Thanks, brother!
And, nice story.
I look back with great fondness upon many of the wrestling memories from my childhood. Certain things I can recall in such vivid detail; the mark in me "relives" them, while the "smart" fan can appreciate entirely different aspects today.
Does anyone remember when Rick McGraw died? His last televised match was with Roddy Piper, who very thoroughly kicked his - in a working fashion - all over the inside and outside of the ring. It didn't take long for the Apter magazines to plaster headlines reading, "Did Roddy Piper Kill Rick McGraw?"
Soon, it was all over the wrestling AP that Piper's beating may have lead to McGraw's untimely passing. Of course, I don't recall Vince's own press running the story, but I'm quite certain he didn't mind the publicity one bit.
See, as a kid, I bought into the story hook, line, and sinker. After all, you can't fake DEATH. And, they weren't blaming Roddy, but suggesting the possibility of what may have happened.
Eventually, the story ran its course. I guess the public conveniently never questioned why there was never a criminal case put together to prosecute Piper. I wonder if/how many fans became skeptical when Piper headlined a benefit show for McGraw's family a short time later.
When I think about that whole series of events today, it makes me appreciate the way the business was presented and, to a degree, protected via kayfabe; the way that the line between reality and fiction was so convincingly blurred. Also, knowing now that Roddy and Rick were friends prior to his passing, I see and respect the camaraderie that is maybe not as strong in today's business/society.
