The EYE On WRESTLING

A question was posed to me a couple of weeks ago by a very good friend of mine. I was reminded that it had been ten years to the day that I sat at home on a Saturday morning and began to follow Professional Wrestling on a regular basis. I was asked what my initial reasons had been, and why I wanted to follow the wacky world of wrestling anyway. And if that wasn't enough of a challenge, this friend wanted my take on what direction I thought the sport was headed, and what if anything, was lacking and in need of repair. Of course, how does one put ten years into perspective just like that? How could I return back to that 11- year-old boy I was, just starting to follow this "new" interest?

I find it very amusing that the moment one stops thinking about something and sets it aside for later retrieval, that which was once impossible becomes clear. All at once that child that had been so buried, so hidden, decided to make his presence known. Only problem was it was during a meteorology quiz! I suppose some good was had by that timing, considering the fact that I had my head in the clouds already talking about cloud- cover, and weather elements. At that moment, in that class, my focus was as clear as the maps we were discussing.

As the memories flooded back to me (and I promise, that is the last weather element in this column :-) I began playing back the first few shows I watched of the WWF, NWA, and AWA. The Hart Foundation had just come off a shocking win of the WWF Tag Team straps against the then darlings of the WWF, The British Bulldogs. Bobby Heenan had just finalized the biggest deal in wrestling, that only many years down the road, would we fans realize changed the course of wrestling today. Heenan had just signed Andre the Giant. Jimmy Hart and Adrian Adonis were continuing to embaress and raise the wrath of one Roddy Piper.

In the NWA, the Four Horsemen were on a roll. The Road Warriors were dominating the Tag Team scene.

Without realizing it, I had answered the first question. The answer is that it had been the real heat that was generated from within the ranks of wrestling. The Horsemen VS. Dusty Rhodes. Andre VS. Hulk. Harts VS. Bulldogs. The drama was all there. Excitement at every turn.

Does anyone find it surprising that in almost every heat generated angle at that time, there was an outside force helping to generate that heat? There was always a guiding light. There was always someone other than the wrestlers themselves to help storylines. Of course I am talking about wrestling managers. Many wrestling fans probably have let this thought slip from their collective heads as of late.

Wrestling managers have been around for the better part of forty years. The earliest record I could find of an active manager was Bobby Davis in the late 1950's, when he managed Champion Buddy Rogers. From the tapes I have viewed of Davis, as well as some documented encounters that I have read from others in the sport, Davis was a loud-mouth, but conservative in his out of ring antics. The nearest comparison I could make to relate Davis with today's crop of managers, would probably be somewhere between a Jim Cornette, and Clarence Mason.

There is no question that many men and women have come and gone in the managerial ranks since Bobby Davis. This subject could be discussed in many different ways, but rather than expound on all the colorful faces and personas in managing, I will concentrate on three wrestlers with their respective managers.

It is not without good reason that King Kong Bundy has lasted as long as he has in the sport of Professional Wrestling. Bundy has managed to combine his brute strength, along with his enormous girth to win many a match. But what would Bundy be like without the guiding forces outside the ring? With managers such as Gary Hart, and Jimmy Hart, Bundy was able to have quite a successful run throughout the southern promotions like the WCCW in Texas, and The Memphis based CWA. Bundy at one point was even a part of Paul Ellering's Legion Of Doom with Jake Roberts, Hawk and Animal.

IT is important to note that 1986 was the shining moment in this big man's career. Bundy did the unthinkable. He put the then WWF Champion Hulk Hogan out of action for several months. But who was behind Bundy's shining moment? Bobby Heenan. Heenan gave Bundy the added inspiration, the added killer instinct he needed to get the job done. When people flocked to LA to watch the long awaited cage match between Hogan and Bundy as part of Wrestlemainia II, (Editor's Note: I was there) they wanted not only Bundy to get his just desserts, but also they wanted Bobby Heenan to pay dearly as well. The fans got their wish that night.

Don Muraco is considered as one of the most vicious men in this sport's history. But what was Muraco without a strong managerial force outside the ring? Probably the greatest success Muraco had in wrestling was when he was with his first manager, The Grand Wizard of Wrestling. The Wizard knew how to get the best out of his men, and it was no different with Muraco. He guided this minimal talented wrestler to Two Intercontinental Titles. After the Wizards death in 1983, Captain Lou Albano, and Mr. Fuji took over where he had left off. I can't recall anytime that the Magnificent Muraco was without a manager in his career.

