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Slash Wade fifty to get fifty percent
off. Now. Pw Dorjan Spreaker bring
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you the Wade Killer Pro Wrestling Podcast. It's time for Wade's interview with one
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of pro wrestling's newsmakers. Ten years
ago, in a very special episode of
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the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast,
Jerry Lawler joined Bruce Mitchell and me to
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talk about Jackie Fargo, who died
that week. Both Waller and Fargo Memphis
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wrestling legends, one following the other. Jerry talks about the important to Jackie
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Fargo, his influence on him,
and some great Jackie Fargo stories and some
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other stuff about Memphis wrestling, and
then from there were joined by Memphis wrestling
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expert Scott Bowden on the second half
of the show, and he talks more
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about Memphis wrestling and how Jerry Lawler
was to him, who Jackie Fargist to
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Jerry Lawler, And there's some good
discussion about Lance Russell and much more.
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This is a window into how fascinating
and just awesome the Territory wrestling days were
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with a focus on Memphis. And
then, in the previously VP exclusive aftershow,
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PW Toorge reader Scottie Campbell discusses his
backstage perspective from Monday's Raw TV episode.
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This originally aired on June twenty eight, twenty thirteen, and it is
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today's Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast Interview
Classic. Welcome to the t W George
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Livecast. I am Wade Keller,
editor and publisher of a Pro Wrestling Teorge
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newsletter since nineteen eighty seven and also
pwtorge dot Com ninety nine nine, the
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PW TOWR Jazz since two thousand and
eight, and now host of the daily
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PORS Live jast. I'm hosting on
Tuesdays and Fridays, and since it's Friday,
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that means it is Interview Friday,
and today Bruce Mitche will be joining
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me senior columnists for Progressing Torch Shob
Bruce, thanks for joining me today.
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Good to be here, excellent and
our special guest here and interview Friday to
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discuss the career of the late Jackie
Fargo is Jerry the King Lawler. Jerry,
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and No, we're having some phone
connection problems with you. Just want
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to make sure that you are there
with us. Thank I'm here, Yes
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you are. We can hear you, okay, very much. Appreciate you
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taking time today to talk to us. I know you're on vacation. But
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Jackie Fargo had such an important role
in your career and becoming who you were.
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The predecessor to you as the top
star in Memphis, and the story
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of how you came to be Jerry
the King Lawler is so intertwined with with
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Jackie Fargo, and it's a great
story. I guess that we're gonna have
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on later in the show Scott Bowden. I wrote an article on that exact
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relationship and how that played out at
Kentucky fried Wrestling dot Com. And we're
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gonna have Scott on the show later
also to talk about Jackie Fargo. But
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Jerry, would you mind uh starting
with you can believe about half of the
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stuff, he says, the busy
of the moron. But there than that,
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we're okay, all right, very
good. Can you can you tell
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us? I think it's important to
introduce to you what Jackie Fargo meant to
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you before you were in wrestling as
a follower of the Memphis wrestling scene.
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Well, I mean I was.
I and my dad were big wrestling fans
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before I had any notion that I
would ever be involved with it. We
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would go on Monday nights too.
At that time, it was before we
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switched over to the Mid South College
team. It was at the auditorium downtown,
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the Yellows Auditorium. My dad and
I had reserve seats in the box
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there and and uh we you know, we would we would go down to
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the matches every Monday. At that
time, Jackie was the you know,
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he was the man in Memphis.
He was he was a big, big
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star. And uh it was it
was seemed to be at a time when
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the other, um, I don't
know the rest of the entire roster there
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and in Memphis wrestling, which of
course at the time was promoted by Nick
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Lewis and Royal Welch. It just
seemed to me at least. I mean
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it was just a planned a bunch
of of of good guys. I mean
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there was Dennis Hall and Ken Lucas
and Herb Welch and uh, just just
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guys that that I mean, you
know, they were journeymen. I mean
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they were to me, they were
the kind of guys that you would get
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the term grapplers too. You know, they weren't. They weren't showman at
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all. And the reason to me, of course, and I think to
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everybody else that Jackie stood out so
much was because he was the most flamboyant
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guy in the in the territory at
the time. I mean, you know,
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I had the bleach bond hair and
the strut and his great interviews where
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you know, he didn't matter if
you were as partners, you were as
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opponent. He called the Pali and
it was he was just you know,
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he was just a dominant force in
the in the Memphis wrestling at that time,
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so you know, and actually he
was. He was my and my
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and my dad's favorite. And then
um my dad passed away in nineteen sixty
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nine, and uh it was not
not long after that that I had the
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actual opportunity to meet Jackie Fargo and
and uh just become you know, become
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friends with him, and literally over
the years he was like he was like
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a father figure to me. I
mean he was just uh, you know,
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he was as close as as uh
to me as my dad was.
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So you know, we became god
only not only uh you know guys that
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worked together in the ring, but
I mean really close personal friends as well.
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And and talk about how the role
that Jackie Fargo had in getting you
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into professional wrestling via your art essentially, I mean that was kind of a
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yeah. And to be and to
be honest with Jackie was never two keeen
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on me getting into wrestling in the
beginning. Uh he was. He was.
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He was sort of a fan of
my artwork and the way and the
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way we actually met. Um.
I, as I said, my dad
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and I would go to the matches
on Monday night. Somewhere along the line,
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I started drawing some caricatures of the
different wrestlers, and I would take
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some with me up there on Mondays
and show them to the to the other
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fans and that sort of thing.
And somebody, I don't know who,
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or maybe if I don't even remember, whose exactly the idea it was.
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But um, I wound up sending
some of my drawings to the local TV
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station that aired our weekly wrestling show
on Saturday mornings. And I don't even
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know what I was expecting. Maybe, you know, hopefully they would just
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show the show the drawings on the
air or whatever. But anyway, I
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turned in on the following Saturday after
I'd sent them in, and when the
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show opened up, there was Lance
Russell and Dave Brown sitting at ringside at
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the desk and you know, talking
about, Hey, there's gonna be a
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great day. And I looked and
on their desk on the corner of the
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desk, I could see my drawings
sitting there, and I thought, oh
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my gosh, this is they're gonna
They're gonna actually show my artwork. And
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so, sure enough, up midway
through the show, Uh, they usually
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had a situation. This was this
is before they would send the camera crew
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out to the to the live event
on Monday nights and film any of the
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matches. This was this was at
a time when when they were going to
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talk about the results, they just
came to Lancing Dave and it was just
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you know, two talking heads saying, Noel, Jackie Fargo beat Toto Yamamoto
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and the interns. You know,
it's just that they just talked about what
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has happened in the results and so
on this particular day, when it came
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time to talk about the matches.
Uh, Lance reached over and picked up
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He said, well, you know, Dave, instead of just talking about
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what happened, we have some artwork
here from a young fan sent in that
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was at the show of Monday night, and he sort of did some drawings
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of what took place. And I
think I had a had a drawn a
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picture of like Tojo Yamamoto doing a
big karate chop on one wrestler and chopped
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him in half like a piece of
you know, like a tree or something
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like that. Just some different sort
of care the church type things. So
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anyway, they showed the drawings and
I was all excited. And then after
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the after the show was over,
I got a call from Lance Russell,
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of all people. I couldn't believe
it, but my phone actually rang and
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it was Lance Russell on the phone. He said, Jerry, and I
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see. He said, well everybody
liked your artwork and we were one day
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and if you could Uh, if
you'd want to do it some more and
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send them next week, we could
use it as we talk about the results.
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And so from that point on I
became you seemed like a courtroom artist,
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you know, that would sit and
draw pictures of people in the in
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the courtroom because they didn't allow cameras
in well, I became sort of like
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the ringside artist at Memphis Wrestling.
Each week I would draw some pictures of
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of what took place and send them
in and they would show them. And
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after maybe I don't know, four
or five weeks of doing this, Lance
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Russell called me back again one day
and he said, hey, how about
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coming over to the studio and actually
being on the show. Everybody's talking about
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the other that we'd like to show
the people, you know, who's who's
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doing these pictures. So, man, that was like the greatest thing in
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the world to me. So I
backed up that Saturday morning and went over
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to the TV station and that was
my first opportunity to actually get to meet
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uh, you know, the wrestlers
in person, the one the guy said,
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because they were you know, back
in the dressing room Mary and and
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that's that's where I met the first
time I met Jackie Fargo and he came
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right up to me. Hey,
kid, pretty good artists there, he
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said, me and me and my
partner Eddie Bond, who was this country
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music singer there in Memphis. He
said, we had a we had a
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nightclub down on Madison Avenue called the
Southern Frontier, And he said, how'd
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you like to come down there and
paint some charcatures of Eddie and I on
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the walls at our club? And
so, I mean, I was just
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this was like, oh my gosh. Jackie Fargo asked you needed to do
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some Martin point. So anyway,
I of course go down and they had
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me go. I've been I painted
a hundred pictures of Jackie and Eddie doing
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all sorts of you know, different
different uh. Eddie of course, like
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I said, was a country music
singer and Jackie being the wrestler, and
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you know, just as all sorts
of characters all over the wall of the
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club. And anyway, then somebody
after that, Jackie liked it so much.
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Somebody got the idea, and I
think it was was Jackie. Um,
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I think Jackie got the idea of
let's said, let's start a sign
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company. He said, you know, can you do lettering and paint on
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the side of trucks and all this
kind of stuff. And I said sure,
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and so anyway, I'll never forget
it came out with this little business
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card and it was like the proudest
moment of my life. There was a
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business card that said Bond Fargo Sign
Company and at the top the three names
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were Jackie Fargo, Eddie Bond,
and Jerry Lawler. And I was just
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like, this was amazing, you
know. So I first started working for
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Jackie uh as as as an artist
in a sign company, and they opened
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up a little a little business right
beside, right beside their Southern Frontier nightclub,
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and I would spend my days up
there painting lettering on the side of
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trucks or doing different sorts of yard
signs of different kind of signs for the
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for the Bond Fargo Sign Company,
and Eddie Bond at the time was also
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the He was also a radio DJ
on a country music station. He was
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00:13:05.080 --> 00:13:09.320
a program director at KWAM country music
station there in Memphis, and um,
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I don't know, somewhere along the
line told Eddie that I was interested in
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uh in being on the radio,
and I had taken radio and television as
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00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:22.960
a minor in my uh studies at
the University of Memphis, and so I
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was doing a little radio gig there
on the campus station. So Eddie Eddie,
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Eddie gave me a job working the
seven to midnight ship that nobody wanted
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on KWAM radio. So I spend
my day's paying science for him, and
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then that night I'd go and be
on the radio for the seven to seven
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to twelve and all the while,
and Jackie Fargo even had a radio show
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in the afternoon on that on my
station. So man, I was in
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00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:48.679
thick with with Jackie and I thought
this was, uh, you know,
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the lifelong dream come true. Then, um, I don't know. I
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got to I sort of you know, got to be around Fargo a lot
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in power and after a little while
me go to some shows with him,
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you know that were close there around
Memphis, ride to the right to the
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towns with him them, and and
to be honestly, there's sort of like
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a gopher or a stooge for him
there. That for the first part of
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for the first part of the relationship, and you know that was signed.
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00:14:15.840 --> 00:14:18.360
It was I'll never forget one day, you know, he's I had.
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00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:22.559
My first car was a little nineteen
sixty two Ford Falcon. The front end
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00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.960
of it had been wrecked, and
it was painted red, white and blue
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00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:28.519
and just so ridiculous looking a little
car, you know. One day I'm
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00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:31.600
sitting over there painting the sign and
Fargo comes walking and said, hey,
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00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.720
kid, I need to go down
to the an Allie rocery store. I
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00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:37.799
gets some lettuce for the legs for
the restaurant to night give me. Can
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00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:39.559
you give me a ride down there? I said, oh my gosh,
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this is the greatest thing ever if
I'm gonna get to Jackie Fargo, you
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know, in my car to the
grocery store. So I get in the
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car and I'm all proud, and
suddenly, as we get ready to pull
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out on Madison Avenue, he slatches
down and SLINKs way down in the seat
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where he can't even see him from
the outside. And I said, what
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00:14:56.279 --> 00:15:00.519
are you doing? Are you getting
me? You don't think I do anybody
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00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:03.799
see me in running around with this
craft boy. He was just, oh,
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00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:07.039
yeah, I think this is great. But anyway, I uh,
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I got to I became you know, friends with Jackie, and then um
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uh, after a while, I
don't know how many months. It was
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00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:18.399
a few months into being a sign
painter there for him, I really was
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fascinated with the you know, the
wrestling business of always being a fan and
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00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:24.960
then of course getting to see a
little bit on the inside, but by
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00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:28.039
being around Fargo, and I just
thought, Man, this would be the
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00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:31.240
greatest thing in the world to get
to try to do this. But I
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00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:35.080
had no idea how to go about
it, how to get into the business
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00:15:35.159 --> 00:15:39.120
or anything. I thought. I
thought that I, you know, knew
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00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:41.919
a little bit about it just from
watching it very closely and that sort of
239
00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:46.120
thing, but um, I really
didn't know that much. Support us on
240
00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:48.759
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is everything. Their painting signs,
the young guy thout, my age actually
255
00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:03.720
came in from Kansas City, Missouri, and he just walks into the sign
256
00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:06.200
company. His name was Jerry Vickers, and he said, hey, you
257
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:10.000
know wearing find Jackie Fargo and said
he's not here till later. All the
258
00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:11.440
night. He didn't come into this
to the sign company, you know,
259
00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:15.519
he said. I said, what's
you're needing for? He said, well,
260
00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:18.400
I'm a wrestler and I'm from Kansas
City and I just wanted to meet
261
00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:22.000
talk to Fargo and see if I
getting booked down here. So all of
262
00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.880
a sudden, I see this young
guy that's, you know, probably not
263
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.079
that much older than me, and
I'm thinking, if he's in this,
264
00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:29.519
how did I can ask him?
You know? I went to intimidated by
265
00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.839
him. So I said, hey, how do how do you go about
266
00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:33.039
getting into business? I said,
I would, you know, I've been
267
00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:36.720
I don't want to talk to Fargo
about it myself. And he said,
268
00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.119
well, he said you gotta,
you know, he said, you gotta.
269
00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:41.319
You're not gonna be able to start
right here in Memphis. He said,
270
00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:44.920
but there's a little small promotion over
in West Memphis, Arkansas. His
271
00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:48.279
promoter's name is Aubrey Griffith. He
said, I'm wrestling for him this Saturday
272
00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.960
night over there. You might,
you know, get your feet wet over
273
00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:53.680
there. And he said, of
course you need some boots and tights and
274
00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:56.720
that sort of stuff. And I
said, yeah, I wouldn't have no
275
00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:59.279
one to adeal where to get those. And he said, well I got
276
00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:02.079
something I could sell. Yeah,
So said, hey, I was meeting
277
00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:06.599
money. And then he had an
extra pair of boots that, by coincidence
278
00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:08.720
sitting me. So I bought the
boots and the and the tights, and
279
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:11.440
now I talked, man, this
is great. I'm like, I'm like
280
00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:15.039
a real wrestler, and all the
boots and ties, and so he said,
281
00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:18.880
well, let's let's uh, I'll
take you over and let you meet
282
00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:22.279
the promoter in West Memphis. And
he said, he said, but whatever
283
00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:23.920
you do, don't tell him that
you've never wrestled before. Just tell him
284
00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:29.039
you wrestled down of Florida or something
like that. So we drive over to
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00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:32.960
West Memphis, Arkansas, to meet
this promoter, Augrey Griffiths, and and
286
00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:36.519
uh, Jerry Vickers said, Aubrey, this is Jerry Wawler, and he'd
287
00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:38.720
like to work for you some over
here on Saturday nights. And him,
288
00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:42.079
you're at your show in West Memphis
the first thing out was in. Matthew
289
00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:45.039
said, yeah, I kid,
you ever wrestled before? And I said,
290
00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:49.519
oh, yes, sir, he
didn't really we're at and I went
291
00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:53.279
oh down to Florida and he said, yeah, what was the promoter you
292
00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:57.319
wrestle before down there? And that
was a little bit of information that Jerry
293
00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:02.920
Vickers didn't didn't brother to give me. So I started stammering and stuttering.
294
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:06.000
My face turned red, and you
know he could he could tell immediately I
295
00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:08.400
was lines. He said, well, kid, he said, you know,
296
00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:11.599
if something comes up, He said, we don't have any openings right
297
00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.519
now, but if something comes up, I'll give you a call. Lead
298
00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:15.680
me your number. And so then
I played my trump card and I just
299
00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:18.599
said, well, I just thought
that as I was rustling over here,
300
00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:22.079
I could mention your your shows,
I could mention the shows on the radio,
301
00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:26.720
because I'm on km radio every night
from seven to midnight. And he
302
00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:29.039
said you are and I said yeah, and I could talk about it for
303
00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:32.960
free. Well, in that case, your book Saturday night. I'm gona
304
00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:37.359
book you and Jerry Vickers a partners. And that's that's how I wounded up
305
00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:41.519
getting my getting my first match,
went in there, I mean literally had
306
00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:45.559
no clue what I was doing anything
about the business. I went in,
307
00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:48.759
went in the ring there with Jerry
Vickers, got thrown out of the ring,
308
00:19:48.839 --> 00:19:52.319
landed right on my head because I
was not completely out, and probably
309
00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:57.200
less than five minutes of my first
match. But anyway, after that,
310
00:19:57.359 --> 00:20:00.000
I mean, I was I stopped
just so great, I want to do
311
00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:07.839
this and I was plugging those matches
every week on on the radio and then
312
00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:11.519
UH and then one day Jackie Fargo
and came to me. He said,
313
00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:15.240
look, kid, that wrestling over
there in West Memphis is what we call
314
00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:18.319
opposition to UH Memphis wrestling. And
he said, you're talking about it on
315
00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:22.759
the radio. It's not good for
us. And I said, well,
316
00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:26.119
you know, I'm sorry. He
said, I get your match over here
317
00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:29.240
from Nick Dwis and Memphis. Will
you quick messing with him and quit talking
318
00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:33.200
about that. I said, oh
my gosh, yeah, so didn't Jackie
319
00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.240
stuck in the neck. I went
to Nick Dewis and said, hey,
320
00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:37.200
I got this kid that I know
we're here in Memphis. Can you start
321
00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:41.559
looking him in some matches. That's
how and that's you know, so that's
322
00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:44.880
how I got my That's how I
got my first start. And I really
323
00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:48.039
I remember telling Jackie look, and
he said, you're your kids. You
324
00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:49.640
really need to stick with art.
And he said, I'm promise you you
325
00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:52.599
have a much better career being an
artist. And I said, well,
326
00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:56.000
let me just let me just try
this one time and then I'll go back
327
00:20:56.039 --> 00:21:00.799
to being an artist. And of
course, here, what's forty three years
328
00:21:00.880 --> 00:21:04.920
later, still still doing the wrestling. I got a lot of a lot
329
00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:08.559
of fun follow up questions just from
that conversation in that story, which is
330
00:21:08.599 --> 00:21:11.440
fantastic. I want to just let
people know who we're joining us. Jerry
331
00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:15.079
Lawler is our guest here on the
PW Torch Live cast today. We are
332
00:21:15.119 --> 00:21:18.920
live on the air and my co
host is Bruce Mitchell. We are talking
333
00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:23.400
about the late Jackie Fargo and it
hurts to say that Jackie Fargo died this
334
00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:30.519
week at age eighty two on Monday
from complications from a heart attack. Jerry,
335
00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.400
you found out about this a few
weeks ago, and you did have
336
00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:36.319
a chance to talk to him before
after finding out about his heart attack,
337
00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.640
but before he died this week?
Do you do you can you share details
338
00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:40.960
on how that conversation went. I
did, and Jackie. You know,
339
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:45.359
Jackie and I stayed in touch.
We we talked. I still got some
340
00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:49.279
great messages of him on my answering
machine where he'd call me and he's,
341
00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:52.400
hey, son, this is your
pop. You know what are you doing?
342
00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:56.319
Why not you answer the phone?
Is if you need money to make
343
00:21:56.359 --> 00:22:00.559
a collect call, just let me
know. So, I mean, he
344
00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:02.559
was just straight, but anyway,
we you know, we talked on a
345
00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:06.319
regular basis, and uh, you
know, the thing about Jackie was he
346
00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:10.480
was I don't ever remember Jackie being
sick, and he used to pride himself
347
00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.559
on that. You know, he
just was never under the weather. He
348
00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:15.319
was always healthy. I always in
good spirits, I always in good shape.
349
00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:21.400
Then, um, the first I
heard about him really being being sick
350
00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:26.359
at all was about maybe three weeks
ago, and as his neighbor Tony uh
351
00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:30.200
called me up and said, hey, Jerry, Jackie's in the hospital,
352
00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:37.039
and so um uh he did call
me back and I spoke to Jackie on
353
00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:40.400
the phone there while he was in
the hospital, and he said, ah,
354
00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:41.920
so you know, something wrong with
my heart, they say, And
355
00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:45.400
then he started talking to course about
my uh you know, my heart condition
356
00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:48.480
and all that sort of stuff.
And he was always more interested in that
357
00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:52.640
and talking about himself. But then
he got He was in the hospital for
358
00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:56.279
four or five days and then he
got out, and then I talked to
359
00:22:56.400 --> 00:23:00.920
him again once once he was out, and he you know, he it
360
00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:03.799
was. It was weird. The
guy his neighbor told me had told me
361
00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:07.440
that at the time that the doctors
were letting him out of the hospital.
362
00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:11.279
But they said they told him that
his heart was just only doing about fifteen
363
00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:15.039
percent and then he was just given
They said, Jackie, he's got congestive
364
00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:18.880
heart failure in your heart's just about
worn out. And but when I when
365
00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:22.559
I called after that and talked to
Jackie when he was back at his house,
366
00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:25.839
you know, he sounded fine.
I mean, he he you know,
367
00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:30.039
he just was putting on a game
face and he didn't samp down or
368
00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:36.079
dejected or anything. And you know, he was always telling me I got
369
00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:40.400
him a will kid, but don't
pull against me. He's just always had
370
00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:44.920
he just always had great quotes and
comments. And so anyway, I felt,
371
00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:48.759
you know, I felt I felt
a little better because Jackie sounded more
372
00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:53.799
positive than of course than the than
what his neighbor told me and about it
373
00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:57.799
was just about a week later I
got worried again that he was that I
374
00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:03.559
guess the neighbor had gone on over
and and found Jackie unconscious, and uh,
375
00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:07.319
they rushed into the hospital and he
was and he was back in the
376
00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:11.160
hospital and then in intensive care.
And apparently once he got into intensive care,
377
00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:17.359
um Tony did one time take take
the phone he was in there with
378
00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.799
him, and he took the phone
and put it up to his ear and
379
00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:22.119
I talked to him, and I
could just hear heavy breathing. But you
380
00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:26.480
know, they said he had a
breathing machine him and he and he couldn't
381
00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:29.319
really talk, and they had him
on morphine, so I knew, you
382
00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:32.440
know, he was he was in
bad shape. And then, um,
383
00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:34.759
then they called me the next day, the next day and said that the
384
00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:38.759
doctor said that, uh, um, the only thing keeping him alive now
385
00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:42.039
was just you know, just the
breathing machine. And she said Jackie had
386
00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:45.759
always said that he didn't want to
be you know, we didn't h a
387
00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:52.400
respirator or or you know the extraordinary
imagine, yeah, exactly, And so
388
00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:55.799
she said, we're gonna go ahead
and take him off. And the doctor
389
00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:59.359
said, medically speaking, you know, he probably won't make it through the
390
00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:03.119
night. But he actually lasted almost
a day and a half after that,
391
00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:06.319
and then, uh and they called
me told me that he had passed away,
392
00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:08.640
and his daughter sitting She said,
Jerry Jackie didn't want anybody to seeing
393
00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:11.200
the way he was. He only
he was down to one hundred and thirty
394
00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:15.880
pounds, and so you know,
they had they had a close cast at
395
00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:21.880
funeral, just just basically just the
family was there. I did the understand
396
00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:26.160
the Stan Lane who was over the
Carolina's uh went by as well, but
397
00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:30.880
it was just a basically family you
know there at the service. Bruce,
398
00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:33.480
let me get you in on this
conversation. I'm sure you've got some topics
399
00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:37.680
starting Jackie Fargo, who loved it
a present to Jerry Lawler. Yeah,
400
00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:42.319
Jerry, Um. You know,
Jackie Fargo had that bigger than live persona
401
00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:45.759
and it wasn't just in the ring
and on television. Can you talk about
402
00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:49.319
I mean, I've always understood that
there were more wild stories about Jackie Farger
403
00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:53.440
than virtually anybody and professional ruffling.
Can you can you pick one of them
404
00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:56.359
that you can say on the air
and give us a story about him,
405
00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:03.599
well whatever we're not on the air, and give us the best you can
406
00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:10.039
say on the air. March through
Pro Wrestling History with a pwtorche vip membership
407
00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:15.839
throughout the week. Every week we
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408
00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:21.480
and you can march through our coverage
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409
00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:25.839
of all the major pay per views
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410
00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:29.799
the Bruce Mitchell audio shows within depth
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411
00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:33.720
with history, lessons and strong opinions, The Real Deal with Pat McNeil with
412
00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:37.519
the Hot five Stories of the Week
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413
00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:42.079
and more. Go vip and relive
wrestling history or learn about it for the
414
00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:48.920
first time as we continue to march
through our two thousand and five library near
415
00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:52.440
the anniversary dates when they aired eighteen
years ago on that date. To become
416
00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:59.319
a pwtrge VIP member, go to
Pwtorch dot com slash go viip and sign
417
00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:11.960
up today. You know, I
really, I really have to credit Jackie's
418
00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:15.920
lifestyle and especially the way he was
in the business. I tried my best
419
00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:21.079
to emulate Jackie Fargo from day one. And the great thing that I've always
420
00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:26.200
looked back on and thought that it
was one of the reasons for Jackie's success,
421
00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:30.519
and I think one of the reasons
from my success and longevity is the
422
00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:37.920
great thing about Jackie was he never
took the business that serious. I mean,
423
00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:42.839
he always had fun. He always
was I mean, you know,
424
00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:45.519
you never saw him in a bad
mood. He was always ribbing. He
425
00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:48.480
was always to play in practical jokes. I mean that's just you know,
426
00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:52.359
that was that was just Jackie Fargo. And you talk about things because I
427
00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:57.960
mean literally he he was the innovator
that got to be the best innovator of
428
00:27:59.079 --> 00:28:03.920
all time of practical jokes. I
mean and really elaborate wor was I mean,
429
00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:07.000
he would tell any stories about one. He and Don Fargo were he
430
00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:11.319
and Don and rough House Fargo.
We were tag team partners. And they
431
00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:17.720
will be driving from Nashville to Memphis
or or down to Pensacola, Florida or
432
00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:21.400
whatever. He said. You know
when he said, uh, one time
433
00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:25.200
they picked up a hitch hiker and
and put him in the back seat.
434
00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:30.079
And then Jackie and Don proceeded to
get into a big argument. Uh,
435
00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:33.319
because he needed to get into a
big argument. And then they pulled over
436
00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:36.759
get out of the car to fight, and Jackie of course had a jackiet
437
00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:40.160
that one of them had carried a
gun in the car, and all of
438
00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:42.039
a sudden he pulled him a gun
out, and of course the hitch hiker
439
00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:47.839
is tariffighed and uh, they're screaming
and yellow at each other and and Uh,
440
00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:51.480
Jackie like used the gun in there
a couple of times. Don Fargo
441
00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:55.440
falls over on the Jackie gets back
in the car and turns around of the
442
00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.359
gas. If you say a word
about this, you're dead. Men.
443
00:28:56.440 --> 00:29:03.559
You take and drive down the road, you know, five or six miles,
444
00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:06.319
and then he puts the hitchhiker out
and puts to shoot him. Just
445
00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:08.359
I mean, you know, just
crazy things. I mean, you know,
446
00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:11.920
and then uh and then I mean
literally in the dress room, he
447
00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:17.000
would, you know, he would. He would some young kid would go
448
00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.960
out for a match and for their
match, and you know, they'd had
449
00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:22.839
their shoes sitting there, and Jackie'd
find the handmer and nailed he would,
450
00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:26.599
he would nail their shoes to the
floor or something like that. Just I
451
00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:29.960
mean, just I just every single
I mean, it was never enough.
452
00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:33.720
One time, one time we were
in Jones Burrow, Arkansas, and Jerry
453
00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:38.799
Jarrett and tojoe Yamamoto were partners and
Jackie was on Jackie was on the match
454
00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:42.039
before them. I was I was
on first and Jackie is on second,
455
00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:48.559
and Tojo and Jerry were on third, and so uh they were. Jackie
456
00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:51.480
was out in the in his match, and I was sitting in the dress
457
00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:53.279
room, and Jerry says, let's
pull the reb on Jackie like he always
458
00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:57.119
does on us. So Tojo had
this some of this icy hot stuff,
459
00:29:57.160 --> 00:30:00.640
this tiger ball, which was I
mean, man, you rub it on,
460
00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:03.359
he will set you on fire.
So they took Jackie's underwear and they
461
00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:07.559
put some in the crotch of his
underwear and then hung back up where Jackie
462
00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:11.000
had him. So anyway, then
then they they're just sitting there trying to
463
00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:15.200
stop the last and Fargo comes back
in and then the bell rings. They
464
00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:18.559
had to go out for their match, right, So Jackie was just about
465
00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:22.039
to put the underwear and I said, and I had ridden with Jackie,
466
00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:23.880
right, So I said, Jackie, Jackie, listen, I gotta tell
467
00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:26.680
you something. I said, those
guys put the tiger bomb in your underwear.
468
00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:30.960
He said, oh man, that's
great. So anyway, of course,
469
00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:33.200
he throws his underwear in his bag. Then he takes that tiger while
470
00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:37.759
he puts it in their shirts,
in their underwear, in the back of
471
00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:40.680
their leg, of their pants,
everywhere you could think of. He puts
472
00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:44.000
it all on their clothes. And
then when they come back to the dress
473
00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:47.119
and Fargo's already got his clothes on. They standing there brushing his hair in
474
00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:49.240
the mirror, and he keeps reaching
down like he's like you know, like
475
00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:53.519
a scratching amah man oh like like
like he put the underwear on right,
476
00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:59.160
and Kojoe and Jerry are just dying
laughing. They think they pulled the ultimate
477
00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:03.119
real lighting. So anyway, then
far going, I leave. And then
478
00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.839
we find out, of course the
next day that to Joe and Jerry put
479
00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:08.039
their clothes on and on the way
back to Nashville, they had to stop
480
00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:11.839
and get a hotel to throw their
clothes away. And they were just like
481
00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:15.400
burned up from the from the tiger
ball, you know, so just sunning.
482
00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:21.200
Oh. He would he would,
he would pass somebody on the road
483
00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:25.359
and uh and then he'd get up
about five miles ahead of him, knowing
484
00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:26.359
that they were gonna be coming up, you know, on the interest to
485
00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:30.319
knowing that they were gonna be coming
up pretty soon. He would pull his
486
00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:33.640
car over, take off all his
clothes, standing out of the side of
487
00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:37.720
the road like a naked hitch.
Actually when they would come back, I
488
00:31:37.920 --> 00:31:41.559
just he you know, just the
craziest things. And so anyway, I
489
00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:45.039
mean, I from Jackie. I
got the I got the uh you know,
490
00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:49.000
I got the the idea that the
business should be fun and not that
491
00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:52.359
not that serious as some people seem
to take it over the years. You
492
00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:57.000
know. First go ahead, Yeah, well, I still want to ask
493
00:31:57.000 --> 00:32:01.400
you about about the few do you
had with Jackie Fargo win the ring and
494
00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:06.039
that transition looking at you know,
someone that had gotten you in the business,
495
00:32:06.119 --> 00:32:10.319
that was your favorite act coming into
it, and then you had that
496
00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:15.160
series of sellouts and just just a
big, big thing. What was that
497
00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:21.559
like to be in the ring with
Jackie Fargo knowing that you're transitioning into his
498
00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:25.160
role sooner or later. Well,
well, you know what I swear Togain,
499
00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:28.839
I never really even looked at it
like that. I didn't think about
500
00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:31.319
it like that. That's that's one
of the things about not taking the business
501
00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:35.000
series. I never sat around and
thought about, Hey, one of these
502
00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:37.400
days, I'm going to be in
this guy's spot. One of these days
503
00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:40.400
I'm going to be the main event. I'm going to be transitioning from from
504
00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:44.559
where I am now to where I
will be. I really never thought about
505
00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:47.119
that. I just looked at it
as as as I can't believe I'm getting
506
00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:50.119
paid to do this. I would
do this. I would pay the end
507
00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:52.039
to let me do this. It
was It's the way I looked at it
508
00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:55.079
every day, you know. And
it was it was. But I can't
509
00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:59.559
say that the matches that Jackie and
I had, I mean it was such
510
00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:02.880
a three to me because I don't
know once I got once I got in
511
00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:07.079
there with him, I mean I
realized then why he was the man of
512
00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:09.839
the guy. He his his style
of work, he was just so much
513
00:33:10.079 --> 00:33:13.920
I mean, he was just heading
shoulders about anybody that I had worked with
514
00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:15.880
up to that point. And um, I mean, you know, he
515
00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:21.480
he knew the art of of you
know, putting somebody over, making his
516
00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:24.480
He knew how to make his opponent, uh look good. And and and
517
00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:27.839
that was one thing, you know, he didn't have to do that with
518
00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:32.359
me, but he did and and
and and I I think I was smart
519
00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:36.039
enough to realize it at the time, you know, And and and you
520
00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:39.200
know, I really I always appreciate
it. And and that's actually the way.
521
00:33:39.440 --> 00:33:43.279
You know, Jackie would make such
great interviews too, and I would
522
00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:46.319
I would learn from uh, you
know, those interviews and promos. Actually,
523
00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:50.920
one day when when we were just
getting started in that in that feud,
524
00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:53.319
I was getting ready to have a
match with Fargo and on Monday,
525
00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:57.599
and on that Saturday morning, I
just off the top of my head,
526
00:33:57.680 --> 00:34:00.559
so Fargo, you know, you
been the King of Memphis wrestling for a
527
00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:04.039
long time, but you're looking at
the kids that's going to knock you off
528
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:07.400
your throne. And so then you
know, and I just like I said,
529
00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.920
I just said it kind of off
the cuff. But then he put
530
00:34:08.960 --> 00:34:12.920
me over and I won that match. And after that, some of the
531
00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.280
kids as I was going back to
the locker room saying, hey, now
532
00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:19.360
you're the King. You're the King, and lo and behold the back.
533
00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:22.840
Coincidence once again. I worked that
Friday night in Atlanta, Georgia, and
534
00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:27.199
there was this guy named Bobby Shane
wrestling as King Bobby Shane, and he
535
00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:29.880
came walking into the dressing room,
first time I've ever seen him, came
536
00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:34.000
walking into the locker room. They
had this big crown of this row and
537
00:34:34.280 --> 00:34:37.760
I just said, oh my gosh, Bobby, I said, I just
538
00:34:37.760 --> 00:34:42.440
did an interview last week come Memphis
TV talking about being the King. The
539
00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:44.559
kids were calling me the King.
I said, where did you get the
540
00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.840
crown in the row. I would
love to have it, and he said,
541
00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:49.480
he's told me. He said,
well, I ordered the crown from
542
00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:51.920
the place in Houston, Texas.
He said, it takes about a month
543
00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.880
for it to come in. And
he said, but you know what,
544
00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:57.880
I am leaving tomorrow like working for
Jim Barnett, and I'm going down to
545
00:34:58.599 --> 00:35:02.360
Australia. And he said, not
nugging this big heavy crown and and uh
546
00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:06.199
kate down there with me. He
says, so if you want to,
547
00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.360
he gave me the number where to
order, and he says, if you
548
00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:10.239
want to hang onto the crown and
the robe until I get back, you
549
00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:15.239
know, you can use him because
and I'll see you in about a month,
550
00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:16.199
you know, because he was coming
back and we were both working at
551
00:35:16.280 --> 00:35:20.760
Lanta on Fridays. So that's why
I've been the very next area. That's
552
00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:24.079
why I showed up where Bobby Shane's
crown and robe and that's where the that's
553
00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:29.239
where the King UH persona started.
And then of course a few weeks later,
554
00:35:29.239 --> 00:35:32.880
when Bobby Shane got back from UH
Australia, when he got back down
555
00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:37.400
down in Florida, you got killed
in the plane crash and I was still
556
00:35:37.840 --> 00:35:40.559
I still had his crown and his
robe, and um, you know that's
557
00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:44.840
how that that's how the King him
it came about. Now that just it
558
00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:47.360
just sounds like it's destiny when that
when you have that kind of coincidence.
559
00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:51.280
You mentioned King one week on television, the next week a guy shows up
560
00:35:51.440 --> 00:35:53.559
who doesn't even find the outfit,
and it's like it was brought to you
561
00:35:53.639 --> 00:35:59.639
by some higher power. That's that's
just crazy. That's it really is.
562
00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:09.159
In twenty twelve, NXT transitioned into
the developmental system and ultimately the brand you
563
00:36:09.239 --> 00:36:15.519
see today. On the Torch VIP
podcast NXT Eight years Back, we'll be
564
00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:20.920
taking a weekly look at this page
in NXT's early history. Joe, Kellywells
565
00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:24.679
and me Tom Stout from PWT talks
NXT every Saturday as we go eight years
566
00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:29.639
back to the day to track NXT's
rising talents and why they did or didn't
567
00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:39.880
work out exclusively for PW Torch Vip
members. Jackie Fargo jared you you as
568
00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:44.679
your years as the main eventor in
Memphis became an institution in Memphis. I
569
00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:50.039
mean you were a crossover celebrity.
You're doing endorsements, you know your sponsorships.
570
00:36:50.239 --> 00:36:52.320
You're very very well known in that
tone. I grew up in the
571
00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:55.800
Awa territory. We're vern Ghana took
on that role, I don't think to
572
00:36:55.880 --> 00:37:00.039
the degree that you did in Memphis, but Verne definitely known maybe maybe pretty
573
00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:04.639
close so certainly no one as a
celebrity and very involved in amateur wrestling and
574
00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:09.719
doing endorsements. Where did Jackie Fargo
fit in in that in that regard given
575
00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:14.480
his top status in wrestling, Was
he able to be that kind of crossover
576
00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:17.760
celebrity walking around town and everyone knew
him? Oh? Absolutely, yeah,
577
00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:22.440
yeah, he without a death he
was. I mean, and during that
578
00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:24.320
time, and I think it was
that way all over the country, like
579
00:37:24.320 --> 00:37:28.719
you said, in the Awa,
up in the New York and at the
580
00:37:28.719 --> 00:37:32.280
time WWF, and over in the
Carolinas. You know, you had all
581
00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:38.079
of these territories had their top stars. Because this was before cable television.
582
00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:40.840
You know, all the TV was
syndicated and you you were. It was
583
00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:45.039
all regionalized. And I mean,
like you know, Bruno Sammartino was a
584
00:37:45.159 --> 00:37:47.440
huge star up in New York,
but down in Memphis where where we only
585
00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:52.440
where all our fans just got Memphis
TV. Theydn't know who Bruno Sammartino was
586
00:37:52.480 --> 00:37:55.079
except through the magazines, you know, because the stars that they saw on
587
00:37:55.119 --> 00:38:00.400
their local television just the same as
like you in the AWA software guy in
588
00:38:00.599 --> 00:38:04.079
he was the top man there.
Those were the top stars in these different
589
00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:08.039
regions. And Jackie Fargo before,
you know, before before I came along,
590
00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:13.519
Jackie Fargo was the man there in
Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, all
591
00:38:13.559 --> 00:38:16.480
over the all over the Nix South, all over our television area. Jackie
592
00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:20.719
was the star. And that's why, you know, he translated that into
593
00:38:21.360 --> 00:38:24.320
uh, endorsements and and um,
you know, he and he and Eddie
594
00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:28.800
he had his own radio show.
He he and Eddie Bond owned owned a
595
00:38:28.960 --> 00:38:35.000
nightclub that was wildly popular. He
did records and and um, just all
596
00:38:35.079 --> 00:38:37.079
sorts of things. You know.
He was he was the He was the
597
00:38:37.119 --> 00:38:40.639
man as far as and then.
And you know at the time, another
598
00:38:40.679 --> 00:38:44.360
thing in Memphis was different from some
of the other major cities. I mean,
599
00:38:44.400 --> 00:38:47.000
we had no other pro sports teams
or or anything that Memphis. In
600
00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:51.719
Memphis, wrestling was it. You
know, that was the big that was
601
00:38:51.760 --> 00:38:54.800
the big thing to watch and the
thing to go to in Memphis, Tennessee
602
00:38:54.880 --> 00:38:59.599
was wrestling, and so when you
were when you were the top star in
603
00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:01.440
there, or you know, you
were, you were a heavy hitter that
604
00:39:01.599 --> 00:39:07.920
Jackie Fargo is that for years and
is that part of what did you pattern
605
00:39:07.960 --> 00:39:09.280
yourself after him in that sense or
do you think it was just kind of
606
00:39:09.320 --> 00:39:13.679
the way things worked at that point
that the top pressler would be a celebrity.
607
00:39:13.719 --> 00:39:15.559
It seems like you would have modeled
yourself in that way after Jackie Fargo
608
00:39:15.599 --> 00:39:20.480
and seeing those opportunities. No,
I I absolutely did. No, I
609
00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:24.119
as I sais before, I tried
to emulate Jackie Fargo throughout my entire career.
610
00:39:24.199 --> 00:39:27.960
You know I did. I did, just trying to do just about
611
00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:30.280
everything he did in the ring and
concluded in the strut. You know,
612
00:39:30.360 --> 00:39:35.199
he made records before he had a
great record out called the Champion, made
613
00:39:35.199 --> 00:39:39.519
records with country music starts like Webb
Pierce he um uh you know, and
614
00:39:39.599 --> 00:39:45.519
I did all that. Yeah,
I just I wanted to, Um,
615
00:39:45.960 --> 00:39:47.360
yeah, I wanted to. It's
just like a kid growing up, I
616
00:39:47.400 --> 00:39:53.039
wanted to beat Jackie Fargo Bruce Um. Later on, it is, you
617
00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:59.079
know, Jackie Fargo when of the
semi retirement can you talk about how how
618
00:39:59.079 --> 00:40:01.320
did you y'all have the promotion would
bring him back and what kind of impact
619
00:40:01.320 --> 00:40:05.960
he had and and how he really
you know, you mentioned Stan Lane and
620
00:40:06.480 --> 00:40:08.559
of course Steve Carnin is the fabulous
one, and how crucial he was with
621
00:40:08.599 --> 00:40:13.599
that, with that big money making
act. I mean, how you could
622
00:40:13.719 --> 00:40:16.440
go back to bring in Jackie Farner
from time to time and really do well
623
00:40:16.800 --> 00:40:20.599
well yeah, I mean yeah,
we we always could. And that was
624
00:40:20.679 --> 00:40:23.679
that was a testament to you know, how popular Jackie was and what and
625
00:40:23.760 --> 00:40:28.800
what a great performer he was.
I mean, shit know he he.
626
00:40:29.559 --> 00:40:32.880
I think the you know, the
key of the secret to being a big
627
00:40:32.880 --> 00:40:38.599
star in our professional sports entertainment,
uh is being able to really relate to
628
00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:44.519
the fans on the level that they
can not only believe in you, but
629
00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:47.840
they can they can feel uh,
you know, they can get emotionally involved
630
00:40:47.920 --> 00:40:52.079
with you and and and feel your
pain in a match or feel your uh
631
00:40:52.119 --> 00:40:55.159
you know, your joy and a
victory and that sort of thing. And
632
00:40:55.280 --> 00:41:00.440
Jackie, Jackie did that. He
captured the fans hearts and imaginations early on
633
00:41:00.719 --> 00:41:04.960
and he never lost it. I
mean you know that that doesn't have anything
634
00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:07.639
to do with that doesn't I don't
you know, it doesn't have anything to
635
00:41:07.639 --> 00:41:12.880
do with age. Uh, that's
just that's just a talent and a and
636
00:41:13.039 --> 00:41:16.880
a you know, a I don't
know a bit of charisma that that not
637
00:41:17.039 --> 00:41:22.320
everybody has. And Jackie had that
and so UM. You know, even
638
00:41:22.360 --> 00:41:24.079
when Jackie didn't want to be on
the road on a full time basis,
639
00:41:24.760 --> 00:41:30.000
uh and and pretty much semi retired, he never Jackie never really retired.
640
00:41:30.039 --> 00:41:32.400
I mean he would he would talk
about it. And he literally was talking
641
00:41:32.400 --> 00:41:37.280
to me, uh a week before
about coming back to Memphis if we were
642
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:39.960
going to run some shows over there. Uh and and and and Jackie had
643
00:41:39.960 --> 00:41:44.639
that ability to that. The fans
believed in him so much that, you
644
00:41:44.679 --> 00:41:47.599
know, anytime we wanted to um, anytime we wanted needed a little boost,
645
00:41:47.679 --> 00:41:51.719
or or Jackie wanted to come and
do something. I mean, he
646
00:41:52.159 --> 00:41:53.639
was. It was always there.
You could you could throw him in as
647
00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:57.639
a as an extra man in a
in a tag team, or you could
648
00:41:57.639 --> 00:41:59.760
put him as a special referee.
I mean, you know when I won
649
00:41:59.880 --> 00:42:04.039
the when I won the AWA championship
from Kurt Hinning uh in AD eight,
650
00:42:04.159 --> 00:42:07.719
Jackie was you know, Jackie was
a special referee. And I mean he
651
00:42:07.079 --> 00:42:12.320
just always had that ability, that
that that he could make the people believe
652
00:42:12.360 --> 00:42:14.840
in him no matter, you know, no matter how old he was.
653
00:42:14.920 --> 00:42:17.000
And I think that's you know,
you even see that today in the w
654
00:42:17.159 --> 00:42:21.960
W. You know, there are
guys that that uh that the WW is
655
00:42:22.000 --> 00:42:25.000
able to bring back, uh,
you know, and it really doesn't matter
656
00:42:25.039 --> 00:42:29.840
how old they were. It's set
that's how old they were, and the
657
00:42:29.880 --> 00:42:32.199
people still love them, believe in
them, uh, no matter what their
658
00:42:32.239 --> 00:42:35.320
age. You know, you couldn't
put him out there on a regular basis,
659
00:42:35.360 --> 00:42:37.960
but there are guys that they can
that they can throw in in a
660
00:42:37.960 --> 00:42:39.800
special situation and the fans love to
see him. And that's the way.
661
00:42:39.840 --> 00:42:46.400
It Wasn't Jackie Bruce anything more,
um yeah, just I mean an extraor
662
00:42:46.559 --> 00:42:52.719
know just what an extraordinary, um, larger than life personality. The Jackie
663
00:42:52.920 --> 00:42:55.519
was that, um yeah, you
know at all those ages that you could
664
00:42:55.519 --> 00:42:59.840
do that. Can you talk about
the Fatless Ones about um yeah, about
665
00:43:00.039 --> 00:43:04.960
how Jackie Fargoes starting the Fatless Ones
two wrestlers that had already been in the
666
00:43:05.079 --> 00:43:07.800
territory and they teamed him up and
um, he was a stamp of approval.
667
00:43:09.639 --> 00:43:13.639
Yeah, I mean it was yeah, and you know, to be
668
00:43:13.719 --> 00:43:17.320
perfectly as with you, you gotta
i mean knowing just exactly what went down.
669
00:43:17.800 --> 00:43:23.679
The you know, the creation of
the Fatless Ones was actually at Jerry
670
00:43:23.719 --> 00:43:28.000
Jared. You know, something that
Jerry Jared put together. J it was
671
00:43:28.079 --> 00:43:34.480
Jerry's idea to put Steve Current and
Standing together and the entire gimmick was something
672
00:43:34.519 --> 00:43:37.760
that Jerry came up with. But
the key part of it was putting them
673
00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:42.320
with Jackie Fargo and letting them get
the rub off Jackie and and it was
674
00:43:42.400 --> 00:43:45.480
just, you know, it was
a story that it was a storyline that
675
00:43:45.559 --> 00:43:50.079
once once it happened, once it
was such a great idea that it once
676
00:43:50.079 --> 00:43:52.199
it happened, it just wrote itself. I mean, you know, when
677
00:43:52.760 --> 00:43:57.039
uh, these guys came along and
you put them together, you call them
678
00:43:57.039 --> 00:44:00.360
the fatireless Ones. And Jackie fargoes
out there saying that you know that he
679
00:44:00.480 --> 00:44:04.360
put that he spotted these two young
men and and and he's gonna pass the
680
00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:07.360
torch along to them, and and
the fans just you know, it was
681
00:44:07.400 --> 00:44:10.559
it was something that they that they
were hungry for at the time. And
682
00:44:10.840 --> 00:44:15.239
um, I mean they're probably they
were the most successful tag team that we
683
00:44:15.320 --> 00:44:17.840
ever had in the you know,
in the Tennessee territory. And it was
684
00:44:17.920 --> 00:44:21.840
it was mainly because of Jackie and
it gaves you know, it just it
685
00:44:21.960 --> 00:44:24.639
just worked so well the early early
going Jackie was in their corner and a
686
00:44:24.639 --> 00:44:29.400
lot of matches or and then later
on anytime, you know, um,
687
00:44:29.440 --> 00:44:31.199
anytime there was a big match that
that's all they had to do was say
688
00:44:31.199 --> 00:44:34.519
hey, and Jackie Fargo was going
to be there as well. You know,
689
00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:37.320
it was just a instant sellout.
But those guys, uh, those
690
00:44:37.320 --> 00:44:40.119
guys, you know, they pulled
it off. It was it was really
691
00:44:40.280 --> 00:44:45.599
uh, it was really a creation
that that worked and drew a ton of
692
00:44:45.639 --> 00:44:49.639
money. You know that we were
at a time and in that in that
693
00:44:49.719 --> 00:44:54.440
period of time in the mid eighties
that you're the gold standard. Where you
694
00:44:54.599 --> 00:45:00.239
were that time in the Tennessee territory. If you ever started making if you
695
00:45:00.280 --> 00:45:04.239
had ever made a thousand dollars in
a week, uh, you felt like
696
00:45:04.280 --> 00:45:06.639
you had arrived. You felt like
you were really you know, you were
697
00:45:06.760 --> 00:45:09.119
you were one of the big shots. And and uh man, those guys
698
00:45:09.360 --> 00:45:13.559
all of a sudden when they put
them, those guys were selling a thousand
699
00:45:13.639 --> 00:45:15.639
dollars a week worth of pictures to
the girls in the audience. It was
700
00:45:15.719 --> 00:45:20.400
it was crazy. It was just
like, uh um, it was something
701
00:45:20.440 --> 00:45:22.000
that we'd never seen before. And
then after that, well, you know,
702
00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:29.920
we that I put um, Ricky
Morton and Robert getson together as as
703
00:45:30.000 --> 00:45:34.599
the rock of all express and you
know, and they're there that got to
704
00:45:34.679 --> 00:45:37.320
rub up the sadest ones and it
was just another you know, it was
705
00:45:37.360 --> 00:45:43.039
just another situation of our territory being
just red hot at the time. You
706
00:45:43.079 --> 00:45:45.559
know, we were able to just
create things and then it seemed like everything
707
00:45:45.599 --> 00:45:53.599
that we touched worked at the time. Do you remember when Hulkogan shocked the
708
00:45:53.599 --> 00:45:58.960
world and formed the New World Order
or when stone Coat Steve Aoston passed down
709
00:45:58.960 --> 00:46:02.119
on the sharp Shooter to break the
hit Man Hart. I'm Torch contributor Frank
710
00:46:02.159 --> 00:46:07.800
Pettianni and I reviewed these shows and
many more for my exclusive VIP podcast,
711
00:46:07.880 --> 00:46:12.719
Pro Wrestling Than and Now. Together
with a rotating chair of co hosts,
712
00:46:12.960 --> 00:46:16.320
we go back ten, twenty even
thirty years review pay per views from top
713
00:46:16.360 --> 00:46:21.119
to bottom, talk about where the
wrestlers were at the time, and compare
714
00:46:21.159 --> 00:46:24.199
what took place then to what is
taking place. Now you get exclusive access
715
00:46:24.239 --> 00:46:30.440
to these and other podcasts as part
of your Pwtorch VIP membership, which is
716
00:46:30.480 --> 00:46:35.639
compatible with the Apple Podcasts app.
Visit pwtorch dot com slash go vip for
717
00:46:35.760 --> 00:46:49.239
details and sign up for jure.
Just a contemporary question regarding what you just
718
00:46:49.280 --> 00:46:52.039
said, do you think one of
the gimmicks that I don't gimmicks or I
719
00:46:52.039 --> 00:46:57.760
were, but the approaches to tag
teams that hasn't been attempted enough to find
720
00:46:57.760 --> 00:47:00.360
that magic formula again, is that
rock and Roll Express, Fabulous Ones,
721
00:47:00.559 --> 00:47:06.079
Midnight Rockers qualify also, uh,
trying to find that that next team that
722
00:47:06.119 --> 00:47:08.679
can fit that formula. Is that
something that's past an archaic or is that
723
00:47:08.760 --> 00:47:13.920
something that's probably that promoters today,
whoever it is, could benefit from trying
724
00:47:13.920 --> 00:47:16.360
to find two young guys and put
them together and capture that same magic of
725
00:47:16.400 --> 00:47:21.480
the FABS and the Rock and Roll
Express. Well, you know what the
726
00:47:21.519 --> 00:47:27.280
business has changed? Um, I
think in the sense that you know,
727
00:47:27.960 --> 00:47:31.119
it's but I'm not saying that it
can't go back to doing that, but
728
00:47:31.199 --> 00:47:36.599
it's not as character driven as it
was a few years ago. UM.
729
00:47:36.639 --> 00:47:40.920
And you know what you're talking about
in that situation with the Fabulous Ones and
730
00:47:40.960 --> 00:47:45.679
the Rock and Roll Express and those
guys. It's you're taking two care you're
731
00:47:45.719 --> 00:47:52.719
making two characters and making a character
driven a tag team, and you know
732
00:47:52.480 --> 00:47:57.840
it worked in and I you know, I can't say that it wouldn't work
733
00:47:57.840 --> 00:48:01.320
again. But it's just not something
that I think, It's not something that
734
00:48:01.400 --> 00:48:06.440
has been They've I think I think
that the powers that be have felt for
735
00:48:06.480 --> 00:48:08.880
the past few years that that's you
know, that that's been there, done
736
00:48:08.880 --> 00:48:13.280
that, and that they're not going
to go back to that that way of
737
00:48:13.320 --> 00:48:17.119
promoting a tank team. But who's
to say, who's to say that that
738
00:48:17.119 --> 00:48:20.800
that you never never say never.
I'm not going to say that it can't
739
00:48:20.800 --> 00:48:23.000
happen again, because I honestly believe
that it could happen again. I guess
740
00:48:23.000 --> 00:48:28.599
the Hardy Boys probably were the most
successful, most contemporary example that most closely
741
00:48:28.599 --> 00:48:30.920
fit the FABS and the Rock and
Will Express. It kind of started to
742
00:48:30.960 --> 00:48:35.519
go down that road of Paul London
and Brian Kendrick, but never really went
743
00:48:35.559 --> 00:48:38.280
that far. But another time,
you just you just gotta get you know,
744
00:48:38.360 --> 00:48:43.000
it's it's once again, it's a
matter of finding the right talent and
745
00:48:43.079 --> 00:48:45.719
the right uh, and and putting
them in that in that situation and just
746
00:48:46.079 --> 00:48:52.960
you know, the Kendrick and just
this not saying they work good talent,
747
00:48:52.280 --> 00:48:55.280
because they certainly were, but it
just wasn't the right combination, wasn't the
748
00:48:55.360 --> 00:49:00.400
right talent. You know. I
just think things happened and then and you
749
00:49:00.440 --> 00:49:01.960
know, you gotta be you gotta
not only be good, but you gotta
750
00:49:02.000 --> 00:49:05.920
be lucky in that situation as well. But that I mean, yeah,
751
00:49:06.000 --> 00:49:07.920
I think that it could. I
still think that it could happen again.
752
00:49:08.639 --> 00:49:12.400
What did Jackie Fargo think of how
wrestling changed over the years. I mean,
753
00:49:12.440 --> 00:49:15.880
I know you were very outspoken publicly. I did an interview with you
754
00:49:15.960 --> 00:49:17.960
for one of my yearbooks in my
earliest years publishing The Torch, where you
755
00:49:19.000 --> 00:49:22.559
were very outspoken against Vince McMahon and
Vince obviously, Vince has a thick skin
756
00:49:22.559 --> 00:49:24.079
when it comes by kind of thing, and it has brought a lot of
757
00:49:24.079 --> 00:49:28.599
people in who disagree with this the
direction he took wrestling over the years.
