My memories of "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka

Rest in peace "Superfly"
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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"Superfly" Jimmy Snuka has died after a lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 73. WWE announced the news like this "WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has passed away. I only bring this up because there's no sign of Snuka on the company's website under the WWE Hall of Fame section. A couple years ago it appeared they had removed him due to the ongoing investigation into the death of his girlfriend in the early 1980s. But this blog isn't about that, instead remembering the in-ring performer.

Snuka & Muraco
Courtesy: WWE

My first memory of the Superfly was during the summer of 1983. He was feuding with then-Intercontinental champion The Magnificant Muraco. I've told the story here before, but long story short I was flipping through the channels one night with a few of my friends and we came upon Snuka standing in the ring being taunted by a dapperly dressed Muraco. Snuka had enough and jumped over the ropes and started ripping the suit off of the champ. It's the first thing I remember seeing on WWF programming and became hooked.

A short time later another legendary moment happened with the Superfly. This time it was on Piper's Pit and host "Rowdy" Roddy Piper belittled Snuka before slamming a coconut into his head. It was a legit hit and Piper proceeded to whip Snuka with his belt. It was a brutal and barbaric move and one of the most iconic moments from my childhood wrestling days.

My first live WWF experience also included Superfly. He wrestled "Cowboy" Bob Orton, winning by disqualification when Orton dropped Snuka crotch-first on the top rope. Piper ran in or maybe Snuka ran into the Piper-Junkyard Dog match that night, I don't remember exactly, but it was an amazing sight to see.

WrestleMania 25
Courtesy: WWE

The only other time I saw Snuka wrestle in person came in 2009 at WrestleMania 25. He teamed with Piper and Ricky Steamboat against Chris Jericho. Although the good guys lost, it was nice to see Snuka get one last moment to shine in the spotlight. It was appropriate having him on the show as he was a part of the main event of the first WrestleMania as the cornerman for Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. 

Snuka vs. Backlund
Courtesy: WWE

He had been a part of so many other iconic moments, including that top-of-the-cage Superfly splash against then-WWF Champion Bob Backlund. Snuka missed and Backlund retained, but many fans thought The Superfly had the champ's number that night. It's hard to believe he never held gold in WWF but definitely went down as one of the company's most beloved Superstars. He was on the Hulk Hogan Rock N Wrestling cartoon and was a part of the first series of LJN action figures released in 1985.

Rest in peace Superfly. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. 

Talk is Cheap

Miz TV
Monday Night Raw
Photo by WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

On the September 17th episode of Raw, the WWE introduced us to another "talk show" segment.  This time it's the Miz getting a chance to show off his mic skills.  Miz TV featured SmackDown! general manager Booker T, but of course the show was interrupted by Ryback, who now appears to be in line for an Intercontinental tittle shot against the Miz.

A couple of questions arise.  Is Miz TV going to be a regular feature? Or was this something to introduce Ryback as a challenger to the Miz?  Regardless of the answer, the segment had me thinking back to years ago when I felt this concept was much better served.

Jimmy Snuka in the Pit

I think few people would argue that Piper's Pit is the pinnacle of all wrestling talk shows.  Roddy Piper was without a doubt the best talker in the business at that point and his pit segments account for many of my childhood wrestling memories.  From Jimmy Snuka getting smashed with the coconut to the Haiti Kid getting shaved to the destruction of the Flower Shop, Piper's Pit set a standard that will never be duplicated as far as I'm concerned.

Besides having a great host, a wrestling talk show needs a good set.  Piper's Pit was great.  I liked the set up for shows that followed like the Flower Shop with Adrian Adonis, the Body Shop with Jesse Ventura, and the Funeral Parlor with Paul Bearer.  Now with the Highlight Reel, Miz TV, and The VIP Lounge done in the middle of the ring, it takes something away from the segment.  I guess it's because all (or most) of the wrestling's promos are cut in the middle of the ring.  These shows are then shot in the ring, which to me makes it feel less special.

Back then wrestling had a lot less promos so when there was a segment featuring a couple of guys going at it verbally it meant something.  Or maybe I'm looking at the past through rose colored glasses.

Old School with Gaylor Stephens
AAPW

Cheap plug alert: I'm glad to see All American Pro Wrestling do the talk show concept too.  Appropriately enough, it's called "Old School" and airs on AAPW All Access.  Host Gaylord Stephens is honestly one of the best guys on the mic.  I find this show more entertaining than past shows the WWE put out like The Barbershop with Brutus Beefcake or The Snake Pit with Jake Roberts.  Check out Old School sometime.  You won't be disappointed.

What are your thoughts on wrestling talk shows?  Have they lost their luster?  Am I being too critical?  Weigh in here or on Facebook or Twitter.