Probably the greatest success story for the managerial side of the sport of wrestling, has to be the Honky Tonk Man. Jimmy Hart was the manager of this WWF Intercontinental titleholder. Never before or after his stint in the WWF has Wane Farris had the success as he enjoyed with Jimmy Hart in the WWF. Say what you will about Hart's annoying laugh, and the megaphone which has made many a wrestler suffer from headaches. Who else could of planted the seed to hit Jake Roberts over the head with a guitar? Who else would have helped this otherwise boring grappler hold onto a title for nearly 24 months?

In keeping with the theme of this column, the one thing I think is missing in the sport is Managers. Right at this time, hardly any heat is being generated in the WWF. The fans are confused. The fans are lost and will latch onto any sense of good VS. Evil. Why? I think a huge part of the downfall and confusion stems from a lack of strong personalities outside of the ring. Today's manager is either too sexy, or too outlandish to take seriously. Today's wrestler is forced to make or break his or her own persona, instead of relying on the strengths of a Johnny Valiant, or Bobby Heenan to take some of the pressure off. Gone are the days that a young photographer named Paul Heymon could pick the brains of some of the craftiest men in the sport.

One last point. I have heard a lot of talk about this current NWO Angle. Many of the fans have expressed how they wish this angle would just disappear and go away. But as was evident on last Monday's Nitro broadcast, the NWO has really started to draw that line between good and evil. A line that has been sorely missed here over the passed year or so. It is interesting to note that with this heat there is yet again a guiding force outside of the ring, in Eric Bischoff. Say what you will about the storyline, but Bischoff in my opinion is doing what should have been done sooner. He is bringing back the heat. He in his own way, is the manager of a very important stable of wrestlers. I only hope that other promoters take note and bring back a very important part of the sport, that of the wrestling manager.

Over the past week, there has been a lot of talk concerning last Monday's Raw program. Many wrestling commentators, and journalists suggest that the World Wrestling Federation is guilty of utilizing the bait and switch tactic on whom I consider to be the lifeblood of the sport, the fans. Still others suggest that McMahon and company kept to their words in showing clips of this year's Royal Rumble. After all, they did promise shots from the Rumble, and they delivered.

To all those who truly believe that the WWF delivered last Monday night, please allow me the opportunity to sell you the WWF title belt I once wore, as my days as Hulk Hogan in the WWF. Ok. Ok. Maybe that was a bit harsh, but I can't see how any true understander of wrestling, as well as any fan can honestly say that McMahon was a man of his word last Monday night. To illustrate my point, I will make mention of the promo that aired the week proceeding the raw broadcast. The promo talked about how not since 1989 has the WWF shown a Royal rumble match on Television. Of course since the beginning of the Royal Rumble in 1988, WWF television programing has shown highlights of this event every year, on all their family of programs. Therefore, the fans including myself thought since such a big deal was made of this occurrence, we were going to get the Rumble match. Of course, since I was able to watch the PPV on scramblevision, I could care less that they were going to show any part of the Royal Rumble on national television.

The more I examine what the WWF did last Monday, the more I am finding an underlying issue mixed up with all of this. The bait and switch tactic has been around longer than Fred Blassey, and not many things can make that claim. It is a form of ruthless business, and it is quite evident in many businesses. The real issue, at least to me, is the WWF's continuing lack of covering up their own mistakes.

If the WWF is guilty of anything, it is bad planning in the case of accidents. Does anyone remember in 1985 a certain Rick Mcgraw issuing a challenge to Roddy Piper on Piper's Pit? The challenge was accepted, and the match was to take place the following week on Superstars of Wrestling. As many fans know, McGraw would die before the challenge was to take place, due to some drug problem. If one looks back to the way the WWF handled this situation, no mention was made of the untimely death of McGraw at all. I am aware that the WWF probably didn't want to divulge the cause of death, since they at that time were really pushing the younger market to "train, say their prayers and take their vitamins." The show went on with a completely different match, and the fans were left to wonder.

Does anyone remember in I believe it was 1990, when a masked wrestler would come out of the dressing room and attack heels such as Rick Martel? This trend went on for about three weeks, and then it was dropped and swept under the rug. Another similar thing happened with Bob Sparkplug Holly. One week he was Thermond Sparky Plug, and then, wham! He was Bob Holly. Why?

Perhaps the most amusing of all these botched angles was the one involving Harley Race in 1988. Race Wrestled Hulk Hogan in a match in March of that year. Race would show his ECW side, by breaking a table in half with his head, in his attempt to finish off the Hulk. In may of that same year, Bobby Heenan began hinting around that Race was layed up as a result of that match.

