Brooklyn Brawler's 33-Year WWE Career, The Term "Jobber", The Rock's First Match, Beating Triple H

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for checking out this interview with The Brooklyn Brawler! EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal 👉 nordvpn.com/cvv Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

[@DjCp3o420]

Interview ideas 🤔💡 Icp, sharkboy, Shannon Moore, Vito, val Venus

[@TDsFamilyTV]

Great history book!

[@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA]

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro.

[@Daredevil2BeGr8]

"I enhanced talent. I didn't lose." What a powerful statement. I know I am gonna enjoy this watch!

[@slodude66]

Dirty Dutch Mantell doesn't like the word jobber. He prefers enhancement talent.

[@Rick-si1re]

I just got to the part where he said it, and I didn't know that he in a sense chose to be a "jobber" or "enhancement talent", a better term, as opposed to being a "big star", it's definitely a selfish job, "laying down" every night, and don't get me wrong, I'm sure most of the "Superstars" were grateful, but I know some weren't and probably some even went as far as to take liberties with Mr. Lombardi in the ring.

[@quickcar5255]

He was a jobber.

[@nextjin]

@@quickcar5255your mom was a jobber.

[@AaronSmith-x6o]

Men like this are the glue and fabric of America. Everybody wants to be #1. It's impossible.

[@drefalcon1095]

That's Bullshit, the Brooklyn Brawler is a Legend and deserves to be in the WWE Hall of Fame. If you can put in a celebrity, you can put him in.

[@patrickbuell9934]

Truth

[@bakermob29]

As much work as he did. All the talent he helped progress….definitely deserving.

[@devmag52]

Lombardi, Horowitz, Sharpe, Jones… the list of names go on and on… Legends!

[@jjames9803]

The hippie mike boyette also

[@robertoplaza91]

Add to the list - The unpredictable JOHNNY RODZ & JOSE ESTRADA !!

[@MattHall05]

More to add: Bob Bradley, Terry Gibbs, Rusty Brooks, Paul Roma, Jim Powers, Jerry Allen, Scott Casey, Lanny Poffo, Scott McGhee, Jose Luis Rivera, Omar Atlas, Jesse Cortez, Billy Anderson, DJ Peterson, Barry Hardy, Duane Gill, Tom Stone, Richard Charland, George Skaaland, Dave Stoudemire, and Tim Horner. But there is WAY more to name!

[@ultraloyalservant2felineov41]

Barry Horowitz & Rene Goulet

[@TheRealVerbalAbuser]

Lee Scott

[@AjFrancisshomeboySteve]

This is one of the few guys at that time that had a match every show. Thats success for sure

[@judahasante]

The O.G. Jobber and I respect him for helping to push others and he ain't selfish about it.

[@JacksonOwex]

What's funny about Jobbers is that as we grow up we think they suck, then we get older and realize that these guys were some of the BEST wrestlers there have ever been! That's why they were given the job to make the other talent look AMAZING!!!

[@muhammadHassan-kj1jy]

It's weird to think that up until the 2000s, the best wrestlers were always the ones that lost. You would think the best ones were those who won but no. Those who lost often were always the ones that made the winners look better than they actually were

[@boraonline7036]

Him and Barry Horowitz!

[@boraonline7036]

@@JacksonOwex I agree. As a kid I thought Hogan and Warrior are the best, even had arguments with friend at school. He was a Warrior fan and I was a Hulkamaniac. Today I know that pro Wrestling and WWF/E would not be that global Player without them, BUT I also know they both are bad wrestlers! 😂 Knowing on how they are off camera also didn't help to like the more, as an adult. As a kid I also had no idea abouz all those wrestling terms like "baby face" or "heel" or "jobber". But I wondered why the Brooklyn Brawler always loses. I kinda liked, even back then. Felt sorry for him, you could say.

[@jeromebass7878]

LA knight is this era's Steve Lombardi aka Brooklyn brawler

[@trustnoone3007]

Chris is definitely giving pro wrestlers of today and from the past their flowers. I know we use the term "flowers" nowadays, but it is important to let people know why they're still here with us....to let them know on what they mean to us. Awesome job on getting an interview with the Brooklyn Brawler. Definitely one of the hidden gems and important figures of pro wrestling. Love to see more of these people have their time to share their story, importance, and contribution they gave to the wrestling business. You're doing an outstanding job with those type of interviews!

[@nsamu]

I love that you have people like this one. It's cool to have Edge and John Cena and all that, but people like Brawler probably have a lot of good stories that don't get heard as often.

