Pretty sure the joke with Akeem was that "the African Dream" was a jab at "the American Dream" and Dusty Rhodes' propensity to jiggle around the ring and talk "jive" in a stereotypical way.
This! I’m African American and I was a kid when this gimmick was out. It was utterly confusing and even as a kid, I didn’t like it. Now knowing the backstory, that’s hilariously petty of Vince! 😂
@@regkray Jake and Robins father, Grizzly Smith is such a scumbag that he may legitimately be the worst person to ever be involved in wrestling. And that’s over guys that have committed murder. His shits so awful I don’t even know how to type it without getting deleted. Let’s just say worst father ever. On numerous counts.
Akeem/One Man Gang/Crusher Broomfield is a genuinely nice guy in real life and was also quite well liked by other wrestlers for his in-ring work. He wasn't out there performing moonsaults, but he knew how to work a superheavyweight match and more importantly, he knew how to control his 400 lbs. The Hitman was always a fan of his, and imo that counts for a lot.
"Rockin" Robin is a real one. Compared to women of the Era she could work a bit. And she stood up to Grizzly for little girls. Robin has my respect forever.
Jesse Ventura at that press conference has all the energy of mum who's had one too many glasses of Pinot Grigio with Christmas dinner and then been told that her Brussel sprouts may have been slightly over-seasoned.
Bruce Pritchard says she volunteered to sing and no one ever checked to see if Rockin Robin knew how to sing. They just assumed she could because she volunteered ! 😂😂😂
Body Glove was an 80s surfer brand and for some reason American teenagers went through a surfer trend for a bit. Brands like Ocean Pacific, and Body Glove
That was a thing in the 80s and early 90s: you wore a t-shirt with the name of the brand rather than the actual clothes they made. I had like three "Bugle Boy jeans" t-shirts and zero pairs of Bugle Boy jeans
Holy shit, I'd never seen Ventura butchering Werewolves like that before, with Zevon right there next to him. And him getting his feelings hurt over the rib from the reporter was chef's kiss.
I used to hang around a Grateful Dead cover band years ago, they used to do Werewolves and somehow it became a thing where when they did it I'd get onstage and make a drunken ass of myself. I used to record the shows but could never bring myself to listen to any of the recordings of that, Jesse probably did better than me. But dammit I brought energy, it was more of a hype man thing. Still, all these years later, seeing him "singing" that song made me wince for him but more for me.
People that found WrestleMe from this UA-cam channel; The reason Pete is a little bit clueless here is the podcast started with him knowing nothing and they reviewed every Wrestlemania, so this was only the 5th recording
Interesting that you mention Boss Man being great at selling it's basically how he got his start. He was brought in as a local jobber on a territory show and his first night post training he was matched with Tully Blanchard. "Big Bubba" as he was billed was about 340 or 350 lbs at that point and took a slingshot suplex from a 230 lb Tully like a veteran middleweight. Dusty Rhodes then tapped him for a future star.
I had to look up the Akeem thing- wiki quote ''In September 1988, One Man Gang's manager, Slick, announced that Gang was reborn as African and planned to embrace his roots. An episode of WWF Superstars, which aired on September 24, 1988, featured a vignette with Gene Okerlund on-location in an American ghetto that was dubbed "The Deepest Darkest Parts Of Africa," where dancers dressed as tribal Africans danced and chanted around a fire; Slick then announced that Gang would be known by his new name, "Akeem, the African Dream", though Okerlund immediately called him out as the One Man Gang. This vignette received some criticism, as the Caucasian "Akeem" delivered a promo in which he spoke with an extremely stereotypical "jive" black accent and danced in the style of Dusty Rhodes while an African ritual took place in the background'' Sounds perfectly fine,
The African Dream is one of the first characters I can remember because I had the 1989 Royal Rumble Silvervision VHS . Him and Boss man were the Twin Towers.
James Dudley was a longtime Vince loyalist, driving was his retirement job. First African American promoter under Vince in DC circa late 50s early 60s.
