"Guest Booker Gold vol 3" Jim Cornette, Jerry Jarrett, and Mike Graham

[@cjsmith5818]

Kayfabe Commentaries have the best interviews and interviewer period

[@phoenixsplash135]

"I could have planned that on a good shit after a dinner at taco bell" This is going to be my new phrase haha

[@verigone2677]

+phoenixsplash135 Cornette will always be my favorite Mic man ever.

[@SteveHolsten]

Only about Wrestling, but not about politics.

[@CuteLesbo69]

@@KHLB516 no, he is waaaaay off the mark politically.

[@LH74]

He’s funny AF

[@oldschoolm8]

Wow, a shoot interviewer with social skills! He interacts, listens and gives opinion instead of saying 'What are your memories of' 1000 times! Smarks don't make good interviewers.

[@durden2480]

that's right that guy that did warriors for ringside collectables was atrocious

[@stephenbianchi7141]

Sean Oliver made shoot interviews a respectable business.

[@mikeperry7335]

+the ame when he's not fucking children rob is asking about ur memories then pretend he knows everything u say even when blatantly wrong

[@mider9996]

I think Sean's a real wrestling fan

[@rainman9750]

Jez Creed this is from Kayfabe Commentaries w/ Sean Oliver. I recently discovered all these shoots and the guy is damn good at what he does he comes prepared an he really gets these guys to open up

[@cdwest82]

I would love to see a guest booker with Paul Heyman.

[@litehouse6]

RIP Mkie Graham. Always enjoyed watching him in the Florida territory.

[@Evs78101]

"Never drew a dime" is burned into my head thanks to these shoots haha. Well....you know

[@michaelarmstrong7693]

Cornette makes a valid point! As a fan, I don't know about my feelings being hurt with the way the invasion angle was handled, but I did feel a little insulted! I've watched this stuff for over 25 years, I firmly believe I could book rings around these decision makers now!

[@FallenOne58]

Wow, listening to Mike Graham...I want to buy the land he's buried in because the fertilizer value must be through the roof!

[@watsonvillian]

Him and Greg Gagne always reminded me of one another. Both trying to fill their daddy's shoes, but didn't have the talent to do so.

[@x5079x]

I really respect and 100% agree with what Jerry Jarret said, many of his points reminded me of the feud between HHH and HBK. I knew in real life they are best of friends but man, their rivalry and matches brought so much entertainment and emotion to the fans.

[@LivEviL18781]

"If they needed 2 months to plan that, I coulda planned that on a good shit after a dinner at Taco Bell" You have to love Corny. Wrestling Genius

[@mkl62]

In 1979, a new pro wrestling magazine hit newsstands and magazine racks across the nation. It was Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Mike Graham was ranked at #9 in the National Wrestling Alliance when the first issue went to press.

[@bourque801]

Holy....wow....The Mike Graham segment in this clip is shocking about Benoit....WOW!!!! Thank You sincerely for putting this up.

[@mkl62]

In 1979, a new pro wrestling publication hit newsstands and magazine racks across the nation. It was Pro Wrestling Illustrated. When the first issue went to press, Mike Graham was ranked at #9 in the National Wrestling Alliance, #7 in the Most Popular Wrestlers category, and at #6 with Steve Keirn in the Tag Team Division.

[@fjccommish]

I love Jim's voices.

[@24klc67]

Mike Graham is the son of legendary Florida wrestler/promoter Eddie Graham. He followed his father into the business and was a name in Florida, but wasn't able to draw a crowd outside of the Florida territory. Since he and Kevin Sullivan were the best of friends for a long time and worked together behind the scenes at WCW, he should know the real story about the Benoit/Nancy/Kevin situation. It's a shame he followed the same path that his father and his son did by committing suicide. RIP Mike.

[@detrius82]

Jerry Jarrett is spot on here! Just entertain us, don't try to out smart us. Don't try to shock us, just entertain us. Rocky was a great example, it doesn't get any more simplistic then that.

[@frankbonini7085]

Agreed. Simplicity OWNS Everything Else!

