Gene Okerlund [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
I've thought interviews with play-by-play announcers have sounded kind of unusual, like Lance Russell for example, it sounds funny because of his distinct voice being in this totally different context. However, listening to Gene Okerlund was kind of surreal. While I've heard only limited amounts of his play-by-play, his distinct cadence, vocabulary and style are so identifiable and listening to that voice talk about pro-wrestling in a kayfabe-breaking way is just bizarre at times. The content is great though. They talk briefly about his pre-AWA background in broadcasting and his transition into the company. Okerlund became most famous as an interviewer in the WWF in the Rock-N-Wrestling days, which is what much of this interview focuses on. Okerlund offers his two-cents on talent, usually an anecdote or two and is very willing to go through name-by-name. While I personally find this approach bland, it was very interesting with him and he knows how to command an audiences attention.
The Bad
For what this was, not many flaws stand out. As an announcer, Okerlund had a certain niche in the business. He interacted with everyone, but was tighter with some than others and worked more closely with some than others. The tendency is to ask him about the many big names he interviewed on TV, but "Mean" Gene was more than just that on-camera personality. It seems like getting into the nitty-gritty of WWF's production would have taken this shoot to the next level. In fact, Kevin Dunn, who is one of those unsung heroes of the WWF's success (although he's been blasted by Jim Cornette for being anti-wrestling and detrimental to the in-ring product) who Okerlund could definitely have talked about. This was a fun interview with someone who had an amazing career and is deceptively knowledgeable about pro-wrestling's history and one can enjoy it for that.
The Rating: ***3/4
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Terry Funk: More than Just Hardcore
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Terry Funk, Scott Williams
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 3/05
The Good
One of the most storied careers that reaches into more facets of pro-wrestling than perhaps anyone is that of Terry Funk. A second-generation pro-wrestler who grew up learning from the old-timers only a generation removed from the carnival hookers, Funk’s respect for pro-wrestling’s history is strong without being overly romantic. He criticizes Lou Thesz’s selfishness and the bitterness of old codgers who think the current product has nothing to do with pro-wrestling. Funk’s glory days in the US territories and All Japan are filled with funny anecdotes, astute observations and sound explanations. He is self-effacing without undermining his legacy and he gives candid comments without apology. Terry Funk seems like a man genuinely satisfied with his accomplishments and the bitterness just does not ruin his autobiography as it does others. Although he had his share of personal, physical and career-related problems, Funk does not excessively detail them. He gives pro-wrestling fans a book they want. Scott Williams channeled the Bill Watts’ story into an excellent book, but I would argue that this is better. What it lacks in booking psychology it makes up for in sharp insight into cutting promos, business shifts and stylistic changes.
The Bad
The only complaints I could make about this are the limited length. Obviously, Terry Funk’s in-ring career has spanned four decades and that could supply substantial material for a lengthy book. Heck, Mick Foley produced to bulky opuses with a career that was half that length. Funk also grew up in the business and has been involved as an owner and booker in addition to his in-ring experience. Terry Funk’s career seemed like something so massive and daunting that it could never fully be encapsulated in a average length autobiography. Scott Williams does a tremendous job, but will it satiate everyone’s appetites for territorial wrestling, hardcore wrestling and modern sports entertainment? The paying fans and pending reviews will be the best barometer of Williams’ achievement.
The Rating: ****1/2
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Terry Funk, Scott Williams
Publisher: ECW Press
Released: 3/05
The Good
One of the most storied careers that reaches into more facets of pro-wrestling than perhaps anyone is that of Terry Funk. A second-generation pro-wrestler who grew up learning from the old-timers only a generation removed from the carnival hookers, Funk’s respect for pro-wrestling’s history is strong without being overly romantic. He criticizes Lou Thesz’s selfishness and the bitterness of old codgers who think the current product has nothing to do with pro-wrestling. Funk’s glory days in the US territories and All Japan are filled with funny anecdotes, astute observations and sound explanations. He is self-effacing without undermining his legacy and he gives candid comments without apology. Terry Funk seems like a man genuinely satisfied with his accomplishments and the bitterness just does not ruin his autobiography as it does others. Although he had his share of personal, physical and career-related problems, Funk does not excessively detail them. He gives pro-wrestling fans a book they want. Scott Williams channeled the Bill Watts’ story into an excellent book, but I would argue that this is better. What it lacks in booking psychology it makes up for in sharp insight into cutting promos, business shifts and stylistic changes.
