FOX SCORES BIG RATINGS WIN WITH FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN

BROCK LESNAR AS WWE CHAMPION

The ratings are in and the Fox Network and WWE must be very happy right now. On Friday night, Smackdown debuted on Fox and drew nearly 4 million people during both hours according to Cageside Seats. The main event saw Brock Lesnar defeat Kofi Kingston in nine seconds to become a 5-time WWE World Champion. After the match ended, former UFC Champion Cain Velazquez appeared and had a confrontation with Brock Lesnar (You can watch the video here). Velazquez defeated Lesnar for the UFC Heavyweight title at UFC 121 in 2010.

DWAYNE "THE ROCK" JOHNSON

Smackdown had other celebrities in attendance including Tyson Fury and Erin Andrews appearing during the show. The biggest celebrity appearance came in the first segment when Dwayne Johnson aka "The Rock" joined Becky Lynch and Baron Corbin in the ring. Johnson would go on to lay the verbal and physical smackdown on Baron Corbin who just recently won King Of The Ring.

WWE Friday Night Smackdown started off with a bang this week drawing nearly 4 million viewers during both hours even with tough competition from CBS. Celebrity appearances by The Rock, Tyson Fury, Cain Velazquez, and a big main event featuring Brock Lesnar helped them attract viewers. It will be interesting to see how the show evolves when they don't have any celebrity attractions. As a fan I'll be tuning in every week. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

THE TOP FIVE GREATEST INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS IN WWE HISTORY

THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Over the past four decades the Intercontinental Championship has been held by many legends in the sport of Pro Wrestling. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the title, there are 5 men that I think define what the title has stood for in the WWE.

1. "MACHO MAN" RANDY SAVAGE



The "Macho Man" beat Tito Santana in 1986 with illegal tactics to become the Intercontinental Champion. With this win he became one of the fastest rising stars in WWE. While Hulk Hogan was the good guy champion everyone loved, Savage could be the villain people loved to hate but also one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever with his outfits and interviews. Randy Savage would go on to lose the Intercontinental title to Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3 in 1987. But it was the start of a wonderful career in WWE as he would win the WWE World title twice before leaving the WWE in 1994. 

2. BRET "THE HITMAN" HART



During his 13-year career in the WWE, Bret Hart won the Intercontinental title twice. In 1991 he defeated Curt Henning at Summerslam and at Wrestlemania 8 he defeated "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. During his two reigns as Intercontinental Champion Bret had a legendary feud with Shawn Michaels. At Summerslam 1992, Hart lost the Intercontinental title to Davey Boy Smith. In September of 1992, Bret Hart would bounce back winning the World title from Ric Flair. 

3. SHAWN MICHAELS



The man known as the "HeartBreak Kid" is one of the most outlandish and colorful personalities to ever step foot in the wrestling ring. Between 1992 and 1995 he held the Intercontinental Title three times defeating Davey Boy Smith, Jeff Jarrett, and Marty Jannetty. His feud with Razor Ramon in 1994 that culminated in their epic ladder match at Wrestlemania 10 is one of the most legendary matches in WWE history. Michaels would win the World Title at Wrestlemania 12 defeating Bret Hart in 1996.

4. RAZOR RAMON (SCOTT HALL



When Scott Hall entered the WWE in 1993, it was the beginning of a new era. Superstars like Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior were on the way out and Vince McMahon was looking to build new stars. Scott Hall and Vince McMahon created the character of Razor Ramon, a Cuban tough guy from Miami based off the movie Scarface. Razor Ramon was the epitome of a cool heel that turned into a great babyface. His feud with Shawn Michaels over the Intercontinental title and their epic ladder match at Wrestlemania 10 solidifiied Razor Ramon as a superstar. Razor Ramon held the titile a record 4 times with feuds with stars like Jeff Jarrett, Diesel, and Goldust. Scott Hall would leave the WWE in 1996 and begin the Monday Night Wars when he appeared on WCW Nitro in September of' 1996.

5. "STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN 



Like Razor Ramon, Steve Austin entered the WWE in 1996 as stars like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall were making a name for themselves in World Championship Wrestling. Vince McMahon needed new stars. Steve Austin is a former two-time Intercontinental Champion. The beginning of the McMahon-Austin feud started after Austin defeated Owen Hart for his second Intercontinental Championship. The Rattlesnake's feud with The Rock solidified both men as future superstars. Steve Austin and The Rock became the two biggest stars in the WWE from 1997 to 2000 known as The Attitude Era.

