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“Major League” and the Power of the Underdog

At the beginning of 1989’s Major League, the audience is shown a montage of newspaper headlines of the Cleveland Indians baseball team on a losing streak. The montage sets a pretty somber tone at first of a city in a rough spot. But more importantly it establishes the Cleveland Indians as a classic case of a rag-tag team of misfits that people, even some of their own teammates, don’t take seriously. David S. Ward said he wrote Major League because it was “the only way I would see the Indians win a World Series” and it definitely feels like a celebration of an underdog team. It transcends the traditional sports movie by, intentionally or not, becoming a story of the value of diversity in America, and while some elements haven’t aged particularly well, it’s still an interesting statement disguised as a goofy sports comedy.

The film begins with the wife of a recently deceased former owner inheriting the Cleveland Indians. She hatches a plan to move the team to Las Vegas by gathering up some of the worst players in the league. Naturally, this new move worries the actual players. The players they bring in include a convicted felon (Charlie Sheen), a voodoo priest (Dennis Haysbert), and some guy who showed up uninvited but ends up as one of the best runners in the league (Westley Snipes). It fits right in with Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, among other movies that are about a rag tag team of misfits working together; and despite some of the more problematic and stereotypical elements, the film still works because it depicts these people as some of the more likable players on the team. These personalities clash and create conflict that doesn’t feel unlike the types of arguments between different backgrounds of people in the United States. The main plot of a rag-tag team of misfits is as old as the country itself. One particular subplot involves the voodoo priest being harassed by another player on the team who doesn’t know how to accept other people’s religion. Despite the voodoo priest character being a stereotype, the audience is 100% on his side.

However, some of the film’s more satirical elements, specifically the character of the new owner of the team, could’ve used a couple more rewrites to make them less cartoonish. The character of Rachel Phelps, the team’s new owner, feels like a two dimensional corporate stooge, especially after a TV show like Ted Lasso retooled a similar character and made her into someone who feels like a complex but still very flawed person. She feels like she exists inside of a bubble and only interacts with members of the team for a climactic argument towards the end of the film, making her more of a plot device than a character. This is made worse by a scene involving a cardboard cutout of this character being sexually objectified.

Additionally, because this is a fantasy, this results in the film occasionally being a little too cheery for its own good despite some of the more satirical elements. The protagonist, Jake (Tom Berenger)’s ex-wife, a former athlete named Lynn (Renee Russo) is engaged to a pompous rich oaf who has no respect for her, and now that Jake has also re-entered her life, she has to contend with him being incredibly annoying in trying to win her back. His main goal in the film is to get back together with her by becoming a high ranking baseball player. It’s clear that this is a fantasy, but he doesn’t learn anything by the end of it. His wife calls off the engagement, but she should have walked away from both of these guys and gone on to become a great athlete on her own. Instead, she smiles at Jake from the crowded baseball stands, indicating the two of them are going to get back together. This subplot could have said something far deeper about the cost of ambition by providing a dark counterpoint to a goofy comedy, but it goes in a feel-good romance direction that ends up clashing against the more satirical elements. It doesn’t feel like the movie wants to fully commit to some of the ideas that could’ve made it an all time classic satire, rather than just a pretty enjoyable piece of late 80’s comedy

Overall, despite some hiccups, Major League is a more clever movie than the viewer might assume for a mainstream comedy from that time. It arguably avoids the pitfalls of 80’s comedy stereotyping in some areas by making said characters incredibly competent at the sport. And while some elements haven’t aged particularly well, it more than laid the groundwork for successful sports comedies after it.

Author: Dylan James

Manon Rhéaume Broke Barriers as NHL’s First Female Player

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Manon Rhéaume is a trailblazing figure in ice hockey, best known for being the first woman to play in a major North American men’s professional sports league. Born on February 24, 1972, in Beauport, Quebec, Rhéaume made history in 1992 when she played as a goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning in an NHL preseason game. This marked the first and only time a woman competed in an NHL game, breaking barriers in a sport dominated by men.

