Flashback Friday: Wrestling Eye Magazine September 1988

This week we look back at an issue of Wrestling Eye that went to press in June of 1988 and sold for $2.50 in the U.S. and $2.95 in Canada. Let’s get to it!

First, From the Editor’s Desk with Carmine DeSpirito. She asks, “Are there too many gimmicks?” And then she answers her own question: “Undeniably, YES!!! Enough is enough. True, wrestling is a sport with many strange overtones, everyone knows that, but aren’t a lot of gimmicks just plain silly and utterly ridiculous? Let’s face it, with wrestlers who think they’re ‘Elvis’ and others who think they’re hairy ‘Animals’, what do you expect the average joe off the street to think of the grappling game? Of course, unless you can appreciate the sport, like most of you readers do, you would think that pro wrestling is preposterous and a spectacle that certainly is a far cry from the classification of ‘sport’. What’s needed at this point? Respect.”

Next, here are some pin-up photos of your favorite wrestling personalities that you hang up in your locker at school.

Next, an article about the NWA vs. the WWF by Tom Clutters. Tom says it feels like these organizations have been at war forever, and he’s here to give you a better understanding of it all. He begins by explaining the administrations. “Basically, it works out to Jim Crockett (NWA) vs. Vince McMahon (WWF). Both men obtained a great deal of their wrestling interest and connections from their fathers, but both have raised their respective associations to heights their papas would have never imagined. Crockett is just about always recognized as the NWA chief, while McMahon still contends that his sole purpose in the WWF is to announce, and that he has little knowledge of the federation’s inner workings. In addition to Crockett, men like Dusty Rhodes, Gene Anderson and his brother David Crockett control most of the goings on. On the other hand, McMahon uses Jack Tunney in the role of president to make decisions. Tunney is a figurehead, nothing more. In addition, McMahon has numerous ex-wrestlers like Gorilla Monsoon, Tony Garea, and Lord Alfred Hayes on his staff. In short, neither organization has ever been willing to let the fans know exactly who is running the show.” Tom then moves on the wrestling talent. “For the most part, all the major stars for both federations have been successful elsewhere. Only NWA champion Ric Flair has stayed with virtually one organization. Hulk Hogan, for all his publicity, was once a major star in the AWA. Several of the top WWF stars, including Andre the Giant, Ted DiBiase, Ricky Steamboat, Rick Rude, Harley Race, and Greg Valentine, have all been stars in the NWA at one time. Meanwhile, Dusty Rhodes, Larry Zbyszko, Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo all experienced major success in the WWF. New-crowned WWF champ Randy Savage was a star in southern promotions before joining McMahon. Even tag team champions Demolition are not, as you might believe, WWF discoveries. The man known as Ax is in reality Bill Eadie, who gained worldwide fame as the Masked Superstar in past years, and Smash is none other than Barry Darsow, who worked as Krusher Khruschev in the NWA a while back. The former tag team champions, Rick Martel & Tito Santana, achieved fame in the AWA and NWA respectively in recent years.” Tom also mentions that the UWF has spilled into the NWA and WWF with Steve Williams, Sting, Rick Steiner, Ted DiBiase, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and The One Man Gang all making their mark there before heading for greener pastures. As for how McMahon and Crockett promote wrestling, McMahon favors a more circus-like environment whereas Crockett has always insisted on quality competition. That said, the NWA has gotten silly at times too. “If you thought Hulk Hogan was bigger than life, how about Lazer-Tron? Introduced as hailing from Outer Space and called the protector of children, Lazer-Tron won the NWA Jr. Heavyweight title late in 1987, then disappeared. For those who might not have known, the man under the Lazer-Tron guise was Hector Guerroro.” (Well that will probably be the most embarrassing gimmick he ever does, right?) But the WWF takes it further, treating the fans like first-graders and rewriting history. “When the whole Hogan-Andre feud began, WWF announcers insisted the two had never met before when in reality, they had clashed on more than one occasion in front of thousands.” As for announcers, Tom says McMahon and Jesse Ventura aren’t bad together. “McMahon is an excellent “blow-by-blow” announcer, and Ventura’s pro-heel commentary, while a little ridiculous at times, gives the duo good balance.” Tom also has good things to say about Mean Gene Okerlund and Howard Finkel while saying Craig DeGeorge has potential. “But Lord Alfred Hayes, a man who knows the business inside and out, remains unable to get his message across to the public most of the time.” (Screw you, Tom. Lord Alfred rocked. I especially loved when he listed the sponsors of the show. He added a touch of class to the “sport of kings.”) As for Gorilla Monsoon, Tom says, “Don’t even get me started.” (Gorilla would no doubt call Tom a piece of garbage.) In the NWA, “Tony Schiavone has improved steadily since moving over from baseball,” and “Bob Caudle, a veteran of more than 20 years behind the mike, is somewhat colorless bust still manages to make things interesting. (Bob rocked too.) “Jim Ross, maybe the best catch the NWA made from the UWF, gets overly excited at times but does well in other departments, including interviews.” Tom then goes on to mention David Crockett, saying “Big brother Jim might do well to include little brother on more telecasts. He lends an energy to TV events that no one else has yet produced.” (So Jim gets “overly excited” but David “lends an energy”?) Tom then runs down the head to head competition between the two, saying the WWF ran Survivor Series against Starrcade on Thanksgiving Day in 1987, “and the result was a disaster for the WWF.” Then the NWA tried to run Clash of the Champions against WrestleMania IV and “While WrestleMania was arguably the best of the two, the NWA got high marks for a well-staged program.” Tom says, “Don’t be surprised if McMahon comes up with a counter for the NWA’s annual “Great American Bash” tour this summer.” (And indeed, McMahon ran WrestleFest in Milwaukee the night before the Bash tour came through the same city—simultaneously messing with the AWA, which had a show booked two nights before in nearby Two Rivers.) Tom then moves on to some odds and ends. He says, “The NWA still has the annoying habit of closing out TV programs in the middle of a main event,” but “The WWF has too many managers.” Tom adds, “Thank goodness that Missy Hyatt couldn’t make the grade in either organization.” When it comes to referees, “Tommy Young of the NWA and Joey Marella of the WWF are two of the best officials.” And as for literature, “WWF Magazine listed Randy Savage as champion TWO WEEKS BEFORE he won the title. Officials say it was a misprint.” Tom says Paul Jones of the NWA is still his favorite manager, although Tom hasn’t forgiven him for the Hitler gimmick a couple years ago. Finally, Tom says the wild card in all this is the AWA. The WWF and NWA have basically carved out most of the U.S., but the AWA is still out there waiting to be bought.