I'm sure Jesse was just being "in character" when he made that crack about Robin. If he was himself, he probably would've said something like, "Eh, she did the best she could. Yeah, I wouldn't have done a better job. Know she needs, though? Not singing lessons. A union! That's what we all need! It's a conspiracy, Gorilla!" Always thought Jesse going off on Hogan about doing a movie was funny considering that Jesse is actually in the movie. Playing himself as well. Well, his "kayfabe" self anyway. Ha
In the history of the crazy world of wrestling, no one has ever been more uncomfortable in a wrestling ring than she was whilst signing this anthem. I include Hart in the 97 Survivor Series
I actually feel really bad for Rockin Robin. From the sound of things she *did* know at least a little vocal technique, probably from school choir or church or something, but she very clearly was not comfortable or confident singing to a crowd.
Worth mentioning that in the full WrestleMe pod for WM V - Mark does talk about Akeem The African Dream being a mean spirited joke on Dusty Rhodes. Its just missing from the video edit. Mark knows his Dusty
George Gray was the One man Gang for a long time before he became Akeem and he was a great huge heel. He got tons of heat in Mid-South and Texas. After he retired from wrestling, he became a prison guard in Louisiana, which was probably a lot tougher than anything he did in the ring.
He did not make that much money in the business so he had to get a real job. Despite his excessive weight, he is still alive while others who took steroids and recreational drugs passed away.
As far as Hercules goes, during the referee count the camera angle only shows us Herc's right shoulder. If you look a moment before, right after the suplex, you'll see he lifted his left shoulder off the mat.
I love you guys but first no mention of Akeem being a jab at Dusty Rhodes, second James Dudley was an old family friend who did a bunch for the company in the past, dating back to working with Jess McMahon in the 50s. VKM kept him on the company payroll as a promise to his father. Dude ended up doing all sorts of stuff for the company. Feels weird to pretend it was racial and reduce him to just a driver. I also resent being put in a position where I'm having to defend Vince, I feel so dirty ughhh!
James Dudley wasn't just a driver. He did numerous jobs for the WWWF from it's inception in 1963 (and before that at Capitol), including managing Bob Brazil and several other black wrestlers. He also managed the Turner's Arena in Washington DC. He was basically Vince Snr's righthand man, and he asked Vince Jr. to continue looking after him when he was close to death in 1984. Dudley was a hugely important figure behind the scenes - but people prefer to go with Melter's take that he was just McMahon's driver, playing up the fact that Vince valued his personal staff more than wrestlers and that he had a black man in a service position.
Yo! On the subject of the Twin Towers...they had a match...I think it was Summerslam 90 or something like that, against Demolition. During the entrances a fan is seen holding a sign that reads "Demolition will topple the Twin Towers." ...very prophetic and some would say very true.
The line "I don't think Akeem's ever met a black person" is quite amusing when you see him standing in the ring next to Slick, who was his manager at the time...
I love this channel so much ! Very well done and a great insight into the events . Much love and Respect from Kentucky USA. P.S. try Rico Suave coffee. Great guy great coffee
Warren Zevon had a wonderful career that was slightly derailed due to drinking and excess which held him back a little, When he did the Jess Ventura thing, he threw his bag on stage where his band was to perform he said "So my career has come to this?" all detailed in his book.
The boys were so enamored with Hakeem they didn't notice the selling competition between Shawn and Marty? Stop ogling the big mashing brute and appreciate coked up super selling!!
Hurcs arm came up a little bit it was just the camera, I think a camera dude was in the wrong place, the Akem angle was he found ou his heritage was African, it was a rip on Dusty Rhodes because back in the day people said Dusty acted black, if you notice Akems little dance mimics Dustys.
And I remember Body Glove. It was a "surf apparel" brand you'd find in low end department stores. But I remember it always being neon colored stuff, loud pinks and day-glow greens. Why would anyone have that in big Frankie Says Relax font on a white tahirt? It looks homemade, that's definitely not official Body Glove aparrel lol.
Pretty sure the joke with Akeem was that "the African Dream" was a jab at "the American Dream" and Dusty Rhodes' propensity to jiggle around the ring and talk "jive" in a stereotypical way.
