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: *****
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Ernie Ladd [Highspots Shoot Interview]
The Good
Ernie Ladd is a well-spoken and sharp man whose athletic background and role as top star in pro-wrestling make him unlike anyone else who ever came down the pike. In addition to having an amazing career to talk about, Ladd had some interesting stories of racism in the Deep South, his political views which are interesting as a black man who is a long-time Republican and even his story of being "saved" was unique. I found Ladd to be a great storyteller and while not as over-the-top as his promos (he was in the latter stages of the cancer that would take his life), he really pulled you in. Initially, I was on the fence about whether or not the detailing of his extensive and impressive football career would be a huge addition, but he was so adamant about his greatness, so fiery about Grambling's and the SWAC's legacy of great football players and so passionate about describing the unusual cohesiveness (across racial lines even) of the AFL's San Diego Chargers that you had enjoy it. He even called the question of "how would Grambling have stacked up against the white teams that they couldn't play" out as being "stupid" because clearly they would have crushed anybody! You get some great insight into the greatness of the "Big Cat."
The Bad
I sometimes hold off on listening to a shoot interview in anticipation of it being really awesome. This was one of those and it was good, but it did not blow me away. Ladd is one of my all-time favorite promos and this was not a promo (not that it should've been), so much of his fire and humor were missing. He showed hints of both, but this was the musings of a dying old man, not the rantings of a man in his prime. Clearly Highspots had a two-hour time frame because they seemed to be limited in their depth and it could've easily been twice as long. I think if prompted appropriate Ladd might have delivered a little more strongly, but it was an average interview with an average interviewer and an above-average legend, so they is some disappointment there for me. Especially since Ernie Ladd is no longer with us.
The Rating: ****
The Good
Ernie Ladd is a well-spoken and sharp man whose athletic background and role as top star in pro-wrestling make him unlike anyone else who ever came down the pike. In addition to having an amazing career to talk about, Ladd had some interesting stories of racism in the Deep South, his political views which are interesting as a black man who is a long-time Republican and even his story of being "saved" was unique. I found Ladd to be a great storyteller and while not as over-the-top as his promos (he was in the latter stages of the cancer that would take his life), he really pulled you in. Initially, I was on the fence about whether or not the detailing of his extensive and impressive football career would be a huge addition, but he was so adamant about his greatness, so fiery about Grambling's and the SWAC's legacy of great football players and so passionate about describing the unusual cohesiveness (across racial lines even) of the AFL's San Diego Chargers that you had enjoy it. He even called the question of "how would Grambling have stacked up against the white teams that they couldn't play" out as being "stupid" because clearly they would have crushed anybody! You get some great insight into the greatness of the "Big Cat."
The Bad
I sometimes hold off on listening to a shoot interview in anticipation of it being really awesome. This was one of those and it was good, but it did not blow me away. Ladd is one of my all-time favorite promos and this was not a promo (not that it should've been), so much of his fire and humor were missing. He showed hints of both, but this was the musings of a dying old man, not the rantings of a man in his prime. Clearly Highspots had a two-hour time frame because they seemed to be limited in their depth and it could've easily been twice as long. I think if prompted appropriate Ladd might have delivered a little more strongly, but it was an average interview with an average interviewer and an above-average legend, so they is some disappointment there for me. Especially since Ernie Ladd is no longer with us.
The Rating: ****
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Madness Behind the Mania
The Good
A panel discussion about the first WrestleMania featuring the controversial Iron Sheik, the intense Paul Orndorff, the laid back Bob Orton Jr., John Cena Sr. and a "historian" called Jackyl. Our host is Dan Morrati who is very personable and quite knowledgeable, so he generally does a good job. There is some time introducing the three stars' backgrounds, which is fine. The meat of this is talking about the national expansion, the strategies Vince McMahon used, the role of Hulk Hogan and a match-by-match breakdown of the card. This did have some great insight from all parties and a few funny exchanges as well. Mr. Wonderful mentioning to Sheik that he couldn't whoop anybody because he has two hip replacements was pretty comical. I also was curious to hear something different from Sheik on Brian Blair because Orndorff was perhaps his best friend in the business, but not much came of that segment. Overall, this was an okay product.
The Bad
The Iron Sheik returns to the place that helped him launch a new career - "Maloney Wrestling Federation!" This outfit does some decent shoot interviews and this panel discussion is alright. You know what you're getting with the Sheik, although he was on his best behavior, so perhaps he will disappoint some fans here. Orndorff and Orton are very good, but the panel format limits them rather than helps them. John Cena Sr. is briefly there and is about half in promo-delivering mode, so that's a negative. This "historian" Jackyl is alright, but does not push the discussion. Panels are best when you get the panelist to feed off one another and that does not really happen. They go around and answer questions and that's that.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
A panel discussion about the first WrestleMania featuring the controversial Iron Sheik, the intense Paul Orndorff, the laid back Bob Orton Jr., John Cena Sr. and a "historian" called Jackyl. Our host is Dan Morrati who is very personable and quite knowledgeable, so he generally does a good job. There is some time introducing the three stars' backgrounds, which is fine. The meat of this is talking about the national expansion, the strategies Vince McMahon used, the role of Hulk Hogan and a match-by-match breakdown of the card. This did have some great insight from all parties and a few funny exchanges as well. Mr. Wonderful mentioning to Sheik that he couldn't whoop anybody because he has two hip replacements was pretty comical. I also was curious to hear something different from Sheik on Brian Blair because Orndorff was perhaps his best friend in the business, but not much came of that segment. Overall, this was an okay product.
