Mt. Rushmore: Gone Too Soon

By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast  Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Wrestling has had more than its share of losses through the years. This week, on the Mt. Rushmore blog, a look at four wrestlers who left us way too soon. Obviously, there are dozens, maybe even hundreds of wrestlers, announcers, and managers I wish were still with us. Also, I'd like to thank Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network founder Greg Mehochko for this idea. 

Kerry Von Erich was my first favorite pro wrestler. When I first saw him wrestle Ric Flair in late 1982 inside a steel cage, I was sold on pro wrestling. He and his brothers ruled the ring in World Class Championship Wrestling. In early 1984, big brother David died unexpectedly, and Kerry later beat Flair for the NWA Championship. That remains one of my favorite moments in wrestling.

He'd later wrestle for the WWF, and shortly after that run, he ended his own life. It was a tragic ending to a string of tragedies the Von Erich family faced. I remember reading the news of Kerry's death in the newspaper in my college library. Someone on my floor had told me the news, which I didn't believe. Remember, this was pre-internet, so I had to read all about it in the newspaper.  

Yes, Kerry battled demons. You'll see a few others on this list did as well. Kerry was only 33. I'd like to think he had at least another decade in him, had he stayed healthy. We have the legacy of his nephews, Marshall and Ross, and his daughter Lacey who have all contributed to the business. 

Eddie Guerrero is someone  I admittedly did not appreciate enough when he was alive. Yes, I thought he was an amazing wrestler. First, really seeing him in action in ECW. His time in WCW and WWE made him a household name. I never dreamed he'd be the man to beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, but he did it, and despite his brief reign, he made a lasting impression.

I was stunned when I went into work in 2005 and learned the news that Eddie had died. His star was still shining so brightly. At just 38, I figured he had at least another run or two as World Champion in him. I have no doubt he'd still be involved in the business in some capacity today. Viva La Raza!

Owen Hart's death may be the most tragic in wrestling history. I listened in shock to Jim Ross tell us that Owen had fallen and a short time later that he had died from his injuries. It made no sense, and I couldn't wrap my brain around it.

While wrestling as the Blue Blazer, Owen was likely to win the Intercontinental Championship the night of his death. There are plenty of stories that Owen had intended to retire from the ring in a few years. I believe had he lived and continued to wrestle, he would have had at least one run at the top of the mountain. 

Brian Pillman was someone that caught my eye during his time in Stampede. I read about him in the Apter mags, and a short time later, he ended up in WCW as Flyin' Brian. His character development was as amazing as his skills inside the ring.

I loved it when Brian showed up in the WWF in 1996 and looked forward to him being healthy enough to wrestle full-time again. In fact, I was in the crowd at In Your House Badd Blood in St. Louis in October 1997. However, they never announced to the crowd that Pillman had died, just that the match wasn't happening. I got the news the next morning after calling a wrestling hotline. I was crushed.

I'm happy to see Brian Pillman, Jr. is tearing it up in the ring. I have no doubt his father is smiling down and so very proud.  

As far as honorable mentions, I have to add Gino Hernandez and Brodie Lee to the conversation. I hated Gino when I was a kid as he was a huge foil for the Von Erichs, but I know he was a great performer with the benefit of hindsight, and I believe he would have been a huge star in WCW or WWE eventually. And we just lost Brodie Lee last year as he seemed to reach new heights of popularity in the ring. His potential was finally being realized at the time of his death.

It is hard saying goodbye to our heroes. They're gone but not forgotten. 

Instead of Hart, how about Von Erich

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I suspect this will not be a popular post among some. It's part of my series of blogs looking at championship scenarios involving other Superstars. In no way am I saying Bret Hart should have never won the WWE Championship. I'm just offering an alternative. That being said, I should also mention that Kerry Von Erich is one of the first pro wrestlers I ever saw on TV and I credit him for hooking me as a lifelong fan.

Okay, now that the disclosures are out of the way, let's dig into this scenario... Of course for this to have worked, I'm basing it on Kerry being clean and sober and free of any demons. He had beaten Ric Flair in 1984 for the NWA Title. Repeating the act with the WWE Championship n 1992 would have been amazing. Kerry had the look for sure to be one of WWE's top guys. His mic skills weren't the greatest, but his work in the ring would have more than made up for that while developing his promo abilities.

