David Sammartino
Real name: David L. Sammartino
Home: Pittsburgh, PA
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: Bruno Sammartino, Jr., David Martino
Finisher: Backbraker Rack
Background: To be the son of a great man can a burden greater than being a nobody. When your dad is the main leader of the Superstars, plus considered the greatest hero of the 1960s, well, the odds are pretty stacked against you.
He wasn't terrible at being a hero, but every time he went out against someone, the comparisons were instantly made. Plus, unlike his father, David wasn't actually beating the crooks.
As mentioned before, Vince Jr. had the idea to have the fight predetermined. David was against this, but Vince convinced him that this would help cement his own legacy. Instead David was used as mere enhancement talent.
David came close to breaking the whole charade when he decided to throw a fight against small time crook Ron Shaw. After that he spilt, trying his hand to be his own hero on his own terms. He retired in 1996.
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Saturday, May 30, 2020
The Devious One-Superstars Profile#30
Mr. Fuji
Real name: Harry Fujiwara
Home: Honolulu, HI
Membership: partners with Mr. Saito, Prof. Toru Tanaka, Tiger Chung Lee, Camp Cornette, Demolition, Bob Orton, Don Muraco, George Steele, Kamala, Killer Khan, Powers of Pain, the Berzerker, the Orient Express, Yokozuna
A.K.A.: The Great Fuji
Finisher: Cobra Hold
Background: Fuji was a jerk.
Granted that could serve as the entire entry, but there was no great tragedy in Fujiwara's life that turned him to a life of crime. He fell with a group that prided themselves on being fancy, hence the insistence on being addressed as 'Mister" and the full tux and tails.
He went through a lot of partners in the 70's but by the 80's he had taken the que from Captain Lou and started offering his services as a manager and general advisor. He was prolific often having more clients than his competitors, which also served to make him very unpopular.
He and Don Muraco tried to break into acting for a bit in the late 80's, leading to some cult classic tv like FUJI VICE but in the end he went back to crime. He finally retired and tried to open a Fuji themed series of dojos but they didn't exactly set any world records.
Real name: Harry Fujiwara
Home: Honolulu, HI
Membership: partners with Mr. Saito, Prof. Toru Tanaka, Tiger Chung Lee, Camp Cornette, Demolition, Bob Orton, Don Muraco, George Steele, Kamala, Killer Khan, Powers of Pain, the Berzerker, the Orient Express, Yokozuna
A.K.A.: The Great Fuji
Finisher: Cobra Hold
Background: Fuji was a jerk.
Granted that could serve as the entire entry, but there was no great tragedy in Fujiwara's life that turned him to a life of crime. He fell with a group that prided themselves on being fancy, hence the insistence on being addressed as 'Mister" and the full tux and tails.
He went through a lot of partners in the 70's but by the 80's he had taken the que from Captain Lou and started offering his services as a manager and general advisor. He was prolific often having more clients than his competitors, which also served to make him very unpopular.
He and Don Muraco tried to break into acting for a bit in the late 80's, leading to some cult classic tv like FUJI VICE but in the end he went back to crime. He finally retired and tried to open a Fuji themed series of dojos but they didn't exactly set any world records.
Friday, May 29, 2020
At Ease Maggots!-Superstars Profile#29
Sgt. Slaughter
Real name: Classified
Home: Paris Island, SC
Membership: Partners with "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, the Super Destroyers, Cobra Corps, Triangle of Evil, the Corporation, the Mercenaries, Project-Delta
A.K.A.: Bob Remus, Executioner, Matt Burns, Super Destroyer Mark II
Finisher: Cobra Clutch
Background: Easily the most decorated man to never be on the Superstars team.
His actual history still classified, the man who would be the toughest SOB out of the Island is known to have served as the personal drill instructor for something called 'Project-Delta' back in the 80's. He was seen in the Northeast for a bit back in the early 80's, where he once fought Bob Backlund to a standstill.
He moved west and worked out of Minneapolis for a bit, forming a few teams here and there. 1990 saw his return to New York and with it a new mission-infiltrate Titan Inc. What exactly happened is only spoken of in rumors but soon the Sarge seemed crueler, attacking random people for not being 'patriotic' enough.
Then he started running around dressed as an Iraq trooper, but that is detailed elsewhere.
Real name: Classified
Home: Paris Island, SC
Membership: Partners with "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, the Super Destroyers, Cobra Corps, Triangle of Evil, the Corporation, the Mercenaries, Project-Delta
A.K.A.: Bob Remus, Executioner, Matt Burns, Super Destroyer Mark II
Finisher: Cobra Clutch
Background: Easily the most decorated man to never be on the Superstars team.
His actual history still classified, the man who would be the toughest SOB out of the Island is known to have served as the personal drill instructor for something called 'Project-Delta' back in the 80's. He was seen in the Northeast for a bit back in the early 80's, where he once fought Bob Backlund to a standstill.
He moved west and worked out of Minneapolis for a bit, forming a few teams here and there. 1990 saw his return to New York and with it a new mission-infiltrate Titan Inc. What exactly happened is only spoken of in rumors but soon the Sarge seemed crueler, attacking random people for not being 'patriotic' enough.
Then he started running around dressed as an Iraq trooper, but that is detailed elsewhere.
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Listen up Humanoids!-Superstars Profile#28
Bobby "the Brain" Heenan
Real name: Robert Heenan
Home: Beverly Hills, CA
Membership: The Heenan Family
A.K.A.: Rey Heenan
Finisher: Sleeperhold
Background: Origin? You don't need to know. What you do need to know is the Brain is aptly named; smartest man on the planet right here.
So dang smart he never went to prison, developed criminals for Titan Inc. and got paid to complain about the good guys. If that isn't the sign of a genius I don't know what is.
Heenan officially worked as a consultant. Idea man, you know. He has an idea and the humanoids lap it up. The family, as he called them, worked independently and sometimes against each other. Starting in the Midwest, Heenan was approached by Mr. McMahon and asked to use his family against his Superstars. When the check cleared, the Brain said yes.
Often partnered with Gorilla Monsson, the pair had a natural repour and even became friends off camera. He stayed in touch with Titan, providing many of the foes Hogan and Co. fought until 1993 when he moved down south for a bit, continuing until his retirement.
Real name: Robert Heenan
Home: Beverly Hills, CA
Membership: The Heenan Family
A.K.A.: Rey Heenan
Finisher: Sleeperhold
Background: Origin? You don't need to know. What you do need to know is the Brain is aptly named; smartest man on the planet right here.
So dang smart he never went to prison, developed criminals for Titan Inc. and got paid to complain about the good guys. If that isn't the sign of a genius I don't know what is.
Heenan officially worked as a consultant. Idea man, you know. He has an idea and the humanoids lap it up. The family, as he called them, worked independently and sometimes against each other. Starting in the Midwest, Heenan was approached by Mr. McMahon and asked to use his family against his Superstars. When the check cleared, the Brain said yes.
Often partnered with Gorilla Monsson, the pair had a natural repour and even became friends off camera. He stayed in touch with Titan, providing many of the foes Hogan and Co. fought until 1993 when he moved down south for a bit, continuing until his retirement.
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Will You Stop?-Superstars Profile#27
Gorilla Monsoon
Real name: Robert Marella
Home: Willingboro, NJ
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: Gino Marella, the Manchurian Giant
Finisher: Giant Swing
Background: "Why Gorilla Monsoon?"
"'cause they're two things you don't want to hit you"
Bob Marella could have stayed working the docks and probably make decent money, but putting on a mask and taking on Bruno Sammartino? Immortality
He could have stayed on the wrong side of the law, but his fights with Bruno, well, something opened his eyes and soon he was fighting for the little guy as a member of the Superstars.
But as the 70's gave way to the 80's, Monsoon couldn't quite keep up with the young folks so he retired. He was picked to be the color commentary man for the fights the Superstars got into it, with a smart aleck partner in the form of Jesse "the Body" Ventura.
For the millions at home, it was Gorilla's voice beaming over their radios and out of their TVs. He eventually retired from that too, enjoying a brief run in politics before leaving the stage in 1997.
Real name: Robert Marella
Home: Willingboro, NJ
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: Gino Marella, the Manchurian Giant
Finisher: Giant Swing
Background: "Why Gorilla Monsoon?"
"'cause they're two things you don't want to hit you"
Bob Marella could have stayed working the docks and probably make decent money, but putting on a mask and taking on Bruno Sammartino? Immortality
He could have stayed on the wrong side of the law, but his fights with Bruno, well, something opened his eyes and soon he was fighting for the little guy as a member of the Superstars.
