Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling
Frequently Asked Questions
Editor: Dominic Macika
generated: October 9, 1995
Email:
rspw-...@grumpy.emich.edu
Copyright
This document is compilation copyright (c) 1995 by Dominic Macika and
compilation copyright (c) 1993, 1994 by Cal Jewell. It may be freely copied
and/or distributed in its entirety as long as this copyright notice is not
removed. It may not be sold for profit or incorporated into commercial products
without the editor's written permission. [Compilation copyright means that you
can freely use individual sections of this document, but any significant
collection of sections is subject to the copyright.]
Please read this document before posting to rec.sport.pro-wrestling. If you
don't want to see this posting anymore, please add the subject line to your
kill file.
Comments, additions, suggestions, and corrections are encouraged. Send them to
rspw-...@grumpy.emich.edu
Index
1. Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling
2. Other information sources
3. WWF
4. WCW
5. NWA
6. Other North American promotions
7. Japan
8. Mexico
9. Deaths
10. Injuries
11. Where Are They Now?
12. Wrestling Groups and Teams
13. Miscellaneous questions about wrestlers.
14. The Law and Pro Wrestling
15. Miscellaneous
Contributors
1. Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling
1.1. What is r.s.p-w?
Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling (r.s.p-w or RSPW for short) is a usenet
discussion group. The main topic of discussion is pro- wrestling,
however, the group is loosely defined by its original charter and
often includes related topics, such as other combat sports. For a
more in-depth look at what pro-wrestling is, please read the Welcome
to Rec.Sport.Pro-Wrestling message, posted periodically on the group.
This post discusses what the group is about, and also gives pointers
on netiquette.
1.2. My news software does not allow me to post, but I wish to contribute to
r.s.p-w. How can I?
If you have email access, you can post to r.s.p-w by mailing your
article to one of the following addresses:
* rec-sport-pro-wrestl...@cs.utexas.edu
* rec-sport-pro-wrestl...@news.demon.co.uk
* rec.sport.pro-wrestl...@news.demon.co.uk
Please note the variances in punctuation between "." and "-" in the
email addresses.
1.3. Where can I get a copy of this FAQ?
If you know how to FTP, you can get a copy from the following
location:
site: rtfm.mit.edu
location: /pub/usenet-by-group/rec.sport.pro-wrestling/
filename: [rec.sport.pro-wrestling]_FAQ_(part_0?_02)
You can also get a current copy of this FAQ by sending e-mail with a
subject of "get FAQ" to
rspw-...@grumpy.emich.edu
Note: email requests for the FAQ and regular posting of the FAQ are
currently done manually.
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2. Other information sources
2.1. Are there any mailing lists related to r.s.p-w?
Yes. There are two public mailing lists known to this editor. The
first is for discussion of video tapes and video tape trading. For
info on that list, send email with a subject of "help" to:
majord...@cc.gatech.edu
The second is a moderated, information only mailing list. The
moderator is Pete Barlow. This mailing list is designed for people
who are not interested in reading the discussion that takes place on
r.s.p-w, only in receiving wrestling related information from the
group. To subscribe, send mail to:
listp...@nextsrv.cas.muohio.edu
with a message body subscribe RSPWINFO <first name> <last name>
2.2. Are there any r.s.p-w FTP sites?
Yes. There is one known to the FAQ Editor.
If you are not familiar with FTP, or if you are new to the net, ask
somebody at YOUR SITE for help. Please, don't pester r.s.p-w with
"how do I FTP" posts.
Also, please observe the hours listed and do not abuse the resources.
site: piper.swan.ac.uk
hours: 24hrs/day with periodic downtime
admin: j.huss...@swansea.ac.uk
If you're from the U.S. use the following:
username: USGUEST
password: USA
If you're from the U.K. use the following:
username: UKGUEST
password: GBR
From any other part of the world use the following:
username: WLGUEST
password: WLD
If you want to upload anything to the site, please get
confirmation first by mailing J.Huss...@swansea.ac.uk
2.3. Are there any WWW sites related to r.s.p-w?
Yes. Here are a few known to the FAQ editor.
http://orion.it.luc.edu/~mlong/wrestling.html
This site is maintained by Mark Long.
http://www.missouri.edu/~c621097/wrestleweb.html
This site is maintained by Steve Black.
2.4. What other information is available over the internet?
Herb Kunze makes weekly posts to r.s.p-w under the subject heading
"Wrestling Tidbits" which reviews top news stories in the wrestling
world over the past week. These posts also contain details on
upcoming major events in pro-wrestling.
The following people keep -- and occasionally post -- the following
lists and information. If you would like a copy of one of these
lists, it is strongly suggested that you make the request through
e-mail rather than posting a request directly to r.s.p-w.
* Gary Will (ax...@freenet.carleton.ca) - Listing of deceased
wrestlers
* Rick Duggan (dug...@cc.gatech.edu) - Wrestling Relations
* Byron C. Howes (b...@uncecs.edu) - Glossary of wrestling terms
If you keep track of an "official list" for r.s.p-w, please send
e-mail to rspw-...@grumpy.emich.edu so I can put you in this list.
2.5. Are any wrestlers or promoters reachable on via the net?
Sure. However, due to a desire for privacy, most keep their email
addresses private. A few notable exceptions post to r.s.p-w,
including promoters Joe Pedicino, Dennis Coraluzzo and Ed Zohn and
NEWA wrestler Liberty. We ask that you respect the privacy of those
who do have an email address, but don't actively participate in
r.s.p-w.
2.6. How can I subscribe to newsletters?
There are a number of newsletters and fanzines (commonly referred to
as "Sheets") published regularly about pro-wrestling.
Topics include results, info, opinion, memorabilia and history, just
to name a few. Like all else, some are good, some are not. For what
it's worth, The Wrestling Observer has by far the largest circulation
of all wrestling newsletters. (That's not a recommendation, just an
observation.)
Many of the publications offer trial issues. Write the publication
for details.
(weekly) (monthly)
Wrestling Observer Newsletter On The Mat
Editor: Dave Meltzer Editor: Gary Langevin
PO Box 1228 124 Maple St.
Campbell CA 95009-1228 Newport VT 05855-1418
FAX 408 378 6562
The Wrestling Chatterbox Wrestling Then & Now
Editor: Georgiann Makropoulos (monthly)
23-44 33th Dr. Editor: Evan Ginzburg
Astoria NY 11102-3252 P. O. Box 640471
Flushing, NY 11364
Pro-Wrestling Torch Weekly Wrestling Lariet
Editor: Wade Keller Editor: Dave Scherer
PO Box 201844 PO Box 612
Minneapolis MN 55420 Marmora NJ 08223
email:lar...@aol.com
Wrestling Down Under (*)
Editor: Craig Reedy Piledriver (*)
PO Box 988 Editor: Lazarus Dobelsky
Bayswater, VIC 3153 PO Box 34
Australia Glenhuntly, VIC 3163
Australia
Pro-Wrestling Update
Editor: Jimm Hussell Wrestling Perspective
19 Oakland Road Ed: David Skolnick &
Mumbles, Swansea Paul MacArthur
Wales SA3 4AQ Box 351
UK Lyndon Center VT
05850-0351
Pro Wrestling Monthly Mat Marketplace (*)
Editor: Greg Rufolo Editor: Sheldon Goldberg
5678 Speedwell Ave PO Box 2371
Morris Plains NJ 07950 Jamaica Plain MA 02130
Western Ringside Report (*) Figure Four Newsletter
Editor : Stuart Kemp Editor: Bryan Alvarez
P.O. Box 31004 C/O Youth Wrestling Federation
St. Johns Postal Outlet Box 426
Port Moody, BC V3H 2C0 Woodinville WA 98072
Canada YWFCh...@ix.netcom.com
Note: "(*)" indicates frequency of publication is unknown.
2.7. Are there many wrestling phone information lines?
Listed below are many wrestling related phone-information lines. The
cost listed is only the "900 line" charge. There may be additional
tolls or long-distance charges.
If you have any additions or updates to this section, please send
them to the FAQ editor, to avoid distribution of disabled numbers.
