Former World Championship Wrestling producer Neal Pruitt - perhaps best known to fans as the unforgettable voice of the New World Order - discusses the previously unheard stories behind the production of a variety of classic WCW Nitro moments, including: Roddy Piper's trip to Alcatraz; The creation…
NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW...is now available in AUDIO format! Order NOW -> https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-audio-book REVIEWS: "The most definitive, well written and thoroughly researched book on the rise and fall of WCW." --Eric Bischoff, former WCW President "This is - without question - the very best book ever written on professional wrestling." --Conrad Thompson "Well written and captivating...a fresh take on [the] time period." --Chris Harrington, AEW Vice-President of Business Strategy "I consider this book a must-read." --Sean Ross Sapp, Fightful.com
As promised, Secrets of Nitro returns with Episode 42: Directing Ted Turner!!! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
In Episode 41 of Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal discusses his impressions of both a recent WWE show, and AEW's 'Double or Nothing' event. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Special bonus for Secrets of Nitro listeners...here is Neal's interview with Sean Waltman, recorded during 'Starrcast 1' in Chicago. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
We are back with answers to more of your questions! Neal talks about the wrestling media, rushing segments to air, why WCW was such a "mess" in terms of music, and much more...enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com
After eight long months, Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro returns! In this long-awaited comeback episode, Neal answers YOUR questions...and also discusses meeting Guy in Chicago, the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas, attending Ric Flair's 70th Birthday party, and much, much more. Enjoy! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com or Amazon.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Learn more about the upcoming Starrcast convention in Las Vegas: www.starrcast.com
Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro will be at the Starrcast convention this weekend! Listen for more details and get in touch if you'd like to meet up: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
In a very special episode of Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro, Neal and Guy discuss the making of NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW! ORDER THE BOOK NOW AT www.wcwnitrobook.com and Amazon.com! 175,000+ words, 56 chapters, and more new info than you'll believe! Paperback: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-paperback E-book: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-e-book Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NITRO-Incredible-Inevitable-Collapse-Turners/dp/0692139176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Synopsis In April 1999, Entertainment Weekly asked its readers what many Americans were surely wondering to themselves: how did wrestling get so big? As a consequence of the heated ratings competition between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the spectacle had taken over Monday nights on prime-time cable television. But in a departure from the family-friendly programming produced by the last industry boom - the 1980s wave, which made household names of Hulk Hogan, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant - the new era of wrestling combined stunning athleticism with a raunchy sex appeal, engrossing story lines and novel production techniques that reflected a changing society and its shifting values. Once again, wrestling was a ubiquitous phenomenon - only this time, it seemed as though the fad would never end. With both WCW and WWF expanding into other forms of entertainment - movies, video games, music and the like - the potential for growth appeared to be limitless. But with uncertainty surrounding its corporate future, and increasingly uninspired programming eroding its audience, WCW stood on the verge of collapse. Three years into a five-year plan devised by its charismatic leader - a former Blue Ribbon Foods salesman named Eric Bischoff - the company whose unexpected ascension initiated the entire boom was operating on borrowed time. For by the end of the five-year plan, WCW ceased to exist. But NITRO is a story about much more than WCW and the Monday Night Wars. It is a story of an era, a time in which the media and cultural landscape precipitated - and later supported - pro wrestling's mainstream popularity. It is a story of how a company made in the image of an intuitively brilliant risk-taker betrayed its original promise. It is a story of how a handful of men, each struggling with their own limitations, facilitated a public obsession that changed television forever. And so, with the inside knowledge of a journalist, the perspective of a historian, and the passion of a fan, author Guy Evans provides a fresh look at an unfortunate inevitability - the downfall of World Championship Wrestling. Bolstered by exclusive interviews with over 120 former TBS and WCW employees, NITRO is the definitive picture of the last wrestling boom. Featuring exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. President of World Championship Wrestling; Harvey Schiller, fmr. President of Turner Sports; Jamie Kellner, fmr. CEO of Turner Broadcasting System; Bill Burke, fmr. President of TBS network; Joe Uva, fmr. President of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing; Scot Safon, fmr. SVP of Marketing for TNT network; Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer and 5-time WCW world champion; Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer and 3-time WCW world champion; Vince Russo, fmr. WCW writer; Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell, fmr. WCW superstar and 5-time world tag team champion; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW superstar and head booker; Hugh Morrus, fmr. WCW superstar; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW Feature Producer and voice of the nWo; David Crockett, fmr. WCW Vice President of Production; Dick Cheatham, fmr. Group Controller for TBS; Alan Sharp, fmr. WCW Director of Public Relations; Mike Weber, fmr. WCW Director of Marketing; Rob Garner, fmr. WCW Vice President of TV Programming and Sales Jerry Jarrett, legendary wrestling promoter and booker... And many, many, many more!
