Digest

This podcast delves into the history of the Powers of Pain, a tag team consisting of Warlord and Barbarian, in the world of professional wrestling. The episode begins with a brief meditation session and an advertisement for Bombus, a company selling comfortable and high-quality clothing. The main focus then shifts to the Powers of Pain's journey, starting with their departure from Jim Crockett Promotions and their surprising arrival in the WWF as babyfaces. The hosts discuss the challenges of managing the team, their eventual heel turn, and the impact of Mr. Fuji's management style. They analyze the team's matches against various opponents, including the Rockers, and explore the reasons behind their split in 1990. The podcast then follows the individual careers of Warlord and Barbarian, examining their new looks, their singles runs, and their later appearances in different promotions. The hosts also discuss the potential for Barbarian to manage Steve Austin and the challenges of elevating a heel wrestler to main event status. The episode concludes with a reflection on Barbarian's legacy and a Q&A session with fans, addressing questions about his character presentation, his potential for a program with Hogan, and the reasons behind his lack of a major push in WWE.

Outlines

00:00:00

Mini-Meditation and Bombus Advertisement

This segment begins with a brief introduction to a mini-meditation guided by Bombus, followed by an advertisement for Bombus, a company that sells socks, underwear, and t-shirts.

00:32:54

The Powers of Pain's Move to the WWF

The Powers of Pain, a tag team consisting of Warlord and Barbarian, left Jim Crockett Promotions and joined the WWF in 1987. They were initially presented as babyfaces, a surprising turn for a team known for their heelish persona. The move was reportedly motivated by their desire to avoid the dangerous scaffold matches that were common in Crockett's territory.

00:43:37

Manscaped's Dome Shaver Pro and Dome Suitor

The podcast hosts discuss Manscaped's new Dome Shaver Pro, a head shaver designed for a smooth and comfortable shave. They highlight its features, including skin-safe technology, waterproof design, flex adjust technology, and a high-performance motor. They also mention the Dome Suitor, a head aftershave lotion formulated for the scalp.

00:46:42

Paul Jones' Powers of Pain and Management Challenges

The hosts discuss Paul Jones' attempt to create his own version of the Powers of Pain after Warlord and Barbarian left Jim Crockett Promotions. They compare Jones' approach to managing talent to Jimmy Hart's experience with Dino Bravo, highlighting the challenges of working with less-than-stellar performers.

00:50:22

The Road Warriors' WWF Plans and the Powers of Pain's Arrival

The hosts discuss the Road Warriors' reluctance to join the WWF, citing their preference for working in Japan and their comfort with their existing NWA crew. They also explore the possibility of the Road Warriors joining the WWF before the Powers of Pain, suggesting that the WWF may have pursued both teams simultaneously. They then discuss the WWF's decision to bring in the Powers of Pain, emphasizing that the team was eager to leave Jim Crockett Promotions. They argue that the WWF was not simply looking for a cheaper alternative to the Road Warriors, but rather saw an opportunity to capitalize on the team's desire for a change of scenery.

00:55:02

The Powers of Pain and Baron Von Raschke

The hosts discuss a brief pairing between the Powers of Pain and Baron Von Raschke in 1988. They acknowledge that the Powers of Pain were not strong talkers and that Von Raschke's promo style was not well-suited for the WWF's audience. The pairing was ultimately short-lived, lasting only a few weeks.

00:58:41

The Powers of Pain's Heel Turn

The hosts discuss the Powers of Pain's heel turn at Survivor Series 1988. They explain that the decision was made to counter the overwhelming popularity of Demolition, who were being cheered by the audience despite their heelish persona. The turn involved pairing the Powers of Pain with Mr. Fuji, a veteran manager known for his villainous tactics.

01:04:26

Mr. Fuji's Impact on the Powers of Pain

The hosts discuss Mr. Fuji's role as manager for the Powers of Pain. They acknowledge that Fuji was not a particularly strong promo, but his presence served as a visual cue for the audience to boo the team. They also note that Fuji's management style was largely based on his own persona, rather than any specific strategies for his clients.

01:07:29

The Powers of Pain's Matchups and the Rockers

The hosts discuss the Powers of Pain's matches against various opponents, including the Rockers. They highlight the challenges of finding opponents who could effectively work with the Powers of Pain's power-based style. They also express their belief that the Rockers were a better tag team than the Rock and Roll Express, despite the latter's popularity and innovation.