Hotline Name Phone Number Cost
---------------------- ------------------ ----
Baltimore area
Axl Rotten's h/l 410 234-9762 free
Chad Austin's h/l 410 385-9530 free
CityLine WWF Info 415 512-5100 x6205 free
Coach Kurt's h/l
Chicago 312/708 976-6363 ??
Detroit ?? ??
New York (any AC) 976-6363 ??
ECW h/l 900-884-4ECW 1.49/0.99
M.L. Curley's h/l 313 252-2200 x0928 free
Northwest Pro Wrestling 206 841-8178
Real Wrestling h/l 900 903-9030 0.99/0.99
Roanoke VA Times h/l 703 382-0200 x3028 free
Seattle WA Times h/l 206 464-2000 x9619 free
Southwestern Bell 512 416-5700 x6774 free
Fingertip Facts
WCW Wrestling h/l 900 909-9900 1.49/0.99
World TV Wrestling h/l 612 362-3608 free
Wrestling Wrap
Albany/Troy, NY 518-446-4000 x2024 free
Halifax, N.S., Canada 902 425-2255 x3032 free?
Modesto CA 209 575-7500 x2024 free
Ottawa, Ont, Canada 613 721-1990 x2773 free
YWF Wrestling 206 485-0384
Additional sources: many newspapers have information-via-phone
services. Check your local paper if there's a pro-wrestling category.
2.8. Are there any books available on pro-wrestling?
There is a very good book available called Wrestling Title Histories
written by Royal Duncan and Gary Will. You can get information about
ordering this book by writing Gary at
Wrestling Title Histories
c/o Gary Will
PO Box 40005
Waterloo, Ontario,
Canada N2J 4V1
or via email at:
ax...@freenet.carleton.ca
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3. WWF
3.1. What is the story behind the forming of the WWF?
Buddy Rogers lost the NWA title to Lou Thesz in Toronto on January
24, 1963. The promoters in the Northeast U.S., led by Vince McMahon
Sr., did not agree that Rogers should drop the title to Thesz so they
decided not to recognize Thesz as champion. Their decision led to the
forming of the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation), the forerunner
of today's WWF. As it turns out, McMahon was the business manager of
Rogers during his title reign and he felt that Rogers had incredible
potential as champion. Potential that extended well beyond the time
that the NWA had given him to be champion.
Rogers was not recognized as the first WWWF champion right after
losing to Thesz. Instead, Rogers was awarded the WWWF title in
mid-April 1963, with the explanation that he has won a (fictitious)
tournament in Rio de Janeiro. He lost the title to Bruno Sammartino a
month later on May 17, 1963. Rogers would have likely had a longer
reign as champion, but, he suffered a heart attack shortly before the
match with Bruno. This explains both the brevity of the match (47
seconds) with Bruno and the subsequent disappearance of Rogers from
the ring. Some reports have Rogers almost had to be wheeled into the
ring, due to his weakened condition. Rogers retired after this match,
although he did return to the ring in 1967.
3.2. When did the WWWF become the WWF?
The best information available suggests that the name change took
place on April 9, 1979. The change was purely a cosmetic one.
Ownership and front office personnel remained unaffected. About this
same time, the WWF phased out their North American title and replaced
it with what is today known as the Intercontinental title.
For the sake of clarity, all WWWF and WWF titles mentioned in this
document are referred to as WWF titles.
3.3. Who currently owns and runs the WWF?
Good question. Since the WWF is a privately held company, we have no
way of knowing their exact internal structure. Regardless, most
reports have Linda McMahon (Vince's wife) as President of Titan
Sports (the WWF's parent company) while Vince McMahon Jr. remains CEO
and Chairman of the Board of Titan Sports.
Linda McMahon became Titan's President in late May 1993. Reports
suggest that Vince Jr. stepped down as Titan's President in late May
1993 partly as a result of the U.S. government's indictment of the
WWF and Vince McMahon. See related question.
Vince Jr. was given control of the WWF by his father, Vince Sr.
Although Vince McMahon Sr. died in May 1984, he had turned over
control of the business to his son sometime around late 1982 or early
1983.
The most widely believed story is that McMahon Sr. divested his
Capitol Wrestling Corporation (under which he promoted the W[W]WF) in
late 1982/early 1983. McMahon Sr. then incorporated Titan Sports as
the WWF's new parent company and gave half of Titan's stock to his
son. Vince Sr. also gave 1/6 stock each to Arnold Skoaland, Phil
Zacko (who was the promoter in Philadelphia and surrounding regions)
and Robert Marella (aka Gorilla Monsoon). Upon receiving their shares
of Titan stock, Skoaland, Zacko, and Marella promptly sold them to
McMahon Jr. for $100,000 each, primarily out of their uncertainty of
Vince Jr's business skills. In return, Vince Jr. gave Skoaland and
Marella guaranteed 10-year jobs with Titan. In May 1994, it was
confirmed that Vince McMahon owns 100% of Titan.
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4. WCW
4.1. When did the NWA become WCW?
In November, 1988, Jim Crockett sold Jim Crockett Promotions to WTBS.
Crockett promotions had been the promotion most widely associated
with the NWA. In order to distance itself from the NWA, which still
existed as a paper organization at the time, WTBS began to change the
name of its titles and television programs from NWA to WCW. The
change took place in late 1990. By January, 1991, the WCW name was
fully in place and the NWA name was all but dropped by the
organization.
4.2. Who owns and runs WCW?
WCW is owned by WTBS and Ted Turner. The position in WTBS most widely
considered as being in control of the wrestling promotion is the
Executive Vice President in charge of Wrestling Operations. This
title is currently held by Eric Bischoff. In recent years Jim Herd,
K. Allen Frey and Bill Watts have been in that position.
4.3. When Ric Flair left WCW in 1991, why did he take the title belt with him?
Flair owned the NWA Heavyweight title belt that had been in use since
1986. When Flair's contract with WCW ran out on July 1, 1991, they
were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Jim Herd wanted to
cut Flair's salary and reduce his role in the company. When Flair
arrived in the WWF in September, 1991, he billed himself as the "Real
World's Champion" and used his NWA belt to back it up. The ownership
of the belt and the right to be called the "NWA Heavyweight Champion"
was taken to court. Flair and WCW eventually settled the matter out
of court in spring 1992. The exact terms of the settlement were not
disclosed, but WCW bought the belt for a rumored US$28,000.
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5. NWA
5.1. What was the NWA and how did it get started?
The NWA was and is the National Wrestling Alliance. In 1948, a group
of mid-western promoters joined forces as the NWA with the idea of
working together instead of working in competition. Orville Brown was
named the first NWA champion on July 14, 1948. It should be noted
that any attempts to trace the NWA World Heavyweight title back
further than this are necessarily fictitious. The organization simply
did not exist. Any attempt to trace a contiguous world heavyweight
title back further than this is simply a combination of various world
champions as recognized by a number of different promoters and
commissions. The myth of a NWA title history dating back to 1905 was
perpetuated in early NWA programs, which listed just such a title
history, in an attempt to build credibility for the title. It should
also be noted that that history also omits Orville Brown. The NWA's
immediate predecessor as the most widely recognized world title was
the National Wrestling Association championship which was held by Lou
Thesz at the time of the formation of the NWA. A title unification
match was scheduled for November 25, 1949 between Thesz and Brown and
it is believed that Brown was scheduled to win that match. However,
Brown suffered a career ending injury in a car accident prior to the
match. On November 27, 1949, Thesz was awarded the NWA title.
5.2. What is the NWA today?
Today, the NWA still exists, but in a very different form. The only
relation it bears to the NWA of 1948 to 1985 is on paper. The NWA
Board currently consists of Jim Crockett, Dennis Coraluzzo and Steve
Rickard, although it has been rumored that Crockett has been served
papers expelling him from the organization. Crockett until recently
ran a promotion based in Dallas, TX. Coraluzzo runs a promotion in
New Jersey. Rickard is from New Zealand, it is unknown whether or not
he is currently running a promotion.