The Bad
The only complaints I could make about this are the limited length. Obviously, Terry Funk’s in-ring career has spanned four decades and that could supply substantial material for a lengthy book. Heck, Mick Foley produced to bulky opuses with a career that was half that length. Funk also grew up in the business and has been involved as an owner and booker in addition to his in-ring experience. Terry Funk’s career seemed like something so massive and daunting that it could never fully be encapsulated in a average length autobiography. Scott Williams does a tremendous job, but will it satiate everyone’s appetites for territorial wrestling, hardcore wrestling and modern sports entertainment? The paying fans and pending reviews will be the best barometer of Williams’ achievement.
The Rating: ****1/2
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tito Santana [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
What Tito Santana lacks in humor and controversy, he makes up for in having some distinct and sharp criticisms of his peers. You cannot say he is negative and other than Ole Anderson, he doesn't bury anyone, but Santana has a respectable perspective that he is willing to share. He explains how New York was the best place for a pro-wrestler to refine their skills, how Bruno was a better draw than Hulk, why the Hart Foundation and British Bulldogs were "green" before coming to the WWF, how he knew his "El Matador" gimmick had no steam from the outset. Tito Santana is kind of an unsung hero of the Rock-N-Wrestling era, but he was consistently good performer and shows that he had a great mind for the business and specifically the WWF market. While the quality of this particular interview was hindered by Rob Feinstein, it is a good sampling of why Tito is a worthwhile interview to seek out.
The Bad
I understand that many RF Video shoots are done late at night or early in the morning, during conventions, so everyone is tired. However, there are times when Rob is just not paying attention and his questions are so disjointed that it is maddening. Tito Santana is not the most charismatic person and his interviews are best when he gets into his perspectives on different people and events. When he talks about how Bruno Sammartino was very approachable and would off advice, do not ask him immediately after if Bruno was all about himself! This is sometimes an issue, but here it seemed painful obvious and insultingly recurrent throughout this interview. Not knowing your history is one thing, but at least know how to progress an interview. If you've never heard the amazing My Side of the Story with Tito and Greg Valentine, you might think this is excellent, but this is simply not as great as it could've been.
The Rating: ****
The Good
What Tito Santana lacks in humor and controversy, he makes up for in having some distinct and sharp criticisms of his peers. You cannot say he is negative and other than Ole Anderson, he doesn't bury anyone, but Santana has a respectable perspective that he is willing to share. He explains how New York was the best place for a pro-wrestler to refine their skills, how Bruno was a better draw than Hulk, why the Hart Foundation and British Bulldogs were "green" before coming to the WWF, how he knew his "El Matador" gimmick had no steam from the outset. Tito Santana is kind of an unsung hero of the Rock-N-Wrestling era, but he was consistently good performer and shows that he had a great mind for the business and specifically the WWF market. While the quality of this particular interview was hindered by Rob Feinstein, it is a good sampling of why Tito is a worthwhile interview to seek out.
The Bad
I understand that many RF Video shoots are done late at night or early in the morning, during conventions, so everyone is tired. However, there are times when Rob is just not paying attention and his questions are so disjointed that it is maddening. Tito Santana is not the most charismatic person and his interviews are best when he gets into his perspectives on different people and events. When he talks about how Bruno Sammartino was very approachable and would off advice, do not ask him immediately after if Bruno was all about himself! This is sometimes an issue, but here it seemed painful obvious and insultingly recurrent throughout this interview. Not knowing your history is one thing, but at least know how to progress an interview. If you've never heard the amazing My Side of the Story with Tito and Greg Valentine, you might think this is excellent, but this is simply not as great as it could've been.
The Rating: ****
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tonga Kid [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
The Samoan lineage in pro-wrestling is well-known and only a handful of them have done extensive interviews. The Tonga Kid's career was unique in that he broke in very young, travelled extensively with Afa and Sika and worked in the height of the Rock-N-Wrestling era. While his memory seems scattered at times, the timeline formula that RF Video sticks to keeps this orderly. His story is really fascinating and he is excited to share it with all his mistakes and successes. He flings some mud, plays it safe and tries to keep it positive, which make this entertaining enough to be worthwhile and honest enough to stay out of the bitter veteran area. While this is not the first shoot interview I'd recommend, it has some great names, great angles and such covered that make it a good one-time listen.
The Bad
I hate to really knock someone when they have memory problems, but the Tonga Kid's were pretty constant and glaring. Forgetting where you had your first match, forgetting how many times you walked out on the WWF, not remembering if you were a babyface or a heel, those are hard things to overlook. While these issues were always cleared up, it makes you suspicious of those details that were not checked. Sure, people makes mistakes. The point of these interviews is to gain a new perspective on pro-wrestling history. If you're version of it is riddled with errors than your interpretation of the past becomes less valued by those interested in pro-wrestling's past.
