Scariest of All-Time: Kamala

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Day 11 of the Scariest of All-Time blogs and it's the Ugandan Giant, Kamala. I cannot tell you how much I loved this guy. He is one of my all-time favorite gimmicks. I remember as a kid seeing the vignettes for Kamala on World Class Championship Wrestling. I have no idea how long it took me to realize that this man was not really a beast from Africa.

I think that's the beauty of the gimmick and the talent that James Harris had. He made me and many others believe that he was some sort of monster from the jungle. Kamala was a fierce competitor wrestling everyone from Andre the Giant (even bodyslamming him) to Hulk Hogan to the Von Erichs. He was never a world champion but he got in there and helped make each of his opponents look even stronger.

 It wasn't until much later in his life that he actually spoke and that never happened on TV. I was fortunate enough to do a podcast with him years ago when he was promoting the sale of his book, Kamala Speaks.

Sadly, Kamala died earlier this year. He will be sorely missed but his legacy will live on. RIP Mr. Harris and thanks for all the great memories. 

AUDIO: Wrestling with the 80s: The Von Erichs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

To me, the Von Erichs are one of the greatest families ever associated with pro wrestling. Their story has plenty of tragedy, but instead, we focus on the many triumphs on this week's Wrestling with the 80s edition of the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast.

Listen here and don't forget to subscribe.

Remembering Bruiser Brody

Brody!

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm old enough to have had the chance to watch Bruiser Brody wrestle. My fandom started in 1983, about five years before Brody's life came to a tragic end. But in those five years, I'm flooded with many great memories of one of the toughest wrestlers to walk the planet. 

Husk! Husk! Husk!

Most of the work I recall from Brody happened in World Class Championship Wrestling and the AWA. He would come to Texas and team up with the Von Erichs in their battles with Skandor Akbar's Devastation Incorporated. Brody would go toe to toe with beasts like Kamala and eventually Abdullah the Butcher among others. It was funny because he was the bad guy in the AWA under the management of Sheik Adnan-al Kaissie. 

A week after attending my first professional wrestling show (WWF in Dec. 1984), we took in our first NWA event. Ric Flair defended the championship against Brody. Until recently I had no idea the match was online. The two battled to a bloody no-contest and Flair walked out with the gold. This was before my appreciation for the "Nature Boy" was found so I was disappointed with the outcome. 

Butcher vs. Brody

Besides Flair, I'd argue Abdullah the Butcher was Brody's biggest rival in the business. The two carved each other up with foreign objects, including the Butcher's famous fork, in promotions around the world. Both of their foreheads looked like road maps after their years against each other in the ring.

This Saturday night, May 20, SICW celebrates the life of Brody with a memorial battle royal. His widow, Barbara Goodish, will be on hand as well as Abdullah. The event is also the celebration of the 58th anniversary of Wrestling at the Chase, a show that was a staple in our home on Sunday mornings for many years. 

Brody
Courtesy: Prowrestlingstories.com

Brody's life ended way too soon, but I'm grateful for the time he was here and having the chance to go back and watch his work. No doubt he influenced plenty of men in the ring, including John Nord, Mick Foley and Luke Harper. Even Daniel Bryan wore "Brody boots" at WrestleMania XXX. Hopefully sooner rather than later Brody will take his rightful spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

One more match: Kevin Von Erich

Second & third generations of the Von Erichs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The news is spreading fast that Kevin Von Erich is stepping back into the ring for one more match. The surviving brother of the famous Texas wrestling family retired in 1995 but has announced he will have one more match in Israel. Kevin will team with his sons Ross and Marshall July 9.

The Von Erichs

Von Erich will turn 60 later this month and drew the comparison when his father, Fritz Von Erich, joined forces with his famous sons against the Freebirds. Fritz was in his mid-50s then. Despite having undergone nine surgeries on his knees as well as back operations, Kevin looks to still be in phenomenal shape. And you can tell Ross and Marshall are ready to rumble.

