From the Podium XIII: The Brawl For All

[Leonard]

My goal with this column is to do something a little different from what I normally do. I recently got the itch to do a non-title related column, and below is the result of my brainstorming. As designated in one of my previous columns, the WWF Brawl for All was, perhaps, my favorite gimmick that didn’t work in the world of professional wrestling. If the rules were more simply laid out, and if the organization really planned on doing something with the person who won (or those who had good showings), then this could have been a recurring event. I will make two presentations here; (1) a quick overview of the original “Brawl for All,” and (2) a look at what the Brawl for All would be like with today’s lower-midcard/enhancement talents.

Here we go…

The noticeable beat of a conductor’s pattern.

THE ORIGINAL

In the Summer of 1998, when the Attitude boom (not Johnny) was just getting its kickstart, wrestling fans saw an interesting new concept introduced to them originally called “The Brawl For It All” (eventually this was shortened to “Brawl For All”). The tournament was brought about for several reasons. Back in this day, the only brand in the WWF was the WWF. Therefore, they had a ton of talent that was not being utilized. What better way to get them in the spotlight, I ask, than putting them in real fights against each other? So there’s a problem solved. Also, with the ever-growing popularity of Mixed Martial Arts (namely UFC) and Toughman contests, the World Wrestling Federation aimed to capitalize and get in on the action (and revenue) that these types of sporting events could potentially offer. The third (and often rumored) goal of this competition was to heavily push newcomer Dr. Death Steve Williams (who is a grossly underrated wrestler, if you ask me) as a legitimate badass competitor. It shall be noted that it was voluntary for all of the participants to be in the tournament.

The Brawl For All rules is where this whole thing gets unnecessarily complicated (I will address this shortly). There was a point system in place (as you can see above) which awarded five points for the most punches achieved in each round, as well as five points for each “clean” takedown (what “clean” meant, I’m not really sure we ever learned) and a whopping ten points for each knockdown. An eight-count knockout ended the “brawl,” and the match would be contested in three one-minute rounds (unlike the Toughman contests at the time, which had five rounds). If all three rounds were fought and a tie took place, the judges would render their decision based on the action they saw. The takedowns issue was a big problem, notably for Dan Severn. Nearly every one of his takedowns were not considered “clean,” and even though he won the bout he opted to not compete anymore, because he saw the stupidity. If anyone can actually define what a “clean takedown” was in terms of this competition, please tell me; I could not find it in research, nor could I remember.

Time for some statistics!

Each number represents percentage of tournament victories in the original 1998 Brawl For All Tournament:

13—Judges’ Decision
53—Points
26—Knockout/Technical Knockout
6—Draw

It all sounds like a barrel of fun, I know, but on June 28, 1998, the “Curse of Brawl For All” began tearing its way through the ranks. The likes of Steve Blackman, Hawk of the Road Warriors, and Savio Vega sustained injuries from this event. Just remember that participation in this tournament was purely voluntary, and the victor received 75,000 dollars (the runner-up getting 25,000). Additionally, Steve Williams (the man this whole thing was intended for) was knocked out by Bart Gunn (the eventual winner), known as one half of the Smokin’ Gunns and later the New Midnight Express alongside Bombastic Bob Thurman “Spark(y) Plug(g)” Hardcore Holly (whom Bart beat in a very good first round).

I have a few problems with the original tournament in general. First, the “powers-that-be” insisted on counting their eggs before they hatched, and promoting Dr. Death as the toughest guy in the tournament. I’m certain that management had a pissing fit (both figuratively and literally) when Steve lost to Gunn in the quarterfinals. Another problem is that the bookers didn’t really put much promotional power into these matches (no incentive other than money, for example) to relate it to wrestling, so this came off merely as filler. What if the legitimate victor would earn an Intercontinental Championship match at the next Pay-Per-View (which would have been SummerSlam) or even at a subsequent PPV (since the tournament ended six days before SummerSlam, perhaps September’s “Breakdown: In Your House” would have been a good opportunity for this, with a month’s worth of build-up). Anyways, once the “golden boy” Williams lost, the WWF officials propegated the problem of “filler” even more by putting even less behind it, more than likely just to get the tournament out of the way.