Rhéaume had a successful career as a goaltender in women’s ice hockey as well. She represented Canada in international competition, winning silver medals at the Women’s World Championships and earning a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, the first-time women’s ice hockey was included in the Olympics.

Her achievements have made her a symbol of progress in sports, inspiring many female athletes to pursue their goals regardless of traditional gender norms in competitive fields.

Manon Rhéaume’s groundbreaking appearance in an NHL game was the result of a combination of her exceptional talent and a strategic move by the Tampa Bay Lightning to generate publicity for their newly formed franchise. Here’s how it came to pass…

Rhéaume had already made a name for herself as a highly skilled goaltender. In 1991, she became the first woman to play in a men’s major junior hockey game, suiting up for the Trois-Rivières Draveurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Her performance in men’s leagues drew attention and proved her ability to compete at a high level. She had also excelled in women’s hockey, leading the Canadian national team to world championships and establishing herself as one of the top female goaltenders in the world.

In 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning were preparing for their inaugural season in the NHL. Team general manager Phil Esposito, a Hall of Fame player, saw an opportunity to make a splash and attract attention to the new team so he invited Rhéaume to the Lightning’s training camp. While the decision was seen by some as a publicity stunt, Rhéaume’s skills and accomplishments justified the invitation. Esposito later insisted that the move was not just a gimmick; Rhéaume had shown she was good enough to play at a high level, and she had earned the chance.

So that’s how it came to be that, on September 23, 1992, Rhéaume made history when she played in a preseason game for the Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. She played one period, stopping seven of nine shots in a solid performance.

Although Rhéaume didn’t continue with the Lightning in the regular season, her participation in the game was a major milestone. She was later signed by minor league teams and continued her career in professional and international women’s hockey through the 1990s and early 2000s. She represented Canada in international competition, including winning a silver medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, the first-time women’s ice hockey was included in the Games. She officially retired from professional hockey in 2009. However, her competitive playing career had already slowed down before that point.

After retiring as a player, Rhéaume has remained active in the world of hockey, working in various coaching and mentoring roles. Her legacy continues to inspire many, especially young female players. As of recent years, Rhéaume has been particularly involved in developing youth hockey programs, with a focus on growing opportunities for girls in the sport. She has worked as a coach and mentor for young players, inspiring the next generation of female athletes. She has worked with organizations like the Detroit Red Wings to promote hockey through outreach and youth programs and has served as an ambassador for women’s hockey, frequently appearing at events to support the sport’s growth.

Rhéaume also started the Manon Rhéaume Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial aid to young girls who want to play hockey but face financial barriers. The foundation’s mission aligns with her lifelong dedication to empowering women and girls in sports.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Rhéaume is also active as a motivational speaker, where she shares her story of breaking barriers in the NHL and encourages young people, especially girls, to pursue their dreams, regardless of traditional gender expectations and she occasionally appears in media to discuss her career and to comment on the state of women’s hockey. Manon Rhéaume’s NHL appearance was significant not only for its historical value but also because it opened doors and brought visibility to women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sports. She will forever remain a significant figure in the NHL, even though she only played in one game.

Was the 1988 Death of Bruiser Brody Murder or Self-Defense?

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Bruiser Brody, whose real name was Frank Goodish, was a legendary professional wrestler known for his brawling style and wild persona. He was one of the most influential figures in the wrestling industry, especially in Japan and the United States. However, his life was tragically cut short under mysterious and controversial circumstances, leaving pro wrestling fans outraged up to this day.

On July 16, 1988, Bruiser Brody was scheduled to wrestle in a show for the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Before the show, a confrontation occurred between Brody and fellow wrestler José González, who wrestled masked under the name Invader I, in the locker room shower. The details of what transpired during this confrontation are still disputed by all parties, but what is not in dispute is that it ended with González stabbing Brody in the stomach with a knife. Brody was severely injured and was taken to a local hospital, but due to the severity of his injuries and the delay in getting him medical attention, he died in the early hours of July 17, 1988. He was 42 years old.

