Tag Archives: Jerry Lawler

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 39: Crazy for Joe LeDuc in Memphis

#KFRPod has dropped like a mighty oak hacked by a crazed Canadian Lumberjack! Host Scott Bowden and guest Howard Baum exchange cutting remarks as they slice through all the major angles that made the lumbering lug a maniacal money player in Memphis and the Sunshine State.

Plus, you’ll gain insight from Jerry Jarrett, Dave Brown and Lance Russell into what made Leduc most memorable inside and outside the ring. So relax, heat up a bowl of fresh hot blood oats and enjoy—this is the KFR episode you’ve been axing for. You’d be crazy to miss it!

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 37: You Dropped a Baum on Me

#KFRPod 37 has dropped like gallons of blood on the WMC-TV studio floor! Host Scott Bowden talks with Howard Baum about his involvement in one of the most infamous angles ever in Memphis wrestling history with fellow WFIA member Pete Lederberg as they present the WFIA’s tag-team of the year award to the new-and-less-improved Fabulous Ones, Tommy Rich and Eddie Gilbert in August 1984.

Howard also shares his memories of Lance Russell and Jerry Lawler, in particular the King’s reaction to seeing the Wrestling Observer newsletter for the first time as well as the Memphis Monarch’s run in the Sunshine State.

Plus Baum discusses his early fandom in Florida and how he regrettably JUST missed out on seeing Terry Funk defeat Jack Brisco for the NWA World title in Miami Beach, and much more in this two-hour hilarious episode.

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 35: Close-Up on Union Avenue

KFR Pod #35 has dropped like Ricky Morton’s head through a table after a Macho Piledriver! Host Scott Bowden goes behind the camera to chat with longtime (and now retired) WMC-TV 5 engineer Ken Parnell, who reveals the crazy energy and the wild-and-wooly inner workings of the Memphis TV show in its heyday.

Ken recalls his rookie year of 1981, which resulted in some of the most entertaining Memphis TVs in history thanks to the red-hot feud between Jerry Lawler and the All the King’s Men vs. Jimmy Hart’s nefarious First Family.

Ken will also explain the details behind his ill-advised detour down Badstreet USA where he lost the Freebird version of Rock, Paper, Scissors in August 1985 as part of a bloody-good angle at the Mid-South Coliseum.

Plus, Ken breaks down what made Memphis wrestling so special and his thoughts on the show’s TV format that was as loose and flexible as any arena rat back in the day and just as action-packed.

Not only does Ken provide a unique perspective of the show working for both the station and the promotion, but he also shares inside stories such as a Macho Man promo that nearly made Ken quit the business and how that led to he and Randy Savage eventually becoming good friends. All this and more on an extra-crispy, not-so-late KFR Episode 35!

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 34: The King Of Jackson

Fresh off a trip to Memphis to revisit his old stomping grounds—literally—Scott Bowden returns to LA and the KFR Podcast approximately 9 pounds heavier from all that country cookin’ and jivin’—and yes, even a little moonshinin’. As his eager sidekick, the Great Brian Last, hangs on every pause, Bowden spins tales about the glory days of pro wrestling in the South’s most infamous arena and some of the legendary backstage gossip that used to fly around the building like Mil Mascaras sailing from turnbuckle to canvas back in January 1979.

Not only will the KFR Colonel guide you through an empty arena—MY EYE!—but Bowden will also explain the emotions and memories that came flooding back, some of which surprised the cold-hearted, diabolical manager from Germantown. Also, Bowden makes like his favorite wrestling journalist—PWI’s hard-drinkin’, hard-workin’, liver-not-functionin’ (and not actually existin’) sage columnist Matt Brock.

On this episode’s Anatomy of Angle, Bowden looks at one of his favorite ’70s Memphis heels of all time who made an expected babyface turn in 1985, returning the perennial Southern tag champion back to main-event glory, this time as a singles star as well as the partner of Jerry Lawler to pluck and fry the evil Freebirds, Phil Hickerson. In the end, the Rodney Dangerfield of Memphis wrestling finally earned the respect of the fans as the King of Jackson, Tenn. KFR is also serving up a heapin’ of rare WHBQ audio, including a promo by a young, nervous and downright humble Hickerson with Lance Russell that hasn’t been heard in 40–plus years.

Bowden also shares the full story on the infamous November 1976 Memphis Magazine cover featuring the King wearing the NWA’s crown jewel—the 10 pounds of gold—for a quick photo shoot following only his second bout ever with World champion Terry Funk in October 1976. This was, quite literally, Lawler’s only “run” with the NWA World championship belt.  All this and more episode 34 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 31: Class Of ’79

KFR host Scott Bowden has returned from Parts Unknown armed with evidence he claims will be the smoking gun in the Mil Mascaras Monday Night Mystery!

Bowden not only looks back at the night in question of January 29, 1979, but also examines every single card he attended that year as a young fan at the Mid-South Coliseum. Bowden shares his memories of a young Terry “the Hulk” Boulder, Robert Fuller’s booking and ascension near the top of Memphis cards, the emergence and abrupt departure of the Freebirds, thoughts on what made the Tupelo, Miss. concession stand brawl work, the amazing promos of Jackie Fargo and the outlandish antics of Roughhouse Fargo, fresh out of the nuthouse in nearby Bolivar, Tenn., and witnessing his first  AWA World title match in August and his first “World” title change in Memphis.

Bowden and host The Great Brian Last also talk Moolah, Jarrett, Idol, and rare Memphis appearances by Crusher Blackwell…and Tom Snyder?! All this and more on Episode 31, “Class of ’79,” on the KFR Podcast.

Visit the NEW 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 29: Unsolved Mysteries of Memphis

On this special Unsolved Mysteries of #Memphis edition of the KFR Podcast, host Scott Bowden goes face to masked mug with Mil Mascaras during an autograph signing at Los Angeles-area sports-memorabilia speakeasy.

Bowden doesn’t tiptoe gracefully around the issue, asking as many questions as humanly possible to unmask the truth behind the mystery that has had a chokehold on the longtime Memphis fan and manager since he was 8 years old: Was it REALLY  Mil Mascaras in the ring at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis on 1.29.79, doing a stretcher job for promoter Jerry Jarrett’s local legends Jerry Lawler and Jackie Fargo…or was it a ringer?

Mascaras not only answers emphatically, providing photographic evidence, but can also be heard discussing the issue with Bowden, whose ill-fitting skinny jeans  accidentally setting off the voice recorder on his Galaxy Note8 device—finally a break that cracks the case…the answer awaits, true believers!

Visit the NEW 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 28: Too Much

In a candid discussion with Brian Last, Scott Bowden honors the memory of the late Brian Lawler by revealing a side of Grand Master Sexay that most fans never knew.

Bowden recalls the first time he met BC back in 1989, when the son of the King drove a Lincoln Continental delivering Godfather’s Pizzas all over town while earning straight A’s at Craigmont High School. Bowden discusses Jerry Lawler’s reaction to the appearance of his oldest son and Tony Williams on an outlaw show promoted in Memphis by Eddie “Snowman” Crawford, which also saw the debut of a certain punk manager from Germantown.

The KFR host also explains why Brian was the most naturally talented wrestler he’s ever seen—and why having too much on the natch may have helped lead to BC’s downfall. Bowden acknowledges Grand Master’s demons and mourns his wasted potential, but also recalls the ability and personality that made Brian Lawler one of a kind and truly unforgettable to those who really knew him.

Visit the NEW 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS

Episode 27: The House That Lawler Built

KFR host Scott Bowden reminisces about Monday night memories at the Mid-South Coliseum with Marvin Stockwell, co-founder of the Coliseum Coalition and Friends of the Fairgrounds. The two Memphians discuss everything that made the Roundhouse the entertainment capital of the Mid-South, including Memphis State Tiger basketball, legendary artists who performed at the arena, who flying-saucer shape provided out-of-this-world acoustics and, yes, the heritage of Memphis wrestling in the House That Lawler Built. Most important, Stockwell provides insight into how the grassroots campaigns of his two community-driven organizations  have helped save the Coliseum while revealing what the future may hold for the longtime legendary home of Memphis wrestling.

Bowden also kicks off his look at the 10 Most Memorable Memphis Wrestling Moments at the Mid-South by welcoming fellow podcaster Kris Zellner, who turns his eyyyeeeeeeeesss on the infamous Empty Arena Match between Jerry Lawler and Terry Funk.

Visit the NEW 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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS