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Well, historians say that wrestling originated 15,000 years ago when it was invented by the ancient Greeks. Greco-Roman wrestling was all the rage in the 19th century and is today one of the most popular martial arts in the world. Even today, college wrestling is very popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. Professional wrestling started off 70 years ago as Capital Wrestling and has grown into what is known around the world today as WWE or World Wrestling Entertainment.
Chuck Conley of Scufflin Hillbillies
The roots of it all go back to the McMahon family and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and his wife Linda. As of 2022, it is a $1.2 billion global business. On January 10, 2023, Vince McMahon will step down and be replaced by his daughter Stephanie. So, what’s the secret? Why is it successful? this is very simple.
It’s entertainment, and fans love every pound of it. WWE’s marketing is astronomical. WWE airs on the USA Network every Monday, Tuesday and Friday. In addition to this, there is a supplemental telecast on the A&E Network as well as pay-per-view. WWE fans flock to matches around the world and attendance is once again astronomical.
Let’s take a look at some WWE attendance numbers that will blow your mind!
• WWE’s Wrestlemania 38 – April 2, 2022 – 156,352
• WWE’s Smackdown in a Miami parking lot
• Hard Rock Stadium – 200,000
• WWE’s Wrestlemania 32 at AT&T Stadium
Arlington, Texas – 101,763
• A typical WWE arena holds 70,000 seats, with a minimum of 40,000 seats.
Frank ‘Rip’ Collins of Scufflin Hillbillies
WWE matches span the globe, including Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia and the UK, most likely SMACKDOWN, the Super Bowl of Wrestling. Fans still adore their past heroes such as: HULK HOGAN, THE ROCK, HHH, ANDRE THE GIANT, THE
Undertaker and ruthless Steve Austin.
Today, a new generation of wrestlers also begins their legends.
The success is huge, and there are doubters who won’t spend a dime on a single night in WWE, no matter where it’s held. Those skeptics thought the entire show was an absolute sham, and had already settled on the winner’s choreography. However, those skeptical numbers pale in comparison to the fans looking to be entertained by their favorite wrestler or team.
A few years ago, my son Joe and I drove to Liberty Hall in Louisville to watch a big game where THE ROCK played HHH for 60 minutes of “last man standing” with no obstacles. 20,000 screaming fans packed Liberty Hall. They never shut up, they stand all night. It doesn’t matter if anyone in the world thinks everything inside and outside the ring is fake.
bobby blades
The fans, including us, enjoyed every second of the fun and love.
So, we know WWE is legendary today and continues to be, but what about small town America and local wrestling heroes? These local heroes jumped into Fangyuan, entertaining local people all over the country today.
We must never forget those who were there. who are they? Make no mistake; every place is proud of its favorites and villains. My good friend and Kentucky Today colleague Mark Maynard wrote an article for our hometown paper in Ashland on July 30, 2013 entitled: “‘Scufflin Hillbilly’ Has his own wrestling legacy,” the legacy Mark mentioned was that of three local legends who have left an indelible mark on the ring both domestically and big time.
Two of the three were known as the “Scufflin Hillbillies,” a gritty ’60s tag team. The duo Chuck Conley and Frank “Rip” Collins teamed up and became instant fan favorites wherever they performed. They put on overalls and overalls and always entered the ring with their moonshine tanks and rifles. Chuck Conley, a Marine Corps veteran who worked in Ashland, tragically passed away in 2013 at the age of 75. Rip Collins is a police officer in Ashland. He and I have worked together at APD for several years. Frank sadly passed away in 1993. I can attest that these two fan favorites are so passionate about their characters and their performances that it’s terrifying.
Bobby Blaze Autographed
I even remember back in the mid 70’s when Redneck meets Batman, Robin and the Mummy, the local cable televised the match at the Ashland Armory for local cable. You’re right, it’s hard to stay serious even when a little lady steps out of the stands and starts banging the mummy with her purse.
In 1962, while working for the WWWF, Mark Maynard also wrote about rednecks when they were part of a three-night run of sold-out cards at Madison Square Garden. Their famous “possum stomp” inflicts damage on many opponents every time they jump into the ring. Today, the legacy of these two luminaries continues to thrive today.
The third Ashland legend is Bobby Blazer. Bobby became a solid wrestling pro in 1988 and retired in 2004. What an incredible 16-year career he and his fans have enjoyed. Bobby competed worldwide, winning 12 different championship titles at the same time. After befriending Conley and Collins, he knew exactly where he wanted to go. In fact, Chuck Conley is like his mentor.
Bobby’s name was Bob Smedley. He literally grew up in our home in Ashland. Early on, he and I became very close because we talked a lot about life and success. One of Bobby’s books is his memoir titled “Pin Me Pay Me”. Today, thanks to Bobby’s autograph and his very kind words, it is one of my most treasured possessions.
WWE’s HHH and The Rock
Bobby Blaze was inducted into the Tri-State Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008 and the UW Hall of Fame in 2013.
After watching WWE for many years, I have developed incomparable admiration for these men and women who are fighting fiercely in the circle. I admire their athleticism, strength, agility and even their acrobatics, but most of all, I admire their love and passion for the profession.
Sure, it’s solid entertainment when good meets evil, and of course, fans love to cheer on their favorite heroes.
My heartfelt thanks to my colleague Mark Maynard for the information and photos for today’s column. You can bet avid fans are familiar with these grips, and they really know how to use them: Camel Hand, Chin Lock, Full Nelson, Sleeper Grip, Figure Four. and paws.
So, if you’re hungry for entertainment, here’s an idea: Give professional wrestling a try. Prepare to be a fan. It’s contagious. Enjoy the show.
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a career spanning more than 60 years as a legendary commentator for more than 2,000 football, baseball and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career has also included stints in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including “The Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Joe. He opened another “door of opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for NKyTribune.
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