[@TheRpf1977]

Yea Im sure Benoit was scared by Mike Grahams threats!!

[@dbatista4]

Yeah I agree, I really can't take Mike Graham seriously when he says he saved WCW millions of dollars. If you watched WCW Rise and Fall DVD he says the same thing and he also says he convinced Hogan and Savage to come to WCW, which I kind find hard to believe because from what I read in Ric Flair's biography book, he and Eric Bischoff were the two that courted them, which sounds more like the truth.

[@MrLambo420]

I could listen to Cornette all day, hilarious!!!!!!

[@TripleRp]

This is what it sounds like when someone really knows the business of Professional Wrestling. Jim Cornette is the truth.

[@BUNCECENTRAL]

The Cornette shoot is the best ever. It was a great idea to give him the Invasion to book.

[@missuscake]

Raven has told that story and so did DDP, how they picked Benoit personally, and how little things in the few that they were building to were taken a dump on. It was just Benoit that had the problem with Sullivan all the Revolution soon to be New Radicals were leaving because they felt Sullivan as top booker was wrong, this was a long and mired war you can't think Sullivan did nothing if four people left that night that he became head booker to the competition.

[@jakethemuss3]

Heard Jerry Jarrett was one of the cheapest promoters in wrestling history with regards to payoffs.

[@jonathanlindsey790]

Some people who moved on to "bigger and better things" as well as those who never made it are usually the ones who say that. Many who worked directly with CWA/USWA say different. Like most territory promoters, Jerry paid people what he thought they were worth. And considering how many stars his territory turned out, I'd say he was a decent judge of talent.

[@RobwLPOC]

@@jonathanlindsey790 that would be Bill Dundee and Jerry Lawler of the two only two guys who ever made decent money working there. Everybody else half-starved

[@xX95rddXx]

Saw all of these. Great Shoots

[@IAmThePumaMan]

It would have been interesting to see who came out on top. Mike Graham might have been older at the time,but he was known to be an underestimated force. His father used him to work against wrestlers in training when he was barely a teenager, so I'd say he's tougher than he looks.

[@McStarkiller666]

Out of all the different times I have heard him tell this story this is the only one that mentions JJ Dillion

[@johnchitwood8799]

Conveniently Graham left out the part about cutting Benoits head off and sticking it on a pole. Ive always thought Sullivan and Graham were the real killers. Graham killed himself not long after

[@philaman1972]

Great stuff. Indeed the WCW "invasion" could have been a wrestling fan's dream if executed properly. Also, everything Mr. Jerry Jarrett said makes 100% perfect sense.

[@dolam]

10:18 the only reason I watched this interview (other than hearing the great Jim Cornette speak).

[@JoBo6772]

I like the "ROCKY" comparison of "good booking" vs "bad booking" by The Original Double J. Very good look at "the right way to book" and "OVER-BOOKING"/ russo-style

[@theshootinterviewman]

the awkward moment when mike graham talks about drawing dimes...

[@beergutplays]

Maybe I'm the only one who thinks Eddie could draw in wcw if given the opportunity. We saw the charisma in wwe and his bits of it when given a chance in wcw.

[@jdschrunk4900]

Absolutely! Eddie was the only legit star of that group of 4

[@danielburger1775]

@@jdschrunk4900 None of those guys ever drew a dime.

[@matthewrock4725]

​@@danielburger1775 nobody gave a fuck Mike Graham died. People still talk about Eddie today. Who drew again?

[@MacPr0xnxx0]

jERRY HIT IT ON THE MAP!

[@saveus228]

So what exactly was Graham wrong about? Benoit was great on the card, but he's not world champ material. Ratings don't lie. Wwe realized it and made him a perennial secondary belt contender after they took the title off him. Talented performer, but he didn't have the same charisma of a Eddie Guerrero or even rey mysterio

[@robertlenartowicz4972]

mike graham clearly did handle rejection well!

[@angryfoodie]

Cornette's invasion angle would have been so awesome.

