Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Superstar Graham, Stevie Richards, Jinder Mahal & More
May 19, 2023
DougMaynard.com

Let’s talk wrestling. It’s the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A. Let’s go.

Karen Jarrett is All Elite. Thoughts?

We all knew that it was just a matter of time with Jeff Jarrett as part of AEW, that Karen wouldn’t be far behind. I’m not a big Karen Jarrett fan, but unlike most of the AEW Women’s locker room, she’s not a bad talker and her presence adds to Jeff’s character, especially when he’s playing heel. She truly doesn’t bring much to the table in the big picture of things, but she can’t hurt things much either. It’ll be interesting to see where this goes.

What’s your honest opinion on Stevie Richards?

A talented wrestler with a good presence and is much underrated inside that squared circle. Stevie is a good guy to have as part of the roster as he can work with anyone as either a face or heel and can generate heat like few others could ever hope. If I was starting a promotion and Big Stevie Cool was available to be part of the roster, I would definitely try and sign him up.

Superstar Billy Graham passed away tonight. Thoughts & memories of the former WWWF Champion?

My personal feelings about the former WWWF Champion are mixed, but I won’t deny the talent and charisma that Superstar Graham brought to the table. He was an iconic figure for the 70s with promo skills that everyone tried to copy and a body second to none. He was Hulk Hogan before there was a Hulk Hogan and way ahead of his time. Being from the Carolinas, the only time I ever got to see Graham regularly, aside from the Apter Mags, was when he was part of Paul Jones’ Army and had the shaved head, doing the karate gimmick. It wasn’t what I had been expecting, but the charisma and talent were evident. Rest in Peace, Superstar Billy Graham. You will be missed.

How much money would it take for you to be a participant in a death match?

It depends upon who my opponent is and what the story might be. If it was against some deranged POS like Hannibal, I’d refuse to do it because he is a sorry POS and doesn’t look after his opponents or have any true morals or common sense. If it was against the King of Death Matches, Matt Cardona, just pay me well and cover any medical expenses and I’m in.

What are the odds WWE books Khali vs. Omos one day?

If Vince was still in charge, it probably would have already happened at Wrestlemania as a special attraction, but with Hunter as the boss, we might be able to hold off for a couple of years hopefully. It’ll probably happen at some point, but we can always hope not.

Jinder Mahal is back on Raw and being used as a manager for Indus Sher. Thoughts?

From what I’ve read, Jinder will also be wrestling so his role with Indus Sher will be much like Sheamus with the Battling Brutes and Gunther with Imperium in that since he’s the most established character and a former World Champion, he does the talking and gives the rub to his two proteges, but they’ll be the badasses and the muscle. It’s a good deal and should work well for all parties involved. I’m just glad to see Jinder back on WWE TV. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of whiskey, but I like the guy and he’s a good heel for the upper mid-card. This should be entertaining to watch.

Who has more heat right now? Don Callis or Dominik?

Any heat that Don Callis has is to just go away forever and never return. Dom is one of the most consistently entertaining parts of WWE right now and the fans love to hate him and just want more and more of him and Mami. Dom is the man!

In their prime, who’s the better total wrestler? (Character, promo, wrestling, presence). John Cena or The Rock?

The Rock was so amazing and electrifying for his time, he’s a once-in-a-lifetime character and truly deserves the nickname of “The Great One”. Cena was consistent and strong and always could be counted on good promos, good solid matches, and to get that reaction from the fans. So who’s better? It’s a tough call, but as a “total wrestler”, I’m going to say, Cena.

William Regal, Arn Anderson, Larry Zbyszko & Bobby Eaton versus Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk, Jack Brisco, and Gerald Brisco. Who wins?

All eight of these men are true legends and great performers who seemed incapable of having a bad match. The very best of the very best and this would be a clinic of moves, reversals, ring psychology, and just incredible professional wrestling at its very best. If there had to be a winner though, I’ll go with the two-brother combinations of The Funks & The Briscos.

Today would have been Nancy Benoit’s (Woman) 58th Birthday. What are your thoughts on this legendary valet/manager?

I remember Woman first showing up on WCW TV as Robin Green after a few years of being the valet for Kevin Sullivan in Florida, and she quickly evolved into one of the best managers/valets in wrestling. It didn’t matter if she was in ECW with The Sandman or styling and profiling with The Four Horsemen, Nancy had that presence that was so sexy, and yet you knew that she was not someone to be trifled with. She was the ultimate Woman in pro wrestling and created a legacy that will never be forgotten or surpassed. The way her life ended was a tragedy, but Nancy was from all accounts, a very good person, a good mother, and an icon in every sense of the word. She belongs in any and every wrestling Hall of Fame that exists for her contributions as a valet & manager. Rest in Peace, Nancy. You will never be forgotten.

And there you go. My thanks for reading. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. And with that, let’s wrap it up for now. Take care and be well, my friends. Watch out for foreign objects and I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!