Ric Flair vs. Kevin Von Erich

The Von Erichs are some of the first wrestlers I remember seeing on TV every Sunday morning. I was hooked after Kerry battled Ric Flair in a steel cage match on Christmas 1982. That lead to one of the greatest feuds of all-time between the Von Erichs and the Freebirds. Kerry quickly became my favorite, but Kevin always displayed a level of athleticism few others could keep up with. In addition to the members of the Freebirds, Kevin had awesome one on one encounters with Ric Flair, Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez.

The Von Erich Brothers
Courtesy: WWE

Kevin opened up about his brothers and their drug abuse in this interview. It's a very telling story. I wish nothing but the best for the Von Erich family. I look forward to watching the father and his sons do battle in the ring one last time. I'm glad Ross and Marshall have had success overseas and look forward to them one day stepping into the ring in the WWE.

Boo Blog: Skandor Akbar

Devestation Inc.

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

When I first started watching wrestling in the early 80s, World Class Championship Wrestling was my favorite. The Von Erichs, the Freebirds and Devastation Incorporated were among the cast of characters that stood out to me and made the promotion so great.

Akbar in action

Devastation Incorporated was headed by a ruthless figure named Skandor Akbar. Little did I know at the time "The General" had been an accomplished wrestler in a prior life and had transitioned into a managerial role. He wore Mideastern garb and chomped on cigars as he led a bevy of beasts into battle against some of WCCW's best and brightest baby faces.

Akbar's army included monsters like Kamala, The Missing Link and One Man Gang. Memories of those days include the Link and Kerry Von Erich going toe to toe with the Link headbutting Kerry so many times commentator Bill Mercer was convinced Kerry's nose was broken. Akbar stood by encouraging the brutality.

Akbar & Bubba

He managed One Man Gang in UWF after jumping ship from World Class. Gang won the championship there after Terry Gordy forfeited the belt. But it wasn't long before Akbar switched his allegiance and helped Big Bubba Rogers (later the Big Bossman) win the championship. 

Recognize the guy in the mask?

Akbar bounced between UWF and WCCW/USWA through the years. He was without a doubt one of the best managers in those promotions. Unfortunately, he never made his was to WWF like many of the men who were in his charge, including The Punisher who we know today as The Undertaker.

Legacies the WWE needs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

There's no shortage of second and third generation Superstars in WWE.  Notables on the current roster include Charlotte, Bray Wyatt, The Usos and Natalya.  Being the son or daughter of a legendary wrestler can be a double-edged sword.  We've seen some rise to new heights, while others struggled to make a name for themselves.  Here are a few legacies I'd like to see in WWE sometime soon.

Ross, Kevin and Marshall Von Erich

Rumors that Marshall and Ross Von Erich are going to be a part of NXT have been circulating for quite some time.  The sons of WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Von Erich and grandsons of the late, great Fritz Von Erich (also in the HOF) are amazing in the ring.  They worked briefly for TNA and do a lot of wrestling in Japan.  Growing up I was a huge fan of the Von Erichs and these two young men have picked up where their father and uncles left off.  They've inherited the talent from Kerry and Kevin and take it to the next level.  With WrestleMania being in Dallas this year, I'm still holding out hope that they'll be a part of the NXT show Friday night.  

Tessa in action
(Courtesy: BK Photography)

Tessa Blanchard would be an excellent addition to the Divas Revolution.  She's the daughter of Four Horsemen original and WWE Hall of Famer Tully Blanchard and granddaughter of Joe Blanchard.  Her stepdad is the great Magnum TA, so she's surrounded by wrestling greatness.  Her sling shot back suplex reminds me of her father's finisher 30 years ago.  Tessa is only 20 years old, but has a couple of years experience already.  She will continue to develop and hone her craft and I have no doubt we'll see her on Raw one day soon, and as more than just a member of Adam Rose's entourage.  

Richie Steamboat
(Courtesy: WWE)

Richie Steamboat was a talented member of the FCW roster when it was WWE's developmental territory. He held the FCW title and was a tag champion with Seth Rollins.  Richie is no longer wrestling because of an injury and surgery.  However, in the wrestling business you never say never.   His father, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (also in the hall of fame) came back after a 15 year hiatus and wowed the crowd at WrestleMania 25.  He stuck around briefly and wrestled Chris Jericho a few more times.  I have no idea what Richie is up to these days, but with his bloodline, hopefully he's able to get in the ring again and make his way to the main roster.  