758
00:49:28.599 --> 00:49:31.440
And that's not really an issue anymore. But how about Jackie Fargo, who
759
00:49:31.519 --> 00:49:36.079
who you know watched you know,
it was involved in the fifties and sixties
760
00:49:36.079 --> 00:49:39.039
and seventies and then all of a
sudden such major changes did Did you talk
761
00:49:39.039 --> 00:49:42.920
to him about the way wrestling change
and get a feeling? Oh? Yeah,
762
00:49:42.920 --> 00:49:45.360
absolutely, Yeah, sure I did. And it was always hard because
763
00:49:45.519 --> 00:49:50.960
you know, as I mean,
I can't tell you how many times I
764
00:49:51.039 --> 00:49:54.000
would answer the phone or either called
Jackie and the first words that, my
765
00:49:54.440 --> 00:50:00.239
son, what have you done in
my business? What are you going my
766
00:50:00.360 --> 00:50:04.239
business? Yeah, I mean,
you know, it's just hey, I
767
00:50:04.320 --> 00:50:08.719
mean it's it's like, um,
I don't know, just almost almost anybody
768
00:50:08.760 --> 00:50:14.760
that uh um has had their day
in the in the sun. And then
769
00:50:15.159 --> 00:50:19.679
uh, you know, you you
just hate to you hate to face your
770
00:50:19.679 --> 00:50:23.199
own mortality, and you hate to
you hate to face the fact that one
771
00:50:23.280 --> 00:50:27.239
day, you know, your your
place is going to be taken by somebody
772
00:50:27.239 --> 00:50:30.360
else. And that's not an easy
thing to accept. And and you know,
773
00:50:30.400 --> 00:50:34.599
we see a lot of people that
are that are bitter in the business
774
00:50:34.679 --> 00:50:37.920
once they're once their time has come
and gone, and and and I always
775
00:50:38.039 --> 00:50:43.039
I always looked at it, uh
from Jackie at least it was a little
776
00:50:43.079 --> 00:50:45.280
bit of that. But you know, I mean, he wasn't so he
777
00:50:45.360 --> 00:50:50.760
wasn't so jaded that he that he
didn't want to have anything to do with
778
00:50:50.800 --> 00:50:52.880
it. I mean, like I
said, he always wanted to still come
779
00:50:52.880 --> 00:50:58.039
back to Memphis and and and uh
reignite that plane that uh you know that
780
00:50:58.280 --> 00:51:00.480
that that passion that he had in
the asked. But yeah, he wasn't.
781
00:51:00.559 --> 00:51:05.559
He wasn't crazy about what he saw
as he sat at home because it
782
00:51:05.599 --> 00:51:07.760
was so different. You know.
It was just then changes changes hard to
783
00:51:07.760 --> 00:51:12.360
take. Change is inevitable, but
it's hard. It's sometimes hard to accept.
784
00:51:12.360 --> 00:51:15.679
And and and Jackie, Jackie was
that way. And and like you
785
00:51:15.719 --> 00:51:17.960
said, in my case, I
was that way at first, and um,
786
00:51:19.840 --> 00:51:23.559
but I was I was wrong though, you know, I looked at
787
00:51:23.599 --> 00:51:29.400
it, um and I looked at
it at the time as Vince McMahon was
788
00:51:29.760 --> 00:51:32.840
trying to take over and rule the
world by putting all the territories out of
789
00:51:32.880 --> 00:51:37.480
business. And it really it really
wasn't that. I mean, that's really
790
00:51:37.480 --> 00:51:40.480
he wasn't his agenda And that really
wasn't what happened. It was just the
791
00:51:40.519 --> 00:51:45.679
fact that, you know, the
the the fact that cable TV and satellite
792
00:51:45.679 --> 00:51:51.800
TV came along and suddenly all the
tough stars in the business wanted to be
793
00:51:51.840 --> 00:51:53.880
seen on the grander stage. They
wanted to be They wanted to be seen
794
00:51:53.920 --> 00:52:00.599
in a on a worldwide stage rather
than just regionalize and territory rise like we
795
00:52:00.639 --> 00:52:02.840
had done in the past. And
and um, you know, and and
796
00:52:04.079 --> 00:52:08.119
so all the VIC stars were migrating
to Vince or to wc's a Ted Turner
797
00:52:08.440 --> 00:52:14.480
and and and that just the most
of the territories out of business. And
798
00:52:14.639 --> 00:52:16.639
uh, you know, and I
think that the only way that Jerry Jarrett
799
00:52:16.639 --> 00:52:21.639
and I stayed viable as long as
we did was the fact that, you
800
00:52:21.679 --> 00:52:24.320
know, I had been pushed as
the main star, and there was no
801
00:52:24.360 --> 00:52:28.079
way I was going to leave because
I was part owner, you know.
802
00:52:28.119 --> 00:52:30.199
I mean, if I had up
and left to be like cutting my own
803
00:52:30.280 --> 00:52:35.519
toat you know. So, but
that wasn't the case in most of the
804
00:52:35.559 --> 00:52:39.239
other territories or the other territories their
stuff last because they wanted to be seen
805
00:52:39.480 --> 00:52:44.880
all over the world with Vince's Vince
mcnahn's product. And you know, you
806
00:52:44.920 --> 00:52:49.159
can't really can't really blame anybody for
that. I Meann't wasn't Vince's fault.
807
00:52:49.159 --> 00:52:52.119
It really wasn't. The wasn't those
stars that left their territories fault. It's
808
00:52:52.159 --> 00:52:58.880
just it was just one of those
uh inevitable changes that took place of technology.
809
00:52:59.239 --> 00:53:00.719
You know, I always back and
it was it was the advent of
810
00:53:00.760 --> 00:53:07.679
cable and television and satellite TV that
that changed the wrestling world since mcman Junior
811
00:53:07.760 --> 00:53:12.559
became a movie star or a politician
or something other than that. And WWF
812
00:53:13.039 --> 00:53:15.519
state of regional territory didn't Expand what
other territorial promoter do you think had the
813
00:53:15.519 --> 00:53:22.719
best chance to do what he did? Like you said, national satellite cable
814
00:53:22.800 --> 00:53:28.000
was going national anyway some you know, eventually wrestling would be nationalized, right
815
00:53:28.159 --> 00:53:35.559
yeah, yeah, And and and
you know a prime example of how um
816
00:53:36.440 --> 00:53:40.239
how that how that changed was was
the Andy Kaufman situation. You know when
817
00:53:40.360 --> 00:53:45.840
when Andy Andy loved the business and
he started wrestling women, he wanted to
818
00:53:45.880 --> 00:53:50.199
be a part of the business and
and uh you know he wanted to but
819
00:53:50.320 --> 00:53:52.920
he wanted to wrestle women in front
of a live wrestling audience. Well the
820
00:53:52.920 --> 00:53:55.920
only wrestling that Andy knew that was
because he was some long out in New
821
00:53:57.000 --> 00:54:01.400
York, you know, was was
scent banned and the the ww so Andy
822
00:54:01.519 --> 00:54:06.599
Andy approached them and had the idea
of him wrestling in front of a wrestling
823
00:54:06.639 --> 00:54:12.800
crowd and h I'm told that the
conversation was something like Vincent Van Senior,
824
00:54:12.840 --> 00:54:15.159
I believe. Told Andy. He
said, you know, and Andy were
825
00:54:15.159 --> 00:54:19.159
a big fan, but I'm kind
of our fans are skeptical and I'm a
826
00:54:19.199 --> 00:54:22.639
little hesitant to want to bring a
Hollywood actor into our business. And he
827
00:54:22.679 --> 00:54:23.639
said, I'm afraid, you know, I don't want our fans to think
828
00:54:23.639 --> 00:54:27.800
that we're all a bunch of actors
out there. So he turned Andy down
829
00:54:28.079 --> 00:54:31.760
with the idea. And and my
friend Bill after overheard the conversation and he
830
00:54:31.800 --> 00:54:36.360
was friends with him. He told
Andy about our territory down in Memphis.
831
00:54:36.360 --> 00:54:37.119
He said, hey, I got
a friend Jerry Lawards. He got a
832
00:54:37.199 --> 00:54:39.920
territory down in Memphis, and I
think they might be in arrested then we'll
833
00:54:39.920 --> 00:54:43.679
see. At the time, you
know, Andy had no idea, no
834
00:54:43.760 --> 00:54:46.280
clue that there was other wrestling other
than other than what he was familiar with
835
00:54:46.599 --> 00:54:51.239
in his territory up there, you
know, so with them, when Andy
836
00:54:51.320 --> 00:54:55.480
came down and you know what all
happened between he and I suddenly got national
837
00:54:55.599 --> 00:55:02.239
and worldwide attention, and U just
you know, right right after that was
838
00:55:02.320 --> 00:55:08.159
when the table started hitting and and
vents. Then saw you know, the
839
00:55:08.239 --> 00:55:14.199
attention that these Hollywood celebrities could get, so you know they crank dried up
840
00:55:14.199 --> 00:55:15.920
with Cyndy Lauper and mister T and
then I mean, you know, if
841
00:55:15.920 --> 00:55:19.880
the things, things get rolling and
the rest is history. And so it's
842
00:55:19.920 --> 00:55:23.239
just you know, a lot of
it had to do with uh, I
843
00:55:23.280 --> 00:55:27.039
think a lot of it had to
do with who was in the media capital
844
00:55:27.039 --> 00:55:32.000
of the world and that events.
You know, yeah, absolutely. Now
845
00:55:32.039 --> 00:55:37.719
you can subscribe to our VP podcast
lineup within the Apple Podcast app using your
846
00:55:37.719 --> 00:55:42.679
Apple account. That's new as of
March twenty twenty two. Just search pw
847
00:55:42.840 --> 00:55:45.599
Torch in your Apple podcast app and
you'll see the PW Torch Dailycast logo show
848
00:55:45.639 --> 00:55:49.599
up. That's our free show that's
been around forever, and also the pw
849
00:55:49.679 --> 00:55:52.920
Torche vip podcast logo. There's a
free show every week, so subscribe you
850
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and if you don't plan to go
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851
00:55:55.480 --> 00:56:00.400
IP tier programming. But if you
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852
00:56:00.519 --> 00:56:05.360
member instantly with a three day free
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853
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854
00:56:07.840 --> 00:56:10.639
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855
00:56:12.000 --> 00:56:15.400
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856
00:56:15.519 --> 00:56:19.960
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857
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of VP shows throughout the week,
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858
00:56:22.760 --> 00:56:25.880
Progressing post shows and podcasts, and
daily cast. All those episodes are presented
859
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860
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861
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Wade, Everything with Rich and Wade, and many other VAP exclusive shows.
862
00:56:39.480 --> 00:56:50.719
Just search pw Torch within the Apple
podcast app with with Jackie Fargo from from
863
00:56:50.760 --> 00:56:52.679
when he was headlining on Talk So
I want to go back him for a
864
00:56:52.719 --> 00:56:54.159
second. And I know we're probably
running out of time with you this afternoon.
865
00:56:54.199 --> 00:57:00.480
I really appreciate your time. I
know you're on Yeah, so our
866
00:57:00.519 --> 00:57:05.039
big thanks, especially with that in
context, the kind of Memphis was known
867
00:57:05.079 --> 00:57:07.480
for having kind of an unhinged,
wild brawling style at times. The Jackie
868
00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:14.360
Fargo was part of that talk about
his influence on on the Memphis wrestling style
869
00:57:14.800 --> 00:57:17.480
and how that influenced you when you
were on top in the direction you took
870
00:57:17.519 --> 00:57:21.239
things, when you had a level
of control behind the scenes and influence.
871
00:57:22.239 --> 00:57:27.239
Yeah, well, I mean it
was it was like um, as you
872
00:57:27.280 --> 00:57:32.880
say, Memphis wrestling was I don't
even know how to describe that. I
873
00:57:32.880 --> 00:57:37.119
guess it was. It was molded. It was formed by people like Jackie
874
00:57:37.159 --> 00:57:40.480
Fargo and even for a little bit
before Jackie and along the same time sput
875
00:57:40.559 --> 00:57:46.159
Nick Monroe, and these guys were
these guys were the most popular wrestlers,
876
00:57:46.320 --> 00:57:52.480
but they certainly weren't the most technical
wrestlers or anything like that. I mean,
877
00:57:52.480 --> 00:57:54.960
you know, I looked at an
old card the other day and it
878
00:57:55.000 --> 00:57:59.920
was me against Jackie Fargo in the
main event, and the second match was
879
00:58:00.159 --> 00:58:05.519
Lucas wrestling against uh, Tommy Gilbert. You know. So. But but
880
00:58:05.519 --> 00:58:12.280
but the real technical uh catches catch
can type wrestlers, they weren't. I
881
00:58:12.320 --> 00:58:15.920
don't know, that just weren't that
well received in Memphis. The Memphis fans
882
00:58:15.320 --> 00:58:21.639
loved the excitement of a street fighter, a kickut kind of guy like Sputting
883
00:58:21.639 --> 00:58:25.079
with Row or Jackie Fargo, that
was a brawler and and uh and of
884
00:58:25.079 --> 00:58:29.519
course you know that Jackie. Jackie
that was right down his alley. He
885
00:58:29.559 --> 00:58:32.000
was the best at that. And
then that's that his style is what I
886
00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:36.079
tried to emulate. And then over
the years, then of the other young
887
00:58:36.119 --> 00:58:39.239
guys that came along tried to emulate
my style, which was the emulating Jackie
888
00:58:39.320 --> 00:58:44.639
Fargo. And so that just that
dominated the Memphis wrestling for years and years
889
00:58:44.679 --> 00:58:45.719
and years. And well, I
mean, you know, Jackie was one
890
00:58:45.760 --> 00:58:50.239
of those kind of guys that would
that would do anything in a match.
891
00:58:50.280 --> 00:58:53.800
You know, he'd hed, his
his matches were extreme, way before ECW
892
00:58:54.000 --> 00:58:58.719
worked. Who saw those? Bruce, You have a final topic for Jerry.
893
00:58:59.440 --> 00:59:02.480
Yeah, I was talking about everything
going on a worldwide stage, while
894
00:59:02.559 --> 00:59:07.880
Jackie Fargo really didn't. You know, it was huge in Memphis and he
895
00:59:07.920 --> 00:59:09.880
didn't really go on the worldwide stage
the first time in Mason Square Garden,
896
00:59:09.960 --> 00:59:14.760
but um, the Fargo struts certainly
did in certain ways. Can you talk
897
00:59:14.760 --> 00:59:19.480
about the Fargo strut and all the
people that that including you, that emulated
898
00:59:19.519 --> 00:59:23.960
it and how impactful that was.
Yeah, you know, I mean the
899
00:59:23.960 --> 00:59:28.000
first person that I ever saw do
the strutt was of course Jackie Fargo.
900
00:59:28.039 --> 00:59:31.480
I understand it. I understand it. I don't know if nature Boy Buddy
901
00:59:31.559 --> 00:59:35.639
Rogers did did it as well,
but I mean, you know, I
902
00:59:35.719 --> 00:59:40.159
know that Rick Flair uh emulated nature
Boy Buddy Rogers even though even down to
903
00:59:40.239 --> 00:59:45.679
the to the nickname. But but
Jackie, yeah, Jackie Strutt was was
904
00:59:45.760 --> 00:59:52.679
famous all around the Memphis, UH
territory, and nobody could Jackie's main saying
905
00:59:52.760 --> 00:59:57.639
was about himself often imitated could do
it as well as he. And sometimes
906
00:59:57.679 --> 01:00:00.800
it was just really comical with dads
like up in the wrestler like Tojoe Yamamoto
907
01:00:01.199 --> 01:00:05.519
being partners with Jackie and told Joe
trying to do this strut or you know,
908
01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:09.960
just everybody tried it and and but
but Jackie did it like nobody else.
909
01:00:10.000 --> 01:00:13.039
I mean, he did it like
no other. He was the best.
910
01:00:13.079 --> 01:00:16.840
And um and I'm sure that you
know when it was Jackie and I
911
01:00:16.920 --> 01:00:22.280
think nineteen fifty seven or something like
that, Jackie and Don Fargo headline Madison
912
01:00:22.280 --> 01:00:25.920
Square Garden working for Vince Senior,
and uh, you know, they had
913
01:00:25.920 --> 01:00:30.599
the big top hats and the sequin
outfits and everything. And then he told
914
01:00:30.599 --> 01:00:34.039
me then that they did the they
did this strut in the in the middle
915
01:00:34.079 --> 01:00:37.039
of the ring in Madison Square Garden, So you know, he may truly
916
01:00:37.079 --> 01:00:39.599
have been the innovator of that.
And uh. And then he whether he
917
01:00:39.639 --> 01:00:43.639
was the innovator or not, he
was the best. Is he one of
918
01:00:43.639 --> 01:00:46.239
the guys Jerry that that if somebody
came to you for advice and said,
919
01:00:46.320 --> 01:00:49.880
I want to I feel like I'm
not connecting with the crowd. You know,
920
01:00:49.920 --> 01:00:52.360
what do I do to have that
connection that you talked about earlier in
921
01:00:52.400 --> 01:00:55.880
the interview. Is Jackie somebody who
can watch and learn from or do you
922
01:00:55.920 --> 01:01:00.880
think he was born kind of he
was kind of born with that in either
923
01:01:00.920 --> 01:01:05.800
have it or you don't. Well, no, I think that Jackie was
924
01:01:05.840 --> 01:01:08.559
just a natural. But he was
a great guy to talk to. I
925
01:01:08.599 --> 01:01:13.880
can't I couldn't even begin to tell
you. Um, you know so many
926
01:01:13.960 --> 01:01:19.159
little bits of advice that that that
Jackie would give me throughout the years.
927
01:01:19.199 --> 01:01:22.119
I mean, even things, even
things that not necessarily connected with wrestling,
928
01:01:22.280 --> 01:01:24.840
you know, just the old terms
of the first time I ever heard somebody
929
01:01:24.880 --> 01:01:28.079
say, hey kid, it's not
what you make, it's what you say.
930
01:01:28.199 --> 01:01:30.079
Don't ever forget that. Uh.
And then he said, Hey,
931
01:01:30.159 --> 01:01:34.599
there's three people you want to know
and throughout your life in this business how
932
01:01:34.639 --> 01:01:37.000
to say that. He said,
a doctor, a lawyer, and a
933
01:01:37.039 --> 01:01:38.760
banker, you need to do one
on a first name basis, And that
934
01:01:38.920 --> 01:01:42.559
came so you know, that was
so true over the years. I mean
935
01:01:42.559 --> 01:01:45.719
it just said. I can't tell
you how how many times that that piece
936
01:01:45.719 --> 01:01:50.119
of advice came around to help me
out through through my life, you know.
937
01:01:50.159 --> 01:01:52.320
And I mean, I'll never forget
one time to Jonesboro, Arkansas,
938
01:01:53.320 --> 01:01:58.719
one of my first matches. I
was like, I don't know I was
939
01:01:58.760 --> 01:02:00.280
gonna be able to second or third
match. But you know, all I
940
01:02:00.320 --> 01:02:04.360
was thinking in my head was I
wanted I would stand outside the dress room
941
01:02:04.360 --> 01:02:06.840
door and act like I was,
you know, watching the match that was
942
01:02:06.880 --> 01:02:08.559
on before me or whatever. But
but at the same time, I was
943
01:02:08.599 --> 01:02:10.400
just you know, I was just
wanting to be seen. I was on
944
01:02:10.400 --> 01:02:13.639
one there in I say, oh, look, there's a there's a there's
945
01:02:13.639 --> 01:02:15.639
a kid, there's a vestler right
there. Very long, you know,
946
01:02:15.039 --> 01:02:19.199
and I'm gonna forget. One night
in Joe Brow Jackie pulled me to the
947
01:02:19.199 --> 01:02:22.079
sign. He said, they kid, if you were going to go see
948
01:02:22.119 --> 01:02:24.760
yo Espressley in concert, and you'd
bought a ticket for fifty bucks, to
949
01:02:24.880 --> 01:02:29.000
go seeing, and all of a
sudden, before the show start, you
950
01:02:29.079 --> 01:02:31.599
see Elvis out walking around through the
crowd talking to people and everything. What
951
01:02:31.719 --> 01:02:35.880
would you think, would you think
he wasn't the biggest star? I said,
952
01:02:36.119 --> 01:02:37.440
yeah, that probably takes some of
the lust off. He said,
953
01:02:37.480 --> 01:02:40.000
yeah, we'll keep your ass in
the dress rooms the time for your match.
954
01:02:43.679 --> 01:02:45.679
So that was just you know,
the kind of a kind of little
955
01:02:45.719 --> 01:02:49.360
things that he would tell you.
And it was it was always, it
956
01:02:49.519 --> 01:02:53.880
was always us little words of wisdom, little little jewels of knowledge there from
957
01:02:53.960 --> 01:02:57.119
Jackie. But looking back, did
he ever give you a bad piece of
958
01:02:57.159 --> 01:02:59.920
advice, either as a joke or
in a serious way, something that back
959
01:03:00.079 --> 01:03:02.519
fired or maybe didn't quite work for
you that worked for him. No?
960
01:03:02.800 --> 01:03:07.840
Never, Yeah, yeah, I
want yeah, keep your clothes on or
961
01:03:07.920 --> 01:03:13.519
keep take your clothes off, something
like that. No, he never gave
962
01:03:13.559 --> 01:03:16.920
me any banding life excellent, Um, joy, appreciate your time before you
963
01:03:16.960 --> 01:03:20.960
go. Can you just update our
listeners on your health. Jackie Fargo died
964
01:03:21.000 --> 01:03:23.880
this week from art failure. You
had a close call several months back that
965
01:03:24.079 --> 01:03:29.039
was just, I mean, one
of the scariest and most memorable obviously in
966
01:03:29.039 --> 01:03:31.000
a kind of a traumatic way for
fans who followed your career all along,
967
01:03:31.119 --> 01:03:35.320
you just seem like you're back to
your normal self. Are you Are you
968
01:03:35.360 --> 01:03:39.199
doing anything differently from a medication or
diet or health standpoint, and what's your
969
01:03:39.400 --> 01:03:44.119
what's your health stat you know what. Not really other than the fact that,
970
01:03:45.000 --> 01:03:50.039
um my, my little scare was
a little bit something, a little
971
01:03:50.079 --> 01:03:52.400
bit different than most heart attacks.
I just had a cousin matter of fact,
972
01:03:52.400 --> 01:03:57.159
that had a quadruple by passed today, had four arteries that were clugged.
973
01:03:57.159 --> 01:04:00.840
And my situation was a little different
in the fact that I didn't have
974
01:04:00.599 --> 01:04:05.079
UH cloud guardys. I had something
that caused UH And I still think to
975
01:04:05.119 --> 01:04:10.599
this day it might have been the
six or eight consecutive elbows from Dolf Ziglers
976
01:04:10.639 --> 01:04:13.280
should have matched it kind of got
my heart off him or something. But
977
01:04:13.320 --> 01:04:17.599
anyway I had, I had sudden
cardiac arrest and just thank god, you
978
01:04:17.639 --> 01:04:21.119
know how fortunate I was that doctor
Sampson was right there at ringside, and
979
01:04:21.159 --> 01:04:25.480
that the paramedics were close at hand, and they, you know, they
980
01:04:25.559 --> 01:04:30.159
kept my blood flow through the CPR
for like twenty minutes before they can actually
981
01:04:30.199 --> 01:04:34.440
get my heart to stop beating again. But the weird thing is the cardiologists
982
01:04:34.440 --> 01:04:38.800
said, but that because of their
you know, their work there, I
983
01:04:38.840 --> 01:04:42.360
didn't. I didn't suffer any heart
damage. In other words, I didn't
984
01:04:42.400 --> 01:04:46.000
have scarring of the of any tissue
or any anything like that. And once,
985
01:04:46.360 --> 01:04:49.039
you know, once they kept my
heart back beating again, it was
986
01:04:49.360 --> 01:04:53.840
like, you know, I was
basic. You know, I just went
987
01:04:54.519 --> 01:04:58.239
um a couple of months ago,
back for my my six months check up
988
01:04:58.280 --> 01:05:00.000
with the cardiologists, and he said, hey, I'd like to doing anything
989
01:05:00.079 --> 01:05:03.519
we were doing before. So,
I mean, I feel great. I've
990
01:05:03.559 --> 01:05:06.960
not had one bit of a problem
since. But the funny thing was,
991
01:05:08.000 --> 01:05:10.960
I didn't have any problem beforehand.
I mean I had no warning, no
992
01:05:11.079 --> 01:05:15.320
inclination, no pain, no you
know, no tightness in my chest,
993
01:05:15.400 --> 01:05:17.159
no was tingling in my arm.
Nothing. It was just like I blinked
994
01:05:17.199 --> 01:05:20.159
my eyes and when I opened them
again, I was in the hospital three
995
01:05:20.239 --> 01:05:24.519
days later. You know. So
now you're back wrestling, and now,
996
01:05:24.840 --> 01:05:29.840
well, I I haven't really had
an official match. I went down with
997
01:05:29.840 --> 01:05:32.039
with Dorry Funk, and it's kind
of a glorified training session. Year.
998
01:05:32.079 --> 01:05:38.239
No, Dorry has a training school, there a facility in O'calli, Florida,
999
01:05:38.480 --> 01:05:41.559
and he has probably about twenty students
down there, and once a year
1000
01:05:41.599 --> 01:05:45.360
I've been going down there and getting
into little match with some of his students
1001
01:05:45.360 --> 01:05:47.320
and I did I did that,
but I hadn't you know, I hadn't
1002
01:05:47.400 --> 01:05:50.360
had a single match and gone back
and done a match yet. But that's
1003
01:05:50.400 --> 01:05:55.079
definitely on the agenda. I'm definitely
gonna I'm definitely going to do it maybe
1004
01:05:55.119 --> 01:06:00.599
sometime and some time in September.
Wow, thanks for downloading today's show.
1005
01:06:00.679 --> 01:06:02.519
Take it to the next level.
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01:06:02.559 --> 01:06:05.920
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1008
01:06:12.360 --> 01:06:15.679
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01:06:15.760 --> 01:06:19.239
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01:06:31.000 --> 01:06:42.920
experience. Pwtorch dot com slash go
vi ip welcome Jerry. It's great to
1014
01:06:42.920 --> 01:06:44.599
have you on the show. It's
great to have you here to be on
1015
01:06:44.639 --> 01:06:47.000
the show, and it has been
an absolute pleasure hearing some great Jackie Fargo
1016
01:06:47.079 --> 01:06:51.199
stories and letting our listeners know a
little bit about history and where you came
1017
01:06:51.199 --> 01:06:54.719
from and Jackie Fargo's roll in that. I'm sure we could do three more
1018
01:06:54.760 --> 01:06:57.199
hours and not run out of great
Jackie Fargo stories. He was that kind
1019
01:06:57.199 --> 01:07:00.760
of wrestler and and if you're right
about that, I mean, you know,
1020
01:07:00.920 --> 01:07:04.719
it's I appreciate you guys having me
on. I wish I did wish
1021
01:07:04.760 --> 01:07:10.400
I was not on here under these
circumstances, because you know, there's there's
1022
01:07:10.400 --> 01:07:13.840
certain people that you want to be
around forever, and Jackie Fargo was certainly
1023
01:07:13.880 --> 01:07:15.880
one of those. And he will
be uh. He'll be missed by so
1024
01:07:15.960 --> 01:07:20.639
many people, but especially by me. Bruce. Uh any sign out for
1025
01:07:20.719 --> 01:07:25.480
Jerry. It's great to hear your
health is back in shape. And um,
1026
01:07:25.920 --> 01:07:29.840
thanks for Yeah. Jackie Fargo was
a major figure in this business,
1027
01:07:29.920 --> 01:07:33.039
and it's great to hear from from
excuse me the horse of his mouth about
1028
01:07:33.039 --> 01:07:35.840
what made him so great? Hey, grus, be nice. No,
1029
01:07:35.880 --> 01:07:43.039
I don't I thought, now you've
done it, Bruce. Now Jerry's really
1030
01:07:43.159 --> 01:07:46.280
it went well till that moment,
right right, all right, Jerry,
1031
01:07:46.360 --> 01:07:50.000
again, big thanks to you.
Go back to enjoying your your vacation and
1032
01:07:50.119 --> 01:07:53.440
our condolences to you. I know
how close you were to Jackie and I'm
1033
01:07:53.440 --> 01:07:56.280
sure it's a tough week for you
and hopefully get to talk about him a
1034
01:07:56.320 --> 01:07:59.840
little bit. Um felt felt felt
good and be able to share those stories.
1035
01:08:00.400 --> 01:08:01.280
All right, thank you. Waye. Remember when you said could I
1036
01:08:01.280 --> 01:08:03.280
come on for thirty minutes or an
hour? And I said, no way,
1037
01:08:03.320 --> 01:08:05.519
I'm on my vacation. I just
look down. This has been an
1038
01:08:05.519 --> 01:08:09.480
hour in two minutes. It has. And uh, when you said that,
1039
01:08:09.519 --> 01:08:12.039
I thought, you know, probably
about two questions in, we'll be
1040
01:08:12.039 --> 01:08:15.519
at the thirty minute mark. So
I've just knowing you, especially your passion
1041
01:08:15.559 --> 01:08:17.520
on the subject. I thought we
might get away with getting close to thirty
1042
01:08:17.640 --> 01:08:20.319
or so. So I appreciate it. The time apps absolutely flew by,
1043
01:08:20.359 --> 01:08:24.680
though, and many thanks for coming
on the show. Appreciate it. Okay,
1044
01:08:24.680 --> 01:08:27.720
wait, that's like you day.
All right. Well, let's uh,
1045
01:08:27.840 --> 01:08:33.760
Bruce transition into our second guest speaking
about Jerry Lawler and that is Scott
1046
01:08:33.760 --> 01:08:40.279
Bowden. M Bruce, You've you've
you've been a fan of Scott's writing at
1047
01:08:40.359 --> 01:08:45.479
Kentucky Kentucky Fried Wrestling dot com.
Scott We're wrote an article on Jerry law
1048
01:08:45.600 --> 01:08:49.520
on Jackie Fargo, including colds from
Jerry Lawler earlier this week. You can
1049
01:08:49.560 --> 01:08:54.399
find that at Kentucky Fried Wrestling dot
com. Uh. Scott, first of
1050
01:08:54.439 --> 01:08:57.760
all, welcome to the live cast, and uh you've got a big act
1051
01:08:57.760 --> 01:09:00.520
to follow, I know. Uh. And first of all, I want
1052
01:09:00.520 --> 01:09:05.520
to thank Jerry for that illustrious introduction. It's always an honor to be insulted
1053
01:09:05.960 --> 01:09:10.680
by the King. Yes, yeah, if you've joined us in progress or
1054
01:09:10.680 --> 01:09:13.680
for god he said, took his
little big gut Scott when I said he'd
1055
01:09:13.680 --> 01:09:15.600
be on the show later, believe
it. And don't leave half of what
1056
01:09:15.600 --> 01:09:18.319
that goof ball says or something like
that. He's always healing on me.
1057
01:09:19.399 --> 01:09:24.079
Yeah. Um well, well,
Bruce, Uh, let me let me
1058
01:09:24.079 --> 01:09:28.039
just throw to you and have you
uh started discussion with Scott about about Jackie
1059
01:09:28.079 --> 01:09:31.600
Fargo and uh, because Scott obviously
a follower of wrestling in that territory.
1060
01:09:32.039 --> 01:09:34.119
Not that I'll bow out, but
Bruce, I want you to take the
1061
01:09:34.199 --> 01:09:38.319
lead UH in this discussion with Scott. Well. First, I want to
1062
01:09:38.319 --> 01:09:41.960
start with some of the background of
Scott Bowden. Scott Bowden, Yett only
1063
01:09:42.079 --> 01:09:45.520
was a fan and an observer of
the territory, but he was UM as
1064
01:09:46.119 --> 01:09:51.279
were you the illegitimate nephew of Bobby
Bowden in Florida, the Farida state football
1065
01:09:51.279 --> 01:09:55.880
coach, or were you, I
mean what exactly were you? But Scott
1066
01:09:55.920 --> 01:10:00.399
Bowden was in the in the early
nineties, was a manager and a heel
1067
01:10:00.479 --> 01:10:06.720
manager for Memphis Wrestling and also weren't
for Jerry Lawler and and performed, you
1068
01:10:06.720 --> 01:10:13.159
know against Jerry Lawler and was you
know, an entertaining effective manager that day.
1069
01:10:13.159 --> 01:10:15.960
And you know one of the people
that I mean, you've gone on
1070
01:10:15.000 --> 01:10:18.279
in your life to to other things, but you know, if the business
1071
01:10:18.319 --> 01:10:21.479
hadn't changed about managers, you,
you know, you might have had your
1072
01:10:21.520 --> 01:10:26.640
life ruined by now, I mean, you know, working in UM you
1073
01:10:26.680 --> 01:10:29.760
know, But I mean it's very
much worth saying that. Not only are
1074
01:10:29.800 --> 01:10:33.239
you a historian, and I you
know, your library that you keep in
1075
01:10:33.319 --> 01:10:38.680
Kentucky frid Wrestling is just a tremendous
thing to go through and read. You've
1076
01:10:38.680 --> 01:10:42.239
done the research, but you also
know many of the principles personally, and
1077
01:10:42.439 --> 01:10:45.079
and and know a lot of people
that that loved Memphis wrestling and you loved
1078
01:10:45.079 --> 01:10:48.720
it too. I mean, it's
it's it's one of the best um history
1079
01:10:48.800 --> 01:10:53.680
nostalgia places to go read about about
wrestling. But um, you know,
1080
01:10:53.880 --> 01:10:58.680
and tell Bruce Uphill Scott that Bruce
over the years, and this is sincere
1081
01:10:58.720 --> 01:11:00.680
has has emailed or talk to me
on the phone and said, way go
1082
01:11:00.760 --> 01:11:03.159
read Scott Bouten's article. You gotta
read this article he wrote. I mean,
1083
01:11:03.159 --> 01:11:05.800
it's to genuine. He's being genuine
when he talks about that. He's
1084
01:11:05.800 --> 01:11:09.359
really a fan of your work.
And and uh, the article you did
1085
01:11:09.399 --> 01:11:12.079
on Jackie Fargo, by the way, has some great vintage clips to Jackie
1086
01:11:12.119 --> 01:11:14.399
Fargo. So I'm sure we have
a lot of listeners who heard of the
1087
01:11:14.399 --> 01:11:17.359
Fargo Strut or heard of Jackie Fargo
and passing, but aren't historians. And
1088
01:11:17.800 --> 01:11:20.279
a good place to start is your
selection of clips that you put in that
1089
01:11:20.359 --> 01:11:24.079
article on your on your page.
But uh, go ahead, both of
1090
01:11:24.079 --> 01:11:27.359
you. I said, I wasn't
gonna jump in right away, so um,
1091
01:11:27.399 --> 01:11:30.159
well we'll talk about you know,
I mean, I think you I
1092
01:11:30.239 --> 01:11:31.399
know what age you are. And
I think you know, you came along
1093
01:11:31.439 --> 01:11:34.960
in the in the eighties and one
of the prim time of Memphis wrestling,
1094
01:11:35.039 --> 01:11:38.840
being a fan and then got your
opportunity to work for What was it like
1095
01:11:38.880 --> 01:11:42.000
to work for Jerry law or what
was it like to um be on camera
1096
01:11:42.119 --> 01:11:45.600
on Saturday morning Memphis wrrestling in front
of what was still a huge audience in
1097
01:11:45.880 --> 01:11:53.000
a Memphis area. Uh, you
know, it was amazing listening to Jerry
1098
01:11:53.119 --> 01:11:57.439
talk about Jakie because you know,
that's the same way that that I felt
1099
01:11:57.479 --> 01:12:01.199
about Jerry. You know growing up. Jerry pointed out we didn't have a
1100
01:12:01.399 --> 01:12:05.239
pro sports team. Uh. And
and I think you know, I became
1101
01:12:05.279 --> 01:12:11.000
a fan in seventy seven. It
was the Jerry Lawler Bill Dundee series.
1102
01:12:11.479 --> 01:12:15.079
Uh, you know, where they
had all these crazy stipulations where you know,
1103
01:12:15.520 --> 01:12:20.039
five thousan dollars cash up Lawler's hair, his manager's hair, they shaved
1104
01:12:20.119 --> 01:12:24.960
Dundee's head, they shaved his wife
said and you know, and as a
1105
01:12:25.039 --> 01:12:30.359
kid, I I just thought this
was captivating television. And uh, you
1106
01:12:30.399 --> 01:12:32.920
know, and all my friends and
I we would have wrestling matches in the
1107
01:12:32.960 --> 01:12:36.199
backyard. You know, I'm sure
if I'd grown up in a place like
1108
01:12:36.760 --> 01:12:42.479
Pittsburgh, I would have been a
huge Jerry Bradshall fan or uh in Dallas,
1109
01:12:42.760 --> 01:12:45.279
I would have loved Roger Staubach.
But uh, you know, there
1110
01:12:45.359 --> 01:12:49.439
was something about Jerry Lawler, and
especially I think him being from Memphis and
1111
01:12:49.560 --> 01:12:55.199
being our home team. Uh,
you know, it just made that connection.
1112
01:12:55.640 --> 01:12:58.520
And I think too, you know, Jerry said that h you know,
1113
01:12:58.560 --> 01:13:01.079
he emulated Fargo's style, and I
think a lot of that had to
1114
01:13:01.119 --> 01:13:08.800
do with the fact that Jerry combined
a great mix of you know, comedy,
1115
01:13:09.720 --> 01:13:15.520
filmanship, timing, psychology. Uh. But he also knew when to
1116
01:13:15.560 --> 01:13:19.800
get serious. And with the Jerry's
interviews that they reminded me a lot of
1117
01:13:19.840 --> 01:13:24.880
Fargoes in a sense U because he
could be joking and clowning, but when
1118
01:13:24.920 --> 01:13:29.760
he got serious, you hung on
every word that he said. Uh,
1119
01:13:30.000 --> 01:13:33.520
and and the people believed in him. Yeah. I've always thought that of
1120
01:13:33.800 --> 01:13:38.119
all the wrestling stuff I've seen that
Jerry Lawler is right there at the top
1121
01:13:38.199 --> 01:13:42.119
roma for exactly that, particularly in
Memphis, that that yeah, that he
1122
01:13:42.159 --> 01:13:45.479
could he could just in a turning
way, but he made you want to
1123
01:13:45.479 --> 01:13:48.000
go see him fight whoever he was
going to fight, well, especially in
1124
01:13:48.079 --> 01:13:53.840
Memphis, because you know, it
was just often just pure insanity, you
1125
01:13:53.840 --> 01:13:58.520
know, and the most outrageous gimmicks, uh and the craziest kind of matches.
1126
01:13:59.159 --> 01:14:00.680
But when Jerry came out there and
talked about it, it all seemed
1127
01:14:00.680 --> 01:14:06.199
to make sense, you know,
and uh, you know, and especially
1128
01:14:06.199 --> 01:14:10.800
when you know, and WWE likes
to think that they're the ones who introduced
1129
01:14:10.840 --> 01:14:14.479
comedy at wrestling, but uh,
my goodness, you know, the Memphis
1130
01:14:14.520 --> 01:14:18.239
Wrestling Shop for years was was this
slot out entertaining, especially when Lawler was
1131
01:14:18.279 --> 01:14:20.880
a heel, because you know,
he come out with all these singers,
1132
01:14:20.880 --> 01:14:26.119
and he had Lance Russell playing the
perfect street man and uh, you know,
1133
01:14:26.199 --> 01:14:29.880
and just what what a what a
chemistry those two had. Uh.
1134
01:14:30.239 --> 01:14:33.520
And unfortunately I miss uh, you
know, the glory years of Jackie.
1135
01:14:34.279 --> 01:14:38.880
Um. But I think, you
know, the second chapter of his career
1136
01:14:39.159 --> 01:14:44.039
is also very interesting because in nineteen
seventy one, very first car and I
1137
01:14:44.039 --> 01:14:48.359
attended at the comis m U,
Lawler is shooting with Austin Idol uh and
1138
01:14:48.359 --> 01:14:51.920
then they gotten really ugly there up
in all kinds of messes and actually I
1139
01:14:51.920 --> 01:14:57.680
think Austin and act A kicked Lawler
uh in the ribs and it called him
1140
01:14:57.720 --> 01:15:02.239
intern leading. He was legitimately hospit
the lies and all the newspapers picked up
1141
01:15:02.239 --> 01:15:04.920
on it. So when they came
back, they were gonna have a stretcher
1142
01:15:04.960 --> 01:15:11.520
match, and Memphis being Memphis,
they brought in who was perceived to be
1143
01:15:11.560 --> 01:15:15.680
one of the biggest baby faced stars
in the country thanks till all the aftermac
1144
01:15:15.760 --> 01:15:19.800
covers mill Mask Cross. They brought
him in as a heel, you know,
1145
01:15:20.399 --> 01:15:24.680
to the team with Austin Idol.
And I remember, you know,
1146
01:15:24.760 --> 01:15:29.600
I was so excited because I was
a huge, huge fan of the AFTERMATX
1147
01:15:30.119 --> 01:15:32.720
and uh you know, I you
know, and Meal looked like a superhero,
1148
01:15:32.960 --> 01:15:38.159
you know, who could also wrestle. And I remember Lawla coming out
1149
01:15:38.239 --> 01:15:41.079
saying, you know, he's bringing
in one of the biggest stars in the
1150
01:15:41.079 --> 01:15:44.840
country, so I, you know, and it's a stretcher match, and
1151
01:15:44.920 --> 01:15:46.960
you know, he just put me
in the hospital. I don't need a
1152
01:15:47.000 --> 01:15:51.920
wrestler, I need a fighter.
I need Jackie Fargo. And you know,
1153
01:15:53.000 --> 01:15:57.000
I had not been exposed to Jackie. And you know, in Lance's
1154
01:15:57.000 --> 01:16:01.159
reaction was like, oh boy,
right Parker, And yeah, you know,
1155
01:16:01.439 --> 01:16:04.760
at that just the way it was
presented, and then I think Fargo
1156
01:16:04.760 --> 01:16:09.840
did a taped interview, uh you
know, you know, talking about what
1157
01:16:09.880 --> 01:16:13.079
he was gonna do. He's coming
there to kick button and and not wrestle,
1158
01:16:13.680 --> 01:16:19.560
And I just immediately thought Drank was
the toughest SOB walking the planet,
1159
01:16:19.920 --> 01:16:24.560
because you know, I Jerry Lawler
was my hero and he's putting over this
1160
01:16:24.600 --> 01:16:35.600
guy has uh, you know,
the toughest guy around. Longing for some
1161
01:16:35.680 --> 01:16:41.840
nostalgia or maybe you want to learn
some wrestling history, don't miss the nineties
1162
01:16:41.880 --> 01:16:45.600
Past cast every Friday on the PW
Torch Daly Cast Feed. Alex and Patrick
1163
01:16:45.640 --> 01:16:50.279
will transport you thirty years into the
past by taking you through the Torch issue
1164
01:16:50.399 --> 01:16:56.039
from that very week. Follow news
from the WWF and WCW and all the
1165
01:16:56.079 --> 01:17:00.039
happenings from across the wrestling industry in
real time as the Torch or thirty years
1166
01:17:00.039 --> 01:17:04.880
ago. That's the nineties Pass cast
every Friday on the PW George Daily Cast
1167
01:17:04.920 --> 01:17:21.199
Feed. Talk about the unusual part
of that matter. Mil Masterres was his
1168
01:17:21.319 --> 01:17:26.199
international literally was an international star,
big star in Japan, of course,
1169
01:17:26.680 --> 01:17:30.479
huge star in Mexico had made you
know, Luca Lieber, They made those
1170
01:17:30.520 --> 01:17:33.800
Luca allegial mask movies. El Santos
started that, but Mil Masterros made as
1171
01:17:33.840 --> 01:17:38.279
many as anybody and was his biggest
stars. And then you talked about you
1172
01:17:38.279 --> 01:17:42.560
know, Mascros and you know being
in the aftermagazines, in the Stanley Weston
1173
01:17:42.640 --> 01:17:45.039
magazines, and he was always on
the cover because he had this he had
1174
01:17:45.039 --> 01:17:48.920
this gorgeous mask, and he was
a flyer before anybody else was and After
1175
01:17:49.479 --> 01:17:54.199
really knew how to showcase him.
And he had a big following in New
1176
01:17:54.279 --> 01:17:59.399
York with Hispanic audiences there. Um, and then he comes but he also
1177
01:17:59.560 --> 01:18:02.239
was known as you know as the
years gone by between mcfoley and a lot
1178
01:18:02.279 --> 01:18:06.600
of people talking about Mascros being something
of a diva. But that match,
1179
01:18:06.640 --> 01:18:11.319
you went to see something really on
number one, the guy was being mil
1180
01:18:11.399 --> 01:18:14.680
Mascros, who was you know,
the superhero of the of the IWA the
1181
01:18:14.720 --> 01:18:18.680
first attempt to go national Eddie Eddie
Ironhorn, their their world champion and all
1182
01:18:18.680 --> 01:18:25.600
that. Um, this guy came
into Memphis against Lawler and and Fargo and
1183
01:18:25.680 --> 01:18:30.319
teaming with the you know, the
despised Austin Idol as a as a heel
1184
01:18:30.560 --> 01:18:33.600
and then tell the story about what
happened in the match that was so unusual
1185
01:18:33.720 --> 01:18:39.159
and kind of why that happened,
Well, it was funny. Uh Meal
1186
01:18:39.359 --> 01:18:44.640
ended up doing uh the stretcher job. He missed a fun body friends off
1187
01:18:44.640 --> 01:18:49.119
the top row and you know,
crashed into the canvas and Lawler and Fargo
1188
01:18:49.439 --> 01:18:53.600
just you know, put the boot
to him. You know, he tried
1189
01:18:53.640 --> 01:18:56.640
to stand up, he fell over. You know, I was eight years
1190
01:18:56.640 --> 01:19:00.439
old, but I you know,
the thrill actually been at the Colosseum for
1191
01:19:00.479 --> 01:19:03.920
the first time after watching it on
TV for so many years. I mean,
1192
01:19:04.039 --> 01:19:11.359
it's still such a visit memory for
me. And even after the Beautya,
1193
01:19:11.560 --> 01:19:14.680
even after the match is over,
and you know, uh, Mil
1194
01:19:14.880 --> 01:19:16.119
you know, couldn't get to the
seat. They were stretching him out.
1195
01:19:16.520 --> 01:19:20.039
They were halfway down back to the
dressing room. Fargo ran down, turned
1196
01:19:20.039 --> 01:19:27.199
the stretcher over and kept putting the
boots and and uh and Mil is just
1197
01:19:27.239 --> 01:19:32.520
selling like crazy. And I told
Jim Cornette this story a few years ago,
1198
01:19:32.960 --> 01:19:35.359
and he's like, oh, you
know what Jerry Jared used to do.
1199
01:19:35.439 --> 01:19:39.560
You know, he'd began, you
know, mister Wrestling or whoever,
1200
01:19:39.720 --> 01:19:43.319
and and and put some known heads. That was probably a Peppy Lopez who
1201
01:19:43.359 --> 01:19:46.359
was a kind of a mid card
wrestler in the seventies, but Peppy Lopez
1202
01:19:46.399 --> 01:19:50.880
had been dead for a few years. And I actually asked Jerry Jared it
1203
01:19:51.000 --> 01:19:56.720
was actually Aaron Rodriguez and He's like
yeah, And the deal was they had
1204
01:19:56.760 --> 01:20:00.800
had a common connection with a promoter
in Mexico, Salbert or Luters and uh,
1205
01:20:01.000 --> 01:20:04.680
and Jackie had actually stayed at Or. Jerry had actually stayed at his
1206
01:20:05.199 --> 01:20:10.399
house to Mexico, and when mil
came in that night, they were,
1207
01:20:10.479 --> 01:20:14.279
you know, swapping stories and joking
around and right before they were getting ready
1208
01:20:14.319 --> 01:20:16.319
to go on and Uh, you
know, Mill's kind of laughing. He
1209
01:20:16.319 --> 01:20:18.960
says, well, Jerry, what
do you want me to do? And
1210
01:20:19.119 --> 01:20:23.359
uh, and Jared said, well, I know what I'd like you to
1211
01:20:23.399 --> 01:20:26.680
do, but I don't know if
he'll go for it. You know,
1212
01:20:26.880 --> 01:20:28.760
I want to I want to do
an aside before you. I mean,
1213
01:20:28.800 --> 01:20:31.119
I know where the story is going. I want to do a quick aside.
1214
01:20:31.760 --> 01:20:36.760
Mil Masterros at the same time was
challenging around the same time as challenging
1215
01:20:36.800 --> 01:20:42.520
superstar Billy Graham for the WWF title
and Madison Square Garden in a series of
1216
01:20:42.560 --> 01:20:47.680
matches, and Graham got upset and
the promotion got upset because at the end
1217
01:20:48.159 --> 01:20:51.399
they wanted him to lose the Graham
and he wouldn't do it. And in
1218
01:20:51.399 --> 01:20:56.359
his matches he didn't sell very much
for Superstar Graham either. You know,
1219
01:20:56.840 --> 01:21:02.119
mil Masters was known throughout his whole
career for protecting his superhero gimmick and most
1220
01:21:02.159 --> 01:21:06.159
of the time he did what he
wanted to do to make himself and didn't
1221
01:21:06.159 --> 01:21:10.560
give very much, you know,
didn't give very much to his opponents.
1222
01:21:10.600 --> 01:21:15.399
So with that kind of context,
what you carry on, Well, no,
1223
01:21:15.720 --> 01:21:18.880
and I think I think I think
of some of the respect that Jakie
1224
01:21:18.920 --> 01:21:25.479
carried in the business. I think
it was also a testament to very smooth
1225
01:21:25.520 --> 01:21:30.640
operator. And then sitting now with
him, even joking with him, I
1226
01:21:30.640 --> 01:21:32.439
mean, carrying on, you know, it didn't tell him immediately what the
1227
01:21:32.439 --> 01:21:34.920
Finnish is going to be. I
don't even knew if Neal knew it was
1228
01:21:34.920 --> 01:21:40.479
going to be his thresher match.
But another part of me thinks too that
1229
01:21:40.600 --> 01:21:45.640
maybe just this once, you know, maybe meals decent and had a blast
1230
01:21:45.720 --> 01:21:49.119
with it, you know, and
had fun being a heal and and uh
1231
01:21:49.159 --> 01:21:53.319
and selling like it. I mean, because as far as I know,
1232
01:21:54.399 --> 01:21:57.600
I don't think he ever appeared as
a has a heal anywhere else. I
1233
01:21:57.600 --> 01:22:00.159
know, I know he was considered
a heel with a lot of the boys.
1234
01:22:00.159 --> 01:22:03.720
I know he had a lot of
eat typically because the way the way
1235
01:22:03.760 --> 01:22:09.079
he viewed it, I think was
that he was a special attraction and that
1236
01:22:09.159 --> 01:22:13.319
people were there to see him.
But I think even he knew that in
1237
01:22:13.439 --> 01:22:19.520
Memphis people were there to see Fargo
and law there right, Uh yeah it
1238
01:22:19.880 --> 01:22:24.399
uh yeah, that was my first
show at Collin Sand and uh, you
1239
01:22:24.439 --> 01:22:27.800
know I was hooked ever since.
Well, you know, you talked about
1240
01:22:27.960 --> 01:22:30.640
um, you know, w kind
of says, well, we invented sports
1241
01:22:30.720 --> 01:22:34.479
entertainment and all that stuff, and
I always thought it good. Wrestling always
1242
01:22:34.479 --> 01:22:39.640
was entertainment, was always entertaining,
whether it was really a really serious fight
1243
01:22:39.840 --> 01:22:42.960
or you know, jack Riscoe and
Dory front Junior going for the NBA title,
1244
01:22:43.119 --> 01:22:45.359
or you know, whatever was going
on, there was always some clownishness.
1245
01:22:45.359 --> 01:22:48.199
There was always something that was really
you know, fun about it.
1246
01:22:48.279 --> 01:22:53.319
And um, Jackie Fargo, I
mean the gimmick with Jackie Fargo and his
1247
01:22:53.520 --> 01:22:58.760
real life brother Sonny Roughouse Fargo.
I know, I'm watching in from where
1248
01:22:58.760 --> 01:23:02.600
I lived in the in the mid
Atlanta and Sonny Roughhouse. Sonny Fargo was
1249
01:23:02.640 --> 01:23:06.399
just like this, this referee and
every once in a while you'd hear him
1250
01:23:06.439 --> 01:23:10.279
speak, and he had this big, thick Tennessee accident. Rights figured,
1251
01:23:10.479 --> 01:23:13.119
oh, he's just some guy they
had as a referee and they call him
1252
01:23:13.199 --> 01:23:15.680
rough House, and I thought,
okay, that's that's pretty cool color.
1253
01:23:15.760 --> 01:23:17.640
But he never did anything, you
know, he was a good he was
1254
01:23:17.680 --> 01:23:20.399
a good referee. I mean,
you know, they were pretty strict about
1255
01:23:20.399 --> 01:23:25.600
their referees and all that. And
then I came to find out why he
1256
01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:30.880
was why he was called Roughhouse.
And you talk about comedy, you talk
1257
01:23:30.960 --> 01:23:33.239
about you know, and also I
didn't I didn't even think it was a
1258
01:23:33.239 --> 01:23:39.039
retired rustler because he was fairly small. He was pretty skinny and um and
1259
01:23:39.159 --> 01:23:41.359
he was and I don't know when
I saw him, he looked like he
1260
01:23:41.399 --> 01:23:43.640
was in his fifties. I mean, he wasn't that, he wasn't that
1261
01:23:43.720 --> 01:23:46.479
young. And but but the comedy
gimmick, but they did it in a
1262
01:23:46.520 --> 01:23:50.680
really effective way where they could make
they could increase the house, increase the
1263
01:23:50.760 --> 01:23:55.880
number of people come into the wrestling
shows when they when Jackie Fargo would would
1264
01:23:55.960 --> 01:23:59.840
be I've had enough. You know, whoever, you know, whatever tag,
1265
01:24:00.079 --> 01:24:01.960
whatever evil tag team he was facing, was giving him too much,
1266
01:24:02.039 --> 01:24:08.119
it was giving him too much trouble. He'd call in Sonny rough Houseparga and
1267
01:24:08.279 --> 01:24:11.479
we'll talk about what work about that? What would what would typically happen?
1268
01:24:12.199 --> 01:24:15.720
Uh? First of all, the
houses would be down right yeah. And
1269
01:24:15.520 --> 01:24:20.159
and they were looking to spark some
me so they would have U usually Lawler,
1270
01:24:20.319 --> 01:24:25.760
maybe Dundee. Uh, you know, get injured by a triple team
1271
01:24:25.760 --> 01:24:28.239
by a couple of guys right off
the top of the head. You know,
1272
01:24:28.319 --> 01:24:32.359
the infamous Tupelo, Mississippi Concession stand
brawl with the Blunt Bombers and Lawler
1273
01:24:32.399 --> 01:24:38.520
and Dundee and uh their managers who
Wayne Ferris and Larry Lathon and Wayne Ferris
1274
01:24:38.520 --> 01:24:41.840
of course turned it into the Hockey
talk Man. Yeah and uh and uh
1275
01:24:42.000 --> 01:24:45.720
Larry Lathon, Uh Larry Booker who
went on to be a moondog spot.
1276
01:24:46.279 --> 01:24:50.680
But you know, one of the
most memorable angles and in MIPS wrestling history.
1277
01:24:51.119 --> 01:24:56.479
And you know, the Dandy Davis
kept getting involved in interfering. Uh.
1278
01:24:56.720 --> 01:25:01.479
So of course who do they call
on Jackie Fargo? And if you
1279
01:25:01.520 --> 01:25:06.720
go back and you look at the
attendance figures without fail Uh how you know,
1280
01:25:06.920 --> 01:25:11.680
like maybe that might be like five
six thousand people at the coliseum.
1281
01:25:12.119 --> 01:25:15.640
Then they bring in Zackie and they'd
be like ninety five hundred, ten thousand
1282
01:25:15.720 --> 01:25:17.880
people. Uh, you know,
he had that much of effect and the
1283
01:25:17.920 --> 01:25:24.600
people. You know, he's virtually
uh he's been retired. Uh, he's
1284
01:25:24.600 --> 01:25:29.680
this older guy, but he still
had that same kind of credibility and his
1285
01:25:29.840 --> 01:25:33.079
interviews were you know, I think
Drey told me that, you know,
1286
01:25:33.199 --> 01:25:38.239
Jackie never knew what he was going
to say until he got out there off
1287
01:25:38.279 --> 01:25:41.800
that microphone. And I think that's
something that sorely means. What did the
1288
01:25:41.840 --> 01:25:45.000
writers do? What did the crew
of writers do backstage? If they could
1289
01:25:45.079 --> 01:25:51.359
writing back Jackie's promos, what did
they have to do with even I was
1290
01:25:51.399 --> 01:25:54.520
involved in that, you know,
they would just kind of give you know,
1291
01:25:54.560 --> 01:25:57.319
they give you a couple of bullet
points and then you you know,
1292
01:25:57.399 --> 01:25:59.279
got to go off of but your
own spin on it. But that's how
1293
01:25:59.279 --> 01:26:01.000
people, I think their characters.
Uh, but you know, Jerry,
1294
01:26:01.359 --> 01:26:05.560
but Jackie was a was a born
character. Uh and uh, yeah,
1295
01:26:05.600 --> 01:26:09.840
he just went out there and some
but it was so his um, his
1296
01:26:09.920 --> 01:26:15.000
interviews were so unpolished and rough around
the edges, and sometimes he kind of
1297
01:26:15.399 --> 01:26:18.960
you know, stumbled over his words. Uh. You know the first interview
1298
01:26:18.960 --> 01:26:25.560
where he's addressing Jimmy Hart's knockoffs,
the New York Dolls, which inspired the
1299
01:26:25.560 --> 01:26:28.520
fandomist when gimmick, you know,
he just keeps calling hard. You know
1300
01:26:28.600 --> 01:26:33.960
you heart, do you stink?
