13 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: The Original Sheik
11. Abdullah The Butcher Carries A Fiery Reminder
This writer likely has a similar story to millions of other wrestle-hungry fans devouring any number of magazines as a child and young teen. Flicking through the pages of old Bill Apter issues, yours truly marvelled at the scary sight of a claret-soaked Abdullah The Butcher holding a fork or some other implement. Deep grooves in his forehead added to the fright, and it was often somehow scarier that Apter mags were printed in black and white.
On 'Dark Side', a slim-lined Abdullah showed up to talk about his old running buddy/enemy The Sheik. Early on, The Butcher said that he still had a scar on his body from one of Sheik's fireballs. The effect was achieved by lighting magician's flash paper then throwing it towards someone's face/chest. VICE's producers didn't seem to believe Abby, but then she showed them the damage.
In fairness, the dude is covered in a lot of scars and marks after years of working a violent in-ring style. Nonetheless, The Butcher remembers that one in particular, and claims he would be blind today if he hadn't turned his head to the side at the last possible second. The Sheik wasn't hanging around for safety - he was only concerned with lighting the paper then throwing.
He relied on his peers being switched on and ready. Thankfully for his own sake, Abdullah had his wits about him that day. He still carries a chargrilled reminder of a stunt which very nearly went wrong. Man could've been a real-life version of the Kane gimmick without even knowing it.