Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk: Recent Episodes
Greg
Hi, I am Greg Klein, an actor-writer-producer who used to be a professional wrestler. This podcast is a collection of my tales as a pro wrestling fan, newsletter writer, worker and historian.
Episode 84: Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?
In Episode 84 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Everybody Loves Paul Boesch?, Greg:
Takes on the wrestling truism that everyone loves Houston Wrestling promoter Paul Boesch.
Goes through the list of people we know said negative things about Paul.
Talks about the Jack Pfefer collection and the many letters Paul sent in his early years.
Finds a 1964 letter from Pfefer where he decides Paul is a punk.
Traces the fallout, as other people in the office react to Pfefer's offense.
Talks about Shirley "Lee Sigel" Carringer and her desire to take over Houston Wrestling.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 83: The Museum of Television Episodes
In Episode 83 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Museum of Television Episodes, Greg:
Reviews possibly the best month of Mid South Wrestling Association television in its entire history, March 1984, including the countdown and go home for the Last Stampede.
Looks at all the action, interviews and angles that set up the biggest box office month and second biggest Superdome show in MSWA history.
Marvels at how annoying Jim Cornette has become and just how satisfying it is — even for a fan of the Midnight Express — to see Cornette finally get humiliated.
Discusses the knee lift that killed the Dog's Yard and the bicycle mistake that may have kept the Superdome crowd from being the biggest MSWA Dome show ever.
Notes all the body language, symbolism and interviews that make this angle so good.
Enjoys all the tag team action.
Notices a new JYD discovery posted on social media.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 82: Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris
In Episode 82 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part Two, Morris, Greg:
Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Talks about the start of the Texas wrestling circuit and how Morris Sigel becomes involved in Houston Wrestling.
Compares Sigel's run in Houston to his protege Paul Boesch.
Talks about the innovations Sigel and his matchmakers brought to the state.
Lists some of the biggest names in wrestling who got their start, gimmick or big break in the Houston office.
Talks about the wrestling wars in Texas and the final stats as to who ran the state booking office and for how long.
Compares Sigel's run with the Texas Wrestling Agency to the Dallas booking office's tenure booking the state.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.
Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days.
Episode 81: Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester
In Episode 81 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Cool Cats, Part One, Sylvester, Greg:
Starts the 2025 campaign for Morris Sigel and the Junkyard Dog Sylvester Ritter to go into the Pro Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Talks about the historic nature of JYD's push in Mid South, his importance in Houston and New Orleans, the downtown neighborhood of Treme and for the WWF expansion plans.
Looks at JYD's year one in detail again and traces how quickly Ritter goes from not being smart to the business to being a main event wrestler.
Details some of Ritter's best matches in Nashville and Calgary.
Talks about the WWF expansion and VKM's other choices for the top Black star.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.
Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days.
Episode 80: The Breaking Kayfabe Takeover
In Episode 80 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Breaking Kayfabe Takeover, Greg:
Welcomes Barry Rose to the show for the first time!
Barry gives an update about Breaking Kayfabe with Bowdren & Barry.
Greg and Barry break kayfabe on food, movies, wrestling, relationships and life itself.
They discuss the Match of the Week: Feb. 25, 1983 from the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas as Chavo Guerrero challenges AWA world champion Nick Bockwinkel in a non-title match.
They marvel at the wonder of pizza, except the one type Greg deems the "pizza they serve you in hell".
They discuss Greg's new favorite wrestling parlor game, "did everyone really like Paul Boesch?"
They end with a look at the 1979 basketball film, "The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh" starring Dr. J. Julius Erving.
Plus, Greg announces his next film project and Barry plugs his next convention.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg! Go to https://tinyurl.com/SuperBuds25 to donate to his SuperBuds TV pilot fundraiser.
Go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/glory-days-grapplecon-3-3c855016bd6a to buy tickets to GrappleCon 3 Glory Days.
Episode 79: The Hesburgh Visit
In Episode 79 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Hesburgh Visit, Greg:
Announces his next wrestling book.
Talks about his visit to Notre Dame's Hesburgh Library to look at the Jack Pfefer Collection.
Explains the process of doing research at the world class sports research library.
Details what he was looking for and what he found and did not find.
Pulls out a few of the artifacts from the visit.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Cannabis Culture Film Fest on Sept 5 & 6 at Foothills in Oneonta.
https://filmotsego.org
Episode 78: Escape from Piedras Negras
In Episode 78 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Escape from Piedras Negras, Greg:
Talks Hesburgh prep.
Sets the stage for Sterling "Dizzy" Davis as a worker and as a carny and places him in the Texas Wrestling War(s) lineup.
Reads an article from the Texas Historical Society about the 1976 jailbreak from Piedras Negras prison, across the river from Eagle Pass, that is orchestrated by Davis.
Updates some Mid South booking and JYD history issues.
Discusses fall publication schedules.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Cannabis Culture Film Fest on Sept 5 & 6 at Foothills in Oneonta.
https://filmotsego.org
Episode 77: The Complicated Life & Legacy of Hulk Hogan
In Episode 77 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Complicated Life & Legacy of Hulk Hogan, Greg:
Announces a special trip.
Talks about the recent wave of deaths, obviously including WWF champion Hulk Hogan.
Thinks about Hogan's place in American wrestling in the 1980s, 1990s and as an all-time great.
Explains his family connection to Hogan's rise, and his feelings on the ups and downs of Hogan's two decades on top.
Talks about the con man behind the Hulk character and how the scandals he mishandled defined his post-ring legacy.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 76: The Television Title Tournament
In Episode 76 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Television Title Tournament, Greg:
Reviews television from the Mid South Wrestling Association from Feb. 1984.
Wonders why wrestling promoters could never get tournament brackets formatted correctly.
Talks about how weird it was for a Mid South fan to read about Hacksaw Duggan being a Kevin Sullivan-aligned heel in Florida.
Praises Mr. Ito, the debut of the Rock-n-Roll Express and the tag team of Butch Reed and Buddy Landel.
Prepares for the heel turn of Mr. Wrestling II.
Considers if Terry Taylor is the epitome of the wrestling truism about heels being nice guys in real life but babyfaces really being jerks.
Adds more context to the Amarillo decision to book its own world champion in the early 1960s.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 75: Time Tunnel Crossover
In Episode 75 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Time Tunnel Crossover, Greg:
Welcomes Tony Richards back to the show. Greg and Tony ...
Discuss the Amarillo territory, touching on the originals and top stars of the west Texas territory.
Look at Doc Sarpolis and his influences in wrestling,
Talk about Tony's Dory Funk Sr. project.
Draw a line from Funk to Ken Lucas to Ricky Morton and the Rock-n-Roll Express.
Revisit the 1973 accident that kept Dory Funk Jr. from dropping the NWA title to Jack Brisco.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 74: The Rich Full Life of a Bad Guy
In Episode 74 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Rich Full Life of a Bad Guy, Greg:
Unearths a 1966 Saturday Evening Post article about Cowboy Bill Watts and his heel turn in the WWWF.
Discusses his complicated feelings for Watts, the person, and love for Watts, the wrestling promoter.
