Latest news with #MrT
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Pro Wrestlers Who Took The Industry Mainstream And Fueled Its Rise
The A-Team TV Series (Season 4 Episode 7 - "Body Slam") from 1985. Mr. T and Hulk Hogan wearing ... More their Hulkamania shirts. (Photo by: NBC via Getty Images) Professional wrestling has recently experienced a surge in popularity, mainly reflected in its profits. Although television viewership has declined, the wrestling industry today is financially thriving due to revenue streams such as media rights deals, sponsorships, and live events. This pertains mostly to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which is considered the top brand in the industry. According to a recent report from TKO Group Holdings, WWE generated $391.5 million in total revenue in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 24 percent increase from 2024. Like most industries, success did not happen overnight. Since the 1940s, professional wrestling has grown in popularity, thanks to its creative characters, stellar performances, and broad appeal to a mainstream audience. While the industry has experienced peaks and valleys, several notable in-ring performers have elevated the sport. So, which in-ring performers have been instrumental to the growth of professional wrestling? Who are some of the most impactful professional wrestlers in history? The 'First Golden Age' in Professional Wrestling At the turn of the 20th century, wrestling matches were typically featured carnivals or fairs. Lou Thesz, who began his career in the 1930s, played a pioneering role in professional wrestling gaining notoriety. He invented several moves and held the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) title for a total of 13 years, even competing in matches internationally. The 'First Golden Age' in wrestling occurred roughly from the late 1940s through the 1960s. While Thesz continued to make important contributions, the most popular character during this time was Gorgeous George, a pompous and flamboyant persona who brought a theatrical element to the ring, along with mainstream appeal. Gorgeous George was an effective self-promoter, and his character was a major influence on boxer Muhammad Ali and musician James Brown, as noted in Little Village Magazine. El Santo in a poster illustration for the movie "SANTO EN EL MUSEO DE CERA" or "SANTO IN THE WAX ... More MUSEUM." Mexican poster art, 1963. (Photo by LMPC via Getty Images) During this era, the sport was also gaining popularity in Mexico and Japan. One of the most iconic international wrestlers of all time, El Santo, became a cultural hero in Mexico. He is widely considered the most popular luchador in history. His ring attire featured an iconic silver mask along with silver tights. What many do not realize is that El Santo may have been the most impactful wrestler on a national scale that the sport has ever seen based on his crossover appeal into mainstream culture. He was a larger-than-life figure and a symbol of justice for many Mexican people, starring in over 50 films and being featured in a comic book series that ran 35 years. As a testament to his cultural significance, his funeral was among the largest in Mexican history. Rikidōzan had similar impact in Japan. Though he was born in North Korea, Rikidōzan became a symbol of strength and resilience for Japanese people after World War II. He is credited with establishing professional wrestling in Japan. According to the Sportster, Rikidōzan's matches were so popular that they sparked a nationwide increase in the purchase of color televisions. His series of matches with Lou Thesz in the 1950s were instrumental in the growth of the sport. During the 1960s, Bruno Sammartino was arguably the most popular wrestler in the United States. Born in Italy, he became especially popular among Italian Americans, who strongly identified with him. Wrestling in front of sold out crowds, Sammartino helped make Madison Square Garden a premier wrestling venue. He held the WWE title for a total of 4,040 days across two separate title reigns—a record that still stands. The 'Second Golden Age' in Professional Wrestling PONTIAC, MICHIGAN- MARCH 29, 1987: Andre The Giant faces off with Hulk Hogan during WrestleMania III ... More on March 29, 1987 at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Michigan. (Photo by WWE/WWE via Getty Images) Between the mid-1970s and early 1980s, André the Giant was arguably the most popular professional wrestler in the world. At 7 feet 4 inches tall and weighing over 500 pounds, he was a physical specimen and his matches were a major attraction. André starred in the movie The Princess Bride, a cult classic. His WrestleMania III match against Hulk Hogan was a major reason why the sporting event broke indoor attendance records in the United States. Along with former WWE owner and promoter Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan played a pivotal role in elevating professional wrestling into the mainstream. He was largely responsible for ushering in the 'Second Golden Age' of wrestling, which was arguably the most popular era in the sport's history, lasting from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. 