Greg Valentine - How Dusty Rhodes Was Before WWF

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine discusses how Dusty Rhodes was a mega star in the 1970s. Streaming now 📺 TitleMatchNetwork.com
Timecodes:
00:01 Haystacks Calhoun
01:25 Moves that don't make sense
02:30 Dusty Rhodes in the 70s
03:08 Tagging w/ father, Johnny Valentine
03:56 Promoter/Wrestler Eddie Graham
06:00 CWF Wrestling
Hear how the legendary Greg Valentine describes the popularity of Dusty Rhodes in the early days. We talk about what the Florida territory (run by Eddie Graham) was like and how travelling with the American Dream helped him in the future.
Watch More Valentine Shoot Interviews
• Greg Valentine - What ...
We also ask the Hammer about wrestling the 600+ lbs Haystacks Calhoun at the Spectrum. What was it like to get in the ring with a giant like that?
Produced by Title Match Network this past weekend in Las Vegas. Enjoy our brand new exclusive shoot interview from Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

[@TitleMatchWrestling]

LIKE if you're enjoying our new series w/ the Hammer 🔨 Full Playlist 📲 bit.ly/3fMmvW8 Streaming Now 📺TitleMatchNetwork.com

[@dave-rf2vn]

Please pass on the comments to Mr valentine hated him when he put the cane over ric flair nose lol ,that dirty cheap double crossed lol Greg you are a decent guy

[@tamiami34]

I really enjoy hearing The Hammer's stories. I began watching Championship Wrestling From Florida with Gordon Solie in the mid-70's. This series brings back a lot of good memories, watching wrestling on TV and going to the Miami Beach Convention Center and the Jai Alai Fronton to see the matches in person. Dusty Rhodes, Mike Graham, Bob Roop, Rocky Johnson, and so many other wonderful athletes and entertainers. What showmen they all were. I miss those times.

[@MrScott3060]

You can tell Greg is a regular guy not full of him self like most wrestlers

[@Millwall77]

In many ways yes, but he has refused to lose several times and just left the companies instead.

[@jaysantos536]

His old man Johnny was a BAD ASS. Greg was just a gravy train.

[@willlastnameguy8329]

"regular guy" was my exact impression when I started watching these clips.

[@kbraker510]

He seems to have almost all his brain cells.

[@portobelloedinburgh8891]

The title of this has nothing to do with this video.... 👎👎

[@thunderbay8888]

Mr. Valentine what a LEGEND you are Sir.

[@jaysantos536]

Wrong. His old man Johnny was a legend. Greg was a gravy train.

[@peanutbutterripple1083]

@Jay Santos there is a reason @thunderbay 8888 has 86 likes and you have 0. show some respect.

[@thunderbay8888]

@@peanutbutterripple1083 fuckin’ eh bro! 😎 Cheers! 🍻

[@55cleon]

INDEED💪🏿!

[@dwade6322]

Give this man a Podcast! Greg is perfect for wrestling knowledge.

[@QuetzalcoatlOdin]

I think it is great to see this part of him. I hated him when he was against Dino Bravo, as I should have.

[@steelersrus8055]

D Wade Yes💯

[@dwade6322]

Greg is the type of guy youd love to talk to at a bar.

[@spottss]

He’s well Spoken . Don Muraco is interesting but harder to understand him

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg The Hammer, Used to Scare me As a kid, With the Figure 4 Leg lock, I Actually though that he Broke other Wrestlers Legs, Same With Ken Patara , With the Neck Breaker

[@utubeskreename9516]

Greg Valentine is like the older relative you rarely saw growing up but always had such interesting, detailed stories to tell.

[@jbc1042]

Greg Valentine was a tremendous asset to professional wrestling during his era!

