The Grudge Match: Where Revenge Met Ridicule

Ever wondered what would happen if you put feuding folks in a boxing ring with unconventional weapons? Welcome to "The Grudge Match," the wild syndicated TV game show that aired from 1991-1992. Hosted by Steve Albert (brother of sportscasters Marc and Al Albert) and former pro wrestler, commentator, actor and future Minnesota governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura, this show was equal parts drama, humor, and utter chaos.

Sanctioned by Amateur Ranked Sports, the concept was simple: invite people with a grudge to duke it out – literally – using weird implements of revenge. Think cream pies, ice cream, oversized boxing gloves, and water balloons. 

Legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer would announce the contestants ("Let's Get Ready to Rumble!")

The contestants had their own cornermen/trainers: twin brothers Pete Steinfeld (red corner) and Andy Steinfeld (blue corner) they're also the brothers of fitness guru Jake Steinfeld (Body by Jake).

Comedian John Pinette was the referee

Paula McClure reported on the mayhem.

Adding to the spark was the gorgeous ring girl, former Price Is Right model, Theresa Ring.  (I had a huge crush on her.)

Here's how it went down: each match featured two people with a grievance, introduced with nicknames by Buffer. They'd wear matching uniforms (helmet, T-shirt, shorts, Chuck Tayors) in red or blue, and choose their wridiculous weapons for the three 1-minute rounds. A short video aired before the match to air the dirty laundry, and Pinette explained the rules.

Some examples of the wridiculous challenges:

- *Batakas*: hit each other with batakas, sometimes with shoes tied for a handicap

- *Boxing Gloves*: oversized gloves, standard rules

- *Baker's Dozen*: throw stale doughnuts, most hits wins

- *Salad Bar*: pelt each other with salad bar food

- *Cavemen*: dressed as cavemen, hit each other with clubs

The audience acted as judges, deciding the winner after three rounds, and Buffer announced it. The winner got a bonus prize and the coveted Grudge Match championship belt – a weightlifting belt with the Grudge Match logo, worn backwards. Apparently, this budget-friendly approach has been borrowed by some indie wrestling promotions, using the backwards weightlifting belt as a quirky championship belt, likely as a cost-cutting measure.

In a way, it also seemed like a courtroom show, but the two parties got to blow off steam with ridiculous weapons instead of words.

Grudges would be held for a variety of reasons: broken property, owed money, relationship drama, etc. All Grudge Match fights had their own title. Some of which included “The Battle of TV or Not TV”, “The Battle of the Broken Surfboard”, “The Battle of Born to be Mild”, and “The Battle of Daze of Thunder”. One match that stands out was “The Battle of Daddy Dearest” with a man whose grudge was with his own daughter because she borrowed his car and destroyed the transmission. In the pre-match interview, it was explained that the car started to make a grinding sound and she called him to tell him that. He responded “don’t drive anymore I’ll have someone come pick you up, and I’ll come get it.” But she kept driving and turned up the volume of the radio to drown out the grinding sound. It cost him $2000 to get it fixed. But there’s more: he wouldn’t talk to her after that and she still had the gas card and she used that to get back at him for not talking to her. The credit card company canceled the card which was in his name. She, who came off as a spoiled rich girl, felt she didn’t have to pay him back because “he was her dad and dads are supposed to pay for things.” And that the card and transmission “weren’t a big deal.” He felt going on the Grudge Match was the only way they would resolve this.

The matches were treated like boxing matches, with rounds, a referee, and a winner declared by the audience's applause. On rare occasions, there would be 2-on-2 or 2-on-1 grudges, making the chaos even more intense.

Usually, contestants would shake hands or hug to end the grudge, but sometimes the feud was too deep-seated.

The show had an unforgettable theme song, composed by Paul Farrer, which played at the beginning of the show and when contestants came out to the ring. The theme song had no lyrics, but it's sure to get stuck in your head.

