The Black Rasslin' Podcast returns for a healthy dose of rasslin'-flavored insight and entertainment! This week, Fam, Matth, DDm, and khal return to talk Sabu's legacy, WWE Backlash, Jeff Cobb's WWE debut, rumors of WWE holding a second Evolution pay-per-view, Will Ospreay's recent comments about AEW and WWE, Toni Storm, and much more.
You know the routine: you can stream and download this week's episode via SoundCloud, and subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify! We stream live every Thursday at 8:35PM ET on YouTube. We also encourage you to become a member of the BRPatreon, where you can get even MORE exclusive content (and merch discounts)! We'll catch you next week; tell a friend to tell their homies to LIKE, rate, comment, subscribe, and share!
The Original Gangsta New Jack has passed away. Word came from PWInsider.com on Friday afternoon that New Jack (real name Jerome Young) suffered a heart attack earlier that afternoon in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was 58.
New Jack's wife, Jennifer, informed PWInsider of Jack's passing. The internet has been paying tribute with loads of memories of the controversial pro wrestler, who was in Season 2 of Vice's Dark Side of the Ring; one of the early 2020 quarantine highlights was watching that episodeas a family.
It's hard to really break down the real story of New Jack. It sounds like his wife is attempting to settle his affairs, and there's likely more to know about his relationship with his kids. CNN reports that Jennifer wrote the following on Facebook: ""For all the outpouring of love from family, friends, and fans- I'm totally blown away. Jerome was not only my husband, he was my best friend and I'm completely gutted. He loved a lot of you very much, and you'll never know how much I appreciate the love."
Right now, many are just remembering his work in the ring—which itself has its own twists and turns, as violent and horrific as his most infamous matches. We put together a playlist featuring promos dating back to the Smoky Mountain days, including lots of work for ECW's Hardcore TV show, selections from his VladTV interview, various shoots and matches and collections of moves and matches and everything. Check it out here:
New Jack was as real as it came; Kaz himself tweeted, "One of the most electric gimmicks of all time because it was for sure not a gimmick." That's real. He lived his truth, and always gave the people a show. It's also interesting to note that, even though their relationship was what it was, Paul Heyman—the man who helped New Jack thrive—took the time out to pay tribute. Still surprised the WWE even covered it, to be honest.
We at The Black Rasslin' Podcast send our deepest condolences to New Jack's wife, Jennifer, and anyone who Jack considered a friend. Rest in peace.
If you've been paying attention, you should know that The Black Rasslin' Podcast has added Davis aka Davey Boy Drip aka PG-13
to the squad as our resident stat guy. We've been keeping the stats to
the social media posts, but wanted to switch things up a bit and throw
his stats (and some additives) onto the site. Oh, this week's full
episode is live on YouTube. Press play on that and keep this window open
for his stats below; let us know if Davis is on his ish!
"George Bondo" is the name of the song by Westside Gunn in which he shouts out Eric Bischoff. It's taken from his third studio album, Pray for Paris. [Ed note: Funny enough, Gunn mentions Bischoff so much that this isn't even the song I was referring to, but I'm OK with it.]
Bo Dallas was the third NXT Champion. He held the title around 260-280 days, which is the fourth longest title reign. Dallas' last televised match was at WWE Crown Jewel 2019.
Brock Lesnar used the grounded elbow strikes against Randy Orton at SummerSlam 2016. He brought it back against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 34.
Rikishi is lying about not knowing which Uso is which. Jimmy has a rounder face and while Jey has crazy eyes, white hairs on his goatee and a cross tattoo on his right shoulder.
The Trenton Thunder are the New York Yankees’ Minor League (Double A) affiliate, however that might change.
Above the Rim was released on March 23rd, 1994. (11 months before I was born. I have seen it multiple times though).
Matth meant to say Billie Kay, formerly of The IIconics, not Billy Hoyle.
COVID wasn’t entirely responsible for TakeOver’s being separated from WWE’s Big 4, but there have been more shows, on the Sunday slot, than previously. TakeOver: Chicago (2017) took place the night before Backlash, TakeOver: Chicago II (2018) took place the night before Money in the Bank, and TakeOver: 25 (2019) and TakeOver: Portland (2020) had no main roster show the next night. However since COVID started, this will be the second TakeOver to take place either before or after a main roster PPV.
People that are excited for Finn Balor vs Kyle O’Reilly: ME, MATTH, THAT’S WHO MF!!
Kyle O’Reilly is not Mikey Whipwreck. He is a former PWG and ROH world champion. He won PWG’s BOLA tournament in 2013. PUT RESPECT ON HIS NAME. [Ed note: Whatever.]