After Bart won the tournament, he feuded with Holly and Williams, but then was booked against “Butterbean” in an imfamous Brawl For All match at WrestleMania XV. As the tastless, yet fun, Family Guy song says, “[the] story isn’t long, but boy it’s awfully sad” (“Prom Night Dumpster Baby”). The famed Toughman fighter knocked out Bart in about 30 seconds, and effectively put to end any possible push that he may have been getting. In fact, the inaugural Brawl For All Champion was released shortly after this, as the WWF likely just wanted us all to forget about their failed experiment to push Steve Williams. But don’t forget that, while legitimately knocking out Dr. Death in the United States is no big thing, people in Japan went nuts for “Mike Barton” (Bart Gunn’s ringname) because Steve Williams is considered a legendary figure there (as he should be here). Maybe Brawl For All worked out, after all.

Secondary gestures to signal certain moments or instruments in a piece of music.

COULD IT WORK TODAY?

After doing a little research on the failed Brawl For All tournament, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like if the WWE tried it again. After all, some of the fights were pretty neat to watch, and it has been over a decade since the first tournament happened. I think the WWE would have to be sure not to expect a particular athlete to win, and pick 16 men that they could possibly get behind should they win. Another key to making this reincarnation I am suggesting a success is to promote it like crazy, whether the tournament would be held on all four shows or just one (I would suggest ECW, to give it another little “niche” that I think the third brand desperately needs). The third point would be to make sure it is for something besides money (although money is a nice incentive, too). How about an Intercontinental or United States Championship match at the next Pay-Per-View? Hell, it could even be an ECW Championship match. Make the tournament reward something that wrestling fans will care about. Also, simplify the rules. Here’s what I’m suggesting (really not much different, but it takes care of the takedown issue):

10 points=most punches per round
5 points=takedown (PERIOD)
10 points=knockdown
A 10-count knockout ends the match
In the event of a tie, a rotating panel of three Hall of Famers make the decision.

I think, if promoted and executed correctly, the Brawl For All could become a powerful cross-promotion tool, and bring in a few curious fans at the same time. The key is to not make it seem like filler, but something that is important to the evolution of one (or more if it goes really well) low midcarder in the WWE, in the ways I mentioned above. To close this section of the column, I chose 16 men who I think would be a good fit for a Brawl For All tournament, whether it be because of a need for elevated status, a need to prove oneself in general, or a combination of the two. I also put in some “odds,” but I’m not exactly a bookie. They’re just fun numbers to give you an idea of how much of a chance each guy would have of legitimately winning this type of tournament. I know there’s a lot of luck involved in this type of thing, but I’m just putting my thoughts out there; keep in mind that, while I did some research on the sporting history of each athlete, some of my analysis is based off of the personas/styles we see on television each week. I devote a paragraph (give or take a little) to the eight men I feel would have the best chance of winning, followed by blurbs dedicated to the other eight men who I feel would also participate.


MOVEMENT I: THE FAVORITES

NOTE: All measurements are “billed,” and may or may not reflect actual measurements.


Name: Paul Burchill
Height: 6’4’’
Weight: 247 lbs.
Age: 29



British athletes are usually known as the “tough as nails” type athletes that are usually typecast as fantastic technical wrestlers once they come to the states (see William Regal). Paul Burchill, while not a technical abomination, is really more of a brawler-type of athlete to begin with. The Brawl For All tournament demands the mentality of someone who is not afraid to get a little banged up in the process of winning. As a former rugby player, as well as an elementary school teacher (believe me, those folks are tough as nails, too!), Burchill’s got the skills to take himself near the top of the heap in this tournament.
Paul Burchill’s odds: 12-1
Projected method of victory: Points


