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http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/sports/article/0,1651,TCP_1154_2882714,00.html

By ALEX MARVEZ
May 13, 2004

Although more than a decade removed from being an active performer,
Ole Anderson can still get under people's skin.

One of wrestling's top villains in the 1970s and 1980s, Anderson has
written a book with co-author Scott Teal that is causing controversy
within the industry. "Inside Out" ($19.95, Crowbar Press) not only
chronicles Anderson's career as a grappler and matchmaker, but also
espouses his disdain for today's product and many of his
contemporaries.

Anderson is particularly dismayed at the death of wrestling
territories following the national expansion of Vince McMahon's World
Wrestling Entertainment in the mid-1980s as well as the flashier
direction of today's product.

"As far as the way McMahon has run the wrestling business, it's a
tragedy," said Anderson, who subtitled his 382-page book, "How
Corporate America Destroyed Professional Wrestling."

"I get the argument all the time saying wrestling is bigger than it
ever was ... There are still far less fans now than what we were
drawing 20 to 30 years ago."

While some of his claims in the book have come under heavy scrutiny
from wrestling insiders, Anderson unquestionably has reason for
bitterness toward McMahon.

As the matchmaker for Georgia Championship Wrestling and North
Carolina-based Jim Crockett promotions, Anderson felt the effects of
WWE's expansion as McMahon raided his top talent. McMahon was then
able to land GCW's Saturday night timeslot on WTBS, giving WWE the top
cable television outlet for wrestling while severely limiting the
exposure of a top rival.

Unable to mount effective opposition as a promoter, Anderson reverted
to becoming a full-time performer as a founding member of The Four
Horsemen along with Tully Blanchard, Ric Flair and Arn Anderson. But
while the Four Horsemen would become an enduring gimmick and the
inspiration for WWE's current Evolution pairing, Ole Anderson gives
the unit short shrift in his book.

Not only does he have personal issues with the original Horsemen
(which he unabashedly writes about), Anderson said he is unhappy the
gimmick didn't produce the merchandising money originally touted by
Jim Crockett Promotions. Anderson quit in 1986 and began a three-year
hiatus from wrestling.

"For me, the Four Horsemen era is non-existent," said Anderson, whose
real name is Al Rogowski. "It's no different than talking about the
career of Doink the Clown."

Anderson's candor, combined with his desire to reintroduce the more
serious grappling style from his heyday, marred his later stints in
the front office of World Championship Wrestling. Anderson was fired
by WCW in late 1993 and hasn't surfaced with a national promotion
since, which is understandable considering how he cursed out McMahon
and his wife Linda during a legal proceeding in the 1980s.

Anderson does reflect fondly upon the earlier parts of his career,
especially the legendary tag-team he formed with late "brother" Gene
Anderson. Anderson, though, also realizes the style and fans from an
era when pro wrestling tried to present itself as legitimate aren't
coming back.

And he believes the industry is worse off because of it.

"I don't understand and never will how anybody could possibly want to
go to an event knowing without a doubt that it's b.s.," said Anderson,
whose wrestling character was so hated that he was stabbed seven
times. "I said to the (WCW) people, 'Why would anybody want to go see
a game if you knew what the score was going to be before somebody
won?' I think it's pretty much over for the little groups. I just
don't see where wrestling is going to come back on any level that is
going to enable people to make money with the exception of McMahon.
But my understanding is (television) ratings have plummeted
drastically in the past (few) years ...

"He has the only shoe store in town and can't sell any shoes."

While a roofing accident last year forced him to get a hip replacement
and damaged his neck and shoulders, Anderson is now making guest
appearances for independent promoters near his home in Toccoa, Ga.
Besides showing training techniques to up-and-comers, Anderson also
can offer valuable financial advice.

"I made enough money to retire in my 40s," said Anderson, 61. "That's
the only thing that motivated me and the only thing that should
motivate anyone in the wrestling business."

Inside Out can be ordered at www.oleanderson.com.

X . . .X . . .X

Where is Jeff Hardy?

- Cord Garner, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Max Hale, LaSalle, Ontario,
Canada.

A: WWE executive Jim Ross said last month that the promotion has
spoken with Hardy about returning. Numerous reports have stated Hardy
was fired by WWE last year for drug-related reasons.


--- Internet Rex 2.29