Those of you who know me personally will know that I’m a sucker for old wrestling stories. Whether it’s talking to someone who has made a living for decades or watching shoot interviews or documentaries I’m happy.
Which is why I was more than delighted when a company called EllBow Productions sent me their latest offering, a documentary about Hall of Famer Jimmy Valiant.
Woo Mercy: The Jimmy Valiant Experience sees the great man himself talking about his life in and out of the wrestling business.
From the proverbial humble beginnings we hear how he made his formative steps in one of the toughest industries in the world, of how it took several name changes before the man in question became known as Jimmy Valiant.
It really is an extraordinary story, and in telling in Valiant comes across as one of the most likeable men in the world.
Valiant is happy to tell it all, from becoming “Handsome” and part of the hottest teams of the 70’s with his storyline brother “Luscious” Johnny Valiant to his metamorphosis into the Boogie Woogie Man, and becoming one of the hottest singles stars in the Memphis and Mid-Atlantic areas.
The one thing that really stood out for me was that Valiant never had a bad word to say about anyone, and in an age where retired wrestlers seem content to spout bile about those they worked with Valiant’s demeanour certainly makes for a refreshing change.
But if you’re thinking that this is just a near two hour film in which Valiant sings his own praises then you’re wrong. There’s a great deal of input from his fellow wrestlers and fans.
People like Ivan Koloff, Ricky Morton, Jim Cornette, Bill Apter and more tell stories of a man who was an innovator in the wrestling business, and a damn nice guy to boot.
The biggest praise the man gets come from the students who attend the wrestling school he set up with his wife Angel. They tell of a man who cares deeply for the people he trains. They’re not just students to him, they’re like his children.
If truth be known though I already knew how kind the man was. I interviewed him a few years ago, and when the interview went online he not only thanked me he also invited me to his home so he could show me his wrestling school. Maybe one day.
In conclusion – this is one of the best wrestling documentaries I’ve seen this year. It’s well put together, the protagonists come across well, and the overall production values are top notch.
So if you’re looking for a Christmas present for the wrestling fan in your life then this release comes highly recommended, getting a big thumbs up from me.
With thanks to the powers that be for supplying a copy of this release. Woo Mercy: The Jimmy Valiant Experience is available to buy online at ellbowproductions.weebly.com.
Also, don’t forget to check out my website at twoshedsreview.blogspot.com, as well as my Facebook page at Facebook.com/twoshedsreview.