Venues I Missed Out On

Madison Square Garden (1984)
Photo 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Growing up in St. Louis, I consider myself lucky as a wrestling fan.  The NWA and WWF visited town on a regular basis, holding most of their matches at The Kiel Auditorium.  It's no longer there, but today's fans can catch WWE events at the Scottrade Center.  I remember seeing the likes of Ric Flair, Bruiser Brody, Hulk Hogan and the Junkyard Dog live and in person at these events.  

Over the last several years I've ventured to Wrestlemanias in cities like Chicago, Orlando and New Orleans.  Along those trips, we've attended indy matches at smaller, more intimate arenas and venues.  I love going to wrestling events in different settings.  I've been to shows (and even wrestled at one) in a motorcycle warehouse, high school gym and VFW Hall.  But there are three arenas that come to mind that I would have loved the opportunity to have seen some wrestling action.

Madison Square Garden is no doubt the mecca of professional wrestling.  I remember watching shows on the MSG Network and through Prime Time Wrestling when I was in high school.  I always wanted to be a part of that experience.  I loved the way the microphone would drop from above and Howard Finkel would begin his announcements after a series of clanks of the ringside bell.

Outside MSG before the Hall of Fame Ceremony in 2013

In 2004 I attempted to get tickets to Wrestlemania XX.  I failed, but was excited when we booked our tickets from the 2013 Hall of Fame Ceremony.  It's the year Bruno Sammartino was inducted and appropriately the event as at MSG.  I remember walking to the building with a sense of excitement.  Even if I wasn't going to see any wrestling action, it was still a wrestling event with some of the biggest names in the business.  As I made my way to my seat, I imagined the ring in the center of the building and the sites and sounds of past superstars battling it out.  I could hear that bell clanking and The Fink's distinct voice as I daydreamed for a few minutes.

I haven't given up on attending a show at MSG.  I think there will be other chances to make it there.   It's still high on my bucket list.  Meanwhile, you can relive 50 years of MSG shows in the new book Holy Ground: 50 Years of WWE at Madison Square Garden by our friends at The History of WWE.

Kerry Von Erich vs. Ric Flair, Freebirds standing by

Unfortunately though it is too late to catch a show at the Dallas Sportatorium.  The arena made famous by The Von Erich family in the 1980's closed its doors in 1998 and was demolished in 2003.  I remember watching World Class Championship Wrestling on Sunday mornings and how insane the crowd would go when Kerry, Kevin, Mike and David Von Erich would make their way to the ring.  It was comparable to the Beatle-mania craze from two decades earlier.  The fans loved that family and the wrestling action that was a part of each show.  Conversely they were quick to jeer The Freebirds, Kamala and The Missing Link.

The Von Erichs

I can only image teenage me at one of these shows, popping for Kerry who remains one of my all-time favorites.  I did get to see him wrestle Flair once for the NWA Title at the Kiel in 1985, but I would have loved the opportunity to have been in the crowd in Kerry's home town.  Even one of WCCW's big shows at Dallas Stadium would have been epic.  More than 30 years ago when Fritz Von Erich was booking shows at the stadium, I'd never seen outdoor wrestling (I know WWF did it and others too, but I was new to wrestling at that time).

The Pitbulls, 911 and Tommy Dreamer
ECW Arena

Finally, who wouldn't have loved the chance to chant E-C-Dub! E-C-Dub! in the ECW Arena in Philadelphia?  The company was white hot when I was in college and if I'd been more adventurous or had friends who liked wrestling back then, I would have made a road trip to the Arena.  There always seemed to be an element of danger associated with those matches.  The chair pileup on Terry Funk comes to mind.  I also remember watching as fans would hand various objects including ball bats, toasters and even a toy dinosaur to the wrestlers to use as weapons.  Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Shane Douglas, Sandman, Sabu and of course Beluah all left a big impression on me.