The Bad
The Iron Sheik returns to the place that helped him launch a new career - "Maloney Wrestling Federation!" This outfit does some decent shoot interviews and this panel discussion is alright. You know what you're getting with the Sheik, although he was on his best behavior, so perhaps he will disappoint some fans here. Orndorff and Orton are very good, but the panel format limits them rather than helps them. John Cena Sr. is briefly there and is about half in promo-delivering mode, so that's a negative. This "historian" Jackyl is alright, but does not push the discussion. Panels are best when you get the panelist to feed off one another and that does not really happen. They go around and answer questions and that's that.
The Rating: ***1/2
Sunday, January 1, 2012
King of the Ring: The Harley Race Story
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Harley Race, Gerry Tritz
Publisher: Sports Publishing
Released: 11/04
The Good
The pro-wrestling book craze has led to many of the old-timers publishing their memoirs to make some money and each book has it's own account of a part of history. Harley Race's in-ring career spanned from the early 60s to the late 80s, a time period that saw power shifts in the NWA and ultimately their demise and the rise of the WWF. He was not only a top pro-wrestler during that time, he was a touring NWA World Champion, booker in numerous places, part owner of the Kansas City territory and one of many who joined Vince after a tough battle against him. He candidly covers all that and wraps up things by talking about managing, retirement, his school and his recent involvement with various people and companies. All of this is fine and well. He talks about his numerous accidents that has left his body shattered, the importance of his family and even his faith, which is really the material most original to this book. This is one of those brief autobiographies that you'll enjoy if you like the wrestler and maybe don't know their story very well and haven't heard their shoot interviews.
The Bad
Any book that mentions Lex Luger several times and paints him in a positive light can't be good, can it? Actually, the big fault of this book is it's length, less than 200 pages. The chronology is good, but Race's fast-life seems to have made for a fast-book. I read this in a 24 hour period, which I had never done with a pro-wrestling book and was never had that "I can't tear myself away" feeling. Tritz is not the best ghostwriter, since he lacks credibility in many ways and probably kept this from being the book it should have been. Race was just as important as someone like Ole Anderson, but he never explains running a territory, how to book or any of that. In fact, he seems like a mark for himself just like Ole said he was. There are plenty of bad wrestling books, this isn't one of them, but it's far from the best. Borrow it if you can, read it in a day or two and you should be mildly satisfied.
The Rating: **1/2
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Harley Race, Gerry Tritz
Publisher: Sports Publishing
Released: 11/04
The Good
The pro-wrestling book craze has led to many of the old-timers publishing their memoirs to make some money and each book has it's own account of a part of history. Harley Race's in-ring career spanned from the early 60s to the late 80s, a time period that saw power shifts in the NWA and ultimately their demise and the rise of the WWF. He was not only a top pro-wrestler during that time, he was a touring NWA World Champion, booker in numerous places, part owner of the Kansas City territory and one of many who joined Vince after a tough battle against him. He candidly covers all that and wraps up things by talking about managing, retirement, his school and his recent involvement with various people and companies. All of this is fine and well. He talks about his numerous accidents that has left his body shattered, the importance of his family and even his faith, which is really the material most original to this book. This is one of those brief autobiographies that you'll enjoy if you like the wrestler and maybe don't know their story very well and haven't heard their shoot interviews.
The Bad
Any book that mentions Lex Luger several times and paints him in a positive light can't be good, can it? Actually, the big fault of this book is it's length, less than 200 pages. The chronology is good, but Race's fast-life seems to have made for a fast-book. I read this in a 24 hour period, which I had never done with a pro-wrestling book and was never had that "I can't tear myself away" feeling. Tritz is not the best ghostwriter, since he lacks credibility in many ways and probably kept this from being the book it should have been. Race was just as important as someone like Ole Anderson, but he never explains running a territory, how to book or any of that. In fact, he seems like a mark for himself just like Ole said he was. There are plenty of bad wrestling books, this isn't one of them, but it's far from the best. Borrow it if you can, read it in a day or two and you should be mildly satisfied.