[@uc95nu51]

Oh man!!! It's the Brawler!!!! Gonna listen to this while I drive my semi tractor trailer round Minneapolis and make my deliveries to Sams Clubs.

[@LostForrest]

When I got into wrestling mid 80’s, the brooklyn brawler was (in my eyes) a wrestler like all the others. I didn’t know what a “jobber” was and I never saw him as one because he was featured a lot of the time. He had his own talking segments and character. Even after I wised up about the term, I understood it but he was never a “real jobber” to me.

[@terrymoore595]

Well said lad😊

[@JacksonOwex]

Like he said, it wasn't his job to LOSE, it was his job to ENCHANCE other talent! He was featured so heavily because he was one of the BEST to do what he did!

[@Mr.Beefy1979]

I never thought of him as a "jobber" either. I started watching about WrestleMania 1. Even though I was four yrs. old. I remember Hulk Beating The Iron Sheik.

[@garymaidman625]

If you didn't know what a jobber was, how could you possibly see him as one?

[@garymaidman625]

​@@JacksonOwexenhance, not enchance.

[@bodymore420]

This dude is the epitome of old school Italian thought pattern and hardwork. He literally worked his heart out in whatever he was asked and did it with grace and panache whilst losing the majority of the time. He was just doing his job and grinding for his family to earn and provide. Huge level of respect for this gentleman.

[@MrTommygunz0482]

Brawler definitely deserves the HOF. Honestly, I would like to see enhancement talent make a comeback.

[@BabyMaharaja0]

they still have enhancement talent. most recently Bron Breakker has been squashing NXT jobbers

[@Tim82ATW]

Definitely!!

[@Rick-si1re]

Absolutely, and not in a "WWE jobber" hall of fame, put some respect on the man's name, he did a wonderful "job" of getting some of the talent we still love today, to get them over, without people like that, they may not have been as big of stars as they ended up being!

[@RS3isRealscape]

he should squash John Cena in about 2 minutes that would be greatest match ever

[@RS3isRealscape]

@@Rick-si1re SD Jones also in WWF HOF just so you know you freaking mark

[@SteffonGreatness]

He’s the Rock’s number 1 fan. This guy is a legend indeed and he literally feels like a grandpa. I loved him and this interview. It was very touching. I love his story telling.

[@majrminer]

An absolute legend to kids of the mid-80s. This guy single-handedly held the company together when they needed it. PUT HIM IN THE Hall of Fame NOW.

[@guerrero520]

He’s a hell of a story teller, one of my favorites, as a New Yorker he always stood out to me

[@mikegagliardi7916]

Great Interview! As a NY Kid we always loved the Brooklyn Brawler, he was our hometown hero!

[@chrissullivan63]

I can't wait to go watch bunch of Brooklyn Brawler clips on KZbin wheeeew!!!! I'm 3 quarters through this interview & once again Chris, THIS SHIT IS 🔥 🔥 🔥!!!!

[@GRDjosh]

I was there for the Rock's first match...at the Memorial Coliseum in Corpus Christi, TX...great show

[@Qwinn03]

The Brooklyn Brawler of podcasters. That is quite the honor.

[@sungsim7747]

I watched the entire Brooklyn Brawler interview in one sitting. I never did that before. Amazing story and a huge fan of Brooklyn Brawler Steve Lombardi. Hope he will succeed in his other passion. Love you bro.

[@brianbenoit6883]

Brooklyn Brawler, Iron Mike Sharpe, Barry Horowitz, Special Delivery Jones, They all need to go into the hall of fame. These are guys that managed to make the 'superstars' look good while preventing them from getting hurt. Even though you always knew they were going to lose they still managed to evoke emotions and reactions...THAT'S talent.

[@MilwaukeeAtheists]

That story wirh steamboat makes me so happy. He finally got to show people what he could do

[@JohnVanRiper]

This guy is a legend, I wish guys like him would get more respect for their part in making the stars shine.

[@MrLjb999]

I needed the Brooklyn brawler today.

[@billwebber400]

What can I say about Steve Lombardi the Brooklyn Brawler you always had Talent and you still look like you're in great shape you entertain me for years sir nothing but love for you❤

[@Unethical_Ethical_HackTips]

Man what a throw back Chris. I havent seen in so long so glad you got to interview him because we know youll let him talk instead of just plowing through questions. Your interviews are so natural like a couple of buddies sitting around shootin the shit

[@sirtavion20]

I rarely watch full interviews but this and the one from teddy long are gold. Keep up the good work Chris!

