interesting story here and Mickey Grant did not try to gloss things over. Little pieces in this, such as comparing Chris Adams' to the infamous gunslinger Doc Holliday (who he apparently admired and dressed like during his fourth wedding), having him explain to a camera how his children are his world as his daughter behind him throws sand until it gets in her eyes and revealing that Chris had put a hit out on an indy valet to that very valet on camera, provided this shocking insight into the type of man Chris Adams was. If anyone thinks Mickey Grant wanted to put Chris Adams over (so to speak), they'd be wrong. This is a fair investigation in the life of man who had so much, but seemed hellbent on self-destruction.
The Bad
This documentary is about a pro-wrestler, but it's not about pro-wrestling per say. Chris Adams' fame was derived from pro-wrestling, specifically his time wrestling in World Class in the mid-1980s. He, like many of the young stars of World Class, were given so much, so quickly that they turned into some of the most deplorably immoral folks in the business. Some notable characters died, many of them survived, but none left Dallas untouched by the culture there. Chris Adams, could have gone elsewhere and been successful, but he chose to stay in Dallas and try to sustain his wild lifestyle. He went from a young and promising talent who loved fast cars, blondes and the nightlife to a broken down drug addict who was abusive, cruel and unable (or unwilling) to save himself. This is an extreme case, but one that mirrors the decline of many former pro-wrestlers. If some people disliked "The Wrestler" for its portrayal of pro-wrestlers, then you certainly will not like this.
The Rating: ****1/2
Monday, February 21, 2011
Killer Brooks [57 Talk Shoot Interview]
The Good
Detroit was such a strong promotion for so many years and it has not been covered in great detail. Here, one of its greatest stars gets into the nitty-gritty of the Sheik's promotion, its successes, its failures and its numerous top stars. Brooks had an insight that was excellent to here after Captain Ed George (the Sheik's son) and his understandable glamorizing of the promotion because Brooks was a little more measured and was able to explain the promotion's decline to an extent. He detailed his departure from the Sheik for a short-lived rival, his deep regret and his emotional death-bed reunion with the Sheik. Aside from that, Tim Brooks had some funny anecdotes about breaking into the business in Amarillo, tales of being blackballed (after leaving the Sheik) and having his own pro-wrestling school. I found this to be a great interview in its limited scope and this could have been part of an excellent series by 57Talk.
The Bad
I can only think of a handful of shoot interviews where technical problems drastically impact the quality of the interview, but this is one of them. Killer Brooks' poor cell phone simply cuts out a few times and they have to restart it. The instance where it really kills things is where he's just getting into the details of his leaving the Sheik in Detroit and starting a rival promotion and it goes dead. I would also say that this was hindered by its length. The bulk of the interview was spent on Detroit, but Killer Brooks had success all over the place. I am sure this interview was only intended to be the first in a series, but it never came to pass. This is a good, although incomplete (by my estimation) shoot interview.
The Rating: ***3/4
The Good
Detroit was such a strong promotion for so many years and it has not been covered in great detail. Here, one of its greatest stars gets into the nitty-gritty of the Sheik's promotion, its successes, its failures and its numerous top stars. Brooks had an insight that was excellent to here after Captain Ed George (the Sheik's son) and his understandable glamorizing of the promotion because Brooks was a little more measured and was able to explain the promotion's decline to an extent. He detailed his departure from the Sheik for a short-lived rival, his deep regret and his emotional death-bed reunion with the Sheik. Aside from that, Tim Brooks had some funny anecdotes about breaking into the business in Amarillo, tales of being blackballed (after leaving the Sheik) and having his own pro-wrestling school. I found this to be a great interview in its limited scope and this could have been part of an excellent series by 57Talk.
The Bad
I can only think of a handful of shoot interviews where technical problems drastically impact the quality of the interview, but this is one of them. Killer Brooks' poor cell phone simply cuts out a few times and they have to restart it. The instance where it really kills things is where he's just getting into the details of his leaving the Sheik in Detroit and starting a rival promotion and it goes dead. I would also say that this was hindered by its length. The bulk of the interview was spent on Detroit, but Killer Brooks had success all over the place. I am sure this interview was only intended to be the first in a series, but it never came to pass. This is a good, although incomplete (by my estimation) shoot interview.