It was revived in the UK in 2008 but  imagine if it were to happen here in the USA today – grudges could be held over things like social media drama, work disputes, ex-relationships, or family feuds and other modern things. Who knows, maybe the weird, wonderful chaos could return someday?

It was a fun show. If you're feeling nostalgic or just love weird TV, "The Grudge Match" is a blast from the past.

The Ring Magazine Belt: A Symbol of Excellence

The Ring Magazine belt (a.k.a. "The Rocky belt") is a prestigious title in boxing, representing the true champion of a weight class. Since 1922, it's been awarded to fighters who've earned the right to be called the best, based on a lineal reign - "the man who beat the man".

THE HISTORY OF THE RING BELT

The first Ring world title belt was awarded to heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey, and since then, legendary fighters like Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. have held it. These fighters weren't just titleholders – they were the undisputed kings of their divisions.

The Ring stopped giving belts in the 1990s, but brought them back in 2002 with a new policy aimed at recognizing fighters who can justify their claim as the true world champion in their weight class. However, the reintroduction was marred by controversy, with some arguing that The Ring ignored world championship lineage. A notable example is the light-heavyweight title, which was considered vacant from 1985 to 1996. The Ring awarded the title to Roy Jones, despite some believing Virgil Hill's defeat of Henry Maske should have started a new lineage.

CHAMPIONSHIP POLICY

The Ring's original policy stated that a fighter could win the title by defeating the reigning champion or winning a box-off between the top two contenders. A vacant title would be filled when the top contender battles the second or third-ranked contender. In 2012, The Ring updated its policy, allowing the title to be awarded when the No. 1 and No. 2 fighters face off, or when the winner of a fight between top contenders is deemed worthy.

WHAT SETS THE RING APART

Unlike the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, and IBO championships, The Ring title is not awarded solely based on a sanctioning body's rankings or vote. Instead, it's based on a fighter's performance and dominance in their weight class. Here are some key differences:
- No Sanctioning Fees: Fighters don't pay fees to defend or fight for The Ring title.
- Lineal Reign: The title is awarded based on a fighter's victory over the current champion, not just by winning a belt.
- Editorial Board: The Ring's editorial board, with input from boxing journalists worldwide, decides rankings and title awards.
- No Mandatory Defenses: The Ring champion isn't forced to defend against a specific contender or risk losing the title.

KEY REASONS FOR IT'S PRESTIGE

- Lineal Championship: It traces the lineage of champions, meaning you must beat the current titleholder to become champion, and then defend it against top contenders, embodying the "best of the best".
- Independence from Sanctioning Bodies: Unlike WBC, WBA, IBF, or WBO titles, The Ring is not controlled by an organization that charges fees or mandates fights, keeping it free from external influences.
- Focus on Skill & Legacy: The belt is awarded based on merit, skill, and dominance within a division, making it a testament to a fighter's true standing.
-Historical Significance: Established in 1922, it has a rich history of crowning legendary champions like Jack Dempsey, adding to its revered status in the sport.
-Simpler Structure: With only one champion per division, it cuts through the confusion of multiple belts, offering fans clarity on who the true world champion is.



The Ring Magazine belt represents a fighter's achievement in conquering the best in their division, earning them a place among boxing's elite. It's a symbol of excellence that's recognized by fans and fighters alike, and winning it is the ultimate goal for many boxers. The belt's rich history and legacy make it a coveted prize, and its prestige is unmatched in the world of boxing.

(The Ring Magazine belt got major publicity in the Rocky franchise.)

Was Kimbo Slice Overrated Or Underrated?

Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice, initially gained notoriety through his brutal street fights showcased on the internet. He later transitioned to professional mixed martial arts, making his EliteXC debut in 2007, which sparked widespread interest and discussion among fans.