You stink? You stink stink. But
1301
01:26:34.640 --> 01:26:41.720
and it sounds ridiculous, but it
added to the believability because you know,
1302
01:26:41.720 --> 01:26:45.000
when when we all lose our temper
and when we all you know, get
1303
01:26:45.039 --> 01:26:47.800
heated, you know, we ran
all things we don't even know what we're
1304
01:26:47.800 --> 01:26:54.560
saying. Uh. And Jackie had
just had that way of uh, with
1305
01:26:54.680 --> 01:27:00.399
that throaty, raspy delivery, just
a character, you know, and you
1306
01:27:00.520 --> 01:27:03.399
just don't see him that Austin.
Uh. You know, I think a
1307
01:27:03.439 --> 01:27:08.880
good comparison would be, uh,
you know, Steve Austin. Uh.
1308
01:27:08.960 --> 01:27:13.520
You know, Jerry mentions that the
that's the King deal was. You know
1309
01:27:13.560 --> 01:27:17.520
a lot of people assumed that he
just stole the gimmick from from Bobby Fan
1310
01:27:17.840 --> 01:27:23.119
there. It is true that Lawler
had made that offen cuff remark about you
1311
01:27:23.159 --> 01:27:26.439
know, you know, just thinking
a metaphor really, you know, I'm
1312
01:27:26.840 --> 01:27:30.640
gonna you know, I'm I'm the
new kid, I'm the young Lion,
1313
01:27:30.720 --> 01:27:33.800
gonna gonna take over the Pride,
and I'm gonna knock the offer throne.
1314
01:27:34.399 --> 01:27:38.560
Uh. And it just stuck,
you know, And then you know,
1315
01:27:38.720 --> 01:27:42.399
Steve Austin and his three sixteen things
took off. You know, I don't
1316
01:27:42.399 --> 01:27:44.760
think he had any idea he was
going to go out there and say that.
1317
01:27:45.680 --> 01:27:51.560
Um searching for more great pro wrestling
talking, then join me Jason Powell
1318
01:27:51.640 --> 01:27:56.680
host him the three weekly Pro Wrestling
Boom Podcast. Each week, he'll hear
1319
01:27:56.720 --> 01:27:59.960
the latest news and analysis for Me
and My Team and Pro Wrestling ditt Net
1320
01:28:00.000 --> 01:28:03.000
along with other pro wrestling media members. Plus, the Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast
1321
01:28:03.039 --> 01:28:08.560
features long form interviews with notable names
in the pro wrestling industry. Subscribe an
1322
01:28:08.560 --> 01:28:12.920
it team and Stitcher downcast and all
your favorite secondary adams, or visit us
1323
01:28:12.960 --> 01:28:25.279
directly at pwboom dot com. Once
again, that's pwboom dot com. I
1324
01:28:25.319 --> 01:28:28.880
do want to circle back because I
don't think we've finished them. The rough
1325
01:28:28.920 --> 01:28:31.760
House Fargo story about how they would
you know, they popped Jerry Lawler and
1326
01:28:31.760 --> 01:28:36.239
building they would pop the house with
um with bringing back Jackie Fargo. Jackie
1327
01:28:36.279 --> 01:28:40.159
Fargo in his day would they would
pop the house for the same reason.
1328
01:28:40.199 --> 01:28:43.359
The house would go down, and
then Jackie and they advent a reason that
1329
01:28:43.439 --> 01:28:46.680
Jackie Fargo needed help, and he
would call on his little skinny brother who
1330
01:28:46.760 --> 01:28:51.960
they never quite said was in the
mental hospital, but they gave you every
1331
01:28:51.960 --> 01:28:57.079
little clue that that's where that's where
he was. And here would come Sonny
1332
01:28:57.159 --> 01:29:00.840
Fargo, Sonny Roughhouse Fargo, and
the Hels would go, oh, no,
1333
01:29:00.199 --> 01:29:04.359
not him, and well, yeah, you know, yeah, what
1334
01:29:04.399 --> 01:29:08.439
would t I think what would typically
happen? They would bring in Jackie.
1335
01:29:08.720 --> 01:29:11.039
You know, when that would spark, uh, you know, the house
1336
01:29:11.199 --> 01:29:14.079
is a little bit but then the
Heels might have you know, and then
1337
01:29:14.640 --> 01:29:16.840
far ago when Lawler might might get
to win, but then the Heels would
1338
01:29:16.880 --> 01:29:21.279
get their heat back and you know, and attack Jackie afterwards. So then
1339
01:29:23.159 --> 01:29:26.640
you know Lawler, you know,
the week before, I said, oh,
1340
01:29:26.680 --> 01:29:29.279
you know, I'm desperate, you
know, I need a fighter,
1341
01:29:29.640 --> 01:29:32.159
so I'm ringing in Jackie. But
then something with Avian and jack and he
1342
01:29:32.159 --> 01:29:35.840
goes, you know what, You've
pushed me to the Iss Valley. I'm
1343
01:29:35.880 --> 01:29:39.880
going to Bolivar time. I mean
it was pretty blatant. I think there
1344
01:29:39.880 --> 01:29:44.159
actually was a nuthouse and uh and
Bolivar, Tennessee. And you know,
1345
01:29:44.199 --> 01:29:46.000
he looked, I'm going to Bolivar. I think he's going to check him
1346
01:29:46.000 --> 01:29:50.560
out on a weekend pass right and
bringing it and and uh. And you
1347
01:29:50.560 --> 01:29:58.520
know it's just a perfect example of
Fargo's credibility, uh and his ability to
1348
01:29:59.039 --> 01:30:02.399
to get this about anything over.
Uh. You know, Sudding I think
1349
01:30:02.399 --> 01:30:08.039
weighted about one hundred and fifty five
pounds, but everyone thought he was the
1350
01:30:08.119 --> 01:30:14.760
craziest, toughest guy you know,
that you'd ever seen. And the heels
1351
01:30:14.800 --> 01:30:16.479
would sell like crazy for him.
And Roughhouse could be in there, MC
1352
01:30:16.560 --> 01:30:20.159
the hot tag and he would you
know, nail all the heels, nail
1353
01:30:20.199 --> 01:30:26.600
the manager, nail the referee,
and turn around and and and nailed Jackie,
1354
01:30:27.159 --> 01:30:29.880
you know, and the Crown would
just go crazy and he would have
1355
01:30:29.880 --> 01:30:33.359
to be physically restrained. Uh.
And I know, you know, years
1356
01:30:33.439 --> 01:30:38.560
later, when fans started tape trading, a lot of fans in the Atlantic
1357
01:30:38.640 --> 01:30:43.119
Carrier were really confused, right,
I mean yeah, I mean that was
1358
01:30:43.199 --> 01:30:47.239
kind of as technology changed, you
couldn't do that trade of here's this respectable,
1359
01:30:47.239 --> 01:30:50.479
responsible referee and then you know,
not so far away, you know,
1360
01:30:50.520 --> 01:30:54.680
one stayed over. He's the he's
the maniac. And you know the
1361
01:30:54.760 --> 01:30:58.000
key was everybody sold like crazy for
him. And then he would go out
1362
01:30:58.000 --> 01:31:00.520
into the crowd and sit with them, you know, and sit with a
1363
01:31:00.520 --> 01:31:03.399
fat lady and and eat a hot
dog and and and you know, and
1364
01:31:03.760 --> 01:31:06.960
use every object there was to use. And you know, and just I
1365
01:31:08.000 --> 01:31:11.920
mean you talk about it wasn't loose
as is rustling. You know, it
1366
01:31:12.000 --> 01:31:15.000
was you know, it was crazy, you know, and it was extreme,
1367
01:31:15.039 --> 01:31:18.079
and it was every other thing.
And the key was it was you
1368
01:31:18.119 --> 01:31:23.239
know, key wasn't was believable within
you know, you guys that lived in
1369
01:31:23.239 --> 01:31:29.239
Memphis or Louisville or up there when
the when syndicated mid Atlantic started coming around,
1370
01:31:29.239 --> 01:31:32.000
and here's Sunny Roughhouse Fargo, the
guy that's supposed to be locked up
1371
01:31:32.039 --> 01:31:35.439
in you know, as you said, Bolivar, is you know the referee
1372
01:31:35.479 --> 01:31:41.640
on on that that kind of that
technology. There was some real advantages to
1373
01:31:41.680 --> 01:31:45.000
the technology as far as marketing things, but some of the opportunities to trade
1374
01:31:45.039 --> 01:31:49.600
talent, you know, went away. Yeah, yeah, uh, And
1375
01:31:49.680 --> 01:31:55.039
you know, and a perfect example
too of of just how over Jackie was
1376
01:31:55.119 --> 01:31:59.119
as a legend. Uh, Stan
Lean and Steve Kern had had been in
1377
01:31:59.159 --> 01:32:01.760
the areas for I guess about the
year a year and a half, and
1378
01:32:02.119 --> 01:32:06.520
you know they and they were they
were basically mid carters and they were both
1379
01:32:06.560 --> 01:32:12.039
you know, good looking guy.
Hys had to share of fans, but
1380
01:32:12.960 --> 01:32:16.720
there was no emotional connection, you
know, between them and the people.
1381
01:32:17.600 --> 01:32:23.920
Um. And in nineteen eighty two, Memphis had had an incredible roster of
1382
01:32:24.000 --> 01:32:28.720
talent. Uh you know, Terry
Tater bought he and Cocoa where but you
1383
01:32:28.760 --> 01:32:31.279
know, other than Lawler and um, you know, you know, maybe
1384
01:32:31.279 --> 01:32:36.239
all sen Idal coming in and whenever
they brought Hanson, Jimmy valued in that
1385
01:32:36.720 --> 01:32:42.119
They're just weren't that many people who
had that that that personal connection and that
1386
01:32:42.359 --> 01:32:44.720
was the whole deal. You know. Terry Garrett was sitting around in his
1387
01:32:44.800 --> 01:32:46.960
office and he couldn't quite figure it
out. You know, he had he
1388
01:32:48.239 --> 01:32:51.560
was coming off a hot summer where
they were growing like nine thousand people a
1389
01:32:51.600 --> 01:32:57.039
week and by fall it was down
to like five thousand a week. And
1390
01:32:57.640 --> 01:33:00.760
he was in his office and he
told dutch Man, tell gosh, I
1391
01:33:00.119 --> 01:33:04.640
wish I could clone Jackie Fargough.
Uh And and what do you meant by
1392
01:33:04.680 --> 01:33:10.960
that? Somebody with his personality and
way to get over and the way to
1393
01:33:11.000 --> 01:33:15.680
reach people, and that's looked at
him and said, well why don't you?
1394
01:33:15.720 --> 01:33:18.760
And you know that just got the
uh you know that that put the
1395
01:33:18.760 --> 01:33:24.800
wheels in motion. And you know
they uh, they you know went with
1396
01:33:25.039 --> 01:33:29.359
and see and personally you know they
they you know, hadn't had them grow
1397
01:33:29.439 --> 01:33:32.439
the beards, uh put them in
long tight so they wouldn't come off such
1398
01:33:32.479 --> 01:33:39.600
a pretty boys. And they dissimulated
that drawling for they weren't a policy team
1399
01:33:39.640 --> 01:33:43.239
like the Rock and Rollers dress or
anything like that. They they they really
1400
01:33:44.279 --> 01:33:47.960
they really almost seemed their style to
be like fighters to where uh So they
1401
01:33:48.000 --> 01:33:53.600
had all these dec case videos.
Uh so you would think they'd be popular
1402
01:33:53.680 --> 01:33:57.880
with uh with female fans, but
the guys would hate him. The guys
1403
01:33:57.920 --> 01:34:01.319
thought they were cool, you know. And all my friends and I,
1404
01:34:01.840 --> 01:34:04.920
uh, if we were playing Fortuny
and we did something really big, we
1405
01:34:04.920 --> 01:34:10.119
would all we would always break out
the progress try and they had those they
1406
01:34:10.159 --> 01:34:13.279
had those hardcore there's no other way
to describe them. I mean, there
1407
01:34:13.399 --> 01:34:16.720
was hardcore wrestling before Extreme Championship Wrestling, and they had those matches with the
1408
01:34:16.760 --> 01:34:20.880
Moondogs that were just you know,
tear down the arena and you know,
1409
01:34:21.000 --> 01:34:26.399
fist fights and and you know,
yeah that that that brawling style. They
1410
01:34:26.399 --> 01:34:31.000
were great brawl They were great brawlers
even though and and you know they they
1411
01:34:31.079 --> 01:34:34.159
had all the pretty boys stuff,
but they also had that edge to when
1412
01:34:34.159 --> 01:34:36.640
the beard's help to some other stuff
helped. But yeah, I mean I
1413
01:34:36.720 --> 01:34:42.000
always always, Bruce, That's that's
what're saying. Well, you're probably about
1414
01:34:42.000 --> 01:34:44.359
to make the same point I am, or maybe a similar one in the
1415
01:34:44.439 --> 01:34:46.079
nineteen eighties. I mean, Bruce, you and I I was writing for
1416
01:34:46.119 --> 01:34:49.000
the tour. I started the Torch
in the late eighties, and and and
1417
01:34:49.439 --> 01:34:54.439
you obviously were following wrestling very closely
throughout the eighties, and Memphis Wrestling was
1418
01:34:54.960 --> 01:34:57.560
ec W before there was ec W. I mean, I think there's a
1419
01:34:57.560 --> 01:35:00.079
whole generation of fans. I think
that wrestling used to look like the w
1420
01:35:00.840 --> 01:35:02.760
WF cartoon era, the Center and
It's main event era, with you know,
1421
01:35:02.800 --> 01:35:08.000
Bobby Heenan dunking his head in chocolate
for trying to dunk, bobbing for
1422
01:35:08.039 --> 01:35:12.600
pumpkins and Hillbilly stancing around or the
w W approach to things, and that
1423
01:35:12.640 --> 01:35:16.600
Paul just invented hardcore wrestling. But
Memphis two fans who were hardcore fans,
1424
01:35:17.279 --> 01:35:20.760
you know, the the torch readers
of that era. Memphis was the place
1425
01:35:20.800 --> 01:35:26.000
to go for hardcore wrestling, and
you know, yeah, go ahead,
1426
01:35:26.079 --> 01:35:30.760
yeah it was. It was a
it was a very unique style. I
1427
01:35:30.840 --> 01:35:34.760
know that that Greg Valentine and some
other guys who have you know who worked
1428
01:35:34.760 --> 01:35:40.640
the mid Atlantic territory, uh,
and some guys who worked Florida, uh,
1429
01:35:40.680 --> 01:35:45.359
you know who present maybe Morris Sports
have looked down on what I think
1430
01:35:45.399 --> 01:35:51.199
what they called that, that crampy
hillbilly russeling Tennessee rustling. Yeah, Ollie
1431
01:35:51.199 --> 01:35:55.479
Anderson's one of them told I mean
there was yeah, you know, yeah,
1432
01:35:55.600 --> 01:35:59.720
hey, but well you know,
there's no arguing with success. Uh,
1433
01:36:00.520 --> 01:36:02.720
you know, they they were given
the people what they wanted. And
1434
01:36:03.199 --> 01:36:09.960
I think Memphis fans short of kind
of psychologry like Okay, well you can
1435
01:36:09.960 --> 01:36:14.159
put a guy in a headlock for
twenty minutes or an arm bar, but
1436
01:36:14.199 --> 01:36:16.720
if you were really in a fight, why wouldn't you just punch him?
1437
01:36:18.079 --> 01:36:21.279
There's really something to do that.
I always like what Jared Jarrett said,
1438
01:36:21.520 --> 01:36:25.760
yeah, that if you're having a
wrestling match and then in the crowd,
1439
01:36:26.439 --> 01:36:29.600
you know, someone's having a wrestling
match, grabbing, grabbing, a headlock
1440
01:36:29.640 --> 01:36:31.239
and an arm bar and all that, and then in the crowd someone gets
1441
01:36:31.279 --> 01:36:34.399
in a fight. What are people
gonna watch? People are going to come
1442
01:36:34.439 --> 01:36:36.920
from anywhere to see a fist fight, you know, I mean, you
1443
01:36:36.960 --> 01:36:41.680
know when you're in the schoolyard when
someone starts fighting, it's like whoa fight
1444
01:36:41.760 --> 01:36:45.279
and everybody comes to watch. And
I always thought of memphisis as that type
1445
01:36:45.279 --> 01:36:48.600
of wrestling and um, and there
was nobody better than Jerry law m Bill
1446
01:36:48.600 --> 01:36:53.199
Bundia doing that. But I mean
it was um you know that, Yeah,
1447
01:36:53.199 --> 01:36:56.720
that was I mean, whatever style
warn't for the area that made people
1448
01:36:56.800 --> 01:36:59.439
money was what was what made sense. But yeah, I mean, I
1449
01:36:59.479 --> 01:37:02.000
mean, you know, I'm sure
you know everybody had. It's just like
1450
01:37:02.079 --> 01:37:05.239
today, everybody thinks that the style
roughling they're good at as a style,
1451
01:37:05.279 --> 01:37:11.600
it should be right right. Uh. You know, Memphis also had a
1452
01:37:11.680 --> 01:37:17.239
way of shifting gears. Uh.
They brought in the world champion experian late.
1453
01:37:17.600 --> 01:37:20.359
They treated it like, you know, you look at all these floor
1454
01:37:20.399 --> 01:37:24.640
to cards and gush. You know, I can't even tell how many times
1455
01:37:24.760 --> 01:37:28.520
Rick Player and Harley Rays appeared,
and the title was rarely going to change
1456
01:37:28.520 --> 01:37:33.880
hands, so the appearances didn't really
mean as much. But Memphis had a
1457
01:37:33.880 --> 01:37:38.359
way they would, you know,
they would have these bloody brawls and really
1458
01:37:38.399 --> 01:37:44.800
personal feuds. Uh. Jerry Jarrett
had a sign in his office to remind
1459
01:37:44.880 --> 01:37:49.760
himself if he was ever struggling to
come up with something personal issues draw money.
1460
01:37:51.159 --> 01:37:55.279
Thank you for listening to the way
Keller Pro Wrestling podcasts. Don't forget
1461
01:37:55.319 --> 01:37:58.960
to also subscribe to our red Logo
show, the Waight Keller Pro Wrestling Post
1462
01:37:59.000 --> 01:38:01.560
Shows, featuring our live post shows
which you can download and listen to on
1463
01:38:01.640 --> 01:38:06.560
demand at any time, covering Raw, Dynamite and SmackDown throughout the week with
1464
01:38:06.680 --> 01:38:12.239
rotating guest co hosts, live callers
and emails, plus on site correspondence who
1465
01:38:12.239 --> 01:38:15.560
talk to us right after they leave
the building on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
1466
01:38:15.640 --> 01:38:18.079
nights. That's the Waight Keller Pro
Wrestling Post Show. Just search Wade Keller,
1467
01:38:18.279 --> 01:38:28.720
look for the red logo and click
subscribe. It's free. Our live
1468
01:38:28.760 --> 01:38:31.159
window is about to go off.
The hear if anybody's listening right now and
1469
01:38:31.199 --> 01:38:35.560
they want to talk Memphis wrestling,
or they have a question for Scott about
1470
01:38:35.600 --> 01:38:39.640
the history of Memphis wrestling and Jackie
Fargo. We haven't taken any calls for
1471
01:38:39.680 --> 01:38:41.720
variety of reasons. We're running out
of time in the live feed. But
1472
01:38:41.760 --> 01:38:44.920
if you call right now, we'll
do some overtime and you can be part
1473
01:38:44.920 --> 01:38:46.960
of the show. Six or six
seven, two one two eight is the
1474
01:38:47.039 --> 01:38:49.840
number we'll see if you want to
call. Meant to say it earlier,
1475
01:38:49.880 --> 01:38:51.960
but anyway, that's your last chance
if you do want to talk some Memphis
1476
01:38:51.960 --> 01:38:55.840
wrestling with us. Otherwise, let's
go back to Scott bout in a Bruce
1477
01:38:55.840 --> 01:38:58.800
s Mitchell for the discussion. Well, you know, Scott, I do
1478
01:38:58.840 --> 01:39:02.439
want to you know, you had
experience of working you know, it's the
1479
01:39:02.439 --> 01:39:06.239
tail in of Memphis where there's still
was some there's still was a lot going
1480
01:39:06.319 --> 01:39:11.319
with it, talk about maybe I
don't know if it was your I mean,
1481
01:39:11.479 --> 01:39:14.159
I think you were in college while
you were doing this, but while
1482
01:39:14.159 --> 01:39:16.880
you were managing in Memphis wrestling,
and you were you know, talk about
1483
01:39:17.079 --> 01:39:20.960
talk about your gimmick, your character, and then maybe the most fun you
1484
01:39:21.039 --> 01:39:26.600
had doing it or the most memorable
thing you participated in and and tell us
1485
01:39:26.600 --> 01:39:30.920
about that. Oh gosh, Uh, well, I it wasn't easy being
1486
01:39:31.239 --> 01:39:40.680
a heel in your hometown and going
by your real name. How I got
1487
01:39:40.720 --> 01:39:46.640
into it. I was a journalism
major at Memphis State University later the University
1488
01:39:46.680 --> 01:39:50.039
of Memphis, and we had to
write an article about, you know,
1489
01:39:50.079 --> 01:39:54.640
somebody on campus who was doing something
interesting. And at the time, Brian
1490
01:39:54.720 --> 01:39:58.399
Lawler was a part time student.
Uh. And he just started wrestling as
1491
01:39:58.560 --> 01:40:03.319
uh, one of the new kids
with Tony Williams and uh uh and and
1492
01:40:03.399 --> 01:40:08.439
actually I think it was right after
he turned heel and was starting to get
1493
01:40:08.439 --> 01:40:13.479
the big seas bush and so I
knew Brian to a mutual friend, and
1494
01:40:13.920 --> 01:40:17.920
you know, it just got to
um hang around and and and actually went
1495
01:40:17.960 --> 01:40:23.680
on the road with UH with Jerry
and Brian and gosh, and you know,
1496
01:40:24.479 --> 01:40:30.159
talk about talk about nervous, you
know, just just being around uh
1497
01:40:30.239 --> 01:40:34.920
Jerry for you know the first few
times. Uh yeah, just just completely
1498
01:40:35.279 --> 01:40:40.760
all strong, probably the same way
he felt, you know about Jackie years
1499
01:40:40.760 --> 01:40:45.760
before. UH. And then Jerry
Calhoun, the longtime referee, had had
1500
01:40:45.840 --> 01:40:48.119
just been fired. And I'd been
hanging around for about four or five weeks
1501
01:40:48.359 --> 01:40:53.840
doing research from my article. And
I guess Jerry had kind of taken a
1502
01:40:53.880 --> 01:40:58.119
liking to him. I had,
actually it looks like I didn't have any
1503
01:40:58.199 --> 01:41:00.720
artistic ability, but always aspired to
be a writer. And at one point
1504
01:41:00.720 --> 01:41:04.840
I sold Jerry all the stack of
aftermags where I had written in all these
1505
01:41:04.920 --> 01:41:11.960
correspondent reports of his matches. You
know, they would usually print a fan
1506
01:41:12.119 --> 01:41:15.119
write up, so the cards he
had attended, you know, and Jerry
1507
01:41:15.199 --> 01:41:16.960
thought that was really neat. And
uh, I don't know. Maybe he
1508
01:41:17.000 --> 01:41:23.119
saw a little of me and and
hisself when he was younger, and he's
1509
01:41:23.119 --> 01:41:25.760
like, hey, kid, um, what do you think about refereeing?
1510
01:41:26.640 --> 01:41:29.319
I don't know way what he goes, Oh, I mean, let's see
1511
01:41:29.319 --> 01:41:30.920
how you do tonight. If you
do well, we'll just keep you doing
1512
01:41:30.960 --> 01:41:36.520
it. I was like, you, kidn't sure. Uh? And yeah.
1513
01:41:36.880 --> 01:41:42.399
And the first uh, the first
meeting in the directing room, while
1514
01:41:42.439 --> 01:41:44.840
it was kind of giving me a
quick lesson a referee in one oh one,
1515
01:41:45.239 --> 01:41:47.920
and I guess, you know,
I've been such a student of the
1516
01:41:48.000 --> 01:41:54.479
business for so long, but I
didn't realize how involved the referee everybody was,
1517
01:41:54.640 --> 01:41:57.960
you know, because a good referee
is supposed to blend in, and
1518
01:41:58.119 --> 01:42:00.720
Jerry's like, going, you know
they're gonna call you know, they're gonna
1519
01:42:00.720 --> 01:42:02.880
call spots between you. You're gonna
have to communicate, you know, you're
1520
01:42:02.920 --> 01:42:06.159
gonna kind of help run the match. And I'm like, oh my god.
1521
01:42:09.600 --> 01:42:13.039
But you know, the best piece
the piece of ice at Lawyer Gaming,
1522
01:42:13.119 --> 01:42:17.680
which I think was handed down to
him from Jakie and also Toto Yamamoto
1523
01:42:18.279 --> 01:42:23.359
all about facial expressions. You know, if a hill's pulling hair, you
1524
01:42:23.439 --> 01:42:26.039
know, you know, Lawler's like, you know, I'm getting there in
1525
01:42:26.119 --> 01:42:30.399
Bay put that air pulling and just
look disgusted and get in the air and
1526
01:42:30.439 --> 01:42:34.359
da da da da da. And
he also told me that if something if
1527
01:42:34.399 --> 01:42:36.880
one of the boys, especially at
that point in Memphis, because the talent
1528
01:42:38.000 --> 01:42:43.840
level is kind of down, if
something wasn't looking quite realistic to actually whisper
1529
01:42:44.000 --> 01:42:45.800
in their ear, you know,
hey, you lay it in there,
1530
01:42:45.920 --> 01:42:47.119
lay it in. Then I'm like, I was thinking to myself, Okay,
1531
01:42:47.159 --> 01:42:59.359
I'm not doing that, but it's
truly I started to become someone of
1532
01:42:59.439 --> 01:43:02.319
a of a Finnish guy. You
know, I've been watching nothings rusting for
1533
01:43:02.359 --> 01:43:09.439
so many years and I guess the
first guy who really noticed that I had
1534
01:43:09.479 --> 01:43:13.159
a knatch for it was was Larry
Booker, Larry Latham, the moondog,
1535
01:43:13.880 --> 01:43:15.960
uh, and he got the boy. He would come to me and like,
1536
01:43:15.199 --> 01:43:17.720
kind of what do you you know? What do you think what you're
1537
01:43:17.760 --> 01:43:23.039
doing is? Uh? And then
eventually that got the attention of Eddie Gilbert
1538
01:43:23.359 --> 01:43:27.840
and uh. You know Eddie had
gotten into the business through through writing as
1539
01:43:27.880 --> 01:43:30.600
well, and we formed the connection. And I'll never forget it. I
1540
01:43:30.640 --> 01:43:32.760
had some friends uh in the audience, including my girlfriend at the time,
1541
01:43:33.399 --> 01:43:35.880
and I went to Eddie and I
knew they were looking for some kind of
1542
01:43:36.439 --> 01:43:42.840
crazy finish uh in the tag match
to come back with the the stipulation matches
1543
01:43:42.960 --> 01:43:45.840
following a week and I said,
hey, you know, I got some
1544
01:43:45.920 --> 01:43:48.119
friends here, but if maybe you
know you were long ago to so it
1545
01:43:48.239 --> 01:43:53.000
was a fire and get duck and
and it hits me and then it just
1546
01:43:53.079 --> 01:43:56.760
becomes a brawl and the matches kind
of stops, and Eddie kind of looked
1547
01:43:56.760 --> 01:44:00.600
at him and he's like, le
let me let me think about that for
1548
01:44:00.640 --> 01:44:05.000
a second. And Lawlor calls me
into the dressing room and you never knew
1549
01:44:05.680 --> 01:44:09.479
what the fence was gonna be until
about five minutes before we went out there,
1550
01:44:10.840 --> 01:44:14.319
and uh and Lawler called me in
there and Eddie sitting there, and
1551
01:44:14.439 --> 01:44:18.520
he's like, Okay, Scott,
we're gonna turn you heel and I look
1552
01:44:18.560 --> 01:44:23.600
over at Eddie. He's got this
devilish grin on his face. Uh.
1553
01:44:24.520 --> 01:44:28.239
And so you know, during the
match, Lawler has Eddie uh covered.
1554
01:44:28.520 --> 01:44:31.680
Instead of counting three, I just
haul off and mask Lawler in the back
1555
01:44:31.720 --> 01:44:35.640
of the head and uh ended up
putting Eddie on top and counting three real
1556
01:44:35.760 --> 01:44:40.239
quick. And then uh Lawler and
into Lawler and I end up getting into
1557
01:44:40.239 --> 01:44:43.720
the seats discussion kind of like you
know, Billy Martin in a in an
1558
01:44:43.800 --> 01:44:48.000
umpire and uh and I end up
shoving him one his rear end and the
1559
01:44:48.119 --> 01:44:53.880
crowd is just absolutely wanting to kill
me. Uh. And and that was
1560
01:44:53.960 --> 01:44:59.239
just one of the absolute unexpected,
biggest thrills in my life. So what
1561
01:44:59.439 --> 01:45:01.760
the girlfriend, Because I'm sure you
didn't clue around on any of us.
1562
01:45:02.520 --> 01:45:06.199
It was a good friends reaction to
you turning hell. They were Uh.
1563
01:45:08.119 --> 01:45:14.279
She was sitting next to her friend
of mine and they all said afterwards that
1564
01:45:14.439 --> 01:45:18.800
they that they saw what happened.
And they all four looked at each other
1565
01:45:20.319 --> 01:45:28.239
and you know, did that really
happen? That? Did that resally just
1566
01:45:28.520 --> 01:45:31.880
happened? Uh? They were floored. Uh and they you know, and
1567
01:45:32.159 --> 01:45:34.920
I went out to my car and
was like, don't look at me,
1568
01:45:35.000 --> 01:45:39.319
just go go get getting your own
cars and I'll meet you somewhere else.
1569
01:45:39.359 --> 01:45:42.239
And fans were throwing stuff up my
car. You know. It was kind
1570
01:45:42.279 --> 01:45:46.319
of the last of uh, the
the case ave days in a way,
1571
01:45:46.920 --> 01:45:51.319
even though McGahan had already exposed the
business, a lot of fans of Memphis
1572
01:45:51.560 --> 01:45:58.840
still believe, especially when these small
towns like Arkansas and Tennessee, Kentucky.
1573
01:45:59.279 --> 01:46:04.239
Uh, they acted like, you
know, it was life or death.
1574
01:46:05.319 --> 01:46:09.399
But it was amazing. It was
such It gave me a little bit of
1575
01:46:09.960 --> 01:46:15.079
a taste of what uh you know, Jimmy Hart, Pauly, Jim Cornett,
1576
01:46:15.159 --> 01:46:18.479
all the great managers, doctor Keen
Rainy, all the all the great
1577
01:46:18.560 --> 01:46:23.560
ones came before me. It kind
of gave me a taste of of what
1578
01:46:23.720 --> 01:46:27.800
they experienced. But luckily I was
never nice or no one ever slashed my
1579
01:46:27.880 --> 01:46:33.079
tires. One way that you can
help us sustain our schedule of putting out
1580
01:46:33.119 --> 01:46:38.079
podcasts throughout the week is by giving
us a five star rating on Apple Podcasts.
1581
01:46:38.279 --> 01:46:41.279
Just go to Apple podcast and look
for our weight Killer Processing podcast and
1582
01:46:41.319 --> 01:46:44.880
Weight Killer Prosing post show and give
us a five star rating. We hope
1583
01:46:44.880 --> 01:46:47.880
you think we've earned that score with
our fast turnaround times and our quantity and
1584
01:46:48.039 --> 01:46:53.399
quality of wrestling analysis throughout the week. So take a moment out for us
1585
01:46:53.560 --> 01:46:56.720
and do us favor and give us
a five star rating and Apple podcasts.
1586
01:46:56.760 --> 01:47:00.600
That helps us on search returns and
helps us grow. And if you want,
1587
01:47:00.640 --> 01:47:02.000
you can add a few comments about
what you like about the programs in
1588
01:47:02.079 --> 01:47:13.520
the comments section. Thank you so
much. You got a chance to cut
1589
01:47:13.560 --> 01:47:16.520
promos and you were good at it. I mean on in Memphis And what
1590
01:47:16.760 --> 01:47:20.960
was that like? Were you just
did you just hit all the all the
1591
01:47:21.079 --> 01:47:25.359
things you've seen before or or you
know, find you find your character in
1592
01:47:25.439 --> 01:47:30.359
that? Or what was that like
finding yourself on live television being that big
1593
01:47:30.399 --> 01:47:35.920
a jerk? Well? What I
was always kind of a sarcastic guy.
1594
01:47:35.960 --> 01:47:41.800
And I think Jim Cornette one said
the best wrestling personalities were those were your
1595
01:47:42.039 --> 01:47:46.840
your true self with the volume term
way up h and when I did the
1596
01:47:46.920 --> 01:47:51.520
deal and I I think, well, I thought there that I was going
1597
01:47:51.600 --> 01:47:55.479
to be a heal manager at that
point, and I got to in it.
1598
01:47:55.640 --> 01:48:00.319
You know, so all we I've
been practicing U with all my you
1599
01:48:00.359 --> 01:48:03.680
know, we we had sawt you
know, like homemade wrestling videos in the
1600
01:48:03.760 --> 01:48:09.079
backyard. We had and I think
on the NWAT, the Neighborhood Wrestling Association,
1601
01:48:10.520 --> 01:48:15.479
and uh, you know, I've
basically been working on this kind of
1602
01:48:15.560 --> 01:48:18.399
stuff for a very long time,
and I had all this great stuff I
1603
01:48:18.439 --> 01:48:24.520
wanted to say. And I get
there on Saturday morning and Eddie and Jerry
1604
01:48:24.600 --> 01:48:29.840
telling well, we want you to
go out there and apologize, but then
1605
01:48:30.800 --> 01:48:34.359
Lance is gonna say that Eddie Morland
suspended you, and you're gonna be my
1606
01:48:34.439 --> 01:48:38.600
manager for about a week. And
then you know, you're gonna do something
1607
01:48:38.640 --> 01:48:41.439
where you screw something up, and
then we're gonna turn you back baby face,
1608
01:48:41.520 --> 01:48:44.800
and you'll come back as a referee. And I was like, oh
1609
01:48:45.880 --> 01:48:51.319
right, I mean I was absolutely
crossed, and so I just I took
1610
01:48:51.359 --> 01:48:54.760
a gamble. I went out there. I said, well, it's line
1611
01:48:54.880 --> 01:49:00.760
TV. Uh what can they do? Uh? How can they stop me?
1612
01:49:01.640 --> 01:49:06.760
And I just laid into Lawler and
just you know, everything in the
1613
01:49:06.880 --> 01:49:13.279
book and just you know, it
was just you know, the I done
1614
01:49:13.319 --> 01:49:17.520
the heel promo of my dreams.
Uh. And I came to the back
1615
01:49:17.840 --> 01:49:23.600
and actually Kevin Lawler, uh,
Jerry's other stun who was a referee at
1616
01:49:23.640 --> 01:49:27.399
that point, he said that Jerry
was watching on the monitor back stage.
1617
01:49:27.439 --> 01:49:32.720
It was like, what the hell
is he? And and and Lance,
1618
01:49:33.079 --> 01:49:35.760
Oh my gosh, Lance was so
great. Lance was it just kind of
1619
01:49:35.840 --> 01:49:40.720
carrying me through the whole thing.
And uh, you know, he said
1620
01:49:40.760 --> 01:49:43.439
something like, hey, you know, people judge you about the folks you
1621
01:49:43.520 --> 01:49:45.239
hang out with. You're gonna be
hanging out with Eddie heel when I was
1622
01:49:45.279 --> 01:49:49.079
like, oh, oh yeah,
thanks a lot, Dad, and Lance.
1623
01:49:49.520 --> 01:49:51.880
Lance came out to me after Yeah
he can't. Lance came out to
1624
01:49:51.920 --> 01:49:56.560
me Aftercore and He's like, oh
that Dad line. That was that was
1625
01:49:56.640 --> 01:50:01.960
great. That that was his role. He was the he was the paternal
1626
01:50:02.119 --> 01:50:08.720
authority figure for for decades and the
great host. So yeah, for you
1627
01:50:08.840 --> 01:50:15.239
to disrespect Lance, Lance Russell was
something so well I think Land Jerry Jared
1628
01:50:15.359 --> 01:50:24.600
always instructed Lance and Dave to um
to never go crazy about a car.
1629
01:50:26.479 --> 01:50:32.159
That's the greatest thing going unless they
truly believed that it was going to be
1630
01:50:32.239 --> 01:50:35.000
a big night if they were.
If he said, you know, if
1631
01:50:35.000 --> 01:50:41.000
you're personally excited about this card,
be honest. If not, you know,
1632
01:50:41.279 --> 01:50:44.199
just uh, you know, just
go over the matches because if you
1633
01:50:44.279 --> 01:50:48.159
do it every week, you're gonna
have zero credibility. And you think about
1634
01:50:48.199 --> 01:50:54.279
Tony Chivanni at the end of w
c W Nitro those years where every every
1635
01:50:54.319 --> 01:50:57.319
week they structed him to say,
this is the biggest night in our sport
1636
01:50:57.399 --> 01:51:01.960
and every development was the biggest thing
ever and he really did lose his credibility.
1637
01:51:02.000 --> 01:51:05.479
That was hard one after all those
years. But well, I'm god,
1638
01:51:05.760 --> 01:51:10.560
Nick Goulas, you know when he
was when he was promoting the territory,
1639
01:51:11.039 --> 01:51:14.359
you know, every card was gonna
was gonna be the biggest card natural
1640
01:51:14.479 --> 01:51:17.880
history. Yeah, you know,
you can only say that so many times.
1641
01:51:18.119 --> 01:51:25.279
Uh. And when when Classic Ring
About you mentioned the uh the Fabulous
1642
01:51:25.279 --> 01:51:30.079
one Moondogs feud Umcot Scott. Yeah, let me jump in for a second
1643
01:51:30.119 --> 01:51:32.319
because I want to I want to
save a couple of stories for the VIP
1644
01:51:32.479 --> 01:51:36.159
members um, because we're still on
the blog talk radio side of things.
1645
01:51:36.159 --> 01:51:39.600
Do you mind just holding that thought
And on the other side, of the
1646
01:51:39.680 --> 01:51:43.960
music telling that story and a couple
others. Sure that worked for you,
1647
01:51:44.119 --> 01:51:46.239
You got time? Yeah, yeah, okay, very good. Um,
1648
01:51:46.680 --> 01:51:50.920
thank you everybody for joining us here. This is a special Memphis Wrestling edition
1649
01:51:51.079 --> 01:51:56.000
of the PW Torch Live Cast.
If you enjoyed the discussion with our guests
1650
01:51:56.000 --> 01:52:00.279
in the first hour Jerry Lawler in
the last forty minutes was Scott out In
1651
01:52:00.680 --> 01:52:03.960
talking about Memphis wrestling and obviously with
the focus on Jackie Fargo a lot of
1652
01:52:04.000 --> 01:52:09.079
the time we have had Memphis guests
on before, including Jerry Jarrett, Randy
1653
01:52:09.159 --> 01:52:13.720
Hales, build on d We would
encourage you to check out our archives at
1654
01:52:14.000 --> 01:52:17.920
pwtorch livecast dot com to find those
those are part of the Interview Friday series.
1655
01:52:18.199 --> 01:52:20.720
It's even easier to find them if
you are a VIP member, and
1656
01:52:20.800 --> 01:52:26.680
that would include also the VIP after
shows with our guests in the past talking
1657
01:52:26.680 --> 01:52:30.119
about Memphis wrestling. Every Friday for
going on well over a year and a
1658
01:52:30.119 --> 01:52:33.439
half, we've had an interview every
Friday with special guests and like I said,
1659
01:52:33.479 --> 01:52:38.039
some of the Memphis related So if
you want to go VIP, we
1660
01:52:38.079 --> 01:52:40.880
have a sale going right now.
A buck ninety nine gets your home month
1661
01:52:41.000 --> 01:52:45.000
a VIP. You can get details
on that by going to pwtorch dot com
1662
01:52:45.199 --> 01:52:49.920
slash sale twenty thirteen. That's pwtorch
dot com, which is our main website
1663
01:52:50.199 --> 01:52:54.319
which is updated every day with news
and features, and then do a slash
1664
01:52:54.720 --> 01:52:58.520
sale twenty thirteen to get full details
on that. Also, on the other
1665
01:52:58.560 --> 01:53:00.279
side of the music for VIP member, we're going to be joined by a
1666
01:53:00.319 --> 01:53:06.359
special guest who was backstage at RAW
on Monday, a long time Torch reader
1667
01:53:06.920 --> 01:53:13.239
who is going to share some stories
with us about his experience backstage. I'm
1668
01:53:13.239 --> 01:53:15.880
gonna leave it as a mystery,
um as far as that goes, other
1669
01:53:15.920 --> 01:53:19.600
than I don't give a clue that
he was on camera and not just a
1670
01:53:21.159 --> 01:53:28.760
camera. That might be enough to
get some people to figure out who this
1671
01:53:28.840 --> 01:53:30.720
is. I think it's gonna be
a fun story. He is waiting for
1672
01:53:30.880 --> 01:53:34.359
us on the other side of the
music also, and so he'll be joining
1673
01:53:34.439 --> 01:53:39.319
us for a for a fun discussion. So um, thanks to all all
1674
01:53:39.399 --> 01:53:42.279
the livecast listeners. Bruce, you'll
be back, I believe. With Travis
1675
01:53:42.359 --> 01:53:45.319
Bryant returning from Bosnia on Monday,
right, I believe. So Um,
1676
01:53:45.439 --> 01:53:48.479
Yeah, we're gonna have a we're
gonna have a frank discussion with mister Bryant.
1677
01:53:48.560 --> 01:53:53.680
So yes, it'd be good to
have Travis backs. Everything's coolful,
1678
01:53:54.399 --> 01:53:58.720
absolutely, uh and uh. Lots
of good stuff on the livecast in recent
1679
01:53:58.760 --> 01:54:00.560
weeks. If you've if you've missed
any recent shows, you're missing a lot
1680
01:54:00.560 --> 01:54:04.000
of good stuff. Yeah, Jim
Balion with you on Monday, Bruce to
1681
01:54:04.079 --> 01:54:10.439
talk about his experience behind the scenes
with w w E. He tried out
1682
01:54:10.760 --> 01:54:14.520
to be a wrestling announcer and around
the time that Todd Grisham was trying out
1683
01:54:14.520 --> 01:54:18.159
to be a wrestling announcer, and
that was a really interesting story and the
1684
01:54:18.760 --> 01:54:23.920
journalist's eye for detail. We've had
a lot of that this week with Scott
1685
01:54:23.960 --> 01:54:27.920
here today too telling that story about
what it was like behind the scenes.
1686
01:54:28.279 --> 01:54:32.119
So that was pretty cool. Also
earlier this week, Derek Bateman was a
1687
01:54:32.159 --> 01:54:38.279
guest of Pat McNeil and last Wednesday, Todd Kennelly x TNA wrestling announcer was
1688
01:54:38.319 --> 01:54:44.000
Pat McNeil's guest a week ago Wednesday. So we've had lots of lots of
1689
01:54:44.000 --> 01:54:46.479
good shows. Definitely worth checking out
if you were joining us because you heard
1690
01:54:46.479 --> 01:54:50.199
about Jerry Lawler interview and haven't heard
some of our other recent interviews. I
1691
01:54:50.279 --> 01:54:54.119
encourage you to delve deep. Chris
Joseph X creative team member was on from
1692
01:54:54.159 --> 01:54:58.000
ninety minutes last Friday, mccarsh before
that, Diamond Dallas Page before that,
1693
01:54:58.199 --> 01:55:01.800
Bob Holly if really acclaim interview with
him back on May thirty first, Friday
1694
01:55:01.880 --> 01:55:05.680
May thirty first, Sean X pac
Waltman was on with me before that,
1695
01:55:06.920 --> 01:55:11.960
and Mickey James before that. So
I've had a real nice run of interviews
1696
01:55:12.000 --> 01:55:15.920
and this continued that so check those
out. But again we encourage you to
1697
01:55:15.960 --> 01:55:18.039
go vip check us out. Check
out the details at pwtors dot com.
1698
01:55:18.239 --> 01:55:23.880
Slash Sale twenty thirteen very special thanks
to Jerry Lawler taking time out of a
1699
01:55:24.079 --> 01:55:27.840
relaxing weekend with his girlfriend I Believe
in Florida on vacation, joining us for
1700
01:55:28.039 --> 01:55:30.439
a full hour to talk about Jackie
Fargo, who died this week in Memphis
1701
01:55:30.479 --> 01:55:34.000
Wrestling legend and as I said on
the other side of the music, we'll
1702
01:55:34.039 --> 01:55:39.439
not only talk more about Memphis Wrestling, but also be joined by special guests
1703
01:55:39.439 --> 01:55:44.960
who will give us a backstage perspective
on Raw this past week until until next
1704
01:55:45.000 --> 01:55:47.039
time. I'd be after Bruce Mitchell, Jerry Lawler and Scott Bowden. This
1705
01:55:47.239 --> 01:56:00.479
is Way Keller signing our need an
extra dose of positive in your wrestling podcasts,
1706
01:56:00.760 --> 01:56:05.920
will come join me Alan Foelle over
in the Progress Paradise at potrch VIP
1707
01:56:06.399 --> 01:56:11.159
as we bask on the bright side
of wrestling and focus on some of the
1708
01:56:11.319 --> 01:56:15.680
great matches and shows from around the
world, be at the US, Japan,
1709
01:56:15.079 --> 01:56:19.359
Europe or Mexico. There's always a
place for wrestlings past in the Paradise
1710
01:56:19.399 --> 01:56:24.560
too, and we've done fun historical
shows such as the We Love Lyger series
1711
01:56:24.840 --> 01:56:29.920
celebrating the glorious career of juician thunder
Lyger and our I was there when shows
1712
01:56:30.000 --> 01:56:32.359
where our guests will join me to
talk about a classic bout that they were
1713
01:56:32.399 --> 01:56:36.560
in attendance for. We love variety
and you can expect lots of it at
1714
01:56:36.640 --> 01:56:43.439
the Progress Paradise. Detailed PWF Torch
VIP subscription information and a list of all
1715
01:56:43.520 --> 01:56:47.760
the VIP benefits is available at pw
torch vipinfo dot com. And yes,
1716
01:56:48.079 --> 01:56:54.680
all VIP podcasts are compatible with popular
podcast apps on iPhone and Android devices,
1717
01:56:55.279 --> 01:56:59.760
or you can stream them directly from
our ad free VIP mobile site. See
1718
01:56:59.760 --> 01:57:12.560
you the paradise. All right,
we are now in the V after show
1719
01:57:12.600 --> 01:57:15.760
portion of the programs got bout and
still with us along with Bruce Mitchell and
1720
01:57:16.520 --> 01:57:21.600
um you were in the midst Scott
of telling a story when I really interrupted
1721
01:57:21.640 --> 01:57:27.960
the transition to vat exclusive here about
I believe about the Moondogs. Uh.
1722
01:57:28.119 --> 01:57:32.039
Yeah, the you know, probably
the biggest few that the Fabs had in
1723
01:57:32.119 --> 01:57:36.399
Memphis and probably one of the most
memorable TV angles, which is saying a
1724
01:57:36.439 --> 01:57:43.760
lot, because Memphis did quite a
few, almost per show. When the
1725
01:57:44.239 --> 01:57:46.199
Moondogs debuted, you know, the
fans were out there, you know,
1726
01:57:46.319 --> 01:57:50.760
they have been given the tomp hats
and the sequen jackets jackets. But Jackie
1727
01:57:50.840 --> 01:57:57.359
Fargo uh, and the Moondogs came
out there and ripped the jackets the shreds
1728
01:57:58.159 --> 01:58:00.479
and then they you know, and
then they beat the Fabs down, let
1729
01:58:00.560 --> 01:58:05.520
them lane in thellood. The jackets
are in tatters. And that was enough
1730
01:58:06.319 --> 01:58:10.960
just to you know, it ignited
one of the one of the hottest feuds
1731
01:58:10.960 --> 01:58:15.079
in the area because you know,
these you know, they're just sequen jackets
1732
01:58:15.119 --> 01:58:19.000
that they were given to the fat
They were passed down by Jackie Fargo.
1733
01:58:20.079 --> 01:58:26.600
Uh. And so it meant so
much to the fans that that had happened,
1734
01:58:27.119 --> 01:58:30.680
um, and and that was really
the catalyst for the feud. Go
1735
01:58:30.920 --> 01:58:34.159
ahead. Yeah, And once you
have something, once you have Jackie Fargo,
1736
01:58:34.279 --> 01:58:40.119
that's really over. You have that
touchstone and people take him seriously,
1737
01:58:40.520 --> 01:58:43.319
doesn't matter these are some cheesy tuxedos
or whatever they were. You know,
1738
01:58:44.000 --> 01:58:47.239
it was that, you know,
it was Jackie Fargo's things, and you
1739
01:58:47.319 --> 01:58:53.439
could do something simple and but it
was so disrespectful that that people went off.
1740
01:58:53.640 --> 01:58:57.239
Um Scott, I want to ask
you, I mean, your your
1741
01:58:57.319 --> 01:59:00.359
career in Memphis and and all the
things that you saw, what was your
1742
01:59:00.439 --> 01:59:03.119
favorite Maybe it's not the biggest drawing
thing, but what was your favorite Memphis
1743
01:59:03.840 --> 01:59:06.800
UM wrestling memory. What what's the
thing that I mean you talked about,
1744
01:59:08.159 --> 01:59:12.199
you know, what drew you into
it and the feud between um Bill Dundee
1745
01:59:12.199 --> 01:59:15.399
and Jerry Lawler and and seventy seven, seventy eight and all that time.
1746
01:59:15.439 --> 01:59:18.039
But what was something that you just
went wow, this was great or or
1747
01:59:18.119 --> 01:59:23.800
a performer that you went wow he
was great? Well the well yeah,
1748
01:59:23.880 --> 01:59:28.279
absolutely, the Lawler Dundee stuff,
uh, and the seventies was you know,
1749
01:59:28.640 --> 01:59:33.960
just captivated. Uh, you know, the imagination of Knee and all
1750
01:59:34.039 --> 01:59:36.520
my friends at school was you know, it was all we talked about.
1751
01:59:38.159 --> 01:59:43.239
Uh. And then I probably Uh
one of the most chilling things that I
1752
01:59:43.840 --> 01:59:47.199
can remember is the you know,
the cherry funk Lawler in the arena match.
1753
01:59:48.399 --> 01:59:53.720
Uh and and just how you know, you look back on it and
1754
01:59:53.880 --> 01:59:59.039
it's it's it's not nearly as good
as uh as you remember it, right,
1755
01:59:59.119 --> 02:00:01.239
and and and it's and it's actually
almost a little awkward, you know.
1756
02:00:01.640 --> 02:00:04.439
Uh. And Lawler to this day
you tell me, gosh, I
1757
02:00:04.640 --> 02:00:09.119
really regret coming out there with my
case and my crown. You know,
1758
02:00:09.159 --> 02:00:13.760
I should have just come out there
and street closed. But uh, you
1759
02:00:13.840 --> 02:00:15.399
know, the whole thing is just
great because you know, Lance is at
1760
02:00:15.399 --> 02:00:18.079
the beginning of it. They do
kind of a rough intro. The Lance
1761
02:00:18.199 --> 02:00:21.279
is smoking a cigarette and he's like, I don't I don't know if the
1762
02:00:21.359 --> 02:00:26.800
thing's gonna come off. Uh oh, well, let's just an intro and
1763
02:00:26.880 --> 02:00:30.039
let's just see if see if they
show, you know, and Lance puts
1764
02:00:30.079 --> 02:00:32.920
the cigarette out and all the adairs
on the air. So it just gave
1765
02:00:32.960 --> 02:00:36.439
it like a little It was like
one of those little details that just gave
1766
02:00:36.479 --> 02:00:41.319
it an added sense of realism.
And Terry Funk, you know, just
1767
02:00:41.600 --> 02:00:45.560
screaming and screeching like a maniac at
the end of it, you know,
1768
02:00:45.680 --> 02:00:51.880
my my Lan's help and uh and
the seeing back for a revent, you
1769
02:00:51.960 --> 02:00:56.880
know, I had to be there. Uh. And and the chemistry that
1770
02:00:57.000 --> 02:01:00.439
the lawlor had with uh with Fargo
with something else. Um. But I
1771
02:01:00.600 --> 02:01:06.520
always, you know, as much
as I enjoyed, uh the mayhem uh
1772
02:01:08.039 --> 02:01:13.479
and in the styles, the hardcore
style that Memphis presented. I loved it
1773
02:01:13.600 --> 02:01:17.359
when they when they shift years and
Jaredy came out and was talking about getting
1774
02:01:17.399 --> 02:01:24.279
on track for the world title because
that was ultimately the ongoing storyline for the
1775
02:01:24.319 --> 02:01:29.720
promotion. That they always went back
to lawlers pursuit of the world FIPU A
1776
02:01:29.840 --> 02:01:33.159
championship and uh, you know,
and then they start bringing in challengers and
1777
02:01:33.239 --> 02:01:39.119
building up this match and UH,
that's that's one of the things that really
1778
02:01:39.239 --> 02:01:43.720
captured my imagination. And whenever I
you know, I bought the Aftermags,
1779
02:01:44.119 --> 02:01:46.239
I'd always constantly sex to where Jerry
was in the ranking. You know,
1780
02:01:47.800 --> 02:01:53.119
I really liked it from from a
sporting sense, UH, And I guess
1781
02:01:53.199 --> 02:01:57.880
mainly that's because you know, we
didn't have a local sports stand. Um,
1782
02:01:58.319 --> 02:02:00.359
you know, we didn't have a
team that was and then the NFL
1783
02:02:00.399 --> 02:02:04.600
playoffs or anything like that. So
the closest we came was, you know,
1784
02:02:05.079 --> 02:02:08.479
it was the World Championship. And
the fact that they only brought in
1785
02:02:08.720 --> 02:02:12.960
uh back Winkol and Briscoe. Uh
you know it's like that, you know,
1786
02:02:13.039 --> 02:02:15.439
maybe maybe three or four times a
year, just made it especial because
1787
02:02:15.479 --> 02:02:19.520
he knew if Wahler blew it or
the decision didn't go his way, gosh,
1788
02:02:19.640 --> 02:02:24.760
you know, who knows when he's
gonna get another fans I remember I
1789
02:02:24.880 --> 02:02:28.640
was, um that's I think it
was about nine years old, and it
1790
02:02:28.760 --> 02:02:33.000
was one of the first lawlor Bakwinkol
matches. And there was an old gentleman
1791
02:02:33.279 --> 02:02:35.840
sitting next to me who had I
was with my uncle and on the other
1792
02:02:35.960 --> 02:02:42.960
side of me was an older gentleman
and he had had a little strink and
1793
02:02:44.199 --> 02:02:45.800
he told me before the start of
that he looked at me and he had
1794
02:02:45.840 --> 02:02:50.279
tears in his eyes and he said, you know it just once before I
1795
02:02:50.399 --> 02:02:54.840
do. I want to see Jerry
could get that belt right, you know,
1796
02:02:55.199 --> 02:02:58.800
And and that's how much that you
know it meant to the people in
1797
02:02:58.920 --> 02:03:02.359
Memphis. And I will say this
too. I know that that Hardy Race
1798
02:03:02.479 --> 02:03:06.119
and and some other guys thats uh
you know, said that Lawler couldn't work
1799
02:03:06.279 --> 02:03:11.520
and all these kinds of things.
Uh. I had an opportunity to swash
1800
02:03:11.560 --> 02:03:15.159
some emails with Jack Briscoe before his
pan thing, and you know, he
1801
02:03:15.239 --> 02:03:20.479
couldn't have been any kinder about Jerry
uh in the matches they had together,
1802
02:03:20.760 --> 02:03:25.479
and and buck Winkell too. Bluck
Winkell had said that those were absolutely some
1803
02:03:25.600 --> 02:03:29.800
of his favorite matches, not only
from the standpoint for the chemistry that he
1804
02:03:29.840 --> 02:03:35.319
had with Waller was just the magic
and the intensity that was in the air
1805
02:03:35.439 --> 02:03:42.520
with him coming in against the hometown
favorite. Uh. He you know,
1806
02:03:42.680 --> 02:03:46.720
he absolutely he loves coming to Memphis, and balck Winkel really played the role
1807
02:03:46.760 --> 02:03:51.439
of the world champion to perfect and
even probably even more so the brick player.
1808
02:03:51.800 --> 02:03:54.720
Because I want to I want to
say that you got I know you're
1809
02:03:54.720 --> 02:03:57.399
I'm the just respect. But this
is part of what you're talking about.
1810
02:03:57.720 --> 02:04:00.600
Talk about because I know you're privy
to the thinking of both Jerry Jarrett and
1811
02:04:00.640 --> 02:04:06.319
Jerry Lawler on this, But talk
about why Memphis went from chasing the NWA
1812
02:04:06.439 --> 02:04:13.199
title Jerry Lawyer chasing Dorry Funk Junior
and Jack Briscoe and Harley Race and Rick
1813
02:04:13.279 --> 02:04:15.920
Flair, and why they made the
change to Nick Blacklinkoll. And you're right,
1814
02:04:16.039 --> 02:04:19.920
Nick Backlot did a great job as
the you know, as the out
1815
02:04:19.960 --> 02:04:26.479
of town Beverly Hills World champion coming
into Memphis, Tennessee. And there's some
1816
02:04:26.640 --> 02:04:30.439
of that that exists on YouTube.
