Category: Sports

“The Iron Claw” written & directed by Sean Durkin; starring Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons with Holt McCallany and Lily James / Z-View

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The Iron Claw (2023)

Director:  Sean Durkin

Screenplay: Sean Durkin

Stars: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Maura Tierney, Stanley Simons, Lily James, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Garrett Hammond, Cazzey Louis Cereghino, Kevin Anton, Michael Papajohn and Holt McCallany.

Tagline:  Sons. Brothers. Champions.

The Plot…

The Von Erich family is known in professional wrestling circles not only for their legendary rise to the top, but also the multiple tragedies they suffered along the way.

Fritz Von Erich, although a successful professional wrestler, never became champion.  This left him bitter.  Fritz had five sons.  One died tragically at an early age.  The four others were given a strict upbringing and became professional wrestlers.  Fritz pinned his dream of winning a championship on his sons.  This brought the boys closer together.

A championship was in the family’s future, but also the tragedies of three more sons dying along the way.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)… 

The Iron Claw is the true story of the Von Erich family.  Some changes were made to timeline of events, which is expected since the film isn’t a documentary.  The family was said to be cursed.  There were even more family deaths than appear in the film.

Holt McCallany is excellent as Fritz Von Erich.

I have never seen a part more miscast than that of Aaron Dean Eisenberg as Ric Flair.

The Iron Claw (2023) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“WWE: Unreal” – Season 1 (2025) / Z-View

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WWE: Unreal – Season 1 (2025)

Director: (Eps. 1-5) Terrell Riley, Steve Trout

Stars: Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley); Mark Calaway (The Undertaker); John Cena; Jacob Fatu; Dominik Gutiérrez (Dominik Mysterio); Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson; Paul Levesque (‘Triple H’); Darren Matthews (William Regal); Stephanie McMahon; Bruce Prichard; CM Punk; Cody Rhodes; Jesse “The Body” Ventura; Joshua Samuel Fatu (Jey Uso); Paul Heyman; Colby Lopez (Seth Rollins); Logan Paul; Dusty Rhodes; Michael Seitz (Michael Hayes); Jade Cargill; Ashley Fliehr (Charlotte Flair); Brian ‘Road Dogg’ James and Ric Flair.

Tagline: It’s More Real Than You Think

The Plot…

WWE Unreal gives fans unprecedented access behind-the-scenes at how professional wrestling works.  Cameras are allowed into the writers’ room as the executives on the creative team prepare for the WWE Netflix premiere and events leading up to Wrestlemania 41.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When I was a kid everyone involved in professional wrestling worked to make sure that it was thought of as “real”.  Then in 1989, Vince McMahon announced professional wrestling  wasn’t a legitimate sport, but instead was sports entertainment.  The bumps and injuries are real, but the match outcomes are predetermined.  Pro wrestling fans didn’t care.

I haven’t watched pro wrestling in years, but I was interested in the behind-the-scenes access.  I wasn’t disappointed.  In fact, WWE Unreal got me interested in watching again.

WWE: Unreal – Season 1 (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Dark Side of the Ring”: Season 1 (2019) / Z-View

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Dark Side of the Ring: Season 1 (2019)

Created by:  Evan Husney, Jason Eisener

Director:  Jason Eisener

Stars: Dutch Mantell, Scott Hall, Jimmy Hart, Lanny Poffo, Jake Roberts, Eric Bischoff, Lex Luger, Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, James E. Cornette, Bruce Prichard, Earl Hebner, Vince Russo, Ric Flair, Ted DiBiase, Owen Hart, Mick Foley, Tony Atlas, Kevin Von Erich, Abdullah the Butcher and Dave Meltzer.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Each episode of Dark Side of the Ring profiles a professional wrestler or event that has become infamous among professional wrestling insiders.  Interviews with those who were there, archival footage and reenactments are used in each episode.

Ep. 1: The Match Made in Heaven.  Randy The Macho Man Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers of his time.  When he brought on Miss Elizabeth as his manager, his popularity went even higher.  Elizabeth became as popular as Savage.  Maybe more so.  They were in love both in the wrestling world and real-life.  But there was no happily- ever-after in their future.  No, their love would end in tragedy.