Talks about the May 14, 1982 Houston Wrestling reboot.
Plays the what Corny got right, what Corny got wrong game with the May 14 show.
Gives a sneak peak into the creative stuff going on now.
Updates the Houston Wrestling annuals project.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 73: Classic Characters
In Episode 73 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Classic Characters, Greg:
Welcomes historian and author Steven Johnson to the show to discuss his new book, "The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Classic Characters."
Steve and Greg also ...
Talk about Paul Boesch, Gorilla Monsoon, Bob Orton Sr., Fritz Von Erich and many other stars.
Celebrate the place in the business of "enhancement" wrestlers.
Discuss the role of the historian in wrestling.
Explain the work Steven and Tim Hornbaker did and are doing to preserve the archives from the defunct Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 72: The 3rd Anniversary Show
In Episode 72 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The 3rd Anniversary Show, Greg:
Celebrates another year of doing the podcast.
Notes the milestone of TV reviews as well.
Looks unsuccessfully for episode 226.
Welcomes Terry Taylor and his perfect debut to MSWA.
Enjoys the heating up of Mid South after a fall of decline.
Ends with a story about the time he wrestled Bugsy McGraw.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 71: Gino's Edition
In Episode 71 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Gino's Edition, Greg:
Welcomes Lizzy Flanagan to the show for the first time.
Greg and Lizzy:
Discuss her upcoming book, "I Am Your Champion, The Life and Death of Wrestler Gino Hernandez.
Explore how a 20-something who did not grow up allowed to watch wrestling could become a fan of old school rasslin.
Joke about how Lizzy went looking for the Von Erichs and found Gino fandom instead.
Talk about Dynamic Duo teams and the various Gino's feuds.
Play the What If game.
Confront the conspiracy theories about Gino's death.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 70: Tulsa Wrestlefest
In Episode 70 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Tulsa Wrestlefest, Greg:
Welcomes Shawn Sparks aka Sparks3rdCoast to the show for the first time.
Greg and Shawn:
Look at the July 28, 1985, Mid South Wrestling Association show at Tulsa's Fair Meadows Raceway.
Enjoy the Fantastics vs Jerry Grey and Eddie Gilbert match but not as much as the women in the Tulsa crowd.
Discuss the two year journey of the Fantastics and Jake Roberts to becoming top stars in the region.
Consider Jake's recent comments about how he "stole the show" at Wrestlefest.
Defend Bill Watts (hoo boy) against Jake's allegations that Watts stole a payday from another worker by putting himself in the "main event" six man tag.
Talk about the biggest stars in Oklahoma wrestling history and note that the two of them on the card are almost the same age.
Praise the monster truck entrance of Hacksaw Duggan and Dick Murdock.
Greg wraps it up by looking at a WWF card three days later in Oklahoma City.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 69: Better Dead Than Red
In Episode 69 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Better Dead Than Red Show, Greg:
Looks at the December 1983 television for the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Plays some audio from the anti-Russian tirades of Bill Watts.
Discusses, again, how the current mindset about Nicolai Volkoff's pre-WWF run is wrong.
Notes where MSWA is still slow and where things are beginning to pick up.
Discusses the wardrobe choices for Watts and Mr. Wrestling II.
Revisits the discussion about the Terry Taylor intro videos and how he may have a different female fanbase than Magnum T.A.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 68: The 43rd Anniversary Show
In Episode 68 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The 43rd Anniversary Show, Greg:
Talks about the lead up to Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling's 43 Anniversary show June 5, 1959.
Looks at three programs from May 1959 that lead up to the big show.
Praises the decade long feud between Bull Curry and Danny McShane.
Corrects the timeline on when and how George Wagner becomes Gorgeous George, and what Dizzy Davis had to do with it.
Reviews the results from the anniversary show.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 67: The Golden Era Begins
In Episode 67 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Golden Era Begins, Greg:
Welcomes Winter Place podcast host and IWC friend Mark Coale to the show for the first time.
Greg and Mark:
Take a broad view of what Greg calls the Golden Era of the Mid South Wrestling Association, from the day Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express arrive until the day Bob Sweeten returns, or Nov. 83 to summer 1985.
Discuss the exit of the Junkyard Dog, the various and amazing take team matches and the star turns of Hacksaw Duggan, Terry Taylor and Jake Roberts.
Play the "who's your secret favorite awful JYD replacement" game and discuss who might have worked in that spot.
Look at the WWF invasion of Texas in December 1984.
Take a side trip into Dallas wrestling and politics in 1984/85.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 66: Jenny's Episode
In Episode 66 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Jenny's Episode, Greg:
Pays tribute to his late mother, Jennifer Evans.
Notes how she changed his life for the better by helping him pay for wrestling school, thus sending him to Adrian Street rather than a notorious Gulf Coast outlaw.
Updates the biggest star in Houston Wrestling discussion.
Finds out where the MSWA and UWF music came from. Hat tip to IWC friend, Sparks Third Coast.
Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from 1976 with a great main event and a Superstar return.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 65: Darkest Before the Dawn
In Episode 65 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Darkest Before the Dawn, Greg:
Looks at television for November 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Talks again about the problems with rasslin in the South in the fall and how fall of 1983 is perhaps the rock bottom point in the promotion.
Coming up next is the tag team of George Weingroff & Tony Torres.
Picks out two good angles that clearly came from the Watts/Ross roundtable before Bill Dundee arrives as booker.
Wonders what happen to Nicolai Volkoff when he got to the WWF. (Answer: The WWF happened to him.)
Witnesses the odd pairing of Magnum TA & Lanny Poffo in suit and ties with Mr. Wrestling II in a sweater and tie.
Talks about how the Watts/Memphis timeline is backward from what he expected.
Celebrates as Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express arrive and we get a glimpse into the on-coming Gold Era of MSWA.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 64: Two Ring Battle Royal
In Episode 64 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Ring Battle Royal, Greg:
Updates the Sylvester Ritter Year One discussion.
Corrects a fact about Houston's use of the two ring battle royal.
Names to top 30 stars of Houston Wrestling, split into the Morris Sigel and Paul Boesch eras.
Talks about the two biggest stars in Houston Wrestling, based on who Sigel and Boesch said were their biggest stars.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 63: Vision Quest
In Episode 63 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Vision Quest, Greg:
Looks at the podcast's 2024 in review, including this year's Top 5 cities.
Laughs about a match he attended in 1987 that ties into Episode 21, The Wrath of Khan.
Discovers what Sylvester Ritter was doing Christmas night 1976.
Ponders all the new information Beau James gave us in Episode 61 about the start of Ritter's career.
Welcomes wrestling historian Tony Richards to the show to discuss the 2024 WON HOF campaign and how to approach the revival in 2025.
Tony also fills us in on his research into Dork Funk Sr., and his long-term plans in regard to wrestling.
We look at the Christmas gifts Houston Wrestling gave to its fans in Dec. 1978.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 62: And Then Things Got Weird
In Episode 62 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, And Then Things Got Weird, Greg:
Looks at television for the Mid South Wrestling Association for October 1983.
