Lanny Poffo [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I remember hearing a little about this interview with Lanny Poffo before listening to it. It was described as one of the best RF Shoots and I think I can agree with that. Lanny Poffo is a fantastic talker. He is eloquent, he is sincere and he has that great cadence to his voice. This is unlike any other shoot interview because Lanny is just a unique personality and he makes many of his peers seem strikingly redundant. How can you not be taken aback when a pro-wrestler is quoting Thomas Jefferson, the Gospel of Matthew and Tigger!? Lanny Poffo might not have had the type of career that makes him a "legend," but he is second-generation, brother to one of the biggest stars ever and worked in many companies with many big names. While he pulls no punches when burying people like Ole Anderson, Rick Rude and the Von Erichs, he also can give them their due. In the same token, he puts over Ric Flair, Grizzly Smith and Curt Hennig, but is able to explain their flaws as well. While I do not always agree with his viewpoints, he is certainly one who believes in them and himself and you cannot fault him for that.
The Bad
I suppose some people would find Lanny Poffo's interviewing style off-putting. He is not your typical pro-wrestler in terms of using salty language, coming across as bitter and such. He has a very distinct way of talking and explaining situations, which I'm sure some people would find obnoxious. The only knock I could make is that he gets sidetracked frequently, but luckily nothing seems to be left out. If you don't like it when interviewees go off on rants about anyone and everyone, then you might want to avoid this one. However, Lanny explains the difference between "objective" and "subjective," I realize that my view of this is "subjective" and I deem it to be amongst the best of the best.
The Rating: *****
Thursday, September 9, 2010
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
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Youshoot with the Honky Tonk Man [Kayfabe Commentaries]
The Good
The Honky Tonk Man was the ideal person to debut the Youshoot series. Although the wacky and even spiteful submissions were not as plentiful in this one, it certainly sold you on the greatness of this series. HTM really comes across as honest and even bitter to an extent, but unlike people like Paul Orndorff, Ole Anderson and Billy Jack Haynes, you do not end up really disliking him. He is, at least in my opinion, hilarious with all his voices and facial expressions that make him a great storyteller. Mud-slinging can get tedious, but Honky just spews it in such a way that you cannot help but love it. And no one seems to be immune to his wrath. Billy Gunn was worthless, Blackjack Lanza was two-faced, Ric Flair was "woooo" a repetitive "woooo" cartoon character, Dynamite Kid is a lying bully, Hulk Hogan was a huge druggie, Jim Ross was a sabotager and on and on. Honky Tonk is very open about his own drug use, promiscuity and limitations as a worker, which allows him so credibility when he rips on others. I still question whether or not he is not working everyone (like the Iron Sheik is).
The Bad
I never liked Honky Tonk Man as a worker, I still don't care for him, yet he was gifted in so many ways. Talking, his strong suit, allows him to get himself over regardless of his physical abilities. He is undoubtedly getting himself over here. He is very careful in what he says and while he may not be entirely accurate or even fair, he says things with a conviction that gets him over. Part of me feels like I get swept up in that charismatic delivery and sometimes I fail to see the gaping holes in his statements. That being said, this is wildly entertaining.
The Rating: *****
The Good
The Honky Tonk Man was the ideal person to debut the Youshoot series. Although the wacky and even spiteful submissions were not as plentiful in this one, it certainly sold you on the greatness of this series. HTM really comes across as honest and even bitter to an extent, but unlike people like Paul Orndorff, Ole Anderson and Billy Jack Haynes, you do not end up really disliking him. He is, at least in my opinion, hilarious with all his voices and facial expressions that make him a great storyteller. Mud-slinging can get tedious, but Honky just spews it in such a way that you cannot help but love it. And no one seems to be immune to his wrath. Billy Gunn was worthless, Blackjack Lanza was two-faced, Ric Flair was "woooo" a repetitive "woooo" cartoon character, Dynamite Kid is a lying bully, Hulk Hogan was a huge druggie, Jim Ross was a sabotager and on and on. Honky Tonk is very open about his own drug use, promiscuity and limitations as a worker, which allows him so credibility when he rips on others. I still question whether or not he is not working everyone (like the Iron Sheik is).
