The Dawn of Mainstream Pro-Wrestling:

[Montague]

If you followed wrestling in the early 80’s, you’ll likely be familiar with many of the events featured in this news piece, which ran the week before the first Saturday Night‘s Main Event in 1985.

Included:
Comedian Richard Belzer suffers a cranial laceration allegedly as a result of Hulk Hogan putting him in a wrestling hold.

Mr. T tries to provide "legitimacy" to the "sport."

Verne Gagne is questioned after being shown the match in which Larry Zbyszko is clearly heard calling spots to Bob Backlund.

A very young and dorky Vinc McMahon Jr. is interviewed about the industry and his product, specifically, after his first taste of success. You can almost actually see his egomania begin to develop in these clips.

Phil Mushnick in his earliest attempts to shut down the WWF (wonder if Phil ever saw the upcoming 25-yr failure).

Cyndi Lauper's participation is discussed in regards to the Rock & Wrestling synergy.

[basil]

Phil Mushnick in his earliest attempts to shut down the WWF (wonder if Phil ever saw the upcoming 25-yr failure).

Isn't WWE a billion $$ enterprise?

[Montague]

Isn't WWE a billion $$ enterprise?

Yes.
I was referring to the failure of Phil Mushnick's 25-yr. losing battle to discredit the WWF/E through sponsorship and programming boycotts, etc.
He's wanted to see them fold since the early 80's, and they've only gotten bigger & stronger.

[basil]

Yes.
I was referring to the failure of Phil Mushnick's 25-yr. losing battle to discredit the WWF/E through sponsorship and programming boycotts, etc.
He's wanted to see them fold since the early 80's, and they've only gotten bigger & stronger.

Ah. Thanks for clarifying.