Speculates about the booking situation and reviews what we know about fall in the South.
Tries to make sense of the North American title turmoil.
Laughs about the solid wrestling ability of Max the Missing Link.
Watches probably the best little person mixed match ever wrestled.
Celebrates a Mike Jackson win.
Waits patiently for Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 61 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Hey, Junior, Where's My Cowboy Movie At?, Greg:
Welcomes Tennessee wrestler and historian Beau James to the show.
Beau talks about how he met Sylvester Ritter, the time Ritter lived with him and what the Junkyard Dog was like as a real person.
Greg and Beau lament the idea of "workrate" being the most important barometer of wrestling success.
Beau talks about Jimmy Valiant's popularity in Tennessee and the Crockett territory.
Beau shocks Greg when he talks about when he thinks Sylvester Ritter had his first match.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 60 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Southwest Takeover, Greg:
Welcomes Las Vegas resident and rasslin podcast Roman Gomez to the show to talk about Southwest Championship Wrestling.
Greg and Roman review an episode taped Dec. 29, 1982 in the Junction in San Antonio.
They discuss the changes coming in wrestling and the need to let go of studio matches.
Greg, of course, pays tribute to announcer Steve Stack, and carpenter El Santo Negro aka Billy Two Eagles aka Relampago Leon, the lion who moves like lightning.
They look at lineups from Championship Wrestling from the same week, comparing the TV product of SWCW an WWF.
The marvel at the heel incoherence of Adrian Adonis and Roman asks, "is he on something."
And, yes, we close with said Adonis interview, for the goat ropers in the back.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 59 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Seasonal Variances, Greg:
Reveals his newest, earliest Houston Wrestling program, from May 1948.
Talks about the Billy Varga collection he bought and the range of programs from 1948 to 1958.
Marvels at the Houston main event and the storyline for Danny McShane vs Miguel "Black" Guzman.
Talks about Whiskers Savage and the newcomer hyped to the next Whiskers, Farmer Jack.
Revisits the story of how Argentina Rocca came to North American, how he left Texas on bad terms and how Morris Sigel got revenge.
Looks at Billy Varga's family history in wrestling.
Doubles up with the lead story from Fort Worth 10 days later about Rocca's debut and the double main of Guzman vs Bomber Kulky and McShane vs Mike Sharpe.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 58 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Seasonal Variances, Greg:
Takes a look at the Mid South Wrestling Association for Sept. 1983.
Compares five years of MSWA to the TV show The Wire, and discusses how we look for the one we like less.
Says goodbye again to Ted DiBiase.
Laughs at Bill Watts use of the Road Warriors.
Welcomes Jim "the Hammer" Neidhardt and Nicolai Volkoff, as one of them bid a not-fond farewell to Boris Zurkoff. Or so Reiser called him.
Hypes his appearances on Stick to Wrestling and Shut Up and Wrestle.
Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 57 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Professor Talks JYD, Greg:
Welcomes his first guest to the show, New Orleans native and JYD original fan, the Professor Ricardo Coleman.
Greg and Ricardo talk about the historic nature of Sylvester Ritter's wrestling career.
They explain how wrestling differed in New Orleans before and after JYD, especially where in town the matches were held and who was in the audience.
They look at the unusual personalities of Bill Watts and Ernie Ladd and how that mixed to create the iconic character and his alter ego, Stagger Lee.
They discuss a Mount Rushmore of JYD villains and how the story of who opposed JYD is like a lesson in Black history.
They discuss JYD's first couple of years in the WWF and how big a star he was there in 1985 and 1986.
They question is the workrate issue is holding back Black wrestlers, who had to work a certain style, from getting into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Greg's note: I said Ernie Ladd and Ray Candy were on the 1978 Dome show with Bill Watts and Terry Funk. The Funk-Watts Dome show was 1976. Dick Murdock and Karl Kox co-main evented in 1978.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Ricardo's French Quarter Tour business Hottest Hell Tours. Go to https://www.hottesthell.com/ to book an incredible tour of New Orleans.
In Episode 56 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Morris Sigel for the WON HOF, 2024 Edition, Greg:
Takes a second look at the Hall of Fame candidacy of Houston promoter and Texas Booking Agency head Morris Sigel.
Traces his journey from hardware accountant to head of Houston Wrestling and his formation of the Texas wrestling circuit.
Notes the names of the top wrestlers he either discovered, started or helped find their stride: Verne Gagne, Buddy Rogers, Argentino Rocca and Gorgeous George, among others.
Discovers the connection between Sigel and the end of the territory war between Lou Thesz and Sam Muchnick, and the bonding of Thesz to the new NWA cartel.
Revisits the 1950s Texas wrestling war.
Talks about Sigel's influence on Paul Boesch's Hall of Fame promoting career and notes how all the distinguishing characteristics of the Boesch era come from the Sigel era, which is twice as long.
If you want to see my Morris Sigel for the WON HOF talking points, message me on social media or email me at JYDBook@gmail.com.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
In Episode 55 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks more about the Hall of Fame candidacy of Sylvester Ritter aka the Junkyard Dog.
Picks up at the beginning of Year One and talks about the timing of when Ritter must have trained.
Wonders if there are still earlier matches than Ritter's first known match of Nov. 11, 1976 vs Mike Boyette.
Talks about how Ritter's trainer Sonny King left him behind in Carolina, but Ritter still found a way into the business.
Follows Ritter around the south as he goes from Carolina to Louisiana/Oklahoma to Memphis to Knoxville to Gulf Coast to Gulas.
Notes how quickly Ritter goes from indies to a tag title in a major territory (one year) to a solo title in a major territory (two years) to being the historic star of a territory (three years).
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 54: The College Edition
In Episode 54 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Talks about the Junkyard Dog and his candidacy for the Wrestling Observer Newletter's Hall of Fame.
Looks at Sylvester Ritter's life before wrestling, including his two year trying to break into professional football.
Finds an ad for the earliest known match for Sylvester Ritter, only to learn someone else had tagged the ad first.
Learns about and laughs about the wrestling history term, "You got Getz'd."
Discusses the idea of workrate and stereotypical wrestling styles of yesteryear and how the two are not always compatible.
Compares the careers of Paul Orndorff and JYD.
Lobbys for JYD's HOF inclusion and announces a very special guest to explore the matter further next month.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Power Play Sports Collectables. Thank you for the Houston Wrestling lot! Check them out on eBay or at https://powerplaysportscards.com/.
Episode 53: The Cheese Stands Alone
In Episode 53 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at the August 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Talks about Ted DiBiase's two-year MSWA run, which comes to a close in August.
Wonders if the top heel leaving has anything to do with the slowdown in fall of 1983.
Discusses the use of more arena footage rather than longer TV tapings.
Welcomes Barry Darsow and his Daisy Dukes to MSWA.
Discusses Magnum TA's push and how he comes in above the normal white meat young babyface level.
Traces the final days of Ted DiBiase in MSWA in 1983.
Closes out the Bronze Era of MSWA.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 52: 1949, Part Two
In Episode 52 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at two programs from November 1949 Houston Wrestling, which feature Billy Varga challenging for NWA titles.
