The original idea following my debut column here on WrestleZone was for this column to be dedicated to what many of you believe was perhaps the greatest misuse of a celebrity in the sports entertainment/pro wrestling world – David Arquette, of course. To this day – some 15 years later – I do not, and will not, run from that topic. However, something came up late yesterday that threw a “swerve” into my game plan. That would be Spike TV’s comments aimed directly at me.
So, in order to remain both consistent from last week plus be current and topical, I’m telling two stories today! One will be about the “almost” major misuse of a celebrity that I don’t believe any of you know about. Then, I’m going to turn to a story concerning Spike TV, and the last time I was at their office in New York City.
The first story takes place around the fall of 1995. Now, I’ve stated many times in the past, I’m not really good with exact times and dates, but this one stands out in time because we were smack in the heart of the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Matter of fact, I can tell you exactly where I was when the “not guilty” verdict came down – I was at Pat Patterson’s house for a creative meeting which consisted of the first WWE Intercontinental Champion, the LEGENDARY “Cowboy” Bill Watts, and perhaps, the most entertaining personality in all of sports-entertainment, Bruce Prichard.
At that point in time, I had just become a junior member of the creative team, if even that. I was in 100% learning mode, just glued to everything these three legends were discussing rarely – if ever – even opening my mouth. However, as fascinating as this story was, this is NOT the one I’m about to reference.
That one came a few days later when I was at the home of Bruce Prichard, and it was just the two of us. Mam, I’ve got to tell you, looking back at that time – almost 19 years ago to the day – I really miss that. Just the newness of the job, and the total unknown of where my career was about to go – the excitement of the moment was an incredible joy.
That particular day when I walked into Bruce’s house, he was on the phone in a conversation that appeared to be very intense. Whenever there is that kind of a “vibe” from just a phone call – it was a good indication that Vince McMahon is on the other end of the receiver.
After finishing up his call, Bruce told me that he had to bounce something off of me. He told me that he was talking with Vince about an angle that they wanted to shoot that would be HUGE and give the WWF publicity like it had never seen before. At this time, I’m all ears, and that had much to do with not only what the hell was Bruce talking about, but also Bruce’s story telling abilities. To this day, nobody in wrestling can tell a story like the former Brother Love – nobody.
“Vince, we’re thinking about bringing in O.J.”
“O.J. who?”
Bruce answered, “O.J. Simpson.”
Now, you have to understand, it was not even a week ago that this guy “allegedly” got away with murder, and there was a public cry of outrage ripping across the country.
Bruce continued, “We want to bring O.J. in to wrestle Roddy Piper.”
I have to tell you—I thought Bruce was absolutely out of his freakin’ mind! I asked him if he was serious and he answered, “absolutely”.
“Bruce, do you not understand the fire that the company will be under if we hand this guy a paycheck after ‘maybe’ just getting away with murder? The people that are now irate at both O.J. and the judicial system – add US to that list! That is insane!”
“Unless you are going to bring in Ron Goldman’s father as his opponent, then tie O.J.’s hands behind his back and let the grieving father have at him – we’ll be crucified!”
Fortunately, a few more conversations took place that day and by the time it was to go home, the idea was dead. Everybody apparently came to their senses and the horrifying idea was put to rest.
Thank God.
Read about Vince Russo’s meeting at Spike Headquarters on the next page…