I you know, I'd highly recommend people
1817
02:04:30.439 --> 02:04:32.520
going to see that. But talk
about why black Linckoll was a better fit
1818
02:04:32.640 --> 02:04:39.000
with with Jerry Lawler and Memphis than
Rick Flair turned out to be, Well,
1819
02:04:39.079 --> 02:04:42.239
I think well part of it.
I think I think fans are frustrated
1820
02:04:42.239 --> 02:04:45.079
because they usually had to pull out
a dictionary when when Buck Clinckle came out
1821
02:04:45.119 --> 02:04:49.119
to do a promo. Uh,
but you know, he wasn't over the
1822
02:04:49.199 --> 02:04:56.000
top. He was just a little
bit more believable. Um. And but
1823
02:04:56.119 --> 02:05:00.359
the biggest reason mine Jarrett made the
switch. You know, it was harder
1824
02:05:00.439 --> 02:05:04.560
to get dates on the end of
the end of the Champion obviously, it
1825
02:05:04.680 --> 02:05:12.119
was more expensive to book, and
Jared was not a huge fan of of
1826
02:05:12.279 --> 02:05:18.039
Harley's science. He thought it was
a little clownish um the way he would
1827
02:05:18.079 --> 02:05:23.600
kind of oversell and some of the
exaggerated bumps he would take um. And
1828
02:05:23.760 --> 02:05:27.920
he just thought that that Nick was
it wasn't all around better worker. But
1829
02:05:28.159 --> 02:05:30.439
so you're saying it was a choice
between Harley Race and Nick black Winkel,
1830
02:05:30.600 --> 02:05:34.199
or the choice between Rich Flair and
well Well ray Well Races the champion when
1831
02:05:34.359 --> 02:05:40.039
when they made the switch. Okay, uh, they started booking uh black
1832
02:05:40.079 --> 02:05:46.119
winkl in nineteen seventy eight. With
some podcast memberships, there's a complicated system
1833
02:05:46.199 --> 02:05:48.960
of having to enter a user name
and password in advanced settings, and it
1834
02:05:49.000 --> 02:05:53.720
works on some apps but not others. That's not the case with PW Torch
1835
02:05:53.800 --> 02:05:57.840
vi IP membership. We now have
a slick setup where you're a single click
1836
02:05:57.880 --> 02:06:01.560
away when you go vi IP from
having your podcast feed automatically generated on Apple
1837
02:06:01.600 --> 02:06:04.880
Podcasts. All you need is an
authorized VIP membership. As soon as you
1838
02:06:05.000 --> 02:06:08.920
sign up on our express sign up
form, which takes about a minute,
1839
02:06:09.239 --> 02:06:12.079
you'll get a link and you click
on it and it opens Apple Podcasts and
1840
02:06:12.159 --> 02:06:15.960
subscribes, no entering anything, no
advanced settings. You can also subscribe on
1841
02:06:16.079 --> 02:06:20.600
more podcast apps than ever other than
Apple podcasts including Beyond Pod and Dog Catcher
1842
02:06:20.680 --> 02:06:27.359
on Android and many others on iPhones
and iOS. So VIP membership it's more
1843
02:06:27.439 --> 02:06:30.920
convenient than you realize. Get all
the benefits of v IP membership, all
1844
02:06:30.920 --> 02:06:34.560
the VP exclusive podcasts and these shows
with the ads and plugs removed with a
1845
02:06:34.720 --> 02:06:41.159
VIP membership. Pwtorch dot com slash
go vi ip. It's quick, it's
1846
02:06:41.199 --> 02:06:44.640
easy, it's convenient, and we
think it's worth it. Pwtorch dot com
1847
02:06:44.800 --> 02:06:56.840
slash go vi ip. But the
biggest factor was that Art had trying to
1848
02:06:56.920 --> 02:07:00.359
convince the n the VIA board.
He's like, look, you know,
1849
02:07:00.720 --> 02:07:05.960
we've got one of the biggest stars. He's drawing better than probably anybody weekly
1850
02:07:06.279 --> 02:07:11.159
in the country. Um, you
know, can't you know, can we
1851
02:07:11.239 --> 02:07:14.680
get him a short term time rain? And he he was really close with
1852
02:07:14.800 --> 02:07:18.479
Eddie Graham and tried to pull some
strings there and Eddie had a talk at
1853
02:07:18.520 --> 02:07:23.479
the INTERVI board and Eddie came back
to Jerry and said, well, you
1854
02:07:23.640 --> 02:07:29.319
just don't think that Jerry's tough enough. And Jared was like, Jarry Jarrett
1855
02:07:29.359 --> 02:07:32.359
was incredulous. He was like,
what do you mean tough? This is
1856
02:07:32.479 --> 02:07:40.439
this is show business. And I
think that it's worth saying that, Scott.
1857
02:07:40.439 --> 02:07:42.800
I don't I'm gonna interrupt you.
I'm not gonna pretend your way,
1858
02:07:42.800 --> 02:07:45.640
but I know you know what it's
like. Um, it's worth saying that
1859
02:07:45.760 --> 02:07:50.159
the old line promoters in the NWA, the the really old ones, remembered
1860
02:07:50.199 --> 02:07:55.680
the history of the business where they
they always wanted a loose as or someone
1861
02:07:55.840 --> 02:07:59.800
that could handle, that they could
perform and make money with. But also
1862
02:08:00.159 --> 02:08:03.239
that in case someone tried to double
cross them, um in the ring in
1863
02:08:03.319 --> 02:08:07.319
other words of Russell tried to tried
to eat the guy up and beat him
1864
02:08:07.720 --> 02:08:09.680
and steal the title in front of
that crowd and need to have a mess
1865
02:08:09.720 --> 02:08:13.000
on your hands. Back in the
thirties and the forties, those days were
1866
02:08:13.119 --> 02:08:16.159
long since over. You know,
by the time Jerry Lawler was in this
1867
02:08:16.199 --> 02:08:20.079
problem at the time you were talking
about where anybody was thinking whether that would
1868
02:08:20.119 --> 02:08:26.880
have worked at all. Yeah.
The reason nine it absolutely didn't make sense,
1869
02:08:28.000 --> 02:08:30.600
you know. Uh, you know
they picked the belt on Tommy rich
1870
02:08:31.439 --> 02:08:35.520
Uh. You know when it guts
to georgan, I mean, what was
1871
02:08:35.600 --> 02:08:39.159
the capacity and that in that area
three thousand people, right, you know,
1872
02:08:39.199 --> 02:08:41.560
with no build up, and then
he didn't even get to appear on
1873
02:08:41.920 --> 02:08:46.560
the superstation with the belt. You
know, if the titles changers that were
1874
02:08:46.600 --> 02:08:50.239
just so ill thought out at the
time, And here you are having Memphis
1875
02:08:50.279 --> 02:08:54.880
packing, you know, between eight
and ten thousand people, uh, and
1876
02:08:56.119 --> 02:09:01.000
and booking world title matches as if
they were the Super Bowl. Uh,
1877
02:09:01.880 --> 02:09:03.479
you know, it just would have
been a natural. But I think I
1878
02:09:03.560 --> 02:09:09.000
think finally realized I'm never going to
consent an entire board to get on board
1879
02:09:09.439 --> 02:09:15.560
with Jerry Lawler, but with vern
GNYA, I just have to convince one
1880
02:09:15.640 --> 02:09:20.399
man that makes sense. Yeah,
and uh, and that that was one
1881
02:09:20.399 --> 02:09:24.520
of the main reasons. But I
also I just think that I think the
1882
02:09:24.640 --> 02:09:31.239
jury was Jerry. Jerry was very
impressed with Nick's versability, his ability to
1883
02:09:31.840 --> 02:09:35.920
have a different match almost every time, which you know, I love early
1884
02:09:35.000 --> 02:09:39.840
and I and I obviously was a
huge Clayer fan as well. Uh,
1885
02:09:39.520 --> 02:09:43.960
you know, Knicks matches they were
they were never quite the same. Uh.
1886
02:09:45.399 --> 02:09:48.760
You know, he Lawler ramps some
tremendous brawls, but uh, one
1887
02:09:48.800 --> 02:09:52.880
of the best matches I've ever seen
them app with on January first, nineteen
1888
02:09:52.920 --> 02:09:56.840
eighty four, and the whole matt
you can just feel the anticipation building up
1889
02:09:56.840 --> 02:10:01.880
because bach Winkle is just out wrestling
law like crazy, just working on his
1890
02:10:01.119 --> 02:10:05.000
arm, his leg so much.
Matt wrestling for about thirty minutes, and
1891
02:10:05.079 --> 02:10:09.399
then finally Lawler explodes, uh,
you know, with a bunch of punches
1892
02:10:09.479 --> 02:10:13.680
and then I think it ends up
pitting the referee or whatever. But you
1893
02:10:13.760 --> 02:10:16.800
know, just just the way they
slowly, you know, just playing the
1894
02:10:16.880 --> 02:10:22.279
crowd like a piano, you know. Um, yeah, they just had
1895
02:10:22.439 --> 02:10:28.119
Ferment and you know, blintl was
the server Leil's champion, and the you
1896
02:10:28.199 --> 02:10:31.840
know, it was very articulate,
and then you had you know, plain
1897
02:10:31.920 --> 02:10:35.600
old speaking Jerry Laller come out there. Um. It was just the contrast
1898
02:10:35.720 --> 02:10:39.159
between the two. It was amazing. All right, Bruce and Scott.
1899
02:10:39.279 --> 02:10:43.399
I hate to interrupt him, loving
this conversation, and I can talk to
1900
02:10:43.439 --> 02:10:46.359
Memphis or listen to Memphis either way
wrestling, but I want to shift to
1901
02:10:46.479 --> 02:10:50.199
other guests. Scott. Uh,
But Scott Bowden, if you have to
1902
02:10:50.279 --> 02:10:52.399
go, I understand that if you
want to stick around for this conversation,
1903
02:10:52.439 --> 02:10:58.199
you're certainly welcome to. We're gonna
bring in our guest who was at RAW
1904
02:10:58.760 --> 02:11:01.359
on Monday, and we've kept it
a little bit of a mystery who it
1905
02:11:01.359 --> 02:11:05.760
would be. But his name is
Scottie Campbell Um. Scottie, are you
1906
02:11:05.800 --> 02:11:09.800
there? I am here. Thanks
for having me. You're welcome. Now.
1907
02:11:09.159 --> 02:11:16.239
You had quite the introduction to professionalising
on Monday. People may remember you
1908
02:11:16.880 --> 02:11:20.600
or I don't know how they could
remember you. How you had not Yeah,
1909
02:11:20.680 --> 02:11:24.920
they had an You had an S
in a C on your warm up
1910
02:11:24.000 --> 02:11:31.119
jacket as you made quite a dance
to the rings. One that is no
1911
02:11:31.319 --> 02:11:35.159
dancer. It was a very unique
moment. I was glad to be there.
1912
02:11:35.199 --> 02:11:37.159
By nature, I'm a talker.
I've been in radio open a producer.
1913
02:11:37.199 --> 02:11:41.239
I been in the MP for a
number of years and had a whole
1914
02:11:41.279 --> 02:11:45.119
lot of fun out there. I
showed up in business casual, which was
1915
02:11:45.159 --> 02:11:48.800
what I was instructed to do about
the w w E, and we stepped
1916
02:11:48.840 --> 02:11:52.840
in there rehearsal. Triple H saw
me in the dress clothes and he said,
1917
02:11:52.319 --> 02:11:54.520
we've got to get you out there, Scottie. Let me. I'm
1918
02:11:54.520 --> 02:11:58.359
sorry, I want to interrupt you
to sure you've set the stage for why
1919
02:11:58.439 --> 02:12:01.640
you were there, how you got
that opportun salute and really, by the
1920
02:12:01.840 --> 02:12:03.960
you know, it's a great you
did something really great beyond even rustling.
1921
02:12:05.159 --> 02:12:07.159
And you know, I get that
opportunity just to double interrupt since Bruce was
1922
02:12:07.199 --> 02:12:09.399
so rude to interrupt you. Now, you know, as like Scottie,
1923
02:12:09.880 --> 02:12:13.239
Um, I want to say that
you came up with tons of Funk on
1924
02:12:13.319 --> 02:12:15.520
Monday. You you you, because
I didn't quite get to that. You
1925
02:12:15.640 --> 02:12:18.800
did the guest. You were a
get You joined them on the way to
1926
02:12:18.840 --> 02:12:22.439
the ring and got very into their
dance routine. So go ahead and set
1927
02:12:22.520 --> 02:12:24.640
the stage with Bruce's question, then
we'll get into details on Triple It's coming
1928
02:12:24.680 --> 02:12:30.359
up to you. Good hook,
Okay. These Superstars for Sandy Relief was
1929
02:12:30.399 --> 02:12:37.680
a charity auction by WWE through charitybuzz
dot com for hurricane recovery efforts in the
1930
02:12:37.720 --> 02:12:41.960
Northeast. I contributed to the online
auction and actually end up ended up being
1931
02:12:41.039 --> 02:12:46.239
the top bidder and winner for the
chance to dance and appear with Tons of
1932
02:12:46.319 --> 02:12:48.199
Funk on Roll. So that was
the lead up to the event itself.
1933
02:12:48.359 --> 02:12:52.960
It was It was just one incredible
night that Triple H is so involved with
1934
02:12:54.199 --> 02:12:58.079
the production of the show. I
had no idea how involved he was,
1935
02:12:58.520 --> 02:13:01.119
and he saw me in street clothes
and dress clothes and he said, Scottie,
1936
02:13:01.119 --> 02:13:03.079
we've got to get you an outfit. So he turned around to some
1937
02:13:03.119 --> 02:13:05.960
of the production crew and he said, yes, Scottie, an outfit and
1938
02:13:07.199 --> 02:13:13.039
that incredible operation was in about two
hours. Had personalized embroidered uh jumpsuit for
1939
02:13:13.159 --> 02:13:18.520
me track suit. So we we
we only did one rehearsal if we were
1940
02:13:18.520 --> 02:13:22.840
out there for in rehearsals a few
minutes and ran through it real quick.
1941
02:13:24.079 --> 02:13:28.560
And I got a Twitter at Twitter
message last night from Triple A Chain he
1942
02:13:28.760 --> 02:13:31.680
said, awesome job boy, to
go, good job, something to that
1943
02:13:31.760 --> 02:13:33.319
effect. So that really meant a
lot to me to hear that from the
1944
02:13:35.079 --> 02:13:39.359
from the chip from the COEO.
Now you you're you're you've ore a long
1945
02:13:39.439 --> 02:13:45.159
time Torch reader and supporter and listener. Um, what what kind of uh?
1946
02:13:46.079 --> 02:13:48.079
Knowing what you know about WWE and
certainly following the Torch, you know
1947
02:13:48.159 --> 02:13:50.840
more than any other fan could possibly
know. Of course we have to say
1948
02:13:50.920 --> 02:13:56.239
that, Um, when you were
bidding on the charity, did you I
1949
02:13:56.319 --> 02:13:58.560
mean, was your goal I want
to do this or or did you think,
1950
02:13:58.600 --> 02:14:01.439
ah, what the odds? You
know, I'll give it my best
1951
02:14:01.479 --> 02:14:03.000
shot, but I probably won't be
the guy who wins or did you want
1952
02:14:03.159 --> 02:14:07.640
really determined for this? This was
something you really wanted to make happen by
1953
02:14:07.760 --> 02:14:09.399
nature. I'm a dreamer and a
doer, and I served one term as
1954
02:14:09.439 --> 02:14:13.439
an elective member of the Tennessee House
of Representatives. Decided I didn't want to
1955
02:14:13.479 --> 02:14:16.720
do that anymore, and so I
thought, you know what, timing is
1956
02:14:16.760 --> 02:14:20.239
perfect. I'm almost finished with paramedic
school. If I went in this auction
1957
02:14:20.279 --> 02:14:22.680
and if things go well there,
you never know what might happen. I'd
1958
02:14:22.720 --> 02:14:26.199
love to work backstage or something with
these days, so I just seized a
1959
02:14:26.279 --> 02:14:31.159
moment. I sat there and I
prayed in a radio production studio as I
1960
02:14:31.319 --> 02:14:33.800
was big, and that if it
was to happened, that that'd be the
1961
02:14:33.840 --> 02:14:39.159
winning amount, because I didn't plan
on going any higher. So I'm glad
1962
02:14:39.239 --> 02:14:41.720
I was able to take place.
But I want to thank you guys for
1963
02:14:41.800 --> 02:14:45.800
doing the tribute show to the fabulous
Swan Jackie Fargo. I have a Jackie
1964
02:14:45.960 --> 02:14:50.000
memory myself, well more than one. About five years ago I traveled to
1965
02:14:50.159 --> 02:14:54.439
Louisbourg, Tennessee southern Middle Tennessee area
to see the Fabulous One, and I
1966
02:14:54.560 --> 02:14:58.600
was able to see the strut in
person for the one and only time in
1967
02:14:58.680 --> 02:15:03.920
my life. Jacky Fargo brought his
A game and he did not disappoint the
1968
02:15:03.079 --> 02:15:07.960
ruthless coming off that place even at
that point. That's a nice Yes,
1969
02:15:16.239 --> 02:15:22.039
Hey guys, it's Mike McMahon from
The All Elite After Show. Every week,
1970
02:15:22.159 --> 02:15:26.039
Andrew Socheck and I break down a
EW on our free PW Towards podcast.
1971
02:15:26.239 --> 02:15:30.760
We've been doing this show since two
thousand and sixteen. That's right,
1972
02:15:30.960 --> 02:15:33.760
we're on our fifth year. When
we started the show, back then,
1973
02:15:33.800 --> 02:15:37.359
we were talking just impact wrestling,
and we still talk about them from time
1974
02:15:37.399 --> 02:15:39.319
to time as well, and over
the years we've branched out to also discuss
1975
02:15:39.479 --> 02:15:43.760
MLW and of course the main event
of our program, which is always the
1976
02:15:43.880 --> 02:15:48.159
latest going on in a e W. Again, the show was called The
1977
02:15:48.239 --> 02:15:52.199
All Elite After Show with me,
Mike McMahon and my partner Andrew Socheck.
1978
02:15:52.520 --> 02:15:54.920
You can check us out as part
of the PW Towards Daily Cast lineup.
1979
02:15:56.119 --> 02:15:58.800
You can subscribe to our show and
all of the Daily Cast shows just by
1980
02:16:00.000 --> 02:16:03.760
searching PW Torch on any podcast app, and of course you can listen ad
1981
02:16:05.039 --> 02:16:24.680
free with a PW Torch VIP membership. And did you interject a little your
1982
02:16:24.800 --> 02:16:28.840
version of a Jackie Fargo strut while
you were in the ram Monday, well,
1983
02:16:28.159 --> 02:16:31.399
just a little bit. I wanted
to do more, but I was
1984
02:16:31.479 --> 02:16:33.840
hesitant to do that. I should
have talked with law or more about that
1985
02:16:35.000 --> 02:16:37.479
moment. So I did kind of
do a little bit of a slide flash
1986
02:16:37.559 --> 02:16:43.799
strut, but definitely had Jackie Fargo
on my mind Monday night and H and
1987
02:16:43.200 --> 02:16:46.040
I had to be in the middle
of that ring in an arena with thirteen
1988
02:16:46.159 --> 02:16:50.719
thousand people on Monday night. Raw
is an incredible moment. And being in
1989
02:16:50.799 --> 02:16:56.799
the guerrilla position and seeing vincementman Triple
H there and Scott Armstrong saying aren't you
1990
02:16:56.920 --> 02:17:01.440
ready go? There's no holding back
when that music hits feeling I have ever
1991
02:17:01.559 --> 02:17:03.920
felt the best night of my life, guys, and I have had some
1992
02:17:03.040 --> 02:17:07.280
great nights. Let me tell you, no, Scottie, you had you
1993
02:17:07.399 --> 02:17:09.000
were very into the into it at
that. You're very into the moment.
1994
02:17:09.079 --> 02:17:13.319
Now, I'm sure you've looked back
at it. How are you? Are
1995
02:17:13.360 --> 02:17:16.200
you happy? Are you proud?
Are you a little embarrassed? Or are
1996
02:17:16.239 --> 02:17:18.799
you hey? That was awesome?
Like? What are your feelings having looked
1997
02:17:18.799 --> 02:17:20.959
back on that moment, because it's
hard to know how you're gonna act when
1998
02:17:22.000 --> 02:17:24.920
those lights come on. Absolutely true, as one that is not a dancer,
1999
02:17:26.280 --> 02:17:30.440
I am a very I'm typically well, frankly, often in a suit,
2000
02:17:30.639 --> 02:17:33.879
I'm very rigid, sort of like
maybe an al Gore type in terms
2001
02:17:33.920 --> 02:17:37.040
of looking like a statue. And
I went through the rehearsal and I was
2002
02:17:37.200 --> 02:17:41.360
a little stiff, and one of
the road agents was likened you to loosen
2003
02:17:41.440 --> 02:17:46.159
up a little. And I tell
you, I went out there and goose,
2004
02:17:46.479 --> 02:17:48.360
uh, you know, funky like
a monkey. Thank you, Dusty
2005
02:17:48.440 --> 02:17:52.920
Rhodes and all those things, and
we just had fun with it. I'd
2006
02:17:52.000 --> 02:17:56.520
love to do that again. Protus
Clay. There's an interview with him on
2007
02:17:56.680 --> 02:18:00.200
WWE dot com and and he said, sweet tea better watch out. So
2008
02:18:01.520 --> 02:18:03.520
you know, I gotta say I
thought you did a great job. I
2009
02:18:03.680 --> 02:18:05.959
was howl and laughing watching that in
a good way. I mean, I
2010
02:18:07.040 --> 02:18:09.159
just thought, if you're going if
someone's going to do that, I've seen
2011
02:18:09.559 --> 02:18:13.079
people walk to the ring with rustlers
and you're just like, nah, you
2012
02:18:13.159 --> 02:18:16.239
know, you know you've got to
act bigger than life and all that you
2013
02:18:16.280 --> 02:18:20.639
were talking. Absolutely, I told
you, I said, I'm here to
2014
02:18:20.760 --> 02:18:24.079
maximize my minute, to use the
words of j R. And I did
2015
02:18:24.120 --> 02:18:26.360
the best I could, you know, given my minute and a half on
2016
02:18:26.559 --> 02:18:33.680
w w E Television. So what
what you you when you found out that
2017
02:18:33.760 --> 02:18:35.760
you were going, that you were
the winner and you're gonna be there?
2018
02:18:35.760 --> 02:18:37.920
How much communication to w W have
with you? And who communicated with you
2019
02:18:39.040 --> 02:18:46.000
beating up to Monday? The manager
Joyn Johnson was my primary contact, and
2020
02:18:46.719 --> 02:18:48.360
we just started discussing the date about
a month and a half ago, and
2021
02:18:48.399 --> 02:18:52.639
I really didn't get a confirmation until
about the week of the show. Imagine
2022
02:18:52.639 --> 02:18:56.520
that. And the night of the
show they moved the segment of once and
2023
02:18:56.559 --> 02:18:58.520
I ended up going on right after
John Cena and he came up to me
2024
02:18:58.559 --> 02:19:03.639
and Gorilla and on his own free
will think to me for what I had
2025
02:19:03.719 --> 02:19:05.319
done. And you know, John
Ceene has done so much for so many
2026
02:19:05.360 --> 02:19:09.319
people with the company and with charities, and I appreciate that from the bottom
2027
02:19:09.319 --> 02:19:13.639
of my heart too. But guys, I tell you, I wouldn't trade
2028
02:19:13.680 --> 02:19:16.159
the experience for anything. And of
course, I guess like anybody that's been
2029
02:19:16.200 --> 02:19:18.760
able to do that at least once
in their life, I'd love to do
2030
02:19:18.840 --> 02:19:22.200
it some more and at what time
did you have to get to the building.
2031
02:19:24.559 --> 02:19:28.440
My call time was three thirty pm. I spent hours in catering.
2032
02:19:30.159 --> 02:19:33.600
Jerry the King Lawler came over to
the table, Mark Henry, them Is
2033
02:19:33.760 --> 02:19:37.440
hornswa Will sat with us a while. Let's see, Curtis Axel had just
2034
02:19:37.559 --> 02:19:41.399
had some incredible conversations and to be
able to be in catering with those guys,
2035
02:19:41.479 --> 02:19:45.000
that's a dream come true, especially
for a guy who likes to eat.
2036
02:19:46.159 --> 02:19:52.319
And we had some good conversations.
And what really amazed me once Superstars
2037
02:19:52.360 --> 02:19:56.680
taping and once WWE Raw went live, I was amazed at how intently the
2038
02:19:56.760 --> 02:20:01.799
superstars were watching the showback stage.
He was it was the second coming.
2039
02:20:01.840 --> 02:20:05.920
I mean they were absolutely two in
to the product, and to me,
2040
02:20:07.120 --> 02:20:11.760
that is a mutual respect and a
sign specialism. Well, it probably was
2041
02:20:13.319 --> 02:20:15.559
the answer to the next question's gonna
ask, but I want to get even
2042
02:20:15.600 --> 02:20:18.879
another another. Uh maybe the second
most surprising thing? What surprise you most
2043
02:20:18.879 --> 02:20:22.200
about being backstage? I mean you
had your set of expectations. You follow
2044
02:20:22.239 --> 02:20:26.840
wrestling closely. Um, seeing the
wrestlers glue to the monitor, that's a
2045
02:20:26.879 --> 02:20:30.719
great observation and that's a great,
great story. What else surprised you about
2046
02:20:30.760 --> 02:20:33.000
that? That process Compared to your
expectations in terms of just being around that
2047
02:20:33.079 --> 02:20:39.000
for six hours, it was more
complex, with more with more professional folks
2048
02:20:39.040 --> 02:20:43.159
than I have your dream for example, uh me showing up in that and
2049
02:20:43.680 --> 02:20:48.440
dress clothes and them having a suit
made for me by seamstresses on staff in
2050
02:20:48.639 --> 02:20:54.360
the arena while rawl was happening,
so I didn't have a chance to try
2051
02:20:54.399 --> 02:20:56.840
it on. It was you put
this on, You're ready, Let's do
2052
02:20:56.000 --> 02:21:01.120
this thing. The Total Diva's Show, it's being filmed presently. It's going
2053
02:21:01.239 --> 02:21:07.799
to premiere on the E Network on
July twenty eighth. Its features Cameron and
2054
02:21:07.879 --> 02:21:15.200
naow you Funkadactyls, the Bellas and
Adela and Idheart and others and may very
2055
02:21:15.239 --> 02:21:18.079
well be on that show. I
was interviewed for that as well. W
2056
02:21:18.440 --> 02:21:22.959
W E did a couple of on
camera interviews with me, one before and
2057
02:21:22.079 --> 02:21:28.639
one after my performance and incredible time. And I tell you guys, when
2058
02:21:28.680 --> 02:21:33.840
I came back from the ring,
the response was something else the great colleague
2059
02:21:33.040 --> 02:21:35.920
for him to walk up to me, look at me, it's a great
2060
02:21:37.079 --> 02:21:41.079
rob Just one of those unexpected moments
and on the foot side of that coin.
2061
02:21:41.159 --> 02:21:45.840
Orenslogel came up to me as well, and I think they really enjoyed
2062
02:21:45.879 --> 02:21:48.719
the performance, you know, as
much as I did. They were entertained,
2063
02:21:48.799 --> 02:21:52.680
So to put smiles on Super Shark's
faces was really good feeling, because
2064
02:21:52.719 --> 02:21:54.959
those guys take great pride in what
they do. Rice, do you have
2065
02:21:56.000 --> 02:21:58.040
anything for Scotty. I've been to
so many shows looking into the ring,
2066
02:21:58.319 --> 02:22:01.319
being inside the ring, looking out
at the audience. What did you notice?
2067
02:22:01.360 --> 02:22:03.799
What did you see? Or were
you just you just well at the
2068
02:22:03.879 --> 02:22:09.120
high things happened so fast. Let
me tell you that I had to go
2069
02:22:09.239 --> 02:22:13.040
back and watch the tape to see
exactly what I did and see fans reactions.
2070
02:22:13.159 --> 02:22:16.399
But when you're in the ring,
you can see some you can see
2071
02:22:16.399 --> 02:22:20.799
a good part of the crowd.
The when you have the tons of funk
2072
02:22:20.879 --> 02:22:24.159
guys in the ring and the funk
of actyls and myself, you've got a
2073
02:22:24.280 --> 02:22:26.879
grand total of about a half tone
in the ring, so you know,
2074
02:22:26.959 --> 02:22:31.959
well over a thousand pounds and we're
bouncing and it was almost like we were
2075
02:22:33.000 --> 02:22:35.159
all bouncing on a king size bed
and I was afraid I might fall,
2076
02:22:35.399 --> 02:22:39.239
And they told me, you know, don't don't mess up, and thankfully
2077
02:22:39.239 --> 02:22:46.000
I didn't arguably so we had fun
with it. But the energy of those
2078
02:22:46.280 --> 02:22:50.760
w W universe members us second and
none. I've been in front of some
2079
02:22:50.840 --> 02:22:54.680
big crowds in my life through the
political arena in my home state of Tennessee,
2080
02:22:54.879 --> 02:23:03.719
and the reaction from those thirteen thousand
or Charleston Coliseum was was just wonderful.
2081
02:23:03.520 --> 02:23:07.200
Now, what did your family and
friends and people at work, particularly
2082
02:23:07.280 --> 02:23:11.959
people that maybe aren't the big you
know, not everybody's a wrestling fan.
2083
02:23:11.120 --> 02:23:16.520
What was the reaction to did you
catch anybody that I just happened to catch
2084
02:23:16.559 --> 02:23:18.559
you on the Air's what's when the
ration of everybody that knows you to do?
2085
02:23:18.840 --> 02:23:22.639
Oh, I just I just love
the fact that, oh, nobody
2086
02:23:22.719 --> 02:23:26.360
watches the WWE, but suddenly everybody's
harping about I saw you on TV on
2087
02:23:26.479 --> 02:23:31.159
Monday Night Raw, So you know
we've heard those cluss before. I was
2088
02:23:31.239 --> 02:23:35.559
at the state legislature yesterday paid a
visit to some old friends of mine,
2089
02:23:35.680 --> 02:23:39.920
and the speaker of the Tennessee Houser
representatives came up to me and told me
2090
02:23:41.000 --> 02:23:45.280
that she had seen the video because
the Nashville newspaper that Tennessee and got the
2091
02:23:45.319 --> 02:23:48.280
bright idea to post the video on
their website. So it's It's gotten a
2092
02:23:48.319 --> 02:23:52.760
little bit more coverage than I had
anticipated to hear in my home state,
2093
02:23:52.959 --> 02:23:56.559
but you know, they appreciate what
I did for it before the Hurricane Sandy
2094
02:23:56.639 --> 02:23:58.440
release. I'm glad I was able
to help in some way and also get
2095
02:23:58.479 --> 02:24:03.520
to live an absolute dream of mind
to do something for the WWE. I
2096
02:24:03.600 --> 02:24:07.879
have some other ideas I'd like to
cultivate, but you never know. And
2097
02:24:07.959 --> 02:24:11.000
if you think of momentum from this
might um catapult you back into the political
2098
02:24:11.040 --> 02:24:16.559
arena and maybe give you a way
to ride. I would rather be body
2099
02:24:16.600 --> 02:24:22.559
slammed my zab culture than go back
into the political arena or even ride back.
2100
02:24:24.680 --> 02:24:26.479
I'm glad I was able to do
that. But if I could do
2101
02:24:26.600 --> 02:24:31.280
something backstage, and I've been in
production in the radio world, if I
2102
02:24:31.319 --> 02:24:33.399
could do something like that for the
w w E, I would be on
2103
02:24:33.639 --> 02:24:45.079
Cloud nine as long as it lasted. Every Sunday night, catch Wrestling Night
2104
02:24:45.079 --> 02:24:48.680
in America on pwtrch Dailycast dot Com, hosted by me PW Torch calumnist Greg
2105
02:24:48.840 --> 02:24:52.959
Parks. Each week, I'll welcome
a co host from the Torch family to
2106
02:24:52.040 --> 02:24:56.520
discuss the big shows in pro wrestling, taking or calls an emails. You
2107
02:24:56.600 --> 02:24:58.959
can listen live most weeks the beginning
at eight pm Eastern on Sunday night.
2108
02:25:00.000 --> 02:25:03.000
It's with a WWE or Impact pay
per view, we go on the air.
2109
02:25:03.079 --> 02:25:05.600
At the conclusion of that pay per
view, you can listen live,
2110
02:25:05.639 --> 02:25:09.319
but of course, the full show
is available for download on demand anytime shortly
2111
02:25:09.360 --> 02:25:13.120
after it airs. Visit PW Torch
Dailycast dot com and click the live stream
2112
02:25:13.159 --> 02:25:16.719
link to find the next scheduled live
show link. Search PW Torch and Apple
2113
02:25:16.760 --> 02:25:20.799
Podcasts or your podcast app to subscribe
the Wrestling Night in America every Sunday,
2114
02:25:20.959 --> 02:25:37.959
pwtrch Dailycast dot com. Scotty,
I have to ask, how does this
2115
02:25:39.239 --> 02:25:46.079
experience right now being behind the scene
on the PW Torch Livecast v I P
2116
02:25:46.399 --> 02:25:52.479
Aftershow with Bruce Mitchell, how does
that compare on a on a bookending your
2117
02:25:52.520 --> 02:25:58.399
week to it wants It wants It
makes me want to put on that track
2118
02:25:58.479 --> 02:26:03.680
suit right now at c Scotti Campbell
Initials and get my tongue for funk action
2119
02:26:03.760 --> 02:26:05.399
on the Dragon The American Dream of
Dust. You rose into a little footplop
2120
02:26:05.440 --> 02:26:09.440
and impliance. You know, I
completely believe you too. I just want
2121
02:26:09.479 --> 02:26:11.680
you to know that I believe every
word that just came out of your mouth.
2122
02:26:11.760 --> 02:26:16.600
It's there you go. If only
we were videos. Politicians don't lie
2123
02:26:16.639 --> 02:26:20.719
in either, be former politicians exactly. I do have to ask you about
2124
02:26:20.719 --> 02:26:24.559
that, about that track suit,
tell the truth. Have you the w
2125
02:26:24.840 --> 02:26:28.959
be made for you? And you
know you used it in your appearance It
2126
02:26:28.120 --> 02:26:31.399
was a big hit and all that, um, have you worn it since?
2127
02:26:31.479 --> 02:26:35.959
And what were the circumstances that you
have that you may have worn it?
2128
02:26:35.559 --> 02:26:39.920
Well? I got a message from
one of the independent promotions in Tennessee.
2129
02:26:41.159 --> 02:26:43.760
They're gonna have Scott Hallyd Kevin nash
All is third and sparted Tennessee,
2130
02:26:45.280 --> 02:26:50.120
and the promotion swam Pro asked me
to be in touch with them, and
2131
02:26:50.239 --> 02:26:52.319
so I ended up actually putting on
the tracksuit and cutting a promo and it's
2132
02:26:52.360 --> 02:26:56.680
up on YouTube. So that's the
only other time I've had it on and
2133
02:26:56.719 --> 02:26:58.000
showed it off to a friend of
mine the other day, but belonging that
2134
02:26:58.159 --> 02:27:01.520
it's in safe keep in the closet, ready for the next appearance if it
2135
02:27:01.600 --> 02:27:07.639
ever happens. I one more question, Scotty, did they have any rules
2136
02:27:07.680 --> 02:27:11.319
for you ww Did they say,
you know, don't take pictures or don't
2137
02:27:11.360 --> 02:27:15.559
go into this area or did they
just let you walk in? And I
2138
02:27:15.719 --> 02:27:20.120
hope you had a common sense.
Well, fortunately, fortunately I do have
2139
02:27:20.280 --> 02:27:24.639
someone that worked out. But they
did tell us no autographs and no pictures.
2140
02:27:24.680 --> 02:27:26.959
I was able to take one guest
with me. I didn't find out
2141
02:27:26.959 --> 02:27:31.399
about that until about forty eight hours
before the experience. Oh. I never
2142
02:27:31.559 --> 02:27:33.239
dreamed that I get to take somebody. Luckily, a huge fan and friend
2143
02:27:33.280 --> 02:27:37.360
of mine, Butch linger Felt,
was able to accompany me and we had
2144
02:27:37.360 --> 02:27:39.719
a good time, I think,
with the most awkward fan moment for myself
2145
02:27:39.760 --> 02:27:43.399
and my friend Butch when we were
in catering and sitting at the table with
2146
02:27:43.559 --> 02:27:48.360
some ms and others and walks Mark
Henry and you know, typical Mark Henry
2147
02:27:48.399 --> 02:27:52.200
fashion. He's just a big guy, so he walks in catering and Butch
2148
02:27:52.239 --> 02:27:54.280
and I looked at each other.
We look at Mark Henry, we look
2149
02:27:54.319 --> 02:27:56.680
back at each other and we just
bust out laughing. I couldn't help it,
2150
02:27:56.079 --> 02:28:00.920
and I looked at my w W
E Liaison type count act and I
2151
02:28:01.079 --> 02:28:03.360
said, I'll tell you that story
in a minute, and then simply the
2152
02:28:03.360 --> 02:28:07.920
story was, it's just the sheer
presence of Mark Henri was a site for
2153
02:28:07.040 --> 02:28:09.079
sore eyes, let me tell you. And then he shut down with this,
2154
02:28:09.200 --> 02:28:11.920
had a good conversation as he enjoyed
his turkey burger. So he can
2155
02:28:13.000 --> 02:28:18.760
keep that figure awesome. Did uh? I'm lying because I have another fellow
2156
02:28:18.840 --> 02:28:22.760
up just observing Vincent Man. You've
watched him for years as a wrestling fan
2157
02:28:22.879 --> 02:28:26.680
on camera and in other circumstances you
know, well you know in other talk
2158
02:28:26.719 --> 02:28:30.760
show interviews of that kind of thing, anything about him when the camera's not
2159
02:28:31.040 --> 02:28:37.000
on that you observed that surprised here. Basic man is one of the most
2160
02:28:37.399 --> 02:28:43.239
polite and professional human beings I have
ever interacted with. My first interaction with
2161
02:28:43.360 --> 02:28:48.360
him was actually at a Sheraton hotel
in the lobby when he was ECW World
2162
02:28:48.440 --> 02:28:52.879
Champion about two thousand. It was
April two thousand and sevens when it was
2163
02:28:52.959 --> 02:28:58.879
I just came back from going to
my first Trestlemania and Vince let me out
2164
02:29:00.200 --> 02:29:03.959
of the hotel and we got a
photo there back then, and you know,
2165
02:29:05.040 --> 02:29:07.879
he was fresh. He had a
pay per view on Sunday night in
2166
02:29:07.879 --> 02:29:11.280
Atlanta on Monday night. He was
in Nashville. He had to be tired,
2167
02:29:11.360 --> 02:29:13.120
he had just done Alive or all. But he treated me like I
2168
02:29:13.319 --> 02:29:18.600
was family even back then. And
uh and just to see him in Guerrilla
2169
02:29:18.719 --> 02:29:22.799
in his element, that man is
tuned into that show. But not only
2170
02:29:22.879 --> 02:29:26.760
that. I'm amazed at how closely
Triple H has his pulse on the product
2171
02:29:26.840 --> 02:29:33.159
today. That man is not just
a figurehead. He is involved boots on
2172
02:29:33.360 --> 02:29:37.079
the ground during raw. How much
we're vincent triplates communicating with one another.
2173
02:29:39.000 --> 02:29:43.920
They were sitting elbow to elbow side
by side in Gorilla. The other two
2174
02:29:43.959 --> 02:29:48.120
seats in Guerrilla were occupied by Scott
Armstrong and Billy Kidman. And Scott was
2175
02:29:48.239 --> 02:29:52.120
the guy Nixy Dynamite as I remember
him from my Smoky Mountain wrestling childhood days.
2176
02:29:52.159 --> 02:29:58.000
Thank you Jim Cornette for that memory. And he Scott Armstrong was the
2177
02:29:58.360 --> 02:30:01.280
go to guy there for a moment
too. When I came back through the
2178
02:30:01.399 --> 02:30:05.120
Gorilla positions when I saw seeing it
again in Triple H, and Triple H
2179
02:30:05.239 --> 02:30:09.479
congratulated me. And I think there's
a little banter about I Really I think
2180
02:30:09.520 --> 02:30:13.799
they were impressed with my will use
and ability to just jump right in there
2181
02:30:13.879 --> 02:30:16.200
and and my groove on, even
though I don't have a whole lot of
2182
02:30:16.239 --> 02:30:24.079
the groove. And who was the
biggest juror Alberto del Rio? Oh really,
2183
02:30:24.239 --> 02:30:28.520
I asked the question of more just
a joke, but I, well,
2184
02:30:28.520 --> 02:30:30.959
I didn't know. If I didn't
answer, well, tell me why
2185
02:30:31.000 --> 02:30:33.600
you said that. Let's just say
that he gave me the perception that he
2186
02:30:33.680 --> 02:30:37.120
didn't think that I belonged in the
back stage area. I tried to be
2187
02:30:37.159 --> 02:30:41.280
as plot accommodating to everyone as I
possibly could. But we've made a great
2188
02:30:41.399 --> 02:30:43.479
night of it, and and I
had a whole lot of fun. It
2189
02:30:43.639 --> 02:30:46.360
was more, I guess, of
a joke than anything. But I just
2190
02:30:46.440 --> 02:30:50.200
got the feeling that I should have
put on my politician suit with the nicktie
2191
02:30:50.239 --> 02:30:52.360
and get out there with the dep
culture and say, you know what,
2192
02:30:52.799 --> 02:30:58.840
we the people are united. You
elected me to represent you people, and
2193
02:30:58.479 --> 02:31:03.600
we're going to get rid of the
problem and restart that feud with Alberto del
2194
02:31:03.760 --> 02:31:07.879
Rio and Ricardo. So Alberto gave
you a dirty look at catering, essentially,
2195
02:31:09.000 --> 02:31:11.479
or kind of, he made it
very clear that that he didn't appreciate
2196
02:31:11.559 --> 02:31:18.079
my presence true words or look,
uh, that's a little bit of both.
2197
02:31:18.000 --> 02:31:22.360
I guess I better leave well enough
along with that. But but overall
2198
02:31:22.360 --> 02:31:24.799
though we had a fantastic time.
I guess you could have told them take
2199
02:31:24.799 --> 02:31:28.079
it up with replation Vincent man,
because I'm their invited guest. Well there
2200
02:31:28.120 --> 02:31:31.239
you go. I mean, I
donated to the hurricane relief effort, and
2201
02:31:31.559 --> 02:31:37.239
uh and I had just as much
right to be there as someone who has,
2202
02:31:37.280 --> 02:31:39.639
say, remembers in the business.
So yeah, but I was completely
2203
02:31:39.680 --> 02:31:43.040
respectful. We did not have a
we did not have an exchange of words.
2204
02:31:43.159 --> 02:31:48.399
He just uh just I guess maybe
he was so focused in what he
2205
02:31:48.440 --> 02:31:50.200
does it's a WWE, that he
just didn't want anybody around. But I
2206
02:31:50.319 --> 02:31:54.000
made it. I made a point
to not go up to people and introduce
2207
02:31:54.120 --> 02:31:56.600
myself or anything like that. I
let them come to me. So I
2208
02:31:56.639 --> 02:31:58.239
mean, but from what you said, it's alt like you handled it like
2209
02:31:58.360 --> 02:32:01.879
a pro good good instincts on on
what to do and how to fit in
2210
02:32:03.000 --> 02:32:05.040
and let people come to you,
And it seems like it worked out really
2211
02:32:05.079 --> 02:32:09.200
well. It is, and I
hope the WWE does more things like this
2212
02:32:09.520 --> 02:32:13.120
for members of the w w RE
universe in the future, especially this member
2213
02:32:13.799 --> 02:32:18.799
yes, run. Any final thoughts
for Oscotty, No, except I just
2214
02:32:18.920 --> 02:32:22.000
want to reiterate I really thought you
did a great job. I thought that
2215
02:32:22.159 --> 02:32:24.040
you had a lot of energy and
like you said, you made the most
2216
02:32:24.079 --> 02:32:26.280
of your moments. I mean,
that was funny and it was it was
2217
02:32:26.319 --> 02:32:30.120
the righte at it was the right
act to do it with too, So
2218
02:32:30.479 --> 02:32:33.879
well, thank you. My memories
go back to Jim Cornett, the Midnight
2219
02:32:33.920 --> 02:32:37.159
Express, the Rock and Road Express. Those are some of my prime childhood
2220
02:32:37.280 --> 02:32:41.799
years of watching the product American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. I don't get talking
2221
02:32:41.879 --> 02:32:46.040
man. So many animated characters from
all these years, and I've learned watching
2222
02:32:46.079 --> 02:32:50.479
the products some people are just too
stale. They won't move, they won't
2223
02:32:50.520 --> 02:32:54.280
be animated. You made it to
the big time, folks, get on
2224
02:32:54.440 --> 02:32:56.559
with it, bringing your eight game, not just at wrestleman yet. So
2225
02:32:56.639 --> 02:33:00.760
I tried to do, you know, best I could. They're giving me
2226
02:33:00.840 --> 02:33:03.360
a microphone and let me go to
promote. Things would have went much better
2227
02:33:03.639 --> 02:33:05.239
than my full was self dancing in
the track suit, but hey, it
2228
02:33:05.440 --> 02:33:11.120
was what it was and we did
what we planned to do. So very
2229
02:33:11.159 --> 02:33:13.040
cool. Scotti. Appreciate you taking
time to join us it's been a fun
2230
02:33:13.120 --> 02:33:18.280
show and you added to it great
great insight. Appreciate your appreciate you taking
2231
02:33:18.360 --> 02:33:20.680
us behind the scenes, and and
thank you for the for which you did
2232
02:33:20.719 --> 02:33:24.120
for charity too. I mean that's
a that's a great way to find your
2233
02:33:24.120 --> 02:33:28.440
way onto television through those means.
Thank you. You bet all right,
2234
02:33:28.479 --> 02:33:31.719
Bruce and Uh. I don't know
if Scott bowed in state with us or
2235
02:33:31.760 --> 02:33:35.000
not, Scotti EASTI there, Nope, Scott left, Bruce. Good show.
2236
02:33:35.559 --> 02:33:39.600
Yeah, long show that's about as
diverse as as it can get.
2237
02:33:39.680 --> 02:33:41.879
But a fun, a fun journey
over the past two hours and twenty three
2238
02:33:41.920 --> 02:33:46.079
minutes with a good hour Jerry Lawler, a really good hour with Scott bout
2239
02:33:46.079 --> 02:33:50.280
and two talking mess with wrestling,
and a great guest with Scotti Campbell taking
2240
02:33:50.360 --> 02:33:52.680
us behind the scenes. I learned, uh, I learned about some things
2241
02:33:52.719 --> 02:33:56.680
behind the scenes. I think we
got some nice uh A nice visual,
2242
02:33:56.840 --> 02:34:01.120
a good description of what goes on
back there. I thought this was a
2243
02:34:01.159 --> 02:34:03.399
good show. And like you said, lots of stuff there, you know,
2244
02:34:03.520 --> 02:34:05.920
and for all the stuff that we
do, sometimes just to have a
2245
02:34:05.959 --> 02:34:09.479
fresh pair of eyes backstage exactly looking
at the stuff is you do you get
2246
02:34:09.520 --> 02:34:13.959
some insight from it. Yeah,
and I'm glad he had. I mean,
2247
02:34:13.079 --> 02:34:16.520
clearly he had the time of his
life. That's cool. Yes,
2248
02:34:16.760 --> 02:34:18.719
that's all right, yeah, mister
Campbell. All right. Well, on
2249
02:34:18.879 --> 02:34:22.840
that note, again, I want
to thank all the VP members for your
2250
02:34:22.840 --> 02:34:24.760
support. Your paid membership is what
makes it possible for us to do all
2251
02:34:24.760 --> 02:34:28.280
that we do here at pwtorch dot
com. Slash members. This audio show
2252
02:34:28.360 --> 02:34:33.360
was copyright TDH Communications Progressing Torch,
not to be reproduced now or anytime in
2253
02:34:33.360 --> 02:34:37.719
the future. Just meant just for
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2254
02:34:37.799 --> 02:34:41.159
listening to these shows, so we
appreciate you abiding by that. All right,
2255
02:34:41.079 --> 02:34:43.319
Bruce, We'll talk to you over
the weekend for part to the brite
2256
02:34:43.360 --> 02:34:46.920
much audio show. Everybody be on
the lookout for part one and you'll also
2257
02:34:46.959 --> 02:34:50.760
be joined Reunited. We're Travis Bryant
for Monday's PW Torch Live Cats. That
2258
02:34:50.799 --> 02:35:11.200
should be a blast. Thank you, very good deal. Invite you to
2259
02:35:11.280 --> 02:35:16.159
email the show with feedback or questions
or comments. That email address is Wade
2260
02:35:16.280 --> 02:35:22.159
Keller Podcast at pewtorch dot com.
That's Wad Keller Podcast at pwtorch dot com.
2261
02:35:22.360 --> 02:35:24.680
Also welcome your feedback on Twitter.
You can follow us on Twitter at
2262
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PW Torch and follow me at the
Wade Keller. That's at PW Torch and
2263
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at the Wade Keller. One way
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2264
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We hope you think we've earned that
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the programs in the comments section.
Thank you so much. Do you remember
2273
02:36:09.760 --> 02:36:15.559
when Hulkogan shock the world and form
the New World Order or when Stonecoat Steve
2274
02:36:15.600 --> 02:36:20.760
Boston passed down the Sharpshooter to break
the Hitman heart. I'm Torch contributor Frank
2275
02:36:20.799 --> 02:36:26.399
Pettianni, and I review these shows
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2276
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Pro Wrestling than and now. Together
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2277
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we go back ten, twenty,
even thirty years, review pay per views
2278
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from top to bottom, talk about
where the wrestlers were at the time,
2279
02:36:37.120 --> 02:36:41.799
and compare what took place then to
what is taking place now. You get
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which is compatible with the Apple Podcasts
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go vip for details and sign up
for In twenty twelve, NXT transitioned into
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the developmental system and ultimately the brand
you've seen today. On the Torch VIP
2284
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2285
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in nxc's early history. Join Kelly
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2286
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NXT every Saturday as we go eight
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2287
02:37:24.959 --> 02:37:30.120
rising talents and why they did or
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2288
02:37:30.280 --> 02:37:35.040
vip members. Searching for more great
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Jason Powell hosted the three weekly Pro
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the latest news and analysis from me
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directly at pwboom dot com. Once
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2295
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an extra dose of positivity in your
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2296
02:38:09.840 --> 02:38:13.799
Foelle over in the Progress Paradise at
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2297
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2298
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around the world, be at the
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2299
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There's always a place for wrestling's past
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2300
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fun historical shows such as the We
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Juician thunder Lighter and our I Was
There When shows where our guests will join
2302
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me to talk about a classic bout
that they were in attendance for. We
2303
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love variety and you can expect lots
of it at the Progress Paradise. Detailed
2304
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2305
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from our ad free VIP mobile site. See you in the Paradise Wrestling fans?
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Are you that person that works in
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of your life? Well? Where
are those kind of people too? But
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we do so with mixed martial arts. I'm Robert Valla, host host of
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MMA Talk for pro wrestling fans every
Monday on pw Torch's daily cast lineup.
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Not only do we cover every UFC
Bellator event, we provide context that only
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a wrestling fan would really understand.
I mean, we're the type of people
2314
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that if you ask us about how
much of a mess the middleweight title situation
2315
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is, we're likely to reference WCW
in the early nineties. Think of us
2316
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as a podcast for casual MMA fans, done by Particle Wrestling Nerves and you
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could find us by searching pwtorch and
Apple Podcasts or any popular podcast and we're
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always available on demand at pwtwards dailycast
dot com, where you could check out
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Longing for some mis Dountia or maybe
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don't miss the nineties passcast every Friday
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Towards issue from that very week,
following us from the WWF and WCW and
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all the happenings from across the rustling
industry in the real time as The Torch
2359
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reported it thirty years ago. That's
the nineties pastcasts every Friday for the PW
2360
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Torch Dailycast feed. Aloha Torch Faithful. This is Kelly Wells, host of
2361
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PWT Talks and XT every Thursday.
You can hear me in my Game of
2362
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the Idiots, Tom Stout, who
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2363
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2364
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aw Dynamite in particular, send us
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If there's anything else going on a
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Week and more. Go vip and
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2399
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become a pwtorche vip member, go
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2401
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ip and sign up today. Every
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on Pwtorch daileycast dot com, hosted
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2403
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2404
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00:02:29.520 --> 00:02:34.719
you the Wade Killer Pro Wrestling Podcast. It's time for Wade's interview with one
37
00:02:34.759 --> 00:02:46.560
of pro wrestling's newsmakers. Ten years
ago, in a very special episode of
38
00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:50.360
the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast,
Jerry Lawler joined Bruce Mitchell and me to
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00:02:50.360 --> 00:02:53.960
talk about Jackie Fargo, who died
that week. Both Waller and Fargo Memphis
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00:02:54.000 --> 00:02:59.599
wrestling legends, one following the other. Jerry talks about the important to Jackie
41
00:02:59.639 --> 00:03:01.719
Fargo, his influence on him,
and some great Jackie Fargo stories and some
42
00:03:01.759 --> 00:03:06.439
other stuff about Memphis wrestling, and
then from there were joined by Memphis wrestling
43
00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:09.719
expert Scott Bowden on the second half
of the show, and he talks more
44
00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:14.719
about Memphis wrestling and how Jerry Lawler
was to him, who Jackie Fargist to
45
00:03:14.759 --> 00:03:17.719
Jerry Lawler, And there's some good
discussion about Lance Russell and much more.
46
00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:23.039
This is a window into how fascinating
and just awesome the Territory wrestling days were
47
00:03:23.080 --> 00:03:29.000
with a focus on Memphis. And
then, in the previously VP exclusive aftershow,
48
00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:35.599
PW Toorge reader Scottie Campbell discusses his
backstage perspective from Monday's Raw TV episode.
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00:03:36.000 --> 00:03:38.560
This originally aired on June twenty eight, twenty thirteen, and it is
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today's Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast Interview
Classic. Welcome to the t W George
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Livecast. I am Wade Keller,
editor and publisher of a Pro Wrestling Teorge
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00:03:53.840 --> 00:04:00.639
newsletter since nineteen eighty seven and also
pwtorge dot Com ninety nine nine, the
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00:04:00.680 --> 00:04:04.000
PW TOWR Jazz since two thousand and
eight, and now host of the daily
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00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:10.000
PORS Live jast. I'm hosting on
Tuesdays and Fridays, and since it's Friday,
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that means it is Interview Friday,
and today Bruce Mitche will be joining
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00:04:13.759 --> 00:04:16.439
me senior columnists for Progressing Torch Shob
Bruce, thanks for joining me today.
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00:04:17.240 --> 00:04:21.519
Good to be here, excellent and
our special guest here and interview Friday to
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discuss the career of the late Jackie
Fargo is Jerry the King Lawler. Jerry,
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00:04:30.319 --> 00:04:32.000
and No, we're having some phone
connection problems with you. Just want
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00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:35.240
to make sure that you are there
with us. Thank I'm here, Yes
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you are. We can hear you, okay, very much. Appreciate you
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taking time today to talk to us. I know you're on vacation. But
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Jackie Fargo had such an important role
in your career and becoming who you were.
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The predecessor to you as the top
star in Memphis, and the story
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of how you came to be Jerry
the King Lawler is so intertwined with with
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00:04:59.360 --> 00:05:00.800
Jackie Fargo, and it's a great
story. I guess that we're gonna have
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00:05:00.839 --> 00:05:04.519
on later in the show Scott Bowden. I wrote an article on that exact
68
00:05:04.759 --> 00:05:09.519
relationship and how that played out at
Kentucky fried Wrestling dot Com. And we're
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00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:12.360
gonna have Scott on the show later
also to talk about Jackie Fargo. But
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00:05:12.480 --> 00:05:15.920
Jerry, would you mind uh starting
with you can believe about half of the
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00:05:15.959 --> 00:05:17.199
stuff, he says, the busy
of the moron. But there than that,
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we're okay, all right, very
good. Can you can you tell
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00:05:23.319 --> 00:05:27.040
us? I think it's important to
introduce to you what Jackie Fargo meant to
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you before you were in wrestling as
a follower of the Memphis wrestling scene.
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00:05:31.720 --> 00:05:36.120
Well, I mean I was.
I and my dad were big wrestling fans
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00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:41.199
before I had any notion that I
would ever be involved with it. We
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00:05:41.240 --> 00:05:44.560
would go on Monday nights too.
At that time, it was before we
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00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:46.720
switched over to the Mid South College
team. It was at the auditorium downtown,
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00:05:46.720 --> 00:05:51.639
the Yellows Auditorium. My dad and
I had reserve seats in the box
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00:05:51.720 --> 00:05:55.680
there and and uh we you know, we would we would go down to
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00:05:55.720 --> 00:06:00.319
the matches every Monday. At that
time, Jackie was the you know,
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00:06:00.360 --> 00:06:02.600
he was the man in Memphis.