[@Rcksaltnnails]

Graham's story is long known, he talked about it right after Beniot and the rest left WCW and talked about it many times over the years. Benoit never had a retort when asked about it. Graham would have probably taken Benoit to be honest as Graham was one of the last legit shooters around. Oh, and he made a TON of money and was a HUGE star. You should really check your past before making such comments.

[@ChaosDave2]

Jerry Jarrett looks like Greg Valentine here.

[@zybeco]

I think Graham is telling the truth.

[@Jynx316]

Well, you notice he even admitted to lying to the HR lady, when he didn't mention he DID threaten Benoit's life. "All I said" my ass.

[@drdre1974]

When properly pushed, Eddie and Chris, for all their flaws, drew plenty of dimes.

[@strongstyle_heel3783]

Hate to call somebody a liar that ain't around to defend himself, but Mike Graham is a liar. Kevin and Nancy had been separated for a year, she didn't travel with Kevin she only came in to do TV. I know this because I've heard Kevin Sullivan say this multiple time in multiple interviews.

[@buckbumble]

Sullivan & Beniot? Not sure if I've heard of this mysterious Mr. Beniot character. How did things work out for him?

[@bonlouis8808]

I want to be Superstar Jim

[@maximillianrexcarpediem1469]

The thing is, I never even heard of Mike Graham until I heard he bashed BEnoit, etc.

[@JayCity10]

With a fist full of dimes.

[@undisputedgreatest]

These are all some smart, classy guys. Excellent interviews. Benoit was obviously a coward...I 100% believe that story.

[@lildino72]

Jim Cornette is a freaking hoot, love it

[@Airsoftcleaner]

I do agree with Jerry Jarrett when it comes to Bill Watts, He was a kick ass Promoter ,I'll just say this, The UWF was his baby and in the short history of that particular sanctioning body it stacked up to The NWA ,The AWA, AND WWE as far as talent and popularity.

[@DavidDavidsonRhettEColumnSWN]

A great video, thanks for posting it. With Cornette your always going to get the straight skiddy BECAUSE the guy fears no one and no thing--HE HAS NOTHING TO LOOSE. Then Mike Graham didn't he use to be a referee for WCW? Interesting story about him Benoit and Sullivan. What then killed Chris Benoit? Why? Then Jerry Jarrett I could listen to for hours on end, great historian and preserver of the finer points of the wrestling business, which are, SADLY, lost!

[@frankbonini9128]

I Don't Remember Mike Being a Referee ... But, as a Talent, He Was a Top Guy in Florida & Former AWA World Light Heavyweight Champion ... Then, He Went On to Be a Promoter & Behind the Scenes Guy in Florida, WCW & WWE

[@AmericanNohbuddy]

@carl22069 From what was originally planned, WCW was supposed to be it's own show. But the Booker T/Buff Bagwell main event changed that since the crowd didn't give a damn. They later did that brand extension idea for Raw and Smackdown.

[@JustinNichols79]

Remind me.....who is Mike Graham again ? Benoit not a champion.....yeah, and putting the title on David Arquette was good how ?

[@step69]

I'll remind you, Mike Graham is the son of wrestling legend, Eddie Graham. Mike Graham was pro wrestling illustrated rookie of the year in 1972. Graham won 2 world light heavyweight titles in the AWA and International Jr Heavyweight champ in the NWA. Mike Graham also won a NWA world tag title with Kevin Sullivan. Mike Graham won every title in the Florida territory except for the southern heavyweight championship including winning the Florida tag titles 16 times. That is who he was.

[@carl5381]

Graham was working another promotion and long gone from WCW at that point.

[@AdamPaul222]

RIP Mike Graham God Bless

[@dr.asplays8540]

I don't agree with much of what Mike Graham says on here about the worth of those wrestlers BUT I do believe even at 50 he could have whipped Benoit's ass or come real close to it. He was a legit tough dude.

[@balfrey1982]

Kevin Sullivan knew what was good for business. He put the belt on Benoit even though they had a shaky personal life. When it came to business Sullivan was ALL business.

[@travisw3131]

bless Mike Graham i know he's deceased and i don't like saying anything bad about anyone who is no longer around however for him to say Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn never drew a dime for wcw that is laughable come on that is a lie. they were probably the biggest reason for wcw's success from 96-99 everyone wanted to see these new guys not just the four i mentioned everyone brought in around 95 and 96 that no one in the united states had ever seen before revolutionize the wrestling business. also i've seen the rating the night they showed up in wwe they were in the main event the highest rated segment of the night and they drew a 8.1 rating which i believe might be one of the biggest ratings of the entire Monday Night War.

[@AntoRetroGamer]

Travis williams Guerrero, Benoit, Malenko and Saturn a significant reason for WCW's success from 1995-1999. Who are you trying to kid with that nonsense?

[@travisw3131]

i didn't say they were the reason for it that everyone was like i must see these four guys no i didn't say that. i said those four were part of the group of guys that Eric had gotten from Japan and Mexico in 1995 and 1996 that no one in the United States or very few at that time had ever seen and they were on fire putting on these kick ass matches that wwe didn't have a the time because they had guys like Duke the dumpster that no one wanted to see.

[@AntoRetroGamer]

Travis williams I'm paraphrasing here: "they were probably the biggest reason for wcw's success from 1995-1999". You also said: "however for him to say Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn never drew a dime for wcw that is laughable come on that is a lie. So either you are overestimating their roles in WCW, or simply contradicting yourself.

[@travisw3131]

oh okay i see my wording there one of the bigger reasons that wcw was doing great for so long. Jericho who was backstage has said everyone in that undercard group was a big reason why wcw was winning for so long.

[@travisw3131]

Kia Sozzitada how could they draw a rating when they weren't ever put in a spot to draw a rating?

[@pete123ca]

Does Mike Graham own any shirts that have sleeves?

[@1965kdb]

No, I suggest you look up "War of the Worlds" and see who wrote it.

[@theshootinterviewman]

@CombatSportFan i thought it was gr8 how sean just sat there looking really interested and hanging on jerrys every word

[@missuscake]

I guess i'm lucky that i didn't say Mike Graham is a liar in these comments, that i didn't do what i've done before and go off on a rant, not knowing Mike Graham, but through his shoots and interviews i think he was doing what he always did being loyal and being a friend, RIP Mike Graham.

[@8bitboise]

Haha actually now that you mention it I can't recall too many memorable matches. One that has always stuck out in my mind tho is Dean vs. Mysterio at a Halloween Havoc. Can't recall the year off the top of my head. 97 maybe?

[@drdre1974]

And, that music where they transition from guest to guest in this video makes me want to handglide.

[@ecwfaithful]

Especially when said dead person's name has already been named mud after a notable tragedy. Plus, kind of funny how he completely side-steps the fact that Mike Graham pulled a gun on Benoit.

[@newl0bstr]

Mike Graham was a contestant on the October 18, 2012 episode of the game show Celebrity Bucket Kickers.

[@acadx]

@DeepSouthWrestling1 i live in florida and got to see mike wrestle a lot, one match i saw at an afternoon show in ocala florida, mike and eddie graham vs. bob orton sr. and bob orton jr. that was a great match,i agree maybe mike wasnt the best ever but he was very good, and to be good with the competition in florida then was saying something, sullivan, brisco,i know mike trained with steve keirn, eddie trained them both,eddie was another that deserves more credit

[@captainthrall]

Mike Graham's segment was completely untrue. He's known for heavily embellishing events, but in this commentary he is flat out lying. I'm not sure why he is so bitter, but he was responsible for chasing Benoit and Saturn out of the promotion. Later those guys went on to have massively successful careers. My guess is that in retrospect, Graham realizes that firing those guys - especially Benoit was a poor decision. Now, Rather than owning up to his mistake and simply saying, "ya I made a stupid move," he is telling some crazy fairy tale that makes himself look like he didnt screw up.

[@k1productions87]

***** you are forgetting what lead to Benoit's flash of insanity, and that was severe brain trauma. Says absolutely nothing about his ability to draw money, and his run in WWE proves that he was indeed a big draw. IF the ratings in WCW dropped during Benoit, Gurerro, Malenko, and Jericho's matches... its because the majority of WCW fans didn't care about actual wrestling talent. Hell... look at the product (objectively).

