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.

Gina Carano: The Original Face of Women's MMA

When women's MMA is mentioned, many people's minds immediately go to Ronda Rousey, the UFC's trailblazing champion who helped catapult women's MMA into the mainstream. However, before Rousey's rise to fame, Gina Carano was widely regarded as the face of women's MMA.  Her pioneering career in the sport helped pave the way for future generations of female fighters. With her unique blend of athleticism, technique, and charisma, Carano quickly became a fan favorite and a household name in the MMA world.

Gina Carano's entry into MMA was preceded by a successful Muay Thai career, which she began under the guidance of her then-boyfriend Kevin Ross, a professional Muay Thai fighter. With a Muay Thai record of 12-1-1, Carano transitioned to MMA and quickly made a name for herself. She won her first MMA fight in just 38 seconds against Leiticia Pestova with World Extreme Fighting, one of the earliest sanctioned female MMA bouts in Nevada. Carano continued her winning streak, knocking out Rosi Sexton in the second round at the World Pro Fighting show in Las Vegas.

As one of the first women to gain widespread recognition in the sport, Carano's impact on women's MMA cannot be overstated. She was a true trailblazer, breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes along the way. Her success in the cage helped demonstrate that women could compete at a high level, paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps.

On August 15, 2009, Gina Carano faced Cris Cyborg for the Strikeforce Women's Championship, at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg.  Carano, who was 7-0-0 going into the fight, was looking to continue her undefeated streak. However, she lost the fight by TKO at 4:59 in the first round, marking her first professional MMA loss. The title was initially called the Strikeforce Women's Lightweight Championship, despite being a 145-pound division (typically referred to as featherweight), and was later renamed the Strikeforce Women's Middleweight Championship. Carano never fought again.

She was slated to return to Strikeforce and her return was officially announced in February 2011.  She was set to face Sarah D'Alelio on June 18, 2011, at the Overeem vs. Werdum event in Dallas. However, the plans fell through. Initially, Strikeforce claimed Carano failed her pre-fight medical exam, but it was later revealed she was medically cleared and removed from the card for other reasons.

Carano considered an MMA comeback in April 2014, and UFC President Dana White tried to sign a dream fight between her and Ronda Rousey for December 2014, but it never happened as contract talks stalled.  Carano hasn't competed since 2009 and has four fights left on her UFC contract, which was inherited from her Strikeforce deal. Interestingly, Carano has not been a playable fighter in the UFC video games.

After leaving MMA, Carano shifted her focus to acting, landing a notable role as Cara Dune in the popular Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. However, her stint was cut short when she was fired in February 2021 due to controversy surrounding her social media posts.

Gina Carano's influence on women's MMA is still felt today, and her legacy continues to inspire new fighters and fans alike. She may not have been the only factor in the growth of women's MMA, but she was undoubtedly a key figure in its development.

Wrestling Championships You Had No Idea Existed

 #5. - WWF NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The WWF North American Heavyweight Championship existed from 1979 to 1981, initially established as the WWWF North American Heavyweight Championship before the promotion's name change. Ted DiBiase was the inaugural champion, while notable transitions included Pat Patterson's reign, which ended when he was recognized as the Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion after “winning” a fictitious tournament. Later, Seiji Sakaguchi won the North American title from Patterson in a New Japan Pro-Wrestling house show, becoming the final champion and marking the end of the title's relatively short existence.

#4. - WCW WOMEN’S CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

The WCW Women's Cruiserweight Championship was a short-lived title created in 1997 as a joint venture between WCW and GAEA Japan. The title had three champions: Toshie Uematsu, who won the inaugural title by defeating Malia Hosaka on April 7, 1997; Yoshiko Tamura; and Sugar Sato, who had the longest reign. Despite its creation, the title was mostly used in Japan, with the tournament final only being shown on WCW Main Event and never mentioned again on WCW television. The title was defended and changed hands twice in Japan before being abandoned in early 1998, and it was officially deactivated on April 3, 1998, when GAEA Japan and WCW ended their relationship.

#3. - WWF CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

The WWF Canadian Championship was a short-lived title, with Dino Bravo being the sole champion. It was created to appeal to fans in Eastern Canada, but due to its limited recognition and usage, the title was vacated after Bravo left the company in 1986.

#2. - WWF WORLD MARTIAL ARTS CHAMPIONSHIP

The WWF World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship had a surprisingly long existence of 4031 days, despite being largely forgotten. Created for Antonio Inoki, the title was primarily defended in MMA-style matches in Japan, with predetermined outcomes. Inoki held the title for most of its existence, with the exception of a brief 31-day reign by Shota Chochishvili, who lost it back to Inoki in a rematch. The title failed to boost Inoki's profile or gain significant traction in the promotion.

HONORABLE MENTION - WCW CRUISERWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship was a short-lived title introduced in February 2001 to boost the cruiserweight division, but it was retired just a month later when WCW's assets were sold to the WWF (now WWE). The title is more infamous for its poorly designed belts than its brief history, making the unattractive design a lasting part of its legacy.

#1. - ECW MARYLAND CHAMPIONSHIP

The ECW Maryland Championship, also known as the NWA Maryland Heavyweight Championship, was a short-lived title that existed only in 1993. JT Smith won the title in a battle royal, but it was essentially a non-title, as it was retired without being defended or used in any meaningful way. Its brief existence and lack of usage make it a rare and obscure title in professional wrestling history.  I can’t even find a picture of the physical belt!