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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:
Media
Man Australia, 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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