I would like to make a few points about that match. First, after the breaking of the table, Race went back into the ring, and maintained control over Hogan, even landing a headbut from the top rope. Also, Race would go to Wrestlemainia IV and participate in the Battle Royal that opened the event. When it appeared that race had had enough of the WWF, McMahon and company had to come up with something to keep the King of Wrestling Title a part of the Federation. They used that match as the point of reference. Anyone who knew anything about wrestling probably shook their heads and laughed at this attempt of a coverup.

While we are on the subject of the WWF and mistakes they have made, why can't anyone do anything about the opening of each of their family of programs? "The World Wrestling Federation. For over fifty years, the revolutionary force in sports entertainment!" Hmmm. There is something wrong with this picture. The WWF came into being in 1963. Even if we give the WWF the benefit of the doubt and say maybe it started up a year previous, that still puts the federation about 10 years behind their assessment. Correct me if I am mistaken here, but I think this is still 1997?

At long last wrestling fans, I believe I have figured out the motive of the WWF. It must be since they have a lack of starpower within the federation these days, they need to make up for it by including stars in other areas. These other stars you may ask? The * sign in the record books have replaced the stars in the ring. Sure. Steve Austin won the 1997 Royal Rumble. However... Sure. This passed Thursday night, Sid should have been awarded the WWF Championship belt via forfeit, when Michaels was unable to defend. However.... And finally, Bret Hart can now say that he is once again, and for the fourth time, World Champion. However.... It is these "howevers..." that are killing the WWF, and the WWF title picture.

Although nobody has ever seen the World Famous "wrestling RULEBOOK," the "rules" have been followed through the years, with not that much variation. According to this "rule book," if a Champion is unable to defend his title against a specified opponent, the title is forfeited to the champs opponent. For years, none have questioned, or restructured this rule, and for good reason. I will say this as plain as I possibly can. Sid should be champion tonight whether you like or dislike the big man. The fact is, Sid arrived to the arena, primed and ready to fight for the title, and Michaels was unable to fulfill his contract against this contending monster. What bothers me is that none of these so-called commentators on the broadcast, or even Gorilla Monsoon,seems to realize the simple truth. You don't screw with wrestling tradition.

In my opinion, this "final four" match was a complete farce,and an insult on the intelligence of the true wrestling fan. Correct me if I am wrong here, but it wasn't too long ago that a title, no matter what the circumstances were, was to be decided with a elimination tournament. With a tournament, the competitors were on an even playing field. Championship match rules were always in effect, and if one was thrown to the floor, the fight would continue until there was a pinfall, or dq or other means of winning a fall. The "final four" encounter did nothing to determine who the better man was. All it did was show that someone could get clotheslined over the top rope to the floor. That display, does not make a champion. The over the top rope elimination rule is wonderful, but only for battle royals and Royal Rumble matches.

With all that said, allow me to touch on a few quick points. First, as I noted above, Sid should be champion right now. I guess I should make the point, that I am not a Sid fan. The title needs to be held by a representative who is a good interview, as well as a good package in the squared circle. What bothers me about this, and why I keep harping on Sid as champ is simple. Wrestling promoters such as Vince McMahon are now getting away with changing the "rules" to push a storyline. Whatever happened to the storylines fitting into the rules?

Probably the thing that sticks out in my mind, is the fact that a prestigious Championship was allowed to change hands with the Over the top rope rule. During the "Final Four" match, not one shoulder was pinned to the mat. Back a few years ago when Ric Flair won the WWF title in the Royal Rumble, his victory was justified a bit in my book, only because he stayed in the ring for over 60 minutes. Bret Hart can now walk around and parade up and down with that belt all he wants. In my opinion, he lucked into that belt. Now that he has it, let's hope he will bring class to something that is in dire need of some touching up.

I am quite sure, that a great majority of the readers of this column find no joy in being sick in bed for a few days. Of course, when one needs rest, and relaxation, not many things can be accomplished. This is where the wrestling video tapes, and all their little imperfections play a major roll in passing time, and adding that all important background noise when we should really be sleeping.

I don't quite know what gave me the idea to do this, but I decided to listen specifically to the many announcing teams on the tapes. After all. Wrestling commentators and color-commentators provide yours truly with what is happening during the course of a wrestling match. I thought it might be fun to rate some of the announcers and analysts, and give you a blind wrestling fan's perspective on those who call the action.

It is probably best to begin this by giving you my definition of what an ideal announcing team should be. It is the job of the play-by-play man to call the action. He should give the fans who are watching a match the correct name of a move, damage done to the opponent, ETC. After all of these steps are met, the color commentator, or analyst adds insight and reasons for why things are taking place.