However, the basic idea behind the original NWA is no longer adhered
to. There is no cooperation between the promotions and there is
frequent dissension. In August, 1994, a tournament was held in
Philadelphia, PA, promoted by then NWA member Tod Gordon of ECW, to
crown a new NWA champion. However, political in-fighting soured
Gordon on the current state of the NWA, and the tournament winner,
Shane Douglas, threw down the NWA belt in favor of the ECW title. In
the aftermath, Coraluzzo announced that Douglas would not be
recognized as an NWA champion and Tod Gordon announced that ECW was
pulling out of the NWA. On November 19th, 1994, Dennis Coraluzzo held
a tournament to again crown a new NWA champion. However, the
tournament winner, Chris Candido, was not recognized by Jim Crockett,
and Candido soon signed a contract to wrestle for the WWF. On
February 24, 1995, Candido lost the NWA title in Erlanger, KY to Dan
Severn. This was the first time the NWA title changed hands in the
ring in nearly two years.
5.3. What happened to the NWA?
The transformation of the NWA into its current state took place
simply because the promoters stopped cooperating. Problems in the NWA
can be traced back into the 1970's but the major changes came in
1985. In an attempt to turn into a national promotion, Jim Crockett
obtained the WTBS wrestling time slot from the WWF in March, 1985.
With this exposure, combined with controlling power over the NWA
title, Crockett was able to strong arm the other member promotions
into complying with his requests. Many of the other promotions ended
up going out of business or being bought up by Crockett. Eventually,
however, Crockett too ran into problems and sold his promotion to Ted
Turner. The Turner controlled WCW continued, but with the exception
of using the NWA name in a co-promotional effort with New Japan
Pro-Wrestling, the NWA essentially no longer existed except as a
paper organization.
In 1992 and 1993, a number of promoters applied for membership in the
NWA and some were accepted. Among these promoters was Dennis
Coraluzzo, who became an NWA board member and began demanding dates
with the NWA champion. In the ensuing legal struggle, WCW resigned
its membership, but kept the "NWA" title belt, which it had legal
ownership of. Meanwhile, Coraluzzo and the remaining NWA promoters
were left without any powerful members and without a champion. In
addition, Jim Crockett began promoting again in 1994, using the NWA
name, but without any connections with any of the other NWA
promoters.
The status of today's NWA can best be described by the following
story, involving Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling. In early
93, Cornette had begun a working agreement with WCW, which quickly
fell through. Cornette applied for NWA membership in mid-93, mostly
to spite WCW by being able to call for dates on the champ. However,
Cornette's application was tabled due to Cornette's involvement with
the WWF. In 1994, during his fan week interview, Cornette was asked
about possible NWA membership, to which Cornette replied: "What NWA?"
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6. Other North American Federations
6.1. United States Wrestling Association (USWA)
The Memphis area has been a hot area for wrestling for decades. It
first operated as the Mid-Southern area, then as the CWA, and
finally, as the USWA since August, 1989. The area has thrived since
the mid-70s on the performance of one man, Jerry Lawler. Regular
stars include Lawler, his son Brian Christopher, Bill Dundee and
announcer Lance Russell.
Fred Deaton posts regular USWA TV show reports. Here is his
description of the promotion: "A very unique local promotion with
local 'stars' and local 'story lines'. Usually involves a Mega
Heel-good guy combo persona garnering the attention, half cheers half
boos; a time honored feud that never resolves; gimmick matches; a
place for new rising or older stars to change their routine; and a
'local' rising young star moving up."
6.2. Smoky Mountain Wrestling (SMW)
Smoky Mountain Wrestling operates in the area including East
Tennessee, East Kentucky, and the western part of Virginia and
southern West Virginia. SMW debuted in January, 1992. The wrestling
end of the promotion is currently operated by Jim Cornette and Brian
Hildebrand (referee Mark Curtis). It is currently available on the
Sports Channel America syndication package and on AIN satellite.
Current stars include the Dirty White Boy, Buddy Landell, the Rock
and Roll Express and the Heavenly Bodies. The promotion is a
"traditional" southern style territory, with heavy empahsis on
interviews. The wrestlers are expected to show skill in the ring as
well.
Dave Prazak and Jesse Money post semi-regular reports of SMW events
and tv shows.
6.3. Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
ECW began operating in 1992 as Eastern Championship Wrestling. In
August, 1994, the name was changed from Eastern to Extreme. It
operates in Philadelphia, with spot shows in the surrounding
Pennsylvania area, plus occasional tours into Florida. The wrestling
operations are currently handled by Tod Gordon (who also finances the
promotion) and Paul Heyman (manager Paul E Dangerously) It is
currently available on the Sports Channel America syndication package
and on AIN satellite. Current top stars are Cactus Jack, Terry Funk,
Shane Douglas, the Public Enemy and more. ECW does not rely on the
traditional face/heel structure. Instead, uses high-impact, fast
paced action to get its wrestlers over.
Regular ECW reports and updates are posted by Tom Misnik (Mr. ECW),
MadDogJMF and Dave Scherer. Ed Zohn, an ECW promoter, is also a
member of the net. The fans who attend live shows regularly and
participate on the net are too numerous to list.
6.4. Championship Wrestling USA (CWUSA)
CWUSA currently operates out of Vancouver, Washington. It formed in
late 1992 after the demise of Don Owen's Pacific Northwest Wrestling.
It is operated by Sandy Barr, who used to work for Owen. It
originally operated out of Portland, OR, but moved across the river
to Vancouver after running into trouble with the Oregon Wrestling
Commission.
6.5. National Wrestling Alliance - New Jersey (NWA)
This NWA, operated by Dennis Coraluzzo, runs irregular shows in New
Jersey. It currently has no TV show. Current top star is Dan Severn.
Dave Prazak and Marc Coraluzzo both post occasional NWA updates.
6.6. Michigan
Michigan is currently running a number of independant promotions,
many of which use the same talent and, except for the name on the
banner, may look the same to the casual eye. Esentially the scene is
divided in half. On one half is Midwest Territorial Wrestling. MTW
has been operating since January 1994, with its home base being
Taylor, MI. This promotion is run by Gary Woronchak and carries a few
nationally recognizable names, such as Al Snow and Bruiser Bedlam.
The rest of the promotions in Michigan all use mostly the same
talent, headed by Dan Severn and Sabu. What differs is the promoters
and the name of the promotion. The main promoter is Malcolm Monroe
who runs MWCW. Also, Sabu runs an NWA group, Dan Severn runs benefit
shows, usually under the NWA banner and occasionally Coach Kurt
Schnieder will run a Motor City Wrestling show. Additionally, running
just across the Detroit river in Windsor is Border City Wrestling.
6.7. New England Wrestling Alliance (NEWA)
The NEWA is based out of Rhode Island and Massachusettes. The
promotion began in 1992 and has been run by Joseph Dellsandro since
1993. They have a tv show on Dimension cable in RI every Saturday. Of
special note is former NEWA Tag Team champion, Liberty, who has long
been a member of r.s.p-w under his real name, Matt West. Matt posts
occasional reports on NEWA shows and describes the promotion as: "The
NEWA is a hybrid of older NWA and WWF... with a new influx of ECW &
AAA styles."
6.8. Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation (MEWF)
The MEWF, promoted by Dennis Wipprecht, has been active in the
Baltimore area since 1991. For the past year, the MEWF has run
monthly cards at Bingo Bill's at 10 Stemmers Run Rd. in Essex, MD.
The MEWF uses a lot of local talent, including Corporal Punishment,
Mad Dog O'Malley and Morgus the Maniac, as well as bringing in a few
name wrestlers, such as The Raven (Johnny Polo, Scotty Flamingo), Axl
Rotten and Road Warrior Hawk.
RSPWF regular Jeff Amdur works as timekeeper at MEWF shows and this
is what he had to say about the promotion:
The MEWF is the *only* promotion now regularly putting on
shows in the Baltimore area, and draws both hard-core and
family-type spectators in an area that was solid WWF for
many years. It tries to present the type of cards that
Baltimoreans were used to seeing before the "big two"
sanitized its product beyond recognition.
The fact that the MEWF is able to put on exciting matches
and draw reasonably well in spite of the restrictions of
the Maryland State Athletic Commission (no wrestling
outside of the gate surrounding the ring, heavy fines for
blading or other intentional blood) attests to its
durability and popularity
. 6.9. The National Wrestling League (NWL)
The NWL, is run by Dick Caricofe, out of Hagerstown, MD. Dick runs
cards from September to June in western Maryland and adjoining venues
in Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. There are monthly cards
at the livestock auction house in Boonsboro, Md. During the summer
Dick runs cards at county and state fairs and other outdoor
locations. Talent includes local stars, such as Neil "the Power"
Superior and Shane Shadows, and has also included many bigger name
stars from the independant circuit. RSPW regular Jeff Amdur has
worked as timekeeper at NWL events.
