On Friday July 22, 2011, my wife and I made the trek to Memphis, with tickets in hand to witness the show of Memphis Heat at the world famous Orpheum. We got down in "Mempho" a little after 12 and soon we were doing the tourist thing.From riding the trolleys to watching the ducks do their walk at 5 o'clock at the Peabody.It was an eventful day and a good escape from the mundane day to day grind.
We had bought tickets on line and as we found a good parking deck and scoped out Beale St on our way to The Orpheum.As we headed toward Main St.,believe it or not walking right by us was none other than Jerry Jarrett.Eye contact was made, cordial hellos were exchanged. Jarrett is one of the stars of Memphis Heat and was to sell his book and autograph(which of course we purchased. The Orpheum is an opera type house, first class scenery all the way.After, walking in and hitting up the gimmick table.Kristi told me we were definitely getting the Jarrett book.Kristi worked for USWA back in the day,so needless to say she has interest in both the book and the movie.Book signings and photos ensued. I got a treat by actually meeting Lance Russell.To me, Lance Russell was my all time fave, sure Solie was great, I enjoyed the Charlie Platts and Jim Ross' of the wrestling world but Lance is/was my favorite bar none.
This paragraph is dedicated to the chowder head that between drinking beers like there is no tomorrow, decided to chime in on his opinion of Lance Russell. Kristi and I were seated before the show, this guy says "Geez, Lance Russell looks like he has aged!!!" I was like he is 85 freaking years old, you goof, show some respect.This guy was like 55, bald and probably thinking that other around him wanted to hear his opinion, such arrogance and disrespect.Kristi said he says one more thing about Lance and she is going to saying something to him, you see unlike Mr Chowderhead, she actually knew Russell.You know, just because you think you are a big shot somewhere, in public you are no better.Before the show started Jarrett, Jerry Lawler,Bill Dundee, Dave Brown and yes Lance Russell spoke.Russell and Brown spoke on their respect for each other and you could tell these guys really cared for each other and they enjoyed each others company, which is more than I can say for Chowderhead, I knew him all of 10 minutes , if you are in public and you think other people want your opinion, do us a favor keep it to yourself.Brown and Russell got a standing ovation.Chowderhead, I just gave you about 200 words more than your worthless ass deserved!
To the movie, as a person who grew up watching Memphis Wrestling,maybe I am not objective to review this movie.It was enjoyable and I learned things I did not know.One of the great stories told was about Sputnik Monroe and how he came to the aid of black people during the turbulent racial times.I won't spoil it, I just thought it was a great story. This movie is chocked full of such stories, some I knew some I didn't.We were entertained and would fully recommend.Great movie, great atmosphere(sans Chowderhead) and walking in Memphis, Beale Street at night, something to see. A great time, a great birthday for Kristi as she told me.