Name: Festus
Height: 6’7’’
Weight: 291 lbs.
Age: 25

Drew Hankinson (better known as Festus, the Imposter Kane, or Freakin’ Deacon) is a typical big man. Much like Bradshaw valiantly made it to the finals of the original Brawl For All tournament, I predict that Festus would make it very far in a tournament just like this. For a man his size, he is quite agile, which could lead him to be very successful in terms of dodging punches, then quickly coming back with some punches or a takedown of his own. Another plus for him is that he is the youngest out of these eight, and one of the youngest of the entire sixteen chosen. Honestly, I’ve always thought that Hankinson was hindered as a wrestler because of this Festus character he plays—a tournament such as this could put him into an entirely different league, where he can grow into a serious contender for championships. The bottom line is that he will never be properly utilized until he can grow as an athlete.
Festus’s odds: 4-1
Projected method of victory: Knockouts


Name: Charlie Haas
Height: 6’2’’
Weight: 249 lbs.
Age: 37



Charlie Haas is an extremely talented athlete, having competed as an amateur wrestler at the high school and collegiate wrestler. He was very successful at this venture, becoming a two-time All American, as well as a two-time Big East Champion before graduating. So why would he be suitable for a pseudo-Toughman contest? Well, the whole “takedowns” thing adds a whole new element that would make the competition lean heavily in the former amateur champion’s favor. Much like Hankinson with “Festus,” Charlie Haas is just coming out of an infamous “gimmick infringement” bit (which, while entertaining, didn’t do any more for him than it did for Stevie Richards or The Big Show). For Haas to get out of that stigma, he must break out rather than just sidestep. This tournament could be what he needs to go from “fun-loving Charlie” to “badass Haas.”
Charlie Haas’s odds: 10-1
Projected method of victory: Points


Name: Ezekiel Jackson
Height: 6’4’’
Weight: 304 lbs.
Age: 31

Zeke is perhaps the most inexperienced wrestler on this list, but that doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t have a hell of a chance of winning this type of a competition. Ezekiel Jackson stands at a fictional 6’4’’ and weighs in at a slightly less fictional 300-plus pounds, making him a large obstacle to overcome (both literally and figuratively). If he uses his leverage advantage to block off takedowns, and use his massive reach to knock-out the guys quickly. I relate his chances of winning this contest much to Festus’s chances. The only difference here is the agility factory, which I have not seen in Jackson’s work thus far.
Ezekiel Jackson’s odds: 6-1
Projected method of victory: Knockouts


Name: Vladimir Kozlov
Height: 6’6’’
Weight: 302 lbs.
Age: 36



Vladimir needs something to make the viewers believe in the persona that is being pushed at us currently. Despite the picture above (I couldn’t help myself, sorry), Kozlov is a very tough and powerful athlete, and I believe he has shown that on several occasions in the ring. While he is a technical abomination for all intents and purposes, he isn’t entirely slow in the ring, either. To be honest, he has the perfect combination of strength and speed to pull out a victory in any of the methods listed above. Even though this would be an omen were this tournament to actually occur, I feel that Vlad is the “Dr. Death” of this competition, as in he would have a very good chance of winning the whole shebang. If the “powers that be” in the WWE want to make him a legitimate title contender, this would be the place to start. Don’t forget that he’s both a Sambo and Kick-Boxing champion, and a former football player. He does bring legitimate skills to this competition (as well as the WWE ring in general, which we often forget because of his lackluster performances). Of course, a loss would kill any remaining credibility he has, but you know the saying: No risk, no reward.
Vladimir Kozlov’s odds: 2-1
Projected method of victory: Points OR Knockouts


Name: Mike Knox
Height: 6’6’’
Weight: 293 lbs.
Age: 30

There’s not much to say about Mike Knox that we don’t already know. There isn’t a whole lot to Knox; just search and destroy, essentially. He isn’t much in terms of a technical wrestler. Much like Burchill, he is a very hard knocks (no pun intended) “tough as nails” brawler. He’s a big man in his own right, much like those mentioned above, and would probably do best going for punches and knockouts rather than takedowns. Knox has struggled to find himself thus far in the WWE, and this tournament could be the push into legitimacy that he needs.
Mike Knox’s odds: 7-1
Projected method of victory: Knockouts