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7. Japan
7.1. How did pro wrestling get its start in Japan?
Pro-wrestling in Japan dates back nearly as far as it does in the US.
In 1883, former sumo, Shokichi Hamada, left to tour the US as the
first Japanese pro-wrestler. In 1887, Hamada brought 20 American
wrestlers to Tokyo for a series of shows. The first show sold-out,
but subsequent shows failed to draw any crowds.
Several attempts were made to spark an interest in wrestling in
Japan, none of which were successful until the 1950's. Rikidozan, who
retired from Sumo in 1950, became Japan's first big name male drawing
card. He debuted in 1951. In 1953, he formed the Japan Wrestling
Alliance. He continued to wrestle until his death in December, 1963.
7.2. What is AJPW?
All-Japan Pro Wrestling is Shohei Baba's group in Japan. Baba, a
former pro baseball pitcher, joined the JWA in 1960. In October,
1972, he left the JWA and formed his own group, AJPW. His group
continues to promote today, with a television show on Nippon TV. The
main titles are the Triple Crown (unified United National,
International and PWF Heavyweight titles), the World Tag Team title
(unified International and PWF tag team titles), the World Junior
Heavyweight title and the Asian Tag Team title.
7.3. What is NJPW? Is it different from IWGP?
Kanji Inoki, a japanese emigrant to Brazil, was scouted by Rikidozan
in 1960, and brought to Japan to join the JWA. He later changed his
name to Antonio Inoki. In 1966, Inoki made his first attempt at
breaking away from the JWA and forming his own group, Tokyo
Pro-Wrestling. In 1967, Inoki suddenly rejoined the JWA and Tokyo Pro
folded. In 1971, Inoki was expelled from the JWA when it as
discovered that he was planning a coup to take over the promotion.
Inoki subsequently formed his second group, New Japan Pro Wrestling
and ran his first card in March, 1972. The group currently has a show
on TV Asahi. In 1983, New Japan created the International Wrestling
Grand Prix titles, which are now the main titles of the group: the
IWGP Heavyweight title, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title and the
IWGP Tag Team titles.
7.4. What other groups are there in Japan?
There are numerous other groups in Japan. In 1994 it was reported
that there were in excess of 30 wrestling groups operating in Tokyo
alone. Two of the other major groups are WAR (Wrestle and Romance)
with its lead star Genichiro Tenryu and FMW (Frontier Martial Arts
Wrestling) with lead star Atsushi Onita. Other groups include the
IWA, W*ING, Kitao Dojo, Michinoku Pro, Rings, UWFI and many more.
7.5. What about the Japanese Women's groups?
The first women's shows were held in Japan in 1948. The women's
groups caught fire in 1954, when Sankei Shinbun Newspaper promoted a
show with Mildred Burke, billed as the first WWWA world champion, and
six other American wrestlers and four Japanese wrestlers. They ran
three consecutive sellouts at the old Sumo Hall.
There are currently a number of Japanese Women's groups, including
All-Japan Women, LLPW, JWP and Gaea Japan.
7.6. What is Shootwrestling?
Shootwrestling is the idea of making wrestling matches seem as
legitimate or "real" as possible. It got its start in 1984 in the
original UWF group, with such stars as Akira Maeda, Super Tiger
(Satoru Sayama, the original Tiger Mask), Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Kazuo
Yamazaki. Also in the group were Nobuhiko Takada and Osamu Kido. The
original UWF was popular, but for various reasons did not succeed.
The second Japanese UWF formed in 1988 with Maeda, Fujiwara and
Takada as top stars. In 1992, this group split into UWF-Fujiwara Gumi
(later PWF) RINGS and UWFI. Currently, there are a number of "shoot"
groups in Japan, such as UWFI, Pancrase and Rings. UWFI has aired
some of its shows in the US on PPV under the Shootwrestling name.
7.7. How do I get to see Japanese wrestling?
There is currently no Japanese wrestling available on North American
TV, including satellite. If you live in North America and want to see
it, you have a number of options available. Many Japanese bookstores
and shops in the US sell or rent tapes of Japanese TV shows. Check
any similar shops in your area and ask if they carry it. Or, you can
buy/trade for someone else who gets it. Another possibility is to
find a friend who lives in Japan who is willing to tape it directly
off of tv for you.
New Japan is available in Europe on Eurosport. The show is called
World Superstars of Wrestling. It airs Thursdays, 8pm UK time, with
repeats on Friday at 10pm and Saturday at 11am. The shows are nine
monthes to two years out of date. It is occasionally pre-empted or
moved in favor of other shows.
UWFI is shown in tke UK on Sky Sport. The show is called Bushido and
airs on Saturday at 10pm UK time. The shows are approximately three
years behind. It is also occasionally pre- empted.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
8. Mexico
8.1. What are the individual Mexican groups?
* CMLL - Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
* EMLL - Empresa Mexicana de la Lucha Libre
* AAA - Asestencia Asesoria Administracion
* UWA - Universal Wrestling Alliance
* PROMELL
* PRODEAR
* PALL
They are all wrestling promotions located in Mexico, kind of. The
EMLL wrestlers hold the CMLL titles. The CMLL is the "world governing
body" that EMLL is a part of. In reality, EMLL and CMLL are run and
owned by the same people. For what it's worth, EMLL translates
loosely to Mexican Wrestling Empire or Mexican Wrestling Company.
CMLL translates loosely to World Wrestling Council (not to be
confused with the Puerto Rican WWC). The EMLL is the oldest existing
wrestling promotion, having run its first show on September 21, 1933.
The UWA is a seperate promotion, that has run since 1974. Current top
star is El Canek.
PROMELL and PRODEAR are both owned by Antonio Pena and were formed in
March of 1995. PRODEAR is run by Pena, while PROMELL is run by Fuerza
Guerrera. The name of the promotion used on television is AAA. The
Television station Televisa owned the AAA group until 1995.
PALL is actually a United States group that wrestles the Lucha Libre
style. It is based in Dallas and often uses wrestlers from AAA. Jesse
Money regularly attends PALL shows and posts reports.
8.2. What is Lucha Libre?
Lucha Libre is a phrase that describes the professional wrestling
most commonly found in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Lucha Libre is usually
used to describe Mexican wrestling, which incorporates high flying,
acrobatic wrestling with a sense of live theater. Lucha Libre in
Mexico is often characterized by tests of Machismo. The Mexican
wrestlers will often apply what appear to be lame slaps to their
opponent's chest and face not in an effort to "hurt" their opponent,
but more so as an insult to his manhood.
The phrase "Lucha Libre" is an idiom that best translates to English
as "the free fight". Derived from Lucha Libre is the word
"Luchadores", which refers to the men that wrestle the Lucha Libre
style.
8.3. What's with all the masks in Mexico?
The masks worn by the Luchadores are inspired by ancient Aztec
traditions of masked warriors. The mask is considered the most
precious thing a Luchador has. When a wrestler loses his mask, he has
suffered the ultimate dishonor, the ultimate humiliation. Very few
wrestlers will make it through their entire career without losing
their mask. Only the true legends get to retire with their anonymity
intact.
El Santo (The Saint) is perhaps the most famous case of a Luchador
retiring without ever being unmasked. When he died in 1984, El Santo
was buried with his mask on.
8.4. I don't know Spanish, what does [some_word] mean?
Obviously, there isn't room to define every word you'll hear if you
watch a Lucha match. However, here are a few words which should help
you figure out a little of what's going on:
aficianados (ah-fee-see-ah-nah-dohs): fans.
caida (ky-e-da, ky rhymes with tie): fall. Or, as it's
known in the U.S., a pinfall.
Primera caida = first fall.
Segunda caida = second fall.