Now this is kind of crazy. There are a number of men who lay claim to being ECW Legends, but when you look at the death-defying, totally brutal side of what became Extreme Championship Wrestling, New Jack embodied that. Dude legit came to the ring with a sadistic bucket of mayhem and would fuck people the fuck up.
A new article hit Grantland this week, and it looks like New Jack is saying that at 52, he's retired. Good for him, and what would've been his potential victims. Check out some of New Jack's greatest hits below. Continue Reading
New Jack don't take no mess. I had been hearing that Tammy Sytch (aka Sunny) had recently drank soemthing like two gallons of vodka and was ultimately sent to the ER and to rehab for her substance abuse issues. After the ER visit, she conducted an in-depth, personal shoot interview with RF Video (full details via Wrestlezone), and spoke on her relationship with the late Chris Candido, including issues of cheating on him with other wrestlers (a bigger part of her sexual past within the industry). Apparently New Jack heard about some of the things she said about Chris on the shoot and ethered her on Rob Feinstein's Facebook page, as well as dropping some gems on Terri Runnels as well. This has to be read to be believed, so hit the jump for the fire. And don't even piss off New Jack.
Updates on Sabu's condition have hit the 'Net, and it's looking promising:
Terry Brunk, AKA Sabu, remains in critical condition at Aria Frankford Hospital in Philadelphia after being transported there yesterday after an apparent overdose. While testing is still being done, it still appears that the cause of Sabu’s apparent condition is a volatile mixture of alcohol and some sort of medication.
An Advanced Life Support Unit out of Bensalem, PA worked on Brunk for nearly 25 minutes at the hotel prior to transport. We have been told that CPR was NOT needed, but that Brunk was intubated. While he was unresponsive, Brunk did have a weak pulse and was barely breathing on his own.
Intubation is quite common for overdose patients and for those who are unresponsive or unconscious during transport.
Intubation is simply inserting a tube into the trachea to create an airway which will allow for the use of a ventilator.
Upon arrival at Aria Frankford Hospital, Brunk was immediately placed in ICU. He did have a stomach lavage (better known as having your stomach pumped) performed an hour after arriving. Brunk will now be monitored in ICU for at least 24 hours. He could be (and probably will be) monitored even longer. The reason this is done is to ensure that there are no drastic side effects to the toxins that have already been absorbed into the bloodstream prior to being pumped out.
The contents of the substance pumped from Brunk’s body have already been sent to the lab for testing.
As of 10:14am this morning, Brunk remains in critical condition. His pulse and blood pressure have improved, however he is still using a ventilator to aid in breathing. He remains unresponsive for the most part even though his vital signs have improved. It should be noted that this behavior is normal in overdose patients.
Hopefully Sabu can get back to breathing on his own and responding. Christ, I wonder what they're going to find when those contents come back.
EDIT Word from F4W and Yardbarker is that Sabu checked himself OUT of the hospital today?
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Sabu has checked himself out of the hospital a little before Noon today. He is telling people that he is “fine”. As we reported this morning, Sabu’s condition had improved over night and his vital signs were much better following a stomach lavage procedure to pump his stomach. As of 10:14am this morning, he was still in the hospital and was being monitored for side effects of a possible overdose. I can’t confirm PWInsider’s report that Sabu has been released, but it seems apparent that Sabu improved enough over night to be able to check himself out of Aria Frankford Hospital. We’ll post more as we receive it.
Now before we get into anything, Sabu is not dead. Word is the above was taken by Justin Credible, in the hotel room he shared with Sabu. Was this the state Sabu was in that prompted him to be rushed to the hospital last night, prior to the Extreme Reunion show?
A rep for the event tells TMZ, "Sabu was found unresponsive in his hotel room earlier today when event staff went to his room to pick him up for tonight's show. Management is currently awaiting results from his doctors to find out what actually happened."
The rep continues, "All we know is that he had prior health issues that might have been a contributing factor. We're pulling for him and are very concerned for his health. We wish him the best of luck in his recovery."
Who knows. I hate making statements like that, but upon hearing that "Justin Credible was removed from last night's Extreme Reunion event in Philadelphia because of concern about his condition backstage. Credible was found earlier in the evening "slumped over, passed out asleep" in a chair", I can only assume they were in the hotel room, going ham on some reminiscing shit, and shit got too deep too quick. Sabu survived the ECW heyday, and I have no doubt he's used and abused many substances, but for a man who legit ripped his bicep during a barbed wire match and secured it with duct tape - and continued the match - I figured his story would end in a blaze of glory. Not in an allergic reaction to meds or whatever the story is. Keep Sabu in your prayers.I'll keep you believers posted on his status when more news hits. Continue Reading
Via IWantWrestling.com: Low-Ki has a unique perspective on the pro wrestling business and his place in it. This nearly ninety minute I Want Wrestling podcast talks his entire career, how he handles a family life, what it was like in 2001 after WCW and ECW shut down, the formation of ROH, his tours of duty with TNA, how important it is for talents to get experience world wide, his first face to face meeting with Vince McMahon, the embarrassing experience he was put through in FCW, the “Total NonStop Action” rap on NXT and the truth behind his release at WWE.