But as the 70's gave way to the 80's, Monsoon couldn't quite keep up with the young folks so he retired. He was picked to be the color commentary man for the fights the Superstars got into it, with a smart aleck partner in the form of Jesse "the Body" Ventura.
For the millions at home, it was Gorilla's voice beaming over their radios and out of their TVs. He eventually retired from that too, enjoying a brief run in politics before leaving the stage in 1997.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
The Cowboy-Superstars Profile#26
"Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.
Real name: Robert Orton Junior
Home: Kanas City, KS
Membership: Partners with Bob Orton, Sr., The Magnificent Muraco, Roddy Piper, Adrian Adonis
A.K.A.: Bob Orton, The Invader, Young Mr. Wrestling
Finisher: Forearm Smash
Background: When your old man is the infamous Bob Orton, well, one's path is more or less laid out. Bob Junior was raised to be as mean a cuss as his old man. He took a cowboy gimmick and used it (robbing banks, using tricked out pistols and lassos, etc.) to the full effect.
By the mid-80's, however, he had been busted and laid up with a broken arm. Cooling his heels in the county lockup with his arm in a cast, he had a meeting with the "Hot Rod" himself, Roddy Piper. The Rowdy Scot was looking for some protection (mostly due to his harassing such folks as Hulk Hogan) and Orton was mean enough to fit the bill. So his bond was paid and soon Orton was acting as Piper's muscle.
For a team the team ran as well oiled machine, even with the addition of "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. When Piper opted to take a break, Orton switched his alliance to "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, mostly due to him tripling his pay. When Piper returned, Orton smacked his former boss around and a blood feud was started.
When Adonis was shaved bald and his flower shop wrecked, Orton started teaming with Don Muraco, under the guidance of Mr. Fuji. When Muraco quit the team to join the Superstars, Orton saw the writing on the wall and skipped the country, heading first to New Zealand before heading up to Japan. His story wouldn't be over though, and his son Randy's is still ongoing...
Real name: Robert Orton Junior
Home: Kanas City, KS
Membership: Partners with Bob Orton, Sr., The Magnificent Muraco, Roddy Piper, Adrian Adonis
A.K.A.: Bob Orton, The Invader, Young Mr. Wrestling
Finisher: Forearm Smash
Background: When your old man is the infamous Bob Orton, well, one's path is more or less laid out. Bob Junior was raised to be as mean a cuss as his old man. He took a cowboy gimmick and used it (robbing banks, using tricked out pistols and lassos, etc.) to the full effect.
By the mid-80's, however, he had been busted and laid up with a broken arm. Cooling his heels in the county lockup with his arm in a cast, he had a meeting with the "Hot Rod" himself, Roddy Piper. The Rowdy Scot was looking for some protection (mostly due to his harassing such folks as Hulk Hogan) and Orton was mean enough to fit the bill. So his bond was paid and soon Orton was acting as Piper's muscle.
For a team the team ran as well oiled machine, even with the addition of "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff. When Piper opted to take a break, Orton switched his alliance to "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, mostly due to him tripling his pay. When Piper returned, Orton smacked his former boss around and a blood feud was started.
When Adonis was shaved bald and his flower shop wrecked, Orton started teaming with Don Muraco, under the guidance of Mr. Fuji. When Muraco quit the team to join the Superstars, Orton saw the writing on the wall and skipped the country, heading first to New Zealand before heading up to Japan. His story wouldn't be over though, and his son Randy's is still ongoing...
Monday, May 25, 2020
Mr. Wonderful-Superstars Profile#25
"Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff
Real name: Paul Orndorff, Jr.
Home: Brandon, FL
Membership: Superstars, the Heenan Family, Pretty Wonderful, Dudes with Attitudes, Old Age Outlaws
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Piledriver
Background: What's the point of being the best when gods roam the Earth?
Paul was a rookie cop when he was spotted by Bob Backlund. Backlund saw potential in the officer and offered him a spot on the Superstars. No doubt had Backlund remained team leader Orndorff would have had a large role in the team, possibly even being leader himself.
...or he would have been, had Hulk Hogan not shown up. Lifting a barbell? Nice, but Hogan just bench-pressed a car. And so on and so on; when the press started to refer Mr. Wonderful as Hogan's sidekick, well, that was the final straw.
Orndorff's attack on Hogan sent shockwaves through the world and their final battle had the world's attention. Orndorff eventually fired Heenan and rejoined the Superstars, but was viewed with suspicion. He eventually quit the team and opened a bowling alley.
Real name: Paul Orndorff, Jr.
Home: Brandon, FL
Membership: Superstars, the Heenan Family, Pretty Wonderful, Dudes with Attitudes, Old Age Outlaws
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Piledriver
Background: What's the point of being the best when gods roam the Earth?
Paul was a rookie cop when he was spotted by Bob Backlund. Backlund saw potential in the officer and offered him a spot on the Superstars. No doubt had Backlund remained team leader Orndorff would have had a large role in the team, possibly even being leader himself.
...or he would have been, had Hulk Hogan not shown up. Lifting a barbell? Nice, but Hogan just bench-pressed a car. And so on and so on; when the press started to refer Mr. Wonderful as Hogan's sidekick, well, that was the final straw.
Orndorff's attack on Hogan sent shockwaves through the world and their final battle had the world's attention. Orndorff eventually fired Heenan and rejoined the Superstars, but was viewed with suspicion. He eventually quit the team and opened a bowling alley.
Sunday, May 24, 2020
The Italian Superman-Superstars Profile#24
Bruno Sammartino
Real name: Bruno Sammartino
Home: Abruzzo, Italy
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Bearhug
Background: Growing up in the Italian countryside, Bruno knew hardship. He and his mother had to steal from German camps for food. After the war, Bruno and his family moved to Pittsburgh and Bruno swore he would never go hungry or be pushed around again.
Throwing himself into physical training alongside his collage courses, Bruno knew he could make a difference in the world. Remembering Toots Mondt, Bruno approached Vince J. McMahon about putting together a team to fight for the common good.
And thus was born the Superstars!
The roster changed a bit during the 60's, but there was one constant-Bruno was the leader. Taking on "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers or Professor Toru Tanaka-didn't matter. Bruno fought for the people, but age makes fools of us all and by the time the 1970's rolled around Bruno decided to hand off the reigns of leadership to Pedro Morales. Not to say Bruno was gone; no, he still fought the good fight be it New York City or Tokyo.
Bruno slowed down a bit but he finally retired in 1987, fighting alongside Hulk Hogan against King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang. He acted briefly as a reporter alongside former teammate Gorilla Monsoon before taking off to wander the world offering his advice and aide to anyone who asked.
Real name: Bruno Sammartino
Home: Abruzzo, Italy
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Bearhug
Background: Growing up in the Italian countryside, Bruno knew hardship. He and his mother had to steal from German camps for food. After the war, Bruno and his family moved to Pittsburgh and Bruno swore he would never go hungry or be pushed around again.
Throwing himself into physical training alongside his collage courses, Bruno knew he could make a difference in the world. Remembering Toots Mondt, Bruno approached Vince J. McMahon about putting together a team to fight for the common good.
And thus was born the Superstars!
The roster changed a bit during the 60's, but there was one constant-Bruno was the leader. Taking on "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers or Professor Toru Tanaka-didn't matter. Bruno fought for the people, but age makes fools of us all and by the time the 1970's rolled around Bruno decided to hand off the reigns of leadership to Pedro Morales. Not to say Bruno was gone; no, he still fought the good fight be it New York City or Tokyo.
Bruno slowed down a bit but he finally retired in 1987, fighting alongside Hulk Hogan against King Kong Bundy and One Man Gang. He acted briefly as a reporter alongside former teammate Gorilla Monsoon before taking off to wander the world offering his advice and aide to anyone who asked.
Saturday, May 23, 2020
The Name Says it All-Superstars Profile#23
Mr. Perfect
Real name: Curt Henning
Home: Robbinsdale, MN
Membership: Partners with Larry "the Ax" Henning, Scott Hall, the Heenan Family, the Diamond Exchange, nWo [Hollywood, Wolfpac], Four Horsemen, West Texas Rednecks, Millionaire's Club, Sports Entertainment Xtreme
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Perfect-Plex
Background: What can say other than Perfect?