Tercera caida = third fall.
castigo (cass-tee-go): punishment. Depending on the
announcer, this may be repeated three times, very fast.
cuadrilatero (sp?) (kwa-dri-la-te-roh) the wrestling ring,
as in the quadrilateral that is the squared circle.
enorme (e-nor-may): terrific.
espaldas planas (ess-pahl-dahss plahn-ahs): literally,
shoulders down. A pin.
hurricarana (hurri-ka-rahna): a Frankensteiner when
performed by a descendant of Hurricane Ramirez. Otherwise
the move is known as a rana. By the way, Scott Steiner did
not invent the move, it is generally believed to have
originated in Mexico.
malandrin (mawl-ahn-dreen): evil.
pareja (pah-ray-ha): pair, as in tag team.
pareja incredible (pah-ray-ha een-cred-eed-lay): a mixed
tag team of a heel and a face.
plancha (plahn-cha, plahn rhymes with lawn): a flying
crossbody, generally delivered from the top rope.
rudo (rue-dough): a heel (bad guy). Depending on the
announcer, this may be repeated three times, very fast.
senton (sen-ton, sen rhymes with when, ton rhymes with
loan): a splash, only the back hits instead of the chest.
Sometimes delivered from the top rope.
tecnico (tek-knee-ko): a face (good guy).
tope (toe-pay): literally "butt" or "stopper". In its
wrestling sense, normally used to describe a headfirst dive
into a standing opponent.
trios (tree-ohs): three-man tag team, as in a trio of
wrestlers.
8.5. What's with all the midgets in Lucha Libre?
Midgets are very popular in Lucha Libre. Exactly why is unknown, but
they usually work harder and have more high spots than their American
counterparts.
Also, it's very common to see midgets adopt the gimmicks, wrestling
style, face/heel status, and costume as their larger counterparts.
Further, midgets also adopt the name of their larger counterpart and
transform it to the diminutive; for example the "big guy" is Mascara
Sagrada and his midget counterpart is Mascarita Sagrada.
8.6. Lucha Libre confuses me, what are the rules?
Well, there are many rules, differing with the type of match that is
being wrestled (singles, tag, 6-man tag, special stipulations), but
here are the basic rules for most Lucha Libre matches:
* most matches are trios matches, which are known in the U.S. as
6-man tag matches
* in trios matches, there are usually 2 referees. Generally, one
is a heel referee and one is a face referee
* most matches are 2 out of 3 falls
* one member of each team is designated as the captain
* when a wrestler is knocked out of the ring, one of his team
members can enter the ring without tagging
* a fall in a trios match is won when the captain submits or is
pinned, or when the other two members of the team submit or are
pinned. This frequently leads to falls ending when three
wrestlers are pinned simultaneously.
This might not make much sense to some non-Lucha fans but that's the
way they wrestle Lucha style and they've been doing it this way for
decades. Lucha fans don't even think twice about it.
8.7. How do I get to see lucha libre wresting?
If you cable company carries the Spanish language station Galavision,
then you get it now. At last report, a combined AAA/EMLL show aired
Saturday nights at 6pm (EST). If you live in the southern portion of
the United States, then you may be able to pick up the Mexican
satellite transmissions. Also, one Los Angeles local spanish language
station carries lucha libre. In Canada, the Telelatino network
carries lucha libre from 3:45pm to 5:30pm EST on Saturdays.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
9. Deaths
9.1. Ilio DiPaolo
Ilio DiPaolo (D: May 10, 1995) - Ilio DiPaolo was struck by a car and
killed in New York.
[Editor's note: Unfortunately, I have no records of Ilio DiPaolo's
career in any of my notes, regarding real name or anything else. I
anyone has information on the career of Ilio DiPaolo, please contact
the FAQ editor at rspw-...@grumpy.emich.edu.]
9.2. Other recent wrestling related deaths
John Minton aka Big John Studd, March 20, 1995, age 47. Wrestler and
trainer.
Thomas Edward Gilbert Jr. aka "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, February 18,
1995. Son of Thomas Gilbert, brother of Doug Gilbert.
Jerry Blackwell, Janurary 22, 1995, Age 45. Wrestler and promoter.
Arthur Barr aka Love Machine Art Barr, November 23, 1994, Age 28,
Wrestler 1987-1994. Son of Ferrin "Sandy" Barr and brother of Ferrin
Barr Jr. aka Jesse Barr aka Jimmy Jack Funk.
Larry Simon aka Boris Malenko, October 1, 1994, Age 61. Wrestler and
father of Dean and Joe Simon (aka Dean and Joe Malenko)
Joey Marella, July 4, 1994, Age 31. WWF referee and son of Robert
Marella (aka Gorilla Monsoon)
George McCarthur aka "Crybaby" George Cannon July 1, 1994, Age 62.
Wrestler and promoter.
Ray Canty aka Ray Candy, aka Kareem Muhammad, May 23, 1994, Age 43.
Wrestler 1971-1994.
Don Ouderkirk aka Don Kirk, May 18, 1994. Wrestler 1943-1960.
Mark Bodey, May 13, 1994, Age 26. ACW promoter, promoter of the first
Terry Funk vs. Sabu match
Ernie Hason aka Ernie Dusek, April 11, 1994, Age 85. Wrestler.
Andre Rousimoff, aka Andre the Giant, January 27, 1993, wrestler.
Frank Goodish aka Bruiser Brody, July 17, 1988, wrestler.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
10. Injuries
10.1. What happened to Rick Steamboat?
Rick Steamboat suffered a serious back injury during his August 24,
1994 Clash of Champions US title match against Steve Austin.
Steamboat continued to work injured in main events against Austin
until August 28. WCW fired Steamboat in November, 1994, citing an
"incapacitating injury" clause in his contract. Steamboat
subsequently announced his retirement.
10.2. What happened to Cactus Jack's right ear?
It was accidentally ripped off on March 16, 1994 in a wrestling match
in Munich, Germany against Vader. During the match, Cactus got his
head caught between the top and middle ropes. The tension in the
tightened ring ropes was enough to tear his right ear completely off
and badly tear his left ear. Part of the right ear was iced and
saved. The left required 12 stitches. Cactus continued the match for
another two minutes before going to the planned finish. Cactus was in
good spirits afterwards with little damage to his hearing and some
trouble with his balance. Cactus returned to the ring April 17, 1994.
Reports were that Cactus was planning to take a few months time off
to have reconstructive surgery on the ear, however, to date, he has
yet to take time off and is currently working for both ECW and SMW.
10.3. Did Sid Vicious and Arn Anderson really get stabbed in England?
Yes. In fact, they stabbed each other. On Wednesday, October 27,
1993, Arn Anderson and Sid Vicious began squabbling on a bus while
returning from a show in Cardiff, Wales. Later that evening,
somewhere between 2:30AM and 4:30AM, Vicious and Anderson got into a
fight in/outside Arn's room at the Moat House Hotel. During the
fight, Arn was stabbed 20 times and Sid 4 times. As a result of the
stab wounds, Arn reportedly lost 1.5 pints of blood and almost lost
an eye.
Arn's story: Sid knocked on Arn's door. When Arn answered the door,
Sid hit Arn with a chair. In self defense, Arn grabbed pair of
scissors and attacked Sid. Sid took the scissors from Arn and
attacked Arn.
Sid's story: Sid went to Arn's room to apologize for the heckling
earlier in the day. Arn attacked Sid with the scissors. In self
defense, Sid took the scissors from Arn and attacked Arn.
The results: Both were taken to the hospital following the incident.
None of the wounds were serious as the scissors were blunt (ie, most
wounds were less than 1/2" deep). Following treatment, both were
deported. Both were suspended from WCW.
In the days following the stabbings, there were reports that several
WCW wrestlers threatened to not work the upcoming Clash XXV, only two
weeks away, unless Sid was fired and Arn was allowed to wrestle. As
it turned out, the wrestlers who reportedly threatened the boycott
were at the Clash. Sid and Arn weren't. The following week, Sid and
Arn were phased out of WCW's plans, with Sid being dropped for the
long term and Arn put on the shelf temporarily.
10.4. What's the deal with Brutus Beefcake's face?
On July 4, 1990 Brutus Beefcake (real name Ed Leslie) was involved in
an accident that smashed his face. He was on a lake in Tampa FL, when
a parasailer crashed into his head. The force of the impact collapsed
part of Brutus' skull. Since then, Brutus has undergone massive
plastic surgery to rebuild his face. To date, Brutus still has
several surgical steel reinforcing plates in his head. Brutus has
been working for WCW until recently as "The Butcher" and now wrestles
as "The Man with No Name"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
11. Where Are They Now?
11.1. Who is the Ultimate Warrior and where is he now?
The Ultimate Warrior is Jim Hellwig. Always has been. Jim Hellwig is
still alive.