He was he was a big, big
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00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:08.240
star. And uh it was it
was seemed to be at a time when
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the other, um, I don't
know the rest of the entire roster there
85
00:06:14.800 --> 00:06:17.160
and in Memphis wrestling, which of
course at the time was promoted by Nick
86
00:06:17.240 --> 00:06:20.519
Lewis and Royal Welch. It just
seemed to me at least. I mean
87
00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:27.759
it was just a planned a bunch
of of of good guys. I mean
88
00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:32.360
there was Dennis Hall and Ken Lucas
and Herb Welch and uh, just just
89
00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:35.040
guys that that I mean, you
know, they were journeymen. I mean
90
00:06:35.040 --> 00:06:38.399
they were to me, they were
the kind of guys that you would get
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00:06:38.399 --> 00:06:41.480
the term grapplers too. You know, they weren't. They weren't showman at
92
00:06:41.519 --> 00:06:43.920
all. And the reason to me, of course, and I think to
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00:06:43.959 --> 00:06:47.480
everybody else that Jackie stood out so
much was because he was the most flamboyant
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00:06:47.519 --> 00:06:50.319
guy in the in the territory at
the time. I mean, you know,
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00:06:50.319 --> 00:06:55.160
I had the bleach bond hair and
the strut and his great interviews where
96
00:06:55.199 --> 00:06:57.360
you know, he didn't matter if
you were as partners, you were as
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00:06:57.399 --> 00:07:00.680
opponent. He called the Pali and
it was he was just you know,
98
00:07:00.720 --> 00:07:05.319
he was just a dominant force in
the in the Memphis wrestling at that time,
99
00:07:05.439 --> 00:07:09.319
so you know, and actually he
was. He was my and my
100
00:07:09.439 --> 00:07:14.560
and my dad's favorite. And then
um my dad passed away in nineteen sixty
101
00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:18.480
nine, and uh it was not
not long after that that I had the
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00:07:18.519 --> 00:07:26.000
actual opportunity to meet Jackie Fargo and
and uh just become you know, become
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00:07:26.040 --> 00:07:29.759
friends with him, and literally over
the years he was like he was like
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00:07:29.800 --> 00:07:31.519
a father figure to me. I
mean he was just uh, you know,
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00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:35.120
he was as close as as uh
to me as my dad was.
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00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:41.199
So you know, we became god
only not only uh you know guys that
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00:07:41.360 --> 00:07:45.160
worked together in the ring, but
I mean really close personal friends as well.
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00:07:46.240 --> 00:07:48.839
And and talk about how the role
that Jackie Fargo had in getting you
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00:07:48.959 --> 00:07:54.160
into professional wrestling via your art essentially, I mean that was kind of a
110
00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:58.160
yeah. And to be and to
be honest with Jackie was never two keeen
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00:07:58.240 --> 00:08:01.360
on me getting into wrestling in the
beginning. Uh he was. He was.
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00:08:01.519 --> 00:08:05.279
He was sort of a fan of
my artwork and the way and the
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00:08:05.319 --> 00:08:09.720
way we actually met. Um.
I, as I said, my dad
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00:08:09.720 --> 00:08:11.759
and I would go to the matches
on Monday night. Somewhere along the line,
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00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:18.040
I started drawing some caricatures of the
different wrestlers, and I would take
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00:08:18.079 --> 00:08:20.879
some with me up there on Mondays
and show them to the to the other
117
00:08:20.959 --> 00:08:22.639
fans and that sort of thing.
And somebody, I don't know who,
118
00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:26.839
or maybe if I don't even remember, whose exactly the idea it was.
119
00:08:26.879 --> 00:08:31.639
But um, I wound up sending
some of my drawings to the local TV
120
00:08:31.799 --> 00:08:37.840
station that aired our weekly wrestling show
on Saturday mornings. And I don't even
121
00:08:37.840 --> 00:08:39.279
know what I was expecting. Maybe, you know, hopefully they would just
122
00:08:39.320 --> 00:08:43.159
show the show the drawings on the
air or whatever. But anyway, I
123
00:08:43.639 --> 00:08:46.840
turned in on the following Saturday after
I'd sent them in, and when the
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00:08:46.919 --> 00:08:50.960
show opened up, there was Lance
Russell and Dave Brown sitting at ringside at
125
00:08:50.960 --> 00:08:52.360
the desk and you know, talking
about, Hey, there's gonna be a
126
00:08:52.360 --> 00:08:56.600
great day. And I looked and
on their desk on the corner of the
127
00:08:56.639 --> 00:08:58.120
desk, I could see my drawings
sitting there, and I thought, oh
128
00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:01.279
my gosh, this is they're gonna
They're gonna actually show my artwork. And
129
00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:07.720
so, sure enough, up midway
through the show, Uh, they usually
130
00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:11.000
had a situation. This was this
is before they would send the camera crew
131
00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:15.559
out to the to the live event
on Monday nights and film any of the
132
00:09:15.639 --> 00:09:18.440
matches. This was this was at
a time when when they were going to
133
00:09:18.519 --> 00:09:20.600
talk about the results, they just
came to Lancing Dave and it was just
134
00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:24.399
you know, two talking heads saying, Noel, Jackie Fargo beat Toto Yamamoto
135
00:09:24.519 --> 00:09:28.240
and the interns. You know,
it's just that they just talked about what
136
00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:33.320
has happened in the results and so
on this particular day, when it came
137
00:09:33.360 --> 00:09:37.080
time to talk about the matches.
Uh, Lance reached over and picked up
138
00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:39.799
He said, well, you know, Dave, instead of just talking about
139
00:09:39.840 --> 00:09:43.679
what happened, we have some artwork
here from a young fan sent in that
140
00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:46.039
was at the show of Monday night, and he sort of did some drawings
141
00:09:46.080 --> 00:09:50.519
of what took place. And I
think I had a had a drawn a
142
00:09:50.559 --> 00:09:54.000
picture of like Tojo Yamamoto doing a
big karate chop on one wrestler and chopped
143
00:09:54.039 --> 00:09:56.600
him in half like a piece of
you know, like a tree or something
144
00:09:56.639 --> 00:10:00.799
like that. Just some different sort
of care the church type things. So
145
00:10:01.159 --> 00:10:03.720
anyway, they showed the drawings and
I was all excited. And then after
146
00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:09.559
the after the show was over,
I got a call from Lance Russell,
147
00:10:09.559 --> 00:10:13.720
of all people. I couldn't believe
it, but my phone actually rang and
148
00:10:13.720 --> 00:10:16.840
it was Lance Russell on the phone. He said, Jerry, and I
149
00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:20.200
see. He said, well everybody
liked your artwork and we were one day
150
00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:22.679
and if you could Uh, if
you'd want to do it some more and
151
00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:24.840
send them next week, we could
use it as we talk about the results.
152
00:10:24.879 --> 00:10:30.120
And so from that point on I
became you seemed like a courtroom artist,
153
00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:31.559
you know, that would sit and
draw pictures of people in the in
154
00:10:31.559 --> 00:10:35.879
the courtroom because they didn't allow cameras
in well, I became sort of like
155
00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:39.360
the ringside artist at Memphis Wrestling.
Each week I would draw some pictures of
156
00:10:39.360 --> 00:10:43.080
of what took place and send them
in and they would show them. And
157
00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:46.480
after maybe I don't know, four
or five weeks of doing this, Lance
158
00:10:46.559 --> 00:10:50.559
Russell called me back again one day
and he said, hey, how about
159
00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:54.159
coming over to the studio and actually
being on the show. Everybody's talking about
160
00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:56.759
the other that we'd like to show
the people, you know, who's who's
161
00:10:56.799 --> 00:11:00.039
doing these pictures. So, man, that was like the greatest thing in
162
00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:03.919
the world to me. So I
backed up that Saturday morning and went over
163
00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:07.440
to the TV station and that was
my first opportunity to actually get to meet
164
00:11:09.080 --> 00:11:11.720
uh, you know, the wrestlers
in person, the one the guy said,
165
00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:13.440
because they were you know, back
in the dressing room Mary and and
166
00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:18.120
that's that's where I met the first
time I met Jackie Fargo and he came
167
00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:20.519
right up to me. Hey,
kid, pretty good artists there, he
168
00:11:20.559 --> 00:11:24.320
said, me and me and my
partner Eddie Bond, who was this country
169
00:11:24.399 --> 00:11:26.960
music singer there in Memphis. He
said, we had a we had a
170
00:11:28.080 --> 00:11:31.639
nightclub down on Madison Avenue called the
Southern Frontier, And he said, how'd
171
00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:33.679
you like to come down there and
paint some charcatures of Eddie and I on
172
00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:37.200
the walls at our club? And
so, I mean, I was just
173
00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:41.759
this was like, oh my gosh. Jackie Fargo asked you needed to do
174
00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:45.799
some Martin point. So anyway,
I of course go down and they had
175
00:11:45.840 --> 00:11:48.600
me go. I've been I painted
a hundred pictures of Jackie and Eddie doing
176
00:11:48.639 --> 00:11:52.639
all sorts of you know, different
different uh. Eddie of course, like
177
00:11:52.679 --> 00:11:56.519
I said, was a country music
singer and Jackie being the wrestler, and
178
00:11:56.960 --> 00:12:00.240
you know, just as all sorts
of characters all over the wall of the
179
00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:03.320
club. And anyway, then somebody
after that, Jackie liked it so much.
180
00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:07.360
Somebody got the idea, and I
think it was was Jackie. Um,
181
00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:11.240
I think Jackie got the idea of
let's said, let's start a sign
182
00:12:11.320 --> 00:12:15.799
company. He said, you know, can you do lettering and paint on
183
00:12:15.840 --> 00:12:18.519
the side of trucks and all this
kind of stuff. And I said sure,
184
00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:22.759
and so anyway, I'll never forget
it came out with this little business
185
00:12:22.799 --> 00:12:24.360
card and it was like the proudest
moment of my life. There was a
186
00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:28.679
business card that said Bond Fargo Sign
Company and at the top the three names
187
00:12:28.679 --> 00:12:33.320
were Jackie Fargo, Eddie Bond,
and Jerry Lawler. And I was just
188
00:12:33.360 --> 00:12:37.279
like, this was amazing, you
know. So I first started working for
189
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Jackie uh as as as an artist
in a sign company, and they opened
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up a little a little business right
beside, right beside their Southern Frontier nightclub,
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and I would spend my days up
there painting lettering on the side of
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trucks or doing different sorts of yard
signs of different kind of signs for the
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for the Bond Fargo Sign Company,
and Eddie Bond at the time was also
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the He was also a radio DJ
on a country music station. He was
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a program director at KWAM country music
station there in Memphis, and um,
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I don't know, somewhere along the
line told Eddie that I was interested in
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uh in being on the radio,
and I had taken radio and television as
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a minor in my uh studies at
the University of Memphis, and so I
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was doing a little radio gig there
on the campus station. So Eddie Eddie,
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Eddie gave me a job working the
seven to midnight ship that nobody wanted
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on KWAM radio. So I spend
my day's paying science for him, and
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then that night I'd go and be
on the radio for the seven to seven
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to twelve and all the while,
and Jackie Fargo even had a radio show
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in the afternoon on that on my
station. So man, I was in
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thick with with Jackie and I thought
this was, uh, you know,
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the lifelong dream come true. Then, um, I don't know. I
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got to I sort of you know, got to be around Fargo a lot
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in power and after a little while
me go to some shows with him,
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you know that were close there around
Memphis, ride to the right to the
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towns with him them, and and
to be honestly, there's sort of like
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a gopher or a stooge for him
there. That for the first part of
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for the first part of the relationship, and you know that was signed.
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It was I'll never forget one day, you know, he's I had.
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My first car was a little nineteen
sixty two Ford Falcon. The front end
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00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.960
of it had been wrecked, and
it was painted red, white and blue
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00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:28.519
and just so ridiculous looking a little
car, you know. One day I'm
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00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:31.600
sitting over there painting the sign and
Fargo comes walking and said, hey,
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00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.720
kid, I need to go down
to the an Allie rocery store. I
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00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:37.799
gets some lettuce for the legs for
the restaurant to night give me. Can
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00:14:37.799 --> 00:14:39.559
you give me a ride down there? I said, oh my gosh,
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this is the greatest thing ever if
I'm gonna get to Jackie Fargo, you
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00:14:43.639 --> 00:14:46.759
know, in my car to the
grocery store. So I get in the
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car and I'm all proud, and
suddenly, as we get ready to pull
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out on Madison Avenue, he slatches
down and SLINKs way down in the seat
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00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:56.240
where he can't even see him from
the outside. And I said, what
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00:14:56.279 --> 00:15:00.519
are you doing? Are you getting
me? You don't think I do anybody
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00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:03.799
see me in running around with this
craft boy. He was just, oh,
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00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:07.039
yeah, I think this is great. But anyway, I uh,
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I got to I became you know, friends with Jackie, and then um
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uh, after a while, I
don't know how many months. It was
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00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:18.399
a few months into being a sign
painter there for him, I really was
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00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:22.039
fascinated with the you know, the
wrestling business of always being a fan and
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00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:24.960
then of course getting to see a
little bit on the inside, but by
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00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:28.039
being around Fargo, and I just
thought, Man, this would be the
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00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:31.240
greatest thing in the world to get
to try to do this. But I
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00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:35.080
had no idea how to go about
it, how to get into the business
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00:15:35.159 --> 00:15:39.120
or anything. I thought. I
thought that I, you know, knew
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00:15:39.120 --> 00:15:41.919
a little bit about it just from
watching it very closely and that sort of
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00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:46.120
thing, but um, I really
didn't know that much. Support us on
240
00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:48.759
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is everything. Their painting signs,
the young guy thout, my age actually
255
00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:03.720
came in from Kansas City, Missouri, and he just walks into the sign
256
00:17:03.799 --> 00:17:06.200
company. His name was Jerry Vickers, and he said, hey, you
257
00:17:06.240 --> 00:17:10.000
know wearing find Jackie Fargo and said
he's not here till later. All the
258
00:17:10.079 --> 00:17:11.440
night. He didn't come into this
to the sign company, you know,
259
00:17:11.519 --> 00:17:15.519
he said. I said, what's
you're needing for? He said, well,
260
00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:18.400
I'm a wrestler and I'm from Kansas
City and I just wanted to meet
261
00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:22.000
talk to Fargo and see if I
getting booked down here. So all of
262
00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.880
a sudden, I see this young
guy that's, you know, probably not
263
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.079
that much older than me, and
I'm thinking, if he's in this,
264
00:17:26.160 --> 00:17:29.519
how did I can ask him?
You know? I went to intimidated by
265
00:17:29.559 --> 00:17:30.839
him. So I said, hey, how do how do you go about
266
00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:33.039
getting into business? I said,
I would, you know, I've been
267
00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:36.720
I don't want to talk to Fargo
about it myself. And he said,
268
00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:38.119
well, he said you gotta,
you know, he said, you gotta.
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00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:41.319
You're not gonna be able to start
right here in Memphis. He said,
270
00:17:41.319 --> 00:17:44.920
but there's a little small promotion over
in West Memphis, Arkansas. His
271
00:17:45.039 --> 00:17:48.279
promoter's name is Aubrey Griffith. He
said, I'm wrestling for him this Saturday
272
00:17:48.359 --> 00:17:49.960
night over there. You might,
you know, get your feet wet over
273
00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:53.680
there. And he said, of
course you need some boots and tights and
274
00:17:53.680 --> 00:17:56.720
that sort of stuff. And I
said, yeah, I wouldn't have no
275
00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:59.279
one to adeal where to get those. And he said, well I got
276
00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:02.079
something I could sell. Yeah,
So said, hey, I was meeting
277
00:18:02.119 --> 00:18:06.599
money. And then he had an
extra pair of boots that, by coincidence
278
00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:08.720
sitting me. So I bought the
boots and the and the tights, and
279
00:18:08.720 --> 00:18:11.440
now I talked, man, this
is great. I'm like, I'm like
280
00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:15.039
a real wrestler, and all the
boots and ties, and so he said,
281
00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:18.880
well, let's let's uh, I'll
take you over and let you meet
282
00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:22.279
the promoter in West Memphis. And
he said, he said, but whatever
283
00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:23.920
you do, don't tell him that
you've never wrestled before. Just tell him
284
00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:29.039
you wrestled down of Florida or something
like that. So we drive over to
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00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:32.960
West Memphis, Arkansas, to meet
this promoter, Augrey Griffiths, and and
286
00:18:33.160 --> 00:18:36.519
uh, Jerry Vickers said, Aubrey, this is Jerry Wawler, and he'd
287
00:18:36.519 --> 00:18:38.720
like to work for you some over
here on Saturday nights. And him,
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00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:42.079
you're at your show in West Memphis
the first thing out was in. Matthew
289
00:18:42.119 --> 00:18:45.039
said, yeah, I kid,
you ever wrestled before? And I said,
290
00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:49.519
oh, yes, sir, he
didn't really we're at and I went
291
00:18:49.640 --> 00:18:53.279
oh down to Florida and he said, yeah, what was the promoter you
292
00:18:53.359 --> 00:18:57.319
wrestle before down there? And that
was a little bit of information that Jerry
293
00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:02.920
Vickers didn't didn't brother to give me. So I started stammering and stuttering.
294
00:19:03.000 --> 00:19:06.000
My face turned red, and you
know he could he could tell immediately I
295
00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:08.400
was lines. He said, well, kid, he said, you know,
296
00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:11.599
if something comes up, He said, we don't have any openings right
297
00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:12.519
now, but if something comes up, I'll give you a call. Lead
298
00:19:12.559 --> 00:19:15.680
me your number. And so then
I played my trump card and I just
299
00:19:15.680 --> 00:19:18.599
said, well, I just thought
that as I was rustling over here,
300
00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:22.079
I could mention your your shows,
I could mention the shows on the radio,
301
00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:26.720
because I'm on km radio every night
from seven to midnight. And he
302
00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:29.039
said you are and I said yeah, and I could talk about it for
303
00:19:29.079 --> 00:19:32.960
free. Well, in that case, your book Saturday night. I'm gona
304
00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:37.359
book you and Jerry Vickers a partners. And that's that's how I wounded up
305
00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:41.519
getting my getting my first match,
went in there, I mean literally had
306
00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:45.559
no clue what I was doing anything
about the business. I went in,
307
00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:48.759
went in the ring there with Jerry
Vickers, got thrown out of the ring,
308
00:19:48.839 --> 00:19:52.319
landed right on my head because I
was not completely out, and probably
309
00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:57.200
less than five minutes of my first
match. But anyway, after that,
310
00:19:57.359 --> 00:20:00.000
I mean, I was I stopped
just so great, I want to do
311
00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:07.839
this and I was plugging those matches
every week on on the radio and then
312
00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:11.519
UH and then one day Jackie Fargo
and came to me. He said,
313
00:20:11.559 --> 00:20:15.240
look, kid, that wrestling over
there in West Memphis is what we call
314
00:20:15.319 --> 00:20:18.319
opposition to UH Memphis wrestling. And
he said, you're talking about it on
315
00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:22.759
the radio. It's not good for
us. And I said, well,
316
00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:26.119
you know, I'm sorry. He
said, I get your match over here
317
00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:29.240
from Nick Dwis and Memphis. Will
you quick messing with him and quit talking
318
00:20:29.240 --> 00:20:33.200
about that. I said, oh
my gosh, yeah, so didn't Jackie
319
00:20:33.200 --> 00:20:34.240
stuck in the neck. I went
to Nick Dewis and said, hey,
320
00:20:34.240 --> 00:20:37.200
I got this kid that I know
we're here in Memphis. Can you start
321
00:20:37.240 --> 00:20:41.559
looking him in some matches. That's
how and that's you know, so that's
322
00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:44.880
how I got my That's how I
got my first start. And I really
323
00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:48.039
I remember telling Jackie look, and
he said, you're your kids. You
324
00:20:48.119 --> 00:20:49.640
really need to stick with art.
And he said, I'm promise you you
325
00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:52.599
have a much better career being an
artist. And I said, well,
326
00:20:52.759 --> 00:20:56.000
let me just let me just try
this one time and then I'll go back
327
00:20:56.039 --> 00:21:00.799
to being an artist. And of
course, here, what's forty three years
328
00:21:00.880 --> 00:21:04.920
later, still still doing the wrestling. I got a lot of a lot
329
00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:08.559
of fun follow up questions just from
that conversation in that story, which is
330
00:21:08.599 --> 00:21:11.440
fantastic. I want to just let
people know who we're joining us. Jerry
331
00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:15.079
Lawler is our guest here on the
PW Torch Live cast today. We are
332
00:21:15.119 --> 00:21:18.920
live on the air and my co
host is Bruce Mitchell. We are talking
333
00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:23.400
about the late Jackie Fargo and it
hurts to say that Jackie Fargo died this
334
00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:30.519
week at age eighty two on Monday
from complications from a heart attack. Jerry,
335
00:21:30.559 --> 00:21:32.400
you found out about this a few
weeks ago, and you did have
336
00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:36.319
a chance to talk to him before
after finding out about his heart attack,
337
00:21:36.359 --> 00:21:37.640
but before he died this week?
Do you do you can you share details
338
00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:40.960
on how that conversation went. I
did, and Jackie. You know,
339
00:21:41.039 --> 00:21:45.359
Jackie and I stayed in touch.
We we talked. I still got some
340
00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:49.279
great messages of him on my answering
machine where he'd call me and he's,
341
00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:52.400
hey, son, this is your
pop. You know what are you doing?
342
00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:56.319
Why not you answer the phone?
Is if you need money to make
343
00:21:56.359 --> 00:22:00.559
a collect call, just let me
know. So, I mean, he
344
00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:02.559
was just straight, but anyway,
we you know, we talked on a
345
00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:06.319
regular basis, and uh, you
know, the thing about Jackie was he
346
00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:10.480
was I don't ever remember Jackie being
sick, and he used to pride himself
347
00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:11.559
on that. You know, he
just was never under the weather. He
348
00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:15.319
was always healthy. I always in
good spirits, I always in good shape.
349
00:22:15.119 --> 00:22:21.400
Then, um, the first I
heard about him really being being sick
350
00:22:21.400 --> 00:22:26.359
at all was about maybe three weeks
ago, and as his neighbor Tony uh
351
00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:30.200
called me up and said, hey, Jerry, Jackie's in the hospital,
352
00:22:30.640 --> 00:22:37.039
and so um uh he did call
me back and I spoke to Jackie on
353
00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:40.400
the phone there while he was in
the hospital, and he said, ah,
354
00:22:40.559 --> 00:22:41.920
so you know, something wrong with
my heart, they say, And
355
00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:45.400
then he started talking to course about
my uh you know, my heart condition
356
00:22:45.440 --> 00:22:48.480
and all that sort of stuff.
And he was always more interested in that
357
00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:52.640
and talking about himself. But then
he got He was in the hospital for
358
00:22:52.640 --> 00:22:56.279
four or five days and then he
got out, and then I talked to
359
00:22:56.400 --> 00:23:00.920
him again once once he was out, and he you know, he it
360
00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:03.799
was. It was weird. The
guy his neighbor told me had told me
361
00:23:03.880 --> 00:23:07.440
that at the time that the doctors
were letting him out of the hospital.
362
00:23:07.480 --> 00:23:11.279
But they said they told him that
his heart was just only doing about fifteen
363
00:23:11.319 --> 00:23:15.039
percent and then he was just given
They said, Jackie, he's got congestive
364
00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:18.880
heart failure in your heart's just about
worn out. And but when I when
365
00:23:18.880 --> 00:23:22.559
I called after that and talked to
Jackie when he was back at his house,
366
00:23:22.119 --> 00:23:25.839
you know, he sounded fine.
I mean, he he you know,
367
00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:30.039
he just was putting on a game
face and he didn't samp down or
368
00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:36.079
dejected or anything. And you know, he was always telling me I got
369
00:23:36.119 --> 00:23:40.400
him a will kid, but don't
pull against me. He's just always had
370
00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:44.920
he just always had great quotes and
comments. And so anyway, I felt,
371
00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:48.759
you know, I felt I felt
a little better because Jackie sounded more
372
00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:53.799
positive than of course than the than
what his neighbor told me and about it
373
00:23:53.920 --> 00:23:57.799
was just about a week later I
got worried again that he was that I
374
00:23:57.799 --> 00:24:03.559
guess the neighbor had gone on over
and and found Jackie unconscious, and uh,
375
00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:07.319
they rushed into the hospital and he
was and he was back in the
376
00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:11.160
hospital and then in intensive care.
And apparently once he got into intensive care,
377
00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:17.359
um Tony did one time take take
the phone he was in there with
378
00:24:17.440 --> 00:24:18.799
him, and he took the phone
and put it up to his ear and
379
00:24:18.839 --> 00:24:22.119
I talked to him, and I
could just hear heavy breathing. But you
380
00:24:22.119 --> 00:24:26.480
know, they said he had a
breathing machine him and he and he couldn't
381
00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:29.319
really talk, and they had him
on morphine, so I knew, you
382
00:24:29.359 --> 00:24:32.440
know, he was he was in
bad shape. And then, um,
383
00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:34.759
then they called me the next day, the next day and said that the
384
00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:38.759
doctor said that, uh, um, the only thing keeping him alive now
385
00:24:38.880 --> 00:24:42.039
was just you know, just the
breathing machine. And she said Jackie had
386
00:24:42.039 --> 00:24:45.759
always said that he didn't want to
be you know, we didn't h a
387
00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:52.400
respirator or or you know the extraordinary
imagine, yeah, exactly, And so
388
00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:55.799
she said, we're gonna go ahead
and take him off. And the doctor
389
00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:59.359
said, medically speaking, you know, he probably won't make it through the
390
00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:03.119
night. But he actually lasted almost
a day and a half after that,
391
00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:06.319
and then, uh and they called
me told me that he had passed away,
392
00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:08.640
and his daughter sitting She said,
Jerry Jackie didn't want anybody to seeing
393
00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:11.200
the way he was. He only
he was down to one hundred and thirty
394
00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:15.880
pounds, and so you know,
they had they had a close cast at
395
00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:21.880
funeral, just just basically just the
family was there. I did the understand
396
00:25:21.880 --> 00:25:26.160
the Stan Lane who was over the
Carolina's uh went by as well, but
397
00:25:26.200 --> 00:25:30.880
it was just a basically family you
know there at the service. Bruce,
398
00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:33.480
let me get you in on this
conversation. I'm sure you've got some topics
399
00:25:33.480 --> 00:25:37.680
starting Jackie Fargo, who loved it
a present to Jerry Lawler. Yeah,
400
00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:42.319
Jerry, Um. You know,
Jackie Fargo had that bigger than live persona
401
00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:45.759
and it wasn't just in the ring
and on television. Can you talk about
402
00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:49.319
I mean, I've always understood that
there were more wild stories about Jackie Farger
403
00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:53.440
than virtually anybody and professional ruffling.
Can you can you pick one of them
404
00:25:53.440 --> 00:25:56.359
that you can say on the air
and give us a story about him,
405
00:25:59.039 --> 00:26:03.599
well whatever we're not on the air, and give us the best you can
406
00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:10.039
say on the air. March through
Pro Wrestling History with a pwtorche vip membership
407
00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:15.839
throughout the week. Every week we
jump back eighteen years to our earliest podcasts,
408
00:26:15.920 --> 00:26:21.480
and you can march through our coverage
of progressing history with our contemporaneous coverage
409
00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:25.839
of all the major pay per views
Wade Keller Hotlines with behind the scenes news,
410
00:26:26.039 --> 00:26:29.799
the Bruce Mitchell audio shows within depth
cournaments analysis at that time, along
411
00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:33.720
with history, lessons and strong opinions, The Real Deal with Pat McNeil with
412
00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:37.519
the Hot five Stories of the Week
and the Indie show lineup of the Week
413
00:26:37.680 --> 00:26:42.079
and more. Go vip and relive
wrestling history or learn about it for the
414
00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:48.920
first time as we continue to march
through our two thousand and five library near
415
00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:52.440
the anniversary dates when they aired eighteen
years ago on that date. To become
416
00:26:52.440 --> 00:26:59.319
a pwtrge VIP member, go to
Pwtorch dot com slash go viip and sign
417
00:26:59.400 --> 00:27:11.960
up today. You know, I
really, I really have to credit Jackie's
418
00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:15.920
lifestyle and especially the way he was
in the business. I tried my best
419
00:27:15.920 --> 00:27:21.079
to emulate Jackie Fargo from day one. And the great thing that I've always
420
00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:26.200
looked back on and thought that it
was one of the reasons for Jackie's success,
421
00:27:26.240 --> 00:27:30.519
and I think one of the reasons
from my success and longevity is the
422
00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:37.920
great thing about Jackie was he never
took the business that serious. I mean,
423
00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:42.839
he always had fun. He always
was I mean, you know,
424
00:27:42.920 --> 00:27:45.519
you never saw him in a bad
mood. He was always ribbing. He
425
00:27:45.559 --> 00:27:48.480
was always to play in practical jokes. I mean that's just you know,
426
00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:52.359
that was that was just Jackie Fargo. And you talk about things because I
427
00:27:52.359 --> 00:27:57.960
mean literally he he was the innovator
that got to be the best innovator of
428
00:27:59.079 --> 00:28:03.920
all time of practical jokes. I
mean and really elaborate wor was I mean,
429
00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:07.000
he would tell any stories about one. He and Don Fargo were he
430
00:28:07.119 --> 00:28:11.319
and Don and rough House Fargo.
We were tag team partners. And they
431
00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:17.720
will be driving from Nashville to Memphis
or or down to Pensacola, Florida or
432
00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:21.400
whatever. He said. You know
when he said, uh, one time
433
00:28:21.440 --> 00:28:25.200
they picked up a hitch hiker and
and put him in the back seat.
434
00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:30.079
And then Jackie and Don proceeded to
get into a big argument. Uh,
435
00:28:30.319 --> 00:28:33.319
because he needed to get into a
big argument. And then they pulled over
436
00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:36.759
get out of the car to fight, and Jackie of course had a jackiet
437
00:28:36.759 --> 00:28:40.160
that one of them had carried a
gun in the car, and all of
438
00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:42.039
a sudden he pulled him a gun
out, and of course the hitch hiker
439
00:28:42.160 --> 00:28:47.839
is tariffighed and uh, they're screaming
and yellow at each other and and Uh,
440
00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:51.480
Jackie like used the gun in there
a couple of times. Don Fargo
441
00:28:51.559 --> 00:28:55.440
falls over on the Jackie gets back
in the car and turns around of the
442
00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.359
gas. If you say a word
about this, you're dead. Men.
443
00:28:56.440 --> 00:29:03.559
You take and drive down the road, you know, five or six miles,
444
00:29:03.559 --> 00:29:06.319
and then he puts the hitchhiker out
and puts to shoot him. Just
445
00:29:06.519 --> 00:29:08.359
I mean, you know, just
crazy things. I mean, you know,
446
00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:11.920
and then uh and then I mean
literally in the dress room, he
447
00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:17.000
would, you know, he would. He would some young kid would go
448
00:29:17.000 --> 00:29:18.960
out for a match and for their
match, and you know, they'd had
449
00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:22.839
their shoes sitting there, and Jackie'd
find the handmer and nailed he would,
450
00:29:22.000 --> 00:29:26.599
he would nail their shoes to the
floor or something like that. Just I
451
00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:29.960
mean, just I just every single
I mean, it was never enough.
452
00:29:30.000 --> 00:29:33.720
One time, one time we were
in Jones Burrow, Arkansas, and Jerry
453
00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:38.799
Jarrett and tojoe Yamamoto were partners and
Jackie was on Jackie was on the match
454
00:29:38.839 --> 00:29:42.039
before them. I was I was
on first and Jackie is on second,
455
00:29:42.079 --> 00:29:48.559
and Tojo and Jerry were on third, and so uh they were. Jackie
456
00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:51.480
was out in the in his match, and I was sitting in the dress
457
00:29:51.559 --> 00:29:53.279
room, and Jerry says, let's
pull the reb on Jackie like he always
458
00:29:53.279 --> 00:29:57.119
does on us. So Tojo had
this some of this icy hot stuff,
459
00:29:57.160 --> 00:30:00.640
this tiger ball, which was I
mean, man, you rub it on,
460
00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:03.359
he will set you on fire.
So they took Jackie's underwear and they
461
00:30:03.440 --> 00:30:07.559
put some in the crotch of his
underwear and then hung back up where Jackie
462
00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:11.000
had him. So anyway, then
then they they're just sitting there trying to
463
00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:15.200
stop the last and Fargo comes back
in and then the bell rings. They
464
00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:18.559
had to go out for their match, right, So Jackie was just about
465
00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:22.039
to put the underwear and I said, and I had ridden with Jackie,
466
00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:23.880
right, So I said, Jackie, Jackie, listen, I gotta tell
467
00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:26.680
you something. I said, those
guys put the tiger bomb in your underwear.
468
00:30:26.759 --> 00:30:30.960
He said, oh man, that's
great. So anyway, of course,
469
00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:33.200
he throws his underwear in his bag. Then he takes that tiger while
470
00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:37.759
he puts it in their shirts,
in their underwear, in the back of
471
00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:40.680
their leg, of their pants,
everywhere you could think of. He puts
472
00:30:40.720 --> 00:30:44.000
it all on their clothes. And
then when they come back to the dress
473
00:30:44.039 --> 00:30:47.119
and Fargo's already got his clothes on. They standing there brushing his hair in
474
00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:49.240
the mirror, and he keeps reaching
down like he's like you know, like
475
00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:53.519
a scratching amah man oh like like
like he put the underwear on right,
476
00:30:53.799 --> 00:30:59.160
and Kojoe and Jerry are just dying
laughing. They think they pulled the ultimate
477
00:30:59.200 --> 00:31:03.119
real lighting. So anyway, then
far going, I leave. And then
478
00:31:03.200 --> 00:31:04.839
we find out, of course the
next day that to Joe and Jerry put
479
00:31:04.839 --> 00:31:08.039
their clothes on and on the way
back to Nashville, they had to stop
480
00:31:08.039 --> 00:31:11.839
and get a hotel to throw their
clothes away. And they were just like
481
00:31:12.240 --> 00:31:15.400
burned up from the from the tiger
ball, you know, so just sunning.
482
00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:21.200
Oh. He would he would,
he would pass somebody on the road
483
00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:25.359
and uh and then he'd get up
about five miles ahead of him, knowing
484
00:31:25.359 --> 00:31:26.359
that they were gonna be coming up, you know, on the interest to
485
00:31:26.400 --> 00:31:30.319
knowing that they were gonna be coming
up pretty soon. He would pull his
486
00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:33.640
car over, take off all his
clothes, standing out of the side of
487
00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:37.720
the road like a naked hitch.
Actually when they would come back, I
488
00:31:37.920 --> 00:31:41.559
just he you know, just the
craziest things. And so anyway, I
489
00:31:41.559 --> 00:31:45.039
mean, I from Jackie. I
got the I got the uh you know,
490
00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:49.000
I got the the idea that the
business should be fun and not that
491
00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:52.359
not that serious as some people seem
to take it over the years. You
492
00:31:52.400 --> 00:31:57.000
know. First go ahead, Yeah, well, I still want to ask
493
00:31:57.000 --> 00:32:01.400
you about about the few do you
had with Jackie Fargo win the ring and
494
00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:06.039
that transition looking at you know,
someone that had gotten you in the business,
495
00:32:06.119 --> 00:32:10.319
that was your favorite act coming into
it, and then you had that
496
00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:15.160
series of sellouts and just just a
big, big thing. What was that
497
00:32:15.279 --> 00:32:21.559
like to be in the ring with
Jackie Fargo knowing that you're transitioning into his
498
00:32:21.759 --> 00:32:25.160
role sooner or later. Well,
well, you know what I swear Togain,
499
00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:28.839
I never really even looked at it
like that. I didn't think about
500
00:32:28.880 --> 00:32:31.319
it like that. That's that's one
of the things about not taking the business
501
00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:35.000
series. I never sat around and
thought about, Hey, one of these
502
00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:37.400
days, I'm going to be in
this guy's spot. One of these days
503
00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:40.400
I'm going to be the main event. I'm going to be transitioning from from
504
00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:44.559
where I am now to where I
will be. I really never thought about
505
00:32:44.599 --> 00:32:47.119
that. I just looked at it
as as as I can't believe I'm getting
506
00:32:47.160 --> 00:32:50.119
paid to do this. I would
do this. I would pay the end
507
00:32:50.119 --> 00:32:52.039
to let me do this. It
was It's the way I looked at it
508
00:32:52.079 --> 00:32:55.079
every day, you know. And
it was it was. But I can't
509
00:32:55.079 --> 00:32:59.559
say that the matches that Jackie and
I had, I mean it was such
510
00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:02.880
a three to me because I don't
know once I got once I got in
511
00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:07.079
there with him, I mean I
realized then why he was the man of
512
00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:09.839
the guy. He his his style
of work, he was just so much
513
00:33:10.079 --> 00:33:13.920
I mean, he was just heading
shoulders about anybody that I had worked with
514
00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:15.880
up to that point. And um, I mean, you know, he
515
00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:21.480
he knew the art of of you
know, putting somebody over, making his
516
00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:24.480
He knew how to make his opponent, uh look good. And and and
517
00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:27.839
that was one thing, you know, he didn't have to do that with
518
00:33:27.880 --> 00:33:32.359
me, but he did and and
and and I I think I was smart
519
00:33:32.440 --> 00:33:36.039
enough to realize it at the time, you know, And and and you
520
00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:39.200
know, I really I always appreciate
it. And and that's actually the way.
521
00:33:39.440 --> 00:33:43.279
You know, Jackie would make such
great interviews too, and I would
522
00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:46.319
I would learn from uh, you
know, those interviews and promos. Actually,
523
00:33:46.359 --> 00:33:50.920
one day when when we were just
getting started in that in that feud,
524
00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:53.319
I was getting ready to have a
match with Fargo and on Monday,
525
00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:57.599
and on that Saturday morning, I
just off the top of my head,
526
00:33:57.680 --> 00:34:00.559
so Fargo, you know, you
been the King of Memphis wrestling for a
527
00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:04.039
long time, but you're looking at
the kids that's going to knock you off
528
00:34:04.079 --> 00:34:07.400
your throne. And so then you
know, and I just like I said,
529
00:34:07.400 --> 00:34:08.920
I just said it kind of off
the cuff. But then he put
530
00:34:08.960 --> 00:34:12.920
me over and I won that match. And after that, some of the
531
00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.280
kids as I was going back to
the locker room saying, hey, now
532
00:34:15.280 --> 00:34:19.360
you're the King. You're the King, and lo and behold the back.
533
00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:22.840
Coincidence once again. I worked that
Friday night in Atlanta, Georgia, and
534
00:34:22.880 --> 00:34:27.199
there was this guy named Bobby Shane
wrestling as King Bobby Shane, and he
535
00:34:27.280 --> 00:34:29.880
came walking into the dressing room,
first time I've ever seen him, came
536
00:34:29.920 --> 00:34:34.000
walking into the locker room. They
had this big crown of this row and
537
00:34:34.280 --> 00:34:37.760
I just said, oh my gosh, Bobby, I said, I just
538
00:34:37.760 --> 00:34:42.440
did an interview last week come Memphis
TV talking about being the King. The
539
00:34:42.519 --> 00:34:44.559
kids were calling me the King.
I said, where did you get the
540
00:34:44.599 --> 00:34:45.840
crown in the row. I would
love to have it, and he said,
541
00:34:46.239 --> 00:34:49.480
he's told me. He said,
well, I ordered the crown from
542
00:34:49.480 --> 00:34:51.920
the place in Houston, Texas.
He said, it takes about a month
543
00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:52.880
for it to come in. And
he said, but you know what,
544
00:34:53.360 --> 00:34:57.880
I am leaving tomorrow like working for
Jim Barnett, and I'm going down to
545
00:34:58.599 --> 00:35:02.360
Australia. And he said, not
nugging this big heavy crown and and uh
546
00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:06.199
kate down there with me. He
says, so if you want to,
547
00:35:06.519 --> 00:35:07.360
he gave me the number where to
order, and he says, if you
548
00:35:07.400 --> 00:35:10.239
want to hang onto the crown and
the robe until I get back, you
549
00:35:10.239 --> 00:35:15.239
know, you can use him because
and I'll see you in about a month,
550
00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:16.199
you know, because he was coming
back and we were both working at
551
00:35:16.280 --> 00:35:20.760
Lanta on Fridays. So that's why
I've been the very next area. That's
552
00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:24.079
why I showed up where Bobby Shane's
crown and robe and that's where the that's
553
00:35:24.079 --> 00:35:29.239
where the King UH persona started.
And then of course a few weeks later,
554
00:35:29.239 --> 00:35:32.880
when Bobby Shane got back from UH
Australia, when he got back down
555
00:35:34.039 --> 00:35:37.400
down in Florida, you got killed
in the plane crash and I was still
556
00:35:37.840 --> 00:35:40.559
I still had his crown and his
robe, and um, you know that's
557
00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:44.840
how that that's how the King him
it came about. Now that just it
558
00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:47.360
just sounds like it's destiny when that
when you have that kind of coincidence.
559
00:35:47.360 --> 00:35:51.280
You mentioned King one week on television, the next week a guy shows up
560
00:35:51.440 --> 00:35:53.559
who doesn't even find the outfit,
and it's like it was brought to you
561
00:35:53.639 --> 00:35:59.639
by some higher power. That's that's
just crazy. That's it really is.
562
00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:09.159
In twenty twelve, NXT transitioned into
the developmental system and ultimately the brand you
563
00:36:09.239 --> 00:36:15.519
see today. On the Torch VIP
podcast NXT Eight years Back, we'll be
564
00:36:15.760 --> 00:36:20.920
taking a weekly look at this page
in NXT's early history. Joe, Kellywells
565
00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:24.679
and me Tom Stout from PWT talks
NXT every Saturday as we go eight years
566
00:36:24.679 --> 00:36:29.639
back to the day to track NXT's
rising talents and why they did or didn't
567
00:36:29.679 --> 00:36:39.880
work out exclusively for PW Torch Vip
members. Jackie Fargo jared you you as
568
00:36:39.880 --> 00:36:44.679
your years as the main eventor in
Memphis became an institution in Memphis. I
569
00:36:44.679 --> 00:36:50.039
mean you were a crossover celebrity.
You're doing endorsements, you know your sponsorships.
570
00:36:50.239 --> 00:36:52.320
You're very very well known in that
tone. I grew up in the
571
00:36:52.360 --> 00:36:55.800
Awa territory. We're vern Ghana took
on that role, I don't think to
572
00:36:55.880 --> 00:37:00.039
the degree that you did in Memphis, but Verne definitely known maybe maybe pretty
573
00:37:00.039 --> 00:37:04.639
close so certainly no one as a
celebrity and very involved in amateur wrestling and
574
00:37:04.719 --> 00:37:09.719
doing endorsements. Where did Jackie Fargo
fit in in that in that regard given
575
00:37:10.280 --> 00:37:14.480
his top status in wrestling, Was
he able to be that kind of crossover
576
00:37:14.519 --> 00:37:17.760
celebrity walking around town and everyone knew
him? Oh? Absolutely, yeah,
577
00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:22.440
yeah, he without a death he
was. I mean, and during that
578
00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:24.320
time, and I think it was
that way all over the country, like
579
00:37:24.320 --> 00:37:28.719
you said, in the Awa,
up in the New York and at the
580
00:37:28.719 --> 00:37:32.280
time WWF, and over in the
Carolinas. You know, you had all
581
00:37:32.320 --> 00:37:38.079
of these territories had their top stars. Because this was before cable television.
582
00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:40.840
You know, all the TV was
syndicated and you you were. It was
583
00:37:40.840 --> 00:37:45.039
all regionalized. And I mean,
like you know, Bruno Sammartino was a
584
00:37:45.159 --> 00:37:47.440
huge star up in New York,
but down in Memphis where where we only
585
00:37:47.679 --> 00:37:52.440
where all our fans just got Memphis
TV. Theydn't know who Bruno Sammartino was
586
00:37:52.480 --> 00:37:55.079
except through the magazines, you know, because the stars that they saw on
587
00:37:55.119 --> 00:38:00.400
their local television just the same as
like you in the AWA software guy in
588
00:38:00.599 --> 00:38:04.079
he was the top man there.
Those were the top stars in these different
589
00:38:04.119 --> 00:38:08.039
regions. And Jackie Fargo before,
you know, before before I came along,
590
00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:13.519
Jackie Fargo was the man there in
Memphis, Nashville, Louisville, all
591
00:38:13.559 --> 00:38:16.480
over the all over the Nix South, all over our television area. Jackie
592
00:38:16.519 --> 00:38:20.719
was the star. And that's why, you know, he translated that into
593
00:38:21.360 --> 00:38:24.320
uh, endorsements and and um,
you know, he and he and Eddie
594
00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:28.800
he had his own radio show.
He he and Eddie Bond owned owned a
595
00:38:28.960 --> 00:38:35.000
nightclub that was wildly popular. He
did records and and um, just all
596
00:38:35.079 --> 00:38:37.079
sorts of things. You know.
He was he was the He was the
597
00:38:37.119 --> 00:38:40.639
man as far as and then.
And you know at the time, another
598
00:38:40.679 --> 00:38:44.360
thing in Memphis was different from some
of the other major cities. I mean,
599
00:38:44.400 --> 00:38:47.000
we had no other pro sports teams
or or anything that Memphis. In
600
00:38:47.039 --> 00:38:51.719
Memphis, wrestling was it. You
know, that was the big that was
601
00:38:51.760 --> 00:38:54.800
the big thing to watch and the
thing to go to in Memphis, Tennessee
602
00:38:54.880 --> 00:38:59.599
was wrestling, and so when you
were when you were the top star in
603
00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:01.440
there, or you know, you
were, you were a heavy hitter that
604
00:39:01.599 --> 00:39:07.920
Jackie Fargo is that for years and
is that part of what did you pattern
605
00:39:07.960 --> 00:39:09.280
yourself after him in that sense or
do you think it was just kind of
606
00:39:09.320 --> 00:39:13.679
the way things worked at that point
that the top pressler would be a celebrity.
607
00:39:13.719 --> 00:39:15.559
It seems like you would have modeled
yourself in that way after Jackie Fargo
608
00:39:15.599 --> 00:39:20.480
and seeing those opportunities. No,
I I absolutely did. No, I
609
00:39:20.559 --> 00:39:24.119
as I sais before, I tried
to emulate Jackie Fargo throughout my entire career.
610
00:39:24.199 --> 00:39:27.960
You know I did. I did, just trying to do just about
611
00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:30.280
everything he did in the ring and
concluded in the strut. You know,
612
00:39:30.360 --> 00:39:35.199
he made records before he had a
great record out called the Champion, made
613
00:39:35.199 --> 00:39:39.519
records with country music starts like Webb
Pierce he um uh you know, and
614
00:39:39.599 --> 00:39:45.519
I did all that. Yeah,
I just I wanted to, Um,
615
00:39:45.960 --> 00:39:47.360
yeah, I wanted to. It's
just like a kid growing up, I
616
00:39:47.400 --> 00:39:53.039
wanted to beat Jackie Fargo Bruce Um. Later on, it is, you
617
00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:59.079
know, Jackie Fargo when of the
semi retirement can you talk about how how
618
00:39:59.079 --> 00:40:01.320
did you y'all have the promotion would
bring him back and what kind of impact
619
00:40:01.320 --> 00:40:05.960
he had and and how he really
you know, you mentioned Stan Lane and
620
00:40:06.480 --> 00:40:08.559
of course Steve Carnin is the fabulous
one, and how crucial he was with
621
00:40:08.599 --> 00:40:13.599
that, with that big money making
act. I mean, how you could
622
00:40:13.719 --> 00:40:16.440
go back to bring in Jackie Farner
from time to time and really do well
623
00:40:16.800 --> 00:40:20.599
well yeah, I mean yeah,
we we always could. And that was
624
00:40:20.679 --> 00:40:23.679
that was a testament to you know, how popular Jackie was and what and
625
00:40:23.760 --> 00:40:28.800
what a great performer he was.
I mean, shit know he he.
626
00:40:29.559 --> 00:40:32.880
I think the you know, the
key of the secret to being a big
627
00:40:32.880 --> 00:40:38.599
star in our professional sports entertainment,
uh is being able to really relate to
628
00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:44.519
the fans on the level that they
can not only believe in you, but
629
00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:47.840
they can they can feel uh,
you know, they can get emotionally involved
630
00:40:47.920 --> 00:40:52.079
with you and and and feel your
pain in a match or feel your uh
631
00:40:52.119 --> 00:40:55.159
you know, your joy and a
victory and that sort of thing. And
632
00:40:55.280 --> 00:41:00.440
Jackie, Jackie did that. He
captured the fans hearts and imaginations early on
633
00:41:00.719 --> 00:41:04.960
and he never lost it. I
mean you know that that doesn't have anything
634
00:41:05.000 --> 00:41:07.639
to do with that doesn't I don't
you know, it doesn't have anything to
635
00:41:07.639 --> 00:41:12.880
do with age. Uh, that's
just that's just a talent and a and
636
00:41:13.039 --> 00:41:16.880
a you know, a I don't
know a bit of charisma that that not
637
00:41:17.039 --> 00:41:22.320
everybody has. And Jackie had that
and so UM. You know, even
638
00:41:22.360 --> 00:41:24.079
when Jackie didn't want to be on
the road on a full time basis,
639
00:41:24.760 --> 00:41:30.000
uh and and pretty much semi retired, he never Jackie never really retired.
640
00:41:30.039 --> 00:41:32.400
I mean he would he would talk
about it. And he literally was talking
641
00:41:32.400 --> 00:41:37.280
to me, uh a week before
about coming back to Memphis if we were
642
00:41:37.280 --> 00:41:39.960
going to run some shows over there. Uh and and and and Jackie had
643
00:41:39.960 --> 00:41:44.639
that ability to that. The fans
believed in him so much that, you
644
00:41:44.679 --> 00:41:47.599
know, anytime we wanted to um, anytime we wanted needed a little boost,
645
00:41:47.679 --> 00:41:51.719
or or Jackie wanted to come and
do something. I mean, he
646
00:41:52.159 --> 00:41:53.639
was. It was always there.
You could you could throw him in as
647
00:41:53.639 --> 00:41:57.639
a as an extra man in a
in a tag team, or you could
648
00:41:57.639 --> 00:41:59.760
put him as a special referee.
I mean, you know when I won
649
00:41:59.880 --> 00:42:04.039
the when I won the AWA championship
from Kurt Hinning uh in AD eight,
650
00:42:04.159 --> 00:42:07.719
Jackie was you know, Jackie was
a special referee. And I mean he
651
00:42:07.079 --> 00:42:12.320
just always had that ability, that
that that he could make the people believe
652
00:42:12.360 --> 00:42:14.840
in him no matter, you know, no matter how old he was.
653
00:42:14.920 --> 00:42:17.000
And I think that's you know,
you even see that today in the w
654
00:42:17.159 --> 00:42:21.960
W. You know, there are
guys that that uh that the WW is
655
00:42:22.000 --> 00:42:25.000
able to bring back, uh,
you know, and it really doesn't matter
656
00:42:25.039 --> 00:42:29.840
how old they were. It's set
that's how old they were, and the
657
00:42:29.880 --> 00:42:32.199
people still love them, believe in
them, uh, no matter what their
658
00:42:32.239 --> 00:42:35.320
age. You know, you couldn't
put him out there on a regular basis,
659
00:42:35.360 --> 00:42:37.960
but there are guys that they can
that they can throw in in a
660
00:42:37.960 --> 00:42:39.800
special situation and the fans love to
see him. And that's the way.
661
00:42:39.840 --> 00:42:46.400
It Wasn't Jackie Bruce anything more,
um yeah, just I mean an extraor
662
00:42:46.559 --> 00:42:52.719
know just what an extraordinary, um, larger than life personality. The Jackie
663
00:42:52.920 --> 00:42:55.519
was that, um yeah, you
know at all those ages that you could
664
00:42:55.519 --> 00:42:59.840
do that. Can you talk about
the Fatless Ones about um yeah, about
665
00:43:00.039 --> 00:43:04.960
how Jackie Fargoes starting the Fatless Ones
two wrestlers that had already been in the
666
00:43:05.079 --> 00:43:07.800
territory and they teamed him up and
um, he was a stamp of approval.
667
00:43:09.639 --> 00:43:13.639
Yeah, I mean it was yeah, and you know, to be
668
00:43:13.719 --> 00:43:17.320
perfectly as with you, you gotta
i mean knowing just exactly what went down.
669
00:43:17.800 --> 00:43:23.679
The you know, the creation of
the Fatless Ones was actually at Jerry
670
00:43:23.719 --> 00:43:28.000
Jared. You know, something that
Jerry Jared put together. J it was
671
00:43:28.079 --> 00:43:34.480
Jerry's idea to put Steve Current and
Standing together and the entire gimmick was something
672
00:43:34.519 --> 00:43:37.760
that Jerry came up with. But
the key part of it was putting them
673
00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:42.320
with Jackie Fargo and letting them get
the rub off Jackie and and it was
674
00:43:42.400 --> 00:43:45.480
just, you know, it was
a story that it was a storyline that
675
00:43:45.559 --> 00:43:50.079
once once it happened, once it
was such a great idea that it once
676
00:43:50.079 --> 00:43:52.199
it happened, it just wrote itself. I mean, you know, when
677
00:43:52.760 --> 00:43:57.039
uh, these guys came along and
you put them together, you call them
678
00:43:57.039 --> 00:44:00.360
the fatireless Ones. And Jackie fargoes
out there saying that you know that he
679
00:44:00.480 --> 00:44:04.360
put that he spotted these two young
men and and and he's gonna pass the
680
00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:07.360
torch along to them, and and
the fans just you know, it was
681
00:44:07.400 --> 00:44:10.559
it was something that they that they
were hungry for at the time. And
682
00:44:10.840 --> 00:44:15.239
um, I mean they're probably they
were the most successful tag team that we
683
00:44:15.320 --> 00:44:17.840
ever had in the you know,
in the Tennessee territory. And it was
684
00:44:17.920 --> 00:44:21.840
it was mainly because of Jackie and
it gaves you know, it just it
685
00:44:21.960 --> 00:44:24.639
just worked so well the early early
going Jackie was in their corner and a
686
00:44:24.639 --> 00:44:29.400
lot of matches or and then later
on anytime, you know, um,
687
00:44:29.440 --> 00:44:31.199
anytime there was a big match that
that's all they had to do was say
688
00:44:31.199 --> 00:44:34.519
hey, and Jackie Fargo was going
to be there as well. You know,
689
00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:37.320
it was just a instant sellout.
But those guys, uh, those
690
00:44:37.320 --> 00:44:40.119
guys, you know, they pulled
it off. It was it was really
691
00:44:40.280 --> 00:44:45.599
uh, it was really a creation
that that worked and drew a ton of
692
00:44:45.639 --> 00:44:49.639
money. You know that we were
at a time and in that in that
693
00:44:49.719 --> 00:44:54.440
period of time in the mid eighties
that you're the gold standard. Where you
694
00:44:54.599 --> 00:45:00.239
were that time in the Tennessee territory. If you ever started making if you
695
00:45:00.280 --> 00:45:04.239
had ever made a thousand dollars in
a week, uh, you felt like
696
00:45:04.280 --> 00:45:06.639
you had arrived. You felt like
you were really you know, you were
697
00:45:06.760 --> 00:45:09.119
you were one of the big shots. And and uh man, those guys
698
00:45:09.360 --> 00:45:13.559
all of a sudden when they put
them, those guys were selling a thousand
699
00:45:13.639 --> 00:45:15.639
dollars a week worth of pictures to
the girls in the audience. It was
700
00:45:15.719 --> 00:45:20.400
it was crazy. It was just
like, uh um, it was something
701
00:45:20.440 --> 00:45:22.000
that we'd never seen before. And
then after that, well, you know,
702
00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:29.920
we that I put um, Ricky
Morton and Robert getson together as as
703
00:45:30.000 --> 00:45:34.599
the rock of all express and you
know, and they're there that got to
704
00:45:34.679 --> 00:45:37.320
rub up the sadest ones and it
was just another you know, it was
705
00:45:37.360 --> 00:45:43.039
just another situation of our territory being
just red hot at the time. You
706
00:45:43.079 --> 00:45:45.559
know, we were able to just
create things and then it seemed like everything
707
00:45:45.599 --> 00:45:53.599
that we touched worked at the time. Do you remember when Hulkogan shocked the
708
00:45:53.599 --> 00:45:58.960
world and formed the New World Order
or when stone Coat Steve Aoston passed down
709
00:45:58.960 --> 00:46:02.119
on the sharp Shooter to break the
hit Man Hart. I'm Torch contributor Frank
710
00:46:02.159 --> 00:46:07.800
Pettianni and I reviewed these shows and
many more for my exclusive VIP podcast,
711
00:46:07.880 --> 00:46:12.719
Pro Wrestling Than and Now. Together
with a rotating chair of co hosts,
712
00:46:12.960 --> 00:46:16.320
we go back ten, twenty even
thirty years review pay per views from top
713
00:46:16.360 --> 00:46:21.119
to bottom, talk about where the
wrestlers were at the time, and compare
714
00:46:21.159 --> 00:46:24.199
what took place then to what is
taking place. Now you get exclusive access
715
00:46:24.239 --> 00:46:30.440
to these and other podcasts as part
of your Pwtorch VIP membership, which is
716
00:46:30.480 --> 00:46:35.639
compatible with the Apple Podcasts app.
Visit pwtorch dot com slash go vip for
717
00:46:35.760 --> 00:46:49.239
details and sign up for jure.