'Hulk-a-Mania' was a global phenomenon that centered around the values of the Hulk Hogan character: train hard, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins. He was stood for patriotic principles and wore his heart on his sleeve. With Hogan's ascent, the industry rose to epic proportions. His cameo in Rocky III gave wrestling mainstream attention, along with his cartoon called Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling, which was broadcast on Saturday mornings in the mid-1980s. WWE began cross-promoting with other industries, such as music (e.g. MTV), and featured pop culture stars like Cyndi Lauper and Mr. T in their programming. WWE's Attitude Era, WCW, and the Industry's Revival After a dip in popularity, the wrestling industry made a comeback in the late-1990s. One of the main catalysts was the NWO storyline in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where Hulk Hogan demonstrated his versatility by reinventing himself as a heel (villain). At the time, WWE and WCW were involved in a bitter television ratings war, which elevated wrestling's popularity worldwide. Although WCW became popular and profitable, WWE's response was 'The Attitude Era,' an adult-themed and edgier brand of programming, which broke records for cable television ratings, pay-per-view buy rates, and revenue generation. The most impactful star during the Attitude Era was Stone Cold Steve Austin, who played a major role in WWE's record-breaking performance. Austin's peak popularity coincided with WWE's period of prosperity. His merchandise sales were off the charts, with his most popular T-shirt featuring the phrase 'Austin 3:16.' Boxing star and pop culture icon Mike Tyson's involvement with Austin in WrestleMania XIV helped turn the tide of the Monday Night War. WCW found mainstream success by featuring Dennis Rodman and Karl Malone in a tag-team match involving Hulk Hogan—remarkably, during the 1998 NBA Finals. RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - APRIL 15, 2011: Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) and Vin Diesel (R) pose for ... More photographers during the premiere of the movie "Fast and Furious 5" at Cinepolis Lagoon on April 15, 2011 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/LatinContent via Getty Images) During WWE's Attitude Era, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was another big reason for the industry's growth. Known for his wit and charisma, The Rock has become the most accomplished actor of all professional wrestlers, starring in movies such as The Scorpion King, Fast Five, and Jumanji. He is considered the wealthiest wrestler in history, with an estimated net worth of around $800 million, according to Sports Illustrated. WWE's PG Era and Where Wrestling Stands Now In the 2000s and 2010s, professional wrestling returned to family friendly programming. The next big star, John Cena, served as WWE's top ambassador during what is referred to as 'The PG Era." According to a tweet from ESPN's financial expert Michele Steele sent in January 2012, Cena generated over $100 million in revenue for WWE in 2011. His global impact further stems from his involvement with the Make-a-Wish Foundation where he has granted more than 650 wishes—a record for celebrities. He is also transitioning to a Hollywood career. NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21, 2015: John Cena standing with children from Make-A-Wish event celebrating ... More of his 500th Wish Granting Milestone at Dave & Buster's Time Square on August 21, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/WireImage) Many other wrestling stars have contributed to the industry's rise and mainstream appeal through creative style, in-ring work, or longevity. Sting and The Undertaker demonstrated amazing longevity, while Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey bridged MMA with the professional wrestling audience. Bret Hart expanded the sport's international appeal with his technical style, while Ric Flair's persona became popular among Hip-Hop artists. Regardless of the era, recognizing the craft's origins is important to understanding its evolution. Today's professional wrestlers are forging their own path, and achieving success doing it, but the pioneers who built the business should never be forgotten.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Hulk Hogan's death resurfaces painful contradictions for Black wrestling fans
World Wrestling Federation heavyweight champion Hulk Hogan, left, and Mr. T. appear at a news conference on March 18, 1985, in New York's Madison Square Garden. (AP Photo/Corey Struller) One of Kazeem Famuyide's earliest memories is sitting on his father's lap watching Hulk Hogan wrestle in the 1988 Survivor Series. His love of Hogan in the ring became inextricable from what would become a lifelong obsession with the sport — including a yearlong role touring the country and writing scripts for WWE's top talent. 'He was a superhero to a lot of people, including myself,' said Famuyide, who is Black and now co-hosts the WWE-themed podcast 'The Ringer Wrestling Show.' He remembers Hogan telling audiences to 'train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins,' often in front of giant American flags. But for the 38-year-old Famuyide and other Black wrestling fans and sports commentators, Hogan's death this week at 71 has resurfaced an irreconcilable contradiction in the iconic wrestler's legacy: Hogan's undeniable role in broadening wrestling's appeal to fans of all backgrounds versus his well-documented racism. 'You never really got the feeling that Hulk Hogan truly felt remorse,' Famuyide said. Reactions to Hogan's death reflect American divide on race 'The Right Time' podcast host Bomani Jones noted there were two sharply different reactions to Hogan's death. Remembrances have split between those who see no need to harp on past controversies and those who struggle with his behavior that got once got him banned from the WWE. 'This was never going to be one where people were going to mourn quietly,' Jones said. Hogan's death drew remembrances from politicians, celebrities and fans alike, celebrating his accolades. Many applauded how he was able to parlay his wrestling persona into movie appearances, brand deals, a reality television show and notable political influence. On Friday, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, whose fame arguably rivals Hogan's acclaim, paid tribute. Johnson, the son of pioneering wrestler Rocky Johnson, one of the WWE's first Black champions, said Hogan was a hero 'to millions of little kids.' 'You may have 'passed the torch' to me,' Johnson wrote under a 2002 video showing him and Hogan facing off at Wrestlemania. 