I am not about starting rumors but judging from New Jack's Facebook, I am willing to say he's tapping former WCW/WWE valet Terri Runnels.. Props to New Jack. I aint mad at playa playa...
Continue Reading
As Jeezy would say, "This as real as it gets.. Heyyyyyy" lol Saturn is one of the ECW originals that I wish would return.. Dude retired in 2003 and dipped the scene, completely detaching himself from rasslin'.. I bet he's still piss off about that mop shit lol...
I am going to sell this angle. It seems like TNA was a day late and dollar short with this. If TNA would have started this angle before the boys in Connecticut started the Nexus angle, maybe I would have bought it. If Paul Heyman, Tazz, New Jack, and Shane Douglas join the new EV2 group, maybe I will change my mind. What are your thoughts?Continue Reading
There's have been a couple of new additions to WWE that have caught my attention. I hope the WWE use these wrestlers correctly because all of them seem to have a good crowd reaction already.
Sheamus - this guy is a monster, makes you completely forget about Finlay.
Zack Ryder- Wooo Woo Woo lol... This guy is great.. I don't know why but he just has "it".. I excepted big things from this guy.. His theme music is great too...
Abraham Washington - While he has not perform inside the ring yet, Abraham shows lots of charisma on his talk segment "The Abraham Washington Show".. His talk show was a great idea because the show could help further build his character.
Dolph Ziggler - This guy is going to be a big star as well... Pairing him with WWE diva Maria was a great idea..
Honorable Mention: This guys are dope too buy I don't really consider them new wrestlers.
John Morrision
The Miz
R-Truth
R-Truth's Pretty Ricky skits are hilarious to me...
Evan Bourne is one of the brightest stars in the WWE. His high flying aerial moves are second to none. Before becoming one of the WWE brightest stars, Evan was ripping shit in the indies as Matt Sydal. Performing for companies such as RIng of Honor, Wrestling Society X, and TNA...
... or they need to give Elijah Burke another avenue. I won't say who told me, but it doesn't look like Vince is trying to throw more gold to the Extreme brand, so unless CM Punk breaks his ankle (and the Mizz is M.I.A.), Elijah is going to be another "also-ran".
And it sucks. It sucks because dude is a pure talent, from mat wrestling to mic skills to just overall personality - he can be a heel, he looks like he can be a fan favorite (with the right push), and he delivers. Everytime I see him wrestler, I feel as if he could have been knocking doors down in the old ECW Arena back in 95, tagging with 2 Cold Scorpio. What's his status now?
The dude CM Punk beats every week. Which is nonsense. Their matches are always the highlights of the ECW as of late, but I'd rather watch Elijah face anyone than see CM Punk win all of the time. Dude doesn't have "it", that special spark. He is talented, but hell, how long can he truly sustain a run being so drab and boring?
Look, the talent on today's ECW roster is fledgling at best: why do you think they gave John Morrison such a big push? He actually had a gimmick, even if he was corny. CM Punk is the fan's choice, but after that, what is he, really? I've seen him wrestle for a while, and don't know WHO dude is! Elijah, you know who he is, you know what he's about, and he keeps getting robbed.
If the ECW could make Elijah a bigger force (which McMahon was doing when he made him the Leader of the New Breed), recruit some more wrestlers, and maybe add at least a TV title or something, I guarantee they would be such a bigger force in "The Brand Era"...
Height: 6"3' Weight: 280lbs. Hometown: Wadesboro, NC Wrestling Debut: mid-1970s, in Stampede Wrestling Signature Move: Thump
There's not too many Black pro wrestlers who had the impact worldwide that the Junkyard Dog did at the height of his superstardom in the mid-1980s. He was seen as a major star, without winning a major championship, and did not compromise or enhance his personality like some of the other popular Black stars of his time period. He was a great man who met an untimely demise, leaving behind legions of fans who still go on about his career.
