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Rock
N Roll Wrestling: The Way It Was, by Bobby Riedel
Introduction
I
work in the pro wrestling industry, and I have
worked with both the WWF and WCW for many different
events. Most of my experience came from working
along side the WWF/Titan Sports. I am in fact
an ex Pro Wrestling Editor for a world-wide paid
newsletter, Agent, and Personality.
Everywhere
I go... all over the country... when wrestling
is brought up, almost immediately the person discusses
"the glory of days" of wrestling. The
times of Andre the Giant, Wendi, Hulk, Piper,
Lou Albano, the Iron Sheik, and yes, Cyndi Lauper!!!
Everyone remembers her well. I know many people
that have told me that their love for wrestling
came from Cyndi's involvement in the sport.
Back
in the mid 80's, wrestling was looked upon as
both legit and non legit...it was at this point
when the critics started to question the validity
of the sport. (And it is a sport). Back then,
the WWF was just starting to become this huge
entity of popularity. On the road of major success
with huge payoffs, Vince McMahon Jr. (The owner,
then and now) had a vision. He wanted to take
wrestling out of the dull lights and into the
bigtime, thus creating sports entertainment on
a grand scale. The involvement with Cyndi, Mr.
T, Liberacci, Aretha Franklin, Billy Martin,,
Danny DeVitto, Joe Piscapo, and many others made
the WWF one of the biggest success stories of
it's time. Unlike today, you had wrestlers that
were called "faces" and others called
"heels". (Good guys and bad guys). This
is where Cyndi played a very important role.......
If
your not clear about her involvement then read
on. Cyndi and Lou Albano were in a heated argument
about Cyndi's popularity. Albano claimed that
he got her to where she was at that time. Cyndi
then started to defend herself on WWF shows as
well as on MTV (Piper's Pit and MTV Programs).
This "issue" or "angle" then
prompted the music world and the wrestling world
to get involved. Artists like, Tina Turner, Little
Richard, Stevie Wonder, Twisted Sister, and others
started to appear on WWF programs. Then the wrestlers
started to appear on MTV. Due to this incredible
story that was developing, the entire nation was
captivated by the scenario. This little snowball
became huge and the WWF and Cyn reaped a lot of
benefits from it. As stated earlier, actors, political
figures (Geraldine Ferrara), and artists (Andy
Warhole) all became involved with the popularity
of this drama.
Eventually,
Lou and Cyndi patched things up on TV and started
to work together on the MS Charities. Millions
of dollars were raised for this charity, and I
believe it was largely part to Cyndi's involvement
with Titan (WWF).
Now
for those of you still a little confused as to
Cyndi's role, read on.
Cyndi
played a few different roles with the WWF. Her
most important role to date, which she alone is
responsible for...which still pertains to today,
was that she created what was called the "Rock
and Wrestling Connection". To date, the WWF
has had 8 musical albums out and their success
(went to #1 overseas) is due to Cyndi. Even now,
in the new millennium, the WWF is starting their
own record company. With out her, Rock and Wrestling
would not of been formed. Secondly, Cyndi played
a role as a face manager for Wendi Richter. I
remember seeing arena's sold out primarily for
Wendi and Cyndi vs. Moolah and Lou Albano. At
many arenas, I would see dozens of girls dressed
up as Cyn, while "GJWHF" blarred over
the sound system. Posters, and banners were everywhere
praising Cyn. Lastly, Cyndi became a wrestling
ICON..and I know that's what bothers many Cyndi
fans, but she really did! Former fans of wrestling,
or even casual fans of wrestling always remember
the days of Cyndi Lauper..that was their favorite
time. (That was my favorite time). I still work
with the stars of today, and Lou Albano is a very
dear friend of mine, but the fact that wrestling
hurt Cyndi's career is true to a point....
She
got more exposure from the WWF than any other
celebrity they had in the past..she got paid from
the WWF, her name will always be up there when
talking about the good old days, and she had "fun".
What caused so many people to not like her involvement
with the industry was the fact that it is entertainment..and
the media frowns on it. However, wrestling today
is the #1 rated show on cable each and every week,
and it's not so much down played as it used to
be. being part of the WWF is pretty much accepted
and liked now by most people. Do you realize that
Cyndi was honored at MSG at a wrestling event
for her accomplishments? Dick Clark gave her the
award. Did you know that Dave Wolffe and Cyndi
helped produce the WWF's first wrestling album
entitled....:The Wrestling Album"? She even
sang on it...but as Mona Flambe'. Plus, Cyndi
always had her musical fans, but she reached even
more fans by entering the world of wrestling.
If anything, we should be proud that Cyndi was
such an important part of the growth of pro wrestling....whether
you like the sport or not.
This
is a very important issue to me. Often I hear
Cyndi's fans talk of her involvement in WWF in
a very negative way mainly because they don't
understand her role and importance.
I
choose to ignore what the media says...they always
had it in for wrestling because wrestling can
topple their ratings. Look at it today, in April
of 2000..the wrestling stars are Hollywood stars.
they are the most sought out athletes in the world
today for promotional purposes, endorsements,
and TV ratings for non wrestling shows. They have
had 3 movies in the theaters about wrestling,
and hundreds of wrestling specials that aired
within the last 2 years about its success. Cyndi
Lauper was seen in every show, and was often dubbed,
"wrestling's Prom Queen". I spoke to
Cyndi personally about all this in Orlando back
in July of 1999. She simply said, "It was
fun at that time. We had a lot of fun". I
know she doesn't care for it anymore, but the
influence that she had is still documented today...in
websites, magazines, and documentaries.
Thanks
for reading.
(sourced
from "The Vibe" and discussed with Bobby
Riedel)
Links:
Mediaman, Greg Tingle, interviews Robby Riedel
- 11th November 2003
What
the media has said about wrestling over the years,
by Greg Tingle
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