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  • Tracy wrote:
    Over and over Ric Flair gets his a** kicked financially in divorces , why can't he learn that getting married only causes trouble for him :/

    I think Flair, Hogan & Taker should retire, Taker did an interview recently with Houston newspaper and he wants to continue a few more yrs, unfortunately I fear his body might pull the plug on that.....maybe he should do like Edge and retire before he gets seriously hurt ? (can't blame him for doing Manias , they pay a crapload of $$$)

    Nice to read that there is another wrestling fan out there. I was a fan when Bruno was champ as a little kid, and once has a part time wrestling video business and made some nice extra cash on the side before my kids were born. Got to know a lot of people in the biz back then. Everything I'll say next is the absolute truth from personal experience, and Hogan fans may be insulted when they read about their hero and the truth behind the legend.

    Flair has been officially retired for well over a year now as far as wrestling goes. But he's still revered as the greatest wrestler of all time for many, and can still be very valuable in front of the camera as he can still talk the talk and the fans go crazy every time he makes an appearance on WWE TV. Consider that on his last full time run in 2008, at the age of 59, he was wrestling as well as anyone on the entire roster, including guys 35 years younger than he. No one in wrestling history has been that good for that long. He's been a personal friend and mentor to many greats that came after him and since retired, HHH and Shawm Michaels among his closest friends and most ardent supporters. Ric has been unlucky in marriage, no question, but then Ric could never keep it in his pants regardless of commitment when it came to a beautiful and willing woman, so there you go. I got to know him pretty well on a first name basis in the 1980's and 1990's, and let me tell you, you couldn't find a more generous and good hearted human being, especially when it comes to children. Grown-ups too. Many a night Ric bought drinks for a crowded bar and spoke kindly to anyone who approached him. He lost his son Reid a few months ago, and I know he's going through a very rough time right now. I can't imagine.

    Taker is now divorced from his wife Sara, she of his neck tattoo, and married to former WWE diva Michelle McCool. I only met him once when he was going by the name of "Mean" Mark Callous in the old NWA/WCW back in early 1989 just before he went with the WWF. Mark really is his name, and he seemed like a nice enough fellow. Now he's pretty much a novelty act, he is physically beat up and really can't go full time as a regular character, but on a limited basis he is still a valuable commodity that sells tickets whenever he appears. Unlike Edge and Arn Anderson, he can have the odd match or two once a year and not risk being permanently crippled, so why not. He can still bring it and was a great worker in his prime.

    Hogan, well, he was one of the worst in-ring wrestlers I've ever seen since he got his big push thanks to Rocky III. He wasn't exactly a great worker even when that end of things was his focus. All show, and no go like that if you understand the business. He was much more passionate about his fame and all the money than being a wrestler in the sense of enjoying that end of his job and working hard to get better at it. And not exactly a good human being either. I only crossed paths with him a few times, as he wasn't the type who socialized with fans and often he retreated right to his room which was what those who didn't want to be bothered did. I'll never forget the one thing I saw that convinced me his kid friendly gimmick was exactly that, all show. This is a true story. I saw a kid that I knew personally, who was wheelchair bound, approach him and try to spend some time. He barely got acknowledged, let alone a pic or an autograph. Flair bought that same kid $300 worth of X-mas presents. And never took any credit for it with anyone. The only reason I know this is because I knew the kid and his mother told me that on the side.

    Really cool to learn all that about Flair, Undertaker, and Hogan. But for my money, you can't beat what Hogan did. He became the biggest name in wrestling twice over, in wildly different roles, in different companies, in separate decades, and revolutionized the business both times. When he returned to the WWF after years in WCW, they still rooted for him over the company's greatest hero. You just can't match that.

    I'd heard a lot of negative things about Slick Ric, so it's great to hear about a much nicer side of him.

    On a semi-related note, what do you think about DDP's work with Jake the Snake and Scott Hall, and for that matter, the recent interview of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, where he was clearly as high as a kite and twitching and sweating and rambling?

  • I'm back from my two year sabbatical.