According to various accounts from witnesses present in the locker room, González asked Brody to come into the shower area to discuss something privately. Shortly afterward, wrestlers heard screams, and when they rushed to the area, they found Brody clutching his stomach, having been stabbed. González was holding the knife, and Brody was in critical condition.

The content of the conversation between Brody and González, and what led González to stab Brody, remains a matter of speculation, as no clear or consistent explanation has ever been provided.

The exact reasons behind why José González, also known as Invader I, killed Bruiser Brody (Frank Goodish) also remain unclear, as the true motivations have never been definitively established. However, there are several theories and pieces of speculation within the wrestling community that attempt to explain the incident.

Some believe that the stabbing was premeditated, while others think it may have been a spur-of-the-moment act driven by anger or fear. The trial and acquittal of González only added to the controversy, as many within the wrestling community felt that justice was not served, partly due to key witnesses not being called to testify.

In the years since the incident, various wrestlers and insiders have given their perspectives, but the true reasons behind why González killed Bruiser Brody remain a mystery, shrouded in the complex and often murky world of professional wrestling politics.

González claimed that he acted in self-defense, and during the trial, he was acquitted of the charges. The trial was seen by many as flawed, with key witnesses, including wrestlers Tony Atlas and Dutch Mantel, who were present during the incident, not being called to testify. Over the years, many possible motives have emerged and continue to be discussed by the wrestling community. The main ones are presented below:

Personal Grudges and Tensions: There were longstanding rumors of personal animosity between Brody and González. Some accounts suggest that Brody and González had a strained relationship due to past professional disagreements or personal issues when Gonzalez tried out for the WWF. In the wrestling business, it’s not uncommon for tensions to arise due to conflicts over booking decisions, pay, or the way matches were conducted.

Brody’s Reputation: Bruiser Brody was known for being a difficult personality in the wrestling business. He was fiercely independent and protective of his character and brand, often clashing with promoters and other wrestlers over how he was booked or how matches were conducted. It’s possible that González, who was also involved in booking for the World Wrestling Council (WWC), felt threatened or disrespected by Brody’s behavior.

Money and Business Disputes: Some have speculated that financial disagreements might have played a role. Brody was a top draw in the territories where he worked, and there could have been disputes over pay or the distribution of earnings, leading to heightened tensions. Some rumors even have him owing up to 5% of the Puerto Rican wrestling promotion.

Fear and Self-Defense: During the trial, González claimed that he acted in self-defense, stating that Brody had become aggressive and that he feared for his life. Given Brody’s size and reputation as a tough and intimidating figure, González’s defense was that he felt physically threatened. That still does not explain why he brought the knife into the shower (wrapped in a towel) before asking Brody to enter the shower and chat.

Professional wrestling fans were deeply affected by Brody’s death. Many wrestlers expressed their belief that justice was not served, and the incident cast a long shadow over the wrestling industry, particularly in Puerto Rico. Brody’s death is still a topic of discussion and debate among wrestling fans and professionals.

Despite the tragic end to his life, Bruiser Brody’s legacy in professional wrestling remains strong. He is remembered as one of the toughest and most influential wrestlers of his era, with a style that has inspired many wrestlers who came after him. His death also served as a reminder of the darker side of the wrestling business and the need for greater protection and rights for wrestlers.

Brody was posthumously inducted into several wrestling halls of fame, including the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019. His influence is still felt in the wrestling world, and his story continues to be told as a cautionary tale of the dangers that can lurk behind the scenes in professional wrestling.

FSM Scouting Report: Lord of the Rings

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Book/Movie Title: Phil Jackson Lord of the Rings

Total Pages/Duration: 341 pages (paperback)

Author/Director: Peter Richmond

Pace of Play: This book is a page-turner in spurts. It starts a bit slow (bios generally do as you have to get past the early years) then picks up some steam before coming to a pleasant, but slower conclusion. The pace of this book can be described as moderate.

Strengths: It is clear from the onset that the reader will go on more of a historical journey than some of the other Lakers/Phil books. However, this ends up being a strength as you will likely read multiple stories that provide new info about Jackson and his rise. It was actually surprising to see all the tidbits that had never been discussed in the mainstream over the years. The stories are not salacious in nature but would have just been fun to discuss. Additionally, the author does not linger on any period of time for too long saving the reader from a long slog through history (the Pistol Pete book was brutal in this regard). The way information is presented, Phil Jackson’s early years as a coach ends up being some of the most interesting material in the entire book.

Weaknesses: A major weakness of this book is the excessive quoting of others as the story goes on. At times, it is difficult to remember who is speaking or being quoted or why the quote was even being presented in the first place. The use of so many quotes is a bit understandable given that much of the book is just a presentation of facts and secondhand stories. Lastly, there are a large number of obscure jokes and references throughout the book. This may be good or bad depending on if you know what the heck the author is talking about. The jokes and comments do have a Family Guy feel at times.

Unique Attributes: This book will pique your interest on a few random topics we have always known were associated with Phil Jackson but that we may not necessarily have known about. These include (but are not limited to) Native American history and LSD. The author also has a special talent for throwing in intermittent zingers and one-liners that will make you literally LOL. More of the these would have been preferable to the random jokes mentioned in the previous section.

Scout’s Recommendations: This book probably would not do much for the die-hard hoops fan (Lakers and Bulls fans excluded) but it is certainly recommended for everyone else. The first third of this book in particular should appeal to fans of Phil Jackson and 1960’s and 70’s era sports. Be prepared though, the book does end on an optimistic note with Phil Jackson taking on the role of general manager of the New York Knicks.

A Legend in Pro Wrestling Also Had A Small Hollywood Career

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Terry funk was a legend in the professional ring. He truly loved the sport and wrestled well into his golden years. After his passing last month, fans have been coming together to share their favorite Terry funk stories and moments. Chainsaw Charlie has been mentioned more than a few times. Many are surprised to find out Funk had small career in Hollywood which included stunt work on Sylvester Stallone’s film Rocky III. Since there are already many stories out there dedicated to Funk’s life and career in the squared circle, FSM is ranking Terry Funk’s Top 4 Movie Roles:

4. The Ringer – In this 2005 comedy, Funk plays a debt collector who gets a little physical with the main character’s (Johnny Knoxville) uncle in order to get some cash that is owed.

3. Road House – Funk appeared in the 1989 action film Road House in the role of Morgan, a tough bouncer and one of the henchmen working for the film’s antagonist, Brad Wesley, played by Ben Gazzara. Most notably, the film also stars Patrick Swayze as a bouncer named Dalton who is hired to clean up a rowdy bar. Terry Funk’s presence in the film certainly added to the action and intensity of some of the fight scenes.

2. Over the Top – Funk’s role in the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top was the character Ruker, a fellow arm wrestler and antagonist to Stallone’s main character, Lincoln Hawk. Over the Top is a sports drama film centered around the world of professional arm wrestling, and Terry Funk’s appearance added to the fighting atmosphere of the movie. The film has become a bit of a cult classic over the years.

1. Paradise Alley – In the film, Terry Funk’s character, Frankie the Thumper, is a professional wrestler. Frankie is one of the wrestlers in the local wrestling circuit that the Carboni brothers, played by Sylvester Stallone (Cosmo), Armand Assante (Lenny), and Lee Canalito (Victor), are involved with. Frankie the Thumper is known for his wrestling skills and is part of the wrestling world that the Carboni brothers navigate as they pursue their dreams and get involved in various wrestling matches and events throughout the film. The film portrays their interactions and challenges within the wrestling community in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the 1940s. Funk also served as the stunt coordinator.

Which was your favorite Terry Funk movie? Did it make our list?