Curt Henning was the son of the infamous Ax. Ax raised his boy to be the best. Sports, Academics, if it could be done then by God, Curt was going to master it. By the time he was a teen he was able to sink a hole in one, catch a football that he tossed and bowl a perfect game.
As Curt grew older he first tried to play his hand at the hero game, becoming a local legend in Minnesota, but his confidence grew to arrogance. Why should he worry about the Superstars? Wasn't he above them all? Wasn't he by his very nature perfect?
So when he arrived in the Big Apple he decided that he was going to take the leadership of the Superstars away from Hulk Hogan by beating the man to a pulp. He came closer than most, but despite even assistance from the Genius he failed to defeat the Hulkster.
He then decided to pick a fight with the Ultimate Warrior. That ended about as well as you would think. Despite this, Mr. Perfect continued on through the 90's but he slowly faded to the background and his story is continued elsewhere.
Real name: Curt Henning
Home: Robbinsdale, MN
Membership: Partners with Larry "the Ax" Henning, Scott Hall, the Heenan Family, the Diamond Exchange, nWo [Hollywood, Wolfpac], Four Horsemen, West Texas Rednecks, Millionaire's Club, Sports Entertainment Xtreme
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Perfect-Plex
Background: What can say other than Perfect?
Curt Henning was the son of the infamous Ax. Ax raised his boy to be the best. Sports, Academics, if it could be done then by God, Curt was going to master it. By the time he was a teen he was able to sink a hole in one, catch a football that he tossed and bowl a perfect game.
As Curt grew older he first tried to play his hand at the hero game, becoming a local legend in Minnesota, but his confidence grew to arrogance. Why should he worry about the Superstars? Wasn't he above them all? Wasn't he by his very nature perfect?
So when he arrived in the Big Apple he decided that he was going to take the leadership of the Superstars away from Hulk Hogan by beating the man to a pulp. He came closer than most, but despite even assistance from the Genius he failed to defeat the Hulkster.
He then decided to pick a fight with the Ultimate Warrior. That ended about as well as you would think. Despite this, Mr. Perfect continued on through the 90's but he slowly faded to the background and his story is continued elsewhere.
Friday, May 22, 2020
Man of a Thousand Masks-Superstars Profile#22
Mil Mascaras
Real name: Aaron Rodriguez Arellano
Home: San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Membership: Partners with Don Caras, Los Justicieros del Ring
A.K.A.: Man of a Thousand Holds
Finisher: Flying Cross Chop
Background: A man who's legacy stretches across almost as many fields as he has masks. As a younger man, Arellano earned a spot on Mexico's official judo team. From there he went into the field of archelogy.
While on a dig exploring an ancient and undiscovered temple, Aaron fell through the floor and into a strange chamber. Around him were masks, thousands of masks! Each of them with a different color and design. Slipping the nearest one on, he found himself granted with incredible strength. Strong enough to climb out of the chamber, Aaron returned to the temple and removed the masks, fearing their powers might fall into the wrong hands.
Each mask, he discovered, would give him a different power. Some gave him flight, or various levels of strength. Some weakened him while others could only be used the one time. The newly dubbed Mil soon became a sensation across two countries, even taking on "Superstar" Billy Graham. Mil was offered a spot on the Superstars team, but he turned it down, opting instead to fight crime in his home country.
Mil's legacies of accomplishments doesn't end there. No, Mil was one of the few masked heroes who broke into showbiz. Granted he wasn't as proficient as El Santo but 20 blockbusters is nothing to sneeze at.
Eventually Mil retired. Officially anyway, but whenever justice is imperiled or the innocent cry out, the Man of a Thousand Masks will be there.
Real name: Aaron Rodriguez Arellano
Home: San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Membership: Partners with Don Caras, Los Justicieros del Ring
A.K.A.: Man of a Thousand Holds
Finisher: Flying Cross Chop
Background: A man who's legacy stretches across almost as many fields as he has masks. As a younger man, Arellano earned a spot on Mexico's official judo team. From there he went into the field of archelogy.
While on a dig exploring an ancient and undiscovered temple, Aaron fell through the floor and into a strange chamber. Around him were masks, thousands of masks! Each of them with a different color and design. Slipping the nearest one on, he found himself granted with incredible strength. Strong enough to climb out of the chamber, Aaron returned to the temple and removed the masks, fearing their powers might fall into the wrong hands.
Each mask, he discovered, would give him a different power. Some gave him flight, or various levels of strength. Some weakened him while others could only be used the one time. The newly dubbed Mil soon became a sensation across two countries, even taking on "Superstar" Billy Graham. Mil was offered a spot on the Superstars team, but he turned it down, opting instead to fight crime in his home country.
Mil's legacies of accomplishments doesn't end there. No, Mil was one of the few masked heroes who broke into showbiz. Granted he wasn't as proficient as El Santo but 20 blockbusters is nothing to sneeze at.
Eventually Mil retired. Officially anyway, but whenever justice is imperiled or the innocent cry out, the Man of a Thousand Masks will be there.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Mean Gene-Superstars Profile#21
"Mean" Gene Okerlund
Real name: Eugene Okerlund
Home: Brookings, SD
Membership: Superstars (unofficial)
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: N/A
Background: Not every one profiled is a hero or monster. Some are just folks doing their jobs. In Gene Okerlund's case, he was an on the spot reporter. Wherever in the studio or in the field, Mean Gene would be there to give the folks at home a glimpse of their heroes.
Starting out in radio in Minneapolis, Gene took an offer to move to New York City and he never looked back. He was a natural fit for the hard hitting news and showed no fear at either the Iron Sheik's rampages or Roddy Piper's sarcasm.
He stayed in up North until 1993 when he got a better deal to do the same thing down in Atlanta. Heading South, he stayed there until he semi-retired in 2001. After that he moved back north and only occasionally did the news.
For thousands of viewers at home, "Mean" Gene was the voice that showed them what was happening in the world.
Real name: Eugene Okerlund
Home: Brookings, SD
Membership: Superstars (unofficial)
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: N/A
Background: Not every one profiled is a hero or monster. Some are just folks doing their jobs. In Gene Okerlund's case, he was an on the spot reporter. Wherever in the studio or in the field, Mean Gene would be there to give the folks at home a glimpse of their heroes.
Starting out in radio in Minneapolis, Gene took an offer to move to New York City and he never looked back. He was a natural fit for the hard hitting news and showed no fear at either the Iron Sheik's rampages or Roddy Piper's sarcasm.
He stayed in up North until 1993 when he got a better deal to do the same thing down in Atlanta. Heading South, he stayed there until he semi-retired in 2001. After that he moved back north and only occasionally did the news.
For thousands of viewers at home, "Mean" Gene was the voice that showed them what was happening in the world.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Superstar of the 70's-Superstars Profile#20
Pedro Morales
Real name: Pedro A. Morales
Home: Culebra, PR
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: John Kilonis, Johnny Como, Johnny Ricco
Finisher: Boston Crab
Background: By the time the 70's rolled around, Bruno Sammartino had decided to step aside and let someone else take over the Superstars. Who better than the team's newest recruit?
Pedro came to the Big Apple via Puerto Rico and signed up to be a cop. He did good, real good. His work on infiltration rework the book on undercover work. Bruno saw a kindred spirit in the young man and offered him a spot on the team.
So when Bruno opted to retire, Pedro had some boots to fill. He, all things considered, did a good job. he took on major crooks like Greg "the Hammer" Valentine and "Superstar" Billy Graham. He finally opted to retire when the unknown Bob Backlund took down Graham.
Pedro went back to the police force, acting more as a consultant before finally retiring around '87.
Real name: Pedro A. Morales
Home: Culebra, PR
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: John Kilonis, Johnny Como, Johnny Ricco
Finisher: Boston Crab
Background: By the time the 70's rolled around, Bruno Sammartino had decided to step aside and let someone else take over the Superstars. Who better than the team's newest recruit?
Pedro came to the Big Apple via Puerto Rico and signed up to be a cop. He did good, real good. His work on infiltration rework the book on undercover work. Bruno saw a kindred spirit in the young man and offered him a spot on the team.
So when Bruno opted to retire, Pedro had some boots to fill. He, all things considered, did a good job. he took on major crooks like Greg "the Hammer" Valentine and "Superstar" Billy Graham. He finally opted to retire when the unknown Bob Backlund took down Graham.
