Chad & Jason Hart Discuss Their Father's New Memoirs/Book, Gary Hart's Lasting Legacy In World Class Championship Wrestling, & If They See A Forthcoming Induction Of Their Dad Into The WWE Hall Of Fame
Posted: Aug 21st 2009 By: mikeiles
The sons of the legendary manager "Playboy" Gary Hart, Chad & Jason Hart, were the special guests on this week's live edition (08/17/09) of Monday Night Mayhem (presented by ReelWrestling.com), hosted by The Big Mosh & Blade. You can feel The Mayhem live & in streaming audio every Monday night (at 8PM ET/7PM CT), exclusively on The Monday Night Mayhem Radio Network (www.MondayNightMayhem.com, www.ITunes.com. www.AudioWrestling.com, www.MySpace.com/MondayNightMayhem).
Gary Hart's autobiography/memoirs ("My Life In Wrestling...With A Little Help From My Friends") is now available exclusively through www.PlayboyGaryHart.com. This special reflection on the life & career of World Class Championship Wrestling's "Playboy" (as part of "The Summer Of Mayhem 2009") is now available for free in Windows Streaming Media, or via The Mayhem's official Podcast On ITunes:
Chad & Jason Hart/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (MNM Streaming Audio): www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/waxfiles/081709.wax
Chad & Jason Hart/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (MNM Podcast On ITunes): http://www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/aug09/081709.mp3
Here are some of the highlights of Chad & Jason's joint interview, provided by The Mayhem's official correspondent, Paterson From New Jersey:
========================================================================================================
As many long-time fans of Monday Night Mayhem are aware, The Big Mosh & Blade have had the privilege & the honor of keeping the legacy of World Class Championship Wrestling alive over the past three years since the release of the phenomenal DVD documentary "Heroes Of World Class," produced by Right Here Pictures & directed by Brian Harrison. While growing up in the business & during the "glory days" of WCCW, both Jason & Chad Hart saw their father achieve worldwide success. While the "Playboy" was in rings across the globe (including inside the confines of The Dallas Sportatorium), many referred to Gary as one of the most-hated managers in the industry, while at the same time, one of the most beloved. Mosh & Blade asked Chad & Jason about being Gary's sons & their memories of growing up in a wrestling family. "It wasn't really that much different. I didn't see it different, because it was what my dad did for a living," said Jason. Chad added, "Growing up as sons of one of the top heels in all of wrestling, there's definitely times when it was scary & very exciting being the son of Gary Hart, because me & my brother both loved wrestling very much, and it was cool. Leaving the matches with my dad, a lot of times my dad would have us ushered out by other people, because the heat was just unbelievable leaving the arena."
During his career, Gary did not spend much time with his children, and that is the reason he left the business his job, as mentioned in his new book. "In my opinion, when boys get to be early teenagers, that's when they really need a father. A mother is there, but for boys, when they become young men, they really need a male role model in their life to make them into men. By the time my dad had retired (early 1990), he walked away from the business for us. We didn't get to see him much, because he was always on the road, so that has everything to do with it. He was there for us always, everyday from the time we were ten years old. He was a great father, still is..." said Chad.
The last time Gary was on The Mayhem in December 2007, he mentioned that World Class Championship Wrestling was not entirely about the Von Erich family, but the success of the promotion was also as a result of the hard work & dedication of the rest of the locker room. He thought it was disrespectful to the other amazing wrestlers of WCCW to think otherwise, and he was a advocate to push that point to the fans. "Oh totally right," said Jason. "If you're a fan of the Transformers, you could remember when the Decepticons went away, and they fighting the other aliens. It wasn't as cool. And what if Luke Skywalker didn't have Darth Vader. What were they fighting against?" Chad added, "That's wrestling. As hot as the NWO was, Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, & Chris Jericho were having the best damn matches on the card, period. Jim Ross even spoke about in the heyday of Hulk Hogan & Andre The Giant, they were drawing the crowds, but the Intercontinental Champion were the ones having the best matches. You can't have one without the other."
The lives of many wrestlers from World Class were cut short way too early including the Von Erichs (David, Kerry. Mike, & Chris). In addition, several of the performers that Gary Hart managed went away way too soon as well. How did Hart feel about all of the tragedies in WCCW? "Dad's relationship with guys like Gino & the Von Erich brothers...they weren't like employees to him or just guys he worked with. Wrestling is odd like that, because the guys you are with, those guys are your family, so when Gino passed away, David passed away, & the others, it was like losing a family member. And it was very noticeable. Dad wouldn't talk about how he felt about things that really bothered him. He would just be quiet & very somber for a while," said Jason. "What's done is done like my dad was saying. If he could change something, it would be to bring back those guys. That's what he loved those guys, and they were like family," added Chad.