Name: R-Truth
Height: 6’2’’
Weight: 228 lbs.
Age: 37



Ron Killings has been on and off during his latest tenure in the WWE, and a win in a Brawl For All tournament could add to his character, as well as increasing his status within the company. In his early high school years, R-Truth was an avid football player and track and field athlete, which would only work to his advantage. Also, as a former drug dealer and “jailbird,” he has likely developed the mentality needed to deal with a legitimate competition such as this. True, Killings would be less of a knockout master and more of a point-gainer, but he could still use his prior experiences as leverage in advancing through the competition.
R-Truth’s odds: 8-1
Projected method of victory: Points


Name: Dolph Ziggler
Height: 6’0’’
Weight: 213 lbs.
Age: 28

Dolph Ziggler (as if you could forget his name) will be floundering around the midcard soon, more than likely, after his quasi-feud with MVP over the United States Championship. The real Nick Nemeth has a plethora of athleticism that we didn’t get to see a whole lot of during his Spirit Squad tenure. As Ziggler, however, I think he’s done a great job so far. This could be another guy that could get some huge momentum in the midcard if he were to win, or even have a good showing, in the tournament. Within the confines of his strange (and not really that fascinating) gimmick, we often forget that he’s really a very talented athlete (he set records in wrestling at both his high school and college). Speed is Dolph’s advantage here. And to think, two years ago we all had Kenny Doane pegged to be the breakout of the Spirit Squad…
Dolph Ziggler’s odds: 15-1
Projected method of victory: Points


MOVEMENT II: OTHERS WHO COULD BENEFIT

Chavo Guerrero’s odds: 250-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: He does need something to do, and Kerwin White versus his former caddy “Nicky” would be interesting, but Chavo doesn’t really have the grapes to hold his own here, if you ask me.

Jamie Noble’s odds: 30-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: A fellow West Virginian, Noble is “double tough,” but his small stature won’t give him much of an advantage against monsters like Kozlov and Festus.

Jesse’s odds: 100-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: See above, except for the parts about West Virginia and being “double tough.”

Santino Marella’s odds: 600-1
Projected method of victory: Cross-dressing/Gender confusion
Reason not in Top 8: I’d just like to see Santino get his ass knocked out, but he might pull out the old “Bart Gunn” and surprise us all.

The Miz’s odds: 75-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: The Miz is a formidable athlete, but, as we saw in the “Dixie Dogfight” at Armageddon, he can’t exactly get it done in a match such as this (be it by points or knockout).

Ricky Ortiz’s odds: 65-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: As a former football player in college, the XFL, and the CFL, Ortiz made a ton of tackles as a linebacker. I don’t see him able to do anything else, though, and would probably be a fodder for an upset.

William Regal’s odds: 20-1
Projected method of victory: Knockouts OR Points
Reason not in Top 8: I don’t have a good reason, except for the people he was lined up against. It’s not that he's bad; I just projected that eight people would be better than him.

DH Smith’s odds: 50-1
Projected method of victory: Points
Reason not in Top 8: In the few times I’ve seen Smith work in the ring, he has seemed very tentative. I don’t think that would change here, although he could probably use the boost that the tournament winner would get more than anybody else I’ve listed.


MOVEMENT III: SO, WOULD IT WORK?

I’ve thought a lot about that question, especially after typing up my extended thoughts on the favorites listed in Movement I. In 1998, I’m not sure there was really as much of a market for Mixed Martial Arts-type activities as there is now. On the other hand, I’m not sure I would enjoy a Brawl For All tournament as much at the age of 22 (geez, I’m old) as I did at the age of 11 and 12 (I had a birthday over the course of the tournament, thanks). I think that a tournament such as this could have both positive (increased and diversified viewership, pushing of one or more stars) and negative (injuries, injuries, injuries) connotations, but I don’t believe that it would work, even though I’d love to see it.

"Why?" I hear you ask? Well, I blame one group—you. Yes, I blame the Internet Wrestling Community (a thing that is popular around here lately). While we complain about the same main event players crowding our television screen, the IWC would be the first to complain if mid/lowcard athletes were given TV time over them. However, we complain now because those same midcarders aren’t given enough time. This would be unlike the 1998 tournament in that we better identify with those who are in the tournament because we’ve seen (most of) them in prominent positions on one brand or another. Yet the new tournament would still carry the stigma of the original, and likely wouldn’t be able to work today. It would be awesome, though…

The last additional note (mostly in marches) that signals the end of a piece.