  • Ep. 2: The Montreal Screwjob.  There was a long pro wrestling tradition that a champion who was retiring, or leaving a territory, would lose the title before going. Bret The Hitman Hart was the WWF Champion. Hart was leaving the WWF to go to the WCW.  Vince McMahon, owner of the WWF, was worried that Hart would break tradition and take the title with him.  So behind the scenes McMahon created a plan to make sure the championship belt didn’t leave with Hart.  McMahon’s conspiracy became known as the The Montreal Screwjob.  It changed the face of professional wrestling forever.  Now there was no doubt that backstage decisions determined in-ring outcomes.

 

  • Ep. 3: The Killing of Bruiser Brody.  Bruiser Brody was intimidating.  He stood 6’8″ and weighed 300 pounds.  Brody had the reputation of being contentious.  What made it worse was Brody was often out of control.  It wasn’t an act.  Brody frequently argued with fellow wrestlers and promoters.  While wrestling in Puerto Rico, Brody got into a locker room argument with José González, better known as Invader 1.  Before the night was over Brody lay dying in the shower the result of stab wounds from González.

 

  • Ep. 4: The Last of the Von Erichs.  Fritz Von Erich (real name Jack Adkisson) was a popular wrestling villain.  Von Erich had six sons.  His first child was killed in a freak accident at the age of six. The five other sons all grew up to become professional wrestlers.  Sadly, four of the five would die at a very young age.  Three from suicide.  Many said the family was cursed.  The only surviving son discusses the family legacy.

 

  • Ep. 5: The Mysterious Death of Gorgeous Gino. Gino Hernandez was a wrestling star on the rise.  He got over in every territory.  The fame and money was starting to come.  Unfortunately Gino got mixed up with the wrong crowd and he was using drugs.  When friends became concerned and busted into his apartment, they found his decomposing body.  Did Gino overdose?  Was he murdered?  The autopsy report was full of errors.  His family never saw his body.  Did Gino fake his own death?

 

  • Ep. 6: The Fabulous Moolah.  Mary Lillian Ellison better known as The Fabulous Moolah was the first woman to be inducted in the WWF Hall of Fame.  She holds the record as longest reigning champion in combination of all of her reigns.  She held the title on and off for 28 years!  Moolah was also THE booker and promoter for women wrestlers across the country.  This is where he reputation goes off the rails. All the promoters worked with Moolah to book women wrestlers.  Moolah wouldn’t sign a woman unless she signed a contract to train with her.  Moolah charged them for training.  They must also live on her compound.  Moolah charged them for rent.  Then, as their agent Moolah got 25% or more of their pay.   Sadly that is not the worst of the accusations.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dark Side of the Ring is must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling.  Even if you think you know the stories covered, new information and insights are presented.

Dark Side of the Ring: Season 1 (2019)rates 5 of 5 stars

RIP: Hulk Hogan

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It was announced that Hulk Hogan died today from cardiac arrest at the age of 67.

Born Terry Gene Bollea, he was discovered by Jack and Jerry Brisco when they saw Mr. Bollea playing with his band at a local Tampa club.  Impressed by his size, they spoke to Terry about trying out as a professional wrestler.  Terry agreed and began training.

Terry had his first match in 1977, after a little more than a year of training for the CWF (Championship Wrestling from Florida). Terry often appeared as a masked wrestler called The Super Destroyer.  After about a year Terry decided to quit wrestling.  He managed a club and opened a gym.  In his spare time Mr. Bollea worked out with his buddy Ed Leslie (later known as Brutus the Barber Beefcake).  It occurred to Terry that because both he and Ed were big and muscular, they might make a good wrestling team.

The two began wrestling as The Boulder Brothers.  It was during this time that Terry was on a talk show with Lou “The Hulk” Ferrigno.  Terry was bigger than Lou and so he was given the wrestling name Terry “The Hulk” Boulder.  During this time Terry also wrestled under the name Sterling Golden.

In 1979, Vince McMahon, owner and promoter of the WWF, signed Terry to a contract.  McMahon gave Terry the name Hulk Hogan.  For his initial run with the WWF, Hogan was cast as a villain.  When Hulk Hogan was offered a role in Rocky III, he accepted.  Mr. McMahon was against the idea and cut Hulk Hogan from the WWF roster.  Hulk Hogan’s role in Rocky III gave him more nation and world-wide recognition than professional wrestling.

