Early in my wrestling fandom, a bizarre wrestler entered the scene in World Class Championship Wrestling. He had green face paint, an indescribable haircut, and an impressive physique. He was the Missing Link.
The Link was part of Gen. Skandor Akbar's Devastation Incorporated. He came to the ring to Quiet Riot's Bang Your Head and put his head to good use. His headbutt devastated most of his opponents. The Link would leave WCCW and wrestle very briefly in the WWF. He was a member of the Heenan Family, but from what Bobby Heenan said in interviews years later, the Missing Link was a pain in the ass.
That being said, I always enjoyed his work. He wasn't a master technician in the ring. But he was entertaining. He stayed in character and instilled fear in his opponents' hearts and the fans watching each week. Even when he returned to WCCW and UWF and turned good, he was an intimidating force in the ring.
Sadly, Dewey Robertson, the man who brought the Link to life, died in 2007. Thanks for the memories.
You never know what you're going to come across on the world wide web. I recently saw a post in a Facebook group I'm a part of called 'The Von Erichs' that stated Kerry Von Erich was one of three men considered for the role of Ivan Drago in the iconic film Rocky IV. I've been a fan of pro wrestling since the early 80s and had never heard this story. I did some searching and found that one of the other contenders for the role, Nikita Koloff confirmed the story.
The role eventually went to Dolph Lungren. But how cool would it have been for Kerry to have won the part? I'm a self-confessed KVE mark. It was his match against Ric Flair inside a steel cage in 1982 that helped hook me on wrestling. My fandom for him never wavered. I can admit Kerry wasn't the greatest on the mic. However to think that he could have been in my favorite film of the Rocky franchise would have been amazing.
In doing the research for this post, I found an interview with Koloff who explained why Kerry didn't get the role. Simply put, it sounds like he wasn't prepared at the audition. I find it interesting a wrestler from the NWA and World Class Championship Wrestling were under consideration and not a WWF Superstar. Remember just a few years earlier, Hulk Hogan was a small part of Rocky III. Some would argue that move is what helped put Hulkamania on the map.
I wonder how life for Kerry or Nikita would have changed inside the ring. Drago is an iconic movie villain. Rocky IV is the highest grossing film of the franchise, making more than $300 million worldwide. One would have to assume Vince McMahon would have loved that kind of publicity in his company, snatching up either Von Erich or Koloff much like he did with Hogan during the publicity for Rocky III.
We all know Kerry eventually went to the WWE but not until 1990. Koloff never made it up north, but he would have been a great foil for Hulkamania as the mighty Russian heel. I've fantasy booked Kerry in the WWF before so I won't repeat myself here.
Kerry did have a small role in the film Problem Child, something I learned years after the fact. He had the look but could he have done the role of Ivan Drago justice on the big screen? We'll never know but it's fun to think of where his career would have gone had he gotten the part.
Follow my blog with Bloglovin It's hard to believe but 30 years ago this week the Ultimate Warrior made his debut on WWF television. I knew it was going to happen as back then our "spoilers" for such things happened in the form of the Apter magazines. The Dingo Warrior had left World Class Championship Wrestling where he was already a big name for the WWF. As is the case most of the time, the rocket of Superstardom was strapped on his back and the Ultimate Warrior became a mega Superstar. Back then I'd still define myself as a Hulkamaniac, although I appreciated the intensity and the passion the Ultimate Warrior showed us. Even though I was a huge fan of the Honky Tonk Man, I admit I did mark out when Warrior surprised HTM and beat him for the Intercontinental Championship in 31 seconds at the first SummerSlam.
Monday Night Raw
April 7, 2014
I consider myself fortunate to not only witness Warrior be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in person but also his famous promo on Monday Night Raw that same weekend. Little did we know at the time of his passionate and heartfelt speech that it would be the last time we'd see him. I often wonder what role he'd have with the company today had we not lost him. But the memories keep us going and today I'm looking at a few Warrior fans who have honored the man through the years.
John Okerson rowing
Courtesy: John Okerson
Just recently a friend of mine, John Okerson, posted the above photo on Facebook. John is a veteran and the Chapter Captain of the Marion, Illinois chapter of Team Red, White, and Blue. Just like the Warrior, John has an energy about him that is contagious to others. He donned the makeup and a wig as part of a rowing competition for Team RWB. After he posted the pic, he explained Warrior was his favorite. Makes sense to me.
The Grand Wizard, Ultimate Warrior and Freddy Blassie
In 2013 while attending WWE Axxess during WrestleMania weekend in New Jersey, Chad and I found an Ultimate Warrior fan. We do cosplay each year we attend, but neither of us ventures into characters that show off too much body because we're a couple of doughy middle-aged guys. But as you can see this guy pulled off the act pretty well.
My tributes to Warrior
Last summer I did try it myself, donning Warrior paint and wig for an episode of Craftbeericans. I reviewed a craft beer called Top Rope IPA and did my best at paying homage to the man from Parts Unknown. Weeks after Warrior died I painted an Easter egg in his memory too. A couple winters ago I also made a mini-Warrior snowman. Share your Warrior memories and photos here. And remember, Always believe!
Follow my blog with Bloglovin I'm not exactly sure who was the innovator of the mysterious green mist in the world of wrestling. I believe it's a tradition that started in Japan and the first wrestler I remember seeing do it was the Great Kabuki in World Class Championship Wrestling. According to some sources, Kabuki was the first to do it, so I guess my recollection is accurate.
Muta & Kabuki
Kabuki was managed by Gary Hart and would spray the mist in his opponents eyes to get an unfair advantage. The top baby faces in the company experienced a blinding from time to time against Kabuki. Then he and Hart split and Sunshine took over the contract of Kabuki and the bad guys were sprayed. For me, one of the most memorable moments during his face run was spraying One Man Gang in the eyes after Gang wrapped a chain around Kabuki's neck and lifted him off the mat. Kabuki passed the mist tradition on to his son, the Great Muta. He too would spit in the eyes of his opponents, sometimes during the match, sometimes it came after. Muta used it in contests against Sting, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson. Before Muta's mist debut in WCW, Killer Khan was spraying opponents in WWF rings in 1987. For some reason, a match with Outback Jack sticks out to me with Khan using the mist. He also battled Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship and while researching this piece, I found the plan was for Khan to spray mist in Miss Elizabeth's eyes to set up a feud with "Macho Man" Randy Savage. An interesting idea, but I like the Honky Tonk Man angle better.
Tajiri vs. Viscera Courtesy: WWE
Long after Khan left WWF, Tajiri showed up in WWE and kept up the mist spraying tradition. Black mist was used by the Superstar and Nidia ended up going "blind" after a shot. Various colors were used during this time and I found on a Wiki fandom site a breakdown of the implications of each color.
Green- The commonly used mist which is said to obstruct the opponents vision.
Red- Quite often used but is said to Burn the eyes. Used by Gangrel which was known as Blood Mist.
Black- Said to blind the opponent for several weeks.
Blue- Sends the opponent to sleep.
Yellow- Paralyzes the opponent.
Purple- Cause momentarily distraction and memory loss (once used by Roxxi Laveaux).
Follow my blog with Bloglovin I'm starting a new feature here on the blog with a story about something I didn't know about. As a lifelong wrestling fan, I feel like there isn't much I don't know. But with the evolution of podcasts hosted by wrestling insiders and the boom in social media, I'm learning there are things I didn't know. For the first installment, I have to give credit to World Class Memories (@WCCWMemories). They recently tweeted the photo of Kevin Von Erich vs. Brian Lee. At first, I didn't give the picture much thought. But when you look at the turnbuckle pad, you clearly see the WWF logo on it. I never knew Kevin joined his brother Kerry in the Fed.
Heading to the ring Courtesy: Bud Horne
After doing some research on my "Google machine" I found that Kevin had a dark match against Lee at a Wrestling Challenge taping in Texas. It happened on December 2, 1991. Kevin didn't sign with the World Wrestling Federation, and the article I read doesn't say why. I'm hoping to get him on my podcast in the near future and learn more about this story. We all know Lee went on to become the "fake" Undertaker in 1994 and after that Chainz in WWF.
This particular match happened six days before WWF came to Cape Girardeau, where I was attending college at the time. Kerry Von Erich, who remains one of my all-time favorite wrestlers, didn't appear on that card. He was wrestling the same day at a WWF show in Los Angeles. I never got to see the Texas Tornado live in a WWF ring, however, I did see him battle Ric Flair for the NWA World Title in 1985. But I digress...
Kerry & Kevin Von Erich
Courtesy: WWE
Kerry was no longer wrestling for the Intercontinental Championship at this time and was facing the likes of The Berzerker and Skinner. How awesome would it have been for Kevin and Kerry to reunite and have a run as a tag team in the WWF? Although good guys vs. good guys were rare back then, a match between the brothers and The Legion of Doom would have been epic. No doubt the Von Erichs could have been top contenders for the WWF Tag Team Titles and would have likely had a run. I know I'm biased, so what do you think? Weigh in here or on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook page and don't forget to like it.
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.
During our trip last week to the Dallas area for WrestleMania, one of the things I wanted to do was visit the grave sites of the Von Erich family. That probably sounds morbid to some, but I view it as a way to pay respects to one of the greatest wrestling dynasties in the history of the business.
Friday afternoon we headed to Grove Hill Memorial Park. After watching a YouTube video to explain where the markers are for Fritz, Doris, Kerry, David, Mike, Chris and Jack "Von Erich" we tried to find the spots. However it was a bit more complicated and after some driving and walking, we finally found the area where three generations of Adkissons have been laid to rest.
Baby Natosha and David's sites
The first marker Chad and I found was that of Natosha Zoeanna Adkisson. I had forgotten she was the infant daughter of David and Candy and died in 1978, the same year she was born. Next to her as you might expect is David's final resting spot. I had just started watching wrestling when David died in Japan. He was only 25 years old. His death was the first of many losses in the world of wrestling I'd experienced as a fan.
After David died, the Modern Day Warrior, Kerry became the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight title. On May 6, 1984 he beat Ric Flair for the gold. Kerry was my favorite as a kid and remains one of my all-time favorites to this day. He went on to wrestle in the WWF and became the Intercontinental champion. In 1993 he ended his own life. Four years later, the family's patriarch, Fritz died after a battle with cancer. He and Kerry and buried side by side.
Mike, Chris and Doris
Mike and Chris Von Erich both committed suicide too. Mike died in 1987 at age 23. Chris four years later. He was just 21. Jack Adkisson, Jr. was just six when he died in 1959. He was shocked by a downed power line and drowned in a puddle. Mother Doris Adkisson died in October 2015. She is buried next to Kerry and Fritz's plot.
Kevin's appearance at the Hall of Fame
Chad and I stood in silence as we paid our respects to a family that has endured so much loss. I thought of surviving brother Kevin and remembered his Hall of Fame speech from 2009, telling fans not to feel sorry for him. The next night we were surprised as Kevin was brought out and gave a brief speech, reminding us of his original words.
Paying tribute to The Freebirds and the Von Erichs
At WrestleMania on Sunday we paid tribute to World Class Championship Wrestling. It was my favorite promotion growing up, so when Chad made the suggestion, I jumped at the chance. He wore a "Badstreet USA" t-shirt representing the family rivals, The Fabulous Freebirds. My t-shirt was dedicated to Kerry, who wrestled at the Texas Tornado during his stint in WWF. I slapped the classic claw on Chad in front of AT&T Stadium as we waited to take our seats. It just seemed like the thing to do.
The matriarch of one of wrestling's greatest families has died. Doris "Von Erich" Adkisson died last month in Hawaii surrounded by her son Kevin and his wife and children. She was 82 years old. There's a wonderfully written piece by Robert Wilonskythat includes interviews with Kevin and his daughter, Kristen. Mrs. Adkisson will be laid to rest November 11 in her home state of Texas.
World Class Championship Wrestling was one of the first promotions I started watching at age 10. The Von Erich brothers, especially Kerry, hooked me immediately. The family had just started a feud with the Fabulous Freebirds that remains one of the greatest rivalries of all time.
Family photo Courtesy: The Von Erich Family
I don't recall Mrs. Adkisson ever being written into the storylines, but I do remember seeing her on TV at some point. When I think of all the tragedies she endured as a mother, I've concluded she was one of the toughest people on the planet. Five of her six children preceded her in death. She and Fritz lost a son named Jack when he was just a boy. Then as adults we mourned with the family as David, Mike, Chris and Kerry all died.
The next generation Courtesy: TNA
The family continues to stay in the wrestling world. Several years ago granddaughter Lacey (Kerry's youngest daughter) tried her hand at the business. Now Kevin's two sons, Marshall and Ross Von Erich continue to make a name for themselves. I'm sure Mrs. Adkisson is with her boys and smiling down on her family beaming with pride as they carry on the family name. Godspeed to the entire family as they remember a mother and grandmother who appeared to be as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Rest in peace Mrs. Adkisson.
By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast Follow my blog with Bloglovin One of my favorite tag teams of all time is the Midnight Express. I'm talking about the "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton, "Sweet" Stan Lane and Jim Cornette version. Not "Bombastic" Bob and "Bodacious" Bart from the late 90's. While the Eaton/Lane version of the Express is my favorite, I do appreciate and respect the work that "Loverboy" Dennis Condrey added to the team. I don't go back far enough in my fandom to remember the original Express of Condrey, Randy Rose and Norvell Austin.