[@wiseguysoutdoors2954]

Greg, you are awesome. I saw you and Ivan Putski at Oil City high school in Oil City, Pa. I was a high school wrestler and we were allowed to help with the ring set up and you came out and talked to us and asked how our season was going, and even though you were a heel then, we were all cheering you on. You were so approachable and a regular guy. I won't ever forget that very positive interaction

[@MafiaKingfishNOLA]

There is NO ONE in wrestling today that you can compare to The Hammer. He was a great technician and had a terrific understanding of the business. He was probably one of the best heels in the business in the 80s.

[@StephenSmith-ie9ew]

He was a carthourse

[@poppiarlin5612]

Greg, sir you give the upmost respect to your fellow wrestlers. Your interviews are great.

[@georgedixon3534]

Nice thing was that back in 85 here in San Diego I got to see him wrestle Tito Santana, JYD and when he was half of the Dream Team I saw him wrestle the US Express, Killer Bees and British Bulldogs. Good stuff back then

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg The Hammer, Used to Scare me As a kid, With the Figure 4 Leg lock, I Actually though that he Broke other Wrestlers Legs, Same With Ken Patara , With the Neck Breaker

[@philipmorris4843]

I’m a Sarasota native and grew up on 70s Florida NWA wrestling and have great memories of Greg V. Eddie Graham, Dusty and announcer Gordon Solie were Florida institutions and loved and respected

[@brianjansen3103]

He just sounds truthful as hell when he talks

[@arlanbates3496]

I didn't like Valentine when I was a kid,but now I love and respect him so much.awsome honest guy.

[@user-mu5ny1ks6t]

I enjoy these interviews with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine.

[@user-mu5ny1ks6t]

Greg was very nice to me when he was in Nashua NH doing charity wrestling about 15 years ago. He was big as a house, in a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and flip flops. I was shocked when I saw him step out of the isle at a local gas station and I recognized him immediately. He looked briefly nervous I was going to be a dick, I am a 300lb heavily tattooed guy but I just smiled, held out my hand and expressed what a fan I was. He looked relieved and gave me a firm handshake and we wished each other a good day.

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

Daah!! Oooo! Shaamone

[@michaelfish35]

I could listen to him tell stories all day

[@paulsingh1166]

"The Hammer" made wrestling looked real!!!he was that good...

[@edwardclement102]

Of course, it is a real sport and like boxing, people can be killed.

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

He fell flat on his face like a cartoon character wtf you on about

[@351clevelandmodifiedmotor4]

@@edwardclement102 enjoy driving on the road,. People killed by roads all day everyday

[@TheSportsfan35]

@John Deen, he learned from the best & that's his Dad, the 1 & only Johnny Valentine.

[@terrencedeagle4429]

Yes, he was

[@prayingmantis6777]

Gregg is so right. Wrestling should be about the basics hold vs holds. People get injured with all the high flying moves nowadays.

[@mikeg2491]

I like high flying stuff but it’s weird how I’ll watch AEW now and someone like Bryan Danielson having a true old school, holds-heavy match seems more like the sideshow attraction now than the norm. I also think high flying moves have more meaning when they come out of nowhere or used as a finisher, good example being Brock’s Lesnar’s moonsault, it makes if look more impressive when you rarely do the move.

[@joshuaepling1976]

Idk how I found this page, but I've watched every one of the Hammer's interviews. Great watch!

[@purrbiscuits]

Hammer was the very first wrestler I met as a kid in the early 90s. He was as down to earth then as he is now. Humble, honest, hard knocks wrestler. Laid shit in and made it believable. Got even more respect and appreciation for the guy now that I’m older.

[@royroberts8004]

Hammer is the epitome of all wrestling. Humble and honest.

[@me1802]

Greg was an amazing worker! I hated him when I was a kid but I love watching his matches today. He hit people. Today they call it stiff. He was believable!

[@michaelamans2780]

Watched a lot of wrestling in my childhood, the 70,s and 80's. Love these stories, Greg is such a well spoken guy, great story teller. So glad these are on KZbin.

[@627jace627]

The Hammer is one of the most likable guys in the business.

[@frankluv]

It’s good to see him talking about his days in wrestling. He wasn’t my greatest person in the ring but it’s great seeing him now though. He doesn’t look much different either. It’s refreshing seeing him.

[@newwavepop]

i always think Wrestling is fairly well documented from the early 80s to now. so i love hearing the guys talk about the 70s and earlier period.

[@stevezylla2350]

The Hammer is by far the best interview! Insightful, articulate and just seems like an all around good guy.

[@bernietajonera5359]

I could listen to Greg all day ..what knowledge and wisdom …huge respect ! Thank you GV

[@philaman1972]

A lot of respect for Mr. Greg Valentine! I first saw him in the early 80s on WWF TV wearing his beautiful robes when he was managed by the late, great "Grand Wizard of Wrestling".

[@dougfredricks2017]

Grew up as teen in 70s and recall seeing Johnny Valentine on 📺 NWA Wrestling

[@alioshahand8040]

True Wrestling History spoken from The Hammer, can listen to him on audio for hours

[@1eyeinc.117]

Would love to hear about Gordon Solie. I grew up watching Florida Championship wrestling and he was, as Dusty put it, "the Howard Cosell of wrestling"! For its time, it was one of the best-produced wrestling programs. Dusty Rhodes, Dick Slater, Buddy Colt, Ric Flair, the Great Malenko, Pak Song, Briscoe Brothers....oh man, I could go on and on. Thanks for the years of entertainment Greg Valentine.

[@amskeels]

Loved Gordon Solie! His announcing was spot on and loved his phrasing of the situation and the excitement in his voice.

[@richardjackson1858]

Grew up on the FCW as well.gordon was the best ever.your right ,all the great talent that was here over the years was only matched by the amazing believability the Eddie Graham made it the best promotion ,bar none.boy do I miss the good ol' days.

[@MonstroLab]

Yup I even thought Cosell and Sully were the same guy (i was only about 8 years old). Also Coach John Heath was my actual coach at St Marthas school,,, and after school id often watch Gordon and Coach Heath commentate matches together, which really helped Gordons career im told. RIP Coach Heath and Gordon Sully!

[@danthemeatman9883]

Back in the day buddy !!!!!! I’m 63 & I remember all of them !!!!🙏♥️ back when I could watch wrestling !!!!!!!!!!😢

[@1eyeinc.117]

@@danthemeatman9883 yep - Buddy Colt, Cowboy Bill Watts, the Briscoe Brothers, Pak Song, Harley Race, and so many more....man those were the days!!

[@maxv3208]

Greg Valentine is the shoot interview GOAT!!! 🐐

[@ExMachina70]

It's great seeing these wrestlers you hated now becoming the guys you most admire. Honky Tonk Man was the same way for me. The story these guys tell rival the enjoyment I got watching them wrestling. Big love and thanks to these wrestlers who put themselves out there for us.

[@davidgolinsky]

He needs his own podcast. The guys really cool, not afraid to give credit where credit is due. No baloney with the Hammer.

[@ArizonaHighDesertHomestead]

Awesome..I could listen to Greg all day everyday..such a class act. Incredible career and one hell of a wrestler

[@AS-uy9gn]

Greg's view of how a match should look reflects perfectly what is wrong with much of wrestling today - much of it no longer looks like a fight (fake or not). Too much time with setups/complexity and not being able to make it look like punches, kicks, etc. actually land.

[@MB-oc1nw]

Greg Valentine is the Heels Heel...loved his methodical work in the ring

[@crpb5293]

I loved watching Greg The Hammer and The Mouth of the South work together. The Hart Foundation with Bret Hart, Greg Valentine, and Jim The Anvil Neidhart managed by Jimmy the Mouth was one of the great heel stables of that era. Glad to see Greg on TV again, and even better hearing the stories he has to tell. Do more podcasts, Greg!