Courtesy: WWE

Kerry could have lead the way for years to come. He was just 32 years old during this era of wrestling. Imagine him winning the gold and going on to face Yokozuna at WrestleMania IX. Of course I would have loved for him to retain and go on to face Bret Hart at the next year's WrestleMania X and that's where Hart begins his run as champ. But I also don't think I would have avoided Yokozuna as WWE Champion all together. This also would change the return of Hulkamania and him winning the belt before heading to WCW.

For the sake of this plan, lets remove Hogan from the equation. I wasn't a fan of how that all went down anyway and for him to drop the belt back to Yokozuna anyway seemed kinda silly to me to have ever had Bret lose it. So Kerry loses to Yokozuna at WrestleMania XI. Yokozuna drops it back to him at SummerSlam. Kerry goes on to feud with "The Narcassist" Lex Luger, who co-wins the Royal Rumble with Hart. (There's no need for the All American gimmick and I liked heel Lex better anyway.)

Courtesy: WWE

WrestleMania X would still feature Bret vs. Owen and Kerry vs. Luger, with Kerry retaining and later going on to lose to Hart. Then Hart could have had a solid run through the rest of 1994. I previously wrote about putting the belt on Bulldog instead of Diesel. That could mesh in here, with Bulldog turning on Bret earlier than he did or simply having Bret vs. Shawn Michaels a year earlier at WrestleMania  XI and getting that rivilary off the ground.

Yes, hindsight is 20/20. There are plenty of things I've proposed that wouldn't have worked. Vince McMahon allegedly isn't a fan of face vs. face matches, so I'd imagine Kerry vs. Bret at WrestleMania would have been a hard sell anyway. However, I think this would have been a phenomonal match and a great way to book one of my all-time favorites.

Previous 'Instead of' blogs

Instead of Garvin, how about Windham?

Instead of Diesel, how about Bulldog?

Click the photo for this week's podcast

Foreign Object Friday: Skinner's tobacco

Skinner
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

In the mid-1980s Steve Keirn was a white meat baby face. He and Stan Lane teamed up as the Fabulous Ones. They were the personification of pretty boys, wearing suspenders and bowties to the ring. But Keirn's appearance changed in 1991 when he arrived in the World Wrestling Federation.

Steve Keirn on the left & Skinner
Courtesy: WWE

Gone were the long golden locks and Chippendale like ring attire. Keirn also had a change in name and attitude. He was a heel who wrestled alligators. Skinner wore a gator foot around his neck and always had a mouth full of chewing tobacco.

Skinner vs. Owen Hart
Courtesy: WWE

Many times that tobacco would get spit into the eyes of his opponents. Most famously perhaps was at WrestleMania VIII against Owen Hart. "The Rocket" was in the role of white meat babyface taking on the grizzled and bitter veteran. Owen of course over came the tobacco shot and won the match. Skinner, for the most part, became enhancement talent but also had matches against lower tiered competitors.

Keirn as Doink attacks Crush
Courtesy: WWE

Keirn also donned the makeup and clown hair to second Matt Bourne in the Doink gimmick. He even played a role in a previous Foreign Object Friday segment in which he whacked Crush over the head with a fake arm. Eventually, Keirn transitioned into a trainer for WWE. He's had an interesting career and playing Skinner was a memorable time and such a far cry from the Fabulous Ones' gimmick.

Rumble Ramblings: #9 Harts Broken

Harts broken
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Since the 2017 Royal Rumble is right around the corner, I've decided to countdown to this year's event with my 10 favorite non-Rumble Royal Rumble matches. 

Bret and Owen Hart had a strained relationship at the end of 1993. The duo started showing problems while teaming with two other Hart brothers at the Survivor Series that year. Owen was the only member of the team to be eliminated, showing some signs of jealousy toward his brothers. 

Tag team title match
Courtesy: WWE

It appeared by January 1994, Bret and Owen had patched up their differences over the holidays and were set to face the WWF Tag Team Champions The Quebecers at the Royal Rumble. There were points in the match when Owen kept the referee occupied and the heel champions beat up on Bret, attacking the former WWF champ's knee repeatedly. It's one of the subtle actions that foreshadowed what was to come.