[@Painkyller]

Wow! I always love all your interviews, but Brooklyn's is now definitely one of my all time favorites. His stories and his memory of it all is so amazing! He def needs to be in the Hall of Fame. He's done it all and then some! Thanks for interviewing him!

[@javierdavid9486]

The Brooklyn Brawler was a heel that was over in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Great look, great worker, and a great humble human being!

[@Treznor331]

I enhanced talent. I didn't lose. That hit hard.

[@griffonclaw]

@10:31, my spine tingled and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. Aw man. God bless and RIP Heenan. Lombardi deserves to be in the HOF now.

[@TyMarshall007]

the greatest Jobber in WWE history

[@finallimits1]

Speaking of that, he should interview Barry Horowitz

[@aaronbenhaggai973]

I think he is dead ​@@finallimits1

[@ArmandoOriz_]

​@@aaronbenhaggai973 nope. He's still alive

[@Tim82ATW]

​@@finallimits1definitely!!

[@IronTonyStark]

Enhancement Talent

[@SeekerPROs]

Wow! What a great storyteller. I could listen to this guy talk all day. Such a legend since the WWF days.

[@goatsmokemedia3874]

I enjoyed this interview a lot more than I could have ever expected!

[@TheGame1083]

Thanks CVV for this awesome interview with the Brawler, love the advice and the stories

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidlakhan3721]

One of the greatest interviews many fans will not get to watch because they just don't know his contributions. This makes me think of Hamilton, Ontario native son and the first "Iron Mike", Mike Sharp. He was as was know back then a "Jobber." These two men stand out for me as I a son to be 50 and a fan for most of those years witnessing the wrestle world. I hope one day there is a HOF ring for him and Mike. And thank you Chris.

[@robertjaime6808]

About time the Brooklyn Brawler got some kind of recognition for all them years being a “jobber”. Thank you for interviewing him.

[@pinewaves]

Wow! What an incredible interview with this gentleman!❤

[@GEARS2024]

I've always had respect for Steve Lombardi but after this interview, I have A LOT more respect for him just based on his outlook on wrestling and entertainment. It's one thing to be a great jobber and enhance talent but it's another to have a mindset like his and "never lose" as he puts it. Amazing man and I'm really happy he had a chance to do this.

[@shanebarker3131]

10 min in and he's still on his 1st answer. CVV about to explode lol

[@mikays7059]

12:00 cut to the sponsor QUICK

[@marcussimmons2708]

“I didn’t lose I enhanced talent”… What an artful way to describe getting beaten up every night for 30 years. Much respect to the brawler! 👍🏾!

[@taramjwi57]

This interview was excellent. Shared it to my Dad, as when I was a boy I watched a lot of these matches with him. Never realized how many of those matches he was in incognito.

[@JonAtoms]

Brooklyn Brawler was a hero that you were unaware of as a kid! only as an adult do i appreciate what he gave me as a child, Thank you Mr. Lombardi!

[@Josebats89]

I absolutely LOVED this interview with THE Brooklyn brawler. The guy contributed to the industry in a different way. By building up stars while not asking for anything. He belongs in the HOF.

[@daysgonesequel]

This interview is blowing me away!

[@Digolebicks92]

Such a good interview. The Brooklyn brawler is such an inspiration!

[@K_Ken115]

Great interview! Great stories! Great attitude! So refreshing and positive! I've been wanting to hear from BB and Barry Horowitz. This didn't disappoint ❤️🙏🏾...Thank-you-Braw-ler

[@davidrue5488]

I may say it often but it's true ..Chris does NOT miss! What a fantastic interview with one of the legends from my childhood!

[@buckekatt]

One of the best wrestling interviews I've heard. I grew up watching the Brooklyn Brawler and I never knew he was doink, Kim chee or thr kangaroo that was with the bushwhackers. Put this man in the hall of fame

[@ultraloyalservant2felineov41]

As a Brooklyn life long resident, Steve was always 1 of my favorites. As Brooklyn Brawler, it gave him a much needed personality and identity. It’s too bad the higher ups never gave him a much deserved win run and championship chase. Awesome video and channel!

[@Toonch]

This is the dude that helped all those guys we grew up watching to get better in the ring and he has never been inducted into a hall of fame or even recognized for his work but Celebrities that hardly ever done anything for the WWE get an automatic induction and praise? Give this dude the flowers he deserves,” I enhanced talent, I didn’t loose.” 👌🏽💯💯🔥

[@VinlandicSoul]

Brooklyn Brawler is the most Brooklyn person you’ll ever meet. For that, he has never broken character. Ever.