In the WWE Hall Of Fame, several managers have been inducted to this point in time, including: "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Arnold Skaaland, The Grand Wizard, Captain Lou Albano, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "The Mouth Of The South" Jimmy Hart, "Sensational" Sherri Martel, & Mr. Fuji. Many worthy individuals, such as Jim Cornette, Paul Heyman, & others are worthy of consideration, but have not been given the call just yet. With all that "Playboy" Gary Hart brought to the business, he is without a shadow of a doubt one of the names that fans, journalists, & those within the business today would love to see enshrined in the WWE's Hall. "That would be absolutely wonderful if that was to take place. Me & my brother have a deep respect for the WWE. The tribute they had for my father...they don't do that for just anybody. And so the respect they showed for my dad & the tributes they had for my dad, it meant the world to me & my brother that they did that. With my dealing with the WWE, they treated me with total respect, it had nothing to do with me...it had to do with my father. So that would be wonderful if they would want to put my dad in the Hall Of Fame. Whatever they decide to do no matter people say, the WWE is a classy company," said Chad who was getting choked speaking about the tributes. Jason added, "If they continue to be the custodians of history as Bill Watts calls them & presenting World Class in a positive light (how they do on the 24/7 & DVD's), I think if that's done, then that's all you can ask."
More is contained in this exclusive interview with Jason & Chad Hart, as they discussed more about their father's life & career in professional wrestling, including Gary's greatness in pushing numerous wrestlers & getting them over (including how instrumental he was in The Great Muta's transition from Japan to the United States), how & why he always protected the business (even after his managerial career was over), as well as his lasting legacy in the business. Courtesy of The Monday Night Mayhem Audio Vault, you will be able to hear some classic audio clips from Gary's prior two Mayhem appearances (from November 2006 & December 2007, less than four months prior to his untimely passing). We honor the life of one of the true legends in our industry & one of the most-feared managers in the history of pro wrestling, "Playboy" Gary Hart.
"Your Home Of Wrestling Radio" is officially presented by ReelWrestling: the latest & hottest innovation from the coverage of professional wrestling online. Want to be a part of the Reel Wrestling movement? It's simple...head on over to www.ReelWrestling.com, and subscribe (via e-mail or SMS) for free announcements on what's hot & fresh on ReelWrestling.com. Your favorite WWE Superstars & Divas are just one click away! The award-winning Monday Night Mayhem (voted on by you, the fans as the "Show Of The Year" in the 2009 Wrestling Radio Awards), is also sponsored by: Sizzlin' Sauces (the official finishing sauce of "The Summer Of Mayhem 2009:" www.SizzlinSauces.com), TheHistoryOfWWE.com (bringing you the best in the illustrious history of our business since 2002), ACN (get info about the ACN home-based business opportunity, video phone, & network marketing by contacting Shawn Allen at http://ssallen.acnrep.com), Pre-Paid Legal (www.prepaidlegal.com/info/christinawheeler), TicketRelief.com (the official online traffic school of The Mayhem: www.TicketRelief.com), & www.WrestleBlogs.com (where fans have a voice).
All new & old members of "The Mayhem Nation" can check out the official Monday Night Mayhem Audio Vault, which contains the finest programming from "The Summer Of Mayhem 2009." You can re-live interviews with some of your favorite WWE & TNA superstars (including Ted DiBiase, Cody Rhodes, The Main Event Mafia's "Big Sexy" Kevin Nash, Booker T, & Sharmell, "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan, the reigining X-Division Champion Homicide, Team 3-D's Brother Devon, The World Elite's Eric Young, & "The Monster" Abyss), exclusive interviews from WWE Hall Of Famers & some of the most-memorable performers & personalities from over the years (Terry Funk, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, "The Total Package" Lex Luger, Sean "X-Pac" Waltman, Michael Buffer, "The Quintessential Studmuffin" Joel Gertner & former WWE/WCW referee, Mickey Jay), plus some of the biggest names in all of Hollywood (VH-1's "Brooke Knows Best" stars Glenn Douglas Packard & Ashley Menendez, the owner of the world-famous