[@k1productions87]

***** Well, the reply was sparked by what you said, but was also staying relevant to the video as it related (or argued) what Mike Graham had stated.

[@verigone2677]

+msu15 that was because of being forced into the moppy angle after shooting hard on Mike Bell...the moppy routine destroyed his career in WWE and off he went.

[@melbias5046]

what jarrett said about giving the money to the guy and then he doesnt care, kevin nash came to mind. i dont know if vince gives them, but i bet he will be on their behinds every moment.

[@joemiller5832]

it shows you how mike graham knows talent the crippler became a superstar in the wee and all the other talent that left like eddie so I wish we could see graham in a fight

[@jimbo62178]

Mike Graham threatening Benoit is like Gollum threatening an Orc.

[@alexprentice6648]

"Well you know?"

[@fnpmplf]

Graham was a badass by any standard. Also, Graham didn't just tell this story after Benoit died. Dave Meltzer wrote on this story after the Radicalz had left. AFAIK, Benoit never commented. But Benoit did go to PR. AFAIK, it was a scam to get out of his contract. If Benoit was scared of Graham, I wouldn't blame him. Graham punked out Sid in 1991.

[@streetswilson]

Its important to remember as well that at the time, Benoit, Saturn, and Guerrero... never drew a dime. Even Chris Jericho has admitted on his podcast that at the time he thought he was being "held down" or whatever because he was one of the "midgets" their referring to but he says that looking back, he really wasn't showing them anything special, and he would of let himself and others go as well if he was in the same position.

[@step69]

Jericho was a standout in WCW but was being held back. They wanted him to job to Goldberg in squash match fashion & Jericho refused to. I'm sure that didn't help.

[@MikeCooter]

Mike Graham just sounds like this was completely made up. I am not doubting he talked to Benoit but I am sure Benoit more or less walked away at him. Benoit left because the company kept hosing him and he gave them a cheap shot by leaving after they put the title on him. "Little Band of Midgets" He was listed at 5' 8", he should have been their biggest supporter.

[@blakkbandit22]

If what Graham says is true, he makes a valid point. I am a Benoit fan. Love his work but if what Graham says is true, he was wrong. After everything Benoit has done to Sullivan, he should have never given WCW an ultimatum like that. You take the man't wife, his condo, humiliate him in front of his co-workers and friends, Sullivan never retaliates, and now you try to take away his job ? If you're not happy just leave. Not threats just walk out.

[@youngbuck189]

happy 4th of July!!!!!

[@guyspriggs]

I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I'm not sure what this proves. I was only a casual WCW fan during the last ten years of the company, and I can remember tons of great matches with those four guys. With the exception of Saturn, every one of them put on match of the year candidates while in WCW.

[@farseerflore9512]

I heard Mike Graham never drew a dime bar!...shit, they are called diam bars now :s

[@AmericanNohbuddy]

@Quentin242451 Originally WCW was indeed going to have it's own show. But the Booker T/Buff Bagwell match bombed and they changed it to an invasion angle.

[@mbp7060]

If my Dad owned the shop and I was decent at the job my Dad does and owns, you better believe I'd be working for him. I'm his son why wouldn't I? It is the family business. How tall and how big Mike was is of no consequence because his dad wasn't a big man himself, they both were about the same size. Mike had a good amateur wrestling career and he was a decent powerlifter as well so not only was he good enough and big enough to be a pro wrestler but he was certainly strong enough.

[@jonathanturbide2232]

Yeah, that's really sad. I wonder if Mike knew what he was doing ( we don't really know since a lot of people under the influence of drugs or alcohol don't know what they are doing ). If he knew what he was doing then it's obvious that he wanted to die the same way his father did. Very tragic.

[@ofthemorningstar]

With the injuries he sustained and a mix of other mental problems is what led to that happening (doesn't excuse it though). Other than this guy you won't find anyone who thought Benoit was a bad guy before this. Look at most of the old timers, they have near split personalities which may be attributable to the head injuries sustained. Same with some of the suicides, I know it's hard to watch a Mike Awesome/Masato Tanaka match now knowing those concussions probably led to him killing himself.