After the referee ended the match because of Bret's pain, Owen took out his anger by attacking his brother's vulnerable knee. Ted DiBiase was on commentary and talked about Bret hogging the limelight and not tagging in Owen. Owen repeated that sentiment as he walked back to the locker room. Bret hobbled out later in the evening and co-won the Rumble match along with Lex Luger. 

SummerSlam 94
Courtesy: WWE

The actions of that night resulted in a great series of matches between the brothers, including Owen's huge pinfall victory over Bret at WrestleMania X. Later that night Bret regained the championship and defended it against Owen all summer, including inside a steel cage at SummerSlam 94. It's that feud that made Owen an upper tier Superstar. It wouldn't have been possible without this tag team championship match.

10 Favorite Non-Rumble Royal Rumble matches

10. Super Posedown

SURVIVOR SERIES: Favorite team number 6: Team HBK (1995)

Survivor Series 1995
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm counting down to the 30th annual Survivor Series by looking back at my ten favorite teams in the history of the event. Survivor Series ranks among my favorite events every year and if you've read this blog in the past you know I'm a fan of the traditional elimination matches. 

In 1995 WWE tried something different for Survivor Series. This was the first year the event aired on a Sunday night. Previous Survivor Series shows were on Thanksgiving or the night before. Also that year, good guy teams vs. bad guy teams were tossed out the window. One match featured so-called Wild Card teams.

When rivals have to be partners
Courtesy: WWE

Interim WWF President Gorilla Monsoon made rivals team up and take on their friends. Shawn Michaels was forced to captain a team with Ahmed Johnson and his enemies, Sid and Davey Boy Smith. That foursome faced Razor Ramon, Yokozuna, Owen Hart and Dean Douglas. As you might imagine, the teammate loyalty ran then and Shawn helped eliminate Sid after a serving of Sweet Chin Music. Once the dust settled it was Shawn's team that won, with HBK, Johnson and The Bulldog standing tall as the survivors. 

Teamwork
Courtesy: WWE

At the time of this match, Davey Boy was one of my favorites. He had recently turned heel and was being managed by Jim Cornette. I had previously been a fan of the heel HBK, and Ahmed Johnson was growing on me. I'll admit it here, I liked Sid too, so this team had it all. The "Wild Card" concept didn't become a consistent idea, but it did return from time to time. 

Top 10:

Team 7: Team Piper: Survivor Series 1991

Team 8: The All-Americans

Team 9: Team WWF Survivor Series 2001

Team 10: New Day, King Barrett and Sheamus

The night I stalked WWE Superstars

Searching for Superstars (circa 1996)

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I've been a wrestling fan for more than 30 years. Twenty years ago this week I was back in my college town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri for Homecoming weekend festivities. I also had tickets for the WWF house show the next day at the Show Me Center. Back then, none of my friends were wrestling fans, so I was dragging my fiance (now wife) to the show.

But the night before we were all hanging out at the Outback Steakhouse in town having dinner before the Homecoming social was set to begin. A couple of my fraternity brothers walked into the restaurant and asked me if I knew about the WWF semi parked in the hotel parking lot next door. I had no idea but instantly became interested. We hadn't been seated yet and I looked Lisa who simply nodded and said go.

Goldust at the Show Me Center (1996)

Remember this was 1996 so there were no smartphones or social media. I did have a regular old camera loaded with film in my pocket. I quickly entered the hotel lobby and headed for the elevator. I was dressed in a shirt and tie so I figured I didn't look like a crazed wrestling fan. The hotel only had three or four floors, so I started at the top, walking down the halls hoping to run into a Superstar or two. Shawn Michaels, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Mankind, Goldust, Sid, Owen Hart and the British Bulldog were all scheduled to wrestle so I really didn't want to miss a chance to meet one of them.

Shawn Michaels wins (1996)

I walked the halls of each floor with hope fading. I never did run into any Superstars or even anyone who resembled a WWF employee. Little did I know the wrestlers were still in St. Louis for a show up there before making the two-hour drive to Cape Girardeau. I did get my picture taken in front of that semi and I thought it would be the closest I'd ever get to such a thing. But if you read this blog you know in the 20 years that have passed I've enjoyed some amazing opportunities. Here's to another 20 years of wrestling fandom and hopefully no more stalking.