THE WAIT IS OVER! NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW is here!!! 175,000+ words, 56 chapters, and more new info than you'll believe! Paperback: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-paperback E-book: https://wcwnitrobook.com/item/nitro-the-incredible-rise-and-inevitable-collapse-of-ted-turners-wcw-e-book Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/NITRO-Incredible-Inevitable-Collapse-Turners/dp/0692139176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Synopsis In April 1999, Entertainment Weekly asked its readers what many Americans were surely wondering to themselves: how did wrestling get so big? As a consequence of the heated ratings competition between World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), the spectacle had taken over Monday nights on prime-time cable television. But in a departure from the family-friendly programming produced by the last industry boom - the 1980s wave, which made household names of Hulk Hogan, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Andre the Giant - the new era of wrestling combined stunning athleticism with a raunchy sex appeal, engrossing story lines and novel production techniques that reflected a changing society and its shifting values. Once again, wrestling was a ubiquitous phenomenon - only this time, it seemed as though the fad would never end. With both WCW and WWF expanding into other forms of entertainment - movies, video games, music and the like - the potential for growth appeared to be limitless. But with uncertainty surrounding its corporate future, and increasingly uninspired programming eroding its audience, WCW stood on the verge of collapse. Three years into a five-year plan devised by its charismatic leader - a former Blue Ribbon Foods salesman named Eric Bischoff - the company whose unexpected ascension initiated the entire boom was operating on borrowed time. For by the end of the five-year plan, WCW ceased to exist. But NITRO is a story about much more than WCW and the Monday Night Wars. It is a story of an era, a time in which the media and cultural landscape precipitated - and later supported - pro wrestling's mainstream popularity. It is a story of how a company made in the image of an intuitively brilliant risk-taker betrayed its original promise. It is a story of how a handful of men, each struggling with their own limitations, facilitated a public obsession that changed television forever. And so, with the inside knowledge of a journalist, the perspective of a historian, and the passion of a fan, author Guy Evans provides a fresh look at an unfortunate inevitability - the downfall of World Championship Wrestling. Bolstered by exclusive interviews with over 120 former TBS and WCW employees, NITRO is the definitive picture of the last wrestling boom. Featuring exclusive interviews and comments from: Eric Bischoff, fmr. President of World Championship Wrestling; Harvey Schiller, fmr. President of Turner Sports; Jamie Kellner, fmr. CEO of Turner Broadcasting System; Bill Burke, fmr. President of TBS network; Joe Uva, fmr. President of Turner Entertainment Sales and Marketing; Scot Safon, fmr. SVP of Marketing for TNT network; Kevin Nash, WWE Hall of Famer and 5-time WCW world champion; Diamond Dallas Page, WWE Hall of Famer and 3-time WCW world champion; Vince Russo, fmr. WCW writer; Marcus 'Buff' Bagwell, fmr. WCW superstar and 5-time world tag team champion; Kevin Sullivan, fmr. WCW superstar and head booker; Hugh Morrus, fmr. WCW superstar; Neal Pruitt, fmr. WCW Feature Producer and voice of the nWo; David Crockett, fmr. WCW Vice President of Production; Dick Cheatham, fmr. Group Controller for TBS; Alan Sharp, fmr. WCW Director of Public Relations; Mike Weber, fmr. WCW Director of Marketing; Rob Garner, fmr. WCW Vice President of TV Programming and Sales Jerry Jarrett, legendary wrestling promoter and booker... And many, many, many more!