For 40 years the Intercontinental title has stood as a benchamark of excellence for some of the best superstars in pro wrestling, These five men in my opinion are the epitome of what a superstar should be. With their charisma and wrestling skill, they've become legends in the sport of professional wrestling. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

HARLEY RACE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 76

HARLEY RACE AS NWA WORLD CHAMPION IN THE 70's

Harley Race, one of the biggest stars in wrestling during the 70's and 80's passed away on Thursday, August 1st. The former NWA Champion was 76 years old. Race began his career in the American Wrestling Association in the 60's appearing in a tag-team with Larry "The Axe" Hennig. After winning the AWA tag team titles three different times with Hennig, Race moved onto the National Wrestling Alliance.

Race entered the National Wrestling Alliance in 1970 and became one of the biggest stars the promotion ever had. In 1973, Race defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win his first NWA World Championship. Between 1973 and 1983, Harley Race would win the NWA World title eight times during his career engaging in legendary feuds with Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair. In November 1983, Race and Flair made history when Starrcade, the first pay per view aired on closed circuit TV. Starrcade was the precursor to Wrestlemania and would launch a new age in pro wrestling. At Starrcade, Ric Flair would defeat Harley Race for the championship and Race would leave the NWA in 1984.


HARLEY RACE WITH BIG VAN VADER

By 1986, Harley Race started wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainment as "The King" after he won the King Of The Ring tournament. He engaged in feuds with the Junkyard Dog, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Hulk Hogan. In 1989, Race would leave the WWE and work other promotions including the NWA and AWA. In 1991, Harley Race retired as an active wrestler and became a manager in World Championship Wrestling. Harley Race managed both Lex Luger and Big Van Vader to World title runs in WCW.

Harley Race was one of the biggest stars in the territory days of pro wrestling. His legendary skill and toughness made him a major attraction in wrestling during the 70's and 80's. During his legendary career he was a true icon of the sport and he crafted a legacy that will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

ROWDY RODDY PIPER: HIS THREE GREATEST FEUDS

Rowdy Roddy Piper as N.W.A. U.S. Champion

July 31, 2019 marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Rowdy Roddy Piper, one of wrestling's greatest legends. Roddy Piper is one of the greatest wrestlers to ever step in the ring not only for his in ring ability but also for his ability to draw people in with his amazing interviews. In this post I'd like to talk about some of Piper's greatest feuds.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS. GREG VALENTINE


At Starrcade 1983, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine made history in Greensboro, North Carolina. Greg Valentine was the U.S. Champion defending against Piper in a dog collar match. Piper and Valentine were connected by collars around their necks connected by a 12-foot logging chain.

The match was brutal and physical as Valentine used the metal chain to beat Piper up and damaged his left ear drum during the match. This match by today's standards, would be considered hardcore but back in 1983, that was just the southern style of wrestling. Roddy Piper would come out victorious and win the U.S. Championship to a raucous crowd.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS HULK HOGAN


After leaving the N.W.A.(National Wrestling Alliance) in 1983, Roddy Piper moved onto WWE. Piper feuded with Jimmy Superfly Snuka and soon feuded with Hulk Hogan after Piper attacked Cyndi Lauper. By 1985 at Wrestlemania I, Piper and Hogan were the hottest wrestlers on the planet. Piper was always one of the best villains in wrestling. His skills on the mic during interviews along with Hogan's popularity made Wrestlemania a must see attraction.  

At Wrestlemania I Piper teamed with Paul Orndorff and Hogan teamed with Mr. T who was the star of the A-Team TV show.With the cross promotion of MTV and WWE, pro wrestling was approaching a new level of popularity. Piper and Orndorff lost the match to Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS. MR.T



At Wrestlemania 2, Roddy Piper faced Mr. T in a boxing match. Piper was still the biggest villain in wrestling and Mr. T was a big star thanks to the A-Team TV show. Piper hated Mr. T because he was an outsider coming into pro wrestling. Piper used his incredible mic skills to build the match up. During the boxing match, Piper body slammed Mr. T and lost the match, but he gained the respect of the fans.

It's been four years since the passing of Rowdy Roddy Piper. He was one of the best personalities to ever grace the squared circle. Today pro wrestling needs more characters and wrestlers like The Hot Rod. He's left a legacy that will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

BRANDON ROUTH RETURNS AS SUPERMAN IN ARROWVERSE

BRANDON ROUTH AS SUPERMAN

Brandon Routh will return as Superman according to TVLine, in the Arrowverse during the Crisis On Infinite Earths special airing in the Fall of 2019. He starred as Clark Kent/Superman in the 2006 movie, Superman Returns. Presently, Routh stars as Ray Palmer /The Atom on Legends Of Tomorrow a character he's played since 2014 on Arrow.