The early years
I want to say my first memories of Eaton, Condrey and Cornette are when they came to World Class Championship Wrestling. The trio engaged in a very memorable feud with The Fantastics. Their time in Texas was brief, but by watching them I learned quickly these two knew what they were doing in the ring. Those matches helped establish my love for tag team wrestling. The three headed to the NWA and had a classic scaffold match against The Road Warriors. Eaton told me in a podcast interview I did with him that he didn't enjoy it because his team ended up tumbling to the ring below.
The Express gets sweeter
Eventually Condrey would leave the group and Lane would replace him. Many times that spells doom (not Ron Simmons and Butch Reed) for a tag team, but I enjoyed this incarnation even more. Lane brought youth component to the team and in my opinion was more physically gifted than Condrey. This new duo quickly started collecting championships winning the U.S. tag team titles three times and the NWA world tag team titles once. Their feuds with the Rock 'n Roll Express, The Road Warriors and Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson are what defined an era of tag team wrestling. Lane and Eaton's chemistry as well as their abilities in the ring and Cornette's skills on the mic made them nearly flawless.
Heel turn
Another one of my favorite memories was during their brief face run and "partnership" they had with the Dynamic Dudes (Shane Douglas and Johnny Ace aka Laurinaitis). It was at a Clash of the Champions that Corny screwed over the young duo and helped his main charges win their match. And who can forget when a young Paul Heymen reunited Rose and Condrey to feud with Lane and Eaton over the Midnight Express name? The Midnight Express simply never had a bad match as far as I'm concerned. Their work still holds up more than 30 years later. Watching their matches reminds me of an era in wrestling that's long forgotten when it comes to putting on compelling tag team matches. So I say Cornette, Eaton, Lane and Condrey all deserve to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
The Brain and The Ravishing One
Photo courtesy: WWE
By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast Follow my blog with Bloglovin New feature time on the My 1-2-3 Cents blog. Each Friday I'll write about a wrestler, manager, announcer or referee who is not in the WWE Hall of Fame who I think should be. The first selection is "Ravishing" Rick Rude.
As WCCW champion
My first memories of Rude came in the Apter magazines when he was wrestling in Florida. Living in St. Louis, we didn't get Florida wrestling, but when he signed with World Class Championship Wrestling, he became a regular and one of the men I loved to hate. He captured the company's championship and each week when he wrestled Kerry Von Erich, Lance Von Erich or Iceman King Parsons, I hoped for an end to his reign. Rude's manager Percy Pringle usually helped him somehow walk out with the gold. "Gentleman" Chris Adams finally made that happen and Rude left and resurfaced in the NWA (Crockett Promotions).
Rude, Fernandez and Paul Jones
His run in the NWA was short, but highlighted with a tag team title reign with "The Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez. I thought it was an odd pairing, but I liked them better than the popular Rock 'n Roll Express. The heels didn't reign long though and Rude ended up in my favorite company the WWF by the summer 1987. By this time I wasn't cheering for just the good guys anymore. I really enjoyed the character that "Ravishing" Rick Rude had become. He hadn't really changed much from those early days, although I think it's fair to say he was more over the top. Rick was even ruder than before and having Bobby "The Brain" Heenan in his corner definitely helped. I loved his air brushed tights, his promos and his trademark finish "The Rude Awakening."
Rude wins the IC Title
Rude had a short run as the Intercontinental champion, beating the Ultimate Warrior at Wrestlemania V. I think the victory shocked a lot of fans in 1989 as the Warrior had been on a great role. It was the smarts of "The Brain" that helped Rude get that victory, but unfortunately he dropped the belt back to Warrior a few months later at SummerSlam. The two would feud again for the WWF Heavyweight championship a year later and I think if that match had happened in this generation, Rude would have no doubt had a run as champ.
Sting vs. Rude
Rude headed back to WCW and was one of the company's top heels, feuding with Sting. He held the U.S. championship and the NWA "world" heavyweight title, but never held the top prize in WCW. After being injured and forced to retire from in-ring competition, Rude ended up briefly going back to WWF. He was a bodyguard/mouthpiece for Triple H and Shawn Michaels in the original DX. Through the years he had great matches with guys like Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and Ric Flair to name a few.
DX & Rude
I know his quick departure back to Turner caused a stir in the wrestling world and I don't know if that's what's keeping Rude out of the Hall of Fame. But as we've seen in the past, fences get mended and fans get to see their favorites inducted into the Hall of Fame (Bruno Sammartino, Warrior and Randy Savage). Even though the honor would be posthumous, it's still something the Ravishing One deserves.