Stories are circulating that Jim Hellwig is scheduled to make a
return to wrestling on July 22, 1995 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During his stints with the WWF, the Ultimate Warrior underwent
several cosmetic changes, including getting his hair dyed, getting
his teeth capped, gaining and losing weight, and changing the amount
and style of face paint he wore. Despite the different "packaging",
the Ultimate Warrior has always been the same person.
The Ultimate Warrior quit the WWF without notice on November 8, 1992,
20 days before his scheduled Survivor Series main event teaming with
Randy Savage against Ric Flair and Razor Ramon. Apparently, the
Warrior was scheduled to wrestle Nailz in the matches following the
Survivor Series, and apparently he was not happy with his planned
role in the company. Fifteen seconds into the November 16, 1992
"Prime Time Wrestling" show, Vince McMahon announced that the
Ultimate Warrior would not be in the Survivor Series. Since then, the
Ultimate Warrior's name has not been mentioned in the WWF.
The Ultimate Warrior started working the independent circuit as "The
Warrior". In September/October 1993, Jim Hellwig reportedly changed
his name to "Warrior", presumably so he would be able to use the
Warrior name without having to worry about the WWF's lawyers suing
him. In May 1994, one r.s.p-w'er reported that Hellwig was running
the Ultimate Warriors gym in Scottsdale, AZ. Despite many rumors and
"Warrior sightings" Jim Hellwig has not wrestled professionally in
well over a year now.
11.2. What happened to Tully Blanchard?
After getting suspended/fired from the WWF in November 1989, Tully
Blanchard spent a few months in the AWA and then retired and became
an evangelist. Depending on who you listen to, Tully was fired for
failing a drug test (the WWF story), or Tully was tired of the WWF
and failed the drug test on purpose, hoping to get released from his
contract (Tully's story).
Tully returned to wrestling on May 22, 1994 forWCW for one match at
Slamboree '94 wher he wrestled Terry Funk to a DDQ. He began
wrestling regularly for Jim Crockett's new NWA promotion in 1994. By
the end of 1994, he had left Crockett's company and began making
regular appearances for ECW.
Reverend Tully can be reached at:
Tully Blanchard Ministries
P.O. Box 2724
Matthews, North Carolina 28106
11.3. What happened to Rick Rude?
Rude left WCW in May, 1994, because he wasn't getting booked the way
he wanted to and because he wasn't going to be able to go out the way
he wanted to (Rude's story). Rude left because he wasn't cooperating
with WCW management and because he had been a general disappointment
(WCW's story).
Prior to May 1994, Rude had been working injured (back and knee). His
performances at major shows had been sub par and WCW officials had
expressed their displeasure over Rude's poor work. As WCW officials
saw it, Rude was getting paid big money and, despite the injuries,
was not performing up to expectations.
11.4. What happened to Missy Hyatt?
She was fired, apparently for going over Eric Bischoff's head (to Bob
Dhue) regarding a contract dispute. Missy's contract was due to
expire at the end of February 1994 and, depending on who you listen
to, she was fired (her story) or her contract was simply not renewed
(WCW's story).
On March 29, 1994, Missy Hyatt (real name Melissa Ann Hiatt) filed a
claim with the Georgia Equal Employment Opportunities Commission
claiming that during her 5 years at WCW she was frequently harassed
by supervisors, cameramen, and wrestlers, and that she was paid
substantially less than her male counterparts (ie, other announcers
and managers) who had no greater talent.
11.5. What happened to Curt Hennig?
Hennig left the WWF shortly after his stint as guest referee at
Wrestlemania X. Despite repeated rumors that he will be wrestling for
WCW, he has yet to return to the ring. Due to a large sum of money
from an insurance settlement, Curt has no financial incentives to
return to the ring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
12. Wrestling Groups and Teams
12.1. Who were the Four Horsemen?
Over the years 11 different wrestlers have been part of the Horsemen.
They are: Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Lex
Lugar, Barry Windham, Butch Reed, Kendell Windham, Sting, Sid
Vicious, and Paul Roma. Both JJ Dillon and Ole Anderson have served
as managers.
The Horsemen name was first used in January, 1986, with the original
group being Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Ole Anderson and Arn
Anderson.
12.2. Who were in the Midnight Express?
Randy Rose, Dennis Condrey and Norvell Austin formed the Midnight
Express in Alabama in 1981. The group moved to Memphis in late 1981
and returned to Alabama in the summer of 1982. During 1983, Midnight
Express, Inc. included at one time or another, Rose, Condrey, Austin,
the Midnight Stallion, Ron Starr, Rick Harris, and Wayne Ferris.
Condrey left Alabama and joined Mid-South in 1983, where he formed a
tag team with Bobby Eaton, managed by Jim Cornette, also called the
Midnight Express. The Alabama version disbanded in early 1984, while
Condrey, Eaton and Cornette would go on to achieve fame in Mid-South,
World Class and finally, the NWA in 1985. In April 1987, Condrey left
and was replaced by Stan Lane.
In 1987, Dennis Condrey and Randy Rose joined as the "Original"
Midnight Express, managed by Paul E Dangerously. This group came to
the NWA to feud with Cornette, Lane and Eaton.
12.3. Who were the Legion of Doom?
The Legion of Doom was a originally a group of wrestlers managed by
"Precious" Paul Ellering in Georgia in 1983. At one time or another,
the group included Jake Roberts, the Spoiler, King Kong Bundy and
Buzz Sawyer. The headline team of the group was always the Road
Warriors. By 1984, the Road Warriors were the sole charges of Paul
Ellering. After that, the name Legion of Doom was just used as
another nickname for the Warriors.
When the Road Warriors jumped to the WWF in mid 1990, they called
themselves the Legion of Doom, but that was merely a marketing-driven
name change from their NWA/WCW personas of the Road Warriors.
12.4. Who were Power Team USA?
Power Team USA was a group of bodybuilders formed by Red Bastien in
California in 1985. Bastien intended to train them to be wrestlers,
but soon abandonded the plan. Upon disbanding the group, Bastien
observed "they have great bodies, but they can't wrestle a lick." The
members of the group were Jim "Justice" Hellwig (later the Ultimate
Warrior), Steve "Flash" Borden (later Sting), Mark "Commando" Miller
and Garland "Glory" Donoho. Donoho and Miller never wrestled after
the disbanding of the group.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
13. Miscellaneous questions about wrestlers.
13.1. Who was/is [x]?
First of, in the current "Who is..." list:
* Kama - Charles Wright (aka Papa Shango)
* Savio Vega - Juan Rivera (aka Kwang)
* Dr. I Yankum - Glen Jacobs (aka Unibom in SMW)
* Golddust - Dustin Rhodes (real names Dustin Runnels)
Here are a few of the more commonly asked "who was...?".
* Battle Kat - first Brady Boone, then Bob Bradley
* Gobblygooker - Hector Guerrero
* Jerry Lawler's Knights at Survivor Series 93
o Black/Silver Knight - Glen Jacobs (aka Unibom in SMW)
o Blue Knight - Greg "The Hammer" Valentine
o Red Knight - Barry Horowitz
* Photographer at King of the Ring '93 - Harvey Whipleman
* Ultimate Warrior - Jim Hellwig and only Jim Hellwig
13.2. Who is Doink the Clown?
That depends on which Doink the Clown you are talking about. Since
Doink the Clown debuted in the WWF, the following wrestlers have
appeared at least once as a Doink:
* Matt Osborne (aka Big Josh, aka "Maniac" Matt Borne)
* Steve Keirn (aka Skinner)
* Steve Lombardi (aka Brooklyn Brawler, aka Kim Chee)
* Ray Lichicelli (aka Ray Apollo)
* Butch & Luke (the Bushwhackers)
* Mo, Oscar, and Mabel (Men on a Mission)
The current Doink in the WWF is Ray Lichicelli.
13.3. Who is Steve DiSalvo?
Steve DiSalvo has wrestled all over the world, including as
"Strangler" Steve DiSalvo in Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, as Steve
Strong in Montreal, and as the Minotaur in WCW. He really exists.