During the Arrowverse crossover, Routh will play a Superman from another "time frame" which could mean he's from another earth. Any fan of The Flash and Supergirl know that the producers love to go to alternate earths. It will be interesting to see if they use Brandon Routh as a Superman based on Christopher Reeve's Superman as Bryan Singer did in Superman Returns.

As a huge fan of Superman this news has piqued my curiousity and I will be watching the Arrowverse crossover event when it airs in the Fall of 2019.

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

ALL IN THE FAMILY AND THE JEFFERSONS RETURN FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Carroll O' Connor, Sherman Helmsley, Isabelle Sanford, and Jean Stapleton in All in The Family

After more than three decades off the air, two of the most influential and prolific comedies, All in The Family and The Jeffersons return to TV on ABC tonight. Jimmy Kimmel (host of Jimmy Kimmel Live) will present, Live In Front of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear Presents All In the Family and The Jeffersons tonight at 8pm. This production is headlined by a stellar cast which includes Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Jamie Foxx, and Wanda Sykes. This special presentation of these two iconic TV classics, demonstrates the effect both shows have on society. 

In 1971, All In The Family premiered on CBS and changed the landscape of TV forever. The show centered around Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O' Connor), a hard-working middle class man who was a bigot and hated the changing landscape of America during the 1970's. Archie's home life at 704 Hauser Street reflected America's changing values as he clashed with his family including his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and her husband Mike (Rob Reiner) over such hot button issues of the 70's such as the War in Vietnam, Women's Liberation, and race in America. During its 8-year run the show became one of the most popular show of its time and stayed at #1 in the Nielsen ratings for 5 consecutive seasons. All In The Family ended in 1979 but had a spinoff called Archie Bunker's Place. 

The Jefferson started out as neighbors of The Bunkers for four seasons. Louise Jefferson  (Isabel Sanford) and her son Lionel (Mike Evans) were introduced first and in season 4 we finally met George Jefferson. In George Jefferson (Sherman Helmsley), Archie found a kindred spirit who could match him word for word and outsmart him as well. The Jeffersons proved so popular with the audience that Norman Lear would create a spinoff, rarely done in TV at the time, but commonplace today. 

In 1975, The Jeffersons, premiered on CBS and George Jefferson was now a wealthy black man due to his successful dry cleaning business that moved from Queens to the Upper East Side. George's son Lionel was married to Jenny who was a mixed race child whose mother, Helen Willis was African American and her father, Tom Willis was Caucasian. The crux of the comedy came with George dealing with The Willis' as his neighbors and his wisecracking maid, Florence (Marla Gibbs). The show dealt with serious issues such as racism, gun control, suicide, and adult illiteracy. The Jeffersons ran for 11 seasons on CBS before being cancelled in 1985.


Norman Lear

Tonight, All In The Family and The Jeffersons return to TV for one night only on ABC. It is a testament to Norman Lear and what he created that these shows stand the test of time. With the political and racial tone being so divisive today, it seems like a perfect time for these shows to return to TV. As a fan of classic TV I will be watching tonight when the show premieres tonight at 8pm. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

ALL ELITE WRESTLING TO AIR ON TNT AND WARNER MEDIA

Cody Runnels and The Young Bucks

TNT is getting back into the wrestling business. At the Warner Media Upfront TNT released a press release stating that TNT will air All Elite Wrestling later this year according to The New York Post. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a company owned by Tony Khan and has stars such as Chris Jericho, Cody Runnels, The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson), Kenny Omega, and Hangman Page. TNT has not had a pro wrestling show on its network since WCW (World Championship Wrestling) was bought by WWE and the final episode of WCW Monday Nitro aired on March 26, 2001. Since that fateful day in 2001, fans have wanted a new competitor that would challenge the monopoly that WWE has on the pro wrestling marketplace and now they have it. 

This new development adds a new wrinkle to the pro wrestling and TV landscape in 2019. Starting in October, WWE Smackdown will move from its Tuesday night spot on USA Network to Friday nights on Fox. Many in the wrestling news media believe that AEW will air its show on Tuesday nights to attract fans that are accustomed to watching wrestling on that night. 