This! I’m African American and I was a kid when this gimmick was out. It was utterly confusing and even as a kid, I didn’t like it. Now knowing the backstory, that’s hilariously petty of Vince! 😂
I genuinely wasn't sure if Vince was trying to hint that the African dream was to be a fat white guy 😬
Of course it was. But no-one outside the industry knew that at the time. So, to the audience, it's just One Man Gang pretending to be African.
Came here to say this! He’s not trying to act “African” he’s just trying to act like Dusty Rhodes!
This is one that's for the ones who know
“She’s the half sister of Jake the snake, the have the same dad..”
Yeah best to just leave that story there.
She been half-sister? 🤨
@@regkray Jake and Robins father, Grizzly Smith is such a scumbag that he may legitimately be the worst person to ever be involved in wrestling. And that’s over guys that have committed murder. His shits so awful I don’t even know how to type it without getting deleted. Let’s just say worst father ever. On numerous counts.
@@regkray look up their father, "grizzly smith". dude was a fucking monster.
@@YourEvilHenchman Did so. Evil bastard. Hope every person he abused is managing to find their own peace. Thanks for the heads up 👍
@@regkraywell aren't you nice, love seeing wholesome interactions.
Akeem/One Man Gang/Crusher Broomfield is a genuinely nice guy in real life and was also quite well liked by other wrestlers for his in-ring work. He wasn't out there performing moonsaults, but he knew how to work a superheavyweight match and more importantly, he knew how to control his 400 lbs. The Hitman was always a fan of his, and imo that counts for a lot.
Best big splash in the business
In 1989, a young Rachel Dolezal was watching Akeem in Wrestlemania V....
Her and Shaun King (Talcum X).
Let's not forget Kamala Harris who was inspired by Rachel Dolezal.
And somehow Akeem was more respectful.
Hats off to BanyaBat for this edit, the Jesse Ventura stuff, disclaimering Gorilla’s advice on electricity and the second Rocker line. Chef’s kiss.
Jesse Ventura looked like he was a second from tears when the reporter insulted his singing voice - “I was having fun…”
The reporter should have asked him to singe "America the Beautiful".
The music cue right then killlllls me 😂😂
"Rockin" Robin is a real one. Compared to women of the Era she could work a bit. And she stood up to Grizzly for little girls. Robin has my respect forever.
Jesse Ventura at that press conference has all the energy of mum who's had one too many glasses of Pinot Grigio with Christmas dinner and then been told that her Brussel sprouts may have been slightly over-seasoned.
Bruce Pritchard says she volunteered to sing and no one ever checked to see if Rockin Robin knew how to sing. They just assumed she could because she volunteered ! 😂😂😂
Body Glove was an 80s surfer brand and for some reason American teenagers went through a surfer trend for a bit. Brands like Ocean Pacific, and Body Glove
Ocean Pacific was the sh##, back in 1989 Majorcan resorts!
Panama Jack all the way!!!!
Body Glove is still going. I remember the singer from living colour wore a body gloves wetsuit for cult of personality.
@@rahowherox1177 I hope that guy did his own laundry because I can only imagine the smell after a full set under stage lights in that thing
Remember the hypercolor shirts that'd change colors with heat?
Big and a good worker. He should have been WWEs first black heavyweight champion.
😆
Why not, since Elizabeth Warren can be a Native American and Kamala Harris can be African American.
Body Glove was a popular beach clothing brand in the US during the time. They made things like beach swimwear, wet suits, tshirts etc.
That was a thing in the 80s and early 90s: you wore a t-shirt with the name of the brand rather than the actual clothes they made. I had like three "Bugle Boy jeans" t-shirts and zero pairs of Bugle Boy jeans
It's still around, albeit overseas.
The lead singer of Living Colour, Corey Glover, wears Body Glove gear in the Cult of Personality music video.
I just thought it was a joke referring to a shirt as a glove for the body lmao
@@MBM1117727they started off making wet suits. Body Glove makes sense for that, not so much as a clothi g brand though.
Holy shit, I'd never seen Ventura butchering Werewolves like that before, with Zevon right there next to him. And him getting his feelings hurt over the rib from the reporter was chef's kiss.