[@versatilians]

I forgot about that version of the Hart Foundation! What was that, sometime around Wrestlemania 4 or 5? That sure was a good time to be a 9/10 year old boy who absolutely LOVED 'rasslin'! :)

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg The Hammer, Used to Scare me As a kid, With the Figure 4 Leg lock, I Actually though that he Broke other Wrestlers Legs, Same With Ken Patara , With the Neck Breaker

[@stealthbomber2127]

Greg was one of the great in ring technician's of all time, a real chip off of the ole block. I saw his Dad and Wahoo McDaniel many times at ringside and some nights you could hear a pin drop in the arena and their blows to each other would echo all around you. Great memories.

[@dustinandtarynwolfe5540]

For all these crazy personas that most of these guys have, Valentine seems like a very logical, normal everyday guy. I never saw him wrestle that I can remember but he seems to be a pretty good dude. Well spoken.

[@sexymanloc45]

Look at the paws on the hammer. He'd crush new school guys with a handshake!

[@davidapple8047]

I didn't appreciate him as a kid, but as an adult looking back on his matches, he was one hell of a worker and was just a bull of a man. He had big shoulders as well!

[@jeffadams2789]

Yes he would terr them apart the hammer..

[@al5306]

He had the coolest looking elbow drop (that wasn't from the top rope). He hit a guy with that and that guy looked like he was dead. It really looked like a hammer falling down on someone.

[@sexymanloc45]

@@al5306 he was so technical with his strikes and always. Everything looked like he was killing his opponent but never heard a bad thing about him. Thats what makes him so impressive

[@JohnHoffman-ws9cd]

I love listening to Greg Valentine. I love his shoot interviews.

[@gmoney8585]

for some reason I could listen to him all day

[@neilsmith9066]

Same here. He has a true knack for this! More Hammer!!!

[@rickintexas1584]

I grew up watching Dusty Rhodes on Tampa Florida. Great memories.

[@chrispatty2025]

This guy is a class act!

[@TitleMatchWrestling]

Timecodes: 00:01 Haystacks Calhoun 01:25 Moves that don't make sense 02:30 Dusty Rhodes in the 70s 03:08 Tagging w/ father, Johnny Valentine 03:56 Promoter/Wrestler Eddie Graham 06:00 CWF Wrestling

[@111RAMONES]

One of the toughest around. Loved his matches!

[@briancenti5423]

we can all see why you have almost 2MIL. subscribers, your interviews are right on target and you let the superstar talk without the constant interruptions other ''shows'' have. will always think the very best of Greg. years ago he spoke about a long match he had against Bob Backlund, and how he felt drained, and how Backlund helped carry him through it. Greg is a class act, he admitted he was spent, and gave props to the other wrestler. that is one of many reasons i respect the hell out of him.

[@jiovanna4136]

The first pro wrestler to body slam a 630lb man was Bruno Sammartino in 1967...he body slammed Haystack Calhoun at 630lbs. He used a upside down bear hug and lefted him out over his head like the Lex Luger finisher...that was an astonishing feat back then. Haystack Calhoun was 6,10" 630lbs.

[@robertfeeley9738]

Kinda the best show on KZbin. Because there is no crap in the presentation. Looks good and feels good. Keep up the good work

[@briankady1456]

Man, i can listen to Greg Valentine tell stories about wrestling.

[@speedwayaudio3]

As a kid in the 70's and early 80's Championship Wrestling from Florida was the greatest ever Saturday Mornings at 11:00 on channel 44 out of Tampa with Dusty, Gordon Solie, Buddy Colt, Coach John Heath and the rest of the boys made me believe that what was going on was as real as real could be. great time to be a kid in Central Florida.

[@lalomontoyajr.9282]

Greg The Hammer Valentine was one of my favorites back in the day. I remember I would imitate his figure four on my brothers and cousins! To the point that I can now apply it flawlessly.