Pedro went back to the police force, acting more as a consultant before finally retiring around '87.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Just a Bum-Superstars Profile#19
The Brooklyn Brawler
Real name: Steve Lombardi
Home: Brooklyn, NY
Membership: The Heenan Family
A.K.A.: MVP/Abe "Knuckleball" Schwartz, the Boston Brawler, Doink the Clown, Kim Chee, the Red Knight
Finisher: Sidewalk Smash
Background: Sometimes a bum is a bum.
Steve Lombardi was just a bum from the neighborhood. He fell into honest work by accident. He saw a flyer and called a number and soon he was working for Titian as part of the Enhancement Squad, or Jobbers.
[TLDR-Jobbers were specially hired to lose, acting as either a hero to make one of the villains look good/scary or a villain to make one of the Superstars look good to the public/spar].
Bobby Heenan had just lost control of the Red Rooster. Vowing that he could take any bum off the street and make them a star, the Brain offered Lombardi money and fame. He had him at money. Undergoing procedures that transformed Hulk Hogan into an unstoppable force of nature, Lombardi emerged as...a Bum from Brooklyn!
Ok, so he didn't have strength...or speed...or endurance. But he had confidence to take on anyone, bolstered if he was near anything from Brooklyn. Of the entire Heenan Family, the Brooklyn Brawler had the worst record but he knew how to take a punch.
For the rest of the 80's, the Brooklyn Brawler would at every major scene. Loosing, usually, but he'd be there. Starting in the 90's he began to operate under a series of different masks for various other groups, but those entries are written up elsewhere.
Real name: Steve Lombardi
Home: Brooklyn, NY
Membership: The Heenan Family
A.K.A.: MVP/Abe "Knuckleball" Schwartz, the Boston Brawler, Doink the Clown, Kim Chee, the Red Knight
Finisher: Sidewalk Smash
Background: Sometimes a bum is a bum.
Steve Lombardi was just a bum from the neighborhood. He fell into honest work by accident. He saw a flyer and called a number and soon he was working for Titian as part of the Enhancement Squad, or Jobbers.
[TLDR-Jobbers were specially hired to lose, acting as either a hero to make one of the villains look good/scary or a villain to make one of the Superstars look good to the public/spar].
Bobby Heenan had just lost control of the Red Rooster. Vowing that he could take any bum off the street and make them a star, the Brain offered Lombardi money and fame. He had him at money. Undergoing procedures that transformed Hulk Hogan into an unstoppable force of nature, Lombardi emerged as...a Bum from Brooklyn!
Ok, so he didn't have strength...or speed...or endurance. But he had confidence to take on anyone, bolstered if he was near anything from Brooklyn. Of the entire Heenan Family, the Brooklyn Brawler had the worst record but he knew how to take a punch.
For the rest of the 80's, the Brooklyn Brawler would at every major scene. Loosing, usually, but he'd be there. Starting in the 90's he began to operate under a series of different masks for various other groups, but those entries are written up elsewhere.
Monday, May 18, 2020
The Man of the Hour/Man with the Power-Superstars Profile#18
"Superstar" Billy Graham
Real name: Eldridge Coleman
Home: Paradise Valley, AZ
Membership: Partners with Ivan Kokoff, the Army of Darkness, Paul Jones' Army
A.K.A.: Wayne Coleman
Finisher: Bear Hug
Background: A hero is only as good as the villain, and brother, the Superstar was the best. He was flamboyant. He could rob a bank, smack about the best of the Superstars, and still make it in time to party at Studio 54. His battles with Pedro Morales were legendary but funny enough it was a small town joe named Bob who took him down.
Arrested, the Superstar broke out in '83 but with a different look. Gone were the tie-dyes and shades. In were karate pants and a shiny bald head, but Bob Backlund sent him running again.
Getting out on parole, Graham swore to go straight, even teaming with the Junkyard Dog. Sadly years of physical and chemical abuse left the man a broken shell. After personally taking down Butch Reed, Graham was savagely beaten by the One Man Gang and forced to retire.
Real name: Eldridge Coleman
Home: Paradise Valley, AZ
Membership: Partners with Ivan Kokoff, the Army of Darkness, Paul Jones' Army
A.K.A.: Wayne Coleman
Finisher: Bear Hug
Background: A hero is only as good as the villain, and brother, the Superstar was the best. He was flamboyant. He could rob a bank, smack about the best of the Superstars, and still make it in time to party at Studio 54. His battles with Pedro Morales were legendary but funny enough it was a small town joe named Bob who took him down.
Arrested, the Superstar broke out in '83 but with a different look. Gone were the tie-dyes and shades. In were karate pants and a shiny bald head, but Bob Backlund sent him running again.
Getting out on parole, Graham swore to go straight, even teaming with the Junkyard Dog. Sadly years of physical and chemical abuse left the man a broken shell. After personally taking down Butch Reed, Graham was savagely beaten by the One Man Gang and forced to retire.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
Hero of the People-Superstars Profile#17
Bob Backlund
Real name: Robert Backlund
Home: Princeton, MN
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: Mr. Backlund
Finisher: Crossface Chickenwing
Background: If Bruno Sammartino was the face of the Superstars in the 60's and Pedro Morales was the face of the 70's, then Bob Backlund would surely have been considered the face of the 80's if not for a few factors.
Bob was simply following in the footsteps of his idols. He trained himself mentally and physically and sought out Superstars leader Pedro Morales. Morales was impressed with the young man and hired him on the spot. Bob soon became a junior mascot of sorts for the Superstars. When Pedro opted to retire, it seemed natural that Bob would be replace him,
And he did; and if Vince McMahon Sr. had stayed in charge of Titan, odds are Bob would have stayed the leader probably well into the 90's...but that's not what happened.
Vince Senior gave way to Vince Junior and Jr. didn't care for the way his daddy ran things or Bob personally. Obviously he couldn't let Bob in on the way he intended to do things and he couldn't just fire him.
So, on a call to fight the rampaging Iron Sheik, Vince got ahold of Bob's friend Arnold Skaaland. When the Sheik tried to break Bob's back, Arnold threw in the towel and begged for his friend not to be hurt. As far as the public was concerned, Bob was now a has-been and a loser. He stayed in the game for a bit, trying to act as a mentor to the new group of Superstars but he found himself out of place when compared to the more colorful characters.
He quietly quit and became a teacher. He'd return later in the 90's but that's a story for another day.
Real name: Robert Backlund
Home: Princeton, MN
Membership: Superstars
A.K.A.: Mr. Backlund
Finisher: Crossface Chickenwing
Background: If Bruno Sammartino was the face of the Superstars in the 60's and Pedro Morales was the face of the 70's, then Bob Backlund would surely have been considered the face of the 80's if not for a few factors.
Bob was simply following in the footsteps of his idols. He trained himself mentally and physically and sought out Superstars leader Pedro Morales. Morales was impressed with the young man and hired him on the spot. Bob soon became a junior mascot of sorts for the Superstars. When Pedro opted to retire, it seemed natural that Bob would be replace him,
And he did; and if Vince McMahon Sr. had stayed in charge of Titan, odds are Bob would have stayed the leader probably well into the 90's...but that's not what happened.
Vince Senior gave way to Vince Junior and Jr. didn't care for the way his daddy ran things or Bob personally. Obviously he couldn't let Bob in on the way he intended to do things and he couldn't just fire him.
So, on a call to fight the rampaging Iron Sheik, Vince got ahold of Bob's friend Arnold Skaaland. When the Sheik tried to break Bob's back, Arnold threw in the towel and begged for his friend not to be hurt. As far as the public was concerned, Bob was now a has-been and a loser. He stayed in the game for a bit, trying to act as a mentor to the new group of Superstars but he found himself out of place when compared to the more colorful characters.
He quietly quit and became a teacher. He'd return later in the 90's but that's a story for another day.
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Canada's Strongest Man-Superstars Profile#16
Dino Bravo
Real name: Adolfo Bresciano
Home: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Membership: Dream Team
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Sidewalk Slam
Background: Bravo had everything going for him, yet always seemed to come up short. He was called the next Bruno and even worked for a while with noted scientist Dominic DeNucci but McMahon refused to put Bravo on the Superstars team.
Bravo went back to Canada for a while, but he returned to the States with a head full of blond hair and inhuman strength. He started working as a enforcer to the Dream Team, moving to full time when Brutus Beefcake spilt. He later left the Dream Team and found guidance under the eccentric Frenchy Martin but this too fail. With Martin deported, Bravo joined with Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart but aside from a brief team with the giant Earthquake Bravo found himself coming up short against the likes of Ultimate Warrior and the Legion of Doom.
He soon slipped quietly back to Canada and that was the last anyone heard of him.
Real name: Adolfo Bresciano
Home: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Membership: Dream Team
A.K.A.: N/A
Finisher: Sidewalk Slam
Background: Bravo had everything going for him, yet always seemed to come up short. He was called the next Bruno and even worked for a while with noted scientist Dominic DeNucci but McMahon refused to put Bravo on the Superstars team.
Bravo went back to Canada for a while, but he returned to the States with a head full of blond hair and inhuman strength. He started working as a enforcer to the Dream Team, moving to full time when Brutus Beefcake spilt. He later left the Dream Team and found guidance under the eccentric Frenchy Martin but this too fail. With Martin deported, Bravo joined with Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart but aside from a brief team with the giant Earthquake Bravo found himself coming up short against the likes of Ultimate Warrior and the Legion of Doom.
He soon slipped quietly back to Canada and that was the last anyone heard of him.
Friday, May 15, 2020
Don't Go Messing with a Country Boy-Superstars Profile#15
Hillbilly Jim
Real name: James Morris
Home: Mud Lick, KY
Membership: The Goodwins, Hillbilly Family, the Superstars
A.K.A.: Harley Davidson, Big Jim
Finisher: Big Boot
Background: There speaks of a legend in the south. Where the blacktop gives way to gravel and the street lights give way to trees lies the small unincorporated community of Mud Lick. The residents of this quaint little burg are the Morris clan.
Of this clan, there is a man. Christened James at birth, this young fellow once felled a bear that wandered into the cabin by the time he was two. Weened on the Morris Moonshine, James grew up and out at such a pace that the family had to build an addition just for his feet.
When he was younger, James decided sow his wild oats and headed out west, earning the name Harley Davidson. But his wild ways got back to his mama, and James headed home. Winning tickets to a taping of the Piper's Pit, Jim headed to the Big City and sat in the audience. When Roddy Piper noticed the strapping mountain man, he invited him on stage with the intent to humiliate him. To everyone's shock, Jim easily manhandled the obnoxious Piper, which got him on Hulk Hogan's radar and soon Hillbilly Jim (with the training of Hogan himself) was the newest member of the Superstars.
While chasing down Johnny V, Hillbilly Jim busted his knee, prompting his Uncle Elmer to join him on the team. His cousins Luke and Junior also joined their kin.
Hillbilly recovered, eventually but as public tastes changed Hillbilly was quietly taken out of the field and made a PR agent. A job he took to with surprising ease. He stayed in the video archives of Titian until the Goodwins (kin from across the hollow) arrived and wanted to be heroes like him. Hillbilly hit the streets again, but that tales is recorded elsewhere.
Real name: James Morris
Home: Mud Lick, KY
Membership: The Goodwins, Hillbilly Family, the Superstars
A.K.A.: Harley Davidson, Big Jim
Finisher: Big Boot
Background: There speaks of a legend in the south. Where the blacktop gives way to gravel and the street lights give way to trees lies the small unincorporated community of Mud Lick. The residents of this quaint little burg are the Morris clan.
Of this clan, there is a man. Christened James at birth, this young fellow once felled a bear that wandered into the cabin by the time he was two. Weened on the Morris Moonshine, James grew up and out at such a pace that the family had to build an addition just for his feet.
When he was younger, James decided sow his wild oats and headed out west, earning the name Harley Davidson. But his wild ways got back to his mama, and James headed home. Winning tickets to a taping of the Piper's Pit, Jim headed to the Big City and sat in the audience. When Roddy Piper noticed the strapping mountain man, he invited him on stage with the intent to humiliate him. To everyone's shock, Jim easily manhandled the obnoxious Piper, which got him on Hulk Hogan's radar and soon Hillbilly Jim (with the training of Hogan himself) was the newest member of the Superstars.
While chasing down Johnny V, Hillbilly Jim busted his knee, prompting his Uncle Elmer to join him on the team. His cousins Luke and Junior also joined their kin.
Hillbilly recovered, eventually but as public tastes changed Hillbilly was quietly taken out of the field and made a PR agent. A job he took to with surprising ease. He stayed in the video archives of Titian until the Goodwins (kin from across the hollow) arrived and wanted to be heroes like him. Hillbilly hit the streets again, but that tales is recorded elsewhere.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
Adorable and Golden-Superstars Profile#14
"Adorable" Adrian Adonis
Real name: Keith Adonis Franke
Home: New York City, NY
Membership: East-West Connection, North-South Connection, the Heenan Family
A.K.A.: Keith Franks
Finisher: DDT
Background: Some men are destined to bestride the world like a colossus while others watch from the sidelines. The man who would be Adonis tried his best to be the former.
He started out as biker named Keith Frank/Franks. He rode with none other than Jesse "the Body" Ventura and they were soon dubbed the East-West Connection. They looked poised to take on the world when Jesse opted to get into broadcasting.
Next, Keith teamed up with outlaw Dick Murdoch as the North-South Connection...but all that got him was a few years for robbery and assault.
But Murdoch knew some guys and when he got out, he told Keith to give his friends a call. Keith did and soon his hair was dyed, his leathers were now silk and he had makeup that even Alice Cooper would pass on.
Heenan soon traded him to Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart (in exchange for King Kong Bundy, although he didn't know that at the time). Hart tried a different approach. It was decided that Adonis, as he was now called, would be a media superstar. So he started running a flower shop and cutting into Roddy Piper's show. This got him beaten a shaved bald.
Annoyed, Adonis fired Hart, found Murdoch and the pair hit the road and into the pages of history.
Real name: Keith Adonis Franke
Home: New York City, NY
Membership: East-West Connection, North-South Connection, the Heenan Family
A.K.A.: Keith Franks
Finisher: DDT
Background: Some men are destined to bestride the world like a colossus while others watch from the sidelines. The man who would be Adonis tried his best to be the former.
He started out as biker named Keith Frank/Franks. He rode with none other than Jesse "the Body" Ventura and they were soon dubbed the East-West Connection. They looked poised to take on the world when Jesse opted to get into broadcasting.
Next, Keith teamed up with outlaw Dick Murdoch as the North-South Connection...but all that got him was a few years for robbery and assault.
But Murdoch knew some guys and when he got out, he told Keith to give his friends a call. Keith did and soon his hair was dyed, his leathers were now silk and he had makeup that even Alice Cooper would pass on.
Heenan soon traded him to Jimmy "Mouth of the South" Hart (in exchange for King Kong Bundy, although he didn't know that at the time). Hart tried a different approach. It was decided that Adonis, as he was now called, would be a media superstar. So he started running a flower shop and cutting into Roddy Piper's show. This got him beaten a shaved bald.
Annoyed, Adonis fired Hart, found Murdoch and the pair hit the road and into the pages of history.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Superfly-Superstars Profile#13
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Real name: James Smith
Home: The Fiji Islands
Membership: Superstars, the Dangerous Alliance, Hot Stuff International
A.K.A.: Big Snuka, Great Snuka
Finisher: Superfly Splash
Background: Ok, this might be one of the main reasons why I lost my passion for the whole WWF comic thing. Clipped version, Superfly would have been a take on Daredevil.
Slightly longer version, yeah. Odds are no one is going to do a podcast on Spider-Man committing a murder.
Real name: James Smith
Home: The Fiji Islands
Membership: Superstars, the Dangerous Alliance, Hot Stuff International
A.K.A.: Big Snuka, Great Snuka
Finisher: Superfly Splash
Background: Ok, this might be one of the main reasons why I lost my passion for the whole WWF comic thing. Clipped version, Superfly would have been a take on Daredevil.
Slightly longer version, yeah. Odds are no one is going to do a podcast on Spider-Man committing a murder.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Bundy Needs FIVE-Superstars Profile#12
King Kong Bundy
Real name: Christopher Pallies
Home: Atlantic City, NJ
Membership: The Heenan Family, Million Dollar Corporation
A.K.A.: Big Daddy Bundy, Boom Boom Bundy, Chris Bundy, Man Mountain Cannon, Jr.
Finisher: The Avalanche
Background: Sometimes one is given powers; other times one earns them. Or in Bundy's case he was big a big dude who liked hurting people.
He was working as a bouncer (splatter as some called him, as his customers tended to go splat rather than bounce) when Bobby Heenan saw him. He offered him money to beat up people and for most of the 80's Bundy was one of the Brain's most loyal employees.
That's it. No bad childhood, no traumatic battlefield flashback. Just a big old guy who liked squashing people. He was traded in the 90's to the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, but that is written elsewhere.
Real name: Christopher Pallies
Home: Atlantic City, NJ
Membership: The Heenan Family, Million Dollar Corporation
A.K.A.: Big Daddy Bundy, Boom Boom Bundy, Chris Bundy, Man Mountain Cannon, Jr.
Finisher: The Avalanche
Background: Sometimes one is given powers; other times one earns them. Or in Bundy's case he was big a big dude who liked hurting people.
He was working as a bouncer (splatter as some called him, as his customers tended to go splat rather than bounce) when Bobby Heenan saw him. He offered him money to beat up people and for most of the 80's Bundy was one of the Brain's most loyal employees.
That's it. No bad childhood, no traumatic battlefield flashback. Just a big old guy who liked squashing people. He was traded in the 90's to the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, but that is written elsewhere.
Monday, May 11, 2020
Twisted Steel & Sex Appeal-Superstars Profile#11
Wendi Richter
Real name: Wendi Richter
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Membership: Superstars, Texas Cowgirls
A.K.A.: Wendy Richter
Finisher: Sitout DDT
Background: Some stories have a happy ending. This isn't one.
Wendi Richter was working as a ranch hand when she was exposed to a strange gas pouring out of the Earth's crust. When she awoke, she found herself blessed with inhuman strength and the ability to move the Earth. Vowing to use her powers for good, Wendi became Texas's number one hero and soon McMahon invited her to New York City.
Wendi made a splash, soon becoming easily the second most popular hero on the roster, behind only Hogan himself. She fought the good fight but as her star grew, others shrank. Moolah, noticing that Richter was making all her students look like chumps (plus actually turning them over to the police, violating the working arrangements she had with Titian, Inc.), so it was decided that she had to go.
Wendi had fought with a costumed thief calling herself the Spider Lady, beating the crook easily the few times they fought. At least until one night before the assembled crowds, when the Spider Lady used unusual moves and utterly beat Wendi to a pulp before the crowd (at least that was how it was reported). With her reputation in tatters, Wendi left the team.
She made sure to unleash her full power on Moolah's fleet of limos though.
Real name: Wendi Richter
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Membership: Superstars, Texas Cowgirls
A.K.A.: Wendy Richter
Finisher: Sitout DDT
Background: Some stories have a happy ending. This isn't one.
Wendi Richter was working as a ranch hand when she was exposed to a strange gas pouring out of the Earth's crust. When she awoke, she found herself blessed with inhuman strength and the ability to move the Earth. Vowing to use her powers for good, Wendi became Texas's number one hero and soon McMahon invited her to New York City.
Wendi made a splash, soon becoming easily the second most popular hero on the roster, behind only Hogan himself. She fought the good fight but as her star grew, others shrank. Moolah, noticing that Richter was making all her students look like chumps (plus actually turning them over to the police, violating the working arrangements she had with Titian, Inc.), so it was decided that she had to go.
Wendi had fought with a costumed thief calling herself the Spider Lady, beating the crook easily the few times they fought. At least until one night before the assembled crowds, when the Spider Lady used unusual moves and utterly beat Wendi to a pulp before the crowd (at least that was how it was reported). With her reputation in tatters, Wendi left the team.
She made sure to unleash her full power on Moolah's fleet of limos though.
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Moolah-Superstars Profile#10
The Fabulous Moolah
Real name: Mary Lillian Ellison
Home: Columbia, SC
A.K.A.: The Spider Lady, Slave Girl Moolah
Membership: Partners with Toni Rose
Finisher: Backbreaker
Background: A hard one to write. The public at large, Mary Lillian Ellison was the picture of a mildly eccentric society dame. Grand, an institute in unto herself, with the society pages filled with tales of her scandals.
The public, which only knew her as the slightly salty old gal, was unware of her being a crime boss. She came by it the old fashioned way. She used to be the moll of crime boss the Jungle Lord. As his eye candy, she was expected to do nothing but sit still and look pretty. She noticed, however, and when her boss got sent up, she went into business for herself.
For the 60's and 70's she was more or less quiet, at least publicly. When she did crimes, it was either masked or through a doxy. In the 80's she started being more open about her crime but by the 90s she became a more comedic figure as to best throw people's guards off.
She retired rich and avoided prison. Sometimes the bad guys win.
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Arriba!-Superstars Profile#9
Tito Santana
Real name: Merced Solis
Home: Toluca, Mexico
Membership: NYPD, Superstars, Strike Force
A.K.A.: El Matador
Finisher: Figure Four Leglock
Background: Solis moved to the US as a child and showed great proficiency at nearly field he participated in. He could have been a world class athlete, doctor, or even a politician. He went into law enforcement.
Starting out with the borer patrol, his devotion to duty got him noticed. He was soon sent to the Big Apple and found himself sporting a brass shield of a detective. His actions got him on McMahon, Sr.'s radar and he was soon acting as the Superstars police liaison.
When McMahon, Jr. took over, Santana (he changed his name) took leave and officially joined the Superstars. He was seen more as a trainer than a real star, however and slowly faded to the background.
Partnered with the volatile Rick Martel, the newly dubbed Strike Force had an impact but collapsed under the pressure. Santana tried to hang with the growing number of superhumans, even becoming the costumed Matador but eventually he retired from the scene and got into journalism, becoming a reporter.
Real name: Merced Solis
Home: Toluca, Mexico
Membership: NYPD, Superstars, Strike Force
A.K.A.: El Matador
Finisher: Figure Four Leglock
Background: Solis moved to the US as a child and showed great proficiency at nearly field he participated in. He could have been a world class athlete, doctor, or even a politician. He went into law enforcement.
Starting out with the borer patrol, his devotion to duty got him noticed. He was soon sent to the Big Apple and found himself sporting a brass shield of a detective. His actions got him on McMahon, Sr.'s radar and he was soon acting as the Superstars police liaison.
When McMahon, Jr. took over, Santana (he changed his name) took leave and officially joined the Superstars. He was seen more as a trainer than a real star, however and slowly faded to the background.
Partnered with the volatile Rick Martel, the newly dubbed Strike Force had an impact but collapsed under the pressure. Santana tried to hang with the growing number of superhumans, even becoming the costumed Matador but eventually he retired from the scene and got into journalism, becoming a reporter.
Friday, May 8, 2020
The One True Giant-Superstars Profile#8
Big John Studd
Real name: John Minton
Home: Los Angles, CA
Membership: The Heenan Family, the Executioners, partners with King Kong Bundy
A.K.A.: Captain USA, Executioner#2, Masked Destroyer, Masked Superstar#2
Finisher: Reverse Bearhug1
Background: Dreams can fail.
John Minton wanted to be a hero. Unlike his peers, he didn't want to be running around with Superstars. No, he relocated to the West Coast, wrapped himself in the American flag and fought crime as Captain USA!
And made almost no impact whatsoever. Crime was still a thing, corruption festering away in the nation's soul. etc. That's when the Brain found him.
Bobby Heenan offered him what the heroes of the day couldn't...namely healthcare and a steady paycheck. Slapping a mask on him, Minton became Executioner#2 but managed to impress the Brain enough that he was renamed Big John Studd.
As the resident giant of the Heenan Family, Studd was mostly sent to fight Andre the Giant and occasionally Hulk Hogan. Some thing changed though. After time, Studd grew tired of being a villain and turned against Heenan, even working together with others heroes like Hacksaw Jim Dugan.
In the end, Studd opted to retire. He fought a good and bad fight, made some money, and got out while he could. Isn't that the dream for most?
Real name: John Minton
Home: Los Angles, CA
Membership: The Heenan Family, the Executioners, partners with King Kong Bundy
A.K.A.: Captain USA, Executioner#2, Masked Destroyer, Masked Superstar#2
Finisher: Reverse Bearhug1
Background: Dreams can fail.
John Minton wanted to be a hero. Unlike his peers, he didn't want to be running around with Superstars. No, he relocated to the West Coast, wrapped himself in the American flag and fought crime as Captain USA!
And made almost no impact whatsoever. Crime was still a thing, corruption festering away in the nation's soul. etc. That's when the Brain found him.
Bobby Heenan offered him what the heroes of the day couldn't...namely healthcare and a steady paycheck. Slapping a mask on him, Minton became Executioner#2 but managed to impress the Brain enough that he was renamed Big John Studd.