UFC President Dana White initially roasted Kimbo Slice, bluntly saying "Kimbo Slice sucks." He questioned Slice's MMA credentials and doubted he'd cut it in the UFC. However, White later ate some humble pie, acknowledging Slice's popularity and work ethic. He even offered Kimbo a spot on The Ultimate Fighter, showing a willingness to give him a chance. White praised Slice's improvement without apologizing for the initial jab.

After EliteXC folded, UFC President Dana White offered Kimbo Slice a chance to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights. Slice participated in the show, coached by Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans. Despite being defeated by Roy Nelson in the preliminary round, Slice's popularity and work ethic earned him a spot on the show, which drew record-breaking views. Although he didn't advance due to his knee arthritis, Slice's performance and humility impressed the UFC, and he was offered a contract.

Kimbo Slice went 1-1 in the UFC, with his debut fight being a unanimous decision win against Houston Alexander at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. He then lost to Matt Mitrione at UFC 113 via TKO in the second round. Following the loss, UFC President Dana White hinted that it might be Slice's last fight in the UFC, and he was subsequently released from his contract. Despite his short stint and initial criticism, White later developed respect for Slice's work ethic and acknowledged his popularity and impact on the sport. White even praised Slice as a fighter and a person after his UFC stint.

After leaving the UFC, Kimbo Slice explored other options, including signing with Strikeforce and pursuing a boxing career. He eventually announced his retirement from MMA in 2010 to focus on boxing but never competed. In 2015, Slice announced his return to MMA and signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA and made his debut against Ken Shamrock, winning via TKO. His next fight against Dada 5000 ended in controversy after Slice failed a drug test, resulting in a fine and license revocation in Texas. The fight's result was changed to a no contest. His next scheduled fight was to be against James Thompson, but sadly, on June 6, 2016, Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson passed away due to heart failure.

Kimbo Slice's legacy is a nuanced blend of both overrated and underrated. When he first transitioned to MMA, many felt he was overhyped due to his internet fame, and his early performances didn't quite live up to expectations. However, as he gained experience and refined his skills, Slice proved himself to be a formidable opponent with raw power and a strong work ethic. Despite his potential, his career was cut short due to health issues and controversy. Ultimately, Slice's impact on MMA extends beyond his fighting skills, and his legacy continues to be debated among fans and critics. 

Was The Montreal Screwjob A Work?

 

In 1996, Bret “Hitman” Hart signed a 20-year deal with the WWF. However, due to WCW's success with the New World Order (nWo) and WWF's financial struggles, Vince McMahon couldn't honor the contract. With McMahon's blessing, Bret signed with WCW, and his last night with WWF would be Survivor Series '97.

Bret, a Canadian hero, refused to drop the WWF Championship to Shawn Michaels in Canada, leading to tension between Hart and McMahon. The year before, Madusa had shown up on WCW Monday Nitro with the WWF Women's Championship and threw it in the trash, making McMahon fear a similar incident.

During the match, Michaels put Hart in the Sharpshooter, and Vince McMahon, sitting at ringside, signaled referee Earl Hebner to call the bell, declaring Michaels the winner. Hart was furious, spat in McMahon's face, smashed equipment, and famously traced "WCW" in the air with his finger, showing his allegiance to his new employer.

The aftermath of the Montreal Screwjob was intense. The Undertaker, screened the match in McMahon's office, visited Hart's dressing room to express his shock, and then went back to Vince's office and banged on the door, telling McMahon he had to apologize to Hart. A confrontation between Hart and McMahon later ensued in the dressing room, where Hart punched McMahon, resulting in a black eye and sprained ankle for Vince. The incident sparked a major revolt in the WWF locker room, with many wrestlers outraged and threatening to boycott Raw or leave the company. McMahon addressed a meeting to calm the situation, but it was ultimately Bret's counsel to fulfill contractual obligations that quelled the potential revolt.

The Montreal Screwjob also planted the seeds for the Mr. McMahon character, which became one of the greatest heels in wrestling history. Vince McMahon's portrayal of a ruthless, power-hungry boss resonated with audiences and paved the way for memorable storylines and feuds.