Magic Johnson’s Fast Break Turns 35

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Magic Johnson’s Fast Break is a basketball video game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. The game was developed and published by Tradewest, and it features basketball legend Magic Johnson as its namesake and cover star. Now 35 years old, FSM explores of if the game stands the test of time…

The game itself received mixed reviews from players and critics, which may have impacted its commercial success. Some praised it for its fast-paced gameplay and action, while others criticized it for its lack of depth and limited gameplay mechanics. The graphics and sound were considered decent for the NES era, but weren’t groundbreaking in terms of presentation.

However, the basketball game does offer a unique and fast-paced interpretation of the sport. While the game is played scrolling from side-to-side, similar to other classic basketball games of its time, the gameplay significantly differs as gamers are playing 2 on 2 instead of the traditional 5 on 5. Of course, 2 on 2 makes it easier to have Fast Breaks (and earn more money in the game) and makes for a different gaming experience. There is also the big Pepsi banner at half court which hardcore fans always seem to remember.

Overall, Magic Johnson’s Fast Break aimed to provide action-packed basketball, focusing on quick decision-making and high-scoring gameplay. While it did not have the complexity and realism of modern basketball games, it offered an enjoyable and engaging experience for players during its time on the NES platform.

The game did not end up being as successful for Nintendo compared to some of the more popular sports games released for the NES around that time. While it had a unique concept and featured a well-known sports personality like Magic Johnson (but no other NBA players), it didn’t achieve the same level of recognition as games such as Double Dribble and Tecmo NBA Basketball which became more established and had broader appeal. Fast Break didn’t become a standout title for the NES and is often not as well-remembered as the iconic games mentioned above. Ultimately, the game’s success can be considered modest but not on the level of major NES hits.

In the end, whether someone considers Magic Johnson’s Fast Break to be good or not depends on personal preferences and nostalgia for retro gaming. If you’re a fan of basketball and enjoy classic NES games, it might be worth trying out to see if it appeals to you. However, keep in mind that video game standards and expectations have evolved significantly since the NES era, so it may not hold up to modern gaming experiences.

The History of Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

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The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest has become a legendary annual event held on July 4th at Coney Island, New York. The origins of this contest can be traced back to a friendly competition among immigrants in the early 20th century.

The contest’s roots can be found in the tradition of settling disputes among working-class men on Coney Island. According to popular legend, in 1916, a group of four immigrants—Irish immigrant James Mullen, Polish immigrant Max Bruck, German immigrant Chris Nicoll, and an unidentified man—decided to hold a hot dog eating contest to settle an argument about who was the most patriotic among them. As the story goes, they gathered in front of Nathan’s Famous, a popular hot dog stand owned by Nathan Handwerker, and began consuming as many hot dogs as possible in a set amount of time.

Nathan Handwerker saw the potential in this spectacle and embraced it as a promotional opportunity for his business. The contest gained attention and became an annual event at Nathan’s Famous. Over the years, it grew in popularity and attracted participants from various backgrounds.

In 1972, the contest took a hiatus but was revived in 1974 by PR man Max Rosey, who wanted to use the event to generate publicity for Nathan’s Famous. The contest has been held every year since then and has become a cherished tradition, drawing thousands of spectators to witness competitive eaters from around the world battle it out to consume the most hot dogs in a given time period.

Today, the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest is organized by Major League Eating (MLE), a professional competitive eating organization, and has gained international recognition as one of the most prestigious events in the competitive eating circuit. It is broadcast live on television every 4th of July and has catapulted many participants to fame in the world of competitive eating.

The origins of Major League Eating can be traced back to the early 1990s and the efforts of brothers George and Richard Shea. In 1997, George and Richard Shea, who were public relations professionals, were hired by the owners of Nathan’s Famous to rebrand and promote the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest. Recognizing the potential for competitive eating as a spectator sport, the Shea brothers sought to elevate it to a professional level and establish a governing body to oversee the events.

Later that same year, the brothers founded the International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) as the governing body for competitive eating. The IFOCE was responsible for establishing rules, rankings, and standards for various eating contests. They aimed to transform competitive eating into a legitimate sport and attract sponsors, media coverage, and public interest.