The Bad
I never liked Honky Tonk Man as a worker, I still don't care for him, yet he was gifted in so many ways. Talking, his strong suit, allows him to get himself over regardless of his physical abilities. He is undoubtedly getting himself over here. He is very careful in what he says and while he may not be entirely accurate or even fair, he says things with a conviction that gets him over. Part of me feels like I get swept up in that charismatic delivery and sometimes I fail to see the gaping holes in his statements. That being said, this is wildly entertaining.
The Rating: *****
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Bob Roop ("Shooting with the Legends" Interview)
The Good
Scott Teal's "Shooting with the Legends" series is excellent in so many regards. While Scott himself is very knowledgeable and could intelligently interview any legend, he chooses the best. Bob Roop is one of a number of well-regarded stars from yesteryear that can tell great stories, share unique perspectives and pull no punches while doing so. Roop talks extensively about a number of topics, specifically his amateur background, time as an unwilling hired gun for promoters and his experiences in Florida. Although this is lengthy (about four hours), Roop is able to go all over the place and expound upon whatever he wants. He gives his honest thoughts on Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie, Buddy Fuller and several other legends. He seems very open about his abilities and inabilities, not coming across like the pompous bully he's been labelled as before. A definite highlight of this was Bob talking about his experiences abroad. Not in the common places like Australia and Japan, but also Europe and Iraq. This could have gone on another four hours and I think there'd be no shortage of material. Just a masterpiece that you've got to get your hands on.
The Bad
Certainly there are areas of Bob Roop's career that go uncovered, but I'll take omissions of his tenures in Mid-South, the Army of Darkness and so on for some of the depth and variety he shares. For someone who booked a few notable territories, he sure did not get into booking psychology much. I think Roop tried to be honest, but it seems like some of his stories do not jive well with others'. Regardless of those few negatives, I'd rate this as a top-notch shoot interview.
The Rating: *****
The Good
Scott Teal's "Shooting with the Legends" series is excellent in so many regards. While Scott himself is very knowledgeable and could intelligently interview any legend, he chooses the best. Bob Roop is one of a number of well-regarded stars from yesteryear that can tell great stories, share unique perspectives and pull no punches while doing so. Roop talks extensively about a number of topics, specifically his amateur background, time as an unwilling hired gun for promoters and his experiences in Florida. Although this is lengthy (about four hours), Roop is able to go all over the place and expound upon whatever he wants. He gives his honest thoughts on Eddie Graham, Gordon Solie, Buddy Fuller and several other legends. He seems very open about his abilities and inabilities, not coming across like the pompous bully he's been labelled as before. A definite highlight of this was Bob talking about his experiences abroad. Not in the common places like Australia and Japan, but also Europe and Iraq. This could have gone on another four hours and I think there'd be no shortage of material. Just a masterpiece that you've got to get your hands on.
The Bad
Certainly there are areas of Bob Roop's career that go uncovered, but I'll take omissions of his tenures in Mid-South, the Army of Darkness and so on for some of the depth and variety he shares. For someone who booked a few notable territories, he sure did not get into booking psychology much. I think Roop tried to be honest, but it seems like some of his stories do not jive well with others'. Regardless of those few negatives, I'd rate this as a top-notch shoot interview.
The Rating: *****
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Rocky Johnson Shoot Interview [RF Video]
The Good
If you take a well-travelled and opinionated ex-wrestler and put him in front of a camera he can generally produce a solid shoot interview. Rocky Johnson worked in most major and several minor territories in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, he saw great successes and some disappointments, so why should this not be a fascinating shoot? Even with RF's standard questions, constant name association and fixation on chronology, Johnson is able to pull the listener in with some great tales and bold thoughts. He is honest about those people he disliked, distrusted and disassociated from because they were crooks, racists or two-faced backstabbers. Without seeming bitter or angry, Rocky Johnson is able to tell much of his story. I also felt the parts involving The Rock were kept to a respectful level considering that Rocky has his own legacy.