A tremendous continuation from last week's show!! -> Don't forget to order NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Neal speaks with the "Money Man" of Turner Broadcasting in our latest episode! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
ICYMI: Neal sat down with the great Tony Schiavone in October, and what resulted was a fascinating 50-minute interview! We'll be back with an original episode next week, right here on Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Gary Michael Cappetta - The World's Most Dangerous Announcer - returns to talk Cactus Jack losing his ear (!), working with El Gigante, his stage show, advice for young wrestlers, and more! Check it out and enjoy! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Gary Michael Cappetta - The World's Most Dangerous Announcer - joins Neal this week on Secrets of Nitro! Topics include working with Gorilla Monsoon, idolizing Bruno Sammartino, WCW memories and more! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
"The Assassin" Jody Hamilton returns to discuss his working relationship with Neal, Deep South Championship Wrestling, advice for young wrestlers, adventures in Japan, and more! -> Don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
The man, the myth, the legend! "The Assassin" Jody Hamilton - wrestler, promoter and trainer for over five decades - joins Secrets of Nitro for a rare interview. Sit back and learn from a true icon of the sport! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Neal catches up with Nigel Sherrod, formerly of Deep South Wrestling, a WWE developmental territory. In a wide-ranging talk, Nigel talks about his work refuting The Fabulous Moolah controversy, his time working with Neal, Lucha Libre, and much more! Enjoy! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Mark Jindrak - aka Marco Corleone - returns to talk his time in OVW, working for CMLL, acting on Mexican television, and much more! Enjoy! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
This week: Mark Jindrak - aka Marco Corleone - joins Neal to talk early his WCW memories, training at the Power Plant, learning the business, and much more! An awesome listen! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
This week on Secrets, Neal is joined by Diamond Dallas Page for an inspirational interview! Page discusses his early life, relationship with family, initial attempts to break into wrestling, and more in a 45-minute talk. Enjoy! Also, don't forget to preorder NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com NOW! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
This one gets emotional, folks. As promised last week, this is Part 2 (the post-show) of WCW Live! in Panama City, minutes after Nitro went off the air - forever. An extremely rare broadcast featuring Jeremy Borash, Bob Ryder, and a cavalcade of other guests. Enjoy... Next week: Neal speaks with Diamond Dallas Page! Guy also discusses his upcoming book NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. You can pre-order NOW at www.wcwnitrobook.com Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
With the anniversary of the last Nitro approaching, we decided to open up the audio vault this week. This is an extremely rare part of WCW history - the final WCW Live! broadcast with Jeremy Borash and Bob Ryder. This was recorded backstage in Panama City on March 26th, 2001. Check back next week for Part 2. Guy also discusses his upcoming book NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW. You can pre-order NOW at www.wcwnitrobook.com Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
David Crockett returns and talks how promos were taped in JCP, legendary 'ribs' he was privy to, the 'trust factor' between production staff and wrestlers, WCW stars taking advantage of TBS, Inc., strategic timing of commercials, NWA power brokers, and more! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
The hits keep coming here on Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro! This week - David Crockett, son of Jim Crockett and former VP of Production for WCW - joins Neal for a wide-ranging talk about producing wrestling. You won't believe the story at the end of this episode! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
On this week's podcast, we travel back in time to February 17th 1998. On this momentous date, Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage of the nWo was honored as the Harvard Lampoon’s Real Man of the Year in a ceremony on campus – the highlights of which aired on the March 5th edition of WCW Thunder – but Mr. Savage was not alone on this trip. Rather, he was accompanied by the esteemed feature producer for World Championship Wrestling, Mr. Neal Pruitt. Neal explains all in Episode 23!!! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Below is the newspaper article referenced in this podcast: Kline, Savage Honored as Men Of the Year Savage's Real Man' award pokes fun at Pot By RODRIGO CRUZ, CONTRIBUTING WRITER February 18, 1998 In a ceremony that incorporated such disparate elements as ninjas, people in gorilla outfits and a mariachi band, the Harvard Lampoon bestowed upon professional wrestler Randy "The Macho Man" Savage its annual Real Man of the Year award yesterday afternoon. The Lampoon, a semi-secret Bow Street organization that used to occasionally publish a so-called humor magazine, presented the award to Savage inside a makeshift wrestling ring that had been erected in front of the steps of its castle. Savage, who distinguished himself first as a member of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and now in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), is a former winner of the WWF's Intercontinental Title as well as the WWF and WCW's respective heavyweight championships. He is the first wrestler to receive the Lampoon's Real Man of the Year award. The ceremony honoring Savage was the culmination of a day's worth of highly publicized activities by the Lampoon that included a parade down Mass. Ave. and an introduction by Nobellaureate and Baird Professor of Chemistry Dudley Herschbach. The 45-year-old Savage, whose real name is Randy Poffo, arrived for the event in a silver Dodge Viper, dressed in a black leather jacket, spandex pants and a t-shirt with the word "MADNESS" emblazoned on it. Spectators, both students and Cambridge locals,lined Savage's parade route as he and members of the Lampoon hurled Slim Jim snacks at the crowd. When asked during the parade if he would like to say anything to his fans, Savage replied, "Snap into a Slim Jim!" -- referring to the brand of beef jerky sticks the flamboyant wrestler endorses. Whether by design or by chance, the Lampoon's event was scheduled for the same day as a ceremony honoring the Hasty Pudding Theatrical Society's Man of the Year, Kevin Kline. Seizing upon this coincidence, Savage challenged Kline to a wrestling match in the Lampoon's ring, questioned his courage and insinuated that Kline and Savage's estranged tag-team partner Hollywood Hulk Hogan were"dating". Lampoon officers even provided Savage with a telephone, inviting him to call Kline at the Hasty Pudding to issue his challenge directly. In the ensuing dialogue between Savage and a voice that purported to be Kline, the wrestler called the actor out, saying "take your beating like a man." Kline, however, did not present himself. Later that evening, at a news conference held at the Hasty Pudding Theatre, Kline initially professed ignorance about Savage's challenge, but then assented to it, saying, "I'm Man of the Year.It's sour grapes. I will accept his challenge, but I won't wrestle him." In lieu of Kline, the Lampoon staged a tag-team bout that pitted Savage and Grimace, a McDonalds character, against a group of costumed spectators culled from the audience. These included a cowboy,a ninja, the philosopher Socrates, a cadre of Revolutionary War soldiers and the Grim Reaper. Without Savage's assistance, Grimace dispatched his adversaries with seeming ease. But when the purple-clad mascot turned against his own partner, Savage felled Grimace with one blow, opting for an arm hack to the head rather than his signature move, the "flying elbow from the top of the ropes." Despite Savage's victory, wrestling fans at ringside agreed that his appearance at the Lampoon comes at a crossroads in the middle-aged wrestler's personal and professional life. "He's not the same as he was at Wrestle mania III back in '86," said Savage admirer John E.Connolly '00. In the past five years, Savage has switched his affiliation from the WWF to the WCW and been divorced from his wife and current manager, Lady Elizabeth. More recently, he alienated himself from his gang, the New World Order (NWO), as a result of his feud with Hogan. Responding to a question about a possible schism within the NWO, Savage said, "Sure, they're all tense and I'm feeling great." Still, Savage's youngest fans remain his most ardent admirers. "As many times as Macho Man gets knocked down he always gets back up," said seven-year-old Brian Devenne of Cambridge. The afternoon's proceedings came to a climax when Lampoon President Matthew J. Murray '99 and Narthex Nicholas A. Stoller '98 handed Savage the silver cup that represents their Real Man of the Year Award as well as a self improvement cassette Savage identified as "How to Have Sex Up to One Time a Night." Savage, apparently touched by the recognition,expressed his appreciation and said he would use the award as an incentive to "really get serious and kick ass from now on.
In Part 2 of our interview with WCW's Senior Editor Kemper Rogers, we learn the secrets of wrestling videography! Listen closely as 'The World's Strongest Editor' describes the techniques informing the production of some memorable WCW moments, including Eric Bischoff's 'Citizen Kane' opening at the nWo Souled Out pay-per-view, 'the King of the Road' match between Dustin Rhodes and Blacktop Bully, plus an infamous music video involving the American Males! It's the type of insight you get ONLY by listening to Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro - subscribe now and spread the word! Click here - if you dare (!) - to watch the American Males video discussed in this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrh5j7v6DuQ Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Kemper Rogers is often cited as one of the unsung heroes of WCW. As a Senior Editor working in production, Rogers developed many of the audiovisual effects associated with the nWo, a feat even more impressive upon consideration of the temporal context. With relatively primitive tools at his disposal - at least in comparison to contemporary standards - Rogers combined with Neal Pruitt to form a prolific duo in branding the renegade group of the '90s. Learn more this week (and next) - only on Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