For a short while Steve DiSalvo was an "in joke" on r.s.p-w. It
started in mid 1991 when Sean Ryan mentioned that the WCW's Diamond
Studd (really Scott Hall) resembled Steve DiSalvo. Not knowing any
better, other r.s.p-w'ers took Sean's remark to be the explanation
for the different looks of Scott Hall. Shortly thereafter, "The
Diamond Studd is not Scott Hall... It's Steve DiSalvo" posts began
showing up on r.s.p-w. What began as an honest misunderstanding
quickly mutated into r.s.p-w'ers answering "Who is...?" questions
with "It's Steve DiSalvo!". The joke ran its course long ago, and is
now more annoying than amusing.
13.4. Did [X] ever played organized football?
The crossover between wrestling and football is high. Many current
professional wrestlers played football in college, and perhaps
professionally.
First a few notes:
The Manny Fernandez who played for the Miami Dolphins in
the early 70s is NOT the same person as the wrestler Manny
Fernandez. Manny the wrestler was in junior high when Manny
the Dolphin was earning Super Bowl rings.
Bronko Nagurski deserves recognition as the only athlete to
be a member of the Pro-Football Hall of Fame and hold a
World Heavyweight Championship in Wrestling. Nagurski was a
tackle at the University of Minnesota, 1927-29
(All-American in 1929) and played Fullback with the Chicago
Bears 1930-37 and 1943. He was one of the initial inductees
into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is also a member of
the College Football Hall of Fame. [6'2 216-238] Nagurski
held the National Wrestling Association title twice, from
June 23, 1939 to March 7, 1940 (defeating Lou Thesz, losing
to Ray Steele) and from March 11, 1941 to June 5, 1941
(regaining from Ray Steele and losing to Sandor Szabo.)
Below is a brief list of current wrestlers with football background,
clipped from a posting by Gary Will.
Jim Duggan: Linebacker at Southern Methodist University. Signed as a
free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 1977 and spent the season on
injured reserve list. Tried out with CFL Toronto Argonauts in 1978 or
1979 and may have played.
Stan Hansen: Linebacker at West Texas State University; 11th round
pick of the Baltimore Colts in 1972 but did not make the team.
Lex Luger: Offensive tackle with Pennsylvania State University and
the University of Miami. Played for the CFL Montreal Alouettes after
being suspended from the Miami team. On the Green Bay Packers'
reserves in 1982. Later played for the USFL Memphis Showboats (1983)
and Tampa Bay Bandits.
Jim Neidhart: Was on track team at UCLA but did not play football.
Dave Scheid remembers him as a back-up nose guard for the Oakland
Raiders in late 70s who may also have been with the Houston Oilers;
other sources say he never played in the NFL but did attend a Raiders
training camp.
Paul Orndorff: Fullback at University of Tampa. Drafted by Kansas
City Chiefs in 1973 but didn't make the team. Tried out for New
Orleans Saints in 1974 and was again cut. Played for WFL Jacksonville
Sharks in 1975.
Brian Pillman: Middle guard for Miami University. Signed as a free
agent by Cincinnati Bengals and played there in 1984. Tried out for
the CFL Calgary Stampeders in 1986 and may have played there.
Ron Simmons: Nose guard for Florida State University. All-American in
1982. Drafted in the 6th round by the Cleveland Browns in 1983 but
did not make the team. Played for the USFL Tampa Bay Bandits.
Big Van Vader: Played at University of Colorado. Drafted by the Los
Angeles Rams and was on injured reserve for at least one season but
never played.
Steve Williams: Offensive guard with University of Oklahoma where he
was All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-American in 1981. Signed
with USFL New Jersey Generals in 1983, played little and was traded
to the Denver Gold before the 1984 season, where he was cut.
COLLEGE ONLY:
Animal (LOD) Morehead State University Defensive Tackle
Tully Blanchard West Texas State University Quarterback
Ted DiBiase West Texas State University
Ric Flair University of Minnesota Offensive Guard
Terry Funk West Texas State University Offensive Guard
Doug Furnas University of Tennessee
Kevin Von Erich North Texas State University Fullback
Erik Watts University of Louisville Quarterback
13.5. Are Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth really married?
Not any more. They were divorced in 1992. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
(real name Randy Poffo) and "Lovely" Miss Elizabeth (real name
Elizabeth Hewlett) were officially married December 30, 1984 in
Frankfort, KY. Their "Match Made in Heaven" was just a gimmick Vince
McMahon used as a draw for SummerSlam '91.
13.6. Didn't the Ultimate Warrior and Sting wrestle together once?
Yes. Jim Hellwig (The Ultimate Warrior) and Steve Borden (Sting)
trained together in 1985 under Red Bastien as part of Power Team USA.
They received their first major exposure in Memphis, Tennessee in
November 1985 wrestling under their real names as The Freedom
Fighters. They were originally a face tag team but they turned heel
after about 3 weeks. Toward the end of their 2 month stint in Memphis
they wrestled as the Blade Runners: Rock (Hellwig) and Flash
(Borden). They soon moved to Mid-South Wrestling. While there, Flash
changed his name to Sting.
13.7. Who are the Von Erichs?
To begin with, there are no "real" Von Erichs. The Adkisson family
has used the last name "Von Erich" for their wrestling personas for
years.
The patriarch of the Adkisson/Von Erich clan is Jack Adkisson. He
took the ring name Fritz Von Erich and wrestled in the 50's and 60's
with a Nazi German gimmick, complete with goosestep and iron claw.
Waldo Von Erich (real name Bill Sheppard) is not an Adkisson. He
formed a successful tag team in the 60's with Fritz.
Jack had six sons, five of whom were involved with wrestling. Jack's
first son, Jackie, died of electrocution at age 6 in 1959.
Kevin Von Erich began wrestling in the mid-70s. He rarely competed
outside of his home state. His few trips out of Texas saw him compete
in Japan, and in St. Louis. Kevin is currently wrestling for Jim
Crockett's NWA promotion in Dallas. Kevin is the only of Fritz's sons
still alive.
David Von Erich (nicknamed "the Yellow Rose of Texas") began
wrestling on June 28, 1977. David was the most successful of the Von
Erich boys in the late 70s and early 80s, competing in St. Louis,
Japan and Florida, as well as his home state of Texas. It is believed
that David was scheduled to win the NWA title from Harley Race in
November, 1983, but Jim Crockett came up with the idea for Starrcade,
which postponed David's title reign until 1984. David was found dead
in his hotel room in Japan on 84/02/10. His dreams of winning the NWA
World title were never realized.
Kerry Von Erich achieved the most national fame of the Von Erich
boys. His pinnacle came on May 6th, 1984, when he defeated Ric Flair
for the NWA World title in Texas Stadium, at a memorial card for
David. This event made Fritz and Kerry the only father and son duo to
hold World singles titles (Fritz had held the AWA title in 1963)
Kerry lost the title back to Flair in Japan on May 24, 1984.
Kerry's entire career was haunted by troubles stemming from drug use.
His troubles only got worse when, on June 4, 1986, Kerry was involved
in an automobile accident in which his right leg was severely
damaged. It wasn't until after Kerry's death in 1993 that his family
would confirm that he had lost his foot in the accident. He wrestled
for the rest of his career with a prosthesis on his leg. He did not
return to the ring full time until late 1987. On February 18, 1993,
Kerry shot himself in the heart at his home in Sandy Shore, TX. He
was 33.
Mike Von Erich debuted in November, 1983. Months later he was thrust
in the role of being David's successor, a role he never quite looked
comfortable in. In 1985, on a tour of Israel, Mike suffered a
shoulder separation on an exceptionally hard ring. During recovery,
Mike contracted toxic-shock syndrome. His fever rose to a reported
106, but he recovered. However, Mike lost a lot of weight and
strength during his layoff. He returned to the ring in July 1986. He
died on April 13, 1987, at the age of 23, of an intentional overdose
of Placidyl (depressant/muscle relaxant).
Chris Von Erich, the youngest of Fritz's sons, began appearing at
ringside for his brothers matches in the mid-80s. He was involved in
a few angles. He finally made his wrestling debut in the late 80's.
Chris died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on September
12, 1991. Chris was 21.