Those are just a few of the places I would have liked to seen a wrestling show.  What arenas or venues do you hold near and dear to your heart?   

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

The Shield ends
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Lots of folks are still buzzing about Seth Rollins and his split from The Shield.  I'll be the first to admit, I was surprised by the actions, because I thought either Roman Reigns or Dean Ambrose would be the first to leave the group.  I'm sad to see the faction split up, because I really thought they'd hit their stride and still had enough gas in the tank to carry the gimmick a bit further.  But I'm interested to see how this situation is going to develop and instead of speculating on what's next, I'm going to look back on some other big breakups in the world of wrestling.

The shocking turns we all talk about include Hulk Hogan joining the nWo.  Paul Bearer whacking The Undertaker in the head with his own urn back in 1996 is burned in our memories.  And we'll never forget Shawn Michaels superkicking and throwing his Rockers partner Marty Jannetty through the glass window of the Barber Shop set more than 20 years ago.

Paul Orndorff turns on Hulk Hogan
Photo courtesy: WWE

When I was in middle school, Hulkamania was sweeping the nation.  Hogan and Paul Orndorff had formed an alliance after the first Wrestlemania and teamed up to rid the WWF of Roddy Piper, Bob Orton, and Bobby Heenan's family.  However, enough was enough and just over a year into their partnernship "Mr. Wonderful" was finished with the Hulkster.  Orndorff claimed he was tired of living in Hogan's shadow and on WWF Superstars, he clotheslined and delivered a devastating piledriver to the champ after they'd beaten the tandem of Big John Studd and King Kong Bundy.  This set the wheels in motion for a memorable feud between the former friends, which was highlighted with that epic steel cage match "tie" on Saturday Night's Main Event.  Hogan would go on to lose more friends through the years like Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and Brutus Beefcake (in WCW).

Ronnie Garvin and his new friends
 

Besides Hogan, I think Dusty Rhodes is the other face to have lost as many friends.  The Road Warriors attacked him and tried putting out his eye.  Barry Windham turned on him and joined the Four Horsemen.  Even "Hands of Stone" Ronnie Garvin punched out the Dream.  It happened at the Great American Bash in 1988. Garvin walked into the ring, cold-cocked Dusty and left. Windham was defending the U.S. Title against Rhodes and covered the unconscious hero for the three count.  Garvin nor Rhodes stuck around in the NWA very long after so we never really got to see this feud develop.

Chris Adams snaps
Photo courtesy: worldclasswrestling.net

Another trusting group of faces who always had friends stabbing them in the back was the Von Erich family.  The popular and charismatic brothers ended up getting betrayed by the likes of Brian Adias, Iceman King Parsons, and "Gentleman" Chris Adams. While still a good guy, Adams turned to the notorious manager Gary Hart (who also briefly managed the rouge Ronnie Garvin in the NWA) for guidance.  Long time friend and partner, Kevin Von Erich advised against the move.  Eventually Chris got tired of the goody two shoes and blasted his buddy with a chair one night. This set up an epic feud between the two and lead to a partnership between Adams, Gino Hernandez, and very briefly Jake "The Snake" Roberts.  While the feud wasn't as intense as the Von Erichs and Freebirds, the matches were always solid and eventually simmered after Kerry and Kevin beat The Dynamic Duo and shaved their heads.  

These are just a few of the great (again in my opinion) breakups in wrestling.  What are your faves?  Post here and thanks for reading.

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Bruiser Brody

Rest in Peace Frank Goodish
aka Bruiser Brody
1946-1988

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

July 17, 1988 one of wrestling's greatest stars was taken away from us.  Bruiser Brody was one of the best big men in the sport, hands down.  He stood 6'8" and tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds.  He seemed invincible with his giant frame, long, black hair, furry boots, and that unmistakable "husk" chant.  But we learned that wasn't true after he was stabbed in the stomach in a locker room in Puerto Rico and died the next day.