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg The Hammer, Used to Scare me As a kid, With the Figure 4 Leg lock, I Actually though that he Broke other Wrestlers Legs, Same With Ken Patara , With the Neck Breaker

[@_ErIc1976]

The Hammer Valentine was a great wrestler one of the best. He was a stout athletic strong wrestler one of my absolute favorites and from what I see in these videos a stand up guy

[@mikesmith2718]

The Hammer is an awesome guy. Down to earth and knows the business in and out. Appreciate what hes done in the business .

[@michaelcalero1119]

I attended matches @ Fort Homer Hestley Armory, every Tuesday Night in the 70's I remember Greg as a young up and coming Wrestler. I was also present in 74 when Dusty turned babyface. At the time, we didn't know it would be still be talked about 40 yrs later. Great Times

[@nichhodge8503]

Greg talking about going in as his dad’s brother reminds me of my dad’s retirement party when people who worked with him saw my older brother and said to my dad “we’ve just seen your brother” to which my dad replied “I doubt it he’s been dead 42yrs” (my dad’s only brother who was 5yrs younger than him was murdered at the age of 22) which gave the family a laugh

[@DLindsay210yahoocom]

The hammer was one of the greatest wrestlers in the 70s-80s. Always loved watching him

[@thexxwatcherxx]

I met Greg Valentine during the late 1990s when he was on the indy circut. He wrestled Tito Santana on the card. I got to shake Greg's hand and boy did he have big hands. I thanked him for his performance. Very chill guy.

[@raymondtipton7243]

Sure you did

[@thexxwatcherxx]

@@raymondtipton7243 I can waste your time. Ask me how? =)

[@packinaglock]

Nothing but respect for Mr Valentine. I remember many a match when I was a kid and idolized these guys.

[@petercondos1018]

Greg "The Hammer" Valentine's is-was a true bad ass and a Great Wrestler and Champion .

[@noutheticcounseling5447]

Greg was my favorite heel as a kid and always wondered why he never held the WWF Title. Same for Magnificent Muroco!

[@jd9119]

He wasn't big enough to be WWF champion in the 80s or 70s.

[@pledgestone]

Greg Valentine was a big part of my childhood. Thank you!

[@jerryh9475]

I sure miss those days of yesterday years wrestling 🤼‍♀️

[@ScottieFarrowelvisKong]

I'm in my 50s and I was a young lad watching him. I was a weird kid as I ALWAYS liked the heels and he was/is my favorite.

[@robgoichman2167]

Greg is great to listen to. A real good down to earth legend

[@alanlevesque7180]

I met Jack Briscoe at the Seminole Pow Wow parade when I was a kid. Got an autograph. Also saw Big Dust at the Bayfront Center and at Fort Homer Hesterly Armory. Good times.

[@rickcardosi7172]

I would always watch Gregg the hammer valentine

[@stocksguy4565]

The hammer is a legend. Best elbow in the business. The American dream was great also. Son of a Plummer best promo ever.

[@ivanadams3809]

No one took a nosedive like Greg The Hammer Valentine

[@scottanderson8167]

“You don’t do that in a real fight.” I appreciate that mind set.

[@ryanb8821]

This man needs a full podcast. So good to listen to!

[@darrenhommell3414]

hammer is the most detailed humble wrestler I have ever listened to!!!!

[@garybolick2025]

Love you Jerry. I grew up with the Valentine's.i appreciate your work

[@foxontherun7798]

I watch more of Greg's shoots than any one here Just like in the ring... he's so genuinely good ..real...and in shoots ..down to earth Interesting to listen to #hammer👊👊👊

[@thelonegerman2314]

Greg The Hammer, Used to Scare me As a kid, With the Figure 4 Leg lock, I Actually though that he Broke other Wrestlers Legs, Same With Ken Patara , With the Neck Breaker

[@LuchadorMasque]

I used to not be a fan of this guy as a wrestler. Just wasn't old enough to see him at anything other than the end of his career. But he's married to his 1st wife still, and he hasn't squandered his money so his family doesn't have to struggle. Now I'm a fan. Edit: and that was before I knew how he felt about kayfabe.