As the resident giant of the Heenan Family, Studd was mostly sent to fight Andre the Giant and occasionally Hulk Hogan. Some thing changed though. After time, Studd grew tired of being a villain and turned against Heenan, even working together with others heroes like Hacksaw Jim Dugan.
In the end, Studd opted to retire. He fought a good and bad fight, made some money, and got out while he could. Isn't that the dream for most?
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Often Imitated, Never Duplicated-Superstars Profile#7
Captain Lou Albano
Real name: Louis Albano
Home: Carmel, NY
Membership: The Sicilians, the Orient Express, the Headshrinkers, the Moondogs, the Blackjacks, the Wild Samoans, the Machines, the British Bulldogs
A.K.A.: Leaping Lou Albano, the Captain
Finisher: Non' yer business
Background: Why's he called the Captain? Cuz he'll never steer you wrong!
Lou Albano was a guy with some breaks, good and bad. He tried to be a hero at first, really, but "Leaping Lou" failed to make the cut for the Superstars. He went the other way and became a pirate themed robber for a while before he started hiring himself out.
You see, Lou had ideas. Why sweat it off fighting guys in tights when he could tell them where to hit and get a cut of the profits?
Lou was good, darn good and soon the Northeast was equally cut between him, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, and the Grand Wizard. When McMahon Jr. came to power, Lou found himself thrust into the public eye. He also caught the eye of pop singer Cyndi Lauper. A feud kicked off but the public grew enamored of the rubber band wearing faster talker. He and Lauper settled things, after their proxies duked it out, but when Roddy Piper and "Cowboy" Bob Orton assaulted the Cap after an awards ceremony the public was fully on the captain's side.
Lou finally found himself on the Superstars team at last but mostly in an advisory position. He was quietly retired and dedicated himself to charity work for real.
Real name: Louis Albano
Home: Carmel, NY
Membership: The Sicilians, the Orient Express, the Headshrinkers, the Moondogs, the Blackjacks, the Wild Samoans, the Machines, the British Bulldogs
A.K.A.: Leaping Lou Albano, the Captain
Finisher: Non' yer business
Background: Why's he called the Captain? Cuz he'll never steer you wrong!
Lou Albano was a guy with some breaks, good and bad. He tried to be a hero at first, really, but "Leaping Lou" failed to make the cut for the Superstars. He went the other way and became a pirate themed robber for a while before he started hiring himself out.
You see, Lou had ideas. Why sweat it off fighting guys in tights when he could tell them where to hit and get a cut of the profits?
Lou was good, darn good and soon the Northeast was equally cut between him, "Classy" Freddie Blassie, and the Grand Wizard. When McMahon Jr. came to power, Lou found himself thrust into the public eye. He also caught the eye of pop singer Cyndi Lauper. A feud kicked off but the public grew enamored of the rubber band wearing faster talker. He and Lauper settled things, after their proxies duked it out, but when Roddy Piper and "Cowboy" Bob Orton assaulted the Cap after an awards ceremony the public was fully on the captain's side.
Lou finally found himself on the Superstars team at last but mostly in an advisory position. He was quietly retired and dedicated himself to charity work for real.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
USSR Number 1-Superstars Profile#6
Nikolai Volkoff
Real name: Josip Peruzovic
Home: Moscow, USSR
Membership: Partners with the Iron Sheik, the Bolsheviks, the Million Dollar Corporation
A.K.A.: Boris Breznikoff, Executioner#3, Nickle & Dime Volkoff
Finisher: Bearhug
Background: With the US, Europe, and most Asian countries now engaged in a superhuman race, the USSR was no exception. Dozens of men (and some women) were created or forged through the 1960's and well up to the 90's.
Among the dozens was weightlifter Josip Peruzovic. Volunteering for the process, the young man found his strength tripled. His IQ was down about fifty points, but he wasn't it much anyway.
He was unleashed on the world but quickly threw in with "Classy" Freddie Blassie...mostly due to the few dollars he tossed the newly dubbed Nikolai Volkoff's way. In the Russian strong man, Blassie found a gent with inhuman strength and unwilling to question him.
Partnering him up with the Iron Sheik, the two were his top enforcers but after a while Blassie sold his interest in Volkoff's contract to the infamous "doctor of style" Slick. In 1987, the Iron Sheik was brought to justice. Slick decided to add another Russian to the mix and partnered him with the not quite as infamous (or Russian) Boris Zhukov. The team stayed together for most of the 80's before Volkoff's programing went a bit off kilter and his love of all things Russian was replaced with all things American.
Volkoff decided to see the world, but he found himself broke. In stepped "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase but that account is settled elsewhere.
Real name: Josip Peruzovic
Home: Moscow, USSR
Membership: Partners with the Iron Sheik, the Bolsheviks, the Million Dollar Corporation
A.K.A.: Boris Breznikoff, Executioner#3, Nickle & Dime Volkoff
Finisher: Bearhug
Background: With the US, Europe, and most Asian countries now engaged in a superhuman race, the USSR was no exception. Dozens of men (and some women) were created or forged through the 1960's and well up to the 90's.
Among the dozens was weightlifter Josip Peruzovic. Volunteering for the process, the young man found his strength tripled. His IQ was down about fifty points, but he wasn't it much anyway.
He was unleashed on the world but quickly threw in with "Classy" Freddie Blassie...mostly due to the few dollars he tossed the newly dubbed Nikolai Volkoff's way. In the Russian strong man, Blassie found a gent with inhuman strength and unwilling to question him.
Partnering him up with the Iron Sheik, the two were his top enforcers but after a while Blassie sold his interest in Volkoff's contract to the infamous "doctor of style" Slick. In 1987, the Iron Sheik was brought to justice. Slick decided to add another Russian to the mix and partnered him with the not quite as infamous (or Russian) Boris Zhukov. The team stayed together for most of the 80's before Volkoff's programing went a bit off kilter and his love of all things Russian was replaced with all things American.
Volkoff decided to see the world, but he found himself broke. In stepped "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase but that account is settled elsewhere.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Grab Them Cakes-Superstars Profile#5
Junkyard Dog
Real name: Sylvester Ritter
Home: Charlotte, NC
Membership: Superstars, partners with Tito Santana, Butch Reed
A.K.A.: Big Daddy Ritter, Stagger Lee, Leroy Rochester
Finisher: The Thump (powerslam)
Background: Ritter, despite his reputation for being the toughest and orneriest, was actually a pretty nice guy. He'd slam you through a table for suggesting it though.
His background was mostly in football, but he fell into the profession of bounty hunting. He was good too; it was said once Ritter was on your tail nothing could stop him. This morphed into him being tougher than a "junkyard dog" and the name stuck.
He worked mostly out of the Mid-South. He made headlines when he vowed to take down the infamous Fabulous Freebirds. They in turn vowed to blind him, which they did. The fight made him famous, but his recovery and the hauling in Freebird leader Michael PS Hayes after beating him in a chain match? Legendary
JYD made enemies too. When his partner Butch Reed betrayed him and left him for dead, a masked hero calling himself Stagger Lee started showing up. No one was able to prove JYD and Lee were one and the same, but JYD reappeared on the scene some time later and Lee was never seen again.
Word of his exploits soon reached up north and the Superstars soon had a new member. Operating on a bigger scale, JYD went after Adrian Adonis, Greg "the Hammer" Valentine and many others. He was good, too good, McMahon thought. Given his background, he might start looking too close into McMahon's business.
So he was fired in 1988. Nothing fancy, just a simple 'thank you for your service but the budget must be cut'. JYD didn't mind it and went back south to continue his career.
Real name: Sylvester Ritter
Home: Charlotte, NC
Membership: Superstars, partners with Tito Santana, Butch Reed
A.K.A.: Big Daddy Ritter, Stagger Lee, Leroy Rochester
Finisher: The Thump (powerslam)
Background: Ritter, despite his reputation for being the toughest and orneriest, was actually a pretty nice guy. He'd slam you through a table for suggesting it though.
His background was mostly in football, but he fell into the profession of bounty hunting. He was good too; it was said once Ritter was on your tail nothing could stop him. This morphed into him being tougher than a "junkyard dog" and the name stuck.