Dad sung that song all the time in karaoke. It was out of key, and he made no qualms the rendition was awful. Sounded better then Jess there. Ouch.
I used to hang around a Grateful Dead cover band years ago, they used to do Werewolves and somehow it became a thing where when they did it I'd get onstage and make a drunken ass of myself. I used to record the shows but could never bring myself to listen to any of the recordings of that, Jesse probably did better than me. But dammit I brought energy, it was more of a hype man thing. Still, all these years later, seeing him "singing" that song made me wince for him but more for me.
the thing that akeem was doing was a shot at dusty for how dusty would move his arms and legs and "jive"
People that found WrestleMe from this UA-cam channel; The reason Pete is a little bit clueless here is the podcast started with him knowing nothing and they reviewed every Wrestlemania, so this was only the 5th recording
Body Glove was huge in the 1980s/90s here in the US. i had a color-changing design where it was heat-sensitive from the company.
Interesting that you mention Boss Man being great at selling it's basically how he got his start. He was brought in as a local jobber on a territory show and his first night post training he was matched with Tully Blanchard. "Big Bubba" as he was billed was about 340 or 350 lbs at that point and took a slingshot suplex from a 230 lb Tully like a veteran middleweight. Dusty Rhodes then tapped him for a future star.
Boss Man and Akeem were some of the best big men in the business along with Bam Bam Bigelow. They could really move given their weights.
Akeem "The African Dream" was mocking Dusty Rhodes with his dancing. He didn't think African natives moved like that 😂
The pettiness of Vince knows no bound
They don't?
I wasn't ready for "A second Rocker has hit the Twin Towers." 🤣
I had to look up the Akeem thing- wiki quote
''In September 1988, One Man Gang's manager, Slick, announced that Gang was reborn as African and planned to embrace his roots. An episode of WWF Superstars, which aired on September 24, 1988, featured a vignette with Gene Okerlund on-location in an American ghetto that was dubbed "The Deepest Darkest Parts Of Africa," where dancers dressed as tribal Africans danced and chanted around a fire; Slick then announced that Gang would be known by his new name, "Akeem, the African Dream", though Okerlund immediately called him out as the One Man Gang. This vignette received some criticism, as the Caucasian "Akeem" delivered a promo in which he spoke with an extremely stereotypical "jive" black accent and danced in the style of Dusty Rhodes while an African ritual took place in the background''
Sounds perfectly fine,
The African Dream is one of the first characters I can remember because I had the 1989 Royal Rumble Silvervision VHS . Him and Boss man were the Twin Towers.
Slick is criminally underated in my opinion
The Akeem promo video with Mean Gene in a back alley is pure comedy gold. That stuff would never fly today.
Wasn’t Akeem basically Ali G, just a few years earlier?
Body Glove is was a brand of clothing that was popular in america in the late 80's early 90's.
This was one as a kid I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t The One Man Gang. Looking back in it, Akeem, done the best with what he was given.
He was One Man Gang for 1988 Royal Rumble.
3:10 "They had an employee sing it (Star Spangled Banner)".
That employee was MEAN GENE OKERLUND!!!
They should have had Nicolai Volkof sing the national anthem. He had the voice of an opera singer.
Body Glove is a Clothing Line popularized in the 1980’s- ‘90’s.
James Dudley was a longtime Vince loyalist, driving was his retirement job. First African American promoter under Vince in DC circa late 50s early 60s.
I'm sure Jesse was just being "in character" when he made that crack about Robin. If he was himself, he probably would've said something like, "Eh, she did the best she could. Yeah, I wouldn't have done a better job. Know she needs, though? Not singing lessons. A union! That's what we all need! It's a conspiracy, Gorilla!"
Always thought Jesse going off on Hogan about doing a movie was funny considering that Jesse is actually in the movie. Playing himself as well. Well, his "kayfabe" self anyway. Ha
In the history of the crazy world of wrestling, no one has ever been more uncomfortable in a wrestling ring than she was whilst signing this anthem. I include Hart in the 97 Survivor Series
😂😂😂👍🏼
Jumping Jeff farmer has entered:
YIP!!
