Tag Archives: 1982

Episode 45: Andy Kaufman’s Gone Rasslin’

Finally—#KFRPod 45 has dropped like Andy Kaufman after a King-sized slap on Late Night With David Letterman! In their own totally original yet extra-crispy way, host Scott Bowden teams with wrestling’s song-and-dance man, Scott Cornish, to break down one of the most memorable feuds in Memphis Wrestling history: Andy Kaufman vs. Jerry Lawler.

Bowden recalls Andy’s very first appearance at the Mid-South Coliseum in 1981, the original plan and Andy’s audacious audibles, culminating with Lawler’s Slap Heard ‘Round the World on Letterman. Were Andy’s matches with women from the audience a shoot? How much did Letterman know ahead of time? What was the reaction from NBC, the public and the media? All these questions and more will be answered during this triumphant return of the KFR podcast!

Visit the Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ online store at http://kentuckyfriedrasslin.bigcartel.com/

Follow Scott Bowden on Twitter @TravScottBowden and on Facebook @KentuckyFriedRasslin.

Follow Brian on Twitter at @GreatBrianLast.

Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network

Episode 38: Homecoming King: Ric Flair’s Memphis Wrestling Debut

Episode 38 of the #KFRPod has dropped like a Nature Boy face flop! Scott Bowden & Howard Baum examine the 8.14.82 Memphis TV show as Ric Flair returns to his birthplace to defend the NWA World title vs. the King of the Country Jive, Jerry Lawler!

Bowden explains why this is not only some of the best footage of the territory era but also possibly Lance Russell’s finest hour in the WMC-TV studio. Bowden also dispels some popular rumors about the day in question, praises Memphis promoter Jerry Jarrett’s booking of the finish, and explains why this was a good day for Jimmy Hart and quite possibly the greatest day of ringside photographer Jimmy Cornette, who drove up from Louisville to capture all the action.

Plus, you’ll learn why Ric Flair never returned for his payoff and the promotion’s decision to go with Nick Bockwinkel instead of the Nature Boy for future World title programs with the King of Memphis. All this, plus a look at the unique dynamics of the Dutch Mantell vs. Bill Dundee angle on the same Saturday, and much more.

Visit the Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ online store at http://kentuckyfriedrasslin.bigcartel.com/

Follow Scott Bowden on Twitter @TravScottBowden and on Facebook @KentuckyFriedRasslin.

Follow Brian on Twitter at @GreatBrianLast.

Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ is a production of the Arcadian Vanguard Podcast Network