Bruiser Brody's at 18 while Abdullah is at 78? Considering their linkage throughout much of their careers, I thought they'd be closer together than that. On the point of ethnic champions that worked: Bruno Sammartino. Look at the markets Vince Sr. was focusing on: Boston, New York and Philly. If Bruno were to work a match in Boston; even today, he'd sell out the building. And for a short period of time, the argument could be made for Pedro Morales, as he was geared towards the large hispanic market in New York in the early 70's. Besides my obvious criticism of one spot being vastly overatted, how is Harley Race down at 40? He should be at minimum in the high 20's with the Gagne and the Funks of the list.
I'll pay $49.95 for the Execute Bin Laden PPV. And I'll buy one of the lottery tickets at 10 bucks a pop to be the executioner.
You know, I considered Pedro in that. He never held the big belt in the WWF or WWWF, I think, and that's why I didn't name him. But yeah, he's the kind of wrestler I was thinking of. Same sort of level: Ivan Putski.
Now, Bruno, I never thought of as ethnic, other than the name. Did he play "the Italian stalion" or some role like that, emphasising his ethnicicity.
And regarding the Butcher and the Bruiser. Yeah, I agree. They should have been a lot closer.
And to Fuelinjected. I guess I just didn't realize just how influential Rikidozan was. I did know that he and Inoki and others had more mainstream appeal in their country than wrestlers do here.
(whispers) But I still disagree about the Flair Hogan thing.
Pedro won the WWWF title in 1971 and held the title almost three years before losing to Stan Stasiak, who held it a whole nine days before getting the belt back to Bruno.
"Rikidozan and even Inoki are mainstream role models, icons, legends in Japan. Hulk Hogan is a mainstream punchline in the United States."
Yes, but the fact remains that professional wrestling as a whole was writ large in the Western world due to Hogan's phenomenal run. I admit that, and I don't even like the guy that much. Without Hogan and Vince's "vision" then wrestling would've remained small regional entertainment in the West.
Originally posted by CRZPedro won the WWWF title in 1971 and held the title almost three years before losing to Stan Stasiak, who held it a whole nine days before getting the belt back to Bruno.
so, it's clear I am an Idiot. Pedro had the top belt? I should have looked it up before I made such a stupid statement. I should have known, too. I knew he had been IC champ for a long time. Oh well.
(edited by AWArulz on 10.3.03 0758) We'll be back as soon as order is restored.....
Pedro was one of few people who won the world title, then went BACK to win the IC title later on. The only other person I can think of who's done that is Triple H in 2001, but that was more for the Two Man Power Trip angle.
Meatwad make the money see, Meatwad get the honeys G Drivin in my car, livin' like a star Ice on my fingers and my toes and I'm a Taurus.
Wasnt Hogan huge in japan after the AWA and before going to WWF? If so I think that gives him the nod because he was a Main eventer in two countries which only a few can say.
Originally posted by NOMAD974Wasnt Hogan huge in japan after the AWA and before going to WWF? If so I think that gives him the nod because he was a Main eventer in two countries which only a few can say.
Hogan certainly was big in Japan. He was IWGP Champion (beating Inoki, I believe) just before the time when he was first WWF champ. He had a run earlier tagging with Stan Hansen as well. He also had a run there between the WWF and WCW.
You wouldn't want to compare that against Flair, though (if you want Hogan to win...). Flair's got a LOT more Japan wrestling. He and Tatsumi Fujinami traded jobs there and he beat Kerry Von Erich there for the strap. He and Muta had some classic battles there.
In Japan. Flair over Hogan. So there's a possible reason this list had Ric on top. Not enough, IMODO, but a reason.
For the most part i agree with the rankings on this list. But i do have one major gripe. How can Satoru Sayama be ranked 27th and Dynamite Kid be ranked 61st???You cant mention one without the other. Add to that Dk's work in the bulldogs.Other than that cool list. Oh and by the way-- Inoki is Japan's answer to BOTH Vinny Mac AND Hulk Hogan.
Originally posted by VenomPedro was one of few people who won the world title, then went BACK to win the IC title later on. The only other person I can think of who's done that is Triple H in 2001, but that was more for the Two Man Power Trip angle.
Don't forget Kane's 24-hour world title reign was followed up four years later by his IC ending title run. He, of course, will be forever known as the last IC champion (ugh).
(edited by Eradicator on 10.3.03 1318) "The Universe is shaped exactly like the Earth. You go straight long enough you end up where you were."
Thread ahead: Bad News About 'Mania (that does not involve Kurt Angle) Next thread: Better Roster Previous thread: Possible Brock/Benoit/Angle plans for 'Mania.
1. RAW's surprising product superiority over Smackdown. Whoda thunk THAT a year ago. 2. Sable's back. Man, ALL bets are off. 3. I agree on Kane unmasked, athough I really don't think it was handled that badly, and I love his promo work now. 4.