'But you, my 'drew the house' meaning you sold out every arena and stadium across the country in your prime as Hulk Hogan, on your way of becoming the greatest of all time.' Other notable Black professional wrestlers, from Booker T and Mark Henry, to Jacqueline Moore and Carlene 'Jazz' Moore-Begnaud, have found success and fame in the WWE. But just as many people took Hogan's death as an opportunity to regale Hogan's more controversial behavior. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded Hogan over $115 million against Gawker Media, after Hogan sued them for posting a video of him having sex with his former best friend's wife. The litigation led to the discovery that Hogan had used racial slurs in 2007 to describe his daughter's Black ex-boyfriend. 'I am a racist, to a point,' Hogan said, before adding the slur against Black people, according to a transcript. Hogan apologized at the time and called the language 'unacceptable.' Around the same time, some outlets reported that Hogan used the same slur on a recorded phone call with his son. Hogan's enthusiastic endorsement of conservative political figures like longtime friend President Donald Trump made many people doubt the sincerity of that apology, Jones said. 'It's one thing to get caught on tape saying these things in private. It's another thing for you to decide publicly to align yourself with a cause that many Black people find antagonistic toward us,' Jones said. Professional wrestling has a history of reckoning on racist tropes For many Black wrestling enthusiasts, Hogan's death brings up familiar contradictions in how the sport deals with race. Lyric Swinton, 27, a freelance wrestling writer, first fell in love with the sport when she was 8. She describes wrestling as 'the most nuanced and colorful' form of storytelling. Although she feels representation has improved, Swinton remembers WWE use racist tropes in Black wrestlers' plot lines. Swinton recalls Shelton Benjamin having a 'mammy,' played by Thea Vidale, invoking a racist caricature. Swinton considers Benjamin one of the most talented wrestlers at the time, but feels he never got the recognition that his contemporaries did, in part because he was scripted to those roles. 'I kind of felt like I had to check my Blackness at the door,' she said. Hogan hasn't tarnished sport for all Black fans For WWE enthusiast and sports journalist Master Tesfatsion, the mixed reactions to Hogan's death mirror fault lines that exist throughout the country, and highlight how central wrestling has become in pop culture. Growing up, Tesfatsion, who is Black, remembers watching Vince McMahon, the company's co-founder and former chairman, use a racial slur in a match with John Cena in 2005; or the storyline in 2004 when wrestler John Layfield chased Mexicans across the border. 'In some strange way, the WWE always had a pulse on where America stood,' Tesfatsion said. 'You cannot tell the history of America without all these issues, just like you cannot tell the history of the WWE without these issues.' Tesfatsion was in the audience at Hogan's last appearance at a professional match in January. He was one of the many who booed Hogan. After decades of fandom, it was his first time seeing Hogan live. 'I never thought that I would see 'The Hulk' in person, and that I would resort to bullying him. But that's what his actions made me do." Still, Tesfatsion said he will never stop being a super fan. 'I still love America, I still love the WWE. It's an emotional contradiction that I choose to deal with because I still find value in it,' he said. Safiyah Riddle, The Associated Press
BBC News
11-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Braunstone head teacher who 'transformed' school steps down
A head teacher who "lives and breathes" a primary school in Braunstone has stepped down after the school achieved its "best ever" SATs said Halil Tamgumus, also known as Mr T, had transformed Braunstone Community Primary School in Leicestershire after taking on the role in head teacher Rebecca Mukiza said Mr Tamgumus had introduced many initiatives including new school values, along with a new pastoral and behavioural team, and also regular Friday afternoon dance sessions with the T said standing up in assembly to announce he was the new head teacher was the "best feeling ever" but that leaving was "bittersweet". He said he was "incredibly proud" to see the school achieve its "best ever" SATs results in his final year at the school. "We work hard to make sure that we develop the whole child at Braunstone, but this has been the culmination of six and a half years of hard work and it's all come together," he school, which is rated Good by Ofsted, surpassed the national average for the first time ever with 82% of pupils achieving an expected grade or above in maths, 80% in reading and 79% in writing. Ms Mukiza said: "The results are amazing and that is his (Mr T's) cohort."You can see the improvements and positivity he has brought to the school in those results."She said Mr T was a huge character who "you would often hear before you see him as he was always singing"."He also started our Friday dance sessions in Covid, which have carried on," she added. "You would often see him dance on the tables. "Mr T's style is inspirational but also fun with clear boundaries for the pupils - he gave every child a voice." 'Transformed' school Lauren Charlton, chair of the advisory board at Braunstone Community Primary School, said the position the school is now in is in "stark contrast" to where it was when Mr T joined."We were not a school of choice, parent-teacher relationships in the community had completely broken down and he's basically made it his life mission to change that," she Charlton added Mr T had created a "really inclusive environment" and "absolutely transformed" the school."He really is about making sure that where you're from really doesn't define your future - you can overcome anything," she Charlton described Mr T as "hardworking and determined" and added working with him can be "crazy" at added: "You're sitting there in a meeting and before you know it there's a boom box going down the corridor and he's up dancing."