In 2005, Bret Hart collaborated with WWE on a DVD project celebrating his two-decade career, initially titled "Screwed: The Bret Hart Story" before being renamed "Bret 'Hit Man' Hart: The Best There Is, the Best There Was, the Best There Ever Will Be." Hart's first WWE appearance since the Montreal Screwjob came on the November 16, 2005, edition of Byte This!, where he discussed the DVD with Todd Grisham. Years later, Hart returned to Raw on January 4, 2010, and buried the hatchet with Shawn Michaels, with both men confirming their reconciliation was genuine. Hart and Michaels shared a heartfelt moment, putting their legendary Ironman match and the Montreal Screwjob into perspective. Later that night, Hart began a storyline feud with Vince McMahon, which culminated in their match at WrestleMania XXVI, where Hart emerged victorious. Hart would go on to make periodic WWE appearances, including a brief reign as WWE United States Champion in May 2010, marking his first championship win in WWE since the Montreal Screwjob.

The origin of the idea behind the Montreal Screwjob remains unclear. Some, like Jim Cornette, claim to have inspired McMahon with a story about a similar incident in the old days, though Cornette himself has stated he didn't think McMahon would actually go through with it. Others, like Vince Russo, take credit for the concept but express regret over its execution. Regardless of its origin, the Montreal Screwjob's impact on professional wrestling is undeniable.

The question remains whether the Montreal Screwjob was a work or a legitimate screwjob. While those close to Bret Hart, including his then-wife Julie and many WWF talent, believe the screwjob was legitimate, the presence of cameras for the documentary "Hitman Hart: Wrestling With Shadows" has fueled ongoing debate about the extent to which it might have been staged.

Interestingly, George "The Animal" Steele, a road agent for the WWF at the time, claimed in a shoot interview that the screwjob was a work. However, given Steele's era and reputation for intense in-ring performances, it's possible he might have been maintaining kayfabe.

Personally, I'm convinced the Montreal Screwjob was the real deal – staging it would've benefited WCW more than the WWF. That being said, if it was indeed a work, it was masterfully executed, leaving an indelible mark on professional wrestling history.

(Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart in 2017, 20 years after the Montreal Screwjob.)

Christy Martin: The First Lady Of Boxing

"The Coal Miner's Daughter" Christy Martin is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of women's boxing. Born on June 12, 1968, in Mullens, West Virginia, Martin began her boxing career in the late 1980s and quickly made a name for herself in the sport. With a remarkable record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, including 31 knockout victories, Martin's impressive career spanned over two decades.

Martin's early life was marked by her determination and athleticism. She played various sports as a child, including Little League baseball and all-state basketball. She attended Concord College on a basketball scholarship and earned a degree in education. Martin's boxing career took off when she began training with her future husband, Jim Martin. She started her professional boxing career at the age of 21 with a six-round draw with Angela Buchanan in 1989. Martin won a rematch with Buchanan one month later with a second-round knockout.

One of the most notable moments in Martin's career was her fight against Deirdre Gogarty on the undercard of Mike Tyson's bout against Frank Bruno on March 16, 1996. Martin won the bout by unanimous decision, and it is often cited as one of the greatest women's boxing matches of all time. The fight's success helped raise the profile of women's boxing and paved the way for future generations of female boxers and further amplified her reach.

Throughout her career, Martin achieved numerous accolades, including holding the WBC female super welterweight title in 2009. Martin's achievements extend beyond her impressive record. She was the first female boxer to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, featured on April 15, 1996, with the headline "The Lady Is a Champ." Martin was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing her contributions to the sport. She also made a special guest appearance on the TV show "Roseanne" in 1996, showcasing her charisma and personality beyond the ring.

