Tag Archives: wwf

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

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.

A Legend in Pro Wrestling Also Had A Small Hollywood Career

Leave a reply

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?

FreeSportsMagazine.com Pays Tribute to the Iron Sheik

Leave a reply

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.

FSM First Look: Ringmaster – Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America

1 Reply

Even if you’ve never watched a minute of professional wrestling, you are living in Vince McMahon’s world.

In his four decades as the defining figure of American pro wrestling, McMahon was the man behind Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, John Cena, Dave Bautista, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, and Hulk Hogan, to name just a few of the mega-stars who owe him their careers. For more than twenty-five years, he has also been a performer in his own show, acting as the diabolical “Mr. McMahon”—a figure who may have more in common with the real Vince than he would care to admit.

Just as importantly, McMahon is one of Donald Trump’s closest friends—and Trump’s experiences as a performer in McMahon’s programming were, in many ways, a dress rehearsal for the 45th President’s campaigns and presidency. McMahon and his wife, Linda, are major Republican donors. Linda was in Trump’s cabinet. McMahon makes deals with the Saudi government worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And for generations of people who have watched wrestling, he has been a defining cultural force.

Accessible to anyone, regardless of wrestling knowledge, Ringmaster is an unauthorized, independent, investigative chronicle of Vince McMahon’s origins and rise to supreme power. It is built on exclusive interviews with more than 150 people, from McMahon’s childhood friends to those who accuse him of destroying their lives. Far more than just an athletics or entertainment biography, Ringmaster uses Vince’s story as a new lens for understanding the contemporary American apocalypse.

Ringmaster will be available for purchase on March 28, 2023.

A Rowdy Guy Who Made Pro Wrestling Fans Smile

Leave a reply

In 2015 the world of sports and entertainment lost a legend who passed away far too young. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper died of a heart attack at just 61 years of age. Born as Roderick George Toombs in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1954, Piper was a professional wrestling superstar whose “Piper’s Pit” interviews were as legendary as his antics in and out of the ring. He was able to morph his career into many areas of entertainment including acting. He appeared in a number of on-screen roles and did cartoon voices, but Roddy is probably best known for playing John Nada in They Live, the John Carpenter science fiction classic that has developed a cult following over the years. Never one to remain in one persona very long Roddy began as a villain wrestler, but often crossed over to being a bit of a hero or good guy of sorts. He also performed as a comedian as late as 2014 and had an impressive following as a podcast show host.

Roddy was primarily of Scottish decent and proud of it as evidenced by the garb he wore into the ring. Although he became expertly adept at playing the Bagpipes at a young age, Piper says he cannot recall how that came about. Roddy does recall how he got his wrestling name. Early in his pro career he walked into the ring wearing a kilt and playing bagpipes. When the announcer forgot the last name he was using, he simply introduced the wrestler as “Roddy the Piper” and the name stuck. Piper’s life was always filled with controversy which began when he was unceremoniously kicked out of Junior High School. He later left home as a young teen after a number of arguments with his father. His dad was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and always concerned about the family’s reputation. A natural athlete who worked out regularly, Piper managed to find work in any number of gyms which gave him the cash to live in Hostels.

Roddy had a very competitive spirit and began his athletic career as an amateur wrestler, boxer and judo competitor. He eventually won the prestigious Golden Gloves Championship and received a black belt in Judo from American pro wrestler, judo expert and champion Gene LeBell. By the time Piper was just 15 years of age he was ready to turn pro and joined the American Wrestling Association where he gained a reputation as a “bad guy” wrestler. He moved on to the more affluent National Wrestling Alliance in 1975. This organization was huge at that time and produced a number of super stars which included Buddy Rogers, Killer Kowalski, Bobo Brazil, Gene Kiniski, Dory Funk, Dory Funk Jr., Harley Race, Jack Brisco, Dusty Rhodes, Great Malenko, Buddy Colt, Eddie Graham, Sting and Bobby Shane to name just a few.

In the late 1970s to 1983 Piper moved through various pro wrestling territories and went up against top stars like Ric Flair, Jack Brisco, Chavo Guerrero and many others. He was often compared to Freddie Blassie and the two actually met in Madison Square Garden when Piper was given a match in the WWF by Vince McMahon. Blassie stuffed toilet paper in Roddy’s Bagpipes so that he could not play them for the crowd. In 1984 “Rowdy” Roddy Piper moved to McMahon’s Worldwide Wrestling Federal and instantly became a pro wrestling super star due to all the TV coverage the WWF garnered. One would think he was at the top of his career, but this was just the beginning. Piper became so popular and adept at interview skills that he was given his own TV segment called “Piper’s Pit” which became a favorite of WWF fans.

Piper was involved in all sorts of orchestrated mayhem which included feuds that involved WWF stars Captain Lou Albano, Hulk Hogan, Bruno Sammartino Greg Valentine and even Cyndi Lauper. Lauper was allegedly kicked in the head by Piper during an interview and that lead to a major row with Hulk Hogan and Lou Albano (who appeared in Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” music video). That blew up into a major grudge match at WrestleMania. Piper also somehow managed to get into a dispute with Mr. T (from the “A Team” TV Show and the “Rocky 3” film). The two eventually settled their differences by facing off during WrestleMania II. Piper lost after being disqualified for an illegal move. Like many pro wrestling super stars, Roddy Piper was beginning to feel the pain of a few too many injuries and took a year off from the WWF. He returned in 1986 with a revenge when he discovered that his “Piper’s Pit” had been replaced by a show hosted by Adrian Adonis called “The Flower Shop”. Piper appeared on the show, destroyed the set and all this lead to several very popular grudge matches that WWF fans really enjoyed.

By 1989 Roddy was more popular than ever and even hosted a live “Piper’s Pit” during WrestleMania V. An appearance on the show by once popular TV host Morton Downey Jr. turned into a big mess when Piper pointed a fire extinguisher at the always smoking Downey and sprayed him down. As Piper’s popularity continued to grow he began co-hosting Prime Time Wrestling along side pro wrestling legend Gorilla Monsoon. After replacing Bobby Heenan as co-host for the Prime Time show, Roddy and Heenan became fast enemies. Heenan enlisted “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Brother Love to get revenge and several entertaining encounters between the four followed. Brother Love (pro wrestler Bruce Pritchard, manager of The Undertake). Love wore a while suit and had a wrestling character based on some of the more outrageous tele-evangelists of the day. Love took over the TV spot once occupied by “Piper’s Pit” which angered Roddy so much that when he appeared on the show he told Brother Love that he smelled and had bad breath. Piper threw mouthwash and toothpaste in his face.

Although he began scaling back his actual pro wrestling matches, Roddy Piper managed to stay in the thick of things by getting involved in more feuds with competitors like Ted DiBiase (the Million Dollar Man), Jerry “The King” Lawler and Brett Hart. Piper was a regular at the WrestleMania events from 1989 to 1996 and even served as a celebrity referee. Roddy moved to the World Championship Wrestling organization in 1996 and joined in the much watched “Halloween Havoc” and “Starrcade” shows with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage and Brett Hart. Roddy later served briefly as the WCW Commissioner. During that reign he had major disputes with Rick Flair, Sid Vicious and Scott Hall. After peaking with the declining WCW, Piper found himself back with the WWF which in 2003 became Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment. That stint included a popular match with Hulk Hogan who, even after he was attacked with a steel pipe by Roddy, won the event.

During an extremely controversial appearance on HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” Piper admitted that he had taken drugs to remain in the ring over the past twenty years of his career. He also intimated that all or most other pro wrestling stars did the same so that they could continue competing given the injuries they all sustained and pain they felt. This got Roddy fired from Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment. The TAW (Total Action Wrestling) group which included NWA stars, grabbed him up in 2003 despite all the controversy. The move quickly proved to be a good deal for both Piper and the TAW. So much so that Vince McMahon could not ignore Roddy’s new found popularity and soon brought him back to the now huge and still growing Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment in 2005. During that time Piper hosted yet another “Piper’s Pit” live show at WrestleMania 21. That same year he was also inducted into the Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment Wrestling Hall Of Fame. Piper often appeared on the much watched “RAW!” and “SMACKDOWN” Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment TV shows which brought his talent and craziness to the attention of a whole new generation of pro wrestling fans.

From 2003 to 2014 Piper continued to build his popularity with more “Piper’s Pit” shows and various matches and feuds with Ricky Steamboat, Zac Rider, The Miz, Dolph Ziggler and many others. Roddy had a few rough patches during this time which included some injuries he sustained from an auto accident in 2005 and a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2007. He recovered from the accident injuries and was said to have been in remission from the lymphoma in 2008 after receiving treatment for nearly a year. As his appearances on the major pro wrestling TV shows wained, Piper still appeared at a number of popular independent pro wrestling events like WrestleReunion joining other famous veterans like Bob Orton Jr. and Terry Funk. Popular MMA and UFC female star competitor Rhonda “Rowdy” Rousey (12 wins, 0 losses as of this writing) met Piper and told him she was a huge fan. She asked if she could use his “Rowdy” moniker and he happily gave her his blessing. She recently dedicated her match against Bethe Correia at UFC 190 to Piper after hearing about his death. She won the match in 34 seconds.

Piper’s final years were spent appearing on various TV shows including “Celebrity Wife Swap” while doing voice overs for popular cartoons, making comedy club appearances and taking on a few more acting gigs along with his pro wrestling duties. He never faded from from public view and even appeared on “Celebrity Ghost Stories”. During that episode he admitted having seen the ghost of his friend and fellow pro competitor Adrian Adonis in 2013. Roddy most recently lived in Portland, Oregon, with his wife Kitty. He had four children: Three daughters and a son. Piper became a Grandfather after his daughter Anastacia recently gave birth. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper passed away as a result of a heart attack on July 31, 2015. This is a common cause of death among former pro wrestling stars. After a lifetime of pushing their bodies to the limit I suppose that their hearts just eventually give out. Regardless of the cause of his death, Piper will be missed by the millions of fans who thoroughly enjoyed his skills and rowdiness in and out of the ring.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9121260

About the Author: https://ezinearticles.com/expert/William_A._Edwards/1222533