The Rating: ***3/4
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: *****
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Heroes of World Class Championship Wrestling
Director: Brian Harrison
Distributor: Big Vision Entertainment
Released: 12/06
Featured Talent
Chris Adams, Skandor Akbar, Baby Doll (Nikla Roberts), Mickey Grant, Gary Hart, Marc Lowrance, David Manning, Johnny Mantell, Bill Mercer, Kevin Von Erich
The Good
This is regarded by many the definitive pro-wrestling documentary. While others have some great qualities, this one was a revelation. It told the story of World Class in a way that was open, honest and highly detailed. Brian Harrison dug deeply here and found some great stories to include in the larger story of World Class. This company grew quickly and it was not because of any one reason, but a combination of factors that are accurately tackled here. The booking was great, the talent was young and capable and often overlooked is the genius of Mickey Grant. WCCW went from a standard rasslin' show to something cool with the look and sound that Grant directed. This documentary also goes into a lot of depth with the various characters and angles that made the Sportatorium rock-n-roll in the early 1980s. Gary Hart is the star of the interviewees, but Kevin Von Erich's honesty cannot be overlooked. To top it off, they venture through the Sportatorium before it was destroyed. This is just tremendous documentary-making.
The Bad
The people featured in this documentary are fine, but it makes you wonder who could have been interviewed that was not? Obviously, there are many who are long dead, some who are recluses and others under contract to the WWE. While that may hurt the credibility of this documentary for some and they point to the WWE's World Class piece as being superior in that area, the quality of this should hush those judgements. The WWE had seventeen people, four are in both, but only really eight in the WWE's were World Class wrestlers that were good inclusions. Heroes does not have the video quality or editing of the WWE deal, which makes this look run-of-the-mill.
The Extras
This has some great stuff from deleted scenes to a number of interviews, including one with Jim Cornette. It can be difficult to include a few gems when your product is so good and while they could not do matches, they could do this and it is a nice addition.
The Rating: *****
Director: Brian Harrison
Distributor: Big Vision Entertainment
Released: 12/06
Featured Talent
Chris Adams, Skandor Akbar, Baby Doll (Nikla Roberts), Mickey Grant, Gary Hart, Marc Lowrance, David Manning, Johnny Mantell, Bill Mercer, Kevin Von Erich
The Good
This is regarded by many the definitive pro-wrestling documentary. While others have some great qualities, this one was a revelation. It told the story of World Class in a way that was open, honest and highly detailed. Brian Harrison dug deeply here and found some great stories to include in the larger story of World Class. This company grew quickly and it was not because of any one reason, but a combination of factors that are accurately tackled here. The booking was great, the talent was young and capable and often overlooked is the genius of Mickey Grant. WCCW went from a standard rasslin' show to something cool with the look and sound that Grant directed. This documentary also goes into a lot of depth with the various characters and angles that made the Sportatorium rock-n-roll in the early 1980s. Gary Hart is the star of the interviewees, but Kevin Von Erich's honesty cannot be overlooked. To top it off, they venture through the Sportatorium before it was destroyed. This is just tremendous documentary-making.
The Bad
The people featured in this documentary are fine, but it makes you wonder who could have been interviewed that was not? Obviously, there are many who are long dead, some who are recluses and others under contract to the WWE. While that may hurt the credibility of this documentary for some and they point to the WWE's World Class piece as being superior in that area, the quality of this should hush those judgements. The WWE had seventeen people, four are in both, but only really eight in the WWE's were World Class wrestlers that were good inclusions. Heroes does not have the video quality or editing of the WWE deal, which makes this look run-of-the-mill.
The Extras
This has some great stuff from deleted scenes to a number of interviews, including one with Jim Cornette. It can be difficult to include a few gems when your product is so good and while they could not do matches, they could do this and it is a nice addition.
The Rating: *****
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: ***
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
King Kong Bundy [Pro-Wrestling Diaries Shoot Interview]
The Good
I have largely enjoyed Pro-Wrestling Diaries shoots and you could definitely make a case that this one was their best. King Kong Bundy, who worked on top in the WWF in their glory days of the 1980s, crossed paths with many legendary and not-so-legendary personalities. He is an extremely honest person, has a great sense of humor and excellent delivery (he has done some stand-up after all). While some might think he comes across as bitter, I think he comes across as pretty down-to-earth and straightforward. He has his pet peeves (poor tippers, stooges, bullies and selfish types) and he is willing to fling mud at anyone and everyone. However, he does not out and out bury many people. He admits if he had a personality clash with someone like Randy Savage or Andre the Giant, but typically he can give people credit if they were talented. While a lot of this is negative, it almost seems like a comedy act as he plays a nasty old Don Rickles. Bret Hart became very conceited, Honky Tonk Man ran out on bills, Ernie Ladd manipulated youngsters for his own benefit, Andre the Giant was petty and selfish, Bam Bam Bigelow had delusions of grandeur and so on. Many opinions are widely held - Nikolai Volkoff and Tony Garea were cheap to a fault; the Dynamite Kid, Bill Watts and Adrian Adnois were bullies; and Hulk Hogan's boys (Honky, Brutus, etc.) grew big egos and never sold the fact that Hogan brought them to the dance. This seemed to provide some unique perspectives as well as much of the same old stuff.