Ladies and gentlemen, my second attempt at a non-title column has come and gone, and I hope you enjoyed it. I know that many will disagree with a Brawl For All reincarnation, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles when talking about mostly universally-disliked gimmicks, matches, or personalities (although I promise you I’ll never write a column asking for Kennel From Hell 2). Please share your opinions, including who you think would win a tournament such as this today, and how you think it would fare on the present product. Be sure to share your memories of the original Brawl For All if you have any! The WCW Tag Team Championship is on deck for next time, so be sure to come back and read! Thanks, everyone.

Until the next downbeat…

[SkittleZ]

LOL @ Santino's projected method of victory.

Considering it wasn't what we're accustomed to seeing from the teacher, I'd say you hit this one out of the park. Brawl for All seems like it happened a lifetime ago. I was just getting into wrestling at the time and devoted far too much attention to guys like Austin and Foley to remember specific instances from the tournament. I recall watching matches and the push Dr. Death received at the time but me and my buddy were more interested in playing with action figures.

However I totally agree with the 8 dudes you picked to take part in a new Brawl for All. There should be more at stake other than just money like you mentioned. Seeing as how they are all lower tier wrestlers or midcarders, a shot at the ECW, US or IC Title on pay per view would be an excellent award. A steady dose of hyping would really aid a modern day Brawl for All.

The original tournament was doomed to fail because of poor execution. I tend to think MMA is much more popular nowadays so perhaps another Brawl for All could stand a chance succeeding. Fans are also much harder to please these days and WWE would probably have to include some semi big names in the fray to generate sufficient interest. We can't overlook the current economy either as the company would likely label a Brawl for All tourney an unnecessary expense (given what's involved).

Dammit! I'm kicking myself right now for not stepping up to the podium more frequently. I enjoyed this, Leonard. Catch you when XIV rolls around.

[The Maz]

Wow Leonard. A couple of days earlier and I think you may have been pushing J-Boom and Stinger with this. Once again you step out of your comfort zone with absolute class. I was won of the few people who liked the original brawl for all but even I was a bit sceptical when you told me your were tackling the topic. The way you looked at this was great as I have always thought that a new version of the tournament would be great. I personally think that Joey Styles would take the whole thing. A great column and once again proving you are not a one trick pony.

[Box Car Rocco]

I remember reading of this is one of Scott Keiths book but you described this way better then he could ever dream of. Very informative and well written and just a load of fun to read.

Two things though:

1. Where's Khali?
2. The pic of Kozlov made me legit

[Hustle]

I'll never forget watching Butterbean turn Bart Gunn into a living bobblehead doll. That was vicious.

If another BFA were to happen, Kozlov would have to be the runaway favorite, I would assume. Maybe Big Show, with his power and how hard it would be to take him down or to reach his chin.

Another touchdown here, for sure. Good job.

[Petre Dyche]

Great column, focussing on all aspects of the original Brawl For All rather than the blinkered "OMG it sucked lolz (nb I only started watching wwe in 2005)" I keep hearing. The BFA was a great change of pace at a time when legit badassary was very important.

As JR, the head of talent relations at the time, says: It damages too many bodies, and even more egos. Perhaps we should have had Joey Styles vs JBL in BFA rules at Mania instead. That would have been suh-weeeeet!

Perhaps another Tough Enough/BFA show, with all the FCW talent, and make them legit fight for a spot on the main roster?

WWE are more likely to start there own MMA Fed than incorporate it into a show, and as the existing ones don't make money even that's not likely.

Again, great stuff man.

[Stinger]

Leo, this was great stuff man. I've become a big fan of your championship series, but I like it when you leave that area and write about something else, as you did here.

I kinda liked the Brawl For All back in '98, it was something different. I think it could have been handled a little differently, and some of the stuff, like the takedowns you mentioned, was bullshit. It was entertaining though, and certainly worlds better than the Karate Fighter tournaments they use to waste two or three minutes on back in '97.