Next, an article about Hulk Hogan’s chances of regaining the WWF title by Don Laible. Laible said the majority of fans knew Randy Savage would win the tournament at WrestleMania IV. (They probably read WWF Magazine.) The same fans expect Hogan to win the title back by September. Most fans knew Hogan wouldn’t win the title in the tournament because he had a film deal lined up and baby daughter due by the end of April. Meanwhile, Savage has been wrestling Ted DiBiase. But it’s likely that whoever comes out on top of this feud will have a returning Hogan to deal with, and it’s unlikely either will be able to hold off the Hulkster.

Next up, an article about the Varsity Club by Tom Clutters. Everyone knows ringleader Kevin Sullivan is always up to something, and now he’s taken Mike Rotundo and Rick Steiner under his wing. Rotundo, the Florida champion, was a talented but boring babyface. Steiner was a hard-working but colorless heel. In these two men, Sullivan saw the makings of what was to eventually become the Varsity Club. (Too bad Sunny wasn’t around. Having her as a cheerleader/manager would have made more sense.) Since Sullivan’s conversion to Satan-worship in 1981, he had had a vast influence on a number of wrestling, including Luna Vachon and Fallen Angel. Now it was time for new blood. Under Sullivan’s guidance, Rotundo defeated Nikita Koloff for the World TV title. Rotundo, in turn, gave his Florida championship to Steiner. (The magazine clarifies: “While NWA officials insist Rotundo was still the Florida champion, they allowed Steiner to keep the belt.”) No one can say for certain where Sullivan’s warped mind will take this club, but everything he does is by design. He always has a plan. “He’s not called the Gamesmaster for nothing. Each move, each event, is the result of long and careful consideration.” As for Sullivan, he promises, “Before you know it, the Varsity Club will be the most powerful force in wrestling, and I will have total control.”

Next up, an article about the Ultimate Warrior/Hercules Hernandez feud. Hercules prides himself in being among the strongest individuals in the WWF, and there’s no denying it. He’s hoisted 300-pound wrestlers over his head with little strain. But now the public’s attention has turned to the Ultimate Warrior, and Herc is jealous. Worse yet, the Warrior is younger and still improving. “With each workout in the gym and in the ring, he’s becoming wrestling’s total package,” says Tito Santana while awaiting a match in Buffalo, New York. And now the Warrior has Hercules square in his sights. “Hernandez is a tough character,” says Koko B. Ware. “I’m not selling him short. But there’s no amount of money that he or anyone could offer me to be in his boots now.”