[@theboxingboy7422]

He might have been a job guy in the company but he had a job there for 33 years. Wrestled everybody and lived his dream and performed in the greatest places you can perform. I think just for his service to the company in the ring and backstage he should get a HOF induction down the line.

[@thecottage4493]

When I think of 80's WWF, I think of the Brawler! He was the first wrestler I saw on TV.

[@Obscusion2]

The thing with Brawler is that you have to take his stories with a grain of salt, as he will embellish at bit. For example, according to Cagematch, he was NOT Bruno's final opponent (Bruno's last match was tagging with Hogan against Bundy & One Man Gang, while his last singles match was with Hercules), he was NOT Rocky Johnson's first WWF opponent (that was Tony Colon in 1982), and he never beat the Warrior. His status as Bret's first WWF match is also debatable, as Bret did work some WWF/Stampede co-promoted events first, though Lombardi was Bret's first match after exclusively signing with the WWF. It's possible there are some old matches not listed on Cagematch, but the site's pretty comprehensive with its database. However, I can fully believe the general stories Brawler is telling, establishing how close he was to guys like Bruno & Snuka, or the story about WWF wanting to test Warrior's willingness to do as he's told & Brawler giving him advance warning to pretty much save his job. There's no doubt that Brawler is a very good storyteller, though, and I absolutely love the story about how he fought Shawn for the title just a week after the Montreal Screwjob.

[@karimglasgow5518]

Yeah he may have misremembered some stuff, which is OK considering how long ago it's been. What I remember about his transition from Lombardi to BK Brawler, for example, is that WWF was (relatively) transparent about it. He didn't have the gimmick when he attacked Terry Taylor backstage, so when he showed up on TV a week later in the Yankees shirt with the holes it was with the understanding that this was the same Steve Lombardi who just last week took Jake the Snake's DDT on Superstars for like the 14th time.

[@Obscusion2]

@@karimglasgow5518 Yeah, and there was that one time Triple H poked fun at the various gimmicks Lombardi has had when he came out as Knuckleball Schwartz in the 00s & Hunter joked "I guess the Brooklyn Brawler wasn't available today", or something like that.

[@smurfitoo1585]

This is definitely one of the most wholesome and deepest interview I’ve seen Chris do… love it

[@AdventuresOnPlanet7]

This is what I remember from WWF in the new generation "era". The Brooklyn Brawler and Barry Horrowitz, George South and the random local guys in NWA, USWA, Continental Wrestling, it's crazy that now it's like so nostalgic.. the way Elvis was to our parents

[@Tygermetal]

Didn’t know I needed this. More interviews with legends please. Thanks CVV.

[@chuckwolf9869]

Steve is the greatest Enhancement Talent to ever step into a wrestling ring... he made the careers of all the big stars

[@demnseedable]

What a great interview, such a storied career, and just reinforced the fact that Chris has one of the best shows out there.

[@jessehaltia4795]

Heard he got special broke-back training from Pat Patterson.

[@RS3isRealscape]

pat only liked little boys #pedophile

[@CriticalThinking1776]

Brooklyn Brawler is a special dude, most guys in the business are extremely jealous of the ones that made it big when they didn't. Steve is just a good all-around dude.

[@spc3461]

🔥 Awesome interview, Chris! Loved hearing about Brooklyn Brawler’s incredible 33-year journey in WWE. The insights on being a ‘jobber’ and the behind-the-scenes stories are fascinating. And that moment when he faced The Rock and defeated Triple H? Legendary! Keep up the great work! 🙌🎙️

[@therawspill]

This is a really really good interview. Very insightful. Those that are in or wanting to get in the business should watch this.

[@BrandonCarder]

One of my favorite interviews ever!! Love Steve Lombardi

[@MrBlockice22]

LMAO That was my dude!! He was the BEST!!

[@ToysAreWonderful]

I didn't know Brooklyn Brawler was also Doink! I loved both characters as a younger man. He's very empowering. When he talked about believing that you can succeed and that you have to create your own opportunities, it reminded me of the time when I was down to my last $50 in the bank. I took a risk, started a small business with that $50 selling toys, and I actually got out of my terrible situation. Now I have no debt and I'm making money. If you can't find opportunities, you definitely need to make one yourself.