01:11:13

The Powers of Pain's Split and Singles Runs

The hosts discuss the Powers of Pain's split in 1990. They explain that the split was prompted by Mr. Fuji selling their contracts to Slick and Bobby Heenan, leading to singles action for both Warlord and Barbarian. They also note that the team continued to work as the Powers of Pain in some live events, even after their official split.

01:17:41

The Barbarian's Singles Run and New Look

The hosts discuss the Barbarian's singles run after the Powers of Pain split. They highlight his match against Tito Santana at WrestleMania VI, which marked one of the last times he would wear the Powers of Pain gear. They also discuss his new look, which involved growing out his facial hair and wearing fur.

01:19:04

Warlord's New Look and Creative Process

The hosts discuss Warlord's new look after the Powers of Pain split. They describe his shaved head, half mask, and metal staff, comparing his appearance to an evil boss from the Mario Brothers video game. They also discuss the creative process behind the new look, emphasizing the WWF's desire to give the team a fresh and distinct appearance.

01:22:04

Barbarian's Journeyman Wrestling Career and WrestleMania 91

The discussion begins by characterizing Barbarian as a skilled journeyman wrestler who excelled in various territories. His ability to adapt and perform well in different environments is highlighted. The conversation shifts to WrestleMania 91, focusing on the opening match between the Rockers and the tag team of Haku and Barbarian. The speakers discuss the chemistry between Haku and Barbarian, noting their seamless teamwork despite their limited time together.

01:30:47

Barbarian's WCW Opportunity and Management Discussions

The discussion explores Barbarian's potential move to WCW and the management discussions surrounding it. The speaker reveals his desire to manage Steve Austin and elevate his career, with Barbarian being the second choice.

01:36:41

Building Credibility for Heel Wrestlers and Sacrifice

The conversation delves into the challenges of elevating a heel wrestler from opening matches to main event status. The speaker emphasizes the importance of sacrificing other wrestlers and creating a new first impression for the heel upon their return.

01:42:41

Barbarian's Transition to the Headshrinkers

The discussion focuses on Barbarian's return to WWE and his transformation into a member of the Headshrinkers. The speaker highlights the circumstances surrounding this change, including Samoo's absence and the need for a replacement.

01:49:15

The Headshrinkers' Lack of Success and Barbarian's Legacy

The conversation examines the Headshrinkers' limited success, particularly the short-lived pairing of Barbarian and Fatu. The speaker suggests that their lack of chemistry may have contributed to their downfall. The discussion concludes with a reflection on Barbarian's legacy and a Q&A session with fans. The speakers discuss Barbarian's character presentation, his potential for a program with Hogan, and the reasons behind his lack of a major push in WWE.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is Bombus?

  Bombus is a company that sells socks, underwear, and t-shirts. They are known for their comfortable and high-quality products, as well as their "one purchased equals one donated" initiative.

• What is the purpose of the mini-meditation?

  The mini-meditation is designed to promote relaxation and mindfulness. It involves focusing on breathing, body sensations, and positive affirmations.

• Why did the Powers of Pain leave Jim Crockett Promotions and join the WWF?

  The Powers of Pain were reportedly unhappy with the dangerous scaffold matches that were common in Crockett's territory and sought a change of scenery.

• What was the WWF's initial plan for the Powers of Pain?

  The WWF initially presented the Powers of Pain as babyfaces, a surprising turn for a team known for their heelish persona.

• What were some of the challenges of managing the Powers of Pain?

  The Powers of Pain were not strong talkers, making it difficult for them to connect with the audience. They also had a tendency to clash with their managers, as seen in Paul Jones' attempt to create his own version of the team.

• Why did the WWF decide to turn the Powers of Pain heel?

  The WWF decided to turn the Powers of Pain heel to counter the overwhelming popularity of Demolition, who were being cheered by the audience despite their heelish persona.

• What was the impact of Mr. Fuji's management on the Powers of Pain?

  Mr. Fuji's management style was largely based on his own persona, rather than any specific strategies for his clients. His presence served as a visual cue for the audience to boo the team, but he was not a particularly strong promo.

• What were some of the challenges of finding opponents for the Powers of Pain?

  It was difficult to find opponents who could effectively work with the Powers of Pain's power-based style. The hosts felt that the Rockers were a better tag team than the Rock and Roll Express, despite the latter's popularity and innovation.

• What led to the Powers of Pain's split?

  Mr. Fuji sold their contracts to Slick and Bobby Heenan, leading to singles action for both Warlord and Barbarian.

Show Notes