Under the IFOCE, the Shea brothers worked to expand the competitive eating circuit, organize events, and attract top eaters. They introduced a structured ranking system and established guidelines for competitions to ensure fairness and safety. Over time, the IFOCE gained recognition as the leading authority in the world of competitive eating.

In 2001, the IFOCE was rebranded as Major League Eating (MLE) to reflect its professional approach and enhance its marketability. MLE continued to expand its reach and popularity by organizing and sanctioning eating contests across the United States and internationally. The Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest remained one of MLE’s flagship events, drawing significant media attention and shaping the perception of competitive eating as a competitive sport.

Major League Eating continues to oversee and promote competitive eating events, maintain rankings and records, and collaborate with sponsors, broadcasters, and participants to elevate the sport’s profile. It has played a significant role in popularizing and professionalizing competitive eating, turning it into a recognized and respected form of competition.

The first champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under the organization of Major League Eating (MLE) was Takeru Kobayashi. Kobayashi, a competitive eater from Japan, made his debut in the contest in 2001 and quickly revolutionized the sport with his unique eating technique and extraordinary capacity.

In his first year, Kobayashi shattered the existing world record by consuming 50 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, doubling the previous record. His incredible performance not only earned him the title but also captured the attention of the media and spectators, propelling competitive eating into the mainstream.

Kobayashi went on to dominate the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for the next six years, winning the championship from 2001 to 2006. His unorthodox “Solomon Method,” which involved separating the hot dog from the bun and consuming them separately, allowed him to eat at an astonishing pace and set multiple records.

However, in 2007, Kobayashi’s reign as the champion came to an end when he was defeated by Joey Chestnut, an American competitive eater. Chestnut consumed 66 hot dogs and buns, surpassing Kobayashi’s previous record of 63. This marked the beginning of Chestnut’s own dominant era in the contest, as he went on to win the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest for several consecutive years.

It’s worth noting that in recent years, Kobayashi has not competed in the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest due to contractual disputes with Major League Eating. Nonetheless, his contributions to the sport and his initial victories played a crucial role in establishing the contest’s popularity and setting the stage for future champions.

Joey Chestnut is the reigning champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest under Major League Eating (MLE). Chestnut has been a dominant force in the competitive eating world and has held the title for numerous consecutive years. His record-breaking streak began in 2007 when he defeated Kobayashi (ending his six-year reign as champion). Since then, Chestnut has continued to dominate the competition, consistently consuming a large number of hot dogs and securing the championship year after year. Think you beat him? You can start practicing this Independence Day!

Find ways to watch this year’s contest by clicking here.

FreeSportsMagazine.com Pays Tribute to the Iron Sheik

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The sports world lost a legend on June 7th, 2023 when the Iron Sheik departed the squared circle of life. At 82 years of age, he led a full but often complicated life. What was undisputable was that he was appropriately hated during his time actively wrestling and appropriately beloved during his time after. Free Sports Magazine is proud to offer this tribute to the #1 Jabroni:

The Iron Sheik, born Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri on March 15, 1942, is an Iranian-born professional wrestler and former Olympic wrestler. Known for his flamboyant personality and his portrayal of a villainous character in the wrestling world, the Iron Sheik enjoyed a successful career that spanned several decades.

Vaziri’s journey began in his native Iran, where he developed a passion for wrestling. He competed in various international tournaments and even represented Iran in the 1968 Olympic Games. After immigrating to the United States, he continued his wrestling career and gained prominence in the professional wrestling circuit.

In the 1980s, the Iron Sheik rose to superstardom as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE). With his signature move, the Camel Clutch, and his provocative interviews, he quickly became one of the most hated villains in the industry. His intense rivalry with Hulk Hogan, which culminated in Hogan dethroning him for the WWF Championship in 1984, is often remembered as a defining moment in wrestling history.

Beyond his in-ring persona, the Iron Sheik faced personal struggles, including substance abuse issues, which impacted his career and personal life. However, in later years, he embarked on a path of recovery and found renewed popularity through social media, where his outspoken and often humorous posts endeared him to a new generation of fans.