Lucks into a piece of history as the second program features a preview of the Argentina Rocca vs Lou Thesz grudge match with huge out of the ring implications.
Traces the bad blood between Rocca and Morris Sigel and his Houston office.
Celebrates the second anniversary of the show with an old school story about Larry Santana aka Larry Santo, who passed away recently.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by The Lake House Restaurant & Lodge on Canadarago Lake in Richfield, New York.https://www.lakehouse1843.com/
Episode 51: 1949
In Episode 51 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Revisits the subject of his earlier Houston Wrestling programs with a look at two issues form 1949.
Talks about the start of TV in Houston and note how close we are to the Texas Wrestling War.
Looks at the debut of Verne Gagne and marvels on the hair young Verne has.
Thanks Young Billy Varga aka the Count for keeping such a great collection.
Praise the book, The Six Pack."
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information.
Episode 50: Brick by Brick
In Episode 50 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at July 1983 TV for the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Talks about the building of Magnum T.A. as a babyface and Butch Reed as a main event heel.
Notes the girls in the crowd screaming for TA and Johnny Rich.
Welcomes Doctor Death back to MSWA.
Says a fond farewell to Mr. Olympia.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information.
Episode 49: The fall of Fall
In Episode 49 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Gives his no longer hot take on The Iron Claw.
Compares November attendances figures for the Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas vs the LSU-Tulane football games.
Unearths two 1986 shows that made him pop.
Looks at an article from the national World War II Museum in New Orleans about wrestlers who served.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information.
Episode 48: The Atomic Drop
In Episode 48 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at June 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Talks about the final turn of early 1983 as Butch Reed has decided he has had enough of friendship.
Considers what word JYD called Reed before the big split.
Discusses the National Title situation in Georgia as Mr. Wrestling II shows up with a belt he has not won yet.
Finds a new favorite Boyd-ism in, "how big is big, how tough is tough."
Explores the "dive vs jump rule" that MSWA apparently has always had, aka the Harley Race Rule, and uses to welcome Mil Mascaras.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Christmas in July fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas Movie Inc. Go to https://christmasinjulymoviefundraiser.ticketleap.com/christmas-in-july-concert-at-the-lake-house/ to buy tickets for the July 7, 2024, event in Richfield NY. Qualified investors should contact Greg at JYDBook@gmail.com for more information.
Episode 47: Double Main Go!
In Episode 47 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Explains his favorite new/old-time wrestling term, the Double Main Go.
Finishes looking at the McGuirk/Watts/Crockett Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas at the New Orleans Superdome.
Reviews the lowest drawing Superdome shows.
Source: http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/midsouth/cards.html
Runs the numbers of the shows pre-Junkyard Dog, during the Junkyard Dog era and post-JYD.
Notes the gap in attendance for the fall Dome shows vs spring and summer shows.
Looks at the top feud of 1970 in Houston Wrestling, Wahoo McDaniel vs the Funk family.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by the Wrestling Nostalgia podcast with Dave Dynasty. Follow him at @thedavesynasty and listen to his interviews about territory wrestling wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode 46: Walkin' Tall
In Episode 46 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at the May 1983 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.
Remarks how over Hacksaw Duggan is as a new babyface and how hated his counterpart Ted DiBiase still is, a year after turning heel.
Gives a nod to the early success for King Kong Bundy and his five-count gimmick, leading to speculation as to how Bundy "dumbs himself out of position."
Laments the arrival of Boris Zhukov as it pertains to the Mid South tag team titles.
Weighs the life cycle of a heel in MSWA.
Welcomes Terry Allen to Mid South with a bullet.
Discusses the new oldest Houston Wrestling program in the collection.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 45: Issue No. 1
In Episode 45 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at the Mid South Wrestling Association's first program.
Talks about the backstory of Cowboy Bill Watts' 1970s pathway to becoming a wrestling promoter and why he split with Leroy McGuirk.
Remarks on how Mr. Wrestling II's popularity in 1982 and 1983, isn't out of nowhere.
Discovers the storytelling behind the North American title and the new tag team titles at the start of MSWA.
Dives in and backs out of the which one is or isn't the racist questions when dealing with Southern (on any) promoters.
Laments (again) the lack of MSWA footage from fall 1979 to November 1981.
Reviews the top drawing MSWA Championship Wrestling Extravaganzas at the New Orleans Superdome. Source: http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/misc/midsouth/cards.html
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."
Episode 44: Turn, Turn, Turn
In Episode 44 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at the Mid South Wrestling Association's TV for April 1983.
Wonders how MSWA got away with the Duggan hates Akbar angle and then guesses why the lapse in logic did not matter to Duggan's babyface turn.
Says goodbye to Matt Borne and Tiger Conway Jr.
Talks about how and why Mr. Wrestling II is getting a lot of the babyface shine that spring.
Flags an interesting quote from Cowboy Bill Watts that speak volumes about today's political climate.
Tries to figure out one of the worse finishes in TV wrestling history and comes up with nothing.
Wonders if the wrong wrestler won the North American title match at the Superdome on April 16, 1983, and considers how good Mr. Olympia's supervillain backstory is.
Special first time guest Lily the cat chimes in, too.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.
Episode 43: The 1950s Texas Wrestling War
In Episode 43 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Pays his respects to Ole Anderson, wrestling's favorite grumpy Uncle.
Goes deep into the 1950s Texas Wrestling War, with more than 25 newspaper articles gathered from newspapers.com.
Explores what Jim and Brian got right and what they got wrong from their Guess the Program segments on Cornette's show.
Points out the first attempt by Dallas to gain booking control from Houston and how it led to the second attempt and the Texas war.
Goes through the clips about the May 1, 1953 fire at the Sportatorium and runs down the suspects who had the motive to burn the building down.
Looks at the other fronts in the war, including in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, El Paso and Fort Worth.
Looks at the aftermath of the war in 1954 and 1955 and traces that to 1967 when Dallas finally gets the booking office away from Houston.
Pays tribute to Morris Sigel, Ed McLemore and Doc Sarpolis, who often don't get credit for building Houston, Dallas and Amarillo into big wrestling towns.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1 You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 42: To Every Season ...
In Episode 42 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at Mid South Wrestling Association TV for March 1983.
Talks about the long-term episodic booking going on with a six-month Mr. Wrestling II vs Mr. Olympia build-up and the recent tease of Hacksaw Duggan turning face.
Laments the missed moves and short MSWA run of Tiger Conway Jr.
Follows Ted DiBiase's March schedule to figure out what he gets an "unpaid vacation" in the middle or the Rat Pack's run.
Bids farewell to Tony Atlas in MSWA.
Revisits the Houston Wrestling Gold Cup with new information about the final day of the three-day celebration.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1 You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 41: The Super Bowl of Wrestling
**In Episode 41 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at the Super Bowl of Wrestling, or as many Super Bowl of Wrestling cards as he could find.
The journey apparently begins in 1972 in Cleveland, with a show deemed a dud.