The Bad
I feel like overly negative shoot interviews are not necessarily everyone's preference, but many people who invest in them want some real meat to their shoots. King Kong Bundy provides that here. Of course, he has a number of guys who were "good guys" and even some them he points out their personality flaws. Many were "pricks" or "assholes" who abused their peers, fans or just everyday folks. Bundy seems to be a man of some moral fiber and he was bothered by some of the negative things he saw in the business whether it was drug abuse, attitude problems or some of things that rubbed him the wrong way that I previously mentioned. This was enjoyable, but realize that it is not all pats on the back and putting people over.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
I have largely enjoyed Pro-Wrestling Diaries shoots and you could definitely make a case that this one was their best. King Kong Bundy, who worked on top in the WWF in their glory days of the 1980s, crossed paths with many legendary and not-so-legendary personalities. He is an extremely honest person, has a great sense of humor and excellent delivery (he has done some stand-up after all). While some might think he comes across as bitter, I think he comes across as pretty down-to-earth and straightforward. He has his pet peeves (poor tippers, stooges, bullies and selfish types) and he is willing to fling mud at anyone and everyone. However, he does not out and out bury many people. He admits if he had a personality clash with someone like Randy Savage or Andre the Giant, but typically he can give people credit if they were talented. While a lot of this is negative, it almost seems like a comedy act as he plays a nasty old Don Rickles. Bret Hart became very conceited, Honky Tonk Man ran out on bills, Ernie Ladd manipulated youngsters for his own benefit, Andre the Giant was petty and selfish, Bam Bam Bigelow had delusions of grandeur and so on. Many opinions are widely held - Nikolai Volkoff and Tony Garea were cheap to a fault; the Dynamite Kid, Bill Watts and Adrian Adnois were bullies; and Hulk Hogan's boys (Honky, Brutus, etc.) grew big egos and never sold the fact that Hogan brought them to the dance. This seemed to provide some unique perspectives as well as much of the same old stuff.
The Bad
I feel like overly negative shoot interviews are not necessarily everyone's preference, but many people who invest in them want some real meat to their shoots. King Kong Bundy provides that here. Of course, he has a number of guys who were "good guys" and even some them he points out their personality flaws. Many were "pricks" or "assholes" who abused their peers, fans or just everyday folks. Bundy seems to be a man of some moral fiber and he was bothered by some of the negative things he saw in the business whether it was drug abuse, attitude problems or some of things that rubbed him the wrong way that I previously mentioned. This was enjoyable, but realize that it is not all pats on the back and putting people over.
The Rating: ****1/2
Friday, July 23, 2010
Black Bart [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I had zero expectations going into this one. Although Black Bart claims he's one of the most talked about characters in the locker room, I do not recall him coming up often or many statements of note being made about him in the many, many shoot interviews I've heard over the years. That being said, he delivers the goods here. If you like interviews with people who sling the mud, tell funny stories and are probably inserting a fair amount of BS, then you'll love this. Black Bart puts over and buries a whole slew of people. The claims that he makes about Vince McMahon's bisexuality sticks out as one of many outrageous pieces in this. He is a helluva storyeller and in his Texas accent with periodic pauses for spittin', this is has to be one of those rare can't-miss shoot interviews. Although he does not seem bitter, Bart has axes to grind with the typical people - Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler and even the Von Erichs, but some surprising arrows are sent the way of the Necro Butcher, Arn Anderson and Manny Fernandez.
The Bad
I hate to come out and call someone a liar, but Black Bart had so many facts wrong or confused that it makes much of everything else he says suspect. Having a few times, places and such confused is one thing, but it gets to a point where stories hinge on details that are simply not true and the whole thing becomes hard to swallow. I thought this was a remarkably entertaining interview and I'd strongly recommend it for that purpose, but like the shoots with Billy Jack Haynes, Brickhouse Brown and Jamie Dundee, you've simply got wonder. Did he really threaten Jose Gonzales with a knife in Puerto Rico? Did he and Sam Houston really steal the show from the Jim Crockett main eventers? Did he really turn down a WWF contact in 1988? It all makes for good listening, but I don't know how much, so to speak, is a work and how much is a shoot.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
I had zero expectations going into this one. Although Black Bart claims he's one of the most talked about characters in the locker room, I do not recall him coming up often or many statements of note being made about him in the many, many shoot interviews I've heard over the years. That being said, he delivers the goods here. If you like interviews with people who sling the mud, tell funny stories and are probably inserting a fair amount of BS, then you'll love this. Black Bart puts over and buries a whole slew of people. The claims that he makes about Vince McMahon's bisexuality sticks out as one of many outrageous pieces in this. He is a helluva storyeller and in his Texas accent with periodic pauses for spittin', this is has to be one of those rare can't-miss shoot interviews. Although he does not seem bitter, Bart has axes to grind with the typical people - Vince McMahon, Jerry Lawler and even the Von Erichs, but some surprising arrows are sent the way of the Necro Butcher, Arn Anderson and Manny Fernandez.