Just a contemporary question regarding what you just
718
00:46:49.280 --> 00:46:52.039
said, do you think one of
the gimmicks that I don't gimmicks or I
719
00:46:52.039 --> 00:46:57.760
were, but the approaches to tag
teams that hasn't been attempted enough to find
720
00:46:57.760 --> 00:47:00.360
that magic formula again, is that
rock and Roll Express, Fabulous Ones,
721
00:47:00.559 --> 00:47:06.079
Midnight Rockers qualify also, uh,
trying to find that that next team that
722
00:47:06.119 --> 00:47:08.679
can fit that formula. Is that
something that's past an archaic or is that
723
00:47:08.760 --> 00:47:13.920
something that's probably that promoters today,
whoever it is, could benefit from trying
724
00:47:13.920 --> 00:47:16.360
to find two young guys and put
them together and capture that same magic of
725
00:47:16.400 --> 00:47:21.480
the FABS and the Rock and Roll
Express. Well, you know what the
726
00:47:21.519 --> 00:47:27.280
business has changed? Um, I
think in the sense that you know,
727
00:47:27.960 --> 00:47:31.119
it's but I'm not saying that it
can't go back to doing that, but
728
00:47:31.199 --> 00:47:36.599
it's not as character driven as it
was a few years ago. UM.
729
00:47:36.639 --> 00:47:40.920
And you know what you're talking about
in that situation with the Fabulous Ones and
730
00:47:40.960 --> 00:47:45.679
the Rock and Roll Express and those
guys. It's you're taking two care you're
731
00:47:45.719 --> 00:47:52.719
making two characters and making a character
driven a tag team, and you know
732
00:47:52.480 --> 00:47:57.840
it worked in and I you know, I can't say that it wouldn't work
733
00:47:57.840 --> 00:48:01.320
again. But it's just not something
that I think, It's not something that
734
00:48:01.400 --> 00:48:06.440
has been They've I think I think
that the powers that be have felt for
735
00:48:06.480 --> 00:48:08.880
the past few years that that's you
know, that that's been there, done
736
00:48:08.880 --> 00:48:13.280
that, and that they're not going
to go back to that that way of
737
00:48:13.320 --> 00:48:17.119
promoting a tank team. But who's
to say, who's to say that that
738
00:48:17.119 --> 00:48:20.800
that you never never say never.
I'm not going to say that it can't
739
00:48:20.800 --> 00:48:23.000
happen again, because I honestly believe
that it could happen again. I guess
740
00:48:23.000 --> 00:48:28.599
the Hardy Boys probably were the most
successful, most contemporary example that most closely
741
00:48:28.599 --> 00:48:30.920
fit the FABS and the Rock and
Will Express. It kind of started to
742
00:48:30.960 --> 00:48:35.519
go down that road of Paul London
and Brian Kendrick, but never really went
743
00:48:35.559 --> 00:48:38.280
that far. But another time,
you just you just gotta get you know,
744
00:48:38.360 --> 00:48:43.000
it's it's once again, it's a
matter of finding the right talent and
745
00:48:43.079 --> 00:48:45.719
the right uh, and and putting
them in that in that situation and just
746
00:48:46.079 --> 00:48:52.960
you know, the Kendrick and just
this not saying they work good talent,
747
00:48:52.280 --> 00:48:55.280
because they certainly were, but it
just wasn't the right combination, wasn't the
748
00:48:55.360 --> 00:49:00.400
right talent. You know. I
just think things happened and then and you
749
00:49:00.440 --> 00:49:01.960
know, you gotta be you gotta
not only be good, but you gotta
750
00:49:02.000 --> 00:49:05.920
be lucky in that situation as well. But that I mean, yeah,
751
00:49:06.000 --> 00:49:07.920
I think that it could. I
still think that it could happen again.
752
00:49:08.639 --> 00:49:12.400
What did Jackie Fargo think of how
wrestling changed over the years. I mean,
753
00:49:12.440 --> 00:49:15.880
I know you were very outspoken publicly. I did an interview with you
754
00:49:15.960 --> 00:49:17.960
for one of my yearbooks in my
earliest years publishing The Torch, where you
755
00:49:19.000 --> 00:49:22.559
were very outspoken against Vince McMahon and
Vince obviously, Vince has a thick skin
756
00:49:22.559 --> 00:49:24.079
when it comes by kind of thing, and it has brought a lot of
757
00:49:24.079 --> 00:49:28.599
people in who disagree with this the
direction he took wrestling over the years.
758
00:49:28.599 --> 00:49:31.440
And that's not really an issue anymore. But how about Jackie Fargo, who
759
00:49:31.519 --> 00:49:36.079
who you know watched you know,
it was involved in the fifties and sixties
760
00:49:36.079 --> 00:49:39.039
and seventies and then all of a
sudden such major changes did Did you talk
761
00:49:39.039 --> 00:49:42.920
to him about the way wrestling change
and get a feeling? Oh? Yeah,
762
00:49:42.920 --> 00:49:45.360
absolutely, Yeah, sure I did. And it was always hard because
763
00:49:45.519 --> 00:49:50.960
you know, as I mean,
I can't tell you how many times I
764
00:49:51.039 --> 00:49:54.000
would answer the phone or either called
Jackie and the first words that, my
765
00:49:54.440 --> 00:50:00.239
son, what have you done in
my business? What are you going my
766
00:50:00.360 --> 00:50:04.239
business? Yeah, I mean,
you know, it's just hey, I
767
00:50:04.320 --> 00:50:08.719
mean it's it's like, um,
I don't know, just almost almost anybody
768
00:50:08.760 --> 00:50:14.760
that uh um has had their day
in the in the sun. And then
769
00:50:15.159 --> 00:50:19.679
uh, you know, you you
just hate to you hate to face your
770
00:50:19.679 --> 00:50:23.199
own mortality, and you hate to
you hate to face the fact that one
771
00:50:23.280 --> 00:50:27.239
day, you know, your your
place is going to be taken by somebody
772
00:50:27.239 --> 00:50:30.360
else. And that's not an easy
thing to accept. And and you know,
773
00:50:30.400 --> 00:50:34.599
we see a lot of people that
are that are bitter in the business
774
00:50:34.679 --> 00:50:37.920
once they're once their time has come
and gone, and and and I always
775
00:50:38.039 --> 00:50:43.039
I always looked at it, uh
from Jackie at least it was a little
776
00:50:43.079 --> 00:50:45.280
bit of that. But you know, I mean, he wasn't so he
777
00:50:45.360 --> 00:50:50.760
wasn't so jaded that he that he
didn't want to have anything to do with
778
00:50:50.800 --> 00:50:52.880
it. I mean, like I
said, he always wanted to still come
779
00:50:52.880 --> 00:50:58.039
back to Memphis and and and uh
reignite that plane that uh you know that
780
00:50:58.280 --> 00:51:00.480
that that passion that he had in
the asked. But yeah, he wasn't.
781
00:51:00.559 --> 00:51:05.559
He wasn't crazy about what he saw
as he sat at home because it
782
00:51:05.599 --> 00:51:07.760
was so different. You know.
It was just then changes changes hard to
783
00:51:07.760 --> 00:51:12.360
take. Change is inevitable, but
it's hard. It's sometimes hard to accept.
784
00:51:12.360 --> 00:51:15.679
And and and Jackie, Jackie was
that way. And and like you
785
00:51:15.719 --> 00:51:17.960
said, in my case, I
was that way at first, and um,
786
00:51:19.840 --> 00:51:23.559
but I was I was wrong though, you know, I looked at
787
00:51:23.599 --> 00:51:29.400
it, um and I looked at
it at the time as Vince McMahon was
788
00:51:29.760 --> 00:51:32.840
trying to take over and rule the
world by putting all the territories out of
789
00:51:32.880 --> 00:51:37.480
business. And it really it really
wasn't that. I mean, that's really
790
00:51:37.480 --> 00:51:40.480
he wasn't his agenda And that really
wasn't what happened. It was just the
791
00:51:40.519 --> 00:51:45.679
fact that, you know, the
the the fact that cable TV and satellite
792
00:51:45.679 --> 00:51:51.800
TV came along and suddenly all the
tough stars in the business wanted to be
793
00:51:51.840 --> 00:51:53.880
seen on the grander stage. They
wanted to be They wanted to be seen
794
00:51:53.920 --> 00:52:00.599
in a on a worldwide stage rather
than just regionalize and territory rise like we
795
00:52:00.639 --> 00:52:02.840
had done in the past. And
and um, you know, and and
796
00:52:04.079 --> 00:52:08.119
so all the VIC stars were migrating
to Vince or to wc's a Ted Turner
797
00:52:08.440 --> 00:52:14.480
and and and that just the most
of the territories out of business. And
798
00:52:14.639 --> 00:52:16.639
uh, you know, and I
think that the only way that Jerry Jarrett
799
00:52:16.639 --> 00:52:21.639
and I stayed viable as long as
we did was the fact that, you
800
00:52:21.679 --> 00:52:24.320
know, I had been pushed as
the main star, and there was no
801
00:52:24.360 --> 00:52:28.079
way I was going to leave because
I was part owner, you know.
802
00:52:28.119 --> 00:52:30.199
I mean, if I had up
and left to be like cutting my own
803
00:52:30.280 --> 00:52:35.519
toat you know. So, but
that wasn't the case in most of the
804
00:52:35.559 --> 00:52:39.239
other territories or the other territories their
stuff last because they wanted to be seen
805
00:52:39.480 --> 00:52:44.880
all over the world with Vince's Vince
mcnahn's product. And you know, you
806
00:52:44.920 --> 00:52:49.159
can't really can't really blame anybody for
that. I Meann't wasn't Vince's fault.
807
00:52:49.159 --> 00:52:52.119
It really wasn't. The wasn't those
stars that left their territories fault. It's
808
00:52:52.159 --> 00:52:58.880
just it was just one of those
uh inevitable changes that took place of technology.
809
00:52:59.239 --> 00:53:00.719
You know, I always back and
it was it was the advent of
810
00:53:00.760 --> 00:53:07.679
cable and television and satellite TV that
that changed the wrestling world since mcman Junior
811
00:53:07.760 --> 00:53:12.559
became a movie star or a politician
or something other than that. And WWF
812
00:53:13.039 --> 00:53:15.519
state of regional territory didn't Expand what
other territorial promoter do you think had the
813
00:53:15.519 --> 00:53:22.719
best chance to do what he did? Like you said, national satellite cable
814
00:53:22.800 --> 00:53:28.000
was going national anyway some you know, eventually wrestling would be nationalized, right
815
00:53:28.159 --> 00:53:35.559
yeah, yeah, And and and
you know a prime example of how um
816
00:53:36.440 --> 00:53:40.239
how that how that changed was was
the Andy Kaufman situation. You know when
817
00:53:40.360 --> 00:53:45.840
when Andy Andy loved the business and
he started wrestling women, he wanted to
818
00:53:45.880 --> 00:53:50.199
be a part of the business and
and uh you know he wanted to but
819
00:53:50.320 --> 00:53:52.920
he wanted to wrestle women in front
of a live wrestling audience. Well the
820
00:53:52.920 --> 00:53:55.920
only wrestling that Andy knew that was
because he was some long out in New
821
00:53:57.000 --> 00:54:01.400
York, you know, was was
scent banned and the the ww so Andy
822
00:54:01.519 --> 00:54:06.599
Andy approached them and had the idea
of him wrestling in front of a wrestling
823
00:54:06.639 --> 00:54:12.800
crowd and h I'm told that the
conversation was something like Vincent Van Senior,
824
00:54:12.840 --> 00:54:15.159
I believe. Told Andy. He
said, you know, and Andy were
825
00:54:15.159 --> 00:54:19.159
a big fan, but I'm kind
of our fans are skeptical and I'm a
826
00:54:19.199 --> 00:54:22.639
little hesitant to want to bring a
Hollywood actor into our business. And he
827
00:54:22.679 --> 00:54:23.639
said, I'm afraid, you know, I don't want our fans to think
828
00:54:23.639 --> 00:54:27.800
that we're all a bunch of actors
out there. So he turned Andy down
829
00:54:28.079 --> 00:54:31.760
with the idea. And and my
friend Bill after overheard the conversation and he
830
00:54:31.800 --> 00:54:36.360
was friends with him. He told
Andy about our territory down in Memphis.
831
00:54:36.360 --> 00:54:37.119
He said, hey, I got
a friend Jerry Lawards. He got a
832
00:54:37.199 --> 00:54:39.920
territory down in Memphis, and I
think they might be in arrested then we'll
833
00:54:39.920 --> 00:54:43.679
see. At the time, you
know, Andy had no idea, no
834
00:54:43.760 --> 00:54:46.280
clue that there was other wrestling other
than other than what he was familiar with
835
00:54:46.599 --> 00:54:51.239
in his territory up there, you
know, so with them, when Andy
836
00:54:51.320 --> 00:54:55.480
came down and you know what all
happened between he and I suddenly got national
837
00:54:55.599 --> 00:55:02.239
and worldwide attention, and U just
you know, right right after that was
838
00:55:02.320 --> 00:55:08.159
when the table started hitting and and
vents. Then saw you know, the
839
00:55:08.239 --> 00:55:14.199
attention that these Hollywood celebrities could get, so you know they crank dried up
840
00:55:14.199 --> 00:55:15.920
with Cyndy Lauper and mister T and
then I mean, you know, if
841
00:55:15.920 --> 00:55:19.880
the things, things get rolling and
the rest is history. And so it's
842
00:55:19.920 --> 00:55:23.239
just you know, a lot of
it had to do with uh, I
843
00:55:23.280 --> 00:55:27.039
think a lot of it had to
do with who was in the media capital
844
00:55:27.039 --> 00:55:32.000
of the world and that events.
You know, yeah, absolutely. Now
845
00:55:32.039 --> 00:55:37.719
you can subscribe to our VP podcast
lineup within the Apple Podcast app using your
846
00:55:37.719 --> 00:55:42.679
Apple account. That's new as of
March twenty twenty two. Just search pw
847
00:55:42.840 --> 00:55:45.599
Torch in your Apple podcast app and
you'll see the PW Torch Dailycast logo show
848
00:55:45.639 --> 00:55:49.599
up. That's our free show that's
been around forever, and also the pw
849
00:55:49.679 --> 00:55:52.920
Torche vip podcast logo. There's a
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850
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851
00:55:55.480 --> 00:56:00.400
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852
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853
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855
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857
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858
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859
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Wade, Everything with Rich and Wade, and many other VAP exclusive shows.
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Just search pw Torch within the Apple
podcast app with with Jackie Fargo from from
863
00:56:50.760 --> 00:56:52.679
when he was headlining on Talk So
I want to go back him for a
864
00:56:52.719 --> 00:56:54.159
second. And I know we're probably
running out of time with you this afternoon.
865
00:56:54.199 --> 00:57:00.480
I really appreciate your time. I
know you're on Yeah, so our
866
00:57:00.519 --> 00:57:05.039
big thanks, especially with that in
context, the kind of Memphis was known
867
00:57:05.079 --> 00:57:07.480
for having kind of an unhinged,
wild brawling style at times. The Jackie
868
00:57:07.519 --> 00:57:14.360
Fargo was part of that talk about
his influence on on the Memphis wrestling style
869
00:57:14.800 --> 00:57:17.480
and how that influenced you when you
were on top in the direction you took
870
00:57:17.519 --> 00:57:21.239
things, when you had a level
of control behind the scenes and influence.
871
00:57:22.239 --> 00:57:27.239
Yeah, well, I mean it
was it was like um, as you
872
00:57:27.280 --> 00:57:32.880
say, Memphis wrestling was I don't
even know how to describe that. I
873
00:57:32.880 --> 00:57:37.119
guess it was. It was molded. It was formed by people like Jackie
874
00:57:37.159 --> 00:57:40.480
Fargo and even for a little bit
before Jackie and along the same time sput
875
00:57:40.559 --> 00:57:46.159
Nick Monroe, and these guys were
these guys were the most popular wrestlers,
876
00:57:46.320 --> 00:57:52.480
but they certainly weren't the most technical
wrestlers or anything like that. I mean,
877
00:57:52.480 --> 00:57:54.960
you know, I looked at an
old card the other day and it
878
00:57:55.000 --> 00:57:59.920
was me against Jackie Fargo in the
main event, and the second match was
879
00:58:00.159 --> 00:58:05.519
Lucas wrestling against uh, Tommy Gilbert. You know. So. But but
880
00:58:05.519 --> 00:58:12.280
but the real technical uh catches catch
can type wrestlers, they weren't. I
881
00:58:12.320 --> 00:58:15.920
don't know, that just weren't that
well received in Memphis. The Memphis fans
882
00:58:15.320 --> 00:58:21.639
loved the excitement of a street fighter, a kickut kind of guy like Sputting
883
00:58:21.639 --> 00:58:25.079
with Row or Jackie Fargo, that
was a brawler and and uh and of
884
00:58:25.079 --> 00:58:29.519
course you know that Jackie. Jackie
that was right down his alley. He
885
00:58:29.559 --> 00:58:32.000
was the best at that. And
then that's that his style is what I
886
00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:36.079
tried to emulate. And then over
the years, then of the other young
887
00:58:36.119 --> 00:58:39.239
guys that came along tried to emulate
my style, which was the emulating Jackie
888
00:58:39.320 --> 00:58:44.639
Fargo. And so that just that
dominated the Memphis wrestling for years and years
889
00:58:44.679 --> 00:58:45.719
and years. And well, I
mean, you know, Jackie was one
890
00:58:45.760 --> 00:58:50.239
of those kind of guys that would
that would do anything in a match.
891
00:58:50.280 --> 00:58:53.800
You know, he'd hed, his
his matches were extreme, way before ECW
892
00:58:54.000 --> 00:58:58.719
worked. Who saw those? Bruce, You have a final topic for Jerry.
893
00:58:59.440 --> 00:59:02.480
Yeah, I was talking about everything
going on a worldwide stage, while
894
00:59:02.559 --> 00:59:07.880
Jackie Fargo really didn't. You know, it was huge in Memphis and he
895
00:59:07.920 --> 00:59:09.880
didn't really go on the worldwide stage
the first time in Mason Square Garden,
896
00:59:09.960 --> 00:59:14.760
but um, the Fargo struts certainly
did in certain ways. Can you talk
897
00:59:14.760 --> 00:59:19.480
about the Fargo strut and all the
people that that including you, that emulated
898
00:59:19.519 --> 00:59:23.960
it and how impactful that was.
Yeah, you know, I mean the
899
00:59:23.960 --> 00:59:28.000
first person that I ever saw do
the strutt was of course Jackie Fargo.
900
00:59:28.039 --> 00:59:31.480
I understand it. I understand it. I don't know if nature Boy Buddy
901
00:59:31.559 --> 00:59:35.639
Rogers did did it as well,
but I mean, you know, I
902
00:59:35.719 --> 00:59:40.159
know that Rick Flair uh emulated nature
Boy Buddy Rogers even though even down to
903
00:59:40.239 --> 00:59:45.679
the to the nickname. But but
Jackie, yeah, Jackie Strutt was was
904
00:59:45.760 --> 00:59:52.679
famous all around the Memphis, UH
territory, and nobody could Jackie's main saying
905
00:59:52.760 --> 00:59:57.639
was about himself often imitated could do
it as well as he. And sometimes
906
00:59:57.679 --> 01:00:00.800
it was just really comical with dads
like up in the wrestler like Tojoe Yamamoto
907
01:00:01.199 --> 01:00:05.519
being partners with Jackie and told Joe
trying to do this strut or you know,
908
01:00:05.599 --> 01:00:09.960
just everybody tried it and and but
but Jackie did it like nobody else.
909
01:00:10.000 --> 01:00:13.039
I mean, he did it like
no other. He was the best.
910
01:00:13.079 --> 01:00:16.840
And um and I'm sure that you
know when it was Jackie and I
911
01:00:16.920 --> 01:00:22.280
think nineteen fifty seven or something like
that, Jackie and Don Fargo headline Madison
912
01:00:22.280 --> 01:00:25.920
Square Garden working for Vince Senior,
and uh, you know, they had
913
01:00:25.920 --> 01:00:30.599
the big top hats and the sequin
outfits and everything. And then he told
914
01:00:30.599 --> 01:00:34.039
me then that they did the they
did this strut in the in the middle
915
01:00:34.079 --> 01:00:37.039
of the ring in Madison Square Garden, So you know, he may truly
916
01:00:37.079 --> 01:00:39.599
have been the innovator of that.
And uh. And then he whether he
917
01:00:39.639 --> 01:00:43.639
was the innovator or not, he
was the best. Is he one of
918
01:00:43.639 --> 01:00:46.239
the guys Jerry that that if somebody
came to you for advice and said,
919
01:00:46.320 --> 01:00:49.880
I want to I feel like I'm
not connecting with the crowd. You know,
920
01:00:49.920 --> 01:00:52.360
what do I do to have that
connection that you talked about earlier in
921
01:00:52.400 --> 01:00:55.880
the interview. Is Jackie somebody who
can watch and learn from or do you
922
01:00:55.920 --> 01:01:00.880
think he was born kind of he
was kind of born with that in either
923
01:01:00.920 --> 01:01:05.800
have it or you don't. Well, no, I think that Jackie was
924
01:01:05.840 --> 01:01:08.559
just a natural. But he was
a great guy to talk to. I
925
01:01:08.599 --> 01:01:13.880
can't I couldn't even begin to tell
you. Um, you know so many
926
01:01:13.960 --> 01:01:19.159
little bits of advice that that that
Jackie would give me throughout the years.
927
01:01:19.199 --> 01:01:22.119
I mean, even things, even
things that not necessarily connected with wrestling,
928
01:01:22.280 --> 01:01:24.840
you know, just the old terms
of the first time I ever heard somebody
929
01:01:24.880 --> 01:01:28.079
say, hey kid, it's not
what you make, it's what you say.
930
01:01:28.199 --> 01:01:30.079
Don't ever forget that. Uh.
And then he said, Hey,
931
01:01:30.159 --> 01:01:34.599
there's three people you want to know
and throughout your life in this business how
932
01:01:34.639 --> 01:01:37.000
to say that. He said,
a doctor, a lawyer, and a
933
01:01:37.039 --> 01:01:38.760
banker, you need to do one
on a first name basis, And that
934
01:01:38.920 --> 01:01:42.559
came so you know, that was
so true over the years. I mean
935
01:01:42.559 --> 01:01:45.719
it just said. I can't tell
you how how many times that that piece
936
01:01:45.719 --> 01:01:50.119
of advice came around to help me
out through through my life, you know.
937
01:01:50.159 --> 01:01:52.320
And I mean, I'll never forget
one time to Jonesboro, Arkansas,
938
01:01:53.320 --> 01:01:58.719
one of my first matches. I
was like, I don't know I was
939
01:01:58.760 --> 01:02:00.280
gonna be able to second or third
match. But you know, all I
940
01:02:00.320 --> 01:02:04.360
was thinking in my head was I
wanted I would stand outside the dress room
941
01:02:04.360 --> 01:02:06.840
door and act like I was,
you know, watching the match that was
942
01:02:06.880 --> 01:02:08.559
on before me or whatever. But
but at the same time, I was
943
01:02:08.599 --> 01:02:10.400
just you know, I was just
wanting to be seen. I was on
944
01:02:10.400 --> 01:02:13.639
one there in I say, oh, look, there's a there's a there's
945
01:02:13.639 --> 01:02:15.639
a kid, there's a vestler right
there. Very long, you know,
946
01:02:15.039 --> 01:02:19.199
and I'm gonna forget. One night
in Joe Brow Jackie pulled me to the
947
01:02:19.199 --> 01:02:22.079
sign. He said, they kid, if you were going to go see
948
01:02:22.119 --> 01:02:24.760
yo Espressley in concert, and you'd
bought a ticket for fifty bucks, to
949
01:02:24.880 --> 01:02:29.000
go seeing, and all of a
sudden, before the show start, you
950
01:02:29.079 --> 01:02:31.599
see Elvis out walking around through the
crowd talking to people and everything. What
951
01:02:31.719 --> 01:02:35.880
would you think, would you think
he wasn't the biggest star? I said,
952
01:02:36.119 --> 01:02:37.440
yeah, that probably takes some of
the lust off. He said,
953
01:02:37.480 --> 01:02:40.000
yeah, we'll keep your ass in
the dress rooms the time for your match.
954
01:02:43.679 --> 01:02:45.679
So that was just you know,
the kind of a kind of little
955
01:02:45.719 --> 01:02:49.360
things that he would tell you.
And it was it was always, it
956
01:02:49.519 --> 01:02:53.880
was always us little words of wisdom, little little jewels of knowledge there from
957
01:02:53.960 --> 01:02:57.119
Jackie. But looking back, did
he ever give you a bad piece of
958
01:02:57.159 --> 01:02:59.920
advice, either as a joke or
in a serious way, something that back
959
01:03:00.079 --> 01:03:02.519
fired or maybe didn't quite work for
you that worked for him. No?
960
01:03:02.800 --> 01:03:07.840
Never, Yeah, yeah, I
want yeah, keep your clothes on or
961
01:03:07.920 --> 01:03:13.519
keep take your clothes off, something
like that. No, he never gave
962
01:03:13.559 --> 01:03:16.920
me any banding life excellent, Um, joy, appreciate your time before you
963
01:03:16.960 --> 01:03:20.960
go. Can you just update our
listeners on your health. Jackie Fargo died
964
01:03:21.000 --> 01:03:23.880
this week from art failure. You
had a close call several months back that
965
01:03:24.079 --> 01:03:29.039
was just, I mean, one
of the scariest and most memorable obviously in
966
01:03:29.039 --> 01:03:31.000
a kind of a traumatic way for
fans who followed your career all along,
967
01:03:31.119 --> 01:03:35.320
you just seem like you're back to
your normal self. Are you Are you
968
01:03:35.360 --> 01:03:39.199
doing anything differently from a medication or
diet or health standpoint, and what's your
969
01:03:39.400 --> 01:03:44.119
what's your health stat you know what. Not really other than the fact that,
970
01:03:45.000 --> 01:03:50.039
um my, my little scare was
a little bit something, a little
971
01:03:50.079 --> 01:03:52.400
bit different than most heart attacks.
I just had a cousin matter of fact,
972
01:03:52.400 --> 01:03:57.159
that had a quadruple by passed today, had four arteries that were clugged.
973
01:03:57.159 --> 01:04:00.840
And my situation was a little different
in the fact that I didn't have
974
01:04:00.599 --> 01:04:05.079
UH cloud guardys. I had something
that caused UH And I still think to
975
01:04:05.119 --> 01:04:10.599
this day it might have been the
six or eight consecutive elbows from Dolf Ziglers
976
01:04:10.639 --> 01:04:13.280
should have matched it kind of got
my heart off him or something. But
977
01:04:13.320 --> 01:04:17.599
anyway I had, I had sudden
cardiac arrest and just thank god, you
978
01:04:17.639 --> 01:04:21.119
know how fortunate I was that doctor
Sampson was right there at ringside, and
979
01:04:21.159 --> 01:04:25.480
that the paramedics were close at hand, and they, you know, they
980
01:04:25.559 --> 01:04:30.159
kept my blood flow through the CPR
for like twenty minutes before they can actually
981
01:04:30.199 --> 01:04:34.440
get my heart to stop beating again. But the weird thing is the cardiologists
982
01:04:34.440 --> 01:04:38.800
said, but that because of their
you know, their work there, I
983
01:04:38.840 --> 01:04:42.360
didn't. I didn't suffer any heart
damage. In other words, I didn't
984
01:04:42.400 --> 01:04:46.000
have scarring of the of any tissue
or any anything like that. And once,
985
01:04:46.360 --> 01:04:49.039
you know, once they kept my
heart back beating again, it was
986
01:04:49.360 --> 01:04:53.840
like, you know, I was
basic. You know, I just went
987
01:04:54.519 --> 01:04:58.239
um a couple of months ago,
back for my my six months check up
988
01:04:58.280 --> 01:05:00.000
with the cardiologists, and he said, hey, I'd like to doing anything
989
01:05:00.079 --> 01:05:03.519
we were doing before. So,
I mean, I feel great. I've
990
01:05:03.559 --> 01:05:06.960
not had one bit of a problem
since. But the funny thing was,
991
01:05:08.000 --> 01:05:10.960
I didn't have any problem beforehand.
I mean I had no warning, no
992
01:05:11.079 --> 01:05:15.320
inclination, no pain, no you
know, no tightness in my chest,
993
01:05:15.400 --> 01:05:17.159
no was tingling in my arm.
Nothing. It was just like I blinked
994
01:05:17.199 --> 01:05:20.159
my eyes and when I opened them
again, I was in the hospital three
995
01:05:20.239 --> 01:05:24.519
days later. You know. So
now you're back wrestling, and now,
996
01:05:24.840 --> 01:05:29.840
well, I I haven't really had
an official match. I went down with
997
01:05:29.840 --> 01:05:32.039
with Dorry Funk, and it's kind
of a glorified training session. Year.
998
01:05:32.079 --> 01:05:38.239
No, Dorry has a training school, there a facility in O'calli, Florida,
999
01:05:38.480 --> 01:05:41.559
and he has probably about twenty students
down there, and once a year
1000
01:05:41.599 --> 01:05:45.360
I've been going down there and getting
into little match with some of his students
1001
01:05:45.360 --> 01:05:47.320
and I did I did that,
but I hadn't you know, I hadn't
1002
01:05:47.400 --> 01:05:50.360
had a single match and gone back
and done a match yet. But that's
1003
01:05:50.400 --> 01:05:55.079
definitely on the agenda. I'm definitely
gonna I'm definitely going to do it maybe
1004
01:05:55.119 --> 01:06:00.599
sometime and some time in September.
Wow, thanks for downloading today's show.
1005
01:06:00.679 --> 01:06:02.519
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01:06:12.360 --> 01:06:15.679
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1009
01:06:15.760 --> 01:06:19.239
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1010
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01:06:23.800 --> 01:06:27.639
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01:06:27.639 --> 01:06:30.960
and enjoy all the benefits, all
the bonus content and the ad free listening
1013
01:06:31.000 --> 01:06:42.920
experience. Pwtorch dot com slash go
vi ip welcome Jerry. It's great to
1014
01:06:42.920 --> 01:06:44.599
have you on the show. It's
great to have you here to be on
1015
01:06:44.639 --> 01:06:47.000
the show, and it has been
an absolute pleasure hearing some great Jackie Fargo
1016
01:06:47.079 --> 01:06:51.199
stories and letting our listeners know a
little bit about history and where you came
1017
01:06:51.199 --> 01:06:54.719
from and Jackie Fargo's roll in that. I'm sure we could do three more
1018
01:06:54.760 --> 01:06:57.199
hours and not run out of great
Jackie Fargo stories. He was that kind
1019
01:06:57.199 --> 01:07:00.760
of wrestler and and if you're right
about that, I mean, you know,
1020
01:07:00.920 --> 01:07:04.719
it's I appreciate you guys having me
on. I wish I did wish
1021
01:07:04.760 --> 01:07:10.400
I was not on here under these
circumstances, because you know, there's there's
1022
01:07:10.400 --> 01:07:13.840
certain people that you want to be
around forever, and Jackie Fargo was certainly
1023
01:07:13.880 --> 01:07:15.880
one of those. And he will
be uh. He'll be missed by so
1024
01:07:15.960 --> 01:07:20.639
many people, but especially by me. Bruce. Uh any sign out for
1025
01:07:20.719 --> 01:07:25.480
Jerry. It's great to hear your
health is back in shape. And um,
1026
01:07:25.920 --> 01:07:29.840
thanks for Yeah. Jackie Fargo was
a major figure in this business,
1027
01:07:29.920 --> 01:07:33.039
and it's great to hear from from
excuse me the horse of his mouth about
1028
01:07:33.039 --> 01:07:35.840
what made him so great? Hey, grus, be nice. No,
1029
01:07:35.880 --> 01:07:43.039
I don't I thought, now you've
done it, Bruce. Now Jerry's really
1030
01:07:43.159 --> 01:07:46.280
it went well till that moment,
right right, all right, Jerry,
1031
01:07:46.360 --> 01:07:50.000
again, big thanks to you.
Go back to enjoying your your vacation and
1032
01:07:50.119 --> 01:07:53.440
our condolences to you. I know
how close you were to Jackie and I'm
1033
01:07:53.440 --> 01:07:56.280
sure it's a tough week for you
and hopefully get to talk about him a
1034
01:07:56.320 --> 01:07:59.840
little bit. Um felt felt felt
good and be able to share those stories.
1035
01:08:00.400 --> 01:08:01.280
All right, thank you. Waye. Remember when you said could I
1036
01:08:01.280 --> 01:08:03.280
come on for thirty minutes or an
hour? And I said, no way,
1037
01:08:03.320 --> 01:08:05.519
I'm on my vacation. I just
look down. This has been an
1038
01:08:05.519 --> 01:08:09.480
hour in two minutes. It has. And uh, when you said that,
1039
01:08:09.519 --> 01:08:12.039
I thought, you know, probably
about two questions in, we'll be
1040
01:08:12.039 --> 01:08:15.519
at the thirty minute mark. So
I've just knowing you, especially your passion
1041
01:08:15.559 --> 01:08:17.520
on the subject. I thought we
might get away with getting close to thirty
1042
01:08:17.640 --> 01:08:20.319
or so. So I appreciate it. The time apps absolutely flew by,
1043
01:08:20.359 --> 01:08:24.680
though, and many thanks for coming
on the show. Appreciate it. Okay,
1044
01:08:24.680 --> 01:08:27.720
wait, that's like you day.
All right. Well, let's uh,
1045
01:08:27.840 --> 01:08:33.760
Bruce transition into our second guest speaking
about Jerry Lawler and that is Scott
1046
01:08:33.760 --> 01:08:40.279
Bowden. M Bruce, You've you've
you've been a fan of Scott's writing at
1047
01:08:40.359 --> 01:08:45.479
Kentucky Kentucky Fried Wrestling dot com.
Scott We're wrote an article on Jerry law
1048
01:08:45.600 --> 01:08:49.520
on Jackie Fargo, including colds from
Jerry Lawler earlier this week. You can
1049
01:08:49.560 --> 01:08:54.399
find that at Kentucky Fried Wrestling dot
com. Uh. Scott, first of
1050
01:08:54.439 --> 01:08:57.760
all, welcome to the live cast, and uh you've got a big act
1051
01:08:57.760 --> 01:09:00.520
to follow, I know. Uh. And first of all, I want
1052
01:09:00.520 --> 01:09:05.520
to thank Jerry for that illustrious introduction. It's always an honor to be insulted
1053
01:09:05.960 --> 01:09:10.680
by the King. Yes, yeah, if you've joined us in progress or
1054
01:09:10.680 --> 01:09:13.680
for god he said, took his
little big gut Scott when I said he'd
1055
01:09:13.680 --> 01:09:15.600
be on the show later, believe
it. And don't leave half of what
1056
01:09:15.600 --> 01:09:18.319
that goof ball says or something like
that. He's always healing on me.
1057
01:09:19.399 --> 01:09:24.079
Yeah. Um well, well,
Bruce, Uh, let me let me
1058
01:09:24.079 --> 01:09:28.039
just throw to you and have you
uh started discussion with Scott about about Jackie
1059
01:09:28.079 --> 01:09:31.600
Fargo and uh, because Scott obviously
a follower of wrestling in that territory.
1060
01:09:32.039 --> 01:09:34.119
Not that I'll bow out, but
Bruce, I want you to take the
1061
01:09:34.199 --> 01:09:38.319
lead UH in this discussion with Scott. Well. First, I want to
1062
01:09:38.319 --> 01:09:41.960
start with some of the background of
Scott Bowden. Scott Bowden, Yett only
1063
01:09:42.079 --> 01:09:45.520
was a fan and an observer of
the territory, but he was UM as
1064
01:09:46.119 --> 01:09:51.279
were you the illegitimate nephew of Bobby
Bowden in Florida, the Farida state football
1065
01:09:51.279 --> 01:09:55.880
coach, or were you, I
mean what exactly were you? But Scott
1066
01:09:55.920 --> 01:10:00.399
Bowden was in the in the early
nineties, was a manager and a heel
1067
01:10:00.479 --> 01:10:06.720
manager for Memphis Wrestling and also weren't
for Jerry Lawler and and performed, you
1068
01:10:06.720 --> 01:10:13.159
know against Jerry Lawler and was you
know, an entertaining effective manager that day.
1069
01:10:13.159 --> 01:10:15.960
And you know one of the people
that I mean, you've gone on
1070
01:10:15.000 --> 01:10:18.279
in your life to to other things, but you know, if the business
1071
01:10:18.319 --> 01:10:21.479
hadn't changed about managers, you,
you know, you might have had your
1072
01:10:21.520 --> 01:10:26.640
life ruined by now, I mean, you know, working in UM you
1073
01:10:26.680 --> 01:10:29.760
know, But I mean it's very
much worth saying that. Not only are
1074
01:10:29.800 --> 01:10:33.239
you a historian, and I you
know, your library that you keep in
1075
01:10:33.319 --> 01:10:38.680
Kentucky frid Wrestling is just a tremendous
thing to go through and read. You've
1076
01:10:38.680 --> 01:10:42.239
done the research, but you also
know many of the principles personally, and
1077
01:10:42.439 --> 01:10:45.079
and and know a lot of people
that that loved Memphis wrestling and you loved
1078
01:10:45.079 --> 01:10:48.720
it too. I mean, it's
it's it's one of the best um history
1079
01:10:48.800 --> 01:10:53.680
nostalgia places to go read about about
wrestling. But um, you know,
1080
01:10:53.880 --> 01:10:58.680
and tell Bruce Uphill Scott that Bruce
over the years, and this is sincere
1081
01:10:58.720 --> 01:11:00.680
has has emailed or talk to me
on the phone and said, way go
1082
01:11:00.760 --> 01:11:03.159
read Scott Bouten's article. You gotta
read this article he wrote. I mean,
1083
01:11:03.159 --> 01:11:05.800
it's to genuine. He's being genuine
when he talks about that. He's
1084
01:11:05.800 --> 01:11:09.359
really a fan of your work.
And and uh, the article you did
1085
01:11:09.399 --> 01:11:12.079
on Jackie Fargo, by the way, has some great vintage clips to Jackie
1086
01:11:12.119 --> 01:11:14.399
Fargo. So I'm sure we have
a lot of listeners who heard of the
1087
01:11:14.399 --> 01:11:17.359
Fargo Strut or heard of Jackie Fargo
and passing, but aren't historians. And
1088
01:11:17.800 --> 01:11:20.279
a good place to start is your
selection of clips that you put in that
1089
01:11:20.359 --> 01:11:24.079
article on your on your page.
But uh, go ahead, both of
1090
01:11:24.079 --> 01:11:27.359
you. I said, I wasn't
gonna jump in right away, so um,
1091
01:11:27.399 --> 01:11:30.159
well we'll talk about you know,
I mean, I think you I
1092
01:11:30.239 --> 01:11:31.399
know what age you are. And
I think you know, you came along
1093
01:11:31.439 --> 01:11:34.960
in the in the eighties and one
of the prim time of Memphis wrestling,
1094
01:11:35.039 --> 01:11:38.840
being a fan and then got your
opportunity to work for What was it like
1095
01:11:38.880 --> 01:11:42.000
to work for Jerry law or what
was it like to um be on camera
1096
01:11:42.119 --> 01:11:45.600
on Saturday morning Memphis wrrestling in front
of what was still a huge audience in
1097
01:11:45.880 --> 01:11:53.000
a Memphis area. Uh, you
know, it was amazing listening to Jerry
1098
01:11:53.119 --> 01:11:57.439
talk about Jakie because you know,
that's the same way that that I felt
1099
01:11:57.479 --> 01:12:01.199
about Jerry. You know growing up. Jerry pointed out we didn't have a
1100
01:12:01.399 --> 01:12:05.239
pro sports team. Uh. And
and I think you know, I became
1101
01:12:05.279 --> 01:12:11.000
a fan in seventy seven. It
was the Jerry Lawler Bill Dundee series.
1102
01:12:11.479 --> 01:12:15.079
Uh, you know, where they
had all these crazy stipulations where you know,
1103
01:12:15.520 --> 01:12:20.039
five thousan dollars cash up Lawler's hair, his manager's hair, they shaved
1104
01:12:20.119 --> 01:12:24.960
Dundee's head, they shaved his wife
said and you know, and as a
1105
01:12:25.039 --> 01:12:30.359
kid, I I just thought this
was captivating television. And uh, you
1106
01:12:30.399 --> 01:12:32.920
know, and all my friends and
I we would have wrestling matches in the
1107
01:12:32.960 --> 01:12:36.199
backyard. You know, I'm sure
if I'd grown up in a place like
1108
01:12:36.760 --> 01:12:42.479
Pittsburgh, I would have been a
huge Jerry Bradshall fan or uh in Dallas,
1109
01:12:42.760 --> 01:12:45.279
I would have loved Roger Staubach.
But uh, you know, there
1110
01:12:45.359 --> 01:12:49.439
was something about Jerry Lawler, and
especially I think him being from Memphis and
1111
01:12:49.560 --> 01:12:55.199
being our home team. Uh,
you know, it just made that connection.
1112
01:12:55.640 --> 01:12:58.520
And I think too, you know, Jerry said that h you know,
1113
01:12:58.560 --> 01:13:01.079
he emulated Fargo's style, and I
think a lot of that had to
1114
01:13:01.119 --> 01:13:08.800
do with the fact that Jerry combined
a great mix of you know, comedy,
1115
01:13:09.720 --> 01:13:15.520
filmanship, timing, psychology. Uh. But he also knew when to
1116
01:13:15.560 --> 01:13:19.800
get serious. And with the Jerry's
interviews that they reminded me a lot of
1117
01:13:19.840 --> 01:13:24.880
Fargoes in a sense U because he
could be joking and clowning, but when
1118
01:13:24.920 --> 01:13:29.760
he got serious, you hung on
every word that he said. Uh,
1119
01:13:30.000 --> 01:13:33.520
and and the people believed in him. Yeah. I've always thought that of
1120
01:13:33.800 --> 01:13:38.119
all the wrestling stuff I've seen that
Jerry Lawler is right there at the top
1121
01:13:38.199 --> 01:13:42.119
roma for exactly that, particularly in
Memphis, that that yeah, that he
1122
01:13:42.159 --> 01:13:45.479
could he could just in a turning
way, but he made you want to
1123
01:13:45.479 --> 01:13:48.000
go see him fight whoever he was
going to fight, well, especially in
1124
01:13:48.079 --> 01:13:53.840
Memphis, because you know, it
was just often just pure insanity, you
1125
01:13:53.840 --> 01:13:58.520
know, and the most outrageous gimmicks, uh and the craziest kind of matches.
1126
01:13:59.159 --> 01:14:00.680
But when Jerry came out there and
talked about it, it all seemed
1127
01:14:00.680 --> 01:14:06.199
to make sense, you know,
and uh, you know, and especially
1128
01:14:06.199 --> 01:14:10.800
when you know, and WWE likes
to think that they're the ones who introduced
1129
01:14:10.840 --> 01:14:14.479
comedy at wrestling, but uh,
my goodness, you know, the Memphis
1130
01:14:14.520 --> 01:14:18.239
Wrestling Shop for years was was this
slot out entertaining, especially when Lawler was
1131
01:14:18.279 --> 01:14:20.880
a heel, because you know,
he come out with all these singers,
1132
01:14:20.880 --> 01:14:26.119
and he had Lance Russell playing the
perfect street man and uh, you know,
1133
01:14:26.199 --> 01:14:29.880
and just what what a what a
chemistry those two had. Uh.
1134
01:14:30.239 --> 01:14:33.520
And unfortunately I miss uh, you
know, the glory years of Jackie.
1135
01:14:34.279 --> 01:14:38.880
Um. But I think, you
know, the second chapter of his career
1136
01:14:39.159 --> 01:14:44.039
is also very interesting because in nineteen
seventy one, very first car and I
1137
01:14:44.039 --> 01:14:48.359
attended at the comis m U,
Lawler is shooting with Austin Idol uh and
1138
01:14:48.359 --> 01:14:51.920
then they gotten really ugly there up
in all kinds of messes and actually I
1139
01:14:51.920 --> 01:14:57.680
think Austin and act A kicked Lawler
uh in the ribs and it called him
1140
01:14:57.720 --> 01:15:02.239
intern leading. He was legitimately hospit
the lies and all the newspapers picked up
1141
01:15:02.239 --> 01:15:04.920
on it. So when they came
back, they were gonna have a stretcher
1142
01:15:04.960 --> 01:15:11.520
match, and Memphis being Memphis,
they brought in who was perceived to be
1143
01:15:11.560 --> 01:15:15.680
one of the biggest baby faced stars
in the country thanks till all the aftermac
1144
01:15:15.760 --> 01:15:19.800
covers mill Mask Cross. They brought
him in as a heel, you know,
1145
01:15:20.399 --> 01:15:24.680
to the team with Austin Idol.
And I remember, you know,
1146
01:15:24.760 --> 01:15:29.600
I was so excited because I was
a huge, huge fan of the AFTERMATX
1147
01:15:30.119 --> 01:15:32.720
and uh you know, I you
know, and Meal looked like a superhero,
1148
01:15:32.960 --> 01:15:38.159
you know, who could also wrestle. And I remember Lawla coming out
1149
01:15:38.239 --> 01:15:41.079
saying, you know, he's bringing
in one of the biggest stars in the
1150
01:15:41.079 --> 01:15:44.840
country, so I, you know, and it's a stretcher match, and
1151
01:15:44.920 --> 01:15:46.960
you know, he just put me
in the hospital. I don't need a
1152
01:15:47.000 --> 01:15:51.920
wrestler, I need a fighter.
I need Jackie Fargo. And you know,
1153
01:15:53.000 --> 01:15:57.000
I had not been exposed to Jackie. And you know, in Lance's
1154
01:15:57.000 --> 01:16:01.159
reaction was like, oh boy,
right Parker, And yeah, you know,
1155
01:16:01.439 --> 01:16:04.760
at that just the way it was
presented, and then I think Fargo
1156
01:16:04.760 --> 01:16:09.840
did a taped interview, uh you
know, you know, talking about what
1157
01:16:09.880 --> 01:16:13.079
he was gonna do. He's coming
there to kick button and and not wrestle,
1158
01:16:13.680 --> 01:16:19.560
And I just immediately thought Drank was
the toughest SOB walking the planet,
1159
01:16:19.920 --> 01:16:24.560
because you know, I Jerry Lawler
was my hero and he's putting over this
1160
01:16:24.600 --> 01:16:35.600
guy has uh, you know,
the toughest guy around. Longing for some
1161
01:16:35.680 --> 01:16:41.840
nostalgia or maybe you want to learn
some wrestling history, don't miss the nineties
1162
01:16:41.880 --> 01:16:45.600
Past cast every Friday on the PW
Torch Daly Cast Feed. Alex and Patrick
1163
01:16:45.640 --> 01:16:50.279
will transport you thirty years into the
past by taking you through the Torch issue
1164
01:16:50.399 --> 01:16:56.039
from that very week. Follow news
from the WWF and WCW and all the
1165
01:16:56.079 --> 01:17:00.039
happenings from across the wrestling industry in
real time as the Torch or thirty years
1166
01:17:00.039 --> 01:17:04.880
ago. That's the nineties Pass cast
every Friday on the PW George Daily Cast
1167
01:17:04.920 --> 01:17:21.199
Feed. Talk about the unusual part
of that matter. Mil Masterres was his
1168
01:17:21.319 --> 01:17:26.199
international literally was an international star,
big star in Japan, of course,
1169
01:17:26.680 --> 01:17:30.479
huge star in Mexico had made you
know, Luca Lieber, They made those
1170
01:17:30.520 --> 01:17:33.800
Luca allegial mask movies. El Santos
started that, but Mil Masterros made as
1171
01:17:33.840 --> 01:17:38.279
many as anybody and was his biggest
stars. And then you talked about you
1172
01:17:38.279 --> 01:17:42.560
know, Mascros and you know being
in the aftermagazines, in the Stanley Weston
1173
01:17:42.640 --> 01:17:45.039
magazines, and he was always on
the cover because he had this he had
1174
01:17:45.039 --> 01:17:48.920
this gorgeous mask, and he was
a flyer before anybody else was and After
1175
01:17:49.479 --> 01:17:54.199
really knew how to showcase him.
And he had a big following in New
1176
01:17:54.279 --> 01:17:59.399
York with Hispanic audiences there. Um, and then he comes but he also
1177
01:17:59.560 --> 01:18:02.239
was known as you know as the
years gone by between mcfoley and a lot
1178
01:18:02.279 --> 01:18:06.600
of people talking about Mascros being something
of a diva. But that match,
1179
01:18:06.640 --> 01:18:11.319
you went to see something really on
number one, the guy was being mil
1180
01:18:11.399 --> 01:18:14.680
Mascros, who was you know,
the superhero of the of the IWA the
1181
01:18:14.720 --> 01:18:18.680
first attempt to go national Eddie Eddie
Ironhorn, their their world champion and all
1182
01:18:18.680 --> 01:18:25.600
that. Um, this guy came
into Memphis against Lawler and and Fargo and
1183
01:18:25.680 --> 01:18:30.319
teaming with the you know, the
despised Austin Idol as a as a heel
1184
01:18:30.560 --> 01:18:33.600
and then tell the story about what
happened in the match that was so unusual
1185
01:18:33.720 --> 01:18:39.159
and kind of why that happened,
Well, it was funny. Uh Meal
1186
01:18:39.359 --> 01:18:44.640
ended up doing uh the stretcher job. He missed a fun body friends off
1187
01:18:44.640 --> 01:18:49.119
the top row and you know,
crashed into the canvas and Lawler and Fargo
1188
01:18:49.439 --> 01:18:53.600
just you know, put the boot
to him. You know, he tried
1189
01:18:53.640 --> 01:18:56.640
to stand up, he fell over. You know, I was eight years
1190
01:18:56.640 --> 01:19:00.439
old, but I you know,
the thrill actually been at the Colosseum for
1191
01:19:00.479 --> 01:19:03.920
the first time after watching it on
TV for so many years. I mean,
1192
01:19:04.039 --> 01:19:11.359
it's still such a visit memory for
me. And even after the Beautya,
1193
01:19:11.560 --> 01:19:14.680
even after the match is over,
and you know, uh, Mil
1194
01:19:14.880 --> 01:19:16.119
you know, couldn't get to the
seat. They were stretching him out.
1195
01:19:16.520 --> 01:19:20.039
They were halfway down back to the
dressing room. Fargo ran down, turned
1196
01:19:20.039 --> 01:19:27.199
the stretcher over and kept putting the
boots and and uh and Mil is just
1197
01:19:27.239 --> 01:19:32.520
selling like crazy. And I told
Jim Cornette this story a few years ago,
1198
01:19:32.960 --> 01:19:35.359
and he's like, oh, you
know what Jerry Jared used to do.
1199
01:19:35.439 --> 01:19:39.560
You know, he'd began, you
know, mister Wrestling or whoever,
1200
01:19:39.720 --> 01:19:43.319
and and and put some known heads. That was probably a Peppy Lopez who
1201
01:19:43.359 --> 01:19:46.359
was a kind of a mid card
wrestler in the seventies, but Peppy Lopez
1202
01:19:46.399 --> 01:19:50.880
had been dead for a few years. And I actually asked Jerry Jared it
1203
01:19:51.000 --> 01:19:56.720
was actually Aaron Rodriguez and He's like
yeah, And the deal was they had
1204
01:19:56.760 --> 01:20:00.800
had a common connection with a promoter
in Mexico, Salbert or Luters and uh,
1205
01:20:01.000 --> 01:20:04.680
and Jackie had actually stayed at Or. Jerry had actually stayed at his
1206
01:20:05.199 --> 01:20:10.399
house to Mexico, and when mil
came in that night, they were,
1207
01:20:10.479 --> 01:20:14.279
you know, swapping stories and joking
around and right before they were getting ready
1208
01:20:14.319 --> 01:20:16.319
to go on and Uh, you
know, Mill's kind of laughing. He
1209
01:20:16.319 --> 01:20:18.960
says, well, Jerry, what
do you want me to do? And
1210
01:20:19.119 --> 01:20:23.359
uh, and Jared said, well, I know what I'd like you to
1211
01:20:23.399 --> 01:20:26.680
do, but I don't know if
he'll go for it. You know,
1212
01:20:26.880 --> 01:20:28.760
I want to I want to do
an aside before you. I mean,
1213
01:20:28.800 --> 01:20:31.119
I know where the story is going. I want to do a quick aside.
1214
01:20:31.760 --> 01:20:36.760
Mil Masterros at the same time was
challenging around the same time as challenging
1215
01:20:36.800 --> 01:20:42.520
superstar Billy Graham for the WWF title
and Madison Square Garden in a series of
1216
01:20:42.560 --> 01:20:47.680
matches, and Graham got upset and
the promotion got upset because at the end
1217
01:20:48.159 --> 01:20:51.399
they wanted him to lose the Graham
and he wouldn't do it. And in
1218
01:20:51.399 --> 01:20:56.359
his matches he didn't sell very much
for Superstar Graham either. You know,
1219
01:20:56.840 --> 01:21:02.119
mil Masters was known throughout his whole
career for protecting his superhero gimmick and most
1220
01:21:02.159 --> 01:21:06.159
of the time he did what he
wanted to do to make himself and didn't
1221
01:21:06.159 --> 01:21:10.560
give very much, you know,
didn't give very much to his opponents.
1222
01:21:10.600 --> 01:21:15.399
So with that kind of context,
what you carry on, Well, no,
1223
01:21:15.720 --> 01:21:18.880
and I think I think I think
of some of the respect that Jakie
1224
01:21:18.920 --> 01:21:25.479
carried in the business. I think
it was also a testament to very smooth
1225
01:21:25.520 --> 01:21:30.640
operator. And then sitting now with
him, even joking with him, I
1226
01:21:30.640 --> 01:21:32.439
mean, carrying on, you know, it didn't tell him immediately what the
1227
01:21:32.439 --> 01:21:34.920
Finnish is going to be. I
don't even knew if Neal knew it was
1228
01:21:34.920 --> 01:21:40.479
going to be his thresher match.
But another part of me thinks too that
1229
01:21:40.600 --> 01:21:45.640
maybe just this once, you know, maybe meals decent and had a blast
1230
01:21:45.720 --> 01:21:49.119
with it, you know, and
had fun being a heal and and uh
1231
01:21:49.159 --> 01:21:53.319
and selling like it. I mean, because as far as I know,
1232
01:21:54.399 --> 01:21:57.600
I don't think he ever appeared as
a has a heal anywhere else. I
1233
01:21:57.600 --> 01:22:00.159
know, I know he was considered
a heel with a lot of the boys.
1234
01:22:00.159 --> 01:22:03.720
I know he had a lot of
eat typically because the way the way
1235
01:22:03.760 --> 01:22:09.079
he viewed it, I think was
that he was a special attraction and that
1236
01:22:09.159 --> 01:22:13.319
people were there to see him.
But I think even he knew that in
1237
01:22:13.439 --> 01:22:19.520
Memphis people were there to see Fargo
and law there right, Uh yeah it
1238
01:22:19.880 --> 01:22:24.399
uh yeah, that was my first
show at Collin Sand and uh, you
1239
01:22:24.439 --> 01:22:27.800
know I was hooked ever since.
Well, you know, you talked about
1240
01:22:27.960 --> 01:22:30.640
um, you know, w kind
of says, well, we invented sports
1241
01:22:30.720 --> 01:22:34.479
entertainment and all that stuff, and
I always thought it good. Wrestling always
1242
01:22:34.479 --> 01:22:39.640
was entertainment, was always entertaining,
whether it was really a really serious fight
1243
01:22:39.840 --> 01:22:42.960
or you know, jack Riscoe and
Dory front Junior going for the NBA title,
1244
01:22:43.119 --> 01:22:45.359
or you know, whatever was going
on, there was always some clownishness.
1245
01:22:45.359 --> 01:22:48.199
There was always something that was really
you know, fun about it.
1246
01:22:48.279 --> 01:22:53.319
And um, Jackie Fargo, I
mean the gimmick with Jackie Fargo and his
1247
01:22:53.520 --> 01:22:58.760
real life brother Sonny Roughouse Fargo.
I know, I'm watching in from where
1248
01:22:58.760 --> 01:23:02.600
I lived in the in the mid
Atlanta and Sonny Roughhouse. Sonny Fargo was
1249
01:23:02.640 --> 01:23:06.399
just like this, this referee and
every once in a while you'd hear him
1250
01:23:06.439 --> 01:23:10.279
speak, and he had this big, thick Tennessee accident. Rights figured,
1251
01:23:10.479 --> 01:23:13.119
oh, he's just some guy they
had as a referee and they call him
1252
01:23:13.199 --> 01:23:15.680
rough House, and I thought,
okay, that's that's pretty cool color.
1253
01:23:15.760 --> 01:23:17.640
But he never did anything, you
know, he was a good he was
1254
01:23:17.680 --> 01:23:20.399
a good referee. I mean,
you know, they were pretty strict about
1255
01:23:20.399 --> 01:23:25.600
their referees and all that. And
then I came to find out why he
1256
01:23:25.760 --> 01:23:30.880
was why he was called Roughhouse.
And you talk about comedy, you talk
1257
01:23:30.960 --> 01:23:33.239
about you know, and also I
didn't I didn't even think it was a
1258
01:23:33.239 --> 01:23:39.039
retired rustler because he was fairly small. He was pretty skinny and um and
1259
01:23:39.159 --> 01:23:41.359
he was and I don't know when
I saw him, he looked like he
1260
01:23:41.399 --> 01:23:43.640
was in his fifties. I mean, he wasn't that, he wasn't that
1261
01:23:43.720 --> 01:23:46.479
young. And but but the comedy
gimmick, but they did it in a
1262
01:23:46.520 --> 01:23:50.680
really effective way where they could make
they could increase the house, increase the
1263
01:23:50.760 --> 01:23:55.880
number of people come into the wrestling
shows when they when Jackie Fargo would would
1264
01:23:55.960 --> 01:23:59.840
be I've had enough. You know, whoever, you know, whatever tag,
1265
01:24:00.079 --> 01:24:01.960
whatever evil tag team he was facing, was giving him too much,
1266
01:24:02.039 --> 01:24:08.119
it was giving him too much trouble. He'd call in Sonny rough Houseparga and
1267
01:24:08.279 --> 01:24:11.479
we'll talk about what work about that? What would what would typically happen?