However, over the next decade promoters ran Super Bowl of Wrestling shows in cities large (Chicago, Nashville, Memphis, Irving, Texas, Miami) and smaller (Paduca and Bowling Green, Kentucky, El Paso and Abilene, Texas, Knoxville, Waterloo, Iowa).
Verne Gange jumps into the Super Bowl fray in a big way, making it into a film idea and a five-year chase of the AWA title.**
Pulls two Texas programs out of the 1976 file to look at hype for the June 5, 1976, Super Bowl of Wrestling at Texas Stadium, featuring Terry Funk defending the NWA title against Firtz Von Erich.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release is out now, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein" on Amazon.https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Painting-Sun-Plays-Klein/dp/1737863510/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Sunset+Painting+and+the+Sun+two+plays+by+Greg+Klein&qid=1706748251&sr=8-1 You can also buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 40: A Giant Slam
In Episode 40 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Goes back to Mid South in 1983, this time Feburary, for one of the final visits to MSWA from Andre the Giant.
Wonders again about 1983 MSWA booking and the limited wrestling schedule for Ernie Ladd that year.
Looks at three great tag team matches/angles, as the tag team champs, Ted DiBiase and Matt Borne, take on Mr. Wrestling II & the Junkyard Dog and Tony Atlas & Andre and then JYD & II again.
Celebrates peak Kamala in MSWA.
Enjoys the foreshadowing of the springtime Jim Duggan turn.
Takes a look into the 1983 schedule of Andre the Giant.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 39: Christmas Gifts
In Episode 39 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Gives Gene Petit aka Tom Steele his Reunion Arena Star Wars due.
Researches the Parade of Champions show and traces it back to Buffalo in 1939.
Looks at the various, sometimes changing, figures for the Buffalo super shows found in a bunch of clips from the Buffalo Evening News.
Pulls out a Christmas edition out of his Houston Wrestling program collection, from Dec. 22, 1972, with a triple main event, a special give-away drawing and a big show to start the new year!
Reflects on the end of 2023 and the ups and downs of life, wishes you a happy holiday season and looks forward to great 2024, on the podcast and off.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 38: Did You See What Boesch Saw?
In Episode 38 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Moves into 1983 with his viewing of his beloved Mid South Wrestling Association.
Explores the odd conversation of Paul Boesch and Boyd Pierce as they discuss Mr. Wrestling II beating Tully Blanchard down to a bloody mess.
Talks about how Bill Watts is continuing to position the Southwest stars as lesser than the MSWA talent and how this is a crucial time in the brewing war between San Antonio and Houston.
Says goodbye to Gino Hernandez in MSWA (until 1985).
Wonders who is booking MSWA in 1983 and why there is short crew at the beginning of the year.
Cringes at Mike Sharp's MSWA farewell. But don't worry, we will see it again.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 37: The Summer of '69, Part Two
In Episode 37 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from Sept. 19, 1969.
Revisits the Wrestling Observer HOF Class of 2023 and outlines a strategy going forward to work for Morris Sigel and Sylvester Ritter to make the HOF.
Follows up on the Tracy Smothers-Adrian Street alleged incident mentioned in Tracy's book, "If You Don't Buy This Book Everybody Dies."
Talks about the Houston program's two weeks of main events: 9-19-69 with Dory Funk Jr. defending the NWA title vs Johnny Valentine, and the 9-26-69 advertised main of Valentine vs Wahoo McDaniel in a revenge match where the third fall, if needed, is a strap match.
Tells an R-rated Ernie Ladd story in the last five minutes of the show. You've been warned.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 36: Snowflakes & Superheroes
In Episode 36 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at a Houston Wrestling program from Oct. 24, 1975.
Talks about the upcoming Halloween 1975 show the program advertises.
Predicts the Wrestling Observer HOF Class of 2023.
Looks at how WON HOF ballots track differently than MLB HOF ballots.
Explains why he is now confidant Sylvester Ritter will get into the WON HOF and why how and why the Morris Sigel for HOF work will continue.
Tears into Dave Meltzer for being unable to take criticism and Shane Helms for being a duchy snowflake bro.
Tells the story about the day he met Nick Offerman because Nick approached him in a men's room.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 35: Boyd's No Snitch
In Episode 34 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at December 1982 in the Mid South Wrestling Association, including three tapings in one and a year in review.
Talks about Boyd Pierce's refusal to testify in the case of DiBiase vs. Lee.
Picks a MSWA wrestler and match of the year.
Looks at Mr. Olympia's first MSWA run and his 90 days away.
Laments how little we got to see of the Legion of Masked Superfriends.
Comments on a Houston Wrestling match where Mil Mascaras does a "yes yob."
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 34: Morris P. Sigel for the WON HOF
In Episode 34 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Does some investigating into two questions that have been floating around the podcast lately:
1) Did Sylvester Ritter work at Wal-Mart at the end of his life?
2) Did Tracy Smothers get the better of Adrian Street during a fight in Alabama in 1987 or 1988?
Rants a little more about the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame and its exclusion of the Junkyard Dog.
Promotes the candidacy of Houston Wrestling promoter Morris P. Sigel, who owned the Texas booking office and promoted the Houston market for more than four decades.
Examines Iron Mike Sharp's first couple of runs in the WWF in 1983 and 1984 and debunks the idea that Sharp never won matches.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 33: The Ballad of Stagger Lee
In Episode 33 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at MSWA TV for November 1982, including the "newcomer" Stagger Lee.
Explores the cultural and musical background of the character and how it relates to the babyface under a mask gimmick.
Talks about Tony Atlas in his prime and Hacksaw Duggan's move to headlining singles.
Considers Kamala's new taste for masks and Mr. Wrestling II's suddenly flawed masks.
Finds the passage from Tracy Smothers' book where he claims he won a fight against Adrian Street and tries to narrow down when the fight allegedly took place.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 32: The Farm Accident Heard Round the World, Part 2
In Episode 32 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Revisits the most popular episode of the podcast so far, looking at two new perspectives on the missed Dory Funk Jr. vs Jack Brisco NWA title match in Houston on March 2, 1973.
Looks at Brisco, the autobiography by Jack Brisco from Crowbar Press and explores Brisco's complex feelings about the Funk family.
Talks about how Brisco had to be rebuilt as a championship contender after missing his title shot.
Reads Brisco's thoughts on Dory Funk Jr's accident and the alleged injuries he suffered.
Explains who Brisco thought was the real King of Houston wrestling.
Looks at one more perspective on the missed NWA title match, from Dory Funk Sr's other son, Dory Jr's brother, Terry Funk.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 31: The Unbelievable Finish
In Episode 31 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at October 1982 in the Mid South Wrestling Association, as one of the biggest angles in territory history takes place.
Talks about the success of Hacksaw Duggan's spear as it becomes his finishing move and is figured into two big title changes.
Welcomes Tony Atlas to MSWA.
Wonders why U.S. crowds never got "the Great Marcus."