The Bad
I hate to come out and call someone a liar, but Black Bart had so many facts wrong or confused that it makes much of everything else he says suspect. Having a few times, places and such confused is one thing, but it gets to a point where stories hinge on details that are simply not true and the whole thing becomes hard to swallow. I thought this was a remarkably entertaining interview and I'd strongly recommend it for that purpose, but like the shoots with Billy Jack Haynes, Brickhouse Brown and Jamie Dundee, you've simply got wonder. Did he really threaten Jose Gonzales with a knife in Puerto Rico? Did he and Sam Houston really steal the show from the Jim Crockett main eventers? Did he really turn down a WWF contact in 1988? It all makes for good listening, but I don't know how much, so to speak, is a work and how much is a shoot.
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
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Skandor Akbar [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Sometimes these old-timers have had such full careers that when they have the opportunity to reflect upon them, they can be much more fascinating and multi-dimensional than you might original think. Skandor Akbar is just such a person. He is so closely identified with the glory days of World Class (which is a debatable point because he came in after Gary Hart's booking run) that he's become known as World Class survivor who is well-spoken and legitimate. Skandor Akbar's time in World Class is realistically one of a series of great runs as a manager and he had time in various promotions as a wrestler and a booker that is just as noteworthy. If you enjoyed his appearances in the two World Class documentaries, you'll dig this. He covers Tri-State in the years before Bill Watts, Australia in its glory years, Tennessee, Atlanta and many others from the 1960s and 1970s that are often left unexplored by the shoot interview world. Skandor has a laid back approach and he's very enjoyable to listen to without being particularly venomous. Past the historical career, Skandor Akbar became a key figure in the early careers of Steve Austin, The Undertaker and JBL/Bradshaw and has run a training camp for years, so he has a respectable perspective on the modern sport of pro-wrestling.
The Bad
Sometimes it seems like shoot interviews are really great, but they are just missing that something special. Skandor Akbar led a fascinating career and he is a great storyteller, but this interview was just not on the same entertainment level that I would have hoped. He is perhaps a little too low-key and little too affable to get over like a Honky Tonk Man or even a Ricky Morton, but for many I'm sure they'd thoroughly enjoy this.
The Rating: ****1/2
The Good
Sometimes these old-timers have had such full careers that when they have the opportunity to reflect upon them, they can be much more fascinating and multi-dimensional than you might original think. Skandor Akbar is just such a person. He is so closely identified with the glory days of World Class (which is a debatable point because he came in after Gary Hart's booking run) that he's become known as World Class survivor who is well-spoken and legitimate. Skandor Akbar's time in World Class is realistically one of a series of great runs as a manager and he had time in various promotions as a wrestler and a booker that is just as noteworthy. If you enjoyed his appearances in the two World Class documentaries, you'll dig this. He covers Tri-State in the years before Bill Watts, Australia in its glory years, Tennessee, Atlanta and many others from the 1960s and 1970s that are often left unexplored by the shoot interview world. Skandor has a laid back approach and he's very enjoyable to listen to without being particularly venomous. Past the historical career, Skandor Akbar became a key figure in the early careers of Steve Austin, The Undertaker and JBL/Bradshaw and has run a training camp for years, so he has a respectable perspective on the modern sport of pro-wrestling.
The Bad
Sometimes it seems like shoot interviews are really great, but they are just missing that something special. Skandor Akbar led a fascinating career and he is a great storyteller, but this interview was just not on the same entertainment level that I would have hoped. He is perhaps a little too low-key and little too affable to get over like a Honky Tonk Man or even a Ricky Morton, but for many I'm sure they'd thoroughly enjoy this.
The Rating: ****1/2
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Chris Adams [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
Chris Adams is personable type who carries himself well in interviews such as these. His negative qualities are easily swept behind the guise of the "gentleman," which almost makes you understand how a cocky, violent drug addict was able to do so well for himself for such a long period of time. He seems quite straightforward with his opinions and while he does not knock too many people, he comes across as being someone whose reflected on his past mistakes and understands the abilities he truly had.
