10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week

5. Jerry Jarrett Wasn't High On Rick Rude In Memphis

The phrase 'different strokes for different folks' comes to mind when analysing this fact. In the early-to-mid-1980's, Rick Rude wasn't yet the established star he would become. Using the nickname 'Ravishing' in the WWF, the former bodybuilder would become a top name. Beforehand, he wasn't viewed as anything particularly special, certainly not by Jerry Jarrett. Looking to make a name for himself, Rude was recommended by Austin Idol. Looking for new opponents, Idol felt Rude would be perfect, but he had to almost beg Jarrett to give him a shot. Knowing what fans do now, it's surprising that the promoter wasn't all that interested. Vince McMahon made Rick Rude a star, but would that have happened had Idol not went to bat for him? There's a possibility that his talent would have been spotted eventually, but Idol reasons that Rick was struggling to get noticed. It wasn't until he left Memphis, developing the 'Ravishing' Rick Rude character away from the territory, that Rude started to gain traction.