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Things pro wrestling haven’t been the most important part of my life this past week. That has actually been taken up by a cute lady named “Gabby” who is my seven year old granddaughter and came to spend a week of “Quality time with my Papaw” as she puts it. That translates into my giving every spare minute to going to the old fashioned ice cream store, the county fair, the mall, ride the go carts, and letting her jump on my stomach and laughing about it; oh, and we take walks after dinner through the neighborhood and race to see who gets back to the house first (she always wins, as in I do the job and put her over, seems I never get my hand raised!). It has been a great time, and honestly being a grandfather is much more fun then watching “Office key on a pole”, “Silly guest host of the week”, and other stupid human tricks that take up most of pro wrestling’s share of television time currently.
I have been reading about the upcoming race for mayor in New York City, and want to tell my buddy Mike Johnson that if a certain write in candidate wins I can get him the inside track to the mayor’s office.
Cincinnatian Robert Burck AKA “The Naked Cowboy” a native of the Greenhills section of our fair city plans to run for the big office in NYC. If you have no idea who Robert is, then you have been in a cave for the past several years. Dressed in cowboy hat and boots, tidy whiteys and nothing else Burck plays his guitar and sings his way across America and finally came to settle mostly in Time Square in New York. The 38 year old performer has been featured on several national television shows in recent times.
I first became aware of Robert while judging NPC bodybuilding contests in this area back in the late eighties and early nineties. Burck competed in the teen division to begin with. He has a degree from the University of Cincinnati, and moved on to try his hand at acting, modeling, and even made the national talk show television circuit as a male escort
He gave me a call in the mid- 90’s with the thought he might train for pro wrestling as a way to get his foot in the door as an actor since that was the path for Hulk Hogan. I asked how long he had been a fan of our business and his quick short answer was “I’m not”. My longer answer to that was “Forget it, as this is a very tough row to hoe, and if your head isn’t in it, then it ain’t gonna happen.” (Come to think about it, several of the current crop of “stars” should have taken that same advice) My hope for Robert is that his aspirations for the mayor’s spot in New York have more substance then his wrestling dreams, and if he were to win, “Hey Mike I’ll introduce you!”
I didn’t get to send out my condolences to Karl Von Brauner’s family last week. Karl pasted away earlier this month. The tag team of Kurt & Karl Von Brauner along with manager Saul Wiengroff was one of the hottest heel combos in the business during the 60’s. I had the chance to work with them a few times around this area during that time. When you talk about believable, these guys were that in spades. Wish I had a buck for every time they must have fought their way back to the dressing room during their run.
Well the “Night of Champions” is in the books, and although it was head and shoulders above TNA’s last offering, the consensus after checking out several reviews was that it was middle of the road at best. One comment was “Where is Pat Patterson when you need him?” meaning the finishes were head scratching for that viewer. On everyone’s show it becomes more increasingly “Run-ins Are Us”. This is not something new to the business, but very common when you run out of ideas, or don’t have the talent to give you an ending that is clean and doesn’t kill the loser.
This is not a knock on any particular athlete, but there are pairings that just don’t work chemistry wise, and shouldn’t ever be put together. Again I have seen this again and again over the years. However right now the industry is limited to the number of ring generals and truly talented in ring performers and it stands out even more.
Hey, here’s the deal. I feel everyone is just wasting their time pointing out the flaws (including yours truly) since this is just the way it is, and will be because wrestling people aren’t in power positions, those who are, aren’t concerned with respect of the industry or aren’t in a position to express it, and no matter who is considered the number two promotion, there is no competition for number one. So when you have the only game in town, you give the public whatever you want, and they either buy it, or have nothing as an alternative.
The newer fans probably don’t even have a clue why many of us complain as they have never seen the product that we would like to see presented, and truth be told, as the serious fans slip away there will always be the casual viewer who sees the industry as a short term fad for themselves and will watch for a while and then fade away as well; but there will always be someone to watch.
One of my favorite people got a stinger this past weekend in the Canadian run of Ring of Honor. Nigel McGuinness was injured taking a Jerry Lynn cradle piledriver and had to sit out the second night as he was told by doctors that it could be dangerous for him to wrestle. I was told when that was announced that the super intelligent portion of the audience booed. Speaking of yearning for things past, I yearn for the time when fans really had feeling for the performers and respected that they put their ass on the line to entertain the ticket buying public. There was a time when a wrestler was sent get well cards, and even had baked goods sent to him or her even if they were out with a touch of the flu. Those doing the booing may find it cool, but those of us who have put our health at risk find it very shallow and stupid.
I received an e-mail Tuesday from my long time buddy Blackjack Mulligan stating that he would not be appearing at the August “NWA Legends Fanfest”, and did not wish to be inducted into their “Hall of Heroes” by Ric Flair or anyone else unless he was physically in attendance which at this time he will not be. I really don’t know the details but a few weeks ago the communications between Mully and the promotion there broke down and he cancelled his appearance. I truly wish this could be mended as I believe he is a worthy addition to that group of legends, and I’m sure the fans would enjoy meeting with him in Charlotte.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
Les and Harley Race form Elite Pro Wrestling Training along with the principles left by former staff members Ricky Steamboat and Dr. Tom Prichard. For information on the company go to www.epwt.com . To book an EPWT seminar, camp, or trainer contact Les at les@epwt.com .
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & Instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore, or the PW Insider Super Store.
The Harley Race/Pro Wrestling Noah training camp is set for September 28th thru October 2nd at Harley’s school in Eldon, MO. This year’s special guest is Ric Flair. Space is limited, so go to www.harleyrace.com to sign up.
Join Les and host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their
special guests for “Peach State Pandemonium” by clicking on
www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
