Brian P. Dermody
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| #1 Posted on 11.3.07 1823.57 Reposted on: 11.3.14 1824.04 | "The Big Cat" was before my time, but a guy who was a football star and in both wrestling Halls of Fame (McMahon's and Meltzer's) should be acknowldged.
Wikipedia said that this came after a three year battle with cancer.
Any of the older Ws have memories from the terriory days they'd like to share? Promote this thread! | | TheOldMan
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| #2 Posted on 12.3.07 2038.38 Reposted on: 12.3.14 2041.36 | I want to say that I remembered him being based more in Kansas City, but he popped up in Chicago from time to time (his Wiki history seems to suggest he may have been more of a traveling 'special attraction', like Andre). When I saw the news, first thing I thought of - originator of the 'Samoan Spike' (obviously not called as such).
Big Cat would bring the thumb up from below, when he had his opponent in a headlock, and out of the referee's sight. Invariably the wrestlers sold it like Steamboat did Savage's ringbell shot. The announcers called it heinous, and a borderline felony. Also Ernie retained a great build back in the days when a Trevor Murdock-type was the norm, rather than the exception. Around this region, the black wrestler of record was 'Sailor' Art Thomas, and he was more of an Ernie Banks-esque smiling, happy-go-lucky face. Ladd was booked as a heel, and a rather intelligent one. Not to mention they managed to do it without using a race-baiting angle.
Sorry I don't have any feud/angle memories to share.. | StaggerLee
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| #3 Posted on 13.3.07 0013.16 Reposted on: 13.3.14 0014.00 | Ernie Ladd and Bad Leroy Brown promo from Mid South.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=K_WcY_yUtAM
Old school greatness.
RIP | Eddie Famous
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| #4 Posted on 13.3.07 0041.06 Reposted on: 13.3.14 0041.18 | He was one of the AFL all-stars in New Orleans refused entry into a local bar. Earl Faison was in the group. The black players staged a protest because of that treatment (joined by many of their white teammates) and that became quite a watershed event for black athletes' treatment in the south.
| AWArulz
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| #5 Posted on 14.3.07 0630.57 Reposted on: 14.3.14 0631.07 | I saw Ernie Ladd wrestle either Buzz Sawyer or Tricky Nick Bockwinckle at the Ampitheater in Chicago when I was 10 or 12. I can't for the life of me remember which one, but I remember Ernie Ladd cause of what my Grandfather thought of him. He was sure huge, at least in my mind, but I am pretty sure he lost - like most imports did, by DQ.
Hey, it was like 40 years ago - give me a frickin' break.
When I think of tall footbal players - they may not be the tallest, but the Big Cat and Too Tall Jones are the only ones who come to mind. | ALL ORIGINAL POSTS IN THIS THREAD ARE NOW AVAILABLE |
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