[@untuchable0417]

I coulda planned that on a good shit after a dinner at taco bell! Farkin BRILLIANT!

[@BPavsner]

Well, what Graham said debunks EVERYTHING people said about Sullivan being out to get Benoit. Seems the opposite was true.

[@kevinparamakurunathan2882]

mike graham never drew a nickle

[@DrewKane]

Mike who?

[@aldm1967]

Owl Eye Mike Graham was pretty damn popular in the late 70's early 80's in Florida. (only Florida)

[@kevinparamakurunathan2882]

aldm1967 yeah but he never drew

[@DrewKane]

***** Hundreds of jobbers had title shots. It's nothing special.

[@WZ912]

ONLY IN FLORIDA LOL! Florida was HUGE back in the day. it larger than some countries.

[@Murphdogg4]

Jerry Jerret was so on the damn money

[@jackiedegracia]

@REDMETH0D09878 Pot, what did you just say to kettle?

[@StrangeCoincidence]

"Not too sure about Stephanie, the way she's run through fuckin' talent over the last 10 years - Runnin people crazy and drivin em outta the business" nice swerve cornette, i caught that tho lol

[@leonitroful]

There is not one person in existence who believes that Chris Benoit would have been afraid of Mike Graham!

[@missuscake]

Sullivan did alot to Benoit as well, you think Benoit was just in WCW for three years after the love triangle without getting dumped on by the "bookerman."

[@69bumbaclat]

WCW was making more money at that time then Vince, AOL did not want to be associated with wrestling, the reason was because Jamie Kellner worked for Fox back in 1992 and they ran 2 WWF shows which drew minimal ratings and made very little money, so in his mind professional wrestling was not worth the time and effort. But he didn't check to see how popular professional wrestling had become since 1992 and how much money it was making, he put WCW up for sale as soon as the merge happened.

[@riprogers8313]

Jerry Jarrett , mike Graham , Jim Cornett guest bookers - listen closely to these legends of the ring who have been there- hear what really goes with the real pros- I have worked for all three and yes they know the wrestling business-sit back and learn

[@LH74]

Sean Oliver is the best guy who did this type of stuff.

[@johnstahlman9767]

Jerry Jarrett showed why Vince couldn't put him out of business. And honestly the USWA probably would be still around if he didn't sell it to Lawler who sold it to two random business men who didn't know how to run a wrestling company

[@aldm1967]

MIke Graham was an incredibly strong guy in his day. I'm quite sure he could give Benoit all he could handle. RIP Mike!!!

[@gsramsey]

Mike Graham never got over anywhere, including Florida. Yes, his father gave him big pushes, but nobody ever really cared about him. Jack Brisco wrote in his book that Mike Graham was just a spoiled rich kid who wanted to spend his daddy's money. For him to claim that he could take on Benoit is ridiculous.

[@WVsonofliberty]

Shawn Asfer, you never drew a dime!

[@missuscake]

Benoit took his wife, his wife is the one who legally took the condo they had a feud that was memorable, Sullivan constantly no sold during it(which he did to everyone.) Sullivan on the other hand who had been in a top position all along during WCW, the guy mostly behind the Goldberg push, did alot to stop Benoit from elevating himself, and undo the work by others with Benoit(DDP and Raven bringing him into their feud) to ruin his career or keep him in the confines he wanted him to be in.

[@69bumbaclat]

WCW was not losing money! AOL controlled everything of Turner's at this time, including WCW. They didn't know what they had and it was a BILLION dollar business. Turner knew it, the fans knew it, it seemed everyone knew it but AOL. Because they felt it was a bit low brow and wouldn't fit with their image. AOL did not even check how much money WCW was making, they just sold it as soon as they could, without any interest in trying to run it!

[@BIGNick7513]

For everyone shitting on Mike Graham I ask you this, did Eddie and everyone else draw before or after The Rock and Stone Cold and WCW left?

[@gabeguzman]

Exactly and why do you think he killed himself!