Jim Cornette’s Drive-Thru Episode 58
Release date: June 25, 2018
Recap by: Paul Briody
DIRECT LINK TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD
Top stories/moments of interest:
• Usual format in which Brian Last asks Jim Cornette listener questions about current wrestling and wrestling history with great chemistry between the two.
0:00 – A banterous intro!
5:55 – Why were two of Dusty Rhodes’ three NWA title reigns so short? If Dusty was on the road as the touring NWA Champion, it would mean less dates for his regular Florida territory. He was too valuable. Dusty was a good worker but couldn’t adapt to different styles like Harley Race or Ric Flair as touring champions. One of the biggest reasons for Dusty winning the title was fear of losing his star power if fans saw him fail too many times, as well as fear of making the business look phoney, like Lawler in Memphis when he finally won a world title (AWA) after twelve or thirteen years. Interesting short-term NWA title runs discussion, then Giant Baba, then classic Japanese wrestling. Good stuff.
25:57 – Jerry Lawler held the USWA title twenty-two times in nine years, why? Memphis ran so many shows that the ‘touring NWA Champion’ model wouldn’t work so the USWA title was more like a regional title in that it changed hands much more frequently.
29:56 – What does Jim think about the TNA gimmick matches? Jim: “There was always too much garbage in the ring. Sometimes, it was garbage with a pulse and sometimes it was inanimate objects.” Very risky considering those matches weren’t really drawing any money. “Too gimmicky.” More Vince Russo bashing, since Jim (as TNA’s authority figure at the time) had to explain “S***stain’s” nonsensical booking. Jim: “It was a personal challenge. ‘I am so smart and so good that I will figure out a way to explain Vince Russo’s horses*** to where normal people might think that it makes sense.’” Funny story about Jim being there the first time Russo ever smelled a wrestling ring.
34:30 – Was Bobby Eaton the first wrestler to do a leg drop from the top rope? Jim: “I will claim that Bobby did it better than anybody else, ever, before or since, but even I wouldn’t claim he invented it, and there’s no way to tell.” Eaton often emulated moves that had inspired him to the amazement of those around him. Great worker. His biggest influences were “all the Memphis guys” including Jackie Fargo.
39:20 – Does Jim have any memories of Lake Charles, Louisiana? The crowds there truly hated the heels. The Freebirds had to have a police escort to the building because they had so much heat. Despite heels being surrounded by police as they walked to the ring, Skandor Akbar once had Drain-O shot at him with water guns! One time, Dennis Condrey had all the locks on his van covered with super-glue and also had to pull a gun on some fans who were chasing the Midnights’ car. Funny rioting fans stories, Corny had to deal with a lot!
53:49 – Who used to make the casts for wrestlers who had broken arms or legs? Jim: “Generally a doctor!” Some people knew how to it themselves but there was no regular method. The Cuban Assassin poured lighter fluid on his own chest during a fireball spot in Memphis.
59:01 – Did Jim think, during their OVW run, that John Cena would be a bigger star than Randy Orton? Yes! Cena was further along in his training, promos and physique and was much more motivated. Shelton Benjamin was a natural, Brock Lesnar was/is a genetic freak but really wasn’t interested in wrestling.
1:02:53 – Why didn’t SMW run shows at Chilhowee Park In Knoxville while Jim ran the territory? Jim: “Well, those six foot weeds growing through the seats…” During Jim’s SMW tenure the venue wasn’t operational or serviceable.
1:07:07 – Outro
Plugs: Twitter: @TheJimCornette, @GreatBrianLast #CornyDriveThru; CornyDriveThru@gmail.com; JimCornette.com; 605pod.com; kfrpod.com; tinyurl.com/cornyyoutube; the law offices of Stephen P. New.
Rating: 7.70
Back with a bang, with loads of hilarious stories from the old days.
Time stamps:
0:00 – Intro
5:55 – Dusty Rhodes as NWA champ
25:57 – Jerry Lawler as USWA champ
29:56 – TNA gimmick matches
34:30 – Bobby Eaton
39:20 – Lake Charles, Louisiana
53:49 – Casts in wrestling
1:02:53 – Chilhowee Park, Knoxville
1:07:07 – Outro
About Paul:
I’m just a guy, from England, who watches wrestling and listens to podcasts!
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