Tag Archives: Lance Russell

Episode 40: Fabulous Ones: Original & Extra Crispy.

Episode 40 of the KFR podcast has dropped like many a rat’s panties in the Fabs’ van! Host Scott Bowden and his tag-team partner Howard “Atomic” Baum look at how Steve Keirn and Stan Lane set the Memphis territory on fire, and they explain why lightning didn’t strike twice when Tommy Rich and Eddie Gilbert attempted to fill their tuxedos in spring 1984. Bowden will also explain Jackie Fargo’s role in getting Keirn and Lane over and why it didn’t work when their mentor tried to bury them on the way out.

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

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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

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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

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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

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Episode 32: A Nose for Excellence with Guest Shane Russell

Yellow again, everybody, and welcome to another BIG DAY of the KFR podcast, as Scott Bowden and Brian Last welcome Shane Russell, son of legendary Memphis Wrestling broadcast Lance Russell.

Shane shares his favorite memories both as a huge wrestling fan and as the son of the most iconic personality in Memphis broadcasting history. Shane shares memories of tagging along with his father for live broadcasts at WHBQ and later at WMC-TV and discusses his personal favorite Lance Russell moments, both on camera and at home. Shane also explains Lance’s decision to leave WHBQ and promoter Nick Gulas for WMC-TV and Jerry Jarrett, and why this led to some spirited discussions at the Russell home.

Shane also offer insights into the special relationship between his dad and Jerry Lawler and details what it was like being known as “Banana Nose Jr.” by his classmates in Memphis growing up. All this, plus classic Lance Russell audio make this a show you don’t dare miss, partner!

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

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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

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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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Episode 16: Jeff Jarrett

Welcome to a Hall of Fame-worthy episode of Kentucky Fried Rasslin’!

This week, KFR host Scott Bowden welcomes Jeff Jarrett, WWE Hall of Fame, Class of 2018, to the show to discuss the former USWA and WCW World champion’s early days in his father’s territory. Double J will discuss his participation in two of the hottest angles—not to mention one of the hottest posters—to ever hit Memphis TV, along with his memories of Tojo Yamamoto, Akio Sato & Tarzan Goto, Tony Falk, Phil Hickerson and Pat Tanaka.

You’ll also discover how the founder of TNA also had a hand in creating Kentucky Fried Rasslin’ (true story)! All this and more on episode 16 of 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 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

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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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Android | RSS