I very readily admit, i don't know of professional wrestling's history. Sure, I know some folklore and a smidgen of the sport's history. That is why, for me, listening to podcasts from James E Cornette, Dutch Mantell, Teddy Long, Jeff Jarrett, and Eric Bischoff among others. You never know what kernel of wrestling wisdom or history you will hear.
Love him or hate him, you got to admit that James E. Cornette is one of the foremost experts in the history of professional wrestling. Not only did he enjoy a long and prosperous career in the industry, his backlog of wrestling magazines, programs, books, and many other items dealing with the industry is probably second to none The gentleman has done it all in the business: on air talent, announcer, promoter, booker, etc. His career in wrestling began as a teenager taking pictures at wrestling events near his home and selling them to wrestling publications.
Today, in listening to a snippet of a previous podcast, he dropped a knowledge bomb on me. The Ultimate Warrior was actually thisclose to being Big Van Vader in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Thankfully Warrior ended up signing with the then WWF, All Japan sold Leon White's contract to NJPW, and Leon became Big Van Vader.
Personally. I can't imagine anyone under that monstrosity of mask than Leon. He may not have had Warrior's muscle definition. However, when he walked to the ring with smoke billowing out of the mask, you knew that man could destroy whoever was across from him in the ring. At a billed height of 6'5" and 450 pounds, the man was an intimidating presence.
Right there. That is why listening to these podcasts are so much fun for me. You may like or dislike some of the folks. However, if you want to learn more about life touring the territories, why this or that happened, shoot or worked, and a whole host of other snippets listening to a variety of folks is a must.