I had only been a wrestling fan a few years at the time of Brody's murder.  I had the honor of seeing him once in person as he took on Ric Flair for the NWA world heavyweight title in St. Louis.  The year was 1985, and Flair intentionally got himself disqualified.  Even though Brody never won the world title, he was well respected by the fans, writers, and wrestlers around this country.  The magazine Wrestling Superstars named him the best in the world one year (I think it was 1986), where he just edged out Flair for the top spot.

He wrestled all over the world, spending a lot of time in Japan and Puerto Rico.  I first took notice of him in World Class Championship Wrestling and Wrestling at the Chase.  He played a face in both companies, but when he showed up in the AWA he was a brutal villain.  Brody waged war with the Gagnes, probably doing more than he should have to help Greg look like a credible threat.

He teamed with the Von Erichs, and feuded with the likes of the One Man Gang, Kamala, and Abdullah the Butcher.  In fact, Abby was his last opponent when they wrestled in a tag team match.  Danny Spivey and the Butcher defeated Brody and Carlos Colon.

Brody in action

Brody was in his early 40's at the time of his death.  There didn't seem to be any signs of him slowing down, so I can only imagine what might have happened with his career.  He never wrestled for the WWF, I often wonder what Vince McMahon might have done with him.  I imagine he'd have a different character and would have likely been fed to Hulk Hogan.  Some dream matches I would have loved to see with Brody include him taking on Andre the Giant (in a WWF ring), Cactus Jack, and the Undertaker.

Hopefully one day this legend will take his place in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Your Favorite Wrestling Fathers

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Last year I blogged about my favorite wrestling fathers/families on Father's Day.  This year, I decided to ask our friends on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook Page who their favorites are.  Enjoy and feel free to weigh in on your favorite wrestling families too.

Los Guerreros
Chosen by Jeremy Kroot

The Rhodes'
Chosen by: Tom Kwiat

Paul Bearer
(Sarcastically) chosen by: Chad Smart

The Von Erichs
Chosen by: Ralph Effler

The Harts
Chosen by: Michael Hockenberry

Gone, But Not Forgotten: Gino Hernandez

Gino Hernandez (1957-1986)

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

You have to be an old school fan of wrestling to remember Gino Hernandez.  With the exception of "Quickdraw" Rick McGraw, Hernandez is the first wrestling death that I remember.  I was a huge fan of World Class Championship Wrestling and Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams were two of the company's biggest heels.

It was the cocky Hernandez who persuaded Adams to turn against the ever popular Von Erich clan.  Then the two dominated the tag team ranks and even picked up a third partner in Jake "the Snake" Roberts.  The trio won the WCCW 6 man tag team titles from the Von Erichs and Bobby Fulton.

Gino and Andrea the Lady Giant were paired together at this time too. Andrea would later become Baby Doll in the NWA.  He and Adams also held the tag team titles on a couple of different occasions.  And Gino was a singles champion in the NWA and World Class.  As a kid I remember him being the guy you loved to hate.  He was smug and cocky and in my opinion one of the best heels WCCW ever had.  It's a shame he died too soon to reach his full potential.

Photo by sunnyBoy10 (Flickr)

One of the most memorable matches he had in WCCW was when he and Adams teamed up against Kevin and Kerry Von Erich.  This was a hair match, and I think maybe the first one I'd ever seen as a young fan. The good guys won and the heels had their heads shaved in the middle of the ring.  That probably hurt Gino the most, as he was often referred to as "The Handsome Half-Breed".

A short time later, he turned on Adams, blinding him with a mysterious substance.  A few days later, Hernandez was found dead in his apartment.  The official cause of death was a cocaine overdose.  Investigators though did look into the possibility that Gino was the victim of a drug-related homicide, but no one was ever arrested.  There are some who were involved with WCCW that still believe Hernandez was murdered.

It was 1986, long before Internet or Twitter could break such news.  Even though at the time I didn't like him because he was the heel, I was still sad that he was gone.  I looked forward to his feud with Chris Adams.  I wanted to see more of Gino Hernandez.  Twenty-eight is just too young to die.  I think had he lived, he'd a been a major player in the business.