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

The post Episode 45: Andy Kaufman’s Gone Rasslin’ appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

The latest KFR episode had dropped with the force of a Kimala belly splash, as host Scott Bowden welcomes the legendary manager of The 4 Horsemen—and Vince McMahon’s former right-hand man in creative—J.J. Dillion.

Together, these two Memphis manager alums discuss J.J.’s short yet memorable runs in Memphis in ’82 & ’84 as well as the booking genius of Eddie Graham and Jerry Jarrett. Dillion talks about his reaction to witnessing Jerry Lawler’s popularity in the territory firsthand, vividly describing the amazing pop of the fans when the King pulled the strap to make his comeback.

Dillion also explains what distinguished himself from other managers like Jimmy Hart, and he also recalls delivering the memorable promo to get over Southern journeyman/jungle savage Sugar Bear Harris as Kimala—sight unseen no less—a reminder of how a mouthpiece can make all the difference for a big lug who can’t cut promos.

All this, plus classic J.J. promos as both a heel and eventually as an unlikely babyface  in Memphis.

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

The post Episode 44: J.J. Dillon Invades Lawler & Jarrett’s Backyard appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

Episode 43 of the #KFRPod has dropped like Jimmy Hart’s clothes in a Back Alley Street Brawl! Hosts Scott Bowden and Howard Baum are back to reveal the naked truth behind one of Memphis Wrestling’s hottest summers: the ’81 Gang Wars.

Bowden & Baum discuss the underrated greatness of “Golden Boy” Chick Donavan and babyface “Dream Machine” Troy Graham, as well as how two Sunshine State mainstays helped turn up the heat upon arrival in Memphis, and why the personal nature of the Jerry Lawler vs. Jimmy Hart issue clicked with fans, leading to a summer of dream matches—and boffo box office—for Jarrett Promotions.

Don’t you dare miss this one, my friends.

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

The post Episode 43: The Naked Truth Behind the Memphis Wrestling Gang Wars of Summer 1981 appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

Host Scott Bowden and his tag-team partner Howard Baum return to chop all the spicy—and often dicey—gimmicks served up by Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett to make the territory a hot, moneymaking cauldron of Memphis mayhem. Bowden recalls crazed one-eyed pirate Terry Funk seeking (through bandages) revenge against the King in one of their first bouts following the Empty Arena match in 1981.

The Extra Crispy tandem recall all the major pop-culture icons of the ’70s and ’80s—including Lord Darth Vader, The Riddler and Kojak—who somehow found time to occasionally rassle in Memphis. The Killer Bs also discuss the mystique and drawing power of Tojo Yamamoto and question the use of chops in pro wrestling.

It’s a hard-hitting show that’s sure to leave a mark, so buckle up, buttercup, and enjoy this bumpy romp down Memphis memory lane.

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

The post Episode 42: Chop Phooey: A Pop-Culture Cauldron of Memphis Gimmicks appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

KFRPod 41 has dropped like John Stossel after an open-handed slap by Dr. Dr, David Schultz! Hosts Scott Bowden and Howard Baum dish all the dirt your ears can handle from the recent CAC reunion in Las Vegas, including the monster of a speech by the good doctor. Bowden and Baum struggle to recall hazy, hungover encounters with Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross, Kevin Sullivan, J.J. Dillion, Rip Rogers, Kevin Sullivan, an Abdullah the Butch lookalike workin’ girl, and much more! Doctor’s orders: Don’t miss this episode—or Dr. D will track and smack you down faster than you can say, “I’m going to ask the standard question.”

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

The post Episode 41: Ear’s To You, Dr. D appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

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

The post Episode 40: Fabulous Ones: Original & Extra Crispy. appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

#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

The post Episode 39: Crazy for Joe LeDuc in Memphis appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

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

The post Episode 38: Homecoming King: Ric Flair’s Memphis Wrestling Debut appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

#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

The post Episode 37: You Dropped a Baum on Me appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

Freak out—it’s a Merry Macho Crispy edition of the KFR Podcast with host Scott Bowden guiding his sleigh down memory lane to the biggest card of Memphis wrestling in 1983—Dec. 5 to be exact. The originally scheduled main event saw the Road Warriors make their post-apocolyptic debut in the territory in a rumble for the ages vs the Fabulous Ones—with more potatoes served than all area KFCs combined.

But it was the late addition to the main-event spot (along with smuggled booze) that had the Coliseum buzzing: ICW outlaw Randy “Macho Man” Savage finally invades Jerry “The Queen” Lawler’s kingdom, bringing his own brand of madness to Memphis for the first time under Jarrett’s banner.

Bowden was in attendance that night along with a little more than 8,000 other stinkin’ rednecks—not a bad house coming off the slow-dying feud between the King and Kaufman but not even close to the anticipated sellout.

Together with longtime fan John Keating and ICW co-founder “Hustler” Rip Rogers, Bowden speculates as to why the program between Macho and Kingfish fizzled after three weeks in Memphis but thrived in Louisville, Lexington and the surrounding areas.

All this and classic Savage audio make this a Merry Macho Crispy season to remember. So break out the confetti ’cause we’re doing the thing!

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

The post Episode 36: Merry Macho Christmas Special appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.

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

The post Episode 35: Close-Up on Union Avenue appeared first on Kentucky Fried Rasslin' Podcast.