After a storied career, Martin retired from professional boxing in 2012 with a final record of 49 wins, 7 losses, and 3 draws, with 31 knockout victories. Throughout her career, Martin faced various challenges, including a brutal attack by her husband in 2010, which left her with serious injuries. Despite this, she continues to be involved in boxing, promoting the sport and inspiring others with her story. In her personal life, Martin has found love again, marrying former ring rival Lisa Holewyne on November 25, 2017.

Today, Martin is the CEO of Christy Martin Promotions, a boxing promotion company that has promoted many events in North Carolina since 2016 and will be promoting boxing events in Jacksonville, Florida, and other Southern United States cities. A biopic about her life, starring Sydney Sweeney, is set to release, highlighting her legacy and the ongoing fight for equality in sports. Martin remains a respected figure in the boxing community, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of female boxers.

Christy Martin today with wife Lisa Holewyne

Celebrities You Had No Idea Got In The Ring And Wrestled

Many Celebrities have gotten involved with wrestling over the years, some of which even got in the ring themselves.  Who can forget the famous feud between Andy Kaufman and Jerry “The King” Lawler?  Or when Mr. T teamed up with Hulk Hogan to face Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff at the first WrestleMania?  Others were not so memorable, like those on this list.

#5. KEVIN FEDERLINE

Kevin Federline, also known as K-Fed and “Ex-Mr. Britney Spears”, appeared on WWE programming in 2006 to promote his album "Playing with Fire". He got involved in a feud with John Cena, which started with physical altercations on Raw. Federline allied with Johnny Nitro and helped him in a match against Cena. He also interfered in a Champion of Champions match at Cyber Sunday, helping King Booker win.

Federline and Cena had a match on January 1, 2007, on Raw, which Federline won due to interference from Nitro and Umaga. Later that night, Cena retaliated, delivering an FU to Federline twice after his main event match.

#4. REGGIE WHITE

Reggie White, the legendary NFL defensive end, made a couple of appearances in professional wrestling. He was at ringside for WrestleMania XI in 1995, supporting Lawrence Taylor's "All-Stars" in their match against Bam Bam Bigelow.

In 1997, White stepped into the ring for WCW's Slamboree, facing off against fellow NFL alum Steve McMichael in a very unmemorable match that incorporated football-style tackles. Despite a warm reception from the crowd, White lost to McMichael after being hit with a steel briefcase courtesy of Jeff Jarrett. This was White's only professional wrestling match.

#3. MUHAMMAD ALI

The “G.O.A.T.”  had a few notable interactions with professional wrestling and combat sports. His most famous of course was his fight against Japanese wrestling icon Antonio Inoki on June 26, 1976, in Tokyo, Japan. The bout was a unique spectacle, blending boxing and wrestling, and ended in a draw after 15 rounds.

Ali also had an encounter with professional wrestling when he jumped into the ring during a match between Gorilla Monsoon and Baron Mikel Scicluna on June 2, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ali removed his shirt, danced around Monsoon, and threw jabs, prompting Monsoon to put Ali in an Airplane Spin and drive him to the mat. Monsoon later commented that Ali "didn't know a wrist lock from a wrist watch!"

Years later, Ali made another notable appearance as the special guest outside referee at WrestleMania I in 1985.

#2. TOBY KEITH

Toby Keith, the country music star, made a couple of appearances in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (then NWA-TNA) in 2002. On June 19, 2002, his music was featured in a storyline where Jeff Jarrett interrupted his playing of "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Keith then participated in the Gauntlet for the Gold main event, eliminating Jarrett from the match. The next week, on June 26, he appeared again, helping Scott Hall defeat Jarrett in singles action.

#1. ALEX KARRAS

Alex Karras, best known for playing George Papadopolis, the lovable dad on the popular 80s sitcom "Webster," had a notable connection to professional wrestling. Before his NFL career took off, he signed a contract as a professional wrestler on December 13, 1957. During the six-month off-season, he earned $25,000 from wrestling.

Interestingly, when Karras was suspended from the NFL in 1963 due to betting allegations, he returned to professional wrestling. During this time, he faced opponents like Dick the Bruiser.