10 Songs About Wrestling You Need To Hear
2. Man On The Moon - R.E.M.
This R.E.M. hit from their classic 1992 album Automatic for the People is a dedication to comedian Andy Kaufman. The lyrics contains multiple references to Kaufman’s foray into the world of pro-wrestling, such as “Andy Kaufman in the wrestling match” and “Mister Fred Blassie in a breakfast mess.”
Kaufman started to gain considerable notoriety for wrestling women as part of his comedy act. Adopting an over the top heel persona and declaring himself the "Inter-Gender Wrestling Champion of the World" he would offer $1000 to any women who could beat him. Even though these matches were staged, many took his act serious and were offended.
This eventually led to the infamous feud with Jerry “The King” Lawler, which included an incident on the July 28, 1982 episode of “Late Night with David Letterman”. Kaufman was wearing a neck brace as a result of Lawler “breaking his neck” while delivering a piledriver during a wrestling match. Kaufman demanded an apology, and this led to a heated and physical altercation. This was during the days of kayfabe and the media reported on the incident as if it was real.
Kaufman also appeared in the 1983 film My Breakfast with Blassie, a parody of My Dinner with Andre, starring legendary wrestling personality “Classy” Freddie Blassie.
How is Andy Kaufman not in the celebrity wing of the WWE Hall of Fame?