After filming was completed, Hulk Hogan signed with the American Wrestling Association.  He was initially given the role of a bad guy, but proved to be so popular with fans, Hogan soon became a babyface (good guy).

In 1983, Vince McMahon had plans to take his WWF promotion nation-wide.  He had secured television time and just needed a superstar to be the face of the company.  Mr. McMahon decided that Hulk Hogan was the wrestler he needed.  McMahon offered Hogan a contract.  In short order, Hogan was made champion.

“Hulkamania” ran wild.  Fans loved him.  Hulk Hogan was at the top of the card for eight of the first nine Wrestlemania pay-per-views.  He was a five time WWF champion.  He was the first wrestler to win back to back Royal Rumble matches.  Hulk Hogan’s match with André the Giant on February 5, 1988, still holds the American television viewership record for professional wrestling.  It scored a 15.2 Nielsen rating with 33 million viewers.

Hulk Hogan’s popularity gave him opportunities outside of wrestling.  He starred in several movies, a couple of television series and made guest appearances on television shows as well.

Some of the television projects that feature Hulk Hogan include: CWA Wrestling (2 episodes – Terry “The Hulk” Boulder); WWF World Championship Wrestling (1 episode – Sterling Golden); Wrestling at the Chase; Spectrum Wrestling (3 episodes); The War to Settle the Score; Goldie and the Bears; Search for Tomorrow (2 episodes); Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling (2 episodes); The Love Boat; The A-Team; WWF Championship Wrestling (29 episodes); WWF All-Star Wrestling (10 episodes); Dolly; The All New Mickey Mouse Club; WWF Prime Time Wrestling (6 episodes); WWF Challenge (14 episodes); WWF on MSG Network (14 episodes); WWF Superstars (32 episodes); Thunder in Paradise (22 episodes); Baywatch; WCW Saturday Night (6 episodes); WCW Bash at the Beach; Assault on Death Mountain; Suddenly Susan (2 episodes); WCW Thunder (23 episodes); WCW Monday Nitro (176 episodes); Biography; Walker, Texas Ranger; American Dad; TNA Impact Wrestling (131 episodes); China, IL (19 episodes); WWE Next (2 episodes); Robot Chicken (4 episodes); The Goldbergs; WWE Smackdown! (35 episodes) and WWE Raw (47 episodes).

Some of Hulk Hogan’s feature film appearances include: Rocky III; No Holds Barred; Gremlins 2: The New Batch; Suburban Commando; Mr. Nanny; Spy Hard; Santa with Muscles; The Ultimate Weapon and Muppets from Space.

Hulk Hogan is arguably the All-Time most well-known and popular professional wrestler.  He came at a time when professional wrestling broke away from regional territories and went nation-wide.  Hogan’s charisma and ability to talk when given a microphone outweighed his wrestling ability, but it didn’t matter.  Fans loved him.  As he got older, Hogan was able to stay at the top of the card when he switched from babyface to heel.  He had a long career and professional wrestling was better for it.

I saw Hulk Hogan wrestle at live events twice.  The first was in Indianapolis.  Hogan thrilled the fans in the sold out venue.  The second time was in Daytona Beach, Florida.  My wife and I took our two sons and nephew.  The crowd was shocked when Hogan turned heel.  The next day, I taught summer school.  Everyone (kids and adults) were talking about Hogan’s reversal.  No one could believe it.  Which is just what Hogan wanted.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Hulk Hogan’s family, friends and fans.

“UNReal” – The Poster & Trailer are Here!

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The poster and trailer for UNReal is here!  I love behind-the-scenes look and this one takes us behind the curtain of the WWE.

Deal me in.

When I was a kid, I loved pro wrestling.  I grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana.  The Bruiser and Wilbur Snyder were my favorites. They were the good guys.  Going to pro matches with my dad and grandpa was awesome.  When I was in 5th grade, I wanted to be a pro wrestler.  I thought my cousin and I would become a tag team.

Then a little later, Bobby “The Brain” came along.  He managed The Blackjacks (Mulligan and Lanza) and even though they were bad guys, my allegiance changed.

When we moved to Florida, I didn’t care for pro-wrestling as much.  These guys had a different style.  And I now knew pro-wrestling wasn’t real. But pro wrestlers and those promoting pro wrestling swore it was real – nothing was predetermined.  I stopped watching.  Interestingly enough, I wrestled all through high school.

When my kids were growing up, they took an interest in pro wrestling, so I started watching again with them.  I even took them to live matches. The wrestlers were more spectacular and the sport had never been more popular.  Then it become known and accepted that the matches were pre-determined.  THAT didn’t hurt the sport one bit.  The wrestlers were athletes.  They put on a great show and often suffered injuries to entertain their fans.

And now we get to go behind the curtain.  As I said…

Deal me in.

In an unprecedented turn, WWE takes us behind the scenes – into the writer’s room and the homes of their greatest Superstars – to show the year-round work it takes to execute one of the most secretive shows in the world week over week. And when the curtain falls down, the business of getting a show to air is just as compelling as the Main Event.

“Untold: Deal with the Devil” (2021) / Z-View

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Untold: Deal with the Devil (2021)

Director:  Laura Brownson

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Christy Martin was born Christy Salters.  She excelled in sports in high school.  Christy attended college on a basketball scholarship.  She entered a “tough woman” contest on a lark.  Christy won.  After winning three consecutive “tough woman” contests, Christy was introduced to boxing trainer/coach Jim Martin.

Although reluctant at first, Martin decided to train/manage Christy.  After a 2-1-1 start, Christy went on an undefeated streak that made her the face of women’s boxing.  She was one of the first female fighters to appear on a Pay-Per-View card.  Don King became her promoter.  Christy was the on the undercard of a Mike Tyson title defense because Tyson was impressed with her fighting.

Along the way, Christy and Jim Martin became involved.  They married.  Money and fame followed.  All was good.

Until it wasn’t.

Christy had a secret that she’d suppressed.  Jim was controlling and older than her father.  Drugs came into play.  Christy was going to divorce Jim when he repeatedly stabbed and shot her.  And that isn’t the final twist to the story.

Thoughts…

I thought I knew the Christy Martin story, but that final twist is stranger than fiction.

Untold: Deal with the Devil (2021) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Untold: Shooting Guards” (2025) / Z-View

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Untold: Shooting Guards (2025)

Director:  Walter Thompson-Hernandez

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton were players for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.  The two got into an argument on the team plane.  It escalated to the point that threats were made.

Before the next practice both players brought guns into the locker room.  Additional threats were made before made before cooler heads prevailed.  When it became known that both players had violated NBA rules, the NBA and police became involved.

Both players were suspended for the remainder of the year.  Crittenton was released and never played another game.  Arenas was traded and played a few more years.

Unfortunately for Javaris Crittenton, he got involved with the wrong crowd when he went back to his old neighborhood.  After being robbed twice, Crittenton decided to take the law into his own hands.  He tracked down who he thought had robbed him.  Crittenton then did a drive-by.  The person he killed was an innocent bystander.  A young mother who had nothing to do with the robberies.

This is the story of the events leading up to the Gilbert Arenas /Javaris Crittenton incident and Crittenton’s murder trial.  There is much more to each story… and was justice served in either case?

Thoughts…

So many professional athletes, especially those that come straight out of high school don’t have the maturity needed.  Especially when big money and guns are involved.

Untold: Shooting Guards (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Untold: Malice at the Palace” (2021) / Z-View

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Untold: Malice at the Palace (2021)

Director:  Floyd Russ

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The NBA’s Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers have always had a bitter rivalry.  On November 19, 2004, the two teams met in a game that was never finished.  The previous year the Pistons knocked the Pacers out of the playoffs.  This was one of the first games of the season.  Tensions were high.

The Pacers were on track to an easy win.  With less than a minute left Ron Artest of the Pacers fouled Ben Wallace of the Pistons.  Both were known for their tempers.  Wallace started to go after Artest.  The players were separated.  Artest went over to the scoring table and laid down.  Fans were going crazy and one threw a beer from the stands.  It Artest in the chest.  Artest went up into the stands after the fan he THOUGHT had thrown it.  Other fans went after Artest.  More Pacer players went to Artest’s aide.

Then all hell broke loose.

This is that story.

Thoughts…

Ron Artest was a hot-head.  Despite being the player who went into the stands, he comes off more sympathetic than you may want to believe.  It turns out that Artest suffered from depression and anxiety issues.  He was working through those problems at the time.  This isn’t to excuse him from going into the stands, but does explain his behavior.

If you were of age at the the time of the incident, even if you weren’t a basketball fan, you couldn’t avoid coverage of the incident.  This documentary does an excellent job of setting up the events leading to and the punishments handed down after.

Untold: Malice at the Palace (2021) rates 5 of 5 stars

“Untold: Caitlyn Jenner” (2022) / Z-View

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Untold: Caitlyn Jenner (2022)

Director:  Crystal Moselle

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Every four years an Olympic athlete earns a gold medal in the decathlon.  The decathlon consists of ten events over two days.  Day One: 100 meter dash; long jump; shot put; high jump and 400 meter run.  Day two: 110 meter hurdles; discus throw; pole vault; javelin throw and 1500 meter run.  Because of the variety of events and the different strengths and skills needed, the decathlon gold medalist is considered by many to be the world’s greatest athlete.

In 1976, Bruce Jenner was the Olympic Gold medalist.

This documentary explores Bruce Jenner’s life, his desire to become the World’s Greatest Athlete, and the inner turmoil he faced since childhood.  Although a Gold Medal winner, a world famous celebrity, Jenner struggled with identity issues for decades.  Bruce ultimately transitioned into Caitlyn Jenner.  This is his/her story.

Thoughts…

I was a huge fan of Bruce Jenner.  His story to become the world’s greatest athlete was inspiring.  He was married to his college sweetheart and she supported his efforts to train daily for the Olympics.  They seemed destined to have it all.

I was disappointed when they divorced.  Later Bruce had some face work done and a nose job.  I thought the nose job made him look too feminine.  Also I wondered why such a good looking guy would want to mess with his looks.  Why fix something that ain’t broken?

I had no idea of Jenner’s identity issues.  This is that story.

Untold: Caitlyn Jenner (2022) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Untold: The Fall of Favre” / Z-View

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Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025)

Director:  Rebecca Gitlitz

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Brett Favre played 20 seasons as an NFL quarterback.  Over the course of his career Favre led his team to a Super Bowl championship, three times was voted the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, once the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, three times voted First-Team All Pro, elven times voted to the Pro Bowl, was twice the NFL’s Passing Leader, and he set the record for most consecutive starts with 297.

Favre was considered a football living legend.  On the field he was considered a god.  Off the field he was far from it.

Although married, Favre wouldn’t be considered a role-model.  It came out later in his career that he was a womanizer.  Worse still he repeatedly pursued a woman through intermediaries, and text messages.  Each time the woman told him, “No.”  But Favre persisted, ultimately sending her pictures of his penis.  She rebuffed him at every turn.  In fact, she never met him or was in the same room with him, despite both being employed by the New York Jets.  At the end of the season, she was fired.

Two years later, the story came out.

Turns out that Favre also was involved in 2022 Mississippi welfare scandal.  Money earmarked for the state’s poorest, saw millions diverted to build a volleyball gym at the school where Favre’s daughter attended, and money to other of Favre’s causes.  Text messages came to light from Favre asking if the media could find out if he was paid and how much he got.  Why would he worry, if everything was on the up-and-up.  Making it even worse, Mississippi is the poorest state of our fifty.

This is story of The Fall of Favre.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you wondered why we no longer see Brett Favre making product endorsements, now you know.  It’s too bad that Favre wasn’t as good a human being as he was a football player.

Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Raging Bull” (1980) directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert DeNiro, Cathy Moriarty and Joe Pesci / Z-View

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Raging Bull (1980)

Director:  Martin Scorsese

Screenplay: Paul Schrader, Mardik Martin; based on RAGING BULL: MY STORY by Jake LaMotta, Joseph Carter, Peter Savage

Stars: Robert De Niro, Cathy Moriarty, Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, Nicholas Colasanto, Theresa Saldana, Mario Gallo, Frank Adonis, Bernie Allen  and Charles Scorsese.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

The rise and fall of former middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta.  LaMotta was known as the Raging Bull because of his quick temper and violence in the ring.  Sadly out of the ring, he was just as fast to fly into a rage and get physical with his family and friends. Life is hard on everyone when you’re your own worst enemy.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Raging Bull was nominated for eight 1981 Academy Awards and won two…

  • Nominee for Best Picture – Irwin Winkler, Robert Chartoff
  • Nominee for Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Joe Pesci
  • Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Cathy Moriarty
  • Nominee for Best Director – Martin Scorsese
  • Nominee for Best Cinematography – Michael Chapman
  • Nominee for Best Sound – Donald O. Mitchell, Bill Nicholson, David J. Kimball, Les Lazarowitz
  • Winner for Best Film Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker
  • Winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role – Robert De Niro

Robert DeNiro worked for over four years to convince Martin Scorsese to make Raging Bull.  Scorsese was coming off New York, New York, which had failed to live up to expectations, and a cocaine overdose.  Although he didn’t like sports movies, Scorsese gave in.  The movie revitalized Scorsese’s career and shot DeNiro to superstardom.

DeNiro gained sixty pounds to play LaMotta in later life.  They shot the early scenes and then shut down production for a four months to give DeNiro time to add the weight.

Jake LaMotta gave his autobiography to Robert DeNiro with an inscription saying DeNiro was the only actor to play him.  When the film was made LaMotta was often on the set.

Raging Bull features Cathy Moriarty’s film debut.

John Turturro makes his film debut as the man at table at Webster Hall.

When Jake LaMotta saw the finished film, he asked his former wife, Vickie LaMotta, if he was really that bad.  ‘Worse” she replied.  And he really was.  The movie just touches on some of the worst aspects of his life.

Raging Bull (1980) rates 5 of 5 stars

RIP: George Foreman

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It was announced that George Foreman died on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76.  No cause of death was given.  George Foreman was a boxer, preacher and business man.

George Foreman was just 19 years old with 20 amateur fights when he represented the United States in the 1968 Olympics.  In four Olympic bouts, only one went the distance.  George Foreman won the Heavyweight Olympic Gold Medal.

The following year, George Foreman turned pro.  Mr. Foreman was 37 – 0, with 34 knockouts when he fought Joe Frazier for the Heavyweight title.  Mr. Frazier was 29 – 0 with 25 knockouts.  George Foreman won the title with a technical knockout in the second round.  (Joe Frazier suffered six knockdowns in two rounds before the ref stopped the fight.)

George Foreman defended his title against José Roman (KO, round 1) and Ken Norton (TKO, round 2) before taking on Muhammad Ali in the fight known as The Rumble in the Jungle.  Ali, using a strategy he later called “Rope-a-Dope” leaned back on the unusually loose ropes with his guard up and let Foreman wail away.  Ali took some heavy shots but was able to weather the storm.  In the eighth round, with Foreman arm weary, Ali came off the ropes and with his own flurry of punches ended the fight.  Ali had won the Championship.

George Foreman fought some exhibition bouts and five more sanctioned fights earning wins over Ron Lyle (KO, round 5), Joe Frazier (TKO, round 5); Scott LeDoux (TKO, round 3); John Denis (TKO, round 4) and Pedro Agosto (TKO, round 4).  Mr. Foreman then lost a unanimous 12 round decision to Jimmy Young.

In his dressing room after the fight, George Foreman became ill and felt as if he was dying.  At this point, Mr. Foreman wasn’t religious, but felt as if God was telling him to change his ways.  Although he didn’t retire, he stopped fighting and became an ordained minister.  He preached on street corners before becoming the minister of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston.  Mr. Foreman also opened a youth center.

Then in 1987, at the age of 38, George Foreman announced a boxing comeback.  He said the money would be used to help his youth center.  Although very heavy and out of shape, George Foreman won the comeback fight by KO in four rounds.  Big George (as he came to be known) won four more fights (1 by KO and 3 by TKO) before the year was out.  In 1988, he had nine fights (!) winning all by KO or TKO.  In 1989, George went undefeated with five wins.

Despite his age, George was piling up wins and getting closer to another title fight.  He also had endeared himself to the public.  Before his comeback, George Foreman acted much like Sonny Liston (a fighter he admired for his tough no-nonsense persona).  Now George was outgoing, happy and modest.  He began to do advertisements.  George Foreman worked out a deal to be spokesman and allow his name to be used on the George Foreman Grill which became a national best-seller.  Mr. Foreman earned more from sales of the grill than he did as a professional boxer!

After going undefeated in five (all by TKO or KO) fights in 1990 the title fight was getting closer.  In 1991, Big George lost a unanimous decision to Evander Holyfield.  Mr. Foreman won three more fights and then finally got another shot at the title.

On June 7, 1993, at the age of 44, George Foreman won a unanimous decision over Tommy Morrison to win the WBO Heavyweight title.  Then in November, Mr. Foreman defeated Michael Moorer by KO in the 10th to win the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles.  He defended his titles four more times.  He lost by decision to Shannon Briggs in 1997.  George Foreman was nearly 49 years old!

I was always a fan of George Foreman, especially after his comeback.  In his first fights I was in awe of his strength and power.  I loved that he won a Gold medal for the U.S. in the 1968 Olympics.  For his comeback, I enjoyed the transformation for Liston-like personality to someone that seemed to enjoy life and inspire others.  George Foreman was one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to George Foreman’s family, friends and fans.

“The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story” (2006) / Z-View

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The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story (2006)

Stars: Dusty Rhodes, Dick “the Bruiser” Afflis, Arn Anderson, Ole Anderson, Eric Bischoff, Tully Blanchard, Gerald Brisco, John Cena, Ted DiBiase, Ric Flair, Terry Funk, Superstar Billy Graham, Mike Graham, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, Jerry Lawler, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Vince McMahon, Dick Murdock, Gene Okerland, Pat Patterson, Roddy Piper, Bruce Prichard, Harley Race, Dustin Rhodes, Ron Simmons and Hulk Hogan.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

The life story of Dusty Rhodes.  Born the son of a plumber in Austin, Texas, he became one of the most beloved professional wrestlers in the world.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Dusty Rhodes, at one time, was one of the highest paid and most successful wrestlers in the world.  Everywhere he went Rhodes rose to the top.  Even when Dusty Rhodes was older, he was wanted as a writer and booker for promotions.

What I admire about Dusty is that he was able to figure out how to make each situation he was in work.  Even when Vince McMahon gave Rhodes a silly persona and a polka-dot outfit, Rhodes was able to make the character a fan favorite.

Rhodes was king on a microphone.  His “hard times” speech is considered a classic by wrestling fans.  One of my favorite Rhodes’ quotes is: “I have wined and dined with kings and queens and I’ve slept in alleys and dined on pork and beans”.

The American Dream: The Dusty Rhodes Story (2006) rates 4 of 5 stars.

Mr. McMahon (2024) / Z-View

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Mr. McMahon (2024)

Director: Chris Smith

Stars: Vince McMahon, Lou Albano, Muhammad Ali, Tony Atlas, Steve Austin, Bob Backlund, Richard Belzer, Eric Bischoff, Mark Calaway, Johnny Carson,  John Cena, Bob Costas, Bret Hart, Jimmy Hart, Paul Heyman, Hulk Hogan, Dwayne Johnson, Cyndi Lauper, King Kong Bundy, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, Dave Meltzer, Bruce Prichard, Scott Hall, Owen Hart, Booker Huffman, Paul Levesque, Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash, Peter Fanene Maivia, Rocky Johnson, Jerry Lawler, Kurt Angle and Anderson Cooper.

Tagline: Mastermind. Madman.

The Plot…

Vince McMahon, the CEO and driving force behind World Wrestling Entertainment, was cooperating with a docuseries on his life.  Mr. McMahon gave access to hours of interviews and access to vintage footage.  Wrestlers, promoters and others who worked with and/or competed against Vince McMahon were interviewed.

During the production of this documentary, multiple allegations against Vince McMahon came to light.  These allegations included payoffs, sexual abuse and more.  Once the news of the charges became public knowledge, Vince McMahon broke off all cooperation with the docuseries.  The producers continued and completed the series without McMahon’s assistance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Mr. McMahon does an excellent job of showing an overview of the history of professional wrestling and how Vince McMahon changed the business forever.

If you’re a fan of professional wrestling, this docuseries is required viewing.  It is informative and entertaining.

Vince McMahon deserves credit for taking professional wrestling into the mainstream, for making the WWE a billion dollar company and for his ability to bounce back from setbacks.  With that said, Vince McMahon does not come off as a good person.  If the allegations are true, he’s even worse.

Mr. McMahon (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.