Perhaps one of the Sheik’s most infamous moments occurred outside the ring. This moment can be revisited with smiles so many years after the fact. It’s One of those crazy stories that undoubtedly get shared at funerals or when friends get together to remember loved ones lost.

In January 1987, a highly publicized incident involving the Iron Sheik (Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri) and Jim Duggan occurred, commonly referred to as “The Busted Incident” or “The Sheik-Duggan Arrest.” The incident took place during a time when professional wrestling promotions had a vested interest in preserving the illusion of the wrestlers’ characters outside the ring.

The story goes that on January 23, 1987, Vaziri and Duggan were traveling together in a car for a World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) event. However, they were pulled over by the police in New Jersey for suspected drug possession. During the search, marijuana was found in the vehicle, leading to their arrest.

This incident caused a significant scandal within the wrestling industry at the time. The media coverage exposed the scripted nature of professional wrestling and brought negative attention to the wrestlers involved. The WWF promptly took action, swiftly punishing both wrestlers for their actions.

The Iron Sheik was released from the WWF shortly after the incident, with the company citing his arrest and his behavior as the reasons for his termination. Meanwhile, Jim Duggan received a suspension from the WWF, which was also seen as a disciplinary measure.

While the incident tarnished their public image, both wrestlers eventually managed to rebuild their careers. Jim Duggan, in particular, made a successful comeback and became a beloved figure in the wrestling community. As for the Iron Sheik, he found a new level of popularity in later years, thanks to his outspoken and humorous presence on social media.

At the time of his passing, the Iron Sheik is regarded as a wrestling legend and a cultural icon. His unique blend of charisma, athleticism, and controversial antics left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Despite the challenges he faced, his enduring legacy will continue to inspire and entertain professional wrestling fans around the globe.

Body Slam: A Forgotten Movie of the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Era

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“Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” refers to a significant crossover between the worlds of professional wrestling and rock music that took place in the 1980s. It primarily revolves around the partnership between the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) and the music industry, particularly with the involvement of musicians and collaborations with MTV.

During this era, the WWF recognized the potential of combining the popularity of professional wrestling with the mainstream appeal of rock music to create a larger fan base. This led to various initiatives and events that blended the two worlds, resulting in a phenomenon known as “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling.”

One of the key figures in this crossover was Cyndi Lauper, a prominent pop singer of the time. Lauper’s association with professional wrestling began when she appeared as a manager for wrestler Wendi Richter. This led to a storyline feud between Richter and Lauper’s rival manager, Captain Lou Albano, which culminated in a highly publicized match at the inaugural WrestleMania event in 1985.

The success of this collaboration prompted further integration of music and wrestling. The WWF featured rock musicians in their programming, such as Rick Derringer performing “Real American” for Hulk Hogan’s entrance theme. Additionally, the WWF created animated series called Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, which featured animated versions of wrestlers teaming up with various rock stars in comedic adventures.

The “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling” era represented a significant period of cross-promotion and entertainment convergence, bringing together the larger-than-life personalities of professional wrestling with the energy and appeal of rock music. It played a crucial role in expanding the fanbase of both industries and capturing the pop culture zeitgeist of the 1980s.

The natural progression of this awesome pairing was to bring the action of pro wrestling and sounds of rock music to the movie screen. However, this is where interest seemed to stop for most people. Perhaps purchasing a ticket and spending a day at the movies was always going to be a bit overkill for fans perfectly happy to watch Cyndi Lauper just have fun from their own living room for or parents who got a free cartoon for their kids every Saturday morning. Whatever the reasons, this effort to hit the big screen ultimately left us with movies like No Holds Barred (which Jim Ross once referred to as No Profits Allowed) and the should be cult-classic Body Slam.

Body Slam was a comedy released in 1986, revolving around a down-on-his-luck music promoter named M. Harry Smilac, played by Dirk Benedict of The A-Team fame. Smilac just happens to get involved in the world of professional wrestling and mischief ensues.