    Hi.
  • Anything in particular that brought you back?
  • Spiritual enlightenment.
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    @0BradyM0Bondfanatic7 don't worry. Nobody needs a PhD involving Endocrinology to understand what is ridiculously wrong with this story ;) Trust me.
  • SharkShark Banned
    Posts: 348
    Spiritual enlightenment.

    The author of this post is conducting a short maintenance. This post is unavailable for use at the moment, but will resume normal service shortly.
  • edited August 2013 Posts: 3,494

    Really cool to learn all that about Flair, Undertaker, and Hogan. But for my money, you can't beat what Hogan did. He became the biggest name in wrestling twice over, in wildly different roles, in different companies, in separate decades, and revolutionized the business both times. When he returned to the WWF after years in WCW, they still rooted for him over the company's greatest hero. You just can't match that.

    I'd heard a lot of negative things about Slick Ric, so it's great to hear about a much nicer side of him.

    On a semi-related note, what do you think about DDP's work with Jake the Snake and Scott Hall, and for that matter, the recent interview of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, where he was clearly as high as a kite and twitching and sweating and rambling?

    Hogan has to be the luckiest wrestler ever born in my opinion. There is no denying he has an incredible amount of personal charisma in front of the camera and legions of fans like no other, what I am saying is that this by default does not make the greatest "wrestler". I draw the line between "wrestling" and "entertainment".

    If you go back to the roots of Hogan's career, you find just another large, jacked up on steroids wrestler working for regional promotions. Quite common during that point in time. His interviews didn't give away the natural charisma he possessed and obviously that OTT larger than life persona had to be developed. The popularity of Stallone but more so the genius of Vince McMahon Jr in making stars out of certain talents are what made Hogan what he became and is today. Creatively speaking, he is not the genius he appears to be.

    History tells us that Vince Sr more or less let Hogan go because he took the role of "Thunderlips" against his wishes. At that point he went to wrestle for the old AWA but the notoriety didn't lead the promotion to big success. Enter Vince Jr. This is the real reason Hogan gained the fame he did, Vince is the greatest genius in the history of the sport, and Hogan would have never reached the heights he did without Vince recognizing he could capitalize on the notoriety and was the guy he wanted. Vince's marketing and character development skills made Hogan what he is. That carried over to WCW.

    Flair was the most well known NWA/WCW wrestler, but was he the "hero"? No. He was a heel and it was good for business to have Hogan win their first televised match (they had worked against each other on some West Coast house shows when Flair made his first appearances with the then WWF in 1991). Eventually he had to give the win back to Flair which shows how equally important Flair was to WCW. They tried Hogan's approach with Sting and it failed. It was a wise move for Bischoff to bring in Hogan to fill that role, and only natural to put him over everyone else because he had proven he could carry the ball and had the recognition to do so. That's how they were able to compete with Vince at the time. When he got stale there, and he did, they turned him heel and his loyal fans bit hook, line, and sinker. One thing you have to remember about Hogan is that once he got his fame, he also gained an unheard of amount of creative control about who he "beat" and who he "lost" to that allowed him to all but hold the promoter a hostage of sorts. With the exception of his pals, Bischoff being one of them by the way and coincidentally in control of WCW at the time, his reputation in the business is not a good one. You have to understand that he has his faults which cannot be ignored in a honest examination. Yes, he put asses in seats, but he also is responsible for hurting the careers of a lot of guys for his own benefit and a lot of the boys resent and dislike him a great deal for it.

    By contrast, Ric Flair would put guys over whenever asked. It's called "selling". Ric would have TV squash matches and let the jobber get the upper hand to get the fans to root for the upset. He treated everyone with respect and gave everyone the chance to shine in his spotlight. This is also why he's held a championship title more times than anyone and why he is so beloved within the industry, because of his lack of selfishness. Vince Jr adores him. He "made" way more guys than he ever hurt. Some of the boys didn't like his booking and his perceptions of them, but that number pales in comparison to Hogan. Part of what comes with being the being the booker, you can't please everyone. Flair always said what he thought and didn't sabotage anyone behind their backs which is why his rep is the better one. Most of the negatives about Ric nowadays have come from his recent actions outside of the business. They aren't consistent with the man I knew. It's sad to hear. There is a very generous and good soul underneath.

    I know some of the older guys swear by DDP and the yoga he does and teaches. All of those you mention have inflicted a lot of damage to themselves and their reputations in the business. I wish them well in their recovery.






  • edited August 2013 Posts: 12,837
    I'm still not used to how they changed the name of the wrestling from WWF to WWE.

    I saw a bit of one of the shows on Sky Sports a week or so ago when I was channel surfing. The women are as fit as ever.
    [The Hollywood Reporter]  In 2005, a 30-something actor on the precipice of superstardom began prepping for a lead feature role that required ample spotlight on his abs.

    The actor met with the film’s trainer and outlined the performance-enhancing drugs, including human growth hormone (HGH), he already had been taking. The trainer, a firm believer that a chiseled physique should be achieved naturally, recused himself from working with the actor.

    “He told me that HGH made him feel like nothing else ever made him feel,” recalls the trainer, who declined to be identified out of respect for trainer/trainee confidentiality. “He was basically addicted. I told him to find another trainer. He did.”

    That actor, now an A-lister who continues to cash in on his impressive torso, is just one of Hollywood’s growing list of stars who turn to injectable HGH and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) amid the ever-competitive world of looking great at any age.

    Actor:

    Role:

    Film:


    I certainly hope that isn't referring to Daniel Craig during his preparation for Casino Royale.

    Sure sounds like it is.
  • Posts: 6,396
    [The Hollywood Reporter]  In 2005, a 30-something actor on the precipice of superstardom began prepping for a lead feature role that required ample spotlight on his abs.

    The actor met with the film’s trainer and outlined the performance-enhancing drugs, including human growth hormone (HGH), he already had been taking. The trainer, a firm believer that a chiseled physique should be achieved naturally, recused himself from working with the actor.

    “He told me that HGH made him feel like nothing else ever made him feel,” recalls the trainer, who declined to be identified out of respect for trainer/trainee confidentiality. “He was basically addicted. I told him to find another trainer. He did.”

    That actor, now an A-lister who continues to cash in on his impressive torso, is just one of Hollywood’s growing list of stars who turn to injectable HGH and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) amid the ever-competitive world of looking great at any age.

    Actor:

    Role:

    Film:


    I certainly hope that isn't referring to Daniel Craig during his preparation for Casino Royale.

    Sure sounds like it is.

    More tabloid BS is it?
  • edited August 2013 Posts: 12,837
    Googled it and this came up.

    http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/84901/how-much-of-hollywood-is-pumping-hgh-duh-probably-a-lot-of-Hollywood

    Jackman was already a Hollywood star so (if it is true, and I have no idea how reliable Hollywood reporter are), it's either Craig or Butler.
  • ^In a nice little crossover, The Rock has also been under much scrutiny for his possibly being on HGH or any other steroid in wrestling circles.

    Thank you once again for the all the great wrestling info, SirHenry. There's a great wrestling community that I know of that could always use more men like you.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    edited August 2013 Posts: 12,480
    An "A lister" ... by common consent? Hollywood Reporter, I thought (could be wrong), has an OK rep, not just b.s. It's been around for a long time.

    EDIT: It wasn't first in the Reporter but in a gossip site called blindgossip.

    Butler is not an A lister to me.
    I thought Jackman was already in the big time.
    I really hope it is not Daniel Craig; this whole HGH doesn't sit well with me.
    Any other possible names, please?
  • Samuel001Samuel001 Moderator
    edited August 2013 Posts: 13,355
    Urgh! Not a nice article that. Whoever it is, silly move on their part. If it's not a load of crap.

    Here's the link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hollywood-steroid-use-a-list-609091
  • edited August 2013 Posts: 6,396
    Yes just as I thought, a story which appears to be complete and utter bollocks. "The trainer didn't want to be identified due to trainer/trainee confidentiality". WTF? Have you ever heard such nonsense?!
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    The trainer would not want to be sued by the actor I imagine.
  • An "A lister" ... by common consent? Hollywood Reporter, I thought (could be wrong), has an OK rep, not just b.s. It's been around for a long time.
    Butler is not an A lister to me.
    I thought Jackman was already in the big time.
    I really hope it is not Daniel Craig; this whole HGH doesn't sit well with me.
    Any other possible names, please?

    The only other actor who is A list I can think of is...Jason Statham...but it is obvious who they pointing to....
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    Seriously we think they mean Daniel Craig?
    And how reliable is this we think?
    I hope it is Butler, if at all true.
  • edited August 2013 Posts: 12,837
    If it is true, then I'm pretty sure they mean Craig.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,480
    Hmmm. I need to think this through a bit. Thanks all.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    Tracy wrote:

    Me too. I just discovered his movies. He's my favorite actor of all time. :(

  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    Murdock wrote:
    Tracy wrote:

    Me too. I just discovered his movies. He's my favorite actor of all time. :(

    Is that right? Isn't it crazy when we have feelings like that after only just getting into an actor that was already well established and unfortunately dead before we found them? I feel about Humphrey Bogart as you feel about Bronson. I only discovered his films a couple of years ago, yet he is now one of my absolute favorite actors/people of all time, and will remain in my heart forever.
  • MurdockMurdock The minus world
    Posts: 16,351
    Is that right? Isn't it crazy when we have feelings like that after only just getting into an actor that was already well established and unfortunately dead before we found them? I feel about Humphrey Bogart as you feel about Bronson. I only discovered his films a couple of years ago, yet he is now one of my absolute favorite actors/people of all time, and will remain in my heart forever.

    Yes. His Death Wish movies and other classic action movies of the 1980's inspired my Bruce Murdock series. He usually plays the underdog who overcomes impossible odds and always destroys evil.
  • Streetfighter or Hard Times as it is sometimes known is one of my favourite films.
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    I'm going to step in once more to try and put some sense into this discussion about the Daniel Craig and GH question. It doesn't make sense it's him for a number of reasons, including that if he was using it he would look a lot younger. In addition, GH doesn't work that well in practice, contrary to popular believe. The only thing GH abusers get is a damaged miocardium very, very fast. Believe me, I'm a specialist :-B
  • edited August 2013 Posts: 2,782
    Sandy wrote:
    I'm going to step in once more to try and put some sense into this discussion about the Daniel Craig and GH question. It doesn't make sense it's him for a number of reasons, including that if he was using it he would look a lot younger. In addition, GH doesn't work that well in practice, contrary to popular believe. The only thing GH abusers get is a damaged miocardium very, very fast. Believe me, I'm a specialist :-B


    Stallone swears by it and look at him at his age. Tell tale signs are hair loss...take a look at DC at the announcement conference to when he appeared on screen for the first time. I refuse to believe that 250g of protein a day and six hour work outs give you a body like that in that timespan.

    Van damme says he is clean and it took him 10 years to build up to his physique...you goto wonder how DC, Jackman, Reynolds, Evans do it. And of course we all know what the Rock is cooking'.


  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    edited August 2013 Posts: 4,012
    Van Damme says he is clean :)) you did not pick a good example. Look at peer-reviewed published data on GH abuse and then we can talk.
  • CommanderRossCommanderRoss The bottom of a pitch lake in Eastern Trinidad, place called La Brea
    Posts: 8,266
    To m DC's physique doesn't look unhealthy in CR. Yes, he obviously worked out, but it seems quite natural, unlike people like The Rock and Wahlberg.

    On a psychological basis it seems unlikely to me too: Craig depends far more on his acting abillities then his looks. Again, unlike the two mentioned above. Even more so, Craig stopped smoking, so he knows what addictions do to you. He's uite intelligent. Would a guy like that take the risk of another addiction? I think that's highly unlikely. For me it doesn't fit in with his personallity, as far as you can make any judgement on that from so far away.
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    To m DC's physique doesn't look unhealthy in CR. Yes, he obviously worked out, but it seems quite natural, unlike people like The Rock and Wahlberg.

    On a psychological basis it seems unlikely to me too: Craig depends far more on his acting abillities then his looks. Again, unlike the two mentioned above. Even more so, Craig stopped smoking, so he knows what addictions do to you. He's uite intelligent. Would a guy like that take the risk of another addiction? I think that's highly unlikely. For me it doesn't fit in with his personallity, as far as you can make any judgement on that from so far away.

    Completely agree with you!
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