Bam Bam Bigelow [Wrestling Universe Shoot Interview]
The Good
One in the Wrestling Universe's series that is definitely a standout. Bam Bam Bigelow, who passed away in 2007, conducted this in 2002, so he was on the comeback trail after severe burns (from saving some kids from a fire) put him on the shelf. He seemed like such a friendly guy who had many good stories and a really good memory. Bigelow's tales of breaking in were about what you'd expect, but the parts about Japan (which started early on for him) were fascinating. Here is a guy who traveled over there many times and worked for four of the top companies and he had some thoughtful and honest comments. He had no problem burying Akira Maeda for his unprofessionalism, FMW for its second-rate status or Genichiro Tenryu for subpar booking decisions. At the same time, he put over the talent, the culture, the learning experience and the style. Puroresu fans should enjoy that aspect of this shoot. There was plenty of time talking about his runs in the WWF (2), WCW (3) and ECW (2), which were filled with great successes and some unfortunate situations. Bigelow seems to have everything in a proper perspective that he can address the good and bad of each. I've heard him put over strongly by Sid (as the greatest ring general he ever worked) and buried by Lanny Poffo (as someone that no one would ever pay to see), but I tend to think the majority of his peers liked him and respected his work. From this shoot interview, you can kind of understand why.
The Bad
Although I found Bigelow to be pretty straightforward, he was not as professionally self-effacing as I might have expected. While he never put himself over as strongly as many people do in shoot interviews (certainly not personally as he seemed quite humble and down-to-Earth), I expected him to perhaps reflect upon his unfulfilled potential, drug problems and inconsistent pushes over the years. He admitted to not being a complete package (good body, good interviews, good work), but felt he had the third category for sure. I wouldn't argue that point, but it seems like he might have been a little more reflective as to why someone of his in-ring ability never got the consistent shove that so many expected time and time again. He seems to blame injuries, politics and poor booking more than I care to believe. My other issue is his mellowness. Bam Bam Bigelow seems like an intense individual who would speak his mind and have no problem burying people, but here, he is relatively reserved in his comments on Big Van Vader, Andre the Giant and even the Kliq. He always seemed to temper a negative comment about someone being a "pain in the ass" or whatever by putting over their hard work, status or something. Regardless of those concerns, I felt this was a good look at pro-wrestling from 1985-2001 with some detailed inclusion of Japan and even Mexico.
The Rating: ****1/2
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Bill Apter [Highspots Shoot Interview]
The Good
For those who did not grow up with the "Apter Mags," it is hard to put in perspective how influential they really were. I have my own memories of waiting anxiously for the latest to come in and I still have dozens and dozens in storage. These magazines, even though they held up kayfabe, were huge in getting talent national recognition. Bill Apter, while not the first and maybe not even the best, became synonymous with pro-wrestling magazines. While a magazine writer might not have the most interesting tale, Apter is a great storyteller, does great impressions and traveled widely after being a fan as a youngster in the 1960s. His explanations of the changes in the magazine industry, its role in the business and how it impacted his own life and career are really fascinating. It seems funny because there were obviously innumerable people who were pro-wrestling photographers, journalists, sheet writers and such, but none seem to have been as involved as Apter. His tales of encounters with transvestites in Japan with Terry Funk, being puked on by Road Warrior Hawk and being chewed out by Vince McMahon Sr. for putting Mil Mascaras on the cover of magazines were just a few glimpses into the unique life he's lived. Apter has a great sense of humor and does not let himself get pinned down to much with chronology, politics or bad feelings.
The Bad
I feel like Bill Apter is the type that could probably do a dozen interviews and never run out of funny stories or interesting insight into the industry. I've heard him a handful of times and he never seems to tell the same anecdotes. So, I almost feel a little cheated here because it just was not long enough. Seriously though, this is as good of an interview as I'd expect with someone who never worked in the business (per say). There are always going to people who have their taste in shoot interviews and this might not be salacious or angry enough for some. Apter is largely positive about everything and delivers a great light-hearted interview.
The Rating: ****3/4
The Good
For those who did not grow up with the "Apter Mags," it is hard to put in perspective how influential they really were. I have my own memories of waiting anxiously for the latest to come in and I still have dozens and dozens in storage. These magazines, even though they held up kayfabe, were huge in getting talent national recognition. Bill Apter, while not the first and maybe not even the best, became synonymous with pro-wrestling magazines. While a magazine writer might not have the most interesting tale, Apter is a great storyteller, does great impressions and traveled widely after being a fan as a youngster in the 1960s. His explanations of the changes in the magazine industry, its role in the business and how it impacted his own life and career are really fascinating. It seems funny because there were obviously innumerable people who were pro-wrestling photographers, journalists, sheet writers and such, but none seem to have been as involved as Apter. His tales of encounters with transvestites in Japan with Terry Funk, being puked on by Road Warrior Hawk and being chewed out by Vince McMahon Sr. for putting Mil Mascaras on the cover of magazines were just a few glimpses into the unique life he's lived. Apter has a great sense of humor and does not let himself get pinned down to much with chronology, politics or bad feelings.
The Bad
I feel like Bill Apter is the type that could probably do a dozen interviews and never run out of funny stories or interesting insight into the industry. I've heard him a handful of times and he never seems to tell the same anecdotes. So, I almost feel a little cheated here because it just was not long enough. Seriously though, this is as good of an interview as I'd expect with someone who never worked in the business (per say). There are always going to people who have their taste in shoot interviews and this might not be salacious or angry enough for some. Apter is largely positive about everything and delivers a great light-hearted interview.
The Rating: ****3/4
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
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tributes II: Remembering More of the World's Greatest Professional Wrestlers
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Dave Meltzer
Publisher: Sports Publishing
Released: 9/04
The Good
What's funny is I gave the first Tributes book 5 out of 5 and this is definitely better. I think the obit choices were good, the knowns, forgottens and reworks (Andre and Owen). This is much more detailed than the first and though I'd read his WON obits on all but a few of these people, I still enjoyed it greatly. I truly feel he is able to write among the most intriguing short biographies on people as he has an honest, yet honorary approach.
The Bad
Unfortunately, most of these people had died since the last book, which is morbid to think about. That aside, I had a WON subscription during that time, so only four or five were new to me. I felt Wahoo McDaniel and Johnny Valentine have better stories than what he captured, but he did a fair job considering his limited resources and their well-travelled natures. The DVD that came with the book was a nice addition, but really disappointing considering what it could have been.
The Rating: ****1/2
Author, Ghost Writer, Editor: Dave Meltzer
Publisher: Sports Publishing
Released: 9/04
The Good
What's funny is I gave the first Tributes book 5 out of 5 and this is definitely better. I think the obit choices were good, the knowns, forgottens and reworks (Andre and Owen). This is much more detailed than the first and though I'd read his WON obits on all but a few of these people, I still enjoyed it greatly. I truly feel he is able to write among the most intriguing short biographies on people as he has an honest, yet honorary approach.
The Bad
Unfortunately, most of these people had died since the last book, which is morbid to think about. That aside, I had a WON subscription during that time, so only four or five were new to me. I felt Wahoo McDaniel and Johnny Valentine have better stories than what he captured, but he did a fair job considering his limited resources and their well-travelled natures. The DVD that came with the book was a nice addition, but really disappointing considering what it could have been.
The Rating: ****1/2
Monday, October 10, 2011
Scott Norton [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
On occasion it seems like someone who might have an interesting life story, career, etc. might not be the most interesting person based on their pro-wrestling persona. Scott Norton was a hulk of a man who had a solid career in the US and an often overlooked, but extremely impressive career in Japan. He was, however, never known for being charismatic. Norton kind of (and self-admittedly so) "barked" through promos and tried to get his point across. In the shoot interview atmosphere, he doesn't need to yell, he doesn't need to get over as a bad ass and he doesn't need to build up a match or angle. It works. Norton is reflective, funny, honest and is able to share a perspective on Japan that few could. He has anecdotes about native stars and gaijin alike that are rare gems for the puroresu fans. While Scott Norton worked a few places in the states, most notably WCW in their heyday, he did not have the level of success or length of time like he did in New Japan. Some might find his thoughts on WCW and the personalities there interesting, particularly on why some things worked and some things failed.
The Bad
If you look at the career of Scott Norton, you could pick several aspects to explore. However, it seems like covering his time in Japan should be the primary focus. There is definitely some detailed discussion of his New Japan career, but it seems like that would be the area to focus on. One of the key differences between talking about international wrestling and talking about American wrestling is that interviewers tend to just ask about specific wrestlers, some about the culture and the differences. Scott Norton could talk about Antonio Inoki, Keiji Muto and Shinya Hashimoto in isolation, but he had enough experiences over there that it seems like some deeper discussions could be going on. I have seen that approach attempted and often guys were not really aware of politics or were able to contextualize things, but Scott Norton seems like one who could have and would have done that. The absence of that potential depth really took away from what was a decent shoot interview otherwise.
