Kayfabe! Timeline – The History of WWE 1981 as told by Rick Martel

KAYFABE!

Timeline – The History of WWE 1981 as told by Rick Martel

I was a bit sketchy when KC announced that Rick Martel was doing the 1981 Timeline. I’d long been hoping they’d come to terms with Bob Backlund, especially given that 1981 was the year of the famous match with Greg Valentine, but I’ll have to hold out hope for 1982. Plus, Rick Martel isn’t exactly considered well-spoken. But, to my pleasant surprise, this winds up being quite good. Much like the Bret Hart Timeline, it’s consistently interesting, even though there isn’t any major story to touch on. Rick just gives his memories nad thoughts to the major players of the time, with some stories about them, both in and out of the ring. And, while Rick’s heavy accent isn’t exactly pleasant to listen to, he’s not stumbling over his words and uncomfortable like Piper.

Of course, the subject of Backlund comes up, and, after being the punching bag to Superstar Billy Graham in 1978-79 and Larry Zybyszko in 1980, someone actually has nice things to say about Bob! No, Bob didn’t have the charisma of Bruno or Pedro, but he could more than take care of himself in the ring. Rick tells a story about Angelo Mosca not being happy about putting over Backlund, so he decided to try to shoot on him, and, let’s just say it didn’t go too well for Mosca. There’s a brief mention of Bob Backlund vs. Antonio Inoki in Mexico City, which drew a huge gate with tons of people turned away. There’s also lots of talk about Vincent J. McMahon, and how much all the boys respected him. Rick says that it’s true he planned out things very far in advance, but, he mostly kept them to himself. He also puts over Andre for telling him now to get discouraged when Vince didn’t have him doing anything after a few months, Andre assured him that Vince had plans for him, and, soon enough, he was paired with Tony Garea, and they won the tag titles.

Honestly, Rick doesn’t have anything bad to say about anyone. It’s not like the Chyna or Kong YouShoots, where it seems like he’s biting his tongue to hopefully get a job (unless the man really wants a Legends deal). Rick tells a story about Gorilla Monsoon insisting that Rick stay at his house with his family when he had a concussion and it wasn’t advised that he be alone. The only negative thing that Rick has to say about anyone is Curt Hennig. Curt was respected by all the boys for his amateur skills and being Larry’s kid. But, when he became Mr. Perfect, his ego got out of control, and Rick told him as much. When Rick made his comeback to WCW, Curt took him aside and told him that he was right, and thanked him for being man enough to do it face to face, and not just talk behind his back to the boys. When Rick first arrived, Larry Zybyzsko gets a quick knock, but only due to his being so deluded. He was on his way out, and told Rick that he was going to enjoy watching the territory die since he was leaving.

Rick and Sean also spend a good amount of time discussing how different things were in 1981 vs. Today. Without the internet or Twitter or anything, none of the fans knew that George Steele was also a teacher in Michigan, because the WWF didn’t run there, and didn’t have TV there. They also talk about an angle that would never see the light of day today. Hulk Hogan (a heel at this time) called Tony Atlas a “Brown Clown” and told him to shine his shoes, this led to Atlas vs. Hogan around the loop.Hogan did the job and went to Minnesota. Sean and Rick briefly touch on the famous Patterson/Slaughter Alley Fight, and agree that it was one of the first examples of “Hardcore” wrestling. But, Rick also points out that Sarge and Pat were two masters of their craft, so it wasn’t just two guys pasting each other with props and juicing, which doesn’t take any talent. And, of course, Rick’s most famous match his brought up, the tag title switch from him and Tony to Fuji and Saito. Rick gives Fuji props for perfectly timing the salt throw, and said that right afterwards, they put on a towel with onions in his face to cause tears and redness. He doesn’t know how far in advance the title change was planned, Saito wasn’t even in the territory when he and Tony won the titles from the Moondogs in July, but, they were over as heels, and it was the right move.

8.1

The final score: review Very Good

The 411

I had somewhat low expectations going in, but was more than pleasantly surprised. It's not as overall entertaining as others, but it's an interesting look at a time that' s not really talked about all that much today.