[@TimSmith-uc4pk]

I met him and his wife at St. Pete Clearwater airport a bunch of years ago. Super great guy to talk with and Greg if you ever read this I wanna Thank you again for your autograph. It was really great meeting you and your wife.

[@Bellows74]

Straight forward truths on Wrestling,, The Hammer is still one of my faves and he hasd the best fall forward. the way he landed on one side when he hit the mat. Classic

[@billycox2040]

Enjoy listening to ur stories about the business Greg. I remember ur dad Johnny Valentine while I lived in Cleveland, Oh. He fueded with face favorite Johnny Powers. Wish I well.

[@salvagemonster3612]

Dusty is one of the greats. He was that average guy that folks could relate too.

[@70selvisfan]

Is this at The Venetian in Vegas? Those suites are hard to beat!!

[@takerdust]

I agree with him with the backdrops. Those should be a rarity that comes out of nowhere based on what happens during a match.

[@bahamadon7950]

I love love loved these old wrestling talks. Grew up on Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling with Jim Crockett. Valentine, American Dream, Ric Flair, Wahoo, Tim Woods, Brute Bernard, Man Mountain Mike, Mr. Wrestling 1&2 (I think Tim Woods was one of them), Paul Jones, Rufus R freight train Jones,, flair and wahoo with the Indian strap matches, valentine breaking wahoos leg. Those were the days! Love these videos!

[@bobcatwelder00]

Dusty Rhodes and the era they are talking about in my childhood

[@randallstucky9013]

Love the florida stories I went to the matches every week

[@jimmyolsen5897]

Every Tuesday night 830 at the armory in Tampa wed afternoon at the sportitorium

[@briancenti5423]

Nothing like FL./NWA was back in the day.

[@osceolaassassin3188]

All week long the ads were in the sports page of the Fort Lauderdale News. NWA Wrestling LIVE This Saturday Night At The Armory! Saw the Hammer many times in the 70s on the old NWA Florida circuit. Down in Ft. Lauderdale he wrestled Bob Roop at the National Guard Armory off State Road 84 that Saturday night. Crowd was close to the ring apron back then. People were knocking back beer and shots. The smell of reefer was in the air. The fans talked to Roop and the Hammer all throughout the match and these guys talked back to them. Loved to watch all the gambling and side bets going on. I was a Valentine fan for life after seeing that as a kid.

[@poppiarlin5612]

You are so filled with information. Your interviews are so interesting.

[@scottmcfarland1177]

I love to Watch Greg's interviews! Always was a fan of him when he was wrestling was one of the best!

[@Doctor-Stoppage]

Valentine should be an agent or a consultant. If more people learned from him wrestling would be wrestling. Not "sports entertainment."

[@tonypastor705]

I also loved seeing his dad Johnny wrestle.

[@jaysantos536]

Johnny vs. Fritz were some of the best matches EVER.

[@rafeeqturner1458]

Greg Valentine gives great interviews

[@Whxterose8060]

This is the hammers best interview great stories

[@bartjacobs3394]

Hammer is one of my favorites and he was good and made his matches look real . Thanks Greg you're a legend for shure .

[@rogergeilow4982]

Greg seems like an all around good guy

[@michaelfrederick6330]

I am really enjoying these Greg Valentine shoots. Seems like an intelligent and down to earth guy.

[@4wheelerDJ]

His memory recall is amazing.

[@davelampkins4086]

Respect,Saw Greg at the glens falls civic center back in the day,was a joy to watch him in the ring.

[@davesullivan8073]

These interviews are great, and in my opinion the heels are way more well adjusted, at this point in their lives. Wrestling was so much more interesting back in the day.

[@larrystevens8037]

The Hammer is a class act

[@WastingTime1878]

He never says a bad word about anyone.

[@Robstar2672]

Always entertaining to hear Valentine talk.

[@arod2435]

HAMMERTIME!! Memories brought back from MR VALENTINE..