The Rating: ***1/2
The Good
On occasion it seems like someone who might have an interesting life story, career, etc. might not be the most interesting person based on their pro-wrestling persona. Scott Norton was a hulk of a man who had a solid career in the US and an often overlooked, but extremely impressive career in Japan. He was, however, never known for being charismatic. Norton kind of (and self-admittedly so) "barked" through promos and tried to get his point across. In the shoot interview atmosphere, he doesn't need to yell, he doesn't need to get over as a bad ass and he doesn't need to build up a match or angle. It works. Norton is reflective, funny, honest and is able to share a perspective on Japan that few could. He has anecdotes about native stars and gaijin alike that are rare gems for the puroresu fans. While Scott Norton worked a few places in the states, most notably WCW in their heyday, he did not have the level of success or length of time like he did in New Japan. Some might find his thoughts on WCW and the personalities there interesting, particularly on why some things worked and some things failed.
The Bad
If you look at the career of Scott Norton, you could pick several aspects to explore. However, it seems like covering his time in Japan should be the primary focus. There is definitely some detailed discussion of his New Japan career, but it seems like that would be the area to focus on. One of the key differences between talking about international wrestling and talking about American wrestling is that interviewers tend to just ask about specific wrestlers, some about the culture and the differences. Scott Norton could talk about Antonio Inoki, Keiji Muto and Shinya Hashimoto in isolation, but he had enough experiences over there that it seems like some deeper discussions could be going on. I have seen that approach attempted and often guys were not really aware of politics or were able to contextualize things, but Scott Norton seems like one who could have and would have done that. The absence of that potential depth really took away from what was a decent shoot interview otherwise.
The Rating: ***1/2
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Sgt. Slaughter [Pro Wrestling Diaries - Shoot Interview]
The Good
I had heard a lot of positive references to the Pro Wrestling Diary shoot interviews and while it did not seem like they featured the biggest stars, I'll take a great interview with a mid-carder than a poor one with a superstar any day. Sgt. Slaughter certainly is no mid-carder and this four-hour affair drives that point home. Often pro-wrestlers who stick around can get pegged with weird legacies. He still shows up on WWE television, looks practically the same as he did during his bizarre early 1990s heel run and comes across very cartoonish. Back in the day, Sgt. Slaughter was one a helluva big bumping heel headlining against Bob Backlund and Pat Patterson in MSG, Steamboat & Youngblood in the Carolinas and delivering some memorable promos along the way. That five year run alone would have made him legend, but then he turned babyface and was one of the biggest around. This interview goes through those years in great detail and with funny anecdotes and sharp insight. The early years of Bob Remus are told as well and, in fact, him recounting about his father sending him off to follow his dreams rather than stay roofing in Minnesota is a touching story. The story of his showdown with Billy Robinson before entering Verne Gagne's camp is one I'd never heard before and there were others that when told by the Sarge himself were just priceless. His later WWF run and stints in the late 90s and beyond were covered, but thankfully not the focal point of this interview, a drawback of so many shoot interviews. By the end of this, I was convinced of Sgt. Slaughter's greatness and feel bad that he's become a cartoonish caricature of himself in the past few years.
The Bad
I had known that Sgt. Slaughter was a legit Marine and had been a drill instructor, but you'd expect that to be explored some more. While it is mentioned and he refers to aspects of that time and how it influenced his Sgt. Slaughter persona, it was not given the time or focus I expected. Many pro-wrestlers have had military gimmicks and his is legit and he is the quintessential military-gimmicked wrestler, but it is largely limited to his passing references. This could simply be an area that he did not want to discuss or it is not as defining a life experience as one might expect, but it was the glaring omission in this extensive and thorough shoot interview. Overall, this was great and I have few complaints about this and will definitely check out any PWD shoots that come out.
The Rating: *****
The Good
I had heard a lot of positive references to the Pro Wrestling Diary shoot interviews and while it did not seem like they featured the biggest stars, I'll take a great interview with a mid-carder than a poor one with a superstar any day. Sgt. Slaughter certainly is no mid-carder and this four-hour affair drives that point home. Often pro-wrestlers who stick around can get pegged with weird legacies. He still shows up on WWE television, looks practically the same as he did during his bizarre early 1990s heel run and comes across very cartoonish. Back in the day, Sgt. Slaughter was one a helluva big bumping heel headlining against Bob Backlund and Pat Patterson in MSG, Steamboat & Youngblood in the Carolinas and delivering some memorable promos along the way. That five year run alone would have made him legend, but then he turned babyface and was one of the biggest around. This interview goes through those years in great detail and with funny anecdotes and sharp insight. The early years of Bob Remus are told as well and, in fact, him recounting about his father sending him off to follow his dreams rather than stay roofing in Minnesota is a touching story. The story of his showdown with Billy Robinson before entering Verne Gagne's camp is one I'd never heard before and there were others that when told by the Sarge himself were just priceless. His later WWF run and stints in the late 90s and beyond were covered, but thankfully not the focal point of this interview, a drawback of so many shoot interviews. By the end of this, I was convinced of Sgt. Slaughter's greatness and feel bad that he's become a cartoonish caricature of himself in the past few years.
