Brian Damage
In 1991, the then World Wresting Federation (WWF) was in the midst of a huge steroid scandal. The Federal government was building a case against Vince McMahon and his wrestlers on allegations of company wide usage of the illegal substance. It was becoming so big, that the mainstream media was starting to cover it.
Craig Wilson
This Sunday wrestling fans around the world will tune in, largely via the WWE Network, to watch Wrestlemania 30. Since it’s inception the event has been the biggest show of the year. Not always one for the wrestling purests, but the one that has the largest crossover appeal thanks to the influx of celebrities that appear on the show.
Jamie Lithgow
Back in the early 1990’s one of the best and most high profile female professional wrestlers in America was Debrah ‘Madusa/Alundra Blayze’ Miceli. For over ten years Miceli wrestled in the big leagues. Sandwiched between her two WCW runs as Madusa was a two year stint in the WWF as Alundra Blayze. After leaving the wrestling scene in 2001 she became a successful monster truck driver, something she continues to be involved in. Despite capturing titles in both America and Japan – including the WCW Cruiserweight Title – and a successful monster truck career, there is one championship and one incident in particular that she is remembered for. On the December 18th 1995 episode of WCW Monday Nitro, Miceli marked her first WCW appearance in two years by throwing the WWF Women’s Championship in the bin.
(Image courtesy of http://www.allwrestlingsuperstars.com)
Craig Wilson
On 18 December 1972 the then WWWF hosted an event at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden venue headlined by World Champion Pedro Morales against Ray Stevens.
The show also marked the MSG debut of now WWE Hall of Famer Mil Mascaras. That itself may not sound all that remarkable but this card marked the first appearance of a masked wrestler at the venue. This ‘A Moment in Time’ will look at the background behind the ban on masked wrestlers at MSG and what followed once the ban was lifted. Continue reading
(Image courtesy of prowrestling.wikia.com)
Craig Wilson
As we count down to Wrestlemania 30 it seems only apt, particularly with our fondness for nostalgia, which we look back in time at the countdown to the inaugural Wrestlemania.
What better way to do that than to look at the MTV event from MSG that happened 29 years ago this week: The War to Settle the Score’ which put in motion many of the angles and feuds that would play out on the first Wrestlemania. Continue reading
Brian Damage
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When we hear the name World Class Championship Wrestling…many of us think back to its heyday in the early 80’s. The days where such talents as the Von Erich brothers, The Freebirds, Gino Hernandez & Chris Adams, Skandor Akbar with Devastation Incorporated, Gary Hart and Bruiser Brody all competed night after night. We think of the now infamous Dallas Sportatorium where many classic matches took place.
There are many legendary and tragic moments thought about when talking about the World Class promotion based in Texas. There is, however, one date not remembered as fondly and that date was August 4th, 1989. Why is that date so important? It was the night World Class Championship Wrestling ( WCCW ) unofficially but symbolically died. Continue reading
Russ Morgan
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I have wanted to write something on this for a long time. This episode of “A Moment In Time” is more a reflection of Ric Flair’s first run in The WWF (as was), but it left a very lasting impression on the minds of wrestling fans. Also, I am sure something of this importance will never happen again.
Craig Wilson
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On December 26th 1983 the WWF hosted a show at the MSG. Considering the time of year it isn’t altogether surprising that the line-up, by WWF at MSG standards, is a weak one. That said, the event did contain a historic moment with WWF Champion Bob Backlund, with his manager Arnold Skaaland, defending against The Iron Sheik, who had “Classy” Freddie Blassie in his corner.
The finish was screwy and served the sole purpose of creating a transitional WWF Champion until a certain all-American hero got his chance at the gold in January 84 but there is no doubting the importance of this one. Continue reading
Russ Morgan
(Image courtesy of https://wwe.com)
Today we debut a new column on the blog ‘A Moment in Time’. The focus on this piece will be a significant moment in wrestling history. Not necessarily always a game changer but a significant event that perhaps elevated a superstar, started or ended a significant feud or just brought together a series of events.
Sticking with the theme of new, it’s our brand new columnist Russ Morgan that launches this column with the focus being on the break-up of The Rockers and a look at the different paths their careers made. Without further ado… Continue reading
Ring the Damn Bell 