@@Dr.Meth666you turned the tables on me, you turned the tables in a wrong way…
6:00 Body Glove was a famous surf apparel brand in the States at the time.
Jesse really got his feelings hurt.
Hercules and Scott Norton as Jurassic Power in 93 was short lived but was good.
I actually feel really bad for Rockin Robin. From the sound of things she *did* know at least a little vocal technique, probably from school choir or church or something, but she very clearly was not comfortable or confident singing to a crowd.
Afriiiiiicannnnnnnnn..... Dreeeeeeeeam.... -bangs cow bell
Worth mentioning that in the full WrestleMe pod for WM V - Mark does talk about Akeem The African Dream being a mean spirited joke on Dusty Rhodes. Its just missing from the video edit. Mark knows his Dusty
That he is... The man is a true Rhodes Scholar.
Why is it mean spirited?
George Gray was the One man Gang for a long time before he became Akeem and he was a great huge heel. He got tons of heat in Mid-South and Texas. After he retired from wrestling, he became a prison guard in Louisiana, which was probably a lot tougher than anything he did in the ring.
He did not make that much money in the business so he had to get a real job. Despite his excessive weight, he is still alive while others who took steroids and recreational drugs passed away.
Oh, yeah but Samba Simba or whatever the fuck Tony Atlas was named around this time, would go off without a hitch.
7:39
' Do you like wrestling?
Do you like wrestling?
Do you like wrestling?
Yes I do! '
Haku - the real tribal chief
HBK's bump on that clothesline is phenomenonal 11:40
I could watch Shawn sell all day.
@@areviewsmovies8573 ua-cam.com/users/shortsiofWC6EJXB8?si=odV4jdIjKX5LOVU7
Jesse cannot take criticism he is so butt hurtable
This is hands-down the best wrestling channel!
As far as Hercules goes, during the referee count the camera angle only shows us Herc's right shoulder. If you look a moment before, right after the suplex, you'll see he lifted his left shoulder off the mat.
In fairness to Robin, she's got a good voice but damn, she DID NOT want to be out there.
I love you guys but first no mention of Akeem being a jab at Dusty Rhodes, second James Dudley was an old family friend who did a bunch for the company in the past, dating back to working with Jess McMahon in the 50s. VKM kept him on the company payroll as a promise to his father. Dude ended up doing all sorts of stuff for the company. Feels weird to pretend it was racial and reduce him to just a driver. I also resent being put in a position where I'm having to defend Vince, I feel so dirty ughhh!
Talk about a pioneer!! Jesse Ventura was bridging the gap between furries and normal people even in 1999 😱 5:20
Oh God yes WrestleMania 5. Mega Powers Explode was the best angle they'd ever done for a long time.
Love seeing Jesse Ventura snapping back like an angry X Factor contestant
The fact there's legitimate creative meetings to come up with such terrible ideas....makes me wonder what gets tossed aside
Never Forget The Twin Towers 😢
I love your stuff guys, but its well known, even at the time, that it was a rib on the American Dream Dusty Rhodes.
Nowadays they would bill King Kong Bundy as "Putin, jr."
Akeem has a better chance of existing in modern times than Eugene IMO
James Dudley wasn't just a driver. He did numerous jobs for the WWWF from it's inception in 1963 (and before that at Capitol), including managing Bob Brazil and several other black wrestlers. He also managed the Turner's Arena in Washington DC. He was basically Vince Snr's righthand man, and he asked Vince Jr. to continue looking after him when he was close to death in 1984. Dudley was a hugely important figure behind the scenes - but people prefer to go with Melter's take that he was just McMahon's driver, playing up the fact that Vince valued his personal staff more than wrestlers and that he had a black man in a service position.
I tried to replicate McMahons intros for each participant of the '92 Royal Rumble. Felt it in my throat for 2 days.
About 1/2 my outfits in 1989 where Body Glove. The other half were Billabong.
Yo! On the subject of the Twin Towers...they had a match...I think it was Summerslam 90 or something like that, against Demolition. During the entrances a fan is seen holding a sign that reads "Demolition will topple the Twin Towers." ...very prophetic and some would say very true.