Next, an article by Don Liable about J.J. Dillon, the premiere manager in all of professional wrestling. Originally from New Jersey, James J. Dillon has done it all: the former Texas Heavyweight champion and Texas Brass Knucks champion has wrestled, promoted, announced, and managed. He’s been a student of professional wrestling for twenty years, and he now manages the NWA champion and the NWA world tag team champions. “He’s like what Vince Lombardi was to the Green Bay Packers,” says NWA promoter Fred Mard. Cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Baltimore, all traditional promotional strongholds of the NWA’s arch rival, the World Wrestling Federation, have slowly but surely become NWA towns and more specifically, J.J.’s stomping grounds. One way or another, J.J. has proven to be the master of getting what he wants. The white stretch limousines, private jet flights from the various arenas and first class hotel accommodations are the norm for Dillon and his crew. He is also widely regarded as a tough man to deal with when it comes time to negotiate contracts for his men. There have been scores more physically tough than J.J., but no one has come close to his success as the one and only brain of professional wrestling. (Is the writer trying to stick it Bobby Heenan or something?)

Young up and comer Cactus Jack Foley

Next, breaking news! Bret Hart has dumped Jim Neidhart and left the Hart Foundation! That’s right, the WWF’s dominant tag team champions from 1987 are no more, a dissolution that has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world. Upon reflection, however, the break-up is no surprise. Their backgrounds are total opposite. Bret comes from Canada. Jim comes from the United States. Bret comes from a wrestling family Neidhart comes from the world of football. Moreover, their ring styles are totally different. Bret baffles opponents with speed, agility, and a vast array of holds. Jim comes at opponents straight on. Beyond that, word is that Bret is looking to help his younger brother Owen break into the WWF and wants to devote more time to that. Meanwhile, Jim is upset. “I made the mistake of believing that glory-hound Bret was my best buddy,” he says. “What a snow job that turned out to be. Let him be a fan favorite and parade his snot-nosed kid brother around the world. I’ll slap them both silly and teach them a lesson.” The writer goes on to say, “Obviously, from hearing both Bret and Jim’s account of their disbanding as a team, it’s safe to say a reunion isn’t in the picture. But look for Bret to be a big name in singles competition for another decade.”

Next, an article about Wahoo McDaniel, a true living legend. What can you say about a man who once punted a football 91 yards? (Still the longest punt in Oklahoma Sooner history.) After becoming a star college football player, Wahoo went on to play in the American Football League, helping the Houston Oilers win the AFL championship in 1960. He went on to play for the Broncos, Jets, and Dolphins while also getting into professional wrestling. Eventually, he hung up his shoulder pads and dedicated himself full-time to the mat. These days he wrestles for the AWA and hopes to one day win the organization’s world championship.

Next up, you asked for and you get it: a Johnny Rodz update. The crafty veteran of 21 years continues to plow through opponents as champion of the two year old Northeast Championship wrestling organization based in Northford Connecticut. “The opportunity to compete against the best in the NCW, including Larry Sharpe, the Iron Sheik, Abdullah the Butcher, Sgt. Slaughter, Ted Arcidi and others make this belt an important part of my career and future goals to continue my winning ways,” he says.

We move on to information about newsletters and fans you can contact in the Fan Club Column…