[@binkymagnus]

Steve Lombardi is such a legend to me. when i was a little kid we didn't have cable or anything so i got to watch WWF on saturday mornings on broadcast. so there were never big matches, just the stars versus the "jobbers." Steve was on (getting his ass kicked) every Saturday. it would not have been entertainment without him. of course as a little kid i didn't understand anything and I thought wrestling was real and Steve was just terrible. but he was so important to the whole thing. great interview.

[@iblackfeathers]

when i first saw nigel mcguinness at aew, thought he was the brooklyn brawler doing a british accent. 😂

[@TaneK9]

What a fantastic podcast and what an absolute Gentleman Steve Lombardi is.. I really believe that his stories are so fascinating and he is such a humble man that completed a dream in his heart and how could you stop a man with that ambition and drive... I salute you Steve thank you for telling your story and Chris excellent job enhancing the talent :)

[@meowoofoof]

"The Rock saved the company!" LOL

[@paulmadsen3244]

Thanks for the interview of Steve,always liked watching him wrestle,seems like a great guy.

[@larim4445]

The fact that he's Bruno's last match and the Rock's 1st match is incredible

[@akingwithwords2144]

Never sat through an entire interview of a wrestler, until now! I’m watching this whole sh!t!

[@donaldbenjamin8342]

He was one of the superstars along with Andre, hogan, piper, Robert's, etc in my book and hall of fame. ❤ Always loved seeing him on my screen. 😊 And you noticed I said "he", cause the Brooklyn brawler and Steve Lombardi were both awesome.

[@KkevrockK]

Love how he called him Terry Taylor and not The Red Rooster! 😂 What an absolute Beauty Steve is, add him to the list of people I must have a beer with!

[@ConfusedBassGuitar-od9zl]

This guy definitely should be in the Hof if you were a fan in the 80s or 90s you know this guy.

[@hadhoda12345]

Those last 5 minutes were so heartwarming. Loved the entire thing.

[@Cornelius-jk6jk]

Gawd. This is sum of the most beautiful yapping I’ve ever heard😌

[@laoaganlester1728]

I must have seen his matches in the 80's when I was a kid but I didn't care but when I was a teenager in the 90's I noticed him more. He really deserve recognition for willing to be a jobber in his entire wrestling career.

[@DrIntel1914]

I have so much respect for Brooklyn Brawler

[@bigandsmallgamesandtoyschannel]

Warrior's come out to play !! Brawler is a legend who put the business before himself. Dont get many of these men anymore

[@JayMoral_x]

What an amazing story teller!! I never ever knew about the Brooklyn brawler now!! I will forever be a fan!!

[@ralphs400]

He will never be happier in his life. He found someone who let him go on and on about his wrestling career without interrupting or calling him on anything 😂😂

[@odinquincannon4237]

I kinda assumed he was in the Hall of Fame. How the hell is he not. The guy is a building block and loyal as hell and most of all, an artist who does the unsung job.

[@mikedimarco3008]

Brooklyn Brawler 4 - Life

[@Franchise38]

About time Brawler got his time to talk.

[@michaelp_42]

Steve Lombardi needs to be in the WWE Hall of Fame ‼️‼️

[@Windfire06]

This man is the visual definition of a true Carpenter.

[@battlerapplaylist4139]

Only man who can interview himself lol

[@GilbertoGarcia-v4f]

This guy was ahead of his time and did a lot for wrestling.

[@JerichoGHZ]

man this guy is incredible, you feel the passion for the business , really love it !!

[@carloscortes7266]

Thank you for being such a big part of my childhood. What an interview thank you so much.

[@EulalioMagana]

One of my favorites as a kid. Had no idea he was a “jobber”.

[@ThrupleQuashimodo]

I love this. Guys like this are the reason we are fans. You can't really appreciate what we have now without understanding where it came from.

[@badplay156]

There are a few wrestlers that I can aleays picture well. A couple who always enjoyed are Steve Lombardi (even before Brooklyn Brawler) and Barry Horowitz

[@matthewtufford7145]

I could listen to Steve forever what an interesting guy 👏🏻

[@elruffian163]

I always loved the brawler ,when I started wrestling I wanted to be like him . probably one of the few who didn't mind getting thrown around as long as it looks good,to me he's on my mount Rushmore of wrestlers

[@colinsquire7020]

He needs a podcast. What a career

[@ajprokopp5755]

Met him a couple times when he wrestled in bay city and Saginaw Michigan he is one very nice and humble guy