Tossing Salt Presents:
Ultimate Wrestling Q&A
Blackjack Mulligan, Kevin Dunn, Love Machine Art Barr & More
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Welcome to the Ultimate Wrestling Q&A. I’m Doug and this is where no question is off limits. You ask and I’ll answer. That’s what I do. And now, let’s get busy and spin that shit. Let’s roll.

Has WWE been better since Kevin Dunn made his exit?

The production values have increased, and the single shots leading from the back to the ring, that’s been a remarkable improvement as well. WWE had gotten stale and boring after so long of the same old stuff. And now, the presentation is different and it seems fresher. So that would be a big yes.

The legendary Black Jack Mulligan would have turned 83 today. What are your thoughts and memories of the nig man from Eagle Pass, Texas?

Blackjack Mulligan was one of my early favorites. A big man to be sure and a great character. Blackjack’s biggest talent was the ability to talk though. He could tell a story better than anyone and when he cut a promo, you sat up and paid attention. Mulligan wasn’t the best wrestler, but he was a great brawler and was believable as the big redneck cowboy. Mulligan is definitely one of the best characters of his era. A true legend in every sense of the word.

Who’s your favorite Paul Heyman Guy?

There are so many to consider when you factor in Heyman’s entire career, but I think most people would consider CM Punk, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns as the best of the best of the Paul Heyman guys. And my favorite of these three? I like all three men and it’s a tough call, but I think my favorite guy during their time with Heyman would be Brock Lesnar.

Which WWE brand has the better champions?

RAW has Gunther and Liv Morgan, while Smackdown has Cody Rhodes and Nia Jax. It’s a mixed bag as Cody is the better champion, in my opinion than Gunther, while Liv is far better than Nia. So we’ll flip a coin. Heads for RAW and tails for Smackdown. It landed on heads so RAW has the better champs.

How would you grade CM Punk’s first year back in the company?

Punk hasn’t had many actual matches, but he’s stayed hot and relevant for the entire run and is as hot now as he was on day one. The matches that he’s had have been excellent and Punk looks as if he’s having the time of his life and a great time. I’ll give it a solid A.

Yesterday makes it 30 years since the passing of Art “Love Machine” Barr. Such pure talent, both in and outside of the ring. Thoughts and memories of Art Barr.

I remember seeing Barr wrestle as part of the When World’s Collide PPV presented by AAA and WCW. He was teaming with Eddie Guerrero and the man was very impressive. I immediately became a fan. Unfortunately, Barr had demons and spent as much time in trouble as not and it hampered his career. Barr then was like Teddy Hart today. So very talented, but a magnet for trouble. Barr was entertaining and if things had been different, should have been a huge star. He is missed.

Should Dustin Rhodes stay with AEW to continue his legacy, or is it time for him to explore uncharted territory?

Dustin should do whatever it is that he wants to do and feels is best for his career and family. I’d like to see him come back to WWE and have a final run, before transitioning to a trainer and agent. But Dustin should do what he feels is best for Dustin. It doesn’t matter what I think.

Billy Robinson versus William Regal versus Fit Finley. Who wins?

Three of the best technical wrestlers in the history of the business. All had their starts in Europe and all are known shooters. What a match this would be. Finlay would be more of a brawler, while Regal would mix it up with the science and stiff moves. I haven’t seen Robinson wrestle enough to know his style, but his reputation speaks for itself. I think in terms of being the most popular star, William Regal would win.

What do you think Shane McMahon’s next move should be? Is he gearing up for a WWE comeback, or is his focus fully outside the wrestling ring?

Shane should do what he feels is best for him and his family, which these days, seems to be away from the wrestling ring. An occasional cameo or appearance for the sake of nostalgia makes sense, but I don’t think a WWE comeback should be in Shane’s future.

CJ Perry is asking fans if they want to see Lana back when WWE Raw moves to Netflix. Do you want to see Lana back in WWE?

To be honest, without Rusev/Miro by her side, what’s the point? Perry can go off to Hollyweird and try her luck there, but so far as WWE goes, I think that should remain part of her past.

And there you go. My thanks for reading. Comments, thoughts, and any questions are welcome and appreciated. Use the comment box here at the site or else give me a shout at my e-mail, Doug28352@yahoo.com. Find me on X at @Doug28352. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. And with that, let’s wrap things up. Stay well, my friends. Watch out for foreign objects and trips across the infamous NXT parking lot. I’ll see you at the matches.

Ubuntu!