A few wrestling limericks

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

May 12 is National Limerick Day.  As usual, I've decided to add a wrestling twist to the day.  Here are a few of my creations.  Don't grade me, it's been a long time since I've been in school for this kind of thing.

Vince McMahon

There once was a promoter named Vince.

Sometimes his ideas made sense.

But with Roman as champ

and cartoons about camp

He must think most fans are just dense.

Neville

He hits the ring like a daredevil

Of course I'm talking about Neville.

I'm a big a fan

of this high flying man

others should get on his level.

Bobby Heenan

Wrestling's best manager is the Brain

some of his guys were insane.

From Bundy and Rude 

to that big giant dude

Their opponents experienced much pain.

Larry Sweeney

We've lost some real greats of the ring

Like Piper and Owen the king

Warrior and Kerry 

and funny guy Larry 

The loss of each one leaves a sting.

3 times wrestling made me cry

The end of Hulkamania?
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

Sometimes emotions get the best of us while enjoying something that brings so much joy. Here are a few times I broke down while watching wrestling.  I'm mostly secure enough to share these tales with you.

February 5, 1988: I was a freshman in high school and watching the Main Event.  Hulk Hogan had beaten all the challengers who'd come his way over the course of his four years as champion.  It seemed like the prime time WrestleMania III rematch against Andre the Giant would have a similar ending and Hogan would have a new challenger to face at the upcoming WrestleMania IV event.  That's how my 14 year old brain operated.

Andre wins
Courtesy: WWE

I was stunned when the referee made a bogus three count on Hogan and awarded Andre the belt.  The Giant quickly handed the gold over to "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase.  My disbelief turned to anger and sadness.  Looking back, I'm pretty sure I was sobbing.  I was so loud my younger brother came downstairs thinking I'd endured some legitimate form of trauma.  When I bellowed "Hulk Hogan LOST!!!" in between tears, he laughed at me and told me it wasn't the end of the world.  I still can't believe I had such a strong reaction to the first of many attempts to end Hulkamania...

Stone Cold's toast to Owen Hart

May 24, 1999: We were just 24 hours removed from the tragic death of WWF Superstar Owen Hart when the company went on the air again for a tribute show on Monday Night Raw.  The men and women who worked with The King of Harts told stories and cried in between matches that night.  I held it together through most of the show, only tearing up from time to time.  But when as Jerry "The King" Lawler and Jim Ross wrapped up the show with their memories, I began to cry.  Then "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's music hit.  He walked to the ring, held up a beer and toasted the TitanTron that had Owen's image displayed. He set a can in the ring and then left.  I lost it and cried like a baby for a long time after the show went off the air. It was one of the saddest memories for me as a wrestling fan.

Daniel Bryan and Connor "the Crusher"
Courtesy: WWE

Summer 2014: I don't remember the exact date, but it was when WWE released the video package about eight year old Connor Michalek.  Connor the Crusher was battling cancer of the spine and brain and his prognosis was not good.  I'm actually tearing up right now thinking about it.  There was something about that little boy that captured my attention.  Maybe it's because Connor and my daughter were just a few months apart in age.  None-the-less seeing him get to interact with the men and women he idolized and knowing these were likely his final wishes broke my heart.  I'm glad WWE has shared his story and helped build a foundation to honor this little guy's legacy forever.  Learn more about Connor's Cure here.

Honorable mention: I know I said three, but I couldn't end this post on a sad note.

Randy Savage and Elizabeth reunite
Courtesy: WWE

March 24, 1991: Even though they were married in real life, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and Elizabeth reconciled in the middle of the ring after Savage lost a retirement match to the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleMania VII.  I didn't really cry when the two embraced, but I did tear up.  And for that I should probably have my man card revoked forever more...