I'd like to see Brawl For All return. Out of the list you gave, which would be a pretty strong field, I think I'd take Kozlov. I like the guy anyway, I don't think he is nearly as bad as most people seem to think. With this size, power and background though, he'd be my favorite.

I'd also imagine that Big Show would be involved in this, considering he's all about "knocking someone out" now, but I can see why you didn't include him in the list.

Great work my friend, the sky is the limit for you as a writer. I'm looking forward to XIV.

[NightofDay]

This was a good column Leonard. You stepped out of your comfort zone (which I'm going to do at some point) and it shined brightly. I've not seen any of the Brawl for All matches but since I'm not exactly a fan of mixing boxing with wrestling I don't think I'd be keen on them. That and the points system is too confusing. A new Brawl for All in this day and age could work but it would be difficult to tell, and I don't think the PG audience would be high on it anyway.

Apart from that, excellent as always Mr. Leonard.

[Leonard]

Okay, let's do this...

Man in the Technicolor Dreamcoat: The economy factor is something I didn't really consider, but it brings up a good point. Although I don't imagine the expense would be all that great, except for marketing. I'm glad you had a read, and I'm even more glad that you're kicking yourself for not doing it sooner! At any rate, thanks for stopping by; and stay classy; and thanks for stopping by; but mostly stay classy. (If you don't get the reference, I'm sorry...it was mostly to entertain myself just now...)

Mr. Mazza: I appreciate that you were skeptical, as this is not an easy topic to take. My hope was that focusing on a new tournament would make it more interesting. Alas, you are probably right about Joey Styles. Thanks for reading.

BCR: I'm glad you enjoyed this. To address your thoughts...1) He's too busy being the Punjabi Playboy, and not doing much else; 2) I'm glad! That's what I was going for. Thanks for stopping by.

Hustle: Poor Bart Gunn didn't have a chance, did he? I didn't include Big Show because of his dominating stature, although it does match his gimmick right now. And what a notch in someone's belt it would be to knock Show out. Thanks for the kind words, sir.

Mr. Dyche: You're absolutely right on all counts. JBL/Styles would have been incredible...ha. I loved the change of pace that Brawl For All brought, and I think something like that (not necessarily BFA) would be helpful to the product now. Thanks for reading.

NoD: Even though you're "Night OF Day," you always remind me of the Sinatra adaptation of "Night and Day." Just so you know. It's certainly difficult to know if it would work today, but if the Attitude Era fans didn't enjoy it, I'm not sure the PG crowd would like it, either. I really couldn't find any videos online to point you to some viewing, so I went all from memory when writing about the original (although the WrestleMania XV bout is on DVD, it doesn't really embody the idea of Brawl For All). At any rate, thanks for reading.

I like feedback, just for the record.

--Leonard

[Lucas_Nova]

Good stuff, dude! You took a topic that I thought would be be very limited in its potential content and absolutly nailed it, a very impressive feat.

I wouldn't be a fan of it's return, I think it would become something of a joke to a wrestling audience and any MMA fan would look at it with distain. Considering the PG era the WWE is in, I can't see an imminent return, so perhaps your column may turn out to be a very good tribute.

Great stuff man!

Nova.

[Leonard]

Mr. Nova: Very good points. You're probably right about this being a tribute, as all one would have to do to shoot down a new incarnation of this tournament would be to mention the dismal failure of the 1998 version. Thanks for reading, and I'm glad you enjoyed it, sir.

--Leonard

[Martin Riggs]

Bah! Fantastic stuff! So why did i begin my feedback with bah, i hear you ask? Because i wanted to!

Great stuff bro, you're a real force around here. CotM will hit you soon, that's a guarantee!

Oh, and lol at the Anchorman reference!

[L-Man]

Dude coming in to this I though "Oh jesus a whole column about one match"

yOU PROVED THAT YOU CAN MAKE ANYTHING INTERESTEING.

Here is a chalenge: Right an entire column about ring aprons and how they affect the wrestling world