Professional Wrestling Studies Association
Studying the Past, Present, and Future of Professional Wrestling
“Just look for the beat-up-looking old wrestler,” Eddie Sharkey advised me over the phone as we set up our 1991 breakfast meeting at a Denny’s restaurant in Minneapolis. As of 1991, Sharkey had just about done it all in professional wrestling: grappling, training, refereeing, and promoting. Sipping cup after cup of coffee, Sharkey’s tall tales … Read more Before Shoot Interviews: Eddie Sharkey–Part 1
What is your area of study/research? I am an interdisciplinary scholar whose major field of study includes Geography, Black Studies, and Cultural Studies. Broadly, I am interested in understanding the way space and place shape knowledge production, the relationship between cultural production and the political economy, and I have a growing interest in the politics … Read more PWSA Meet and Greet: Dewitt King
When I talked to Theodore “Teddy” Long in 1992, he was working as a television commentator for World Championship Wrestling (WCW), the second most popular wrestling promotion in America. Mr. Long was able to accomplish much during his several years in WCW, where he served as a referee, wrestling manager, and commentator. LONG: I’m from … Read more Before Shoot Interviews: Teddy Long
What is your area of study/research? I am Professor of Performance and Physical Culture at Loughborough University, UK. So, I am interested in things that happen on stages and on pitches/in rings. I have written widely in the fields of interdisciplinary modernisms, theater histories, and performance practices. My website is www.clairewarden.net. What led to your … Read more PWSA Meet and Greet: Claire Warden
As with Bruno Sammartino, I met Rockin’ Robin at a 1991 New York wrestling fans’ convention. Robin sat at a table displaying her championship belts and pictures of herself in different poses that one could purchase for five dollars. Robin gave a photo to me after this interview and signed it, “Live, Love, & Laugh!” … Read more Before Shoot Interviews: Rockin’ Robin