WWE will certainly have competition once All Elite Wrestling begins airing on TNT. Many questions still remain as to how AEW will market itself to the masses and how will they attract talent both unknown on a national level and talent that have been in WWE. With WWE experiencing low ratings because of their lack of new stars, this may be the perfect time for AEW to bring something innovative to the industry. As a fan I can't wait to see what happens. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

THANK YOU KURT ANGLE

KURT ANGLE AS TNA AND IWGP CHAMPION

Kurt Angle, one of WWE's most revered superstars will retire at Wrestlemania 35 this Sunday. Kurt Angle is considered one of the best athletes to ever compete in wrestling. He brought credibility to the sport with his Olympic background and he is one of the best all-around performers to ever wrestle in the business. In pro wrestling, Angle has won 21 World championships in multiple organizations including WWE, Impact Wrestling, and IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix). 

Angle has a long and storied career in amateur and pro wrestling. Angle won an Olympic gold medal during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He began his career in 2000 and had a quick rise to the top winning the Intercontinental and European title his first year in WWE. During his six-year run he had various feuds with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and John Cena.

In 2006, Kurt Angle left WWE and went to Impact Wrestling (formerly Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling). Angle had memorable feuds with Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Sting, Jeff Jarrett, Matt Morgan, Drew Galloway, and Bobby Lashley. He spent 10 years there and was one of the top stars there until his departure in 2016.

In 2017, Angle returned to WWE when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Vince McMahon also appointed him as the General Manager of RAW. In one of the biggest moments of his career, Angle teamed with Ronda Rousey to face Triple H and Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania 34. 

This Sunday, Kurt Angle will wrestle his final match against Baron Corbin at Wrestlemania 35. Angle is one of the best all around performers to ever enter the squared circle and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

MY FAVORITE VERSIONS OF BATMAN ON FILM AND TELEVISION

On March 30th 1939, Batman debuted in Detective Comics and has become one of the most iconic figures in entertainment. During his 80 years in pop culture there have been many different iterations of Batman on film and TV that have entertained generations of fans. Here are my top 3 favorites:

BATMAN 1966

In 1966, BATMAN debuted on ABC and changed how people saw superheroes. The show starred Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin. Batman's classic villains included Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, and Catwoman (played by Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin, and Julie Newmar). The show's combination of comedy, satire, and action was a hit with children and adults alike. In 1989, when the Batman movie came out, WPIX began running the 1966 TV show in syndication. As a child I was too young to see the movie but I could enjoy the TV show. In the five decades since its debut, the Batman 1966 TV show remains one of the most beloved interpretations of the caped crusader.

BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES


In 1992, Batman: The Animated Series debuted on Fox and changed animation in the process. Based off of Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns This animated show gave interesting and compelling back stories to iconic villains such as Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, and The Riddler. The show also dealt with adult issues such as Performance Enhancing Drugs in sports and Multiple Personality Disorder which was groundbreaking for an animated show targeted to kids and pre-teens. Batman: The Animated Series aired for 4 seasons and remains a milestone in animation and Batman history. 

CHRISTIAN BALE IN BATMAN BEGINS



In 2005, Batman Begins debuted in theaters and started a new era in Batman history. Christian Bale's portrayal of Bruce Wayne and his journey to becoming Batman was a beautiful masterpiece in my opinion. Along with Christopher Nolan's direction, Batman Begins showed Bruce Wayne's humanity and explained why Batman is needed in Gotham. I loved the use of Liam Neeson as Ra's Al Ghul and his influence on how Bruce Wayne becomes Batman. When the movie came out it was only four years after 9/11 so Nolan's vision of Batman portrayed him as a human drone battling against terrorism. Even though Nolan crafted a successful trilogy with The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, Batman Begins remains my favorite out of all three movies. 

Batman has been apart of America's consciousness for eight decades. Since his creation in 1939 by Bob Kane and Bill Finger he has entertained and inspired millions of fans all around the world. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. KING KONG BUNDY

KING KONG BUNDY

King Kong Bundy, one of the most prominent stars of the WWE in the 1980's passed away on Monday at the age of 61 according to CNN. Bundy, whose real name was Chris Pallies, was a villain throughout his career. At 6'4 and over 450 pounds he was an imposing figure in the squared circle. He rose to prominence because of his size and mobility in the ring. In 1981, he began wrestling for WWE as Chris Canyon. In 1982, he moved onto Texas and WCCW (World Class Championship Wrestling) as Big Daddy Bundy. 