It's kinda funny that One Mang Gang is also a correctional officer
Of course Okerlund's anthem rendition was better. Mean Gene is a South Dakota Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer
The real singer must’ve cancelled and she was the only one who was available to try..😂😂
The line "I don't think Akeem's ever met a black person" is quite amusing when you see him standing in the ring next to Slick, who was his manager at the time...
At least Jesse has stage presence and charisma
Never forget.
Ventura really is thin skinned. The reporter was clearly joking and he got so bent of shape about it. Then again he is known for suing a widow.
He didn't sue a widow. He sued the publisher and rightfully so.
@@theliesisire7485 Chris Kyle was one fo the Defendants. When he died. He had his wife changed to the lawsuit. So Yes, he is a widow suer.
I love this channel so much ! Very well done and a great insight into the events . Much love and Respect from Kentucky USA. P.S. try Rico Suave coffee. Great guy great coffee
Warren Zevon had a wonderful career that was slightly derailed due to drinking and excess which held him back a little, When he did the Jess Ventura thing, he threw his bag on stage where his band was to perform he said "So my career has come to this?" all detailed in his book.
Akeem and The Big Bossman, the TTs.
Body glove and a do not cut electricity with a knife… I need these tshirts
The boys were so enamored with Hakeem they didn't notice the selling competition between Shawn and Marty? Stop ogling the big mashing brute and appreciate coked up super selling!!
Brits are fascinated by huge, shapeless wrestlers.
@@johansmallberries9874*Dreams in Big Daddy*
0:58 Blimey! Vince McMahon looks like a 1930s actor!!
Lol Hebner's face when Hercules botched the spot.
Haku/Meng looks slightly annoyed too and that isnt a good thing.
Hurcs arm came up a little bit it was just the camera, I think a camera dude was in the wrong place, the Akem angle was he found ou his heritage was African, it was a rip on Dusty Rhodes because back in the day people said Dusty acted black, if you notice Akems little dance mimics Dustys.
I’ve seen a promo where called himself “blue eyed soul” pretty cringe
I remember body glove. Lol. It was a clothing company when I was a kid. I think a skater one of if I remember correctly.
Just tried to replicate Vince and nearly coughed up my dinner.
I'd pay $39.99 just to here the "Vince voice" version of America the Beautiful.
James Dudley was Vincent J McMahon's driver and was a very respected member of the company...
Love Vince’s new look, it shouts ‘Miami Timeshare Conman’ to me!
And I remember Body Glove. It was a "surf apparel" brand you'd find in low end department stores. But I remember it always being neon colored stuff, loud pinks and day-glow greens. Why would anyone have that in big Frankie Says Relax font on a white tahirt? It looks homemade, that's definitely not official Body Glove aparrel lol.
You guys need to do a bossman/big Bubba breakdown
Kilroy Silk would be a great wrestling manager
The greatest African American Superstar ever!!!
Where do I know the one called Pete from? I recognise him from somewhere.
Football Ramble
BODY GLOVE was a clothing brand. That was big in the late 80s/early 90s.
Look at that shot of Sherri. What a smokeshow!
so at the time i thought rockin robbin was alright, hearing it now, dear God that happened. 10:10 he literally lifted his shoulder? are you blind?
Rockin Robin is a cutey aww
B O D Y G L O V E
Jesse the Body was the star of this lol
I bet Psycho would have nailed it, actually
Body Glove was a clothing line in the 80's and 90's for skateboarders and surfers. I'm surprised that you didn't know that..
Laaaaads… lads, c’mon… The African DREAM. A big fat dude called Dream, doing jive dancing.
*the gimmick was a comedy elbow in the ribs on Dusty* 😂
You can only ever presume the rockin robin thing is a vince rib....
11:45 I have a feeling he was trying to remember the moves to Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles but failed...
Mean fucking Jean. What a legend.
Part of the first tag team match I ever watched
BODY GLOVE
6:06 Body Glove was an apparel brand that hit fad status in the late 80s early 90s, it was surfing wear I believe?
Does anyone else pull out Akeem dance moves up in the club?
10:07
Herc does lift his shoulder though🤷🏼♂️