He worked mostly out of the Mid-South. He made headlines when he vowed to take down the infamous Fabulous Freebirds. They in turn vowed to blind him, which they did. The fight made him famous, but his recovery and the hauling in Freebird leader Michael PS Hayes after beating him in a chain match? Legendary
JYD made enemies too. When his partner Butch Reed betrayed him and left him for dead, a masked hero calling himself Stagger Lee started showing up. No one was able to prove JYD and Lee were one and the same, but JYD reappeared on the scene some time later and Lee was never seen again.
Word of his exploits soon reached up north and the Superstars soon had a new member. Operating on a bigger scale, JYD went after Adrian Adonis, Greg "the Hammer" Valentine and many others. He was good, too good, McMahon thought. Given his background, he might start looking too close into McMahon's business.
So he was fired in 1988. Nothing fancy, just a simple 'thank you for your service but the budget must be cut'. JYD didn't mind it and went back south to continue his career.
Monday, May 4, 2020
You Got the Moves Like Da' Sheik-Superstars Profile#4
The Iron Sheik
Real name: Khosrow Vaziri
Home: Tehran, Iran
Membership: Partners with Nikolai Volkoff, "Classy" Freddie Blassie
A.K.A.: Col. Mustafa
Finisher: Camel Clutch
Background: America wasn't the only country to want superheroes. Khosrow Vaziri, if asked, would have described himself as a patriot, which is why he volunteered to be the first of his country's superhuman army.
The result, a man with inhuman strength and the toughness of pure iron. Then things got a bit sticky and Vaziri found himself stuck in America in the late 70's. He mostly kept off the radar, but gang lord "Classy" Freddie Blassie found him and made him an offer he couldn't refuse-take out Bob Backlund.
The Iron Sheik, as the press called him, did just that in the heart of New York City. The Iron Sheik thought that would be it. Why wouldn't he? He just beat the leader of the Superstars...then some punk named Hogan showed up and forced him from the top of the mountain.
Blassie, however, made it up to him. McMahon Jr. was running Titian at that point, so the Iron Sheik was informed of the new way to do things. He didn't care for it, but the money was nice. He and Russian strongman Nikolai Volkoff were a decent pair but the Iron Sheik became too dented to go on. When his home country called and offered him a job, however, he grew interested. That tale would be continued in the 90's.
Real name: Khosrow Vaziri
Home: Tehran, Iran
Membership: Partners with Nikolai Volkoff, "Classy" Freddie Blassie
A.K.A.: Col. Mustafa
Finisher: Camel Clutch
Background: America wasn't the only country to want superheroes. Khosrow Vaziri, if asked, would have described himself as a patriot, which is why he volunteered to be the first of his country's superhuman army.
The result, a man with inhuman strength and the toughness of pure iron. Then things got a bit sticky and Vaziri found himself stuck in America in the late 70's. He mostly kept off the radar, but gang lord "Classy" Freddie Blassie found him and made him an offer he couldn't refuse-take out Bob Backlund.
The Iron Sheik, as the press called him, did just that in the heart of New York City. The Iron Sheik thought that would be it. Why wouldn't he? He just beat the leader of the Superstars...then some punk named Hogan showed up and forced him from the top of the mountain.
Blassie, however, made it up to him. McMahon Jr. was running Titian at that point, so the Iron Sheik was informed of the new way to do things. He didn't care for it, but the money was nice. He and Russian strongman Nikolai Volkoff were a decent pair but the Iron Sheik became too dented to go on. When his home country called and offered him a job, however, he grew interested. That tale would be continued in the 90's.
Sunday, May 3, 2020
The 8th Wonder of the World-Superstars Profile#3
Andre the Giant
Real name: Andre Roussimoff
Home: Grenoble, French Alps
Membership: Superstars, Heenan Family, Mega Bucks, Colossal Connection
A.K.A.: Giant Machine, Jean Ferre, the Polish Giant, Monster Eiffel Tower
Finisher: Giant press
Background: The man, the myth, the legend. Andre was many things, hero and villain equally but he never did anything small.
Prior to the Superstars, Andre grew up in his native France. Too large for the army, he took to fighting to make money. He was good, unbeatable by most accounts, and that fact got him on Vince McMahon's Sr.'s radar. He as personally invited to join the Superstars, an offer he accepted.
Andre hit America and went right to the top. Indeed, it seemed only natural that he would take over the group but McMahon Sr. retired and soon Junior was running things. Oh, he saw Andre as amazing power, but more as a sidekick than a leader.
This annoyed the Frenchman, but he did the best to ignore it as Hulk Hogan earned more and more praise and respect. Things came to a boil around '87, when Andre fully joined the Heenan Family. He would spend the rest of the 80's as a villain before rejoining the Superstars briefly before retiring.
Real name: Andre Roussimoff
Home: Grenoble, French Alps
Membership: Superstars, Heenan Family, Mega Bucks, Colossal Connection
A.K.A.: Giant Machine, Jean Ferre, the Polish Giant, Monster Eiffel Tower
Finisher: Giant press
Background: The man, the myth, the legend. Andre was many things, hero and villain equally but he never did anything small.
Prior to the Superstars, Andre grew up in his native France. Too large for the army, he took to fighting to make money. He was good, unbeatable by most accounts, and that fact got him on Vince McMahon's Sr.'s radar. He as personally invited to join the Superstars, an offer he accepted.
Andre hit America and went right to the top. Indeed, it seemed only natural that he would take over the group but McMahon Sr. retired and soon Junior was running things. Oh, he saw Andre as amazing power, but more as a sidekick than a leader.
This annoyed the Frenchman, but he did the best to ignore it as Hulk Hogan earned more and more praise and respect. Things came to a boil around '87, when Andre fully joined the Heenan Family. He would spend the rest of the 80's as a villain before rejoining the Superstars briefly before retiring.
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Hot Rod-Superstars Profile#2
Roddy Piper
Real name: Roderick Toombs
Home: Glasgow, Scotland
Membership: Partners with "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Superstars
A.K.A.: Masked Canadian, Super Scorpion
Finisher: Sleeper hold
Background: Some are destined for greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them...and some sit on the sidelines and snark.
Roderick Toombs grew up around the globe but always considered Scotland his home. Leaving at a young age, the youth found he had the gift of gab, specifically the ability to rile people up to commit violence, usually against him.
He was noticed by Mr. McMahon after watching his talk show Piper's Pit, where Piper introduced himself to the crowd by usually berating and/or attacking the guests. His bloody and brutal talk with Frank Williams got him on McMahon's radar, but his beating of "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka got him McMahon's attention.
Sure, Hulk Hogan had the public's attention but who could he fight? So Piper became the Hulkster's number 1 foe, yet the one guy the hero couldn't just beat up. At least not without charging admission.
Then something happened, namely he got popular. It was decided to switch Piper over to the side of the angels, or at least enough reign him enough not to lose any sponsors. He wasn't as popular as the 'Orange Hobgoblin' but he still managed to earn more than a few fans.
When the Hulkster left, Piper saw the writing on the wall and left with a highly rated farewell episode. He came back sporadically during the mid-90's.
Real name: Roderick Toombs
Home: Glasgow, Scotland
Membership: Partners with "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Superstars
A.K.A.: Masked Canadian, Super Scorpion
Finisher: Sleeper hold
Background: Some are destined for greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them...and some sit on the sidelines and snark.
Roderick Toombs grew up around the globe but always considered Scotland his home. Leaving at a young age, the youth found he had the gift of gab, specifically the ability to rile people up to commit violence, usually against him.
He was noticed by Mr. McMahon after watching his talk show Piper's Pit, where Piper introduced himself to the crowd by usually berating and/or attacking the guests. His bloody and brutal talk with Frank Williams got him on McMahon's radar, but his beating of "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka got him McMahon's attention.
Sure, Hulk Hogan had the public's attention but who could he fight? So Piper became the Hulkster's number 1 foe, yet the one guy the hero couldn't just beat up. At least not without charging admission.
Then something happened, namely he got popular. It was decided to switch Piper over to the side of the angels, or at least enough reign him enough not to lose any sponsors. He wasn't as popular as the 'Orange Hobgoblin' but he still managed to earn more than a few fans.
When the Hulkster left, Piper saw the writing on the wall and left with a highly rated farewell episode. He came back sporadically during the mid-90's.
Friday, May 1, 2020
Whatcha Going Do Brother?-Superstars Profile#1
Well, I said a while ago that I was going to do this, so why not now? Now, understand the following work was meant to represent an idealized version of the real life person and by no means an endorsement of the wrestler's views or condoning their actions in the real world. The following is based only on what happened in the ring, plus variations created for story telling effect.
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