The Bad
Sometimes these shoot interviews are just long and tedious with little new information, few stories of interest and nothing of great value. This was not one of those, but it did seem to fall short in a way. Rocky Johnson was pretty frank and while he was not the most entertaining interview, he certainly had plenty to say. I actually had pretty low expectations for this, despite Johnson's extensive and well-travelled career. It was, as expected, lacking in both direction and depth. Rob Feinstein was his usual self, all over the place with obvious holes in his(?) research and no follow-up to questions. You could tell that Rocky Johnson, if challenged and guided, could be an intriguing interview. Let's hope somebody of note gets ahold of him.
The Rating: ***3/4
The Good
If you take a well-travelled and opinionated ex-wrestler and put him in front of a camera he can generally produce a solid shoot interview. Rocky Johnson worked in most major and several minor territories in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, he saw great successes and some disappointments, so why should this not be a fascinating shoot? Even with RF's standard questions, constant name association and fixation on chronology, Johnson is able to pull the listener in with some great tales and bold thoughts. He is honest about those people he disliked, distrusted and disassociated from because they were crooks, racists or two-faced backstabbers. Without seeming bitter or angry, Rocky Johnson is able to tell much of his story. I also felt the parts involving The Rock were kept to a respectful level considering that Rocky has his own legacy.
The Bad
Sometimes these shoot interviews are just long and tedious with little new information, few stories of interest and nothing of great value. This was not one of those, but it did seem to fall short in a way. Rocky Johnson was pretty frank and while he was not the most entertaining interview, he certainly had plenty to say. I actually had pretty low expectations for this, despite Johnson's extensive and well-travelled career. It was, as expected, lacking in both direction and depth. Rob Feinstein was his usual self, all over the place with obvious holes in his(?) research and no follow-up to questions. You could tell that Rocky Johnson, if challenged and guided, could be an intriguing interview. Let's hope somebody of note gets ahold of him.
The Rating: ***3/4
Sunday, August 8, 2010
John Nord [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I think anyone who is strongly associated with individuals in pro-wrestling who either don't do interviews or cannot do interviews (because they have passed away) are always going to have some interest no matter how marginal that person is. If a guy who worked security for the Von Erichs in World Class or someone who worked as a referee for Killer Kowalski can make for an interesting interview than whose to say who is really deserving of interviews. John Nord had some success as the Barbarian, the Berzerker and such, but what makes him really interesting is the people he grew up with, worked alongside and got to know in the business. A childhood friend of Curt Hennig, a later friend of high school rival Road Warrior Hawk and a partner and close buddy of Bruiser Brody, John Nord has known some remarkable people who have passed on. He is a goofy dude though and while I'm suspicious of some things he says, he certainly can tell some funny and interesting stories. Whether it's Dusty Rhodes' "muffler," Curt Hennig's legendary ribs or the lockerroom brawl with Butch Reed that is well-known, John Nord had some fresh material for sure.
The Bad
John Nord could be the most sincere and honest person ever, but my gut thinks otherwise. Not that he's necessarily lying, but if you'd never seen him or heard much about him, you'd be wondering why. He was basically a midcard talent who got a few solid pushes here and there. He was friends with a lot of people, he was an impressive looking big man with some athletic ability, he had several key chances to get over. It never happened. The few things I've heard people (Bill Watts, Gary Hart and a couple others) mention in other shoots have never been overly flattering. This is a fun shoot interview to listen to, but I'd definitely take it with a grain of salt.