It is without a doubt that the overall worst commentator has got to be Vince McMahon. I can't tell you how many wrestling events and telecasts I have walked away from, not feeling satisfied with my knowledge of what just took place. To often McMahon will describe a move, no matter what it is as, "unbelieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeviable!, "OOOOOOOOO my! What a move!, and other such descriptions. He seems to forget the fact that he is calling a wrestling match. A point could be made that McMahon is only doing what the television audience wants him to do. After all. That is what the screen is for. Right? Wrong! Whenever McMahon works with a partner, too much emphasis is placed on the argument that goes on between the two partners. When McMahon broadcasted with Jesse the Body Ventura, it was Jesse who provided the fans with the action as well as expert analysis. Now when McMahon works along side of Jerry Lawler, virtually no attention is being payed to the match at all by either man.

I have heard that many people never cared for Gorilla Monsoon's brand of announcing, but I must disagree. Unlike McMahon, Monsoon stuck to the match. His view was hardly clouded by such things as whether the men in the ring were fan favorites or not. Granted, his long pathetic feud with Bobby Heenan made his announcing suffer a little, but he never lost the ability to call a good match.

Before I get into my discussion of the best/worst announcers, let me say a few things regarding today's current crop of action callers. The Monday Nitro broadcast team has made significant improvements since its' debut a few years ago. What once was the farce of wrestling announcing teams, has now evolved into one of the most respected in the business. Tony Schevoni is no slouch when it comes to calling the blow-by-blow action. Larry Zibisco will be a wonderful analyst, but he first needs the experience with the mic to polish his delivery. Most importantly, two overlooked, and I think two of the most efficient commentators, Bobby Heenan, and Mike Tenay, are finally getting their chance to shine in the spotlight.

Below I have compiled a list of announcers whom I consider to be the master commentators. If I failed to include one of your favorite announcers, it is probably because it is a lack of exposure that announcer receives in the national spotlight. It is not possible to rate, and view each announcer completely and accurately, since many are never presented for our critique on a national level. So Just who are these Master commentators anyway?

1. I think the overall best play-by-play man in the business is Jim Ross. I am not talking about the Jim Ross that has been relegated to doing WWF hotline interviews, and Vince McMahon's lackey on Raw programs.. There is no question that Ross is just a shadow of what he once was. When Jim was in his prime in the NWA and UWF, he gave the observing fans a complete account of what was going on in the ring. He didn't spend his time reminding everybody that they were watching the Clash of Champions on the Superstation! Jim could make you feel like you were right there in the ring, and provide the perfect blend of expert play-by-play and excitement.

2. Ok Gordon Solie fans, your man is ranked number two in my book. However, putting Solie as number two is like comparing chocolate ice cream to peanut butter ice cream. They both are favorites of mine. So fear not. If Gordon Solie had not made his mark on Professional Wrestling, we would never have been given the tools to even measure the announcing teams as we are doing today. When Mr. Solie calls a match, he combines his wealth of experience and timing, with the student approach to each individual wrestling hold and move. Solie is no glitz. No glamour. But one hardly misses any of those things while listening to Mr. Solie's selfless account of a wrestling match.

3. Lance Russel of Memphis fame is also good at his craft. He takes his time during a match. He seems to saver the action, and his deep southern voice invites the fans to linger a while longer and watch the matches. Lance never insults the intelligence of the wrestling fan, and at his age, he has seen it all in the ring.

4. My overall best color commentator is overlooked by many of the fans. Say what you will about Terry Funk's tactics in the ring, but I think you will admit that he knows his stuff. The man has enormous insight into wrestling, and he is articulate in his delivery. Funk only lasted in announcing for about a year, but that was because he still had five good years of wrestling left in him. Now that the old man has finally decided to hang-em-up, he should really consider a job as a ringside analyst.

5. What would the world of wrestling be like without the flamboyant Jesse Ventura. A case could be made that Ventura has been the best analyst that this sport has ever seen. He calls things as he sees them, most of the time. He is able to add keen insight to the matches he works. However, what cheapens him somewhat is his interaction with his announcing colleagues. Sometimes Ventura distorted the view of a match, only to argue with the play-by-play man.

It is important to note here that all of the above mentioned announcers were and are truly at the top of their field. I have tried to not let personal biases stand in the way, and concentrate on facts as best I could. Depending on your own personal preferences, childhood memories, and other such life shaping events, your opinion may differ. If you really stop and think about it, I think you will begin to realize how important the wrestling announcer is when we consider the overall production of a wrestling program. It is like they say about an official in sports. The less you notice him, the better job he is doing.