The Rating: **1/2
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Brody: The Triumph and Tragedy of Wrestling's Rebel
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Larry Matysik; Barbara Goodish
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 8/07
The Good
There are numerous pro-wrestlers who have carried a certain mystique about them and Bruiser Brody is one of those for sure. His tale is unique, his legacy is complex and his death was tragic. Like many other pro-wrestling tragedies, there was a captivating book to be written and luckily reliable sources produced it. Larry Matysik, a close friend, works with the widow of Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish and many of his closest friends to tell his story. Amongst those quoted are: Stan Hansen, Buck Robley, Gary Hart and Pete Ortega, who was a long-time non-wrestling friend. There is much depth in telling about not only about his achievements in pro-wrestling, but his distinct place as an "outlaw" in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, his widow adds a personalized touch that makes the man behind the Bruiser Brody more real. This book has dimensions to it that few others do. Although it is a biography, it offers more than the vast majority of existing pro-wrestling autobiograhies out there. This book offers accurate facts, interesting quotations and good commentary. Hopefully it lays the foundation for similar biographies done in the future.
The Bad
Like Wrestling at the Chase, Matysik's stories can be scattered and disconnected from the flow of the story. Furthermore, he is not one to blast others, which seems like that may be in contrast to Frank Goodish, the shrewd businessman, and Bruiser Brody, the dominating and sometimes vicious wrestler. Matysik gives little voice to those who did not like Goodish and thus this seems like an incomplete story. The chapters by Barbara Goodish will probably bore some as they delve into her personal story, Goodish's home life and the emotions she felt and feels in relation to his murder. Although this book is solid, it lacks that element that really pulls you in and keeps you pulled in throughout.
The Rating: ****
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Larry Matysik; Barbara Goodish
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 8/07
The Good
There are numerous pro-wrestlers who have carried a certain mystique about them and Bruiser Brody is one of those for sure. His tale is unique, his legacy is complex and his death was tragic. Like many other pro-wrestling tragedies, there was a captivating book to be written and luckily reliable sources produced it. Larry Matysik, a close friend, works with the widow of Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish and many of his closest friends to tell his story. Amongst those quoted are: Stan Hansen, Buck Robley, Gary Hart and Pete Ortega, who was a long-time non-wrestling friend. There is much depth in telling about not only about his achievements in pro-wrestling, but his distinct place as an "outlaw" in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition, his widow adds a personalized touch that makes the man behind the Bruiser Brody more real. This book has dimensions to it that few others do. Although it is a biography, it offers more than the vast majority of existing pro-wrestling autobiograhies out there. This book offers accurate facts, interesting quotations and good commentary. Hopefully it lays the foundation for similar biographies done in the future.
The Bad
Like Wrestling at the Chase, Matysik's stories can be scattered and disconnected from the flow of the story. Furthermore, he is not one to blast others, which seems like that may be in contrast to Frank Goodish, the shrewd businessman, and Bruiser Brody, the dominating and sometimes vicious wrestler. Matysik gives little voice to those who did not like Goodish and thus this seems like an incomplete story. The chapters by Barbara Goodish will probably bore some as they delve into her personal story, Goodish's home life and the emotions she felt and feels in relation to his murder. Although this book is solid, it lacks that element that really pulls you in and keeps you pulled in throughout.
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: ****
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Icons of Wrestling: Abdullah the Butcher
Director: n/a
Distributor: TWC (The Wrestling Channel)
Released: 1/06
Featured Talent
Abdullah the Butcher, Jim Melby, Antonio Inoki, Martha Shreeve
The Good
The "Icons of Wrestling" series from TWC in Britain does some cool short documentaries on some legendary figures. This one of Abby is better than others I have seen because he is a more recent star, so they had more quality footage (including he and Hulk Hogan in New Japan, although they overplay the impact of that match). Seeing the house where he grew up, hearing from his mother and his restaurant in Atlanta made this unique. However, his views and stories about his family made this a real human story.
The Bad
At twenty-two minutes, it is difficult to really capture a career like Abdullah's. This has a long and unnecessary part about World War II, which adds something in other shows, but not this one. The lack of commentary from people keeps the scope of this narrow. The worst part however is when they call Bruiser Brody "Tug Taylor" and Carlos Colon "Calos Stalone." Despite these gross errors, they do not detract greatly from the story.
The Rating: ***
Director: n/a
Distributor: TWC (The Wrestling Channel)
Released: 1/06
Featured Talent
Abdullah the Butcher, Jim Melby, Antonio Inoki, Martha Shreeve
The Good
The "Icons of Wrestling" series from TWC in Britain does some cool short documentaries on some legendary figures. This one of Abby is better than others I have seen because he is a more recent star, so they had more quality footage (including he and Hulk Hogan in New Japan, although they overplay the impact of that match). Seeing the house where he grew up, hearing from his mother and his restaurant in Atlanta made this unique. However, his views and stories about his family made this a real human story.
The Bad
At twenty-two minutes, it is difficult to really capture a career like Abdullah's. This has a long and unnecessary part about World War II, which adds something in other shows, but not this one. The lack of commentary from people keeps the scope of this narrow. The worst part however is when they call Bruiser Brody "Tug Taylor" and Carlos Colon "Calos Stalone." Despite these gross errors, they do not detract greatly from the story.
The Rating: ***
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