In 1985, Fritz brought in Kevin William Vaughn, using the ring name
Lance Von Erich, and billed as a cousin of the Von Erich boys, a son
of Waldo. In reality, he was no relation to either Fritz's family or
Waldo. Fritz's plan of creating a new Von Erich eventually backfired,
after Lance left Fritz's promotion and Fritz admitted publicly that
he actually wasn't related.
13.8. Is Jesse Ventura really a mayor?
Not any more. Jesse Ventura was the real life mayor of Brooklyn Park,
Minnesota. Brooklyn Park is a suburb of Minneapolis and has a
population of 56,000. Jesse was elected in November 1990 to a 4-year
term as mayor. He did not run for re-election.
13.9. How are all the Samoan wrestlers related?
The original Samoans, Afa & Sika are brothers, real names Alofa and
Sika Anoia. Yokozuna, aka Kokina Maximus, real name Rodney Anoia, is
the son of Sika. Headshrinker Samu, aka Tahitian Prince, aka Samona
#3, aka Samola, real name Samula Anoia, is the son of Afa.
The Tonga Kid (Islander Tama, Samoan Savage, real name Sam Fatu) and
Headshrinker Fatu (real name Solofa Fatu) are brothers. It has been
reported that the Fatu brothers are either cousins to Samu and
Yokozuna, or long-time family friends to the Anoia's. Both families
are of Samoan descent and grew up in the San Francisco area.
Headshrinker Sionne (Konga the Barbarian, real name Sionne Vailahi)
is not related to either family, although he is of Samoan descent and
also grew up in San Fransisco.
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka (real name James Reiher) is of Fijian descent
and grew up in Hawaii. He has one brother who wrestled as Cocoa Samoa
(Sabu the Wildman in Memphis ca. 84, real name John Reiher.)
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14. The Law and Pro Wrestling
14.1. Who is Charles Austin?
In December 1990, Austin and The Genius (Lanny Poffo) jobbed for The
Rockers (Jannetty & Michaels) at a WWF television taping at the Sun
Dome in Tampa FL. Before the finish, Jannetty executed the Rocker
Dropper on Austin. As planned, Austin leaned forward and bent at he
waist as if doubled over, and Jannetty leapt up and dropped his leg
across the back of Austin's neck. Austin was supposed to take a
face-first bump, landing on his stomach and face. Unfortunately,
Austin did not take the face-first bump. Instead, he attempted a
forward roll and wound up landing on his head. Austin broke his neck.
The match then finished when Jannetty rolled a limp Austin over and
Michaels came off the top rope with a splash for the pin. At the time
of the accident, doctors feared that Austin would be a quadriplegic
(paralyzed from the neck down) for life. By mid 1994 Austin had
regained some feeling in his arms and legs and can get around with
crutches. Austin sued the WWF, Jannetty, and Michaels for US$3.8
million. Michaels was dismissed from the suit by a judge.
On April 29, 1994, after a two-week trial and deliberation, a
Hillsborough County FL jury awarded Austin US$26.7 million. The jury
determined that Titan Sports was 90% responsible (US$23.5 million),
that Jannetty was 5% responsible (US$1.3 million), and that Austin
was 5% responsible.
14.2. Did Vince McMahon get indicted?
Yes. On Friday, November 19, 1993, the Brooklyn, NY office of the
U.S. Department of Justice handed down an indictment against Vince
McMahon and Titan Sports Inc. The indictment contained charges of
conspiracy, possession and possession with intent to distribute. No
wrestlers were indicted.
On July 22, 1994, after deliberating for 16 hours, the jury found
McMahon and Titan Sports not guilty of the charges.
14.3. Were there charges of sexual harassment filed against the WWF in 1992?
No. In 1992, former ring-boy Tom Cole, former referee Rita Chatterson
and former TV announcer Murray Hodgekins came forth with allegations
of sexual abuse by WWF employees. Specifically named employees
included booker Pat Patterson, ring attendant Mel Phillips, booker
Terry Garvin and Vince McMahon himself. Patterson, Phillips and
Garvin were dismissed by the WWF as a result of the allegations.
Patterson subsequently returned to his position.
14.4. Who is George Zahorian?
Dr. George Zahorian was a physician appointed by the Pennsylvania
state athletic commission to attend WWF shows in Hamburg, PA and
Allentown, PA.
In 1991, Zahorian was convicted in a Pennsylvania court for selling
steroids and other controlled substances to pro wrestlers and to a
college strength coach. Zahorian was sentenced to three years in
federal prison. During his trial, Zahorian testified that between
November 1988 and March 1990, he sold steroids to Vince McMahon and
to many professional wrestlers, including two of the WWF's then-top
draws: Hulk Hogan and Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Zahorian was released from prison in Febraury, 1995.
14.5. Who owns the rights to "Hulkamania", "Hulk Hogan" and "Hulkster"?
Marvel Comics. Marvel came out with their Incredible Hulk comic book
character long before Vince McMahon dreamed up Hulk Hogan. When the
Hulk Hogan character was created, McMahon gave Hogan the title "The
Incredible Hulk Hogan". Marvel objected to the use of their
intellectual property. Specifically, Marveli objected to the use of
all words derived from their "Incredible Hulk" comic book character.
So, Titan Sports and Marvel Comics worked out a deal: Titan
recognized Marvel as the owner of the Hulk-derived words and Marvel
gave Titan an exclusive license to merchandise the Hulk-derived
words. When Hogan joined WCW in 1994, WCW obtained a license to
produce Hulk Hogan merchandise. Presumably the details were similar
to the license the WWF had.
14.6. How come so many wrestlers change names so quickly?
Wrestlers change name, appearance and style quite frequently, and
often it is a challenge just to keep up with who is currently
wrestling under what name.
While many times, name changes stem from attempts to get a better
reaction from the audience, there are times when a name change has
it's roots in a legal matter. For instance:
* Big Van Vader - When Leon White left New Japan Pro Wrestling in
1993, New Japan claimed that it owned the rights to the Big Van
Vader gimmick, as well as the name. New Japan won a minor
victory, causing WCW to simply bill White as Vader from then on.
The courts ruled that due to the popularity of George Lucas'
Star Wars movies, New Japan couldn't claim rights on the name
Vader alone.
* Demolition - When Demolition first appeared in the WWF in early
1987, the team consisted of Axe (Bill Eadie) and Smash (Randy
Culley). Within a month, Culley was replaced by Barry Darsow. A
brief legal battle ensued, with Culley claiming that he created
the Demolition team and therefore owned the rights to the
Demolition name. Culley lost the battle, the WWF retained the
tag team name, and Culley was forced to give up the Detroit
Demolition name he had been using on independant shows.
* Doink - A story has recent surfaced that the WWF is filing legal
action against Matt Osbourne. Osbourne was the first wrestler to
play the role of Doink in the WWF, and has since used the same
role on many indeendant shows.
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15. Miscellaneous
15.1. Who was the first World's Champion of professional wrestling?
That depends on what you recognize as a "World's" Champion. William
Muldoon, who wrestled during the 1870s and 1880s, is widely
considered to be professional wrestling's first World Champion.
Muldoon retired in late 1891 after having held the Greco-Roman title
since 1883. He was followed by George Hackenschmidt, who was first
recognized as a "World's" Champion in 1901. Some consider
Hackenschmidt to be a European champion and recognize Frank Gotch.
Gotch defeated Hackenschmidt on April 3, 1908 in Chicago, IL and held
the honors until his retirement in 1913.
15.2. How many times has Ric Flair won the World Title?
That's depends on what changes you wish to recognize.
In July 1994, Ric Flair said many times that he was an 11 time world
champion. This number was come to by recognizing his 8 undisputed NWA
title reigns, 2 WWF title reigns and 1 WCW title reign. However in
addition to this, there have been a number of disputed or not widely
recognized reigns, which are listed below. Adding in these reigns
gives Flair up to sixteen reigns.
On March 21, 1984, Flair was defeated by Harley Race in New Zealand
for the NWA title. He regained it on March 23, 1984 in Singapore.
This switch was never recognized in the US.
On March 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Flair in Tokyo, Japan.
The Japanese referee for the match counted a pinfall, while the WCW
referee for the match DQed Flair for tossing Fujinami over the top
rope. Flair defeated Fujinami