The Bad
Chris Adams has one of the worst reputations in pro-wrestling and that is probably not because people simply hated his accent. He has been called too stiff, too arrogant, too messed up, too everything and there is probably truth to all of it. In this format, he is able to downplay those negatives and you don't come away with a negative picture of him. However, he surely had a dark side. He's unwilling to do much more than hint at or briefly talk about all the bizarre situations (his wife having an affair with Kerry Von Erich, later Brian Christopher and another wife leaving him for Steve Austin), legal problems (arrests for headbutting an airline pilot and wifebeating) and drug problems (his myriad problems with street drugs, most notably GHB, and how they took a toll on him).
The Rating: ****
The Good
Chris Adams is personable type who carries himself well in interviews such as these. His negative qualities are easily swept behind the guise of the "gentleman," which almost makes you understand how a cocky, violent drug addict was able to do so well for himself for such a long period of time. He seems quite straightforward with his opinions and while he does not knock too many people, he comes across as being someone whose reflected on his past mistakes and understands the abilities he truly had.
The Bad
Chris Adams has one of the worst reputations in pro-wrestling and that is probably not because people simply hated his accent. He has been called too stiff, too arrogant, too messed up, too everything and there is probably truth to all of it. In this format, he is able to downplay those negatives and you don't come away with a negative picture of him. However, he surely had a dark side. He's unwilling to do much more than hint at or briefly talk about all the bizarre situations (his wife having an affair with Kerry Von Erich, later Brian Christopher and another wife leaving him for Steve Austin), legal problems (arrests for headbutting an airline pilot and wifebeating) and drug problems (his myriad problems with street drugs, most notably GHB, and how they took a toll on him).
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: *****
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Championship Wrestling
Director: Kevin Dunn
Distributor: WWE Home Video
Released: 12/07
Featured Talent
Skandor Akbar, Ric Flair, Mick Foley, Dory Funk Jr., Verne Gagne, Jimmy Garvin, Gary Hart, Michael Hayes, Bill Irwin, Jerry Lawler, Bill Mercer, Shawn Michaels, Dusty Rhodes, Buddy Roberts, Jim Ross, Triple H, Kevin Von Erich
The Good
When the WWE bought the rights to the World Class library many feared the highly regarded Heroes of World Class documentary would be kept under wraps. It was not and in fact the WWE created a complimentary documentary with the comments of different talent and with some different approaches. This one did a comparable job in covering the rise and fall of World Class, but the period in between is not as dense or thorough. The crux of the rise was the Von Erich/Freebird feud, which looking at the cover and knowing the influence of Michael Hayes should come as no surprise. This facet was well built and covered, if only it had given so much time to other parts of the World Class legacy. The discussion about David Von Erich's death was interesting, people's thoughts on Kerry Von Erich's consequential NWA title win and the the coverage of Gino Hernandez's death were strong additions. What this has over Heroes are the parts about Ken Mantell, whose influence is undeniable and the bluntness in talking about the failure of the WCWA World title. WWE's documentaries have no problems with negativity and it added something that Heroes may have lacked. As with Heroes, Gary Hart was the highlight interview here and it did not seem redundant.
The Bad
Did you know the success of World Class essentially rode on the shoulders of the Freebirds? Michael Hayes will let you know throughout this documentary. They were the most innovative, the most heat-garnering and they were as important (perhaps more so) than the Von Erich boys. That B.S. aside, this documentary was not as offensively bad as it could have been. Gary Hart stated after this release that he felt the fascinating history of pro-wrestling in Dallas was downplayed by both documentaries and numerous personalities were left out. This was certainly done here as Bruiser Brody, Mark Lewin, Kamala, Kabuki, Abdullah the Butcher and others were only mentioned in passing. The trend seems that all heels other than the Freebirds and Gino Hernandez were not given much play. These omissions always happen due to the time constraints, talent involved and so on, but it is still unfortunate. This also featured the typical moments that were included and perhaps should have been left on the cutting room floor - Triple H railing against "hardcore," Bill Irwin adamant view that David Von Erich died due to an eating disorder and Bill Mercer's kayfabe are all standout examples.
The Extras
This DVD set has a nice second disk with twelve matches of varying levels of quality and importance. There is a Duke Keomuka/Ricky Starr match that is totally detached, but an interesting inclusion nonetheless. The rest are from `82-`86 and they feature all the top stars and several who weren't really addressed. Two feature commentary with Todd Grisham (why?) and Kevin Von Erich, which is always a cool feature.
The Rating: ****1/4
Friday, February 26, 2010
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
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
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