We wrap up our Producing Nitro series this week by examining the third hour of the 10/05/98 Monday Nitro. In a particular highlight, Neal breaks down an infamous WCW segment involving Hollywood Hogan, Eric Bischoff and the (Ultimate) Warrior! Sweeeet! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Aided by the show format and an array of listener questions, Guy and Neal continue their look at the 10/05/98 edition of WCW Monday Nitro. Along the way, Neal breaks down a memorable nWo video in impeccable detail, revealing the intricacies involved in making 'The Better Brother'. Also this week: the mystery of Goldberg's piped-in chants, Steve Austin's trepidation over promos, a cool Eric Bischoff tidbit and much more! Subscribe on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/neal-pruitts-secrets-of-wcw-nitro/id1276032841?mt=2 Subscribe on Android: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ipkzridq3wpauwkb2wkdl4de4su Twitter: @secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Excerpts: Pruitt on Steve Austin being nervous to do interviews: "I don't think anybody ever wants to really expose their weaknesses, but when you do expose your weaknesses to someone that's willing to help you, you can really excel. Not that I had anything to do with it...but [Austin] did tell us he had an issue with speaking [upon his arrival to WCW]. [He said] it was something he really needed to work on. Having been in the interview room for so long, [I know] that what really freaks people out is...it's just not natural to look in the camera lens instead of somebody's face. So it's already a weird thing to do, and the intimidation factor creeps in for whatever reason. [Often] when the light goes on the camera, the personality goes off. I knew Stone Cold was uncomfortable with that - looking right in the camera. So I told him, 'if you're nervous about looking in the camera, don't even look in the camera. These people don't deserve your gaze'. So if you watch some of his earlier stuff when he had hair and he was on WCW Saturday Night, you'll see that he's not looking at the camera at all. He worked at his talent at talking, [and] so did Cactus Jack. When they would ride down the road together, they would never turn the radio on. They would just [practice their promos]. That's how dedicated these people were at becoming professionals at what they did. And I really admire that, because I know that's what it takes. It doesn't come naturally to most people, but if you work at it, you can get it." Pruitt on the rumor that WCW piped in 'Goldberg' chants: "Sometimes some of it would be recorded, and we would mix that in to get the people excited. It didn't happen all that much as far as the live shows went, but I know I would enhance some of the pay-per-view events. When I did the show for Deep South Wrestling - that's where people like Luke Gallows, Kofi Kingston, MVP, Jack Swagger, The Miz and lots of [other] guys at WWE [came from] - I would always super-enhance the audio, as far as when the show aired on TV. I had a 'roar' track that I used underneath [the crowd noise], that I think really enhanced the show."
Lots of interesting topics this week including Nitro Parties, analytics in wrestling, mic'ing the ring, script terminology, strategies for engaging the crowd, and more! Enjoy! Twitter: www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Pre-order the book 'NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW' at www.wcwnitrobook.com
With the 10/05/98 Nitro script in hand, Neal and Guy embark on the most detailed review of a wrestling show known to man! Twitter: www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro E-mail: secretsofnitro@gmail.com Pre-order the book 'NITRO: The Incredible Rise and Inevitable Collapse of Ted Turner's WCW' at www.wcwnitrobook.com
Neal and Guy start 2018 by introducing a new mini-series, Producing Nitro. For the next four weeks, we invite you to participate in a one-of-a-kind listening experience - an interactive review of a classic Nitro episode! Here's how it works: 1) Go to www.wcwnitrobook.com and download the Nitro script for 10/05/98; 2) Watch the 10/05/98 Nitro episode on WWE Network; 3) Send in your questions and comments to secretsofnitro@gmail.com 4) Listen to the podcast each week as we dissect the show, hour-by-hour - with reference to the script and your feedback! In this week's podcast, we discuss some of the general considerations that informed the production of a live Nitro - including formatting, timing, directing and more. Next week, we dive into hour 1, so make sure you download the script and watch the show ahead of time!