The Rating: ***3/4
The Good
The Samoan lineage in pro-wrestling is well-known and only a handful of them have done extensive interviews. The Tonga Kid's career was unique in that he broke in very young, travelled extensively with Afa and Sika and worked in the height of the Rock-N-Wrestling era. While his memory seems scattered at times, the timeline formula that RF Video sticks to keeps this orderly. His story is really fascinating and he is excited to share it with all his mistakes and successes. He flings some mud, plays it safe and tries to keep it positive, which make this entertaining enough to be worthwhile and honest enough to stay out of the bitter veteran area. While this is not the first shoot interview I'd recommend, it has some great names, great angles and such covered that make it a good one-time listen.
The Bad
I hate to really knock someone when they have memory problems, but the Tonga Kid's were pretty constant and glaring. Forgetting where you had your first match, forgetting how many times you walked out on the WWF, not remembering if you were a babyface or a heel, those are hard things to overlook. While these issues were always cleared up, it makes you suspicious of those details that were not checked. Sure, people makes mistakes. The point of these interviews is to gain a new perspective on pro-wrestling history. If you're version of it is riddled with errors than your interpretation of the past becomes less valued by those interested in pro-wrestling's past.
The Rating: ***3/4
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Timeline of the WWE - 2000 - Rikishi
The Good
The Timeline series has so much potential and if the right people are chosen they can really provide some good insight or at the very least a unique perspective on the year in question. Rikishi seems like a pretty honest guy and much of this focuses on his particular experiences in the year 2000. Sean Oliver is a fantastic interviewer and he pulls a solid interview out of someone who might not be the best interview. He poses some pretty standard questions, covers some key figures and throws in a few hardballs. This was a fun interview and, in my opinion, one of the better jobs by Sean Oliver.
The Bad
The fault of the Timeline series, which I've stated before, is that they often leave out a lot because of the narrow focus of a single. Rikishi had probably the biggest year of his career, but a lot of this focuses on his career before and after 2000. He also is not particularly insightful about the goings-on in the WWF at this time. I've never heard an extensive interview with Rikishi, but this did not convince me to seek one out. He was affable and all, he is probably a fun dude to have a beer with, but shoot interviews are not his thing. This was a good idea, but I'm three in and this series has yet to improve. C'mon Superstar Graham!
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
The Timeline series has so much potential and if the right people are chosen they can really provide some good insight or at the very least a unique perspective on the year in question. Rikishi seems like a pretty honest guy and much of this focuses on his particular experiences in the year 2000. Sean Oliver is a fantastic interviewer and he pulls a solid interview out of someone who might not be the best interview. He poses some pretty standard questions, covers some key figures and throws in a few hardballs. This was a fun interview and, in my opinion, one of the better jobs by Sean Oliver.
The Bad
The fault of the Timeline series, which I've stated before, is that they often leave out a lot because of the narrow focus of a single. Rikishi had probably the biggest year of his career, but a lot of this focuses on his career before and after 2000. He also is not particularly insightful about the goings-on in the WWF at this time. I've never heard an extensive interview with Rikishi, but this did not convince me to seek one out. He was affable and all, he is probably a fun dude to have a beer with, but shoot interviews are not his thing. This was a good idea, but I'm three in and this series has yet to improve. C'mon Superstar Graham!
The Rating: ***1/2
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Nick Bockwinkel [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
One of the best on the microphone, Nick Bockwinkel's trademark cadence and use of "50 and 75 cent words" plays so well in a format of this nature. While he's teased as being too long-winded, in this arena, that is what you often want. Despite his age, Bockwinkel is sharp as a tack and his memory and ability to work a story as good as he could work a match. Some of his stories are rehashed, some of his opinions are brought up again and some of his credentials are reexamined, but he manages to keep it fresh. Tales of Yukon Eric, thoughts on Verne Gagne, insight into how the WWF expansion differed from the AWA's show some of the variety that this interview brings out. The randomness of questions in RF Video shoots that drives me crazy provides some neat little bits of information that might not have been brought out otherwise.
The Bad
Compared to many other interviews that Nick Bockwinkel has done, this one was extremely disorganized. Other than the beginning and end concentrating on the beginning and end of his his career, this was all over the place. Smart Mark Video did such a stellar interview with him a few years back that anything else seems like it could not help but fall short.