1268
01:24:12.199 --> 01:24:15.720
Uh? First of all, the
houses would be down right yeah. And
1269
01:24:15.520 --> 01:24:20.159
and they were looking to spark some
me so they would have U usually Lawler,
1270
01:24:20.319 --> 01:24:25.760
maybe Dundee. Uh, you know, get injured by a triple team
1271
01:24:25.760 --> 01:24:28.239
by a couple of guys right off
the top of the head. You know,
1272
01:24:28.319 --> 01:24:32.359
the infamous Tupelo, Mississippi Concession stand
brawl with the Blunt Bombers and Lawler
1273
01:24:32.399 --> 01:24:38.520
and Dundee and uh their managers who
Wayne Ferris and Larry Lathon and Wayne Ferris
1274
01:24:38.520 --> 01:24:41.840
of course turned it into the Hockey
talk Man. Yeah and uh and uh
1275
01:24:42.000 --> 01:24:45.720
Larry Lathon, Uh Larry Booker who
went on to be a moondog spot.
1276
01:24:46.279 --> 01:24:50.680
But you know, one of the
most memorable angles and in MIPS wrestling history.
1277
01:24:51.119 --> 01:24:56.479
And you know, the Dandy Davis
kept getting involved in interfering. Uh.
1278
01:24:56.720 --> 01:25:01.479
So of course who do they call
on Jackie Fargo? And if you
1279
01:25:01.520 --> 01:25:06.720
go back and you look at the
attendance figures without fail Uh how you know,
1280
01:25:06.920 --> 01:25:11.680
like maybe that might be like five
six thousand people at the coliseum.
1281
01:25:12.119 --> 01:25:15.640
Then they bring in Zackie and they'd
be like ninety five hundred, ten thousand
1282
01:25:15.720 --> 01:25:17.880
people. Uh, you know,
he had that much of effect and the
1283
01:25:17.920 --> 01:25:24.600
people. You know, he's virtually
uh he's been retired. Uh, he's
1284
01:25:24.600 --> 01:25:29.680
this older guy, but he still
had that same kind of credibility and his
1285
01:25:29.840 --> 01:25:33.079
interviews were you know, I think
Drey told me that, you know,
1286
01:25:33.199 --> 01:25:38.239
Jackie never knew what he was going
to say until he got out there off
1287
01:25:38.279 --> 01:25:41.800
that microphone. And I think that's
something that sorely means. What did the
1288
01:25:41.840 --> 01:25:45.000
writers do? What did the crew
of writers do backstage? If they could
1289
01:25:45.079 --> 01:25:51.359
writing back Jackie's promos, what did
they have to do with even I was
1290
01:25:51.399 --> 01:25:54.520
involved in that, you know,
they would just kind of give you know,
1291
01:25:54.560 --> 01:25:57.319
they give you a couple of bullet
points and then you you know,
1292
01:25:57.399 --> 01:25:59.279
got to go off of but your
own spin on it. But that's how
1293
01:25:59.279 --> 01:26:01.000
people, I think their characters.
Uh, but you know, Jerry,
1294
01:26:01.359 --> 01:26:05.560
but Jackie was a was a born
character. Uh and uh, yeah,
1295
01:26:05.600 --> 01:26:09.840
he just went out there and some
but it was so his um, his
1296
01:26:09.920 --> 01:26:15.000
interviews were so unpolished and rough around
the edges, and sometimes he kind of
1297
01:26:15.399 --> 01:26:18.960
you know, stumbled over his words. Uh. You know the first interview
1298
01:26:18.960 --> 01:26:25.560
where he's addressing Jimmy Hart's knockoffs,
the New York Dolls, which inspired the
1299
01:26:25.560 --> 01:26:28.520
fandomist when gimmick, you know,
he just keeps calling hard. You know
1300
01:26:28.600 --> 01:26:33.960
you heart, do you stink?
You stink? You stink stink. But
1301
01:26:34.640 --> 01:26:41.720
and it sounds ridiculous, but it
added to the believability because you know,
1302
01:26:41.720 --> 01:26:45.000
when when we all lose our temper
and when we all you know, get
1303
01:26:45.039 --> 01:26:47.800
heated, you know, we ran
all things we don't even know what we're
1304
01:26:47.800 --> 01:26:54.560
saying. Uh. And Jackie had
just had that way of uh, with
1305
01:26:54.680 --> 01:27:00.399
that throaty, raspy delivery, just
a character, you know, and you
1306
01:27:00.520 --> 01:27:03.399
just don't see him that Austin.
Uh. You know, I think a
1307
01:27:03.439 --> 01:27:08.880
good comparison would be, uh,
you know, Steve Austin. Uh.
1308
01:27:08.960 --> 01:27:13.520
You know, Jerry mentions that the
that's the King deal was. You know
1309
01:27:13.560 --> 01:27:17.520
a lot of people assumed that he
just stole the gimmick from from Bobby Fan
1310
01:27:17.840 --> 01:27:23.119
there. It is true that Lawler
had made that offen cuff remark about you
1311
01:27:23.159 --> 01:27:26.439
know, you know, just thinking
a metaphor really, you know, I'm
1312
01:27:26.840 --> 01:27:30.640
gonna you know, I'm I'm the
new kid, I'm the young Lion,
1313
01:27:30.720 --> 01:27:33.800
gonna gonna take over the Pride,
and I'm gonna knock the offer throne.
1314
01:27:34.399 --> 01:27:38.560
Uh. And it just stuck,
you know, And then you know,
1315
01:27:38.720 --> 01:27:42.399
Steve Austin and his three sixteen things
took off. You know, I don't
1316
01:27:42.399 --> 01:27:44.760
think he had any idea he was
going to go out there and say that.
1317
01:27:45.680 --> 01:27:51.560
Um searching for more great pro wrestling
talking, then join me Jason Powell
1318
01:27:51.640 --> 01:27:56.680
host him the three weekly Pro Wrestling
Boom Podcast. Each week, he'll hear
1319
01:27:56.720 --> 01:27:59.960
the latest news and analysis for Me
and My Team and Pro Wrestling ditt Net
1320
01:28:00.000 --> 01:28:03.000
along with other pro wrestling media members. Plus, the Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast
1321
01:28:03.039 --> 01:28:08.560
features long form interviews with notable names
in the pro wrestling industry. Subscribe an
1322
01:28:08.560 --> 01:28:12.920
it team and Stitcher downcast and all
your favorite secondary adams, or visit us
1323
01:28:12.960 --> 01:28:25.279
directly at pwboom dot com. Once
again, that's pwboom dot com. I
1324
01:28:25.319 --> 01:28:28.880
do want to circle back because I
don't think we've finished them. The rough
1325
01:28:28.920 --> 01:28:31.760
House Fargo story about how they would
you know, they popped Jerry Lawler and
1326
01:28:31.760 --> 01:28:36.239
building they would pop the house with
um with bringing back Jackie Fargo. Jackie
1327
01:28:36.279 --> 01:28:40.159
Fargo in his day would they would
pop the house for the same reason.
1328
01:28:40.199 --> 01:28:43.359
The house would go down, and
then Jackie and they advent a reason that
1329
01:28:43.439 --> 01:28:46.680
Jackie Fargo needed help, and he
would call on his little skinny brother who
1330
01:28:46.760 --> 01:28:51.960
they never quite said was in the
mental hospital, but they gave you every
1331
01:28:51.960 --> 01:28:57.079
little clue that that's where that's where
he was. And here would come Sonny
1332
01:28:57.159 --> 01:29:00.840
Fargo, Sonny Roughhouse Fargo, and
the Hels would go, oh, no,
1333
01:29:00.199 --> 01:29:04.359
not him, and well, yeah, you know, yeah, what
1334
01:29:04.399 --> 01:29:08.439
would t I think what would typically
happen? They would bring in Jackie.
1335
01:29:08.720 --> 01:29:11.039
You know, when that would spark, uh, you know, the house
1336
01:29:11.199 --> 01:29:14.079
is a little bit but then the
Heels might have you know, and then
1337
01:29:14.640 --> 01:29:16.840
far ago when Lawler might might get
to win, but then the Heels would
1338
01:29:16.880 --> 01:29:21.279
get their heat back and you know, and attack Jackie afterwards. So then
1339
01:29:23.159 --> 01:29:26.640
you know Lawler, you know,
the week before, I said, oh,
1340
01:29:26.680 --> 01:29:29.279
you know, I'm desperate, you
know, I need a fighter,
1341
01:29:29.640 --> 01:29:32.159
so I'm ringing in Jackie. But
then something with Avian and jack and he
1342
01:29:32.159 --> 01:29:35.840
goes, you know what, You've
pushed me to the Iss Valley. I'm
1343
01:29:35.880 --> 01:29:39.880
going to Bolivar time. I mean
it was pretty blatant. I think there
1344
01:29:39.880 --> 01:29:44.159
actually was a nuthouse and uh and
Bolivar, Tennessee. And you know,
1345
01:29:44.199 --> 01:29:46.000
he looked, I'm going to Bolivar. I think he's going to check him
1346
01:29:46.000 --> 01:29:50.560
out on a weekend pass right and
bringing it and and uh. And you
1347
01:29:50.560 --> 01:29:58.520
know it's just a perfect example of
Fargo's credibility, uh and his ability to
1348
01:29:59.039 --> 01:30:02.399
to get this about anything over.
Uh. You know, Sudding I think
1349
01:30:02.399 --> 01:30:08.039
weighted about one hundred and fifty five
pounds, but everyone thought he was the
1350
01:30:08.119 --> 01:30:14.760
craziest, toughest guy you know,
that you'd ever seen. And the heels
1351
01:30:14.800 --> 01:30:16.479
would sell like crazy for him.
And Roughhouse could be in there, MC
1352
01:30:16.560 --> 01:30:20.159
the hot tag and he would you
know, nail all the heels, nail
1353
01:30:20.199 --> 01:30:26.600
the manager, nail the referee,
and turn around and and and nailed Jackie,
1354
01:30:27.159 --> 01:30:29.880
you know, and the Crown would
just go crazy and he would have
1355
01:30:29.880 --> 01:30:33.359
to be physically restrained. Uh.
And I know, you know, years
1356
01:30:33.439 --> 01:30:38.560
later, when fans started tape trading, a lot of fans in the Atlantic
1357
01:30:38.640 --> 01:30:43.119
Carrier were really confused, right,
I mean yeah, I mean that was
1358
01:30:43.199 --> 01:30:47.239
kind of as technology changed, you
couldn't do that trade of here's this respectable,
1359
01:30:47.239 --> 01:30:50.479
responsible referee and then you know,
not so far away, you know,
1360
01:30:50.520 --> 01:30:54.680
one stayed over. He's the he's
the maniac. And you know the
1361
01:30:54.760 --> 01:30:58.000
key was everybody sold like crazy for
him. And then he would go out
1362
01:30:58.000 --> 01:31:00.520
into the crowd and sit with them, you know, and sit with a
1363
01:31:00.520 --> 01:31:03.399
fat lady and and eat a hot
dog and and and you know, and
1364
01:31:03.760 --> 01:31:06.960
use every object there was to use. And you know, and just I
1365
01:31:08.000 --> 01:31:11.920
mean you talk about it wasn't loose
as is rustling. You know, it
1366
01:31:12.000 --> 01:31:15.000
was you know, it was crazy, you know, and it was extreme,
1367
01:31:15.039 --> 01:31:18.079
and it was every other thing.
And the key was it was you
1368
01:31:18.119 --> 01:31:23.239
know, key wasn't was believable within
you know, you guys that lived in
1369
01:31:23.239 --> 01:31:29.239
Memphis or Louisville or up there when
the when syndicated mid Atlantic started coming around,
1370
01:31:29.239 --> 01:31:32.000
and here's Sunny Roughhouse Fargo, the
guy that's supposed to be locked up
1371
01:31:32.039 --> 01:31:35.439
in you know, as you said, Bolivar, is you know the referee
1372
01:31:35.479 --> 01:31:41.640
on on that that kind of that
technology. There was some real advantages to
1373
01:31:41.680 --> 01:31:45.000
the technology as far as marketing things, but some of the opportunities to trade
1374
01:31:45.039 --> 01:31:49.600
talent, you know, went away. Yeah, yeah, uh, And
1375
01:31:49.680 --> 01:31:55.039
you know, and a perfect example
too of of just how over Jackie was
1376
01:31:55.119 --> 01:31:59.119
as a legend. Uh, Stan
Lean and Steve Kern had had been in
1377
01:31:59.159 --> 01:32:01.760
the areas for I guess about the
year a year and a half, and
1378
01:32:02.119 --> 01:32:06.520
you know they and they were they
were basically mid carters and they were both
1379
01:32:06.560 --> 01:32:12.039
you know, good looking guy.
Hys had to share of fans, but
1380
01:32:12.960 --> 01:32:16.720
there was no emotional connection, you
know, between them and the people.
1381
01:32:17.600 --> 01:32:23.920
Um. And in nineteen eighty two, Memphis had had an incredible roster of
1382
01:32:24.000 --> 01:32:28.720
talent. Uh you know, Terry
Tater bought he and Cocoa where but you
1383
01:32:28.760 --> 01:32:31.279
know, other than Lawler and um, you know, you know, maybe
1384
01:32:31.279 --> 01:32:36.239
all sen Idal coming in and whenever
they brought Hanson, Jimmy valued in that
1385
01:32:36.720 --> 01:32:42.119
They're just weren't that many people who
had that that that personal connection and that
1386
01:32:42.359 --> 01:32:44.720
was the whole deal. You know. Terry Garrett was sitting around in his
1387
01:32:44.800 --> 01:32:46.960
office and he couldn't quite figure it
out. You know, he had he
1388
01:32:48.239 --> 01:32:51.560
was coming off a hot summer where
they were growing like nine thousand people a
1389
01:32:51.600 --> 01:32:57.039
week and by fall it was down
to like five thousand a week. And
1390
01:32:57.640 --> 01:33:00.760
he was in his office and he
told dutch Man, tell gosh, I
1391
01:33:00.119 --> 01:33:04.640
wish I could clone Jackie Fargough.
Uh And and what do you meant by
1392
01:33:04.680 --> 01:33:10.960
that? Somebody with his personality and
way to get over and the way to
1393
01:33:11.000 --> 01:33:15.680
reach people, and that's looked at
him and said, well why don't you?
1394
01:33:15.720 --> 01:33:18.760
And you know that just got the
uh you know that that put the
1395
01:33:18.760 --> 01:33:24.800
wheels in motion. And you know
they uh, they you know went with
1396
01:33:25.039 --> 01:33:29.359
and see and personally you know they
they you know, hadn't had them grow
1397
01:33:29.439 --> 01:33:32.439
the beards, uh put them in
long tight so they wouldn't come off such
1398
01:33:32.479 --> 01:33:39.600
a pretty boys. And they dissimulated
that drawling for they weren't a policy team
1399
01:33:39.640 --> 01:33:43.239
like the Rock and Rollers dress or
anything like that. They they they really
1400
01:33:44.279 --> 01:33:47.960
they really almost seemed their style to
be like fighters to where uh So they
1401
01:33:48.000 --> 01:33:53.600
had all these dec case videos.
Uh so you would think they'd be popular
1402
01:33:53.680 --> 01:33:57.880
with uh with female fans, but
the guys would hate him. The guys
1403
01:33:57.920 --> 01:34:01.319
thought they were cool, you know. And all my friends and I,
1404
01:34:01.840 --> 01:34:04.920
uh, if we were playing Fortuny
and we did something really big, we
1405
01:34:04.920 --> 01:34:10.119
would all we would always break out
the progress try and they had those they
1406
01:34:10.159 --> 01:34:13.279
had those hardcore there's no other way
to describe them. I mean, there
1407
01:34:13.399 --> 01:34:16.720
was hardcore wrestling before Extreme Championship Wrestling, and they had those matches with the
1408
01:34:16.760 --> 01:34:20.880
Moondogs that were just you know,
tear down the arena and you know,
1409
01:34:21.000 --> 01:34:26.399
fist fights and and you know,
yeah that that that brawling style. They
1410
01:34:26.399 --> 01:34:31.000
were great brawl They were great brawlers
even though and and you know they they
1411
01:34:31.079 --> 01:34:34.159
had all the pretty boys stuff,
but they also had that edge to when
1412
01:34:34.159 --> 01:34:36.640
the beard's help to some other stuff
helped. But yeah, I mean I
1413
01:34:36.720 --> 01:34:42.000
always always, Bruce, That's that's
what're saying. Well, you're probably about
1414
01:34:42.000 --> 01:34:44.359
to make the same point I am, or maybe a similar one in the
1415
01:34:44.439 --> 01:34:46.079
nineteen eighties. I mean, Bruce, you and I I was writing for
1416
01:34:46.119 --> 01:34:49.000
the tour. I started the Torch
in the late eighties, and and and
1417
01:34:49.439 --> 01:34:54.439
you obviously were following wrestling very closely
throughout the eighties, and Memphis Wrestling was
1418
01:34:54.960 --> 01:34:57.560
ec W before there was ec W. I mean, I think there's a
1419
01:34:57.560 --> 01:35:00.079
whole generation of fans. I think
that wrestling used to look like the w
1420
01:35:00.840 --> 01:35:02.760
WF cartoon era, the Center and
It's main event era, with you know,
1421
01:35:02.800 --> 01:35:08.000
Bobby Heenan dunking his head in chocolate
for trying to dunk, bobbing for
1422
01:35:08.039 --> 01:35:12.600
pumpkins and Hillbilly stancing around or the
w W approach to things, and that
1423
01:35:12.640 --> 01:35:16.600
Paul just invented hardcore wrestling. But
Memphis two fans who were hardcore fans,
1424
01:35:17.279 --> 01:35:20.760
you know, the the torch readers
of that era. Memphis was the place
1425
01:35:20.800 --> 01:35:26.000
to go for hardcore wrestling, and
you know, yeah, go ahead,
1426
01:35:26.079 --> 01:35:30.760
yeah it was. It was a
it was a very unique style. I
1427
01:35:30.840 --> 01:35:34.760
know that that Greg Valentine and some
other guys who have you know who worked
1428
01:35:34.760 --> 01:35:40.640
the mid Atlantic territory, uh,
and some guys who worked Florida, uh,
1429
01:35:40.680 --> 01:35:45.359
you know who present maybe Morris Sports
have looked down on what I think
1430
01:35:45.399 --> 01:35:51.199
what they called that, that crampy
hillbilly russeling Tennessee rustling. Yeah, Ollie
1431
01:35:51.199 --> 01:35:55.479
Anderson's one of them told I mean
there was yeah, you know, yeah,
1432
01:35:55.600 --> 01:35:59.720
hey, but well you know,
there's no arguing with success. Uh,
1433
01:36:00.520 --> 01:36:02.720
you know, they they were given
the people what they wanted. And
1434
01:36:03.199 --> 01:36:09.960
I think Memphis fans short of kind
of psychologry like Okay, well you can
1435
01:36:09.960 --> 01:36:14.159
put a guy in a headlock for
twenty minutes or an arm bar, but
1436
01:36:14.199 --> 01:36:16.720
if you were really in a fight, why wouldn't you just punch him?
1437
01:36:18.079 --> 01:36:21.279
There's really something to do that.
I always like what Jared Jarrett said,
1438
01:36:21.520 --> 01:36:25.760
yeah, that if you're having a
wrestling match and then in the crowd,
1439
01:36:26.439 --> 01:36:29.600
you know, someone's having a wrestling
match, grabbing, grabbing, a headlock
1440
01:36:29.640 --> 01:36:31.239
and an arm bar and all that, and then in the crowd someone gets
1441
01:36:31.279 --> 01:36:34.399
in a fight. What are people
gonna watch? People are going to come
1442
01:36:34.439 --> 01:36:36.920
from anywhere to see a fist fight, you know, I mean, you
1443
01:36:36.960 --> 01:36:41.680
know when you're in the schoolyard when
someone starts fighting, it's like whoa fight
1444
01:36:41.760 --> 01:36:45.279
and everybody comes to watch. And
I always thought of memphisis as that type
1445
01:36:45.279 --> 01:36:48.600
of wrestling and um, and there
was nobody better than Jerry law m Bill
1446
01:36:48.600 --> 01:36:53.199
Bundia doing that. But I mean
it was um you know that, Yeah,
1447
01:36:53.199 --> 01:36:56.720
that was I mean, whatever style
warn't for the area that made people
1448
01:36:56.800 --> 01:36:59.439
money was what was what made sense. But yeah, I mean, I
1449
01:36:59.479 --> 01:37:02.000
mean, you know, I'm sure
you know everybody had. It's just like
1450
01:37:02.079 --> 01:37:05.239
today, everybody thinks that the style
roughling they're good at as a style,
1451
01:37:05.279 --> 01:37:11.600
it should be right right. Uh. You know, Memphis also had a
1452
01:37:11.680 --> 01:37:17.239
way of shifting gears. Uh.
They brought in the world champion experian late.
1453
01:37:17.600 --> 01:37:20.359
They treated it like, you know, you look at all these floor
1454
01:37:20.399 --> 01:37:24.640
to cards and gush. You know, I can't even tell how many times
1455
01:37:24.760 --> 01:37:28.520
Rick Player and Harley Rays appeared,
and the title was rarely going to change
1456
01:37:28.520 --> 01:37:33.880
hands, so the appearances didn't really
mean as much. But Memphis had a
1457
01:37:33.880 --> 01:37:38.359
way they would, you know,
they would have these bloody brawls and really
1458
01:37:38.399 --> 01:37:44.800
personal feuds. Uh. Jerry Jarrett
had a sign in his office to remind
1459
01:37:44.880 --> 01:37:49.760
himself if he was ever struggling to
come up with something personal issues draw money.
1460
01:37:51.159 --> 01:37:55.279
Thank you for listening to the way
Keller Pro Wrestling podcasts. Don't forget
1461
01:37:55.319 --> 01:37:58.960
to also subscribe to our red Logo
show, the Waight Keller Pro Wrestling Post
1462
01:37:59.000 --> 01:38:01.560
Shows, featuring our live post shows
which you can download and listen to on
1463
01:38:01.640 --> 01:38:06.560
demand at any time, covering Raw, Dynamite and SmackDown throughout the week with
1464
01:38:06.680 --> 01:38:12.239
rotating guest co hosts, live callers
and emails, plus on site correspondence who
1465
01:38:12.239 --> 01:38:15.560
talk to us right after they leave
the building on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
1466
01:38:15.640 --> 01:38:18.079
nights. That's the Waight Keller Pro
Wrestling Post Show. Just search Wade Keller,
1467
01:38:18.279 --> 01:38:28.720
look for the red logo and click
subscribe. It's free. Our live
1468
01:38:28.760 --> 01:38:31.159
window is about to go off.
The hear if anybody's listening right now and
1469
01:38:31.199 --> 01:38:35.560
they want to talk Memphis wrestling,
or they have a question for Scott about
1470
01:38:35.600 --> 01:38:39.640
the history of Memphis wrestling and Jackie
Fargo. We haven't taken any calls for
1471
01:38:39.680 --> 01:38:41.720
variety of reasons. We're running out
of time in the live feed. But
1472
01:38:41.760 --> 01:38:44.920
if you call right now, we'll
do some overtime and you can be part
1473
01:38:44.920 --> 01:38:46.960
of the show. Six or six
seven, two one two eight is the
1474
01:38:47.039 --> 01:38:49.840
number we'll see if you want to
call. Meant to say it earlier,
1475
01:38:49.880 --> 01:38:51.960
but anyway, that's your last chance
if you do want to talk some Memphis
1476
01:38:51.960 --> 01:38:55.840
wrestling with us. Otherwise, let's
go back to Scott bout in a Bruce
1477
01:38:55.840 --> 01:38:58.800
s Mitchell for the discussion. Well, you know, Scott, I do
1478
01:38:58.840 --> 01:39:02.439
want to you know, you had
experience of working you know, it's the
1479
01:39:02.439 --> 01:39:06.239
tail in of Memphis where there's still
was some there's still was a lot going
1480
01:39:06.319 --> 01:39:11.319
with it, talk about maybe I
don't know if it was your I mean,
1481
01:39:11.479 --> 01:39:14.159
I think you were in college while
you were doing this, but while
1482
01:39:14.159 --> 01:39:16.880
you were managing in Memphis wrestling,
and you were you know, talk about
1483
01:39:17.079 --> 01:39:20.960
talk about your gimmick, your character, and then maybe the most fun you
1484
01:39:21.039 --> 01:39:26.600
had doing it or the most memorable
thing you participated in and and tell us
1485
01:39:26.600 --> 01:39:30.920
about that. Oh gosh, Uh, well, I it wasn't easy being
1486
01:39:31.239 --> 01:39:40.680
a heel in your hometown and going
by your real name. How I got
1487
01:39:40.720 --> 01:39:46.640
into it. I was a journalism
major at Memphis State University later the University
1488
01:39:46.680 --> 01:39:50.039
of Memphis, and we had to
write an article about, you know,
1489
01:39:50.079 --> 01:39:54.640
somebody on campus who was doing something
interesting. And at the time, Brian
1490
01:39:54.720 --> 01:39:58.399
Lawler was a part time student.
Uh. And he just started wrestling as
1491
01:39:58.560 --> 01:40:03.319
uh, one of the new kids
with Tony Williams and uh uh and and
1492
01:40:03.399 --> 01:40:08.439
actually I think it was right after
he turned heel and was starting to get
1493
01:40:08.439 --> 01:40:13.479
the big seas bush and so I
knew Brian to a mutual friend, and
1494
01:40:13.920 --> 01:40:17.920
you know, it just got to
um hang around and and and actually went
1495
01:40:17.960 --> 01:40:23.680
on the road with UH with Jerry
and Brian and gosh, and you know,
1496
01:40:24.479 --> 01:40:30.159
talk about talk about nervous, you
know, just just being around uh
1497
01:40:30.239 --> 01:40:34.920
Jerry for you know the first few
times. Uh yeah, just just completely
1498
01:40:35.279 --> 01:40:40.760
all strong, probably the same way
he felt, you know about Jackie years
1499
01:40:40.760 --> 01:40:45.760
before. UH. And then Jerry
Calhoun, the longtime referee, had had
1500
01:40:45.840 --> 01:40:48.119
just been fired. And I'd been
hanging around for about four or five weeks
1501
01:40:48.359 --> 01:40:53.840
doing research from my article. And
I guess Jerry had kind of taken a
1502
01:40:53.880 --> 01:40:58.119
liking to him. I had,
actually it looks like I didn't have any
1503
01:40:58.199 --> 01:41:00.720
artistic ability, but always aspired to
be a writer. And at one point
1504
01:41:00.720 --> 01:41:04.840
I sold Jerry all the stack of
aftermags where I had written in all these
1505
01:41:04.920 --> 01:41:11.960
correspondent reports of his matches. You
know, they would usually print a fan
1506
01:41:12.119 --> 01:41:15.119
write up, so the cards he
had attended, you know, and Jerry
1507
01:41:15.199 --> 01:41:16.960
thought that was really neat. And
uh, I don't know. Maybe he
1508
01:41:17.000 --> 01:41:23.119
saw a little of me and and
hisself when he was younger, and he's
1509
01:41:23.119 --> 01:41:25.760
like, hey, kid, um, what do you think about refereeing?
1510
01:41:26.640 --> 01:41:29.319
I don't know way what he goes, Oh, I mean, let's see
1511
01:41:29.319 --> 01:41:30.920
how you do tonight. If you
do well, we'll just keep you doing
1512
01:41:30.960 --> 01:41:36.520
it. I was like, you, kidn't sure. Uh? And yeah.
1513
01:41:36.880 --> 01:41:42.399
And the first uh, the first
meeting in the directing room, while
1514
01:41:42.439 --> 01:41:44.840
it was kind of giving me a
quick lesson a referee in one oh one,
1515
01:41:45.239 --> 01:41:47.920
and I guess, you know,
I've been such a student of the
1516
01:41:48.000 --> 01:41:54.479
business for so long, but I
didn't realize how involved the referee everybody was,
1517
01:41:54.640 --> 01:41:57.960
you know, because a good referee
is supposed to blend in, and
1518
01:41:58.119 --> 01:42:00.720
Jerry's like, going, you know
they're gonna call you know, they're gonna
1519
01:42:00.720 --> 01:42:02.880
call spots between you. You're gonna
have to communicate, you know, you're
1520
01:42:02.920 --> 01:42:06.159
gonna kind of help run the match. And I'm like, oh my god.
1521
01:42:09.600 --> 01:42:13.039
But you know, the best piece
the piece of ice at Lawyer Gaming,
1522
01:42:13.119 --> 01:42:17.680
which I think was handed down to
him from Jakie and also Toto Yamamoto
1523
01:42:18.279 --> 01:42:23.359
all about facial expressions. You know, if a hill's pulling hair, you
1524
01:42:23.439 --> 01:42:26.039
know, you know, Lawler's like, you know, I'm getting there in
1525
01:42:26.119 --> 01:42:30.399
Bay put that air pulling and just
look disgusted and get in the air and
1526
01:42:30.439 --> 01:42:34.359
da da da da da. And
he also told me that if something if
1527
01:42:34.399 --> 01:42:36.880
one of the boys, especially at
that point in Memphis, because the talent
1528
01:42:38.000 --> 01:42:43.840
level is kind of down, if
something wasn't looking quite realistic to actually whisper
1529
01:42:44.000 --> 01:42:45.800
in their ear, you know,
hey, you lay it in there,
1530
01:42:45.920 --> 01:42:47.119
lay it in. Then I'm like, I was thinking to myself, Okay,
1531
01:42:47.159 --> 01:42:59.359
I'm not doing that, but it's
truly I started to become someone of
1532
01:42:59.439 --> 01:43:02.319
a of a Finnish guy. You
know, I've been watching nothings rusting for
1533
01:43:02.359 --> 01:43:09.439
so many years and I guess the
first guy who really noticed that I had
1534
01:43:09.479 --> 01:43:13.159
a knatch for it was was Larry
Booker, Larry Latham, the moondog,
1535
01:43:13.880 --> 01:43:15.960
uh, and he got the boy. He would come to me and like,
1536
01:43:15.199 --> 01:43:17.720
kind of what do you you know? What do you think what you're
1537
01:43:17.760 --> 01:43:23.039
doing is? Uh? And then
eventually that got the attention of Eddie Gilbert
1538
01:43:23.359 --> 01:43:27.840
and uh. You know Eddie had
gotten into the business through through writing as
1539
01:43:27.880 --> 01:43:30.600
well, and we formed the connection. And I'll never forget it. I
1540
01:43:30.640 --> 01:43:32.760
had some friends uh in the audience, including my girlfriend at the time,
1541
01:43:33.399 --> 01:43:35.880
and I went to Eddie and I
knew they were looking for some kind of
1542
01:43:36.439 --> 01:43:42.840
crazy finish uh in the tag match
to come back with the the stipulation matches
1543
01:43:42.960 --> 01:43:45.840
following a week and I said,
hey, you know, I got some
1544
01:43:45.920 --> 01:43:48.119
friends here, but if maybe you
know you were long ago to so it
1545
01:43:48.239 --> 01:43:53.000
was a fire and get duck and
and it hits me and then it just
1546
01:43:53.079 --> 01:43:56.760
becomes a brawl and the matches kind
of stops, and Eddie kind of looked
1547
01:43:56.760 --> 01:44:00.600
at him and he's like, le
let me let me think about that for
1548
01:44:00.640 --> 01:44:05.000
a second. And Lawlor calls me
into the dressing room and you never knew
1549
01:44:05.680 --> 01:44:09.479
what the fence was gonna be until
about five minutes before we went out there,
1550
01:44:10.840 --> 01:44:14.319
and uh and Lawler called me in
there and Eddie sitting there, and
1551
01:44:14.439 --> 01:44:18.520
he's like, Okay, Scott,
we're gonna turn you heel and I look
1552
01:44:18.560 --> 01:44:23.600
over at Eddie. He's got this
devilish grin on his face. Uh.
1553
01:44:24.520 --> 01:44:28.239
And so you know, during the
match, Lawler has Eddie uh covered.
1554
01:44:28.520 --> 01:44:31.680
Instead of counting three, I just
haul off and mask Lawler in the back
1555
01:44:31.720 --> 01:44:35.640
of the head and uh ended up
putting Eddie on top and counting three real
1556
01:44:35.760 --> 01:44:40.239
quick. And then uh Lawler and
into Lawler and I end up getting into
1557
01:44:40.239 --> 01:44:43.720
the seats discussion kind of like you
know, Billy Martin in a in an
1558
01:44:43.800 --> 01:44:48.000
umpire and uh and I end up
shoving him one his rear end and the
1559
01:44:48.119 --> 01:44:53.880
crowd is just absolutely wanting to kill
me. Uh. And and that was
1560
01:44:53.960 --> 01:44:59.239
just one of the absolute unexpected,
biggest thrills in my life. So what
1561
01:44:59.439 --> 01:45:01.760
the girlfriend, Because I'm sure you
didn't clue around on any of us.
1562
01:45:02.520 --> 01:45:06.199
It was a good friends reaction to
you turning hell. They were Uh.
1563
01:45:08.119 --> 01:45:14.279
She was sitting next to her friend
of mine and they all said afterwards that
1564
01:45:14.439 --> 01:45:18.800
they that they saw what happened.
And they all four looked at each other
1565
01:45:20.319 --> 01:45:28.239
and you know, did that really
happen? That? Did that resally just
1566
01:45:28.520 --> 01:45:31.880
happened? Uh? They were floored. Uh and they you know, and
1567
01:45:32.159 --> 01:45:34.920
I went out to my car and
was like, don't look at me,
1568
01:45:35.000 --> 01:45:39.319
just go go get getting your own
cars and I'll meet you somewhere else.
1569
01:45:39.359 --> 01:45:42.239
And fans were throwing stuff up my
car. You know. It was kind
1570
01:45:42.279 --> 01:45:46.319
of the last of uh, the
the case ave days in a way,
1571
01:45:46.920 --> 01:45:51.319
even though McGahan had already exposed the
business, a lot of fans of Memphis
1572
01:45:51.560 --> 01:45:58.840
still believe, especially when these small
towns like Arkansas and Tennessee, Kentucky.
1573
01:45:59.279 --> 01:46:04.239
Uh, they acted like, you
know, it was life or death.
1574
01:46:05.319 --> 01:46:09.399
But it was amazing. It was
such It gave me a little bit of
1575
01:46:09.960 --> 01:46:15.079
a taste of what uh you know, Jimmy Hart, Pauly, Jim Cornett,
1576
01:46:15.159 --> 01:46:18.479
all the great managers, doctor Keen
Rainy, all the all the great
1577
01:46:18.560 --> 01:46:23.560
ones came before me. It kind
of gave me a taste of of what
1578
01:46:23.720 --> 01:46:27.800
they experienced. But luckily I was
never nice or no one ever slashed my
1579
01:46:27.880 --> 01:46:33.079
tires. One way that you can
help us sustain our schedule of putting out
1580
01:46:33.119 --> 01:46:38.079
podcasts throughout the week is by giving
us a five star rating on Apple Podcasts.
1581
01:46:38.279 --> 01:46:41.279
Just go to Apple podcast and look
for our weight Killer Processing podcast and
1582
01:46:41.319 --> 01:46:44.880
Weight Killer Prosing post show and give
us a five star rating. We hope
1583
01:46:44.880 --> 01:46:47.880
you think we've earned that score with
our fast turnaround times and our quantity and
1584
01:46:48.039 --> 01:46:53.399
quality of wrestling analysis throughout the week. So take a moment out for us
1585
01:46:53.560 --> 01:46:56.720
and do us favor and give us
a five star rating and Apple podcasts.
1586
01:46:56.760 --> 01:47:00.600
That helps us on search returns and
helps us grow. And if you want,
1587
01:47:00.640 --> 01:47:02.000
you can add a few comments about
what you like about the programs in
1588
01:47:02.079 --> 01:47:13.520
the comments section. Thank you so
much. You got a chance to cut
1589
01:47:13.560 --> 01:47:16.520
promos and you were good at it. I mean on in Memphis And what
1590
01:47:16.760 --> 01:47:20.960
was that like? Were you just
did you just hit all the all the
1591
01:47:21.079 --> 01:47:25.359
things you've seen before or or you
know, find you find your character in
1592
01:47:25.439 --> 01:47:30.359
that? Or what was that like
finding yourself on live television being that big
1593
01:47:30.399 --> 01:47:35.920
a jerk? Well? What I
was always kind of a sarcastic guy.
1594
01:47:35.960 --> 01:47:41.800
And I think Jim Cornette one said
the best wrestling personalities were those were your
1595
01:47:42.039 --> 01:47:46.840
your true self with the volume term
way up h and when I did the
1596
01:47:46.920 --> 01:47:51.520
deal and I I think, well, I thought there that I was going
1597
01:47:51.600 --> 01:47:55.479
to be a heal manager at that
point, and I got to in it.
1598
01:47:55.640 --> 01:48:00.319
You know, so all we I've
been practicing U with all my you
1599
01:48:00.359 --> 01:48:03.680
know, we we had sawt you
know, like homemade wrestling videos in the
1600
01:48:03.760 --> 01:48:09.079
backyard. We had and I think
on the NWAT, the Neighborhood Wrestling Association,
1601
01:48:10.520 --> 01:48:15.479
and uh, you know, I've
basically been working on this kind of
1602
01:48:15.560 --> 01:48:18.399
stuff for a very long time,
and I had all this great stuff I
1603
01:48:18.439 --> 01:48:24.520
wanted to say. And I get
there on Saturday morning and Eddie and Jerry
1604
01:48:24.600 --> 01:48:29.840
telling well, we want you to
go out there and apologize, but then
1605
01:48:30.800 --> 01:48:34.359
Lance is gonna say that Eddie Morland
suspended you, and you're gonna be my
1606
01:48:34.439 --> 01:48:38.600
manager for about a week. And
then you know, you're gonna do something
1607
01:48:38.640 --> 01:48:41.439
where you screw something up, and
then we're gonna turn you back baby face,
1608
01:48:41.520 --> 01:48:44.800
and you'll come back as a referee. And I was like, oh
1609
01:48:45.880 --> 01:48:51.319
right, I mean I was absolutely
crossed, and so I just I took
1610
01:48:51.359 --> 01:48:54.760
a gamble. I went out there. I said, well, it's line
1611
01:48:54.880 --> 01:49:00.760
TV. Uh what can they do? Uh? How can they stop me?
1612
01:49:01.640 --> 01:49:06.760
And I just laid into Lawler and
just you know, everything in the
1613
01:49:06.880 --> 01:49:13.279
book and just you know, it
was just you know, the I done
1614
01:49:13.319 --> 01:49:17.520
the heel promo of my dreams.
Uh. And I came to the back
1615
01:49:17.840 --> 01:49:23.600
and actually Kevin Lawler, uh,
Jerry's other stun who was a referee at
1616
01:49:23.640 --> 01:49:27.399
that point, he said that Jerry
was watching on the monitor back stage.
1617
01:49:27.439 --> 01:49:32.720
It was like, what the hell
is he? And and and Lance,
1618
01:49:33.079 --> 01:49:35.760
Oh my gosh, Lance was so
great. Lance was it just kind of
1619
01:49:35.840 --> 01:49:40.720
carrying me through the whole thing.
And uh, you know, he said
1620
01:49:40.760 --> 01:49:43.439
something like, hey, you know, people judge you about the folks you
1621
01:49:43.520 --> 01:49:45.239
hang out with. You're gonna be
hanging out with Eddie heel when I was
1622
01:49:45.279 --> 01:49:49.079
like, oh, oh yeah,
thanks a lot, Dad, and Lance.
1623
01:49:49.520 --> 01:49:51.880
Lance came out to me after Yeah
he can't. Lance came out to
1624
01:49:51.920 --> 01:49:56.560
me Aftercore and He's like, oh
that Dad line. That was that was
1625
01:49:56.640 --> 01:50:01.960
great. That that was his role. He was the he was the paternal
1626
01:50:02.119 --> 01:50:08.720
authority figure for for decades and the
great host. So yeah, for you
1627
01:50:08.840 --> 01:50:15.239
to disrespect Lance, Lance Russell was
something so well I think Land Jerry Jared
1628
01:50:15.359 --> 01:50:24.600
always instructed Lance and Dave to um
to never go crazy about a car.
1629
01:50:26.479 --> 01:50:32.159
That's the greatest thing going unless they
truly believed that it was going to be
1630
01:50:32.239 --> 01:50:35.000
a big night if they were.
If he said, you know, if
1631
01:50:35.000 --> 01:50:41.000
you're personally excited about this card,
be honest. If not, you know,
1632
01:50:41.279 --> 01:50:44.199
just uh, you know, just
go over the matches because if you
1633
01:50:44.279 --> 01:50:48.159
do it every week, you're gonna
have zero credibility. And you think about
1634
01:50:48.199 --> 01:50:54.279
Tony Chivanni at the end of w
c W Nitro those years where every every
1635
01:50:54.319 --> 01:50:57.319
week they structed him to say,
this is the biggest night in our sport
1636
01:50:57.399 --> 01:51:01.960
and every development was the biggest thing
ever and he really did lose his credibility.
1637
01:51:02.000 --> 01:51:05.479
That was hard one after all those
years. But well, I'm god,
1638
01:51:05.760 --> 01:51:10.560
Nick Goulas, you know when he
was when he was promoting the territory,
1639
01:51:11.039 --> 01:51:14.359
you know, every card was gonna
was gonna be the biggest card natural
1640
01:51:14.479 --> 01:51:17.880
history. Yeah, you know,
you can only say that so many times.
1641
01:51:18.119 --> 01:51:25.279
Uh. And when when Classic Ring
About you mentioned the uh the Fabulous
1642
01:51:25.279 --> 01:51:30.079
one Moondogs feud Umcot Scott. Yeah, let me jump in for a second
1643
01:51:30.119 --> 01:51:32.319
because I want to I want to
save a couple of stories for the VIP
1644
01:51:32.479 --> 01:51:36.159
members um, because we're still on
the blog talk radio side of things.
1645
01:51:36.159 --> 01:51:39.600
Do you mind just holding that thought
And on the other side, of the
1646
01:51:39.680 --> 01:51:43.960
music telling that story and a couple
others. Sure that worked for you,
1647
01:51:44.119 --> 01:51:46.239
You got time? Yeah, yeah, okay, very good. Um,
1648
01:51:46.680 --> 01:51:50.920
thank you everybody for joining us here. This is a special Memphis Wrestling edition
1649
01:51:51.079 --> 01:51:56.000
of the PW Torch Live Cast.
If you enjoyed the discussion with our guests
1650
01:51:56.000 --> 01:52:00.279
in the first hour Jerry Lawler in
the last forty minutes was Scott out In
1651
01:52:00.680 --> 01:52:03.960
talking about Memphis wrestling and obviously with
the focus on Jackie Fargo a lot of
1652
01:52:04.000 --> 01:52:09.079
the time we have had Memphis guests
on before, including Jerry Jarrett, Randy
1653
01:52:09.159 --> 01:52:13.720
Hales, build on d We would
encourage you to check out our archives at
1654
01:52:14.000 --> 01:52:17.920
pwtorch livecast dot com to find those
those are part of the Interview Friday series.
1655
01:52:18.199 --> 01:52:20.720
It's even easier to find them if
you are a VIP member, and
1656
01:52:20.800 --> 01:52:26.680
that would include also the VIP after
shows with our guests in the past talking
1657
01:52:26.680 --> 01:52:30.119
about Memphis wrestling. Every Friday for
going on well over a year and a
1658
01:52:30.119 --> 01:52:33.439
half, we've had an interview every
Friday with special guests and like I said,
1659
01:52:33.479 --> 01:52:38.039
some of the Memphis related So if
you want to go VIP, we
1660
01:52:38.079 --> 01:52:40.880
have a sale going right now.
A buck ninety nine gets your home month
1661
01:52:41.000 --> 01:52:45.000
a VIP. You can get details
on that by going to pwtorch dot com
1662
01:52:45.199 --> 01:52:49.920
slash sale twenty thirteen. That's pwtorch
dot com, which is our main website
1663
01:52:50.199 --> 01:52:54.319
which is updated every day with news
and features, and then do a slash
1664
01:52:54.720 --> 01:52:58.520
sale twenty thirteen to get full details
on that. Also, on the other
1665
01:52:58.560 --> 01:53:00.279
side of the music for VIP member, we're going to be joined by a
1666
01:53:00.319 --> 01:53:06.359
special guest who was backstage at RAW
on Monday, a long time Torch reader
1667
01:53:06.920 --> 01:53:13.239
who is going to share some stories
with us about his experience backstage. I'm
1668
01:53:13.239 --> 01:53:15.880
gonna leave it as a mystery,
um as far as that goes, other
1669
01:53:15.920 --> 01:53:19.600
than I don't give a clue that
he was on camera and not just a
1670
01:53:21.159 --> 01:53:28.760
camera. That might be enough to
get some people to figure out who this
1671
01:53:28.840 --> 01:53:30.720
is. I think it's gonna be
a fun story. He is waiting for
1672
01:53:30.880 --> 01:53:34.359
us on the other side of the
music also, and so he'll be joining
1673
01:53:34.439 --> 01:53:39.319
us for a for a fun discussion. So um, thanks to all all
1674
01:53:39.399 --> 01:53:42.279
the livecast listeners. Bruce, you'll
be back, I believe. With Travis
1675
01:53:42.359 --> 01:53:45.319
Bryant returning from Bosnia on Monday,
right, I believe. So Um,
1676
01:53:45.439 --> 01:53:48.479
Yeah, we're gonna have a we're
gonna have a frank discussion with mister Bryant.
1677
01:53:48.560 --> 01:53:53.680
So yes, it'd be good to
have Travis backs. Everything's coolful,
1678
01:53:54.399 --> 01:53:58.720
absolutely, uh and uh. Lots
of good stuff on the livecast in recent
1679
01:53:58.760 --> 01:54:00.560
weeks. If you've if you've missed
any recent shows, you're missing a lot
1680
01:54:00.560 --> 01:54:04.000
of good stuff. Yeah, Jim
Balion with you on Monday, Bruce to
1681
01:54:04.079 --> 01:54:10.439
talk about his experience behind the scenes
with w w E. He tried out
1682
01:54:10.760 --> 01:54:14.520
to be a wrestling announcer and around
the time that Todd Grisham was trying out
1683
01:54:14.520 --> 01:54:18.159
to be a wrestling announcer, and
that was a really interesting story and the
1684
01:54:18.760 --> 01:54:23.920
journalist's eye for detail. We've had
a lot of that this week with Scott
1685
01:54:23.960 --> 01:54:27.920
here today too telling that story about
what it was like behind the scenes.
1686
01:54:28.279 --> 01:54:32.119
So that was pretty cool. Also
earlier this week, Derek Bateman was a
1687
01:54:32.159 --> 01:54:38.279
guest of Pat McNeil and last Wednesday, Todd Kennelly x TNA wrestling announcer was
1688
01:54:38.319 --> 01:54:44.000
Pat McNeil's guest a week ago Wednesday. So we've had lots of lots of
1689
01:54:44.000 --> 01:54:46.479
good shows. Definitely worth checking out
if you were joining us because you heard
1690
01:54:46.479 --> 01:54:50.199
about Jerry Lawler interview and haven't heard
some of our other recent interviews. I
1691
01:54:50.279 --> 01:54:54.119
encourage you to delve deep. Chris
Joseph X creative team member was on from
1692
01:54:54.159 --> 01:54:58.000
ninety minutes last Friday, mccarsh before
that, Diamond Dallas Page before that,
1693
01:54:58.199 --> 01:55:01.800
Bob Holly if really acclaim interview with
him back on May thirty first, Friday
1694
01:55:01.880 --> 01:55:05.680
May thirty first, Sean X pac
Waltman was on with me before that,
1695
01:55:06.920 --> 01:55:11.960
and Mickey James before that. So
I've had a real nice run of interviews
1696
01:55:12.000 --> 01:55:15.920
and this continued that so check those
out. But again we encourage you to
1697
01:55:15.960 --> 01:55:18.039
go vip check us out. Check
out the details at pwtors dot com.
1698
01:55:18.239 --> 01:55:23.880
Slash Sale twenty thirteen very special thanks
to Jerry Lawler taking time out of a
1699
01:55:24.079 --> 01:55:27.840
relaxing weekend with his girlfriend I Believe
in Florida on vacation, joining us for
1700
01:55:28.039 --> 01:55:30.439
a full hour to talk about Jackie
Fargo, who died this week in Memphis
1701
01:55:30.479 --> 01:55:34.000
Wrestling legend and as I said on
the other side of the music, we'll
1702
01:55:34.039 --> 01:55:39.439
not only talk more about Memphis Wrestling, but also be joined by special guests
1703
01:55:39.439 --> 01:55:44.960
who will give us a backstage perspective
on Raw this past week until until next
1704
01:55:45.000 --> 01:55:47.039
time. I'd be after Bruce Mitchell, Jerry Lawler and Scott Bowden. This
1705
01:55:47.239 --> 01:56:00.479
is Way Keller signing our need an
extra dose of positive in your wrestling podcasts,
1706
01:56:00.760 --> 01:56:05.920
will come join me Alan Foelle over
in the Progress Paradise at potrch VIP
1707
01:56:06.399 --> 01:56:11.159
as we bask on the bright side
of wrestling and focus on some of the
1708
01:56:11.319 --> 01:56:15.680
great matches and shows from around the
world, be at the US, Japan,
1709
01:56:15.079 --> 01:56:19.359
Europe or Mexico. There's always a
place for wrestlings past in the Paradise
1710
01:56:19.399 --> 01:56:24.560
too, and we've done fun historical
shows such as the We Love Lyger series
1711
01:56:24.840 --> 01:56:29.920
celebrating the glorious career of juician thunder
Lyger and our I was there when shows
1712
01:56:30.000 --> 01:56:32.359
where our guests will join me to
talk about a classic bout that they were
1713
01:56:32.399 --> 01:56:36.560
in attendance for. We love variety
and you can expect lots of it at
1714
01:56:36.640 --> 01:56:43.439
the Progress Paradise. Detailed PWF Torch
VIP subscription information and a list of all
1715
01:56:43.520 --> 01:56:47.760
the VIP benefits is available at pw
torch vipinfo dot com. And yes,
1716
01:56:48.079 --> 01:56:54.680
all VIP podcasts are compatible with popular
podcast apps on iPhone and Android devices,
1717
01:56:55.279 --> 01:56:59.760
or you can stream them directly from
our ad free VIP mobile site. See
1718
01:56:59.760 --> 01:57:12.560
you the paradise. All right,
we are now in the V after show
1719
01:57:12.600 --> 01:57:15.760
portion of the programs got bout and
still with us along with Bruce Mitchell and
1720
01:57:16.520 --> 01:57:21.600
um you were in the midst Scott
of telling a story when I really interrupted
1721
01:57:21.640 --> 01:57:27.960
the transition to vat exclusive here about
I believe about the Moondogs. Uh.
1722
01:57:28.119 --> 01:57:32.039
Yeah, the you know, probably
the biggest few that the Fabs had in
1723
01:57:32.119 --> 01:57:36.399
Memphis and probably one of the most
memorable TV angles, which is saying a
1724
01:57:36.439 --> 01:57:43.760
lot, because Memphis did quite a
few, almost per show. When the
1725
01:57:44.239 --> 01:57:46.199
Moondogs debuted, you know, the
fans were out there, you know,
1726
01:57:46.319 --> 01:57:50.760
they have been given the tomp hats
and the sequen jackets jackets. But Jackie
1727
01:57:50.840 --> 01:57:57.359
Fargo uh, and the Moondogs came
out there and ripped the jackets the shreds
1728
01:57:58.159 --> 01:58:00.479
and then they you know, and
then they beat the Fabs down, let
1729
01:58:00.560 --> 01:58:05.520
them lane in thellood. The jackets
are in tatters. And that was enough
1730
01:58:06.319 --> 01:58:10.960
just to you know, it ignited
one of the one of the hottest feuds
1731
01:58:10.960 --> 01:58:15.079
in the area because you know,
these you know, they're just sequen jackets
1732
01:58:15.119 --> 01:58:19.000
that they were given to the fat
They were passed down by Jackie Fargo.
1733
01:58:20.079 --> 01:58:26.600
Uh. And so it meant so
much to the fans that that had happened,
1734
01:58:27.119 --> 01:58:30.680
um, and and that was really
the catalyst for the feud. Go
1735
01:58:30.920 --> 01:58:34.159
ahead. Yeah, And once you
have something, once you have Jackie Fargo,
1736
01:58:34.279 --> 01:58:40.119
that's really over. You have that
touchstone and people take him seriously,
1737
01:58:40.520 --> 01:58:43.319
doesn't matter these are some cheesy tuxedos
or whatever they were. You know,
1738
01:58:44.000 --> 01:58:47.239
it was that, you know,
it was Jackie Fargo's things, and you
1739
01:58:47.319 --> 01:58:53.439
could do something simple and but it
was so disrespectful that that people went off.
1740
01:58:53.640 --> 01:58:57.239
Um Scott, I want to ask
you, I mean, your your
1741
01:58:57.319 --> 01:59:00.359
career in Memphis and and all the
things that you saw, what was your
1742
01:59:00.439 --> 01:59:03.119
favorite Maybe it's not the biggest drawing
thing, but what was your favorite Memphis
1743
01:59:03.840 --> 01:59:06.800
UM wrestling memory. What what's the
thing that I mean you talked about,
1744
01:59:08.159 --> 01:59:12.199
you know, what drew you into
it and the feud between um Bill Dundee
1745
01:59:12.199 --> 01:59:15.399
and Jerry Lawler and and seventy seven, seventy eight and all that time.
1746
01:59:15.439 --> 01:59:18.039
But what was something that you just
went wow, this was great or or
1747
01:59:18.119 --> 01:59:23.800
a performer that you went wow he
was great? Well the well yeah,
1748
01:59:23.880 --> 01:59:28.279
absolutely, the Lawler Dundee stuff,
uh, and the seventies was you know,
1749
01:59:28.640 --> 01:59:33.960
just captivated. Uh, you know, the imagination of Knee and all
1750
01:59:34.039 --> 01:59:36.520
my friends at school was you know, it was all we talked about.
1751
01:59:38.159 --> 01:59:43.239
Uh. And then I probably Uh
one of the most chilling things that I
1752
01:59:43.840 --> 01:59:47.199
can remember is the you know,
the cherry funk Lawler in the arena match.
1753
01:59:48.399 --> 01:59:53.720
Uh and and just how you know, you look back on it and
1754
01:59:53.880 --> 01:59:59.039
it's it's it's not nearly as good
as uh as you remember it, right,
1755
01:59:59.119 --> 02:00:01.239
and and and it's and it's actually
almost a little awkward, you know.
1756
02:00:01.640 --> 02:00:04.439
Uh. And Lawler to this day
you tell me, gosh, I
1757
02:00:04.640 --> 02:00:09.119
really regret coming out there with my
case and my crown. You know,
1758
02:00:09.159 --> 02:00:13.760
I should have just come out there
and street closed. But uh, you
1759
02:00:13.840 --> 02:00:15.399
know, the whole thing is just
great because you know, Lance is at
1760
02:00:15.399 --> 02:00:18.079
the beginning of it. They do
kind of a rough intro. The Lance
1761
02:00:18.199 --> 02:00:21.279
is smoking a cigarette and he's like, I don't I don't know if the
1762
02:00:21.359 --> 02:00:26.800
thing's gonna come off. Uh oh, well, let's just an intro and
1763
02:00:26.880 --> 02:00:30.039
let's just see if see if they
show, you know, and Lance puts
1764
02:00:30.079 --> 02:00:32.920
the cigarette out and all the adairs
on the air. So it just gave
1765
02:00:32.960 --> 02:00:36.439
it like a little It was like
one of those little details that just gave
1766
02:00:36.479 --> 02:00:41.319
it an added sense of realism.