We open the mailbag once again to answer YOUR questions! Topics include working with the Macho Man, reconciling with Lex Luger, producing at Center Stage, and much more! Happy holidays everyone! http://www.wcwnitrobook.com http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Neal welcomes back Jason Douglas, former WCW producer and award-winning digital content creator, to discuss an assortment of tremendous topics including: 'Tank Sinatra' (you'll have to listen to find out!); Producing promo pieces on almost zero notice; Adventures in Miami with Kid Romeo; The inside story of the Shockmaster debacle; Dustin Rhodes' debut as 'Se7en' in late 1999; Filming in Mexico with 'The Professor' Mike Tenay; Why 3 Count stood on those darn green discs (!); The Artist Formerly Known As Prince Iaukea... ...and Ernest Miller's legendary 'Cat-Bo' video! You don't want to miss this one! Enjoy and as always, please spread the word! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com www.wcwnitrobook.com
Director Rory Karpf joins Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro to discuss his recent documentary on Ric Flair, the fan reaction since the special aired, profound words from Shawn Michaels, being in college during the Monday Night Wars, and much more! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Neal catches up with WCW's cameraman extraordinaire - Tim 'Snake' Snyder - and the duo swap stories on some classic WCW moments, including: The orchestration of Goldberg's iconic entrance at Halloween Havoc '98; Filming Hacksaw Jim Duggan in 'Ireland'; Hollywood Hogan almost being hit by a giant Gatorade bottle in Sturgis; Snake jumping out of a moving vehicle with a $200,000 camera; What went wrong with Thursday Thunder on TBS... And much more! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com
The end of Nitro. The end of an era. The end...of WCW. Neal Pruitt was there to see it all happen. Hear his story on this week's Secrets of Nitro! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro http://www.wcwnitrobook.com secretsofnitro@gmail.com
Stories, stories, stories galore! Another insane Klondike Bill tale, Van Hammer's music video, Buff Bagwell antics, Rick Rude's tattoo, Lee Marshall's Road Reports, a funny 'rib' on Jim Cornette, Ted Turner's edict on blading, the greatest matches no-one ever saw, and much more! http://www.wcwnitrobook.com http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com
How heavy were the WCW letters on the Nitro set? What was with The Giant falling off Cobo Hall? Is it true Hulk Hogan loved the 'Phony Sting' character? All this and more as we unleash the Secrets of Nitro Mailbag! http://www.wcwnitrobook.com http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro
In Part 2 of our look at WCW's Disney Era, Neal pulls back the curtain and reveals some never-before-heard insight on a classic nWo moment. And then, for the final hour, the great Tony Schiavone blesses the airwaves with an in-depth interview! Enjoy! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro secretsofnitro@gmail.com www.wcwnitrobook.com
In Part 1 of our look at WCW's Disney era, Neal Pruitt discusses taping mass amounts of syndicated television in advance, life on the road, managing extreme personalities, producing Ted Turner (!) and much more! Coming next week - a double episode - Part 2 AND Neal's interview with Tony Schiavone! www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro www.wcwnitrobook.com
In a mammoth 2 hour edition of Secrets of Nitro, Neal and Guy speak with former WCW producer Jason Douglas about some of the hits and misses of the Monday Nitro era. Along the way, the conversation flows into many interesting areas, including the dangers of being a 'mark' in the wrestling business, the tactics used by wrestlers to manipulate production staff, and Steve Austin overcoming his fear of cutting promos?!? Enjoy!
In Episode 5 of Secrets of Nitro, former WCW feature producer Neal Pruitt reflects on the production of the Steiner Brothers car crash stunt, a segment which aired on the February 17th 1997 edition of WCW Monday Nitro. Along the way, we hear various anecdotes about the 'Einsteiners', and in an amusing sidebar, Neal reveals his role in producing a classic promo for Big Poppa Pump's latest business venture - Shoney's! Enjoy, subscribe and spread the word! http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro http://www.wcwnitrobook.com
In a very special episode of Neal Pruitt's Secrets of WCW Nitro, a variety of former WCW personalities pay tribute to the life and career of 'The Brain'. http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.wcwnitrobook.com
On February 15th 1999, Ric Flair entered a limousine with his arch enemy Eric Bischoff at the wheel. What followed you ask? A classic nWo beatdown, broadcast to millions at home via a brave camera crew, a precariously hanging searchlight, and...a helicopter? Feature producer Neal Pruitt was there - and he has the story on this week's Secrets of WCW Nitro! www.wcwnitrobook.com @secretsofnitro Facebook.com/secretsofnitro
Neal Pruitt, the voice of the New World Order, discusses the nWo Souled Out pay-per-view - a truly bizarre viewing experience that raises some troubling questions... Who the heck was that guy entering the building in front of Hollywood Hogan? Why did the event take place in Cedar Rapids, IA? And for the love of god, what was the purpose of the Miss nWo pageant?!?! All this and more - including hotel shenanigans, filming in freezing cold temperatures and a humorous sidebar on Dennis Rodman! Enter the Twilight Zone with us!!! www.wcwnitrobook.com @secretsofnitro Facebook.com/secretsofnitro
In the debut edition of Secrets of WCW Nitro, former WCW feature producer Neal Pruitt remembers Roddy Piper's infamous trip to Alcatraz. Enjoy, subscribe and spread the word! To vote on next week's topic, join the conversation on social media: http://www.twitter.com/secretsofnitro http://www.facebook.com/secretsofnitro
Preview: Former WCW feature producer Neal Pruitt remembers when 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper endured a self-imposed exile in Alcatraz. The full episode drops on Monday 9/4 - subscribe now and spread the word!!!
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