Next, a nostalgic look back with Remember When…

Next, we get a gossip column from “The Phantom of the Ring.” The Phantom reports the Iron Sheik is returning the WWF very soon. Meanwhile, Paul E. Dangerously is improving tremendously and is hosting the program “Pro Wrestling This Week.” Barry Windham is now a Horseman, and Wrestling Eye predicted it! Roddy Piper is supposed to return to wrestling in the Oregon area. Bret Hart and Bad News Brown are having tremendous matches, and if they wrestle in your town, be sure not to miss it. (Actually I did see them wrestle, and it wasn’t good.) George Steele recently had a heart attack and was hospitalized. Harley Race, who had intestinal problems, was also hospitalized but should be out shortly. (This injury originally happened after Race went through a table in a match with Hogan. I’ll have more on this in future recaps.) Big Bubba is headed to the WWF where he will take on a prison gimmick. Steve Williams and Terry Gordy are headed to the WWF and should be there by summer. (Awesome! I can’t wait to see them at Summerslam.) Big John Studd will there in August. Lou Perez, younger brother of Al Perez, is wrestling for Global Wrestling out of Florida. Butch Reed has been fired by the WWF for unknown reasons. In a cost cutting move, managers in the WWF are no longer being asked to do house shows. The AWA is planning to tour the New York Metro Area on a regular basis. (Don’t do it!) Luger seems to have cured his ever present jock itch. (??) The USWA is doing a few shows this summer with the Beach Boys. Word is that the Green Machine who has been wrestling Jimmy Valiant is Bugsy McGraw. Rick Steiner’s younger brother, Scott, is now wrestling for the CWA. Bad News Brown’s real name is Allan Coage. Look for the Killer Bees to turn heel shortly. And finally, he Kentucky Athletic Commission has ruled that no wrestler can be tossed over the top rope. (I guess the Bezerker won’t be wrestling in Kentucky.)

Let’s get to ratings!

Next, an article about The Iron Sheik by Tom Clutters. The Sheik has always been able to handle himself in the ring. Outside, however, it’s been a different story. No competitor, with the exception of Bob Orton, has had more clashes with the American system. Among the incidents, the Sheik was charged with multiple assaults and then caught with marijuana and cocaine while traveling with Hacksaw Jim Duggan. The latter incident raised a question that has yet to be answered. What were Sheik and Duggan, supposedly the worst of enemies, doing traveling together? Two theories have been forwarded. One is that Sheik was attempting to get Duggan to change his ways. “It could well be Sheik befriended Duggan to get him out of his hair. It’s a trick that’s been used in the past.” The other theory is that Duggan befriended Sheik to help the latter turn his life around. Let’s not forget that Sheik was once Kosrow Vaziri, a coach for the U.S. Olympic team in 1972. It could well be that Duggan was trying to convert the Sheik to the role of hero. Nonetheless, the Sheik’s fortunes have taken a downward turn, and another question lingers: is the end approaching for this former WWF champion?

We move on to Letters to the Editor… Rich from Freeport, Illinois says he can’t believe Hulk Hogan interfered in Randy Savage’s match against Ted DiBiase at WrestleMania IV. Had it been Bobby Heenan or Jimmy Hart, everyone would have booed. Instead they cheered. What gives? Rick from Millville, New Brunswick writes in to say he thinks the Midnight Rider is Dusty Rhodes. Anna from Westchester, Illinois says she bets Hulk Hogan wishes he had a body like her new favorite wrestler, Rick Rude. “Maybe Hogan should take some lessons from Rick Rude on how to become a real man.” Jason from Philadelphia says that a year ago, Mad Dog D.C. Drake defended his title against Jules Strongbow in a dog collar match. He’d like to see them meet again in a dog collar, steel cage, anything goes match with barbed wire on the top of the cage. “If this match ever does come up, can you please put color pin ups of that match in your magazine?” Shaun from Milpitas, California says he likes the Ultimate Warrior and Don Muraco and hates Ted DiBiase, Demolition, and especially the Honky Tonk Man. Keith from Pompton Lakes, New Jersey takes exception to fans that say Demolition is ripping off the Road Warriors. ” He says the Road Warriors wear cheap clothes and have stupid haircuts. “Demolition could take on the Road Warriors any day of the week.” Bobby from Sikeston, Montana says she’s sick of double standards. When Ron Bass brings his whip to the ring, it’s called a weapon. When Hacksaw Duggan brings his 2×4, it’s fine and dandy. Lastly, H.R. from Sandusky, Ohio says he’d like to see “Nature Boy” Buddy Landell jump to the NWA and join the Four Horsemen.

Next, an article about Comrade Orga: From Russia with Hate. Hailing from Moscow, Orga Stalinski weighs 205 lbs and hates everything about America except the good ol’ U.S. dollar. Orga has been granted a special visa by her homeland’s officials to participate in athletic competition, and now she’s gleefully stomping the breath of her opponents. (This was actually Glens Falls, New York native Shirl Sprague, who only had a few matches and died in 1996 at the age of 27.)

That’s it for this week. Tune in next week for a look at PWI where we’ll learn about a World title change and look back at the spring SuperCards. Also, I’ll include bonus coverage from Uncle Dave’s Wrestling Observer! And if you’re new here, be sure to leave a comment and check out the archive. Also, check out my website to see what books I’ve written!