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PWINSIDER Q&A: LAST BATTLE OF ATLANTA, VINCE MCMAHON AND HARDCORE WRESTLING, ANDRE THE GIANT AND MORE

Regarding cage matches, the "Last Battle of Atlanta" between Buzz Sawyer and Tommy Rich seems to get a ton of recognition. I realize there is no known footage of the match, but what made this cage match live in infamy the way it has?

I think it can be attributed to a number of factors.  First, it was a red-hot feud in the territory, with Rich being the ultimate babyface and Sawyer being the despicable heel.  Second, it was reportedly a very good match, and got a lot of play in the wrestling magazines (which were very important in the industry at the time).  Third, because there is no footage of the match, it has taken on an almost mythical stature in the minds of fans. 

Do you think Vince McMahon would every want to have part in any of the hardcore/deathmatch kind of wrestling? I see these wrestlers on the internet and they are so brutal. Is that a market that can make money or is it just for local indy fans?

Honestly, no.  WWE can get a bit violent and have the occasional crazy spots, but you'll never see them go head-on into that style the way Big Japan or CZW does.  For one reason, it takes a tremendous toll on the performers.  Second, to do that style on a national level would draw a lot of criticism from media that ignores independent wrestling.  Third, the deathmatch style just doesn't have widespread appeal.  There's a certain segment of fans that will support it, but there is a limit to how big the audience will get. 

During the earlier days of TNA, Monty Brown was the most popular guy in the company but never got the world title. Do you think TNA dropped the ball with Monty especially when he was at the height of his popularity?

Yes, I do think TNA dropped the ball with Monty Brown (later Marcus CorVon in WWE).  Despite his sometimes bizarre promos, Brown had a lot of potential, and was a fresh face that TNA could have built into being "their star" as opposed to a former WWE/WCW/ECW star in a new company. 

Why are the refs suddenly double checking the wrestlers shoulders before beginning a count? They rub the mat behind the shoulders to make sure both are down. This is new.

There is a concerted effort in WWE to reestablish the importance of the referee.  They have been instructed to not ignore things like shoulders being off the mat (even if the planned finish is taking place) and to not just "stand around" during rules infractions. It's also a way to keep some of the sloppier (and in the case of Divas, newer) wrestlers in line.

I don't see why people like Andre the Giant's in-ring skill. I've seen absolutely nothing special from him that differentiates him from the likes of The Big Show - who I am also not a fan of.  Why is he classed as a legend? In terms of in-ring skill, he seemed to get through his matches on the reputation of his name alone and not the quality of his work (which is something a lot of people dislike Hulk Hogan about).

I think the key to your question is "I've seen absolutely nothing special".  I am going to assume (which granted, is something one really shouldn't do) that your Andre viewing is centered around the period of the biggest match in his career, the Wrestlemania III match with Hulk Hogan.  In fact, a large number of fans are only familiar with Andre from his work in the late 80's and early 90's.  This was the period where home video, cable television and Pay-per-view resulted in wider exposure for the WWF product, and as a result is where most people have "gotten to know" Andre.  This is also the period where Andre's bad back, general declining health, and sometimes very poor attitude, hampered his matches.  Andre's prime years, from the mid-70's to early 80's were not captured on tape, for the most part.  Remember, Andre was a "traveling attraction" and more often than not, his best work was on house shows in the U.S. that were never filmed.  Luckily, New Japan Pro Wrestling did not follow that trend, and there are some incredible matches available of his work there.  Check out his two famous bouts with Stan Hansen if you want to see how impressive Andre could be in his prime, and even those were in the latter half of his career. Andre was never Ric Flair in the ring, but he was a lot better than his final years would show you.

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