Ace Hart is a huge WWE fan and writer. He is one of the Co-Founders of Twin Talk Wrestling.
When I heard a few weeks ago that WWE hall of famer Rowdy Roddy Piper was going to be making a special guest appearance on Fantasy Factory, I couldn't have been more ecstatic. Both the WWE (and other wrestling affiliates) and Skateboarding can tend to be some of the more overlooked sports, especially when competing with the big four (MLB, NFL, NBA, and on a lesser level, the NHL). So when I heard that both were going to be featured on Dyrdek's wildly popular program, I knew I needed to get in touch with old friend and about.com writer Steve Cave to provide him with the best review possible for this week's episode. So without further ado, let's get to the show.The show opens with Rob harassing his receptionist Chelsea. I didn't understand the joke, but I guess that's what happens when you don't tune in every week. Regardless it seemed like she was enjoying the harmless teasing, and I feel like it set a good tone for the relationship between Rob and his friends.
After the opening credits, the fun begins. We are shown Rob running around a very poorly put together wrestling ring. When his cousin, 'Dream' enters the building, he does his best to put on his tough guy wrestler look and charges Chris, rolling him into the ring. After Rob beats on his cousin for a little while, Big Black makes his way to the ring. In a bit of unintentional comedy, Big ends up getting stuck in the ropes, but eventually manages to help Rob score the victory via submission. One thing to note during this segment is that Rob showed actually a little bit of in-ring skill. Regardless of if he was doing most moves the most technically sound way, he still was attempting them, showing us that perhaps Rob Dyrdek may indeed be a fan of wrestling. Hmmm…
After the brief wrestling match, it's revealed that Rob has been invited out to Wrestlemania (the biggest wrestling show of the year) in Atlanta, Georgia. There are 14 make-a-wish foundation children being sent to the show and Rob has been asked to come out and make an appearance. Rob decides to take it one step further and actually request a wrestling match, which I think is just awesome. I'm liking this Rob guy more and more.
Right before we hit the first commercial break, we are shown a funny segment between Rob and Big where Rob tries to come up with ideas for his wrestling persona/character. Rob puts on a terrible Joe Dirt type ponytail and dubs himself The Flying Rat, which I can only hope he decides to not do. Big labels him as Pony Boy which, surprisingly, I liked better. But anything would be better than the Flying Rat.
We come back from commercial and Rob is practicing some pretty awesome moves, riding a skateboard off a ramp, into the ring, and onto a padded Big. Then, the moment I've been waiting for. Rowdy Roddy Piper's music hits and in he walks, wearing his classic leather jacket, T-shirt and kilt! Rob immediately respects Piper as a legend. Piper and Rob come up with his actual in-ring name Kid Lightning (thank goodness) and Big is dubbed Black Thunder while Rob's poor cousin is dubbed Hail Boy (better than the flying rat, I guess).
Now it's time for some training from the legend. Some classic 80's montage music hits and we're treated to some pretty hilarious training moments. Rob certainly is not pulling off the most impressive moves you'll ever see, but you would be hard pressed to find someone with as much enthusiasm as him.
We're then treated to some costume design ideas for the 3 new wrestlers, with poor Hail Boy ending up in an all blue suit. And yes, I mean an actual button up, 3-piece suit. Very, very, very blue. Rob then reveals his Kid Lightning t-shirt that is a carbon copy of Piper's classic white tee. Before we cut to our second commercial break, we learn that not only will every make-a-wish kid be receiving one of these shirts, but they will also be getting a one of a kind, Kid Lightning skateboard. Rob obviously has a huge heart and I think it shows in this segment.
Back from commercial Rob, Big, and Hail Boy have arrived at Wrestlemania, ready to meet with the make-a-wish kids. After meeting with the president of the foundation, they all head into a very happy roomful of the kids and their family. They show some great moments of them interacting with everyone and most of the kids appear too paralyzed in fear to actually say anything, like most of us do when we meet anyone famous. It's a very great moment and the kids appear ready to cheer on their hero in his match.
