Rob Reads: Tangled Ropes-Billy Graham

Rob Faint

“Superstar” Billy Graham was one of the most influential wrestlers of all time.  He was the total package before Lex Luger.  He could talk, he could wrestle, and he could dress like no other.  He was a heel that got as many cheers as boos.  Jessie Ventura, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair all named him as influences.  But drugs, like many others, derailed his career and (eventually) ended his life. 

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Book It! Four Horsemen A Timeline History by Dick Bourne, published by Mid-Atlantic Gateway Books

Robert Segedy

When  you think about the various groups that have been formed in pro wrestling, one that stands out far above all others is that of the Four Horsemen. The group that formed naturally against a singular enemy became the premiere heel faction of all time. To understand the greatness that was captured at the time, we need to trace the roots of the group at its start. At first, they were four individuals, each outstanding athletes in their own right, but lightning seemed to have struck and from that moment on history was made. The true reason can be traced to a common enemy: Dusty Rhodes. History was made on September 29, 1985, in the Omni in Atlanta following the main event of the night. Ric Flair had defeated Nikita Koloff inside of a steel cage thus retaining his NWA Heavyweight title. Ivan Koloff entered the cage, and both heels attacked the champion gaining the upper hand. Suddenly Rhodes entered the cage to the crowd’s approval to assist the champion and they cleared the ring to thunderous applause. However, Flair wasn’t appreciative of the assistance of The American Dream and the tag team of Ole and Arn Anderson hit the ring. The three men locked the cage door and attacked Rhodes. Leaping off the top rope, Flair broke Rhodes ankle. The faces hit the ring in mass, but the Andersons forced the attackers off the cage walls. The crowd in the Omni became outraged and started to riot. Local police were enlisted to escort the heels back to the dressing room. Thus were the seeds planted to become the major angle of The Horsemen vs. Dusty Rhodes over the next several years.

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Rob Reads…Inside Out: How Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling by Ole Anderson

Rob Faint

In his long career Ole Anderson has held several major titles, wrestled several different world champions and was a charter member of the Four Horseman. He also has a reputation for being difficult, gruff, and a (self-proclaimed) asshole. In his book Ole gives his thoughts on today’s wrestling and describes in detail how the rise of corporate ownership has destroyed the sport as he knew it.

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Book It! Book Review of The Last Real-World Champion, The Legacy of Nature Boy Ric Flair by Tim Hornbaker (ECW Press)

Robert Segedy

Say Ric Flair’s name and any number of catch phrases immediately come to mind: “Slick Ric”, “Diamonds are Forever”, “Space Mountain”, “To be the Man, You need to Beat the Man”, and “Sixteen times world Champion” among others. And the fact is, whether or not you like him or not, Ric Flair most admittedly could back up any of his catch phrases. A ring veteran of over 5,600 matches Flair, travelled the globe on a regular basis, defending the title in many foreign countries as well including Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the entire United States. With a career spanning over fifty years, Flair is regarded by many as the greatest professional wrestler of all time. 

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