Shares some information he came across about James "Irish" McNeel and his Boys Club, which you can see https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/09/21/The-designation-of-a-northwest-Louisiana-gym-as-a/1143432964800/.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 30: The Adrian Street Tribute
In Episode 30 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Pays tribute to his trainer, Exotic Adrian Street, after learning of Adrian's death.
Looks at Adrian's early career and the influence he had on Glam Rockers and UK history.
Talks about Adrian's days in the territories, from 1981 in L.A. to Alabama in the late 1980s.
Reiterates how many skills and talents Adrian Street had in and out of the ring, including as a famous shooter.
Remembers the best memories of training in the Skull Crusher shed in Gulf Breeze.
For more about Greg's training and his relationship with Adrian and Linda, check out episodes 2, 3 and 12.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 29: The Summer of '69
In Episode 29 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Takes a trip way down south to Harlingen, Texas, to look at matches at the Wrestlethon Auditorium in June and August of 1969. Headliners include "Dirty" Dusty Rhodes, Wahoo McDaniel, Johnny Valentine, Thunderbolt Patterson and Jose Lothario.
Talks about other things happening in the summer of 1969, such as the decline in attendance in New York.
Looks at wrestling in Milwaukee in 1969, courtesy of Wrestling News and the Milwaukee Wrestling Yearbook.
Tells a forgotten story about Johnny Rich's ring.
Pays tribute to his trainer, Exotic Adrian Street, after learning of Adrian's death, while recording.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 28: Mr. II
In Episode 28 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Gives a post-script to the Johnny Rich's Ring story by talking about WrestleMania XI.
Talks about the Dark Side of the Ring episode reaction, including rebutting a couple of things said by famous commentators.
Talks about the minor controversy involving George Culkin and his true feelings for Junkyard Dog.
Looks at September 1982 in the Mid South Wrestling Association, including the temper of Mr. Wrestling II, the continued dominance of Hacksaw Duggan and Ted DiBiase and a decisive farewell to the One Man Gang.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 27: The Dark Side of the Junkyard Dog
In Episode 27 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Reviews the Dark Side of the Ring episode about the Junkyard Dog, aka Sylvester Ritter.
Talks about producers for various shows and movies contacting him for JYD information and how it helped DSOTR get some of its key interviews.
Reflects on the rumor that Bill Watts called Ritter the n-word before JYD jumped to the WWF in 1984.
Says a heartfelt f-you to Jake Roberts for talking trash about anyone else's drug issues or performances at indie shows. (Language warning!)
Debates if Ritter had found peace late in his life, a theory that is somewhat contradicted by the DSOTR episode.
Proposes the idea of a donation to Fayetteville State University to help get Sylvester Ritter into FSU's athletic Hall of Fame.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 26: Shepard's Episode
In Episode 26 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:In memorial of his younger (step) brother, Greg talks about their shared memories watching wrestling and the days of trying rasslin' moves on your little brother.
Looks at Mid South Wrestling from August of 1982.
Wonders why Dick Murdock wasn't turned heel in 1982, instead of Ted DiBiase.
Laughs at Bill Watts explaining the term, "no pain, no gain."
Discusses Iron Mike Sharp's summer push in MSW(A).
Welcomes Hacksaw Duggan to the full-time roster.
This episode of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is dedicated to Shepard Alex Freedman, 1975-2023. RIP, my brother.
Episode 25: Road to Huertgen, Forest in Hell
In Episode 25 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Takes an in-depth look at Paul Boesch's World War II book, "Road to Huertgen, Forest in Hell."
Talks about the role Boesch played in the war, where, and how he was decorated.
Looks at the two battles from 1944, Boesch describes in the book, including the massive battle in Huertgen Forest.
Thinks about the comparison between 32-year-old Paul Boesch leading men at war and older Paul Boesch dealing with the boys in the dressing rooms.
Gives tribute to the long list of those who Boesch references as having died in those 1944 battles.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 24: Johnny Rich's Ring
In Episode 24 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Talks about 1995 and the summer he had Johnny Rich's ring in his front yard of his house, which was on state Highway 14W, just outside of Prattville, Ala.
Reflects about the luckiest break he ever had in the business, which turned out to be an ankle, and how that led to acquiring the wrestling ring.
Talks about working for Donny Martin, aka the Rocking Rebel (Southern version), and the TV squash matches he went under on.
Explains what it was like to watch a bunch of kids decide they wanted to be wrestlers and then quitting one by one.
Remembers an attempt to swerve Johnny Rich in regard to giving back the ring, and wonders if it could have led to wrestling disaster.
Gets nostalgic about the summer of 1995 and Friday evening wrestling practice in an outdoor ring.
Traces the best experiences of his career to that break and that ring.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 23: Two Programs from Houston
In Episode 23 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Looks at two of his oldest programs from Houston Wrestling, one each from its two legendary promoters:
- Friday, Aug. 1, 1958, from the City Auditorium, promoter Morris P. Sigel promoted a main event of Dickie Steinborn defending the Texas Championship against Pepper Gomez.
- Friday, Feb. 17, 1967, the new Gulf Athletic Club and promoter Paul Boesch presented a main event at the Downtown Recreation Center of Bearcat Wright vs. Karl Von Brauner.
- Boesch also teased a bigger show. Friday, March 3, at the Coliseum.
Teases his appearance on The Winter Palace's Episode 120, May Day, talking about Eddie Gilbert, a lot of Russians, one buried Cowboy and one distressed announcer from Oklahoma.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 22: 1976: A Funker of a Year
In Episode 22 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Talks about the career of Terry Funk, the West Texas legend.
Looks at Funk's NWA title reign from his Dec. 1975 win over Jack Brisco to his Feb. 1977 loss to Harley Race.
Focuses on Funk's title defenses in Houston, including against Peter Mavia, Rocky Johnson and Jose Lothario.
Considers how much longer Funk would be a force in wrestling and what a cultural icon he became.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 21: The Wrath of Khan
In Episode 21 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Talks about the career of Masashi Ozawa, a Japanese wrestler better known as the Mongolia Killer Khan.
Looks at Khan's career-making feud with Andre the Giant and how it was an accident.
Talks about the PWI match of the year in 1981.
Looks at Mid South Wrestling Association's TV shows from July 1982.
Mocks Buck Robley's dirty arm pad and wonders how loading it could be such a good finisher if it never connects with his opponents.
Figures out where Jerry Lawler was in early 1986.
Wonders if Bill Watts left his booking job in Georgia voluntarily in 1973 or if he was fired, as Gary Hart alleges.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 20: The Bill and Buddy Show
In Episode 20 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:Dips his toes into Memphis Wrestling for the first time, talking about the Bill and Buddy Show from winter 1986.
Looks at four Memphis cards in 1985-86 and plays guess the attendance.
Talks about the six weeks Bill Dundee and Buddy Landel headlined the Mid-South Coliseum against Jerry Lawler and Dutch Mantell.
Talks about the 1992 Fire on the Mountain I Quit match between Landel and Tim Horner and defends the match and Landel's antics.
Tells the story of the Headbangers vs Murray the Referee in 1995 and what Buddy Landel's role was in the match.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 19: A very expensive book, brudda
In Episode 19 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Discovers a copy of the autobiography of "Playboy" Gary Hart and is fascinated with the manager/booker's life story.