The Bad
I had known that Sgt. Slaughter was a legit Marine and had been a drill instructor, but you'd expect that to be explored some more. While it is mentioned and he refers to aspects of that time and how it influenced his Sgt. Slaughter persona, it was not given the time or focus I expected. Many pro-wrestlers have had military gimmicks and his is legit and he is the quintessential military-gimmicked wrestler, but it is largely limited to his passing references. This could simply be an area that he did not want to discuss or it is not as defining a life experience as one might expect, but it was the glaring omission in this extensive and thorough shoot interview. Overall, this was great and I have few complaints about this and will definitely check out any PWD shoots that come out.
The Rating: *****
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Billy Jack Hayes [RF Video Shoot Interview]
The Good
One of the most infamous shoot interviews of all-time with one of the most bizarre people in the pro-wrestling world. Billy Jack Haynes is in tears within the first twenty minutes of this three-hour marathon and that tells you what kind of rollercoaster this was. Haynes was sexually abused as a child and that set in motion a sequence of events that drove him into mental instability, which is evident here. This has to be one of the most revealing and disturbing interviews that RF Video has ever done. Haynes talks about drug-running and suicide attempts in such graphic detail that you have to believe there is some truth to them. While it might detract from its believability and historical accuracy, the craziness displayed in this shoot certainly makes it memorable and worth catching once.
The Bad
There is a reason why RF Video followed this up with a shoot called "Conspiracy Theories." Billy probably makes more over-the-top allegations, never-before-heard accusations and hearsay-fueled assertions than any other person who has sat in front of that RF Video banner. While there are elements of truth in many of his comments, there are enough factually untrue statements throughout that any reasonable person would call into question the validity of many things he says. Without dwelling on them too much here are a few of the most salacious morsels: Eddie Graham wanted to literally kill Dusty Rhodes after he left Florida for Crockett; Buddy Rose swindled Billy Jack out of $10,000; Vince McMahon is the "Hitler of Pro-Wrestling"; and Brian Adams "ribbed" him by inviting him to travel from Portland to Texas for a fake WWF tryout. Hopefully that gives you an idea of the kind of statements that Billy Jack Haynes is making here. While the intimacy in this is legitimate to the point of being uncomfortable at times, this has riddled with enough holes that I would recommend this for its entertainment value than its historical value.
The Rating: ****
The Good
One of the most infamous shoot interviews of all-time with one of the most bizarre people in the pro-wrestling world. Billy Jack Haynes is in tears within the first twenty minutes of this three-hour marathon and that tells you what kind of rollercoaster this was. Haynes was sexually abused as a child and that set in motion a sequence of events that drove him into mental instability, which is evident here. This has to be one of the most revealing and disturbing interviews that RF Video has ever done. Haynes talks about drug-running and suicide attempts in such graphic detail that you have to believe there is some truth to them. While it might detract from its believability and historical accuracy, the craziness displayed in this shoot certainly makes it memorable and worth catching once.
The Bad
There is a reason why RF Video followed this up with a shoot called "Conspiracy Theories." Billy probably makes more over-the-top allegations, never-before-heard accusations and hearsay-fueled assertions than any other person who has sat in front of that RF Video banner. While there are elements of truth in many of his comments, there are enough factually untrue statements throughout that any reasonable person would call into question the validity of many things he says. Without dwelling on them too much here are a few of the most salacious morsels: Eddie Graham wanted to literally kill Dusty Rhodes after he left Florida for Crockett; Buddy Rose swindled Billy Jack out of $10,000; Vince McMahon is the "Hitler of Pro-Wrestling"; and Brian Adams "ribbed" him by inviting him to travel from Portland to Texas for a fake WWF tryout. Hopefully that gives you an idea of the kind of statements that Billy Jack Haynes is making here. While the intimacy in this is legitimate to the point of being uncomfortable at times, this has riddled with enough holes that I would recommend this for its entertainment value than its historical value.
The Rating: ****
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