MVPs of WrestleMania #6

By Kevin Hunsperger & Chad Smart

@kevinhunsperger, @chadsmart, @my123cents

Listen to the podcast
Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

Last year I had the idea to do an MVPs of WrestleMania blog, but came up with it a day or two before the big event.  So I held my list waiting for WrestleMania 32 to roll around.  Admittedly I've made a couple of minor tweaks to the original list and debated internally over the quality of my list.  I invited Chad to play along too.  While the lists aren't perfect (he's not in our top ten), I hope you enjoy.  A new blog will be posted daily until March 31, the day I leave for Dallas.

For number 6 we both picked Bret "The Hitman" Hart

WrestleMania 8
Courtesy: WWE

Kevin's thoughts:

Bret Hart has the distinction of being the second to last guy in the ring at the first two WrestleMania battle royals.  He also teamed with Jim Neidhart at several Manias including a six-man tag at 3.  The duo joined forces at 5, 6 and 7.  The Hitman went on to win the IC title from Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 8 in one of the best matches at the event of all-time.  He picked up the World title from Yokozuna a year after losing it to the big man also at a WrestleMania.  He had amazing matches with his brother Owen Hart and of course the big Iron Man match against Shawn Michaels and the "I Quit" match against Stone Cold.  Hart returned to the ring in 2010 to face Vince McMahon in a street fight.  While it was an ugly encounter, it gave the Hitman a chance at closure after his abrupt departure from the company in 1997.

Austin-Hart
Courtesy: WWE

Chad's thoughts:

“The Hitman” bridged the gap between Hulkamania and the Attitude Era. During that time, Bret faced off against Roddy Piper, Yokozuna, Bob Backlund, Shawn Michaels, Owen Hart and the already mentioned, Steve Austin. Add in his tag team matches as part of the Hart Foundation and you’ve got a solid WrestleMania resume.

Miss an MVP?

10. Brock Lesnar, Edge and MVP

9.   "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & "Rowdy" Roddy Piper 

8.   The Rock & "Stone Cold" Steve Austin

7.   "Macho Man" Randy Savage

Controversy Creates Cash or Cry Babies?

Contract signing
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

I realize the title is probably a bit harsh and while I'd like to say it's not my intent to offend anyone, I'm not sure that's totally true.  There's a broad message here, but I'm tying it to a specific wrestling-related event.

Charlotte strikes
Courtesy: WWE

Recently on Monday Night Raw a verbal battle between Divas champion Charlotte and number one contender Paige fired up the Internet Wrestling Community.  Charlotte brought up her brother Reid Flair (not by name) who died in 2013 of a drug overdose.  She told Paige she was in WWE to fulfill his dream.  Paige retorted with "He didn't have much fight in him, did he?" The comment sent Charlotte into a rage and the two Divas brawled around the ring.

The comment seemed to impact fans even more.  The backlash against Paige and WWE has dominated social media.  Fans claimed to be insulted and offended by the remark and that WWE was out of line using another wrestling death to put over an angle.  Some even plan to boycott the company and this weekend's Survivor Series event.

Reid Flair

I don't offend easy.  The remark didn't bother me.  But as a father, I could see where Ric Flair (who says he had no knowledge the remark was going to be made) and Reid's mother Beth are owed an apology.  In my opinion they're the only two who really truly have a dog in the fight.  Considering Ric's relationship with Triple H (WWE COO) I think he was owed the courtesy of knowing the line was going to be dropped.   My question is this: Are fans really offended by the comment or do they feel like they SHOULD be offended?

Craig Kilborn
Courtesy: World Wide Pants & CBS

I remember the day after Owen Hart, who was dressed as the Blue Blazer, plunged to his death in Kansas City, Missouri Late, Late Show host Craig Kilborn made a tasteless JOKE about the incident.  Fans came unglued, but this was long before social media was around. Kilborn and CBS did apologize and we all moved on.  I bring this up because I feel like the Paige-Charlotte incident wasn't meant to insult or degrade the memory of Reid Flair.  It was clearly being used to create heat for Sunday's match, which I don't really think this feud needs, but I digress.

Today's society is looking for things to be offended by.  Skin color, religion, sexual orientation, politics and heck now even coffee cups seem to have divided many of us online. As Ric Flair said on Woo Nation, this "controversy" is nothing in comparison to the events currently happening in the world right now.  So instead of being butt hurt and offended every time something happens that we disagree with, take the high road, turn the other cheek and do something to make the world (or at least your community) a better place.