He started the King Kong Bundy character as a villain in a feud against the promotion's heroes the Von Erich family. Bundy would win the American Heavyweight Championship twice while in WCCW. Between 1983 and 1985 King Kong Bundy moved onto Mid South Wrestling and Memphis wrestling where he faced such legends as The Junkyard Dog and Jerry "The King" Lawler.


HULK HOGAN VS. KING KONG BUNDY AT WRESTLEMANIA 2

In 1985, Bundy entered the WWE. He began a feud with Andre The Giant and became a member of the Heenan Family with Bobby Heenan as his manager. Bundy moved up the card until he reached the main event in 1986 at Wrestlemania 2 when he faced Hulk Hogan in a steel cage for the WWE World Title. King Kong Bundy departed the WWE in 1988, but he made a brief return in 1994 where he feuded with The Undertaker until 1995 when he left the promotion once again.

Bundy achieved some fame outside of WWE when he appeared with Richard Pryor in the film, Moving. He also appeared in Married With Children on Fox as a relative of the Bundy family.

Thank you Chris "King Kong Bundy" Pallies. Your contributions to wrestling and entertainment will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

ROMAN REIGNS IS BACK IN WWE

 

The big dog is back. On Monday night, Roman Reigns (Joe Anoa'i) announced on RAW that his cancer is in remission. This was the first appearance for Reigns on WWE TV since his announcement in October that he was dealing with leukemia. He didn't announce when he would officially return to the ring but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened at Wrestlemania.

During his announcement, Reigns thanked the fans for their thoughts and prayers. He also pledged to use his platform to help others in need and the fans loved it. 

Welcome Back Roman Reigns! You are a one of a kind Superstar. 

Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATURE BOY RIC FLAIR!!

RIC FLAIR

Ric Flair, the sixteen time World Champion is about to turn 70 years old on Monday, February 25th. On Friday, February 22nd, Ric Flair's wife Wendy Barlow threw him a surprise party with celebrity guests that included basketball legends Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, Todd Gurley from the LA Rams, and Boxing legend, Evander Holyfield according to PEOPLE Magazine. Wrestling stars that also appeared at the party included Michael P.S. Hayes, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Triple H, Shane McMahon,Chris Jericho, and his daughter, Charlotte Flair. Flair's career in the spotlight has spanned over four decades.

RIC FLAIR, ARN ANDERSON, TULLY BLANCHARD, AND LEX LUGER AS THE FOUR HORSEMEN

In the 1980's he came to national prominence as the leader of the Four Horsemen. As the charismatic heel champion he had great feuds with Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A., Sting, Lex Luger, Barry Windham, and Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat which solidified the National Wrestling Alliance as a national power in wrestling. In 1991, he moved to the WWE and began feuding with Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage until he left the WWE in 1992. Flair was apart of the Monday Night Wars in the late 90's when Hogan and Savage moved to WCW in 1994. Flair would face many stars of wrestling including Chris Jericho, The Big Show, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Goldberg. When WCW closed in 2001, Flair started working for WWE. 

On Monday February 25th, the WWE will celebrate Ric Flair's birthday with a special episode of Monday Night Raw. It will be interesting to see what surprises happen on the show. As a fan of WWE and Ric Flair, I will be watching. 

Happy Birthday Nature Boy. You're the best of the best.

Class Dismissed, 

THE PROFESSOR

NETFLIX TO AIR HULK HOGAN BIOPIC

HULK HOGAN IN 1984

Hulkamania is about to run wild on Netflix. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is closing a deal to air a biographical movie about the legendary wrestler starring Chris Hemsworth (THOR, AVENGERS, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR). This news comes right after the cancellation of Marvel shows like Daredevil, The Punisher, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cage. Netflix can use this Hulk Hogan movie to distance themselves from other streaming services as well as cable TV.

CHRIS HEMSWORTH AS THOR

The movie reportedly is going to focus on the origins of Hulk Hogan, (real name Terry Bollea) in wrestling from his early beginnings to his meteoric rise in the WWE. Hogan began wrestling in 1977 in Florida, and from 1977 to 1979, he bounced around different territories in the southeast including Alabama, Memphis, and Georgia. By 1979, Hulk Hogan entered the WWE (then known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation) as a villain. From 1979 to 1980 Hogan was a villain and he feuded with Andre The Giant and he had a World title match with Bob Backlund. In 1980, Hogan left the WWE after a dispute with Vince McMahon Sr. over his role in Rocky III.

After filming his role in Rocky III, Hogan entered the AWA (American Wrestling Association) in 1981. He quickly became a fan favorite feuding with Bobby Heenan and The Heenan Family which included Ken Patera, Mr. Saito, and the AWA World Champion, Nick Bockwinkel. Hogan was the biggest star of the AWA and Vince McMahon took notice making him an offer to come to the WWE.