The Rating: ****
The Good
I think anyone who is strongly associated with individuals in pro-wrestling who either don't do interviews or cannot do interviews (because they have passed away) are always going to have some interest no matter how marginal that person is. If a guy who worked security for the Von Erichs in World Class or someone who worked as a referee for Killer Kowalski can make for an interesting interview than whose to say who is really deserving of interviews. John Nord had some success as the Barbarian, the Berzerker and such, but what makes him really interesting is the people he grew up with, worked alongside and got to know in the business. A childhood friend of Curt Hennig, a later friend of high school rival Road Warrior Hawk and a partner and close buddy of Bruiser Brody, John Nord has known some remarkable people who have passed on. He is a goofy dude though and while I'm suspicious of some things he says, he certainly can tell some funny and interesting stories. Whether it's Dusty Rhodes' "muffler," Curt Hennig's legendary ribs or the lockerroom brawl with Butch Reed that is well-known, John Nord had some fresh material for sure.
The Bad
John Nord could be the most sincere and honest person ever, but my gut thinks otherwise. Not that he's necessarily lying, but if you'd never seen him or heard much about him, you'd be wondering why. He was basically a midcard talent who got a few solid pushes here and there. He was friends with a lot of people, he was an impressive looking big man with some athletic ability, he had several key chances to get over. It never happened. The few things I've heard people (Bill Watts, Gary Hart and a couple others) mention in other shoots have never been overly flattering. This is a fun shoot interview to listen to, but I'd definitely take it with a grain of salt.
The Rating: ****
Friday, August 6, 2010
Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Michael Krugman
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Released: 3/03
The Good
It's a unique book that gets into aspects of wrestling that we all thought we'd have to wait a while to hear about. The story of being a young guy coming up through the indies, jobbing on TV and working up the card is one will hear in the future and though Foley kind of lived that life, his story is far from typical. As for the dual authors...Jeff is Jeff and that's all that can really be said about that. Matt thankfully has most of the say here and he has many worthwhile comments about learning the craft, the fan-to-worker phenomenon, understanding psychology and some surprising comments about the decline of WWF/WWE. Most comments I've read online have been very positive and I think most people enjoy this book for what it is. I guess some might find it inspirational and others will find it just interesting, but I think this was a decent little book.
The Bad
I started reading this surprisingly shortly after it came out. I got about 1/5 of the way through and was just bored with it. I had other things to do and this book just didn't keep my interest, which is rare. Most people knocked this as WWE trying to cash in on the teeny boppers love of the Hardy Boyz, which it probably was. The format bothers a lot of people and it kind of breaks up the train of thought as there is a looseness to this that you don't really want in a biography because it convinced me this was easy to put down. Their insight is generally good, especially Matt's. The one glaring exception is, "It's a different time now. Jeff and I were part of the last generation to truly pay dues." (pg. 189). This might have been a lash out against Tough Enough, but it seems like a big slap in the face of all the indy talent that work really hard and have probably less chances than the Hardy Boyz did in the 90s.
The Rating: **3/4
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Michael Krugman
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Released: 3/03
The Good
It's a unique book that gets into aspects of wrestling that we all thought we'd have to wait a while to hear about. The story of being a young guy coming up through the indies, jobbing on TV and working up the card is one will hear in the future and though Foley kind of lived that life, his story is far from typical. As for the dual authors...Jeff is Jeff and that's all that can really be said about that. Matt thankfully has most of the say here and he has many worthwhile comments about learning the craft, the fan-to-worker phenomenon, understanding psychology and some surprising comments about the decline of WWF/WWE. Most comments I've read online have been very positive and I think most people enjoy this book for what it is. I guess some might find it inspirational and others will find it just interesting, but I think this was a decent little book.
The Bad
I started reading this surprisingly shortly after it came out. I got about 1/5 of the way through and was just bored with it. I had other things to do and this book just didn't keep my interest, which is rare. Most people knocked this as WWE trying to cash in on the teeny boppers love of the Hardy Boyz, which it probably was. The format bothers a lot of people and it kind of breaks up the train of thought as there is a looseness to this that you don't really want in a biography because it convinced me this was easy to put down. Their insight is generally good, especially Matt's. The one glaring exception is, "It's a different time now. Jeff and I were part of the last generation to truly pay dues." (pg. 189). This might have been a lash out against Tough Enough, but it seems like a big slap in the face of all the indy talent that work really hard and have probably less chances than the Hardy Boyz did in the 90s.
The Rating: **3/4
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