The Rating: ****1/4
The Good
One of the best on the microphone, Nick Bockwinkel's trademark cadence and use of "50 and 75 cent words" plays so well in a format of this nature. While he's teased as being too long-winded, in this arena, that is what you often want. Despite his age, Bockwinkel is sharp as a tack and his memory and ability to work a story as good as he could work a match. Some of his stories are rehashed, some of his opinions are brought up again and some of his credentials are reexamined, but he manages to keep it fresh. Tales of Yukon Eric, thoughts on Verne Gagne, insight into how the WWF expansion differed from the AWA's show some of the variety that this interview brings out. The randomness of questions in RF Video shoots that drives me crazy provides some neat little bits of information that might not have been brought out otherwise.
The Bad
Compared to many other interviews that Nick Bockwinkel has done, this one was extremely disorganized. Other than the beginning and end concentrating on the beginning and end of his his career, this was all over the place. Smart Mark Video did such a stellar interview with him a few years back that anything else seems like it could not help but fall short.
The Rating: ****1/4
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
CM Punk [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
This is not CM Punk, WWE super-heel. This is not CM Punk, emerging top babyface. This isn't even CM Punk, ECW, OVW or even ROH top dog. This is CM Punk shortly after his program with Raven in Ring of Honor. What this shoot interview lacks in 2004-to-now commentary, it almost makes up for in depth leading up to that time period. They explore how he broke in, how he worked his way up the ladder on the independents, how he tried to break into that next level and how the feud with Raven made him something special. If you've never heard much Punker before or especially if you never read his Livejournal (http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/), you have no idea how hilarious and entertaining this guy can be. While he only had been working a handful of years and only at meaningful level for a couple years, CM Punk is able to squeeze so many stories out into a really enjoyable shoot. The anecdotes of being on the road with Colt Cabana, his dead-on Raven impression, his wacky Zero-One experiences and his traumatic skull fracture all stand out in a real excellent shoot with an indy talent. I personally have been following him since his early IWA Mid-South days and as a "former" Straight Edger myself, I instantly found him to be a standout personality, talent and someone whose rise to the top of the WWE was amazing to watch. This was a really delightful shoot.
The Bad
The obvious criticism here is "why interview an indy guy before he's really 'made it?'" CM Punk was actually riding high following his series with Raven in ROH that was something that promotion had never quite done before. It seems funny that within 5 years, he would have reached the peak of his success in ROH and become a champion of the WWE's ECW and Raw brands! Obviously, a CM Punk shoot five years later would be decidedly more interesting and controversial, but this is good for what it is. If you enjoy the man and his humor, I can guarantee you will dig this. If you think he's an overrated blowhard with a huge ego, then you'll probably see all that shining through here.
The Rating: ****
The Good
This is not CM Punk, WWE super-heel. This is not CM Punk, emerging top babyface. This isn't even CM Punk, ECW, OVW or even ROH top dog. This is CM Punk shortly after his program with Raven in Ring of Honor. What this shoot interview lacks in 2004-to-now commentary, it almost makes up for in depth leading up to that time period. They explore how he broke in, how he worked his way up the ladder on the independents, how he tried to break into that next level and how the feud with Raven made him something special. If you've never heard much Punker before or especially if you never read his Livejournal (http://cmpunk.livejournal.com/), you have no idea how hilarious and entertaining this guy can be. While he only had been working a handful of years and only at meaningful level for a couple years, CM Punk is able to squeeze so many stories out into a really enjoyable shoot. The anecdotes of being on the road with Colt Cabana, his dead-on Raven impression, his wacky Zero-One experiences and his traumatic skull fracture all stand out in a real excellent shoot with an indy talent. I personally have been following him since his early IWA Mid-South days and as a "former" Straight Edger myself, I instantly found him to be a standout personality, talent and someone whose rise to the top of the WWE was amazing to watch. This was a really delightful shoot.
The Bad
The obvious criticism here is "why interview an indy guy before he's really 'made it?'" CM Punk was actually riding high following his series with Raven in ROH that was something that promotion had never quite done before. It seems funny that within 5 years, he would have reached the peak of his success in ROH and become a champion of the WWE's ECW and Raw brands! Obviously, a CM Punk shoot five years later would be decidedly more interesting and controversial, but this is good for what it is. If you enjoy the man and his humor, I can guarantee you will dig this. If you think he's an overrated blowhard with a huge ego, then you'll probably see all that shining through here.
The Rating: ****
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