In December of 1983, The Hulkster entered the WWE and beat the Iron Shiek in January of 1984 to become the WWE Champion changing pro wrestling in the process. His feuds in the 80's with stars like Rowdy Roddy Piper, King Kong Bundy, Andre The Giant and Macho Man Randy Savage made  WWE a national brand and Hulk Hogan a superstar.

Netflix is very smart to use Hulk Hogan's brand identity to help elevate their streaming network. It will be interesting to see what other actors are chosen to play other roles. As a fan of wrestling and Hulk Hogan, I'll be very interested in this movie.

Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. PEDRO MORALES

PEDRO MORALES AS WWWF U.S. CHAMPION

Pedro Morales, the former WWWF champion has passed away at the age of 76 according to the NY DAILY NEWS.  Morales career spanned close to three decades starting in 1959 and ending in 1987 when he retired. During his career he worked for the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance), AWA (American Wrestling Association) and the WWE known as the WWWF (World Wide Wrestling Federation) in the 1970's.

In the WWE, Pedro Morales achieved his greatest success and notoriety. Morales arrived in the federation in 1970, and in February 1971, he defeated Ivan Koloff to become the World Champion. Morales held the title for 1,027 days which is the fifth longest reign in WWE history according to Wrestling Inc. Morales would have matches with legends like Bruno Sammartino, Mr. Fuji, and Freddie Blassie. By 1975, Morales would leave WWE and go work for different federations including the NWA, and the AWA.

Morales would return to WWE in 1980 and win the tag-team titles with Bob Backlund. In December of 1980 he won the Intercontinental title from Ken Patera making him the first triple crown champion in the history of WWE. During his reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion he had feuds with Sgt. Slaughter, Stan Hansen, Greg Valentine, and Don Muraco. Muraco would defeat Morales in June of 1981 for the Intercontinental title. 

In 1995, Pedro Morales was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Pedro Morales remains one of the most popular and toughest men to ever enter into a wrestling ring. Thank you Mr. Morales your contributions to wrestling will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

R.I.P. MEAN GENE OKERLUND

"Mean" Gene Okerlund

Gene Okerlund, the prolific announcer who worked for the WWE in the 1980's died on January 2nd. He was 76 years old. Mr. Okerlund's career spanned three decades where he worked for three major wrestling promotions including the American Wrestling Association (AWA), World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). He interviewed all the major stars of wrestling of the past 40 years including Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Jesse Ventura, Randy Savage, The Ultimate Warrior, The Big Show, Sting, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Goldberg.

Okerlund started his broadcasting career in radio for station  KOIL in Omaha and then he moved to Minneapolis where he worked for a local TV station according to The Hollywood Reporter. In 1970, the American Wrestling Association recruited Okerlund as a fill in announcer for longtime broadcaster Marty O'Neill. Okerlund would replace O'Neill as the AWA's lead announcer and become one of the stars of the promotion. For over a decade, Mean Gene as he was called by Jesse Ventura was the voice of the AWA interviewing the promotions top stars including Verne Gagne, Nick Bockwinkel, Jesse "The Body" Ventura, and Hulk Hogan. 


"Mean" Gene Okerlund and Hulk Hogan

In 1981, Hulk Hogan entered the AWA and became the biggest star in the company. When Vince McMahon began his national expansion of the WWE in 1983, Hulk Hogan and Mean Gene Okerlund were two of the stars he recruited to become bigger stars in the WWE. Hogan and Okerlund had a chemistry on screen like Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali. Okerlund would interview all of the major stars that came through the WWE from 1984 to 1993. 

In 1993 and 1994, Gene Okerlund and Hulk Hogan moved onto World Championship Wrestling where they use their star power to build that company and put a spotlight on new stars including The Big Show, Goldberg, Booker T, and Diamond Dallas Page. In 2001, WCW closed down and was bought by Vince McMahon and the WWE. 

After the end of WCW, Okerlund returned to WWE and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006. Throughout the years he appeared at many wrestling conventions thrilling fans of all ages with his presence. Most recently, Mean Gene Okerlund appeared in a Mountain Dew Kickstart commercial with Kevin Hart. 

The WWE has been honoring Okerlund with a 10-bell salute at different events. TMZ reports that Hulk Hogan will appear on RAW this Monday to honor his friend. 

Thank you Mean Gene. You gave millions of people great memories and your legacy will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR