Tag Archives: Jerry Lawler

Episode 24: Men About Town w/ Guest Jim Cornette

KFR host Scott Bowden and his extra-crispy guest, Jim Cornette, honor the 35th anniversary of one of the best bouts ever held in Memphis, which also was featured around the territory’s loop, earning one of the biggest money weeks ever for promoter Jerry Jarret.

This series of bouts featured Jarrett’s two biggest
longtime handpicked stars who worked practically the same match with the same finish to huge crowds in Lexington, Memphis, Nashville and Louisville, June 2—June 7, 1983, with a loser-leaves-town stipulation and the AWA Southern heavyweight title hanging in the balance. They all came to witness Jerry “the King” Lawler defeat “Superstar” Bill Dundee to regain his belt and finally rid the
area of his perennial rival and former ally in what many fans declared the greatest match they ever saw in the territory.

Behind the scenes, Dundee’s departure also resulted in other key names leaving the area, including Cornette, who explains not only the reasons behind that but also why this ’83 series and the ’77 feud clicked with Memphis fans while the ‘79 program between the King
and the Superstar did not. It’s no-holds-barred, must-listen edition of the KFR podcast, complete with rare WHBQ audio you won’t hear anywhere else.

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

Episode 23: Tux Tales

Scott Bowden welcomes his Beverly Hills neighbor, the dapper-yet-diabolical Tux Newman (Jeff Walton), who orchestrated Randy “Macho Man” Savage’s return to the dark side of Memphis wrestling in late February 1985, guiding his star to memorable, brutal reign as the Southern heavyweight champion of the WORLD.

The twisted talent agent from Tinseltown will dish on how he got his macho client booked in the WWF and explains why Savage insisted on dropping the belt back to the King on his way out.

Tux will also reveal why bad timing may have been the only thing that prevented the Tux Man from having a legendary run under Vince McMahon’s ever-expanding ’80s circus tent.

In addition to sharing his thoughts on everyone from Lance Russell to the King to Jerry Jarrett, the Big T takes the stand to offer his expert analysis regarding the Mil Mascaras MondayNight Mystery. Is this the night Bowden unmasks the truth?!

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

Episode 22: World Politics

KFR host Scott Bowden continues his look at Jerry Lawler’s AWA World championship win 30 years ago with guests Prince Kevin Lawler and the man who crowned the King, legendary Memphis promoter Jerry Jarrett.

Scott and Kevin also pay tribute to their mutual friend Nik Niknahad, aka Mr. Clyde and Ali Ben Khan on Memphis TV, who recently passed away.

The Original Double J will provide fascinating insight into the politics of the wrestling world in the ’70s and ’80s as the Tennessee promoter worked tirelessly to get the King of Memphis a run with the NWA championship. Jarrett will also reveal why he turned down Sam Muchnick’s offer to give Lawler a short reign as King of the World a la Tommy Rich, and he will also share his true feelings about Unfortunate Bruce Prichard™ and news about his upcoming podcast.

It’s a king-sized episode as the 1st Annual JerryFest™ continues on the KFR podcast, so don’t you dare miss it, my friend.

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

Episode 21: Area King Crowned

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Jerry Lawler’s AWA World title win, host KFR host Scott Bowden discusses the King’s chase of the World heavyweight championshipthe Memphis territory’s overarching storyline for well over a decade.

On this week’s Stinkn’ Rednecks segment, Bowden and longtime fan David Delahoussaye discuss why Lawler was so over as a sport hero for kids growing up in the area in the ’70s and early ’80s, and why the King’s quest for the World title meant so much to his fans.

And in the first part of a revealing interview, Kevin Lawler recalls the highs and lows that came with being the son of one of the most controversial stars in wrestling, and he explains why Nick Bockwinkel was the true World champion in the eyes of Memphis fans.

All this and more on episode 21 of  KFR, the REAL World champion of Memphis wrestling podcasts.

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

Episode 17: Fifty-One Shades of Grey

Scott Bowden is back with another piping hot edition of the KFR Podcast! Joining Bowden and the Great Brian Last™ will be Jerry Grey, who has emerged as one of the greatest storytellers in all of professional wrestling on the 6:05 Superpodcast…the Mothership!

Tonight, the Golden Boy shares his comic misadventures in the wild-and-wooly world of ’80s Memphis wrestling,  featuring Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Hart, “Ravishing” Rick Rude and his lovely valet, Angel, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Sabu The Wild Ladies’ Man from Borneo, and more!

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

Episode 15: All The King’s Men

On this week’s KFR podcast, host Scott Bowden begins his look at the angle that led to The Last Sellout: the return of the King to the Mid-South Coliseum on March 3, 1986, which would be the final time Jarrett Promotions sold out the building.

Two of Jerry Lawler’s longtime buddies/teammates who broke into the wrestling business because of the King’s influence join today’s show to discuss their thankless jobs and provide insight into one of the most memorable programs in the territory’s history: Lawler and Dutch Mantell vs. BIl Dundee and Buddy Landel. TV jobber Jim Jamison discusses the trials and tribulations of trainsitioning from the gridiron to the mat with Lawler, and shares his memories of Lance Russell, Jimmy Hart, Jerry Jarrett, and Joe LeDuc.  Jamison also reveals why he loved the job despite its obvious shortcomings and how he almost lost the Memphis gig when he worked a shot as Jim Cornette’s cousin Percy for Houston promoter Paul Boesch for a decent payday and a new haircut.

Jerry Calhoun, the most maligned official in the history of professional sports, discusses his break into the business as well as his thoughts on some of the memorable matches he officiated around the territory in its heyday—including the Last Sellout…and a certain stretcher match on Jan. 29, 1979. Will Calhoun be the unlikely hero who unmasks the Mil Mascaras Monday Night Mystery?! Find out in Espisode 14 of the KFR podcast with Bowden and co-host The Great Brian Last.™

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

Episode 11: Are You a Man or a Rat

Oh, rats! The legendary Nathaniel Whitlock drives by Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ to talk rasslin’, rats, and a little rock ‘n’ roll with Scott Bowden and The Great Brian Last™.

You’ll hear the incredible true story of how wrestling an alligator led to the nefarious manager’s big break in the business; background on Nate’s famous brother and his infamous first cousin; his ambitious idea to promote an AWA World title bout between Nick Bockwinkel and Jerry Lawler on a cruise ship sailing the Southern Seas; memories of managing future WWE stars The Godfather (Soul Taker) and The Undertaker (Master of Pain); recollections of trading shots with Stan “the Lariat” Hansen; and fond memories of getting rediscovered in his cab while picking up Northeast promoter Dennis Coralluzzo at Memphis International Airport.

“Wild and wooly” doesn’t do Episode 11 justice, so don’t you dare miss it!

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 10: Kentucky Fried Cornette

Out of the kindness of his heart, the legendary Louisville Slugger himself, Jim Cornette, drops by the KFR podcast after everyone from Randy Hales to Reggie B. Fine disrespectfully declines to appear.

The manager of such good Christian athletes as the Midnight Express and Mantaur, Corny joins Scott Bowden and The Great Brian Last™ for a lively 90-minute Broadway, discussing such extra-crispy topics as his favorite wrestler as a kid, a ’75 showdown with heels Jerry Lawler & Lou Thesz vs Ricky Gibson & Jerry Jarrett w/Jackie Fargo at the Louisville Gardens, and the young photographer’s first assignment at the Mid-South Coliseum alongside another budding photojournalist named Eddie Gilbert. 

The two former Memphis managers also share their conflicting memories of the night the WFIA (Wrestling Fans International Association) witnessed the Fabulous Freebirds spread their wings and fly to the ring as their Skynyrd anthem played over the PA for the very first time in the House that Lawler Built.

With the Louisville Lip onboard, it doesn’t get any juicier than this, so be there right alongside for another BIG day of Kentucky Fried Rasslin’!

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 9: The Perfect Storm

Buckle up for a wild-and-wooly ride, as Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ is proud to welcome the longtime meteorologist for the number-one newscast in Memphis and one half of the greatest wrestling announce team of all time, the legendary Dave Brown!

Join hosts Scott Bowden and The Great Brian Last as Dave discusses his start in the business, making the transition from radio to TV. Bowden also talks with Dave about the special bond between the Memphis wrestling promotion and the fans, and why the live TV show from the WMC-TV 5 studio did such incredible numbers in the early ’80s, becoming the city’s number-one rated show at one point—ahead of network prime-time powerhouses Dallas and Dynasty.

Dave also shares a story of how he and Lance narrowly avoided the wrath of ICW World champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage outside Lexington’s Rupp Arena. You’ll also gain insight into Dave’s feelings on everyone from Nick Gulas to Jerry Jarrett to Jerry Lawler to a young punk from Germantown who never knew when to keep his mouth shut. (Some things never change.) It’s our longest episode to date, so be there right along ringside for another BIG week of Kentucky Fried Rasslin’!

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 8: Shades Of Brown

When Scott Bowden got married a decade ago, he never dreamed he’d be spending his 10-year-anniversary with iconic Memphis wrestling announcer Dave Brown.  The two former on-air adversaries of the USWA recently reunited over burgers shortly after Bowden traveled from LA to his hometown for his sister’s funeral.

While there have been countless features on the late, great Lance Russell, the talented sidekick of ol’ Banana Nose is often underappreciated on a national level because Brown was so subtle in his cool delivery and subtle mannerisms.  Brown was so smooth, he made it look easy to maintain his credibility in the wild and wooly world of Memphis wrestling.

Bowden and his own loyal sidekick, The Great Brian Last, discuss what made Brown the perfect complement to Russell and spotlight some of the best moments featuring the city’s top weatherman, who picked up the role of the straight man to a heel King Lawler without missing a beat after Russell left for WCW.  Bowden also reveals what really happened that day of the infamous angle with Randy Hales that nearly got the arrogant young manager thrown off the air by Brown, and how he wound up back in the doghouse shortly after the initial heat between the two was seemingly hit with a cold front.  Join us right alongside for another BIG week of Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ as we honor the greatest wrestling announcer duo in history.

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