Answers his question from a previous episode about why Dusty Rhodes did not get to defend the NWA title in his home state of Texas in 1981.
Listens to a 1976 interview from Houston Wrestling with Paul Boesch, Gary Hart, The Sheik and a giant boa constrictor.
Talks about Hart's complicated relationships with Paul Boesch and Fritz Von Erich.
Considers how much Hart seemed to care about the wrestlers he managed, as well as the Von Erich boys, and how much the deaths of his wrestlers hurt him.
Looks at the attendance figures of the Texas Stadium shows and attendance capacity for the biggest WCCW venues.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 18: The Best Man No More
In Episode 18 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Catches up on Mid South 1982 during a pivotal summer, as Ted DiBiase decides he does not care what he needs to do to protect himself and get his North American title back.
Looks at May and June television as Skandar Akbar's Army continues to gang up on the good guys, Dick Murdock runs through a gauntlet of bounty hunters and Bob Roop clings to the North American title.
Takes a detour into Amarillo June 1982 to look at an all-time amazing indie card.
Talks about how your best friend turning on you is peak male soap opera.
This episode of GKOSRT is brought to you by Roman Gomez's wrestling DVDs. If you are in the market for DVDs for your collection, chances are Roman has it in his collection. Friend him on Facebook or message him for more information!
Episode 17: A Flair for the Road
In Episode 17 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks at Ric Flair's 1985 NWA World title defenses, including (of course) at the Sam Houston Coliseum.
Talks about how the dying territory system would make 1985 or 1986 the last year of the touring world champion.
Looks at Flair's Texas and Mid South schedule in 1984 and 1986 and wonders why he did not make defenses in Houston those years.
Talks about Ole Anderson's comment that there were only two NWA champions who really liked the job and the road.
Listens to the origins of the Ric Flair-Wahoo McDaniel feud, courtesy of www.midatlanticgateway.com and wonders how to measure a feud that lasts years, not weeks. The audio is choppy, but apparently on my end, so please go to www.midatlanticgateway.com/2022/03/flair-wahoo-origins.html to learn and hear more.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 16: Hands of Stone, Title Reign of Clay
In Episode 16 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Looks into Jim Crockett Promotions downfall and traces it back to all of the booking, and buying from 1987.
Talks about the good and the bad of Dusty Rhodes' booking and how bad it was at times in 1987.
Wonders if buying the UWF had any due diligence attached to it.
Looks at Ronnie Garvin's 1987 NWA World title reign and laments how many lost opportunities there were with that title reign.
Goes through the Starrcade 1987 lineup and notes how many bad decisions were made in booking that event.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 15: The Greatest Feud That Never Was
In Episode 15 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Pretends he is Nick Bockwinkel and has a "Southwest week." Greg dips down into San Antonio to talk about the action at the Junction and HemiFair in 1983.
Look at the wrestling prodigy Gino Hernandez and his famous tags teams known as The Dynamic Duo, with Tully Blanchard in Southwest and with Chris Adams in World Class.
Talks about the two feuds from those tag teams that never happen. which one he wishes he had gotten to see play out and which one he thinks would not have played out as well as people expected.
Dips his toes into the Gino death "controversy" and "what ifs" had Gino lived.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 14: Dusty, Dusty, Dusty
In Episode 14 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Goes on a rant about the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Hall of Fame ballot and tries, again, to explain Junkyard Dog's historical significance to wrestling.
Looks for NWA world title defenses in Houston by Dusty Rhodes and comes up empty, but finds some incredible matches instead, including title defenses against Jimmy Snuka, Bruiser Brody and Terry Gordy.
Looks at the NWA title in 1981, including Harley Race's matches in Houston before the no-show, the week-long reign of Tommy Rich and the switch to Rhodes as an interim champion mid year.
Examines the title defenses in all three of Dusty's NWA world title reigns and zeroes pretty quickly on the best reign by default.
Tells another The Sharper Image story, this time about being "Clerks"-like rude to an A-lister in Beverly Hills.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 13: The Farm Accident Heard Round the World
In Episode 13 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about the famous 1973 NWA title controversy when champion Dory Funk Jr.'s shoulder injury causes him to miss a scheduled title change in Houston, and how it leads to a new build-up for Jack Brisco in Houston.
Looks at a program from July 6, 1973, the match before the match, as Jack Brisco wins a No. 1 contender's match with Funk Jr. in order to earn a title shot against Harley Race.
Charts Funk Jr.'s run in Houston wrestling as NWA champ, from 1969 to 1973, including matches against Johnny Valentine, Jose Lothario, Red Bastien, Ernie Ladd, and an entire year of Wahoo McDaniel matches.
Looks at Race and Brisco in Houston in 1973.
Looks at Race's two-month introductory title reign.
Tells the story of Stevie Wonder's extravagant Christmas present buying spree at The Sharper Image.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 12: Some of us are Clowns
In Episode 12 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about meeting Golden Boy Jerry Grey in the Houston County Farm Center in Dothan, where he also reunites briefly with Adrian Street and Miss Linda. .
Talks about working for Jerry in World Pro Wrestling in 1996 and 1997.
Provides some context to the infamous Jake Roberts owes Jerry money story.
Talks about his match with Greg the Hammer Valentine.
Talks about life as a clown gimmick.
Tells one of his favorite stories from his rasslin days, about a screw up in a match with Bugsy McGraw.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 11: 1983: Bockwinkel says Goodbye to Houston
In Episode 11 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Continues to re-examine the career of AWA world champion Nick Bockwinkel, this time looking at his 1983 travels and matches.
Discusses the attempted territory war in Houston in spring 1983 as Southwest tries to reclaim the market, running opposition to Paul Boesch and Bill Watts.
Looks at one of his favorite matches, from Feb. 25, 1983, when Chavo Guerrero wins a non-title match against Nick Bockwinkel.
Looks at Bockwinkel's other matches in Houston in 1983, including against Dusty Rhodes, Junkyard Dog, Mil Mascaras and Mr. Wrestling II.
Source material for this episode is Mark James' book of programs, "Houston Programs 1982-1983," and Pete Birkholz's book, "When Wrestling Was Rasslin'." Two of the Houston matches discussed this episode are widely available to view, on Youtube and elsewhere, so check them out!
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 10: The Butch Reed tribute
In Episode 10 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about one of his territory favorites, Hacksaw Butch Reed.
Traces his love to Reed to a magazine article about his success in Florida.
Looks at the first half of Reed's career, including his Central States pedigree, start in Vancouver, first trip to Georgia, big star push in Florida, return to Georgia as a star, and, of course, his three great years in Mid South.
Focuses on Reed's NWA title shots against Ric Flair, including famous angles in Florida and Mid South.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 9: 1982: Farewell to the Gulf Athletic Club
In Episode 9 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Continues to re-examine the career of AWA world champion Nick Bockwinkel, this time looking at his 1982 travels and matches.
Discusses the changes in wrestling and in Houston Wrestling in 1982, as Gulf Athletic Club is replaced by The Best of Texas Wrestling, Inc.
Nails down the exact time of the switch from a Paul Boesch solo promotion in Houston to a partnership among Boesch, his nephew Peter Birkholz, Bill Watts and Bockwinkel.
Looks in detail at Bockwinkel's matches in Houston in 1982, including against DIck Slater, Junkyard Dog, Tommy Rich and Tony Atlas.
Source material for this episode is Mark James' book of programs, "Houston Programs 1982-1983," and Birkholz's book, "When Wrestling Was Rasslin'." About half of the Houston matches discussed this episode are widely available to view, on Youtube and elsewhere, so check them out!
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 8: The Power Plant
In Episode 8 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about his one day at WCW's Power Plant in fall 1996 and how different it was as a training center from what he was used to doing.
Explains why he got a "Thank you" on the wrestling documentary Beyond the Mat.
Discusses who were the name wrestlers at the plant at the time and who was leading the training center. Hint, they had an angle together in WCW in the late 1990s.
Talks about the aftermath of the Power Plant, including the ribbing he took for going.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 6: The Gold Cup
In Episode 7 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Returns to Houston and the Sam Houston Coliseum, this time in 1981, to talk about Nick Bockwinkel's AWA World Title defenses in Texas.
Discusses Harley Race's second no-show of a big match in Houston and how this led to Paul Boesch leaving the NWA.
Discusses Wahoo McDaniel's brief reign as a world champion in Houston.
Looks at the Gold Cup Tournament, a three-day Houston event that celebrates 50 years of Houston Wrestling.
Talks about a great Bockwinkel match in Houston, against Tito Santana on Friday, Nov. 20, in what is billed as a Gold Cup match.
Looks at the rest of Bockwinkel's 1981 title defenses, including matches in the AWA, Southwest, Houston, Calgary and Germany.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 6: Allen Martin ribs Mike Jackson
In Episode 6 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about the summer of 1996 and watching Allen Martin work as a main eventer in Sylacauga and Anniston, Alabama.
Tells a story about meeting Joey Maggs and how nice he was.
Looks at why sometimes the guys doing the jobs are actually the stars of the show.
Looks at April 1982 in Mid-South Wrestling: Killer Karl Kox is gone and Dick Murdock is back. Ted DiBiase gets a big rematch with Bob Roop. Hacksaw Duggan debuts as a hitman for Skandar Akbar and Terry Taylor debuts via video.
Talks about a rib Allen Martin pulled on Mike Jackson.
Ends with a The Sharper Image celebrity story, this one from the flagship store in Beverly Hills.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 5: Nick Bockwinkel, The Real World Champion
In Episode 5 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about how he came to appreciate Nick Bockwinkel, despite his lack of enthusiasm for mid-1980s AWA television.
Looks at Bockwinkel's first reign as AWA World Champion, which lasted 1,714 days and included much more than just AWA matches.
Talks about the first Sunday wrestling show in Houston, Texas, which took place at The Summit on Sunday, May 29, 1977, and how Bockwinkel had to do double duty when Harley Race shows up late. Continues to chart the AWA title defenses in Houston throughout the rest of the decade, including several more Summit shows.
Traces Bockwinkel's 1970s path through other territories, including Atlanta, Southwest, Hawaii and Toronto.
Gives updates on King James Buremoh aka Oladipo aka Ladi the African Tiger and the "reunion" of the Texas Outlaws in Baton Rouge in 1982.
Looks at Southwest Championship Wrestling in summer and fall of 1981.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 4: The Legend of Billy the Kid
In Episode 4 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about why he took the name Billy the Kid and how it tied into The Brady Bunch and a book by Larry McMurtry, "Anything for Billy."
Talks about the "Phenix City crew" and the unknown heat he had with them.
Says nice things about the late wrestling writer Scott Williams.
Looks at Mid South Wrestling in March 1982 and talks about how One Man Gang is on a tear, Tully Blanchard is being devalued and Mr. Olympia continues to dominate. Plus, he speculates about a one night reunion of the Texas Outlaws.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" on Amazon.
Episode 3: Bar Fights and King James Buremoh
In Episode 3 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks more about what it was like to be trained by a legendary wrestler, Exotic Adrian Street.
Tracks the career of a mystery wrestler named Oladipo, thanks to a big break from Ebay. Who was he? How did catch on with Houston Wrestling and Mid South and why did he disappear? What name did he become better known by? And what royal title does he hold now?
We talks Mid South Wrestling at the beginning of 1982 as as masked man named Olympia enters with a humongous push.
We say goodbye to Bob Orton Jr. in MSW and speculate, did he really lose a bar fight and if so does he get punished on the way out?
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" *on Amazon.
Also, please support his fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas movie*. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-cooperstown-christmas-movie-first-funds/x/24999635#/
Episode 2: The Skullcrusher Shed
In Episode 2 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
Talks about what it was like to be trained by a legendary wrestler, Exotic Adrian Street.
Talks about how Adrian and Miss Linda made their living outside the wrestling ring.
Talks about why Skullcrusher was so different than any other wrestling school.
Gives a glimpse into how tough Adrian Street really was/is.
Ends with his best Adrian story, about the day a Gulf Coast worker decided to test Adrian's rep.
Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his work. You can buy "The King of New Oreans: How the Junkyard Dog Became Pro Wrestling's First Black Superstar" and "The Paper Tigers: The Untold True Story About How Five Guys From the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day" *on Amazon.
Also, please support his fundraiser for A Cooperstown Christmas movie*. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-cooperstown-christmas-movie-first-funds/x/24999635#/
In Episode 1 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Greg:
- Talks about how he became a fan of professional wrestling, in particular Mid-South Wrestling (Association) and Houston Wrestling.
- Talks about going to matches with his dad at the Sam Houston Coliseum and the day he decided he wanted to be a pro wrestler.
- Talks about breaking into the business in the Mobile-Pensacola area, being trained by Exotic Adrian Street and being broken in by a couple of shady characters named Don Bryers and Crazy Joe of the Hardtime Express.
- Talks about his year working for Golden Boy Jerry Grey.
- Talks about his first match, in April 1993, in Lucedale, Mississippi, against Crazy Joe.
- Ends the first episode with a tribute to Bullet Bob Armstrong.
Show plugs:
Jerry Grey GoFundMe. www.gofundme.com/f/golden-boy-jerry-grey-cancer-relief-fund
A Cooperstown Christmas Indiegogo campaign. www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-cooperstown-christmas-movie-first-funds/x/24999635#/
The Paper Tigers www.amazon.com/Paper-Tigers-streets-Philadelphia-baseball/dp/1737863502/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MPD2KIOIH688&keywords=The+paper+Tigers+book&qid=1654000859&sprefix=the+paper+tigers+book%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1
The King of New Orleans. www.amazon.com/King-New-Orleans-Professional-Wrestlings/dp/1770410309/ref=sr_1_3?crid=T7H7EHRTN11Y&keywords=the+king+of+new+orleans+book&qid=1654000931&sprefix=the+king+of+new+orleans+book%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-3