Forbes
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘NYT Mini' Crossword Hints For Tuesday, June 3: Clues And Answers For Today's Game
Answers for today's NYT Mini Crossword are just ahead. Before we get to today's NYT Mini crossword hints, clues and answers, here are Monday's: Wondering what the three primary ingredients in sponge cake are? Not sure what cloth material towels are often made from? Don't worry, because I'm here to help you with extra hints and the answers for today's NYT Mini crossword. The NYT Mini is a quick and dirty version of the newspaper's larger and long-running crossword. Most days, there are between three and five clues in each direction on a five by five grid, but the puzzles are sometimes larger, especially on Saturdays. Unlike its larger sibling, the NYT Mini crossword is free to play on the New York Times website or NYT Games app. However, you'll need an NYT Games subscription to access previous puzzles in the archives. Here are extra hints and the official NYT Mini Crossword clues and answers for Tuesday, June 3: Spoilers lie ahead, so remember to scroll slowly: 1 Across: Usually sold by the dozen in grocery stores 5 Across: All-purpose item for baking 7 Across: Put one foot forward and squat 8 Across: The _____, a show that starred Mr. T and Dirk Benedict 9 Across: Brooklyn Nine-Nine star _____ Crews 1 Down: The same as a D sharp 2 Down: Muscle strengthened by 7 Across 3 Down: They're doomed 4 Down: Sweet, sweet crystals 6 Down: The main character of Ratatouille 1 Across: One of three primary ingredients in sponge cake – EGGS 5 Across: Sponge cake ingredient #2 – FLOUR 7 Across: Lower body exercise with one foot stretched forward and one back – LUNGE 8 Across: First-stringers – A-TEAM 9 Across: Towel cloth material – TERRY 1 Down: Key just above D – E FLAT 2 Down: Butt muscle, informally – GLUTE 3 Down: One who's completely toast – GONER 4 Down: Sponge cake ingredient #3 – SUGAR 6 Down: ___ Martin (brand of cognac) – REMY Completed New York Times Mini crossword for Tuesday, June 3. It took me 1:22 to complete today's NYT Mini. This was a fun one, even if it felt as chaotic as me trying to get anything done i nthe kitchen. I totally forgot what EGGS were, apparently, as I initially thought 1 Across was "salt." I had a lucky semi-educated guess with FLOUR but didn't get the rest of the Across clues on my first pass. E FLAT was the key to unlocking everything, I think, as that made me realize 1 Across had to be EGGS. After that, I was able to get the rest of the Down answers no problem. I'll be back with you tomorrow for more NYT Mini fun! Make sure to follow my blog for more coverage of the NYT Mini and other word games, as well as video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Want to chat about the Mini, Connections and other NYT games? Join my Discord community! And be sure to sign up for my newsletter!
BBC News
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Swan named after volunteer who brought 'so much joy'
Here's our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media. Our pick of local website stories A controversial swim test will no longer be used by the University of Bristol, reports Bristol 24/7. There have long been protests over the practice, which puts rats or mice in water to test the impact of Live reports on tributes to Chloe Roberts, who was crowned Miss Royal Somerset. She has died suddenly at the age of 21. The pageant winner was based in a "mystery Gloucestershire man" who has won £1m via a game on the National Lottery app. The man, known only as Mr T, is said to have scooped the there has been lots of love this morning for a fishmonger in Burnham-on-Sea, as the owners are retiring tomorrow (Saturday 1 February) after 50 years running the business. Our top three from yesterday What to watch on social media The RSPCA has posted about the recovery of two emaciated dogs found in "appalling conditions" in Bristol has had a strong reaction. Lizzy and Delilah have now made a full Portway will be shut this weekend for ash dieback works, says Bristol City Council. The authority has also posted about the next steps of the development there, which has sparked dozens of re-opening of the the Hop Pole Inn, which shut in 2018 and was bought by residents in Limpley Stoke, has been well received in this Bath a look at this very entertaining signing announcement by Bristol City Women which was posted late last night to mark the arrival of Malaika Meena. It uses clips of Minah being banished at the round table on The there's a tribute from Slimbridge to long-time volunteer Bettie Sloane, who brought "endless enthusiasm" and "so much joy" to the team. She was so popular they've decided to name one of the Bewick's swans after her, and a little information on how to spot Bettie.
