Oh, my yes. The stories we tell, they tell, she tells, he tells, or anybody else tells. I’m bringing wrestling back into this arena for a topic today. First off though, who remembers (yes, you have to be older here!) playing the game of “telephone” as a kid? One person would whisper a saying or phrase in another’s ear, and then it gets passed through the group until the last one says it out loud. If you get it right, super! Most times, it is all mixed up and misunderstood. Then, we have a good laugh but as adults, that isn’t always the case. We will get things off about a story from time to time. Sometimes, it can be a memory loss but other times, it can be to keep our ego in check. We might recall an event different than another but is it because it’s too far in our past or because we want to feel better? If you’re wrong, just own up to it as I am doing but others will not ever or just keep telling that story to not be the “bad guy.”
Sergeant Slaughter didn’t start out as a bad guy (a.k.a. “Razor Ramon”) but then later on, he became one. That photo below depicts Ultimate Warrior shooting one of several Sgt. Slaughter promos before their 1991 “Royal Rumble” match. U.W. fans know all too well what happened but here’s a story that’s been told by Sarge himself. I do like Sarge and so glad he and Warrior had a funny reunion moment backstage at the 2014 HOF but about that match… I recently heard him on “80’s wrestling the podcast” and my~~~ is he quite the storyteller! Very interesting guy to listen to and maybe fans know his version of their R. R. match.
According to Sarge, he had no idea Randy was going to hit U.W. in the head with the “royal” scepter, and knock him out. He claims Warrior wasn’t moving so Sarge went in for the cover, pinned U.W. and became the new champ which set him up to wrestle Hulk at WMVII . OK, I have some discrepancies with that. On “The Ultimate Collection” and “Always Believe” DVD’s , Warrior explains how they came to him (meaning Vince and whoever else,) and said Randy would get him to lose the belt which would then set up for WMVII being Sarge versus Hulk plus the retirement match between Warrior and Randy. Warrior says he liked the idea and didn’t really give it much more thought than that.
I could be naïve when it comes to wrestling “scripts” as guys went rogue from time to time, but REALLY? One would not be told all that when winning a title belt and the BIGGEST one? Vince loved Sarge. Come on Sarge, what’s going on there? He knew he’d be winning, but maybe not getting the pin at that exact moment of Warrior getting knocked out. He tells the story of thinking Randy really clobbered Warrior with that scepter since he used to play baseball so maybe…? 🤔 Was Warrior really knocked unconscious for a bit? I don’t know and don’t believe he ever addressed that in any interview I have seen. Perhaps nobody ever thought to ask Warrior about that. Would Vince just let them be that spontaneous when a title was on the line? Why wouldn’t Sarge know? So many questions. Quite possibly this is a story WWE wants Sarge to tell for dramatic reasons but we all are guilty of these E’s~~~ embellish, exaggerate, and eliminating parts. Yep, it’s true. We might even elaborate, but with me, it’s a good thing.
Maybe in fame, the stories they tell need those E’s to create a ruse with fans keeping them guessing all these years later. I’m not sure, but in real life honesty matters as there are those who still want to always come out looking good. If anyone can correctly tell the REAL story of that 1991 Rumble match, I would love to hear it. Many folks in these wrestling circles just assume without even checking other sources. Maybe Warrior knew more as well but he isn’t here anymore to ask. Sarge is though. It’s a great story but filled with gaps if you ask me.
What stories have you told that maybe got another wondering about the details? I can think of many and most involve my siblings and remembering memories just a little differently. I’m rarely wrong because of my memory as I stated before but sometimes, a few people are WAY off. It bugs me. The wrestling business is filled with tons of stories told. Just watch those “shoot” interviews I’ve mentioned which I don’t anymore . I so wish fans would stop posting when most are against Warrior .UGH! If you’re in a “fan” group, why bother? It just causes weird drama and comments we don’t need despite what happened in the past. People want their “say” though… “The right story is the full story” like Warrior said, but others may disagree on its validity.
We may not share or tell a story in its entirety for many reasons as Warrior might not have either but sometimes, that’s OK. We all have privacy but also details might not matter in a few areas. It all depends. What bothers me is when I have a happy memory and someone doesn’t remember it the same. 😧 That makes me sad but our memories can be selective. It isn’t just when older either. I do hope the Sarge Rumble story will one day be told correctly but until then, I will have my doubts. I don’t share or tell all MY stories either for my own purposes but when I do, it’s me in all honesty. Fame does have its price but it’s too hefty of a price tag for me… 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️😑
P.S. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had told a story on his series “Young Rock” about a time very early in his career on finally getting a push in the business. Whoever he wrestled that night back as Rocky Maivia,( I forget who…) his opponent told him IN the ring- I believe, how “Rocky” would get his first big win. He had no idea and was shocked at the time to know that. So, it happens am sure and maybe today as well, no clue.. That was NOT for a title though! 
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