The film follows Smilac as he encounters a washed-up pro wrestler named “Quick” Rick Roberts, portrayed by Rowdy Roddy Piper. Smilac sees an opportunity to combine his love for music and wrestling by managing Quick Rick and a wrestling rock band called Kick at the same time.

With the help of his assistant Candace, played by Tanya Roberts, Smilac sets out to promote Quick Rick and his wrestling partner Tonga Tom, played by Sam Fatu. They embark on a tour with Kick, hoping to achieve success and fame by merging the worlds of music and wrestling. As the story progresses, Smilac faces challenges, including rival wrestling promoters, the constant chaos of managing a group of wrestlers and musicians, and the difficulty of putting on a show that features both live music and wrestling. Of-course the film culminates in a climactic showdown and a high-stakes wrestling match.

Body Slam combines elements of comedy, wrestling action, and music, creating an entertaining story about an unlikely group of characters trying to find success and redemption in their respective fields. Other wrestlers and personalities of note appearing in the film include Captain Lou Albano, Afa Anoai, Barbarian, Billy Barty, John Astin, Fans of The A-Team will especially enjoy this film as Dirk Benedict drives around in a Ferrari in some scenes and is essentially playing the Templeton Peck character (he juggled commitments to both projects during this time). That’s perfectly fine because Rock ‘n’ Wresting is a venture that the Face man would get into to make a buck.

Body Slam was not a financial success. The film was met with negative reviews and failed to attract a significant audience. The movie’s poor performance contributed to its status as a relatively obscure and forgotten film today. While it has gained a small following among fans of professional wrestling and ’80s movies, it hasn’t achieved the same level of cult status as some other films from the era. Its lack of critical acclaim and commercial success prevented it from attaining widespread recognition or a dedicated cult following. This isn’t surprising when thinking about the mainstream audience but perhaps a little more unexpected when considering the fandom of wrestling fans.

Poker And Getting Rid of Your First Time Nerves

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By: Tim Jeffries

I really have sympathy for you if you’ve decided to play poker for the first time and you’ve decided that you’re brave enough to try playing against live players. I wish you all the luck and offer our condolences in advance…

I am kidding!

Of course, we’re not here to grieve for your losses in poker in advance. If you’re a first time player and you want to play against live players, then good for you. And we’re here to help by providing you with useful tips that just may be the keys you need to survive round after round of poker.

Now, first time players are what most poker veterans refer to as “calling stations”. If you’re wondering about the logic behind the term, it’s basically because most first time poker players have the tendency to call almost all bets without even sparing a moment’s thought on their decisions.

Obviously, if you don’t want to be viewed as a “calling station” (egad!), gain the respect of your fellow poker players and maybe a share of their chips also, think before you act. Poker is not just any card game. It’s a mental game, a strategic competition between several players.

If you feel that your nerves are getting the better of you, here are some tips to get rid of cold feet.

Don’t pressure yourself by comparing your skills to other players’. That’s a futile exercise. Naturally, you can’t compare. You’re playing for the first time and they’re, what, celebrating their one millionth game? If you accept that, there’s nothing to lose yet there’s no harm in trying, you’ll feel much better later on and be able to concentrate more on the game.

Don’t turn your fellow players into gods. Okay, so you’ve heard about your opponents’ reputations. Say, one is called The Crocodile because of his ability to snatch you out of the game in seconds and the other one’s called The Rampaging Elephant because he’s always aggressive when it comes to bets. Remind yourself that before they got their monickers, they were also, once in their lives, christened as “calling stations”… just like you. If it helps, mentally replace their faces with funny looking ones to lessen your feelings of inferiority.

And lastly… relax. I know, it’s easier said than done, but you truly have to relax. Block out everything except for the cards you’re holding and mentally hum a happy song to yourself. If you let external factors get the better of you, you’re dead meat. But if you succeed in relaxing and focusing completely on your game, you may just have gotten rid of your nerves for the final time.