JYD (real name Sylvester Ritter) didn't start out as a wrestler: he played football at Fayetteville State Univ., and was even drafted by the Green Bay Packers, but surgeries on both his knees and his back ended those pigskin dreams. He started wrestling in the mid-1970s for a few territories, adopting the names Leroy Rochester and Big Daddy Ritter, a name he took to Stampede Wrestling in Canada, and made some noise with, holding the North American Heavyweight Championship on two occasions (I recently saw him battling Jake Roberts for the belt in a ladder match - don't let the WWE fool you! Ladder matches are old!). Having finished his time in Canada, he moved down to Mid-South Wrestling, where "Cowboy" Bill Watts is reported to have given him his now-legendary moniker, Junkyard Dog. I never saw this, but apparently, JYD used to be billed from "the junkyard", and would bring a cart with all kinds of junk to the ring (sounds like an ECW weapons match). In Mid-South Wrestling, he ended up winning the Louisiana Heavyweight title from Ernie Ladd in one of his greatest fueds (he also defeated Bull Ramos for the Mississippi strap months later, holding both titles at the same time). The Dog also engaged in a fued with the Fabulous Freebirds, where JYD actually got blinded by the Freebirds, leading to the fans down there being near-riotous on many occasions. Michael "PS" Hayes said on WWE 24/7 that during that era, JYD was so adored by the fans that the Freebirds would have to get a police escort to and from the arenas! We're talking death threats, the whole nine (matters got worse when word got out that JYD's daughter was born, and he couldn't even see her). After his stints in many of the NWA's southern territories (Championship Wrestling from Florida, WCCW and Dallas Championship Wrestling), the WWE came knockin'...
Around 1983, JYD made his debut in New York, and helped push the WWE to the younger crowd (this was in the days where MSG events got played on MTV, the whole "Rock'N'Wrestling" thing), often times inviting many fans to the ring to juke with him. WWE 24/7 had one such match, in Canada no less, where the ring filled with young kids, all wanting to get down with the Dog. JYD never got the main-event push he should have, but had memorable battles with Harley Race (their match at Wrestlemania III always stands out), the Funks and Greg Valentine.
He left the WWE in 1988, and in 1990 he returned to the NWA, making his 1st appearance alongside Sting and the "Dudes With Attitudes", taking on the mighty Four Horsemen. He spent most of his time in that feud, and was gone when it ended; he returned soon after, though, and made a run at Ric Flair and the World Heavyweight Title (at this time, it was now named World Championship Wrestling); he was unsuccessful, but ended up battling the Horsemen again. In his WCW stay, he even made amends with Michael Hayes and had a run as a tag team; he also held the 6-Man Tag Team Championship with Ricky Morton and Tommy Rich.
Upon leaving the WCW a second-time, JYD was still active, but on a more independent level. He was still drawing in the crowds like he always did, but time took its toll - his body wasn't the same, mainly due to years of battering! He did establish the "Dog Pound" stable in Mid-South, and was seen in 1998 with the ECW at Wrestlepalooza '98. He also trained future WWE stars Rodney Mack and Jazz. Sadly, about a month after his ECW appearances, he died in a single-car accident, reportedly due to falling asleep at the wheel returning home from his daughter's graduation. in 2004, the Junkyard Dog was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (his daughter accepted the award).
The Dog is a prime example of Black wrestler who was himself: he went on Tuesday Night Titans showing Vince McMahon real soul food; he made a single on The Wrestling Album entitled "Grab Them Cakes"; he'd juke and have a good ol' time both in and out of the ring. He was a powerhouse, not a technical-savvy wrestler, but this never caused him to back down. His headbutts were mean, as was his shoulder breaker. The man is a legend for being able to captivate crowds without a major title, just off of charisma and personality alone. And he is sorely missed, even today.
Yes, this is real - and it's happening tomorrow night in Philly! Apparently, Pro Wrestling Unplugged is getting some steam - this was covered in my local paper's "weekend" section. From peeping their site, PWU hits up the New Alhambra Arena (formerly the ECW Arena) on the 4th Saturday of every month...
I actually had no idea 2 Cold Scorpio was still wrestling, let alone Sid Vicious (hitting up their roster link shows that Sunny is also there, but she isn't looking as fly as she did in her WWE days)! It also looks like some other brothas named All Money Is Legal will be defending their tag titles in the cage as well! This organization looks to be what Tod Gordon (aka former ECW commissioner) has been doing since the old ECW folded...
Looks like an interesting organization, hopefully more light can be shone on them.Continue Reading
For those who might not know, homegirl was a manager and valet for many stars, but she was the initial manager for DOOM (AND 2 Cold Scorpio, which I forgot - I was watching 2 Cold & Sandman vs. Public Enemy the other day, and Woman was out there doing the cabbage patch roughly 8 minutes in). Check out some old pics of Woman, Ron Simmons and Butch Reed:
RIP to Nancy, her son Daniel, and the Daus, Sullivan and Benoit families.Continue Reading