And Terry Funk, you know, just
1767
02:00:41.600 --> 02:00:45.560
screaming and screeching like a maniac at
the end of it, you know,
1768
02:00:45.680 --> 02:00:51.880
my my Lan's help and uh and
the seeing back for a revent, you
1769
02:00:51.960 --> 02:00:56.880
know, I had to be there. Uh. And and the chemistry that
1770
02:00:57.000 --> 02:01:00.439
the lawlor had with uh with Fargo
with something else. Um. But I
1771
02:01:00.600 --> 02:01:06.520
always, you know, as much
as I enjoyed, uh the mayhem uh
1772
02:01:08.039 --> 02:01:13.479
and in the styles, the hardcore
style that Memphis presented. I loved it
1773
02:01:13.600 --> 02:01:17.359
when they when they shift years and
Jaredy came out and was talking about getting
1774
02:01:17.399 --> 02:01:24.279
on track for the world title because
that was ultimately the ongoing storyline for the
1775
02:01:24.319 --> 02:01:29.720
promotion. That they always went back
to lawlers pursuit of the world FIPU A
1776
02:01:29.840 --> 02:01:33.159
championship and uh, you know,
and then they start bringing in challengers and
1777
02:01:33.239 --> 02:01:39.119
building up this match and UH,
that's that's one of the things that really
1778
02:01:39.239 --> 02:01:43.720
captured my imagination. And whenever I
you know, I bought the Aftermags,
1779
02:01:44.119 --> 02:01:46.239
I'd always constantly sex to where Jerry
was in the ranking. You know,
1780
02:01:47.800 --> 02:01:53.119
I really liked it from from a
sporting sense, UH, And I guess
1781
02:01:53.199 --> 02:01:57.880
mainly that's because you know, we
didn't have a local sports stand. Um,
1782
02:01:58.319 --> 02:02:00.359
you know, we didn't have a
team that was and then the NFL
1783
02:02:00.399 --> 02:02:04.600
playoffs or anything like that. So
the closest we came was, you know,
1784
02:02:05.079 --> 02:02:08.479
it was the World Championship. And
the fact that they only brought in
1785
02:02:08.720 --> 02:02:12.960
uh back Winkol and Briscoe. Uh
you know it's like that, you know,
1786
02:02:13.039 --> 02:02:15.439
maybe maybe three or four times a
year, just made it especial because
1787
02:02:15.479 --> 02:02:19.520
he knew if Wahler blew it or
the decision didn't go his way, gosh,
1788
02:02:19.640 --> 02:02:24.760
you know, who knows when he's
gonna get another fans I remember I
1789
02:02:24.880 --> 02:02:28.640
was, um that's I think it
was about nine years old, and it
1790
02:02:28.760 --> 02:02:33.000
was one of the first lawlor Bakwinkol
matches. And there was an old gentleman
1791
02:02:33.279 --> 02:02:35.840
sitting next to me who had I
was with my uncle and on the other
1792
02:02:35.960 --> 02:02:42.960
side of me was an older gentleman
and he had had a little strink and
1793
02:02:44.199 --> 02:02:45.800
he told me before the start of
that he looked at me and he had
1794
02:02:45.840 --> 02:02:50.279
tears in his eyes and he said, you know it just once before I
1795
02:02:50.399 --> 02:02:54.840
do. I want to see Jerry
could get that belt right, you know,
1796
02:02:55.199 --> 02:02:58.800
And and that's how much that you
know it meant to the people in
1797
02:02:58.920 --> 02:03:02.359
Memphis. And I will say this
too. I know that that Hardy Race
1798
02:03:02.479 --> 02:03:06.119
and and some other guys thats uh
you know, said that Lawler couldn't work
1799
02:03:06.279 --> 02:03:11.520
and all these kinds of things.
Uh. I had an opportunity to swash
1800
02:03:11.560 --> 02:03:15.159
some emails with Jack Briscoe before his
pan thing, and you know, he
1801
02:03:15.239 --> 02:03:20.479
couldn't have been any kinder about Jerry
uh in the matches they had together,
1802
02:03:20.760 --> 02:03:25.479
and and buck Winkell too. Bluck
Winkell had said that those were absolutely some
1803
02:03:25.600 --> 02:03:29.800
of his favorite matches, not only
from the standpoint for the chemistry that he
1804
02:03:29.840 --> 02:03:35.319
had with Waller was just the magic
and the intensity that was in the air
1805
02:03:35.439 --> 02:03:42.520
with him coming in against the hometown
favorite. Uh. He you know,
1806
02:03:42.680 --> 02:03:46.720
he absolutely he loves coming to Memphis, and balck Winkel really played the role
1807
02:03:46.760 --> 02:03:51.439
of the world champion to perfect and
even probably even more so the brick player.
1808
02:03:51.800 --> 02:03:54.720
Because I want to I want to
say that you got I know you're
1809
02:03:54.720 --> 02:03:57.399
I'm the just respect. But this
is part of what you're talking about.
1810
02:03:57.720 --> 02:04:00.600
Talk about because I know you're privy
to the thinking of both Jerry Jarrett and
1811
02:04:00.640 --> 02:04:06.319
Jerry Lawler on this, But talk
about why Memphis went from chasing the NWA
1812
02:04:06.439 --> 02:04:13.199
title Jerry Lawyer chasing Dorry Funk Junior
and Jack Briscoe and Harley Race and Rick
1813
02:04:13.279 --> 02:04:15.920
Flair, and why they made the
change to Nick Blacklinkoll. And you're right,
1814
02:04:16.039 --> 02:04:19.920
Nick Backlot did a great job as
the you know, as the out
1815
02:04:19.960 --> 02:04:26.479
of town Beverly Hills World champion coming
into Memphis, Tennessee. And there's some
1816
02:04:26.640 --> 02:04:30.439
of that that exists on YouTube.
I you know, I'd highly recommend people
1817
02:04:30.439 --> 02:04:32.520
going to see that. But talk
about why black Linckoll was a better fit
1818
02:04:32.640 --> 02:04:39.000
with with Jerry Lawler and Memphis than
Rick Flair turned out to be, Well,
1819
02:04:39.079 --> 02:04:42.239
I think well part of it.
I think I think fans are frustrated
1820
02:04:42.239 --> 02:04:45.079
because they usually had to pull out
a dictionary when when Buck Clinckle came out
1821
02:04:45.119 --> 02:04:49.119
to do a promo. Uh,
but you know, he wasn't over the
1822
02:04:49.199 --> 02:04:56.000
top. He was just a little
bit more believable. Um. And but
1823
02:04:56.119 --> 02:05:00.359
the biggest reason mine Jarrett made the
switch. You know, it was harder
1824
02:05:00.439 --> 02:05:04.560
to get dates on the end of
the end of the Champion obviously, it
1825
02:05:04.680 --> 02:05:12.119
was more expensive to book, and
Jared was not a huge fan of of
1826
02:05:12.279 --> 02:05:18.039
Harley's science. He thought it was
a little clownish um the way he would
1827
02:05:18.079 --> 02:05:23.600
kind of oversell and some of the
exaggerated bumps he would take um. And
1828
02:05:23.760 --> 02:05:27.920
he just thought that that Nick was
it wasn't all around better worker. But
1829
02:05:28.159 --> 02:05:30.439
so you're saying it was a choice
between Harley Race and Nick black Winkel,
1830
02:05:30.600 --> 02:05:34.199
or the choice between Rich Flair and
well Well ray Well Races the champion when
1831
02:05:34.359 --> 02:05:40.039
when they made the switch. Okay, uh, they started booking uh black
1832
02:05:40.079 --> 02:05:46.119
winkl in nineteen seventy eight. With
some podcast memberships, there's a complicated system
1833
02:05:46.199 --> 02:05:48.960
of having to enter a user name
and password in advanced settings, and it
1834
02:05:49.000 --> 02:05:53.720
works on some apps but not others. That's not the case with PW Torch
1835
02:05:53.800 --> 02:05:57.840
vi IP membership. We now have
a slick setup where you're a single click
1836
02:05:57.880 --> 02:06:01.560
away when you go vi IP from
having your podcast feed automatically generated on Apple
1837
02:06:01.600 --> 02:06:04.880
Podcasts. All you need is an
authorized VIP membership. As soon as you
1838
02:06:05.000 --> 02:06:08.920
sign up on our express sign up
form, which takes about a minute,
1839
02:06:09.239 --> 02:06:12.079
you'll get a link and you click
on it and it opens Apple Podcasts and
1840
02:06:12.159 --> 02:06:15.960
subscribes, no entering anything, no
advanced settings. You can also subscribe on
1841
02:06:16.079 --> 02:06:20.600
more podcast apps than ever other than
Apple podcasts including Beyond Pod and Dog Catcher
1842
02:06:20.680 --> 02:06:27.359
on Android and many others on iPhones
and iOS. So VIP membership it's more
1843
02:06:27.439 --> 02:06:30.920
convenient than you realize. Get all
the benefits of v IP membership, all
1844
02:06:30.920 --> 02:06:34.560
the VP exclusive podcasts and these shows
with the ads and plugs removed with a
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02:06:34.720 --> 02:06:41.159
VIP membership. Pwtorch dot com slash
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02:06:41.199 --> 02:06:44.640
easy, it's convenient, and we
think it's worth it. Pwtorch dot com
1847
02:06:44.800 --> 02:06:56.840
slash go vi ip. But the
biggest factor was that Art had trying to
1848
02:06:56.920 --> 02:07:00.359
convince the n the VIA board.
He's like, look, you know,
1849
02:07:00.720 --> 02:07:05.960
we've got one of the biggest stars. He's drawing better than probably anybody weekly
1850
02:07:06.279 --> 02:07:11.159
in the country. Um, you
know, can't you know, can we
1851
02:07:11.239 --> 02:07:14.680
get him a short term time rain? And he he was really close with
1852
02:07:14.800 --> 02:07:18.479
Eddie Graham and tried to pull some
strings there and Eddie had a talk at
1853
02:07:18.520 --> 02:07:23.479
the INTERVI board and Eddie came back
to Jerry and said, well, you
1854
02:07:23.640 --> 02:07:29.319
just don't think that Jerry's tough enough. And Jared was like, Jarry Jarrett
1855
02:07:29.359 --> 02:07:32.359
was incredulous. He was like,
what do you mean tough? This is
1856
02:07:32.479 --> 02:07:40.439
this is show business. And I
think that it's worth saying that, Scott.
1857
02:07:40.439 --> 02:07:42.800
I don't I'm gonna interrupt you.
I'm not gonna pretend your way,
1858
02:07:42.800 --> 02:07:45.640
but I know you know what it's
like. Um, it's worth saying that
1859
02:07:45.760 --> 02:07:50.159
the old line promoters in the NWA, the the really old ones, remembered
1860
02:07:50.199 --> 02:07:55.680
the history of the business where they
they always wanted a loose as or someone
1861
02:07:55.840 --> 02:07:59.800
that could handle, that they could
perform and make money with. But also
1862
02:08:00.159 --> 02:08:03.239
that in case someone tried to double
cross them, um in the ring in
1863
02:08:03.319 --> 02:08:07.319
other words of Russell tried to tried
to eat the guy up and beat him
1864
02:08:07.720 --> 02:08:09.680
and steal the title in front of
that crowd and need to have a mess
1865
02:08:09.720 --> 02:08:13.000
on your hands. Back in the
thirties and the forties, those days were
1866
02:08:13.119 --> 02:08:16.159
long since over. You know,
by the time Jerry Lawler was in this
1867
02:08:16.199 --> 02:08:20.079
problem at the time you were talking
about where anybody was thinking whether that would
1868
02:08:20.119 --> 02:08:26.880
have worked at all. Yeah.
The reason nine it absolutely didn't make sense,
1869
02:08:28.000 --> 02:08:30.600
you know. Uh, you know
they picked the belt on Tommy rich
1870
02:08:31.439 --> 02:08:35.520
Uh. You know when it guts
to georgan, I mean, what was
1871
02:08:35.600 --> 02:08:39.159
the capacity and that in that area
three thousand people, right, you know,
1872
02:08:39.199 --> 02:08:41.560
with no build up, and then
he didn't even get to appear on
1873
02:08:41.920 --> 02:08:46.560
the superstation with the belt. You
know, if the titles changers that were
1874
02:08:46.600 --> 02:08:50.239
just so ill thought out at the
time, And here you are having Memphis
1875
02:08:50.279 --> 02:08:54.880
packing, you know, between eight
and ten thousand people, uh, and
1876
02:08:56.119 --> 02:09:01.000
and booking world title matches as if
they were the Super Bowl. Uh,
1877
02:09:01.880 --> 02:09:03.479
you know, it just would have
been a natural. But I think I
1878
02:09:03.560 --> 02:09:09.000
think finally realized I'm never going to
consent an entire board to get on board
1879
02:09:09.439 --> 02:09:15.560
with Jerry Lawler, but with vern
GNYA, I just have to convince one
1880
02:09:15.640 --> 02:09:20.399
man that makes sense. Yeah,
and uh, and that that was one
1881
02:09:20.399 --> 02:09:24.520
of the main reasons. But I
also I just think that I think the
1882
02:09:24.640 --> 02:09:31.239
jury was Jerry. Jerry was very
impressed with Nick's versability, his ability to
1883
02:09:31.840 --> 02:09:35.920
have a different match almost every time, which you know, I love early
1884
02:09:35.000 --> 02:09:39.840
and I and I obviously was a
huge Clayer fan as well. Uh,
1885
02:09:39.520 --> 02:09:43.960
you know, Knicks matches they were
they were never quite the same. Uh.
1886
02:09:45.399 --> 02:09:48.760
You know, he Lawler ramps some
tremendous brawls, but uh, one
1887
02:09:48.800 --> 02:09:52.880
of the best matches I've ever seen
them app with on January first, nineteen
1888
02:09:52.920 --> 02:09:56.840
eighty four, and the whole matt
you can just feel the anticipation building up
1889
02:09:56.840 --> 02:10:01.880
because bach Winkle is just out wrestling
law like crazy, just working on his
1890
02:10:01.119 --> 02:10:05.000
arm, his leg so much.
Matt wrestling for about thirty minutes, and
1891
02:10:05.079 --> 02:10:09.399
then finally Lawler explodes, uh,
you know, with a bunch of punches
1892
02:10:09.479 --> 02:10:13.680
and then I think it ends up
pitting the referee or whatever. But you
1893
02:10:13.760 --> 02:10:16.800
know, just just the way they
slowly, you know, just playing the
1894
02:10:16.880 --> 02:10:22.279
crowd like a piano, you know. Um, yeah, they just had
1895
02:10:22.439 --> 02:10:28.119
Ferment and you know, blintl was
the server Leil's champion, and the you
1896
02:10:28.199 --> 02:10:31.840
know, it was very articulate,
and then you had you know, plain
1897
02:10:31.920 --> 02:10:35.600
old speaking Jerry Laller come out there. Um. It was just the contrast
1898
02:10:35.720 --> 02:10:39.159
between the two. It was amazing. All right, Bruce and Scott.
1899
02:10:39.279 --> 02:10:43.399
I hate to interrupt him, loving
this conversation, and I can talk to
1900
02:10:43.439 --> 02:10:46.359
Memphis or listen to Memphis either way
wrestling, but I want to shift to
1901
02:10:46.479 --> 02:10:50.199
other guests. Scott. Uh,
But Scott Bowden, if you have to
1902
02:10:50.279 --> 02:10:52.399
go, I understand that if you
want to stick around for this conversation,
1903
02:10:52.439 --> 02:10:58.199
you're certainly welcome to. We're gonna
bring in our guest who was at RAW
1904
02:10:58.760 --> 02:11:01.359
on Monday, and we've kept it
a little bit of a mystery who it
1905
02:11:01.359 --> 02:11:05.760
would be. But his name is
Scottie Campbell Um. Scottie, are you
1906
02:11:05.800 --> 02:11:09.800
there? I am here. Thanks
for having me. You're welcome. Now.
1907
02:11:09.159 --> 02:11:16.239
You had quite the introduction to professionalising
on Monday. People may remember you
1908
02:11:16.880 --> 02:11:20.600
or I don't know how they could
remember you. How you had not Yeah,
1909
02:11:20.680 --> 02:11:24.920
they had an You had an S
in a C on your warm up
1910
02:11:24.000 --> 02:11:31.119
jacket as you made quite a dance
to the rings. One that is no
1911
02:11:31.319 --> 02:11:35.159
dancer. It was a very unique
moment. I was glad to be there.
1912
02:11:35.199 --> 02:11:37.159
By nature, I'm a talker.
I've been in radio open a producer.
1913
02:11:37.199 --> 02:11:41.239
I been in the MP for a
number of years and had a whole
1914
02:11:41.279 --> 02:11:45.119
lot of fun out there. I
showed up in business casual, which was
1915
02:11:45.159 --> 02:11:48.800
what I was instructed to do about
the w w E, and we stepped
1916
02:11:48.840 --> 02:11:52.840
in there rehearsal. Triple H saw
me in the dress clothes and he said,
1917
02:11:52.319 --> 02:11:54.520
we've got to get you out there, Scottie. Let me. I'm
1918
02:11:54.520 --> 02:11:58.359
sorry, I want to interrupt you
to sure you've set the stage for why
1919
02:11:58.439 --> 02:12:01.640
you were there, how you got
that opportun salute and really, by the
1920
02:12:01.840 --> 02:12:03.960
you know, it's a great you
did something really great beyond even rustling.
1921
02:12:05.159 --> 02:12:07.159
And you know, I get that
opportunity just to double interrupt since Bruce was
1922
02:12:07.199 --> 02:12:09.399
so rude to interrupt you. Now, you know, as like Scottie,
1923
02:12:09.880 --> 02:12:13.239
Um, I want to say that
you came up with tons of Funk on
1924
02:12:13.319 --> 02:12:15.520
Monday. You you you, because
I didn't quite get to that. You
1925
02:12:15.640 --> 02:12:18.800
did the guest. You were a
get You joined them on the way to
1926
02:12:18.840 --> 02:12:22.439
the ring and got very into their
dance routine. So go ahead and set
1927
02:12:22.520 --> 02:12:24.640
the stage with Bruce's question, then
we'll get into details on Triple It's coming
1928
02:12:24.680 --> 02:12:30.359
up to you. Good hook,
Okay. These Superstars for Sandy Relief was
1929
02:12:30.399 --> 02:12:37.680
a charity auction by WWE through charitybuzz
dot com for hurricane recovery efforts in the
1930
02:12:37.720 --> 02:12:41.960
Northeast. I contributed to the online
auction and actually end up ended up being
1931
02:12:41.039 --> 02:12:46.239
the top bidder and winner for the
chance to dance and appear with Tons of
1932
02:12:46.319 --> 02:12:48.199
Funk on Roll. So that was
the lead up to the event itself.
1933
02:12:48.359 --> 02:12:52.960
It was It was just one incredible
night that Triple H is so involved with
1934
02:12:54.199 --> 02:12:58.079
the production of the show. I
had no idea how involved he was,
1935
02:12:58.520 --> 02:13:01.119
and he saw me in street clothes
and dress clothes and he said, Scottie,
1936
02:13:01.119 --> 02:13:03.079
we've got to get you an outfit. So he turned around to some
1937
02:13:03.119 --> 02:13:05.960
of the production crew and he said, yes, Scottie, an outfit and
1938
02:13:07.199 --> 02:13:13.039
that incredible operation was in about two
hours. Had personalized embroidered uh jumpsuit for
1939
02:13:13.159 --> 02:13:18.520
me track suit. So we we
we only did one rehearsal if we were
1940
02:13:18.520 --> 02:13:22.840
out there for in rehearsals a few
minutes and ran through it real quick.
1941
02:13:24.079 --> 02:13:28.560
And I got a Twitter at Twitter
message last night from Triple A Chain he
1942
02:13:28.760 --> 02:13:31.680
said, awesome job boy, to
go, good job, something to that
1943
02:13:31.760 --> 02:13:33.319
effect. So that really meant a
lot to me to hear that from the
1944
02:13:35.079 --> 02:13:39.359
from the chip from the COEO.
Now you you're you're you've ore a long
1945
02:13:39.439 --> 02:13:45.159
time Torch reader and supporter and listener. Um, what what kind of uh?
1946
02:13:46.079 --> 02:13:48.079
Knowing what you know about WWE and
certainly following the Torch, you know
1947
02:13:48.159 --> 02:13:50.840
more than any other fan could possibly
know. Of course we have to say
1948
02:13:50.920 --> 02:13:56.239
that, Um, when you were
bidding on the charity, did you I
1949
02:13:56.319 --> 02:13:58.560
mean, was your goal I want
to do this or or did you think,
1950
02:13:58.600 --> 02:14:01.439
ah, what the odds? You
know, I'll give it my best
1951
02:14:01.479 --> 02:14:03.000
shot, but I probably won't be
the guy who wins or did you want
1952
02:14:03.159 --> 02:14:07.640
really determined for this? This was
something you really wanted to make happen by
1953
02:14:07.760 --> 02:14:09.399
nature. I'm a dreamer and a
doer, and I served one term as
1954
02:14:09.439 --> 02:14:13.439
an elective member of the Tennessee House
of Representatives. Decided I didn't want to
1955
02:14:13.479 --> 02:14:16.720
do that anymore, and so I
thought, you know what, timing is
1956
02:14:16.760 --> 02:14:20.239
perfect. I'm almost finished with paramedic
school. If I went in this auction
1957
02:14:20.279 --> 02:14:22.680
and if things go well there,
you never know what might happen. I'd
1958
02:14:22.720 --> 02:14:26.199
love to work backstage or something with
these days, so I just seized a
1959
02:14:26.279 --> 02:14:31.159
moment. I sat there and I
prayed in a radio production studio as I
1960
02:14:31.319 --> 02:14:33.800
was big, and that if it
was to happened, that that'd be the
1961
02:14:33.840 --> 02:14:39.159
winning amount, because I didn't plan
on going any higher. So I'm glad
1962
02:14:39.239 --> 02:14:41.720
I was able to take place.
But I want to thank you guys for
1963
02:14:41.800 --> 02:14:45.800
doing the tribute show to the fabulous
Swan Jackie Fargo. I have a Jackie
1964
02:14:45.960 --> 02:14:50.000
memory myself, well more than one. About five years ago I traveled to
1965
02:14:50.159 --> 02:14:54.439
Louisbourg, Tennessee southern Middle Tennessee area
to see the Fabulous One, and I
1966
02:14:54.560 --> 02:14:58.600
was able to see the strut in
person for the one and only time in
1967
02:14:58.680 --> 02:15:03.920
my life. Jacky Fargo brought his
A game and he did not disappoint the
1968
02:15:03.079 --> 02:15:07.960
ruthless coming off that place even at
that point. That's a nice Yes,
1969
02:15:16.239 --> 02:15:22.039
Hey guys, it's Mike McMahon from
The All Elite After Show. Every week,
1970
02:15:22.159 --> 02:15:26.039
Andrew Socheck and I break down a
EW on our free PW Towards podcast.
1971
02:15:26.239 --> 02:15:30.760
We've been doing this show since two
thousand and sixteen. That's right,
1972
02:15:30.960 --> 02:15:33.760
we're on our fifth year. When
we started the show, back then,
1973
02:15:33.800 --> 02:15:37.359
we were talking just impact wrestling,
and we still talk about them from time
1974
02:15:37.399 --> 02:15:39.319
to time as well, and over
the years we've branched out to also discuss
1975
02:15:39.479 --> 02:15:43.760
MLW and of course the main event
of our program, which is always the
1976
02:15:43.880 --> 02:15:48.159
latest going on in a e W. Again, the show was called The
1977
02:15:48.239 --> 02:15:52.199
All Elite After Show with me,
Mike McMahon and my partner Andrew Socheck.
1978
02:15:52.520 --> 02:15:54.920
You can check us out as part
of the PW Towards Daily Cast lineup.
1979
02:15:56.119 --> 02:15:58.800
You can subscribe to our show and
all of the Daily Cast shows just by
1980
02:16:00.000 --> 02:16:03.760
searching PW Torch on any podcast app, and of course you can listen ad
1981
02:16:05.039 --> 02:16:24.680
free with a PW Torch VIP membership. And did you interject a little your
1982
02:16:24.800 --> 02:16:28.840
version of a Jackie Fargo strut while
you were in the ram Monday, well,
1983
02:16:28.159 --> 02:16:31.399
just a little bit. I wanted
to do more, but I was
1984
02:16:31.479 --> 02:16:33.840
hesitant to do that. I should
have talked with law or more about that
1985
02:16:35.000 --> 02:16:37.479
moment. So I did kind of
do a little bit of a slide flash
1986
02:16:37.559 --> 02:16:43.799
strut, but definitely had Jackie Fargo
on my mind Monday night and H and
1987
02:16:43.200 --> 02:16:46.040
I had to be in the middle
of that ring in an arena with thirteen
1988
02:16:46.159 --> 02:16:50.719
thousand people on Monday night. Raw
is an incredible moment. And being in
1989
02:16:50.799 --> 02:16:56.799
the guerrilla position and seeing vincementman Triple
H there and Scott Armstrong saying aren't you
1990
02:16:56.920 --> 02:17:01.440
ready go? There's no holding back
when that music hits feeling I have ever
1991
02:17:01.559 --> 02:17:03.920
felt the best night of my life, guys, and I have had some
1992
02:17:03.040 --> 02:17:07.280
great nights. Let me tell you, no, Scottie, you had you
1993
02:17:07.399 --> 02:17:09.000
were very into the into it at
that. You're very into the moment.
1994
02:17:09.079 --> 02:17:13.319
Now, I'm sure you've looked back
at it. How are you? Are
1995
02:17:13.360 --> 02:17:16.200
you happy? Are you proud?
Are you a little embarrassed? Or are
1996
02:17:16.239 --> 02:17:18.799
you hey? That was awesome?
Like? What are your feelings having looked
1997
02:17:18.799 --> 02:17:20.959
back on that moment, because it's
hard to know how you're gonna act when
1998
02:17:22.000 --> 02:17:24.920
those lights come on. Absolutely true, as one that is not a dancer,
1999
02:17:26.280 --> 02:17:30.440
I am a very I'm typically well, frankly, often in a suit,
2000
02:17:30.639 --> 02:17:33.879
I'm very rigid, sort of like
maybe an al Gore type in terms
2001
02:17:33.920 --> 02:17:37.040
of looking like a statue. And
I went through the rehearsal and I was
2002
02:17:37.200 --> 02:17:41.360
a little stiff, and one of
the road agents was likened you to loosen
2003
02:17:41.440 --> 02:17:46.159
up a little. And I tell
you, I went out there and goose,
2004
02:17:46.479 --> 02:17:48.360
uh, you know, funky like
a monkey. Thank you, Dusty
2005
02:17:48.440 --> 02:17:52.920
Rhodes and all those things, and
we just had fun with it. I'd
2006
02:17:52.000 --> 02:17:56.520
love to do that again. Protus
Clay. There's an interview with him on
2007
02:17:56.680 --> 02:18:00.200
WWE dot com and and he said, sweet tea better watch out. So
2008
02:18:01.520 --> 02:18:03.520
you know, I gotta say I
thought you did a great job. I
2009
02:18:03.680 --> 02:18:05.959
was howl and laughing watching that in
a good way. I mean, I
2010
02:18:07.040 --> 02:18:09.159
just thought, if you're going if
someone's going to do that, I've seen
2011
02:18:09.559 --> 02:18:13.079
people walk to the ring with rustlers
and you're just like, nah, you
2012
02:18:13.159 --> 02:18:16.239
know, you know you've got to
act bigger than life and all that you
2013
02:18:16.280 --> 02:18:20.639
were talking. Absolutely, I told
you, I said, I'm here to
2014
02:18:20.760 --> 02:18:24.079
maximize my minute, to use the
words of j R. And I did
2015
02:18:24.120 --> 02:18:26.360
the best I could, you know, given my minute and a half on
2016
02:18:26.559 --> 02:18:33.680
w w E Television. So what
what you you when you found out that
2017
02:18:33.760 --> 02:18:35.760
you were going, that you were
the winner and you're gonna be there?
2018
02:18:35.760 --> 02:18:37.920
How much communication to w W have
with you? And who communicated with you
2019
02:18:39.040 --> 02:18:46.000
beating up to Monday? The manager
Joyn Johnson was my primary contact, and
2020
02:18:46.719 --> 02:18:48.360
we just started discussing the date about
a month and a half ago, and
2021
02:18:48.399 --> 02:18:52.639
I really didn't get a confirmation until
about the week of the show. Imagine
2022
02:18:52.639 --> 02:18:56.520
that. And the night of the
show they moved the segment of once and
2023
02:18:56.559 --> 02:18:58.520
I ended up going on right after
John Cena and he came up to me
2024
02:18:58.559 --> 02:19:03.639
and Gorilla and on his own free
will think to me for what I had
2025
02:19:03.719 --> 02:19:05.319
done. And you know, John
Ceene has done so much for so many
2026
02:19:05.360 --> 02:19:09.319
people with the company and with charities, and I appreciate that from the bottom
2027
02:19:09.319 --> 02:19:13.639
of my heart too. But guys, I tell you, I wouldn't trade
2028
02:19:13.680 --> 02:19:16.159
the experience for anything. And of
course, I guess like anybody that's been
2029
02:19:16.200 --> 02:19:18.760
able to do that at least once
in their life, I'd love to do
2030
02:19:18.840 --> 02:19:22.200
it some more and at what time
did you have to get to the building.
2031
02:19:24.559 --> 02:19:28.440
My call time was three thirty pm. I spent hours in catering.
2032
02:19:30.159 --> 02:19:33.600
Jerry the King Lawler came over to
the table, Mark Henry, them Is
2033
02:19:33.760 --> 02:19:37.440
hornswa Will sat with us a while. Let's see, Curtis Axel had just
2034
02:19:37.559 --> 02:19:41.399
had some incredible conversations and to be
able to be in catering with those guys,
2035
02:19:41.479 --> 02:19:45.000
that's a dream come true, especially
for a guy who likes to eat.
2036
02:19:46.159 --> 02:19:52.319
And we had some good conversations.
And what really amazed me once Superstars
2037
02:19:52.360 --> 02:19:56.680
taping and once WWE Raw went live, I was amazed at how intently the
2038
02:19:56.760 --> 02:20:01.799
superstars were watching the showback stage.
He was it was the second coming.
2039
02:20:01.840 --> 02:20:05.920
I mean they were absolutely two in
to the product, and to me,
2040
02:20:07.120 --> 02:20:11.760
that is a mutual respect and a
sign specialism. Well, it probably was
2041
02:20:13.319 --> 02:20:15.559
the answer to the next question's gonna
ask, but I want to get even
2042
02:20:15.600 --> 02:20:18.879
another another. Uh maybe the second
most surprising thing? What surprise you most
2043
02:20:18.879 --> 02:20:22.200
about being backstage? I mean you
had your set of expectations. You follow
2044
02:20:22.239 --> 02:20:26.840
wrestling closely. Um, seeing the
wrestlers glue to the monitor, that's a
2045
02:20:26.879 --> 02:20:30.719
great observation and that's a great,
great story. What else surprised you about
2046
02:20:30.760 --> 02:20:33.000
that? That process Compared to your
expectations in terms of just being around that
2047
02:20:33.079 --> 02:20:39.000
for six hours, it was more
complex, with more with more professional folks
2048
02:20:39.040 --> 02:20:43.159
than I have your dream for example, uh me showing up in that and
2049
02:20:43.680 --> 02:20:48.440
dress clothes and them having a suit
made for me by seamstresses on staff in
2050
02:20:48.639 --> 02:20:54.360
the arena while rawl was happening,
so I didn't have a chance to try
2051
02:20:54.399 --> 02:20:56.840
it on. It was you put
this on, You're ready, Let's do
2052
02:20:56.000 --> 02:21:01.120
this thing. The Total Diva's Show, it's being filmed presently. It's going
2053
02:21:01.239 --> 02:21:07.799
to premiere on the E Network on
July twenty eighth. Its features Cameron and
2054
02:21:07.879 --> 02:21:15.200
naow you Funkadactyls, the Bellas and
Adela and Idheart and others and may very
2055
02:21:15.239 --> 02:21:18.079
well be on that show. I
was interviewed for that as well. W
2056
02:21:18.440 --> 02:21:22.959
W E did a couple of on
camera interviews with me, one before and
2057
02:21:22.079 --> 02:21:28.639
one after my performance and incredible time. And I tell you guys, when
2058
02:21:28.680 --> 02:21:33.840
I came back from the ring,
the response was something else the great colleague
2059
02:21:33.040 --> 02:21:35.920
for him to walk up to me, look at me, it's a great
2060
02:21:37.079 --> 02:21:41.079
rob Just one of those unexpected moments
and on the foot side of that coin.
2061
02:21:41.159 --> 02:21:45.840
Orenslogel came up to me as well, and I think they really enjoyed
2062
02:21:45.879 --> 02:21:48.719
the performance, you know, as
much as I did. They were entertained,
2063
02:21:48.799 --> 02:21:52.680
So to put smiles on Super Shark's
faces was really good feeling, because
2064
02:21:52.719 --> 02:21:54.959
those guys take great pride in what
they do. Rice, do you have
2065
02:21:56.000 --> 02:21:58.040
anything for Scotty. I've been to
so many shows looking into the ring,
2066
02:21:58.319 --> 02:22:01.319
being inside the ring, looking out
at the audience. What did you notice?
2067
02:22:01.360 --> 02:22:03.799
What did you see? Or were
you just you just well at the
2068
02:22:03.879 --> 02:22:09.120
high things happened so fast. Let
me tell you that I had to go
2069
02:22:09.239 --> 02:22:13.040
back and watch the tape to see
exactly what I did and see fans reactions.
2070
02:22:13.159 --> 02:22:16.399
But when you're in the ring,
you can see some you can see
2071
02:22:16.399 --> 02:22:20.799
a good part of the crowd.
The when you have the tons of funk
2072
02:22:20.879 --> 02:22:24.159
guys in the ring and the funk
of actyls and myself, you've got a
2073
02:22:24.280 --> 02:22:26.879
grand total of about a half tone
in the ring, so you know,
2074
02:22:26.959 --> 02:22:31.959
well over a thousand pounds and we're
bouncing and it was almost like we were
2075
02:22:33.000 --> 02:22:35.159
all bouncing on a king size bed
and I was afraid I might fall,
2076
02:22:35.399 --> 02:22:39.239
And they told me, you know, don't don't mess up, and thankfully
2077
02:22:39.239 --> 02:22:46.000
I didn't arguably so we had fun
with it. But the energy of those
2078
02:22:46.280 --> 02:22:50.760
w W universe members us second and
none. I've been in front of some
2079
02:22:50.840 --> 02:22:54.680
big crowds in my life through the
political arena in my home state of Tennessee,
2080
02:22:54.879 --> 02:23:03.719
and the reaction from those thirteen thousand
or Charleston Coliseum was was just wonderful.
2081
02:23:03.520 --> 02:23:07.200
Now, what did your family and
friends and people at work, particularly
2082
02:23:07.280 --> 02:23:11.959
people that maybe aren't the big you
know, not everybody's a wrestling fan.
2083
02:23:11.120 --> 02:23:16.520
What was the reaction to did you
catch anybody that I just happened to catch
2084
02:23:16.559 --> 02:23:18.559
you on the Air's what's when the
ration of everybody that knows you to do?
2085
02:23:18.840 --> 02:23:22.639
Oh, I just I just love
the fact that, oh, nobody
2086
02:23:22.719 --> 02:23:26.360
watches the WWE, but suddenly everybody's
harping about I saw you on TV on
2087
02:23:26.479 --> 02:23:31.159
Monday Night Raw, So you know
we've heard those cluss before. I was
2088
02:23:31.239 --> 02:23:35.559
at the state legislature yesterday paid a
visit to some old friends of mine,
2089
02:23:35.680 --> 02:23:39.920
and the speaker of the Tennessee Houser
representatives came up to me and told me
2090
02:23:41.000 --> 02:23:45.280
that she had seen the video because
the Nashville newspaper that Tennessee and got the
2091
02:23:45.319 --> 02:23:48.280
bright idea to post the video on
their website. So it's It's gotten a
2092
02:23:48.319 --> 02:23:52.760
little bit more coverage than I had
anticipated to hear in my home state,
2093
02:23:52.959 --> 02:23:56.559
but you know, they appreciate what
I did for it before the Hurricane Sandy
2094
02:23:56.639 --> 02:23:58.440
release. I'm glad I was able
to help in some way and also get
2095
02:23:58.479 --> 02:24:03.520
to live an absolute dream of mind
to do something for the WWE. I
2096
02:24:03.600 --> 02:24:07.879
have some other ideas I'd like to
cultivate, but you never know. And
2097
02:24:07.959 --> 02:24:11.000
if you think of momentum from this
might um catapult you back into the political
2098
02:24:11.040 --> 02:24:16.559
arena and maybe give you a way
to ride. I would rather be body
2099
02:24:16.600 --> 02:24:22.559
slammed my zab culture than go back
into the political arena or even ride back.
2100
02:24:24.680 --> 02:24:26.479
I'm glad I was able to do
that. But if I could do
2101
02:24:26.600 --> 02:24:31.280
something backstage, and I've been in
production in the radio world, if I
2102
02:24:31.319 --> 02:24:33.399
could do something like that for the
w w E, I would be on
2103
02:24:33.639 --> 02:24:45.079
Cloud nine as long as it lasted. Every Sunday night, catch Wrestling Night
2104
02:24:45.079 --> 02:24:48.680
in America on pwtrch Dailycast dot Com, hosted by me PW Torch calumnist Greg
2105
02:24:48.840 --> 02:24:52.959
Parks. Each week, I'll welcome
a co host from the Torch family to
2106
02:24:52.040 --> 02:24:56.520
discuss the big shows in pro wrestling, taking or calls an emails. You
2107
02:24:56.600 --> 02:24:58.959
can listen live most weeks the beginning
at eight pm Eastern on Sunday night.
2108
02:25:00.000 --> 02:25:03.000
It's with a WWE or Impact pay
per view, we go on the air.
2109
02:25:03.079 --> 02:25:05.600
At the conclusion of that pay per
view, you can listen live,
2110
02:25:05.639 --> 02:25:09.319
but of course, the full show
is available for download on demand anytime shortly
2111
02:25:09.360 --> 02:25:13.120
after it airs. Visit PW Torch
Dailycast dot com and click the live stream
2112
02:25:13.159 --> 02:25:16.719
link to find the next scheduled live
show link. Search PW Torch and Apple
2113
02:25:16.760 --> 02:25:20.799
Podcasts or your podcast app to subscribe
the Wrestling Night in America every Sunday,
2114
02:25:20.959 --> 02:25:37.959
pwtrch Dailycast dot com. Scotty,
I have to ask, how does this
2115
02:25:39.239 --> 02:25:46.079
experience right now being behind the scene
on the PW Torch Livecast v I P
2116
02:25:46.399 --> 02:25:52.479
Aftershow with Bruce Mitchell, how does
that compare on a on a bookending your
2117
02:25:52.520 --> 02:25:58.399
week to it wants It wants It
makes me want to put on that track
2118
02:25:58.479 --> 02:26:03.680
suit right now at c Scotti Campbell
Initials and get my tongue for funk action
2119
02:26:03.760 --> 02:26:05.399
on the Dragon The American Dream of
Dust. You rose into a little footplop
2120
02:26:05.440 --> 02:26:09.440
and impliance. You know, I
completely believe you too. I just want
2121
02:26:09.479 --> 02:26:11.680
you to know that I believe every
word that just came out of your mouth.
2122
02:26:11.760 --> 02:26:16.600
It's there you go. If only
we were videos. Politicians don't lie
2123
02:26:16.639 --> 02:26:20.719
in either, be former politicians exactly. I do have to ask you about
2124
02:26:20.719 --> 02:26:24.559
that, about that track suit,
tell the truth. Have you the w
2125
02:26:24.840 --> 02:26:28.959
be made for you? And you
know you used it in your appearance It
2126
02:26:28.120 --> 02:26:31.399
was a big hit and all that, um, have you worn it since?
2127
02:26:31.479 --> 02:26:35.959
And what were the circumstances that you
have that you may have worn it?
2128
02:26:35.559 --> 02:26:39.920
Well? I got a message from
one of the independent promotions in Tennessee.
2129
02:26:41.159 --> 02:26:43.760
They're gonna have Scott Hallyd Kevin nash
All is third and sparted Tennessee,
2130
02:26:45.280 --> 02:26:50.120
and the promotion swam Pro asked me
to be in touch with them, and
2131
02:26:50.239 --> 02:26:52.319
so I ended up actually putting on
the tracksuit and cutting a promo and it's
2132
02:26:52.360 --> 02:26:56.680
up on YouTube. So that's the
only other time I've had it on and
2133
02:26:56.719 --> 02:26:58.000
showed it off to a friend of
mine the other day, but belonging that
2134
02:26:58.159 --> 02:27:01.520
it's in safe keep in the closet, ready for the next appearance if it
2135
02:27:01.600 --> 02:27:07.639
ever happens. I one more question, Scotty, did they have any rules
2136
02:27:07.680 --> 02:27:11.319
for you ww Did they say,
you know, don't take pictures or don't
2137
02:27:11.360 --> 02:27:15.559
go into this area or did they
just let you walk in? And I
2138
02:27:15.719 --> 02:27:20.120
hope you had a common sense.
Well, fortunately, fortunately I do have
2139
02:27:20.280 --> 02:27:24.639
someone that worked out. But they
did tell us no autographs and no pictures.
2140
02:27:24.680 --> 02:27:26.959
I was able to take one guest
with me. I didn't find out
2141
02:27:26.959 --> 02:27:31.399
about that until about forty eight hours
before the experience. Oh. I never
2142
02:27:31.559 --> 02:27:33.239
dreamed that I get to take somebody. Luckily, a huge fan and friend
2143
02:27:33.280 --> 02:27:37.360
of mine, Butch linger Felt,
was able to accompany me and we had
2144
02:27:37.360 --> 02:27:39.719
a good time, I think,
with the most awkward fan moment for myself
2145
02:27:39.760 --> 02:27:43.399
and my friend Butch when we were
in catering and sitting at the table with
2146
02:27:43.559 --> 02:27:48.360
some ms and others and walks Mark
Henry and you know, typical Mark Henry
2147
02:27:48.399 --> 02:27:52.200
fashion. He's just a big guy, so he walks in catering and Butch
2148
02:27:52.239 --> 02:27:54.280
and I looked at each other.
We look at Mark Henry, we look
2149
02:27:54.319 --> 02:27:56.680
back at each other and we just
bust out laughing. I couldn't help it,
2150
02:27:56.079 --> 02:28:00.920
and I looked at my w W
E Liaison type count act and I
2151
02:28:01.079 --> 02:28:03.360
said, I'll tell you that story
in a minute, and then simply the
2152
02:28:03.360 --> 02:28:07.920
story was, it's just the sheer
presence of Mark Henri was a site for
2153
02:28:07.040 --> 02:28:09.079
sore eyes, let me tell you. And then he shut down with this,
2154
02:28:09.200 --> 02:28:11.920
had a good conversation as he enjoyed
his turkey burger. So he can
2155
02:28:13.000 --> 02:28:18.760
keep that figure awesome. Did uh? I'm lying because I have another fellow
2156
02:28:18.840 --> 02:28:22.760
up just observing Vincent Man. You've
watched him for years as a wrestling fan
2157
02:28:22.879 --> 02:28:26.680
on camera and in other circumstances you
know, well you know in other talk
2158
02:28:26.719 --> 02:28:30.760
show interviews of that kind of thing, anything about him when the camera's not
2159
02:28:31.040 --> 02:28:37.000
on that you observed that surprised here. Basic man is one of the most
2160
02:28:37.399 --> 02:28:43.239
polite and professional human beings I have
ever interacted with. My first interaction with
2161
02:28:43.360 --> 02:28:48.360
him was actually at a Sheraton hotel
in the lobby when he was ECW World
2162
02:28:48.440 --> 02:28:52.879
Champion about two thousand. It was
April two thousand and sevens when it was
2163
02:28:52.959 --> 02:28:58.879
I just came back from going to
my first Trestlemania and Vince let me out
2164
02:29:00.200 --> 02:29:03.959
of the hotel and we got a
photo there back then, and you know,
2165
02:29:05.040 --> 02:29:07.879
he was fresh. He had a
pay per view on Sunday night in
2166
02:29:07.879 --> 02:29:11.280
Atlanta on Monday night. He was
in Nashville. He had to be tired,
2167
02:29:11.360 --> 02:29:13.120
he had just done Alive or all. But he treated me like I
2168
02:29:13.319 --> 02:29:18.600
was family even back then. And
uh and just to see him in Guerrilla
2169
02:29:18.719 --> 02:29:22.799
in his element, that man is
tuned into that show. But not only
2170
02:29:22.879 --> 02:29:26.760
that. I'm amazed at how closely
Triple H has his pulse on the product
2171
02:29:26.840 --> 02:29:33.159
today. That man is not just
a figurehead. He is involved boots on
2172
02:29:33.360 --> 02:29:37.079
the ground during raw. How much
we're vincent triplates communicating with one another.
2173
02:29:39.000 --> 02:29:43.920
They were sitting elbow to elbow side
by side in Gorilla. The other two
2174
02:29:43.959 --> 02:29:48.120
seats in Guerrilla were occupied by Scott
Armstrong and Billy Kidman. And Scott was
2175
02:29:48.239 --> 02:29:52.120
the guy Nixy Dynamite as I remember
him from my Smoky Mountain wrestling childhood days.
2176
02:29:52.159 --> 02:29:58.000
Thank you Jim Cornette for that memory. And he Scott Armstrong was the
2177
02:29:58.360 --> 02:30:01.280
go to guy there for a moment
too. When I came back through the
2178
02:30:01.399 --> 02:30:05.120
Gorilla positions when I saw seeing it
again in Triple H, and Triple H
2179
02:30:05.239 --> 02:30:09.479
congratulated me. And I think there's
a little banter about I Really I think
2180
02:30:09.520 --> 02:30:13.799
they were impressed with my will use
and ability to just jump right in there
2181
02:30:13.879 --> 02:30:16.200
and and my groove on, even
though I don't have a whole lot of
2182
02:30:16.239 --> 02:30:24.079
the groove. And who was the
biggest juror Alberto del Rio? Oh really,
2183
02:30:24.239 --> 02:30:28.520
I asked the question of more just
a joke, but I, well,
2184
02:30:28.520 --> 02:30:30.959
I didn't know. If I didn't
answer, well, tell me why
2185
02:30:31.000 --> 02:30:33.600
you said that. Let's just say
that he gave me the perception that he
2186
02:30:33.680 --> 02:30:37.120
didn't think that I belonged in the
back stage area. I tried to be
2187
02:30:37.159 --> 02:30:41.280
as plot accommodating to everyone as I
possibly could. But we've made a great
2188
02:30:41.399 --> 02:30:43.479
night of it, and and I
had a whole lot of fun. It
2189
02:30:43.639 --> 02:30:46.360
was more, I guess, of
a joke than anything. But I just
2190
02:30:46.440 --> 02:30:50.200
got the feeling that I should have
put on my politician suit with the nicktie
2191
02:30:50.239 --> 02:30:52.360
and get out there with the dep
culture and say, you know what,
2192
02:30:52.799 --> 02:30:58.840
we the people are united. You
elected me to represent you people, and
2193
02:30:58.479 --> 02:31:03.600
we're going to get rid of the
problem and restart that feud with Alberto del
2194
02:31:03.760 --> 02:31:07.879
Rio and Ricardo. So Alberto gave
you a dirty look at catering, essentially,
2195
02:31:09.000 --> 02:31:11.479
or kind of, he made it
very clear that that he didn't appreciate
2196
02:31:11.559 --> 02:31:18.079
my presence true words or look,
uh, that's a little bit of both.
2197
02:31:18.000 --> 02:31:22.360
I guess I better leave well enough
along with that. But but overall
2198
02:31:22.360 --> 02:31:24.799
though we had a fantastic time.
I guess you could have told them take
2199
02:31:24.799 --> 02:31:28.079
it up with replation Vincent man,
because I'm their invited guest. Well there
2200
02:31:28.120 --> 02:31:31.239
you go. I mean, I
donated to the hurricane relief effort, and
2201
02:31:31.559 --> 02:31:37.239
uh and I had just as much
right to be there as someone who has,
2202
02:31:37.280 --> 02:31:39.639
say, remembers in the business.
So yeah, but I was completely
2203
02:31:39.680 --> 02:31:43.040
respectful. We did not have a
we did not have an exchange of words.
2204
02:31:43.159 --> 02:31:48.399
He just uh just I guess maybe
he was so focused in what he
2205
02:31:48.440 --> 02:31:50.200
does it's a WWE, that he
just didn't want anybody around. But I
2206
02:31:50.319 --> 02:31:54.000
made it. I made a point
to not go up to people and introduce
2207
02:31:54.120 --> 02:31:56.600
myself or anything like that. I
let them come to me. So I
2208
02:31:56.639 --> 02:31:58.239
mean, but from what you said, it's alt like you handled it like
2209
02:31:58.360 --> 02:32:01.879
a pro good good instincts on on
what to do and how to fit in
2210
02:32:03.000 --> 02:32:05.040
and let people come to you,
And it seems like it worked out really
2211
02:32:05.079 --> 02:32:09.200
well. It is, and I
hope the WWE does more things like this
2212
02:32:09.520 --> 02:32:13.120
for members of the w w RE
universe in the future, especially this member
2213
02:32:13.799 --> 02:32:18.799
yes, run. Any final thoughts
for Oscotty, No, except I just
2214
02:32:18.920 --> 02:32:22.000
want to reiterate I really thought you
did a great job. I thought that
2215
02:32:22.159 --> 02:32:24.040
you had a lot of energy and
like you said, you made the most
2216
02:32:24.079 --> 02:32:26.280
of your moments. I mean,
that was funny and it was it was
2217
02:32:26.319 --> 02:32:30.120
the righte at it was the right
act to do it with too, So
2218
02:32:30.479 --> 02:32:33.879
well, thank you. My memories
go back to Jim Cornett, the Midnight
2219
02:32:33.920 --> 02:32:37.159
Express, the Rock and Road Express. Those are some of my prime childhood
2220
02:32:37.280 --> 02:32:41.799
years of watching the product American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. I don't get talking
2221
02:32:41.879 --> 02:32:46.040
man. So many animated characters from
all these years, and I've learned watching
2222
02:32:46.079 --> 02:32:50.479
the products some people are just too
stale. They won't move, they won't
2223
02:32:50.520 --> 02:32:54.280
be animated. You made it to
the big time, folks, get on
2224
02:32:54.440 --> 02:32:56.559
with it, bringing your eight game, not just at wrestleman yet. So
2225
02:32:56.639 --> 02:33:00.760
I tried to do, you know, best I could. They're giving me
2226
02:33:00.840 --> 02:33:03.360
a microphone and let me go to
promote. Things would have went much better
2227
02:33:03.639 --> 02:33:05.239
than my full was self dancing in
the track suit, but hey, it
2228
02:33:05.440 --> 02:33:11.120
was what it was and we did
what we planned to do. So very
2229
02:33:11.159 --> 02:33:13.040
cool. Scotti. Appreciate you taking
time to join us it's been a fun
2230
02:33:13.120 --> 02:33:18.280
show and you added to it great
great insight. Appreciate your appreciate you taking
2231
02:33:18.360 --> 02:33:20.680
us behind the scenes, and and
thank you for the for which you did
2232
02:33:20.719 --> 02:33:24.120
for charity too. I mean that's
a that's a great way to find your
2233
02:33:24.120 --> 02:33:28.440
way onto television through those means.
Thank you. You bet all right,
2234
02:33:28.479 --> 02:33:31.719
Bruce and Uh. I don't know
if Scott bowed in state with us or
2235
02:33:31.760 --> 02:33:35.000
not, Scotti EASTI there, Nope, Scott left, Bruce. Good show.
2236
02:33:35.559 --> 02:33:39.600
Yeah, long show that's about as
diverse as as it can get.
2237
02:33:39.680 --> 02:33:41.879
But a fun, a fun journey
over the past two hours and twenty three
2238
02:33:41.920 --> 02:33:46.079
minutes with a good hour Jerry Lawler, a really good hour with Scott bout
2239
02:33:46.079 --> 02:33:50.280
and two talking mess with wrestling,
and a great guest with Scotti Campbell taking
2240
02:33:50.360 --> 02:33:52.680
us behind the scenes. I learned, uh, I learned about some things
2241
02:33:52.719 --> 02:33:56.680
behind the scenes. I think we
got some nice uh A nice visual,
2242
02:33:56.840 --> 02:34:01.120
a good description of what goes on
back there. I thought this was a
2243
02:34:01.159 --> 02:34:03.399
good show. And like you said, lots of stuff there, you know,
2244
02:34:03.520 --> 02:34:05.920
and for all the stuff that we
do, sometimes just to have a
2245
02:34:05.959 --> 02:34:09.479
fresh pair of eyes backstage exactly looking
at the stuff is you do you get
2246
02:34:09.520 --> 02:34:13.959
some insight from it. Yeah,
and I'm glad he had. I mean,
2247
02:34:13.079 --> 02:34:16.520
clearly he had the time of his
life. That's cool. Yes,
2248
02:34:16.760 --> 02:34:18.719
that's all right, yeah, mister
Campbell. All right. Well, on
2249
02:34:18.879 --> 02:34:22.840
that note, again, I want
to thank all the VP members for your
2250
02:34:22.840 --> 02:34:24.760
support. Your paid membership is what
makes it possible for us to do all
2251
02:34:24.760 --> 02:34:28.280
that we do here at pwtorch dot
com. Slash members. This audio show
2252
02:34:28.360 --> 02:34:33.360
was copyright TDH Communications Progressing Torch,
not to be reproduced now or anytime in
2253
02:34:33.360 --> 02:34:37.719
the future. Just meant just for
the paid VIP members, each individual member
2254
02:34:37.799 --> 02:34:41.159
listening to these shows, so we
appreciate you abiding by that. All right,
2255
02:34:41.079 --> 02:34:43.319
Bruce, We'll talk to you over
the weekend for part to the brite
2256
02:34:43.360 --> 02:34:46.920
much audio show. Everybody be on
the lookout for part one and you'll also
2257
02:34:46.959 --> 02:34:50.760
be joined Reunited. We're Travis Bryant
for Monday's PW Torch Live Cats. That
2258
02:34:50.799 --> 02:35:11.200
should be a blast. Thank you, very good deal. Invite you to
2259
02:35:11.280 --> 02:35:16.159
email the show with feedback or questions
or comments. That email address is Wade
2260
02:35:16.280 --> 02:35:22.159
Keller Podcast at pewtorch dot com.
That's Wad Keller Podcast at pwtorch dot com.
2261
02:35:22.360 --> 02:35:24.680
Also welcome your feedback on Twitter.
You can follow us on Twitter at
2262
02:35:24.760 --> 02:35:30.879
PW Torch and follow me at the
Wade Keller. That's at PW Torch and
2263
02:35:31.120 --> 02:35:35.559
at the Wade Keller. One way
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2264
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We hope you think we've earned that
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the programs in the comments section.
Thank you so much. Do you remember
2273
02:36:09.760 --> 02:36:15.559
when Hulkogan shock the world and form
the New World Order or when Stonecoat Steve
2274
02:36:15.600 --> 02:36:20.760
Boston passed down the Sharpshooter to break
the Hitman heart. I'm Torch contributor Frank
2275
02:36:20.799 --> 02:36:26.399
Pettianni, and I review these shows
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2276
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Pro Wrestling than and now. Together
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2277
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we go back ten, twenty,
even thirty years, review pay per views
2278
02:36:33.559 --> 02:36:37.840
from top to bottom, talk about
where the wrestlers were at the time,
2279
02:36:37.120 --> 02:36:41.799
and compare what took place then to
what is taking place now. You get
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go vip for details and sign up
for In twenty twelve, NXT transitioned into
2283
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the developmental system and ultimately the brand
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2284
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2285
02:37:15.920 --> 02:37:20.559
in nxc's early history. Join Kelly
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2286
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NXT every Saturday as we go eight
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2287
02:37:24.959 --> 02:37:30.120
rising talents and why they did or
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2288
02:37:30.280 --> 02:37:35.040
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2290
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the latest news and analysis from me
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2295
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an extra dose of positivity in your
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2296
02:38:09.840 --> 02:38:13.799
Foelle over in the Progress Paradise at
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2297
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2298
02:38:18.200 --> 02:38:22.639
around the world, be at the
US, Japan, Europe or Mexico.
2299
02:38:24.200 --> 02:38:26.879
There's always a place for wrestling's past
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2300
02:38:26.959 --> 02:38:33.040
fun historical shows such as the We
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2301
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Juician thunder Lighter and our I Was
There When shows where our guests will join
2302
02:38:37.399 --> 02:38:41.200
me to talk about a classic bout
that they were in attendance for. We
2303
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love variety and you can expect lots
of it at the Progress Paradise. Detailed
2304
02:38:46.079 --> 02:38:50.639
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2305
02:38:50.680 --> 02:38:56.440
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02:39:03.079 --> 02:39:13.440
from our ad free VIP mobile site. See you in the Paradise Wrestling fans?
2308
02:39:13.920 --> 02:39:18.239
Are you that person that works in
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2309
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of your life? Well? Where
are those kind of people too? But
2310
02:39:22.319 --> 02:39:26.040
we do so with mixed martial arts. I'm Robert Valla, host host of
2311
02:39:26.399 --> 02:39:31.200
MMA Talk for pro wrestling fans every
Monday on pw Torch's daily cast lineup.
2312
02:39:31.600 --> 02:39:37.280
Not only do we cover every UFC
Bellator event, we provide context that only
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a wrestling fan would really understand.
I mean, we're the type of people
2314
02:39:41.399 --> 02:39:45.719
that if you ask us about how
much of a mess the middleweight title situation
2315
02:39:45.920 --> 02:39:50.319
is, we're likely to reference WCW
in the early nineties. Think of us
2316
02:39:50.360 --> 02:39:54.440
as a podcast for casual MMA fans, done by Particle Wrestling Nerves and you
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could find us by searching pwtorch and
Apple Podcasts or any popular podcast and we're
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02:40:00.639 --> 02:40:05.559
always available on demand at pwtwards dailycast
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the entire lineup of the PW Towards
Daily casts. Now that we're in the
2320
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Longing for some mis Dountia or maybe
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don't miss the nineties passcast every Friday
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Towards issue from that very week,
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02:43:01.360 --> 02:43:05.360
all the happenings from across the rustling
industry in the real time as The Torch
2359
02:43:05.440 --> 02:43:11.319
reported it thirty years ago. That's
the nineties pastcasts every Friday for the PW
2360
02:43:11.520 --> 02:43:30.280
Torch Dailycast feed. Aloha Torch Faithful. This is Kelly Wells, host of
2361
02:43:30.399 --> 02:43:33.959
PWT Talks and XT every Thursday.
You can hear me in my Game of
2362
02:43:35.040 --> 02:43:37.719
the Idiots, Tom Stout, who
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2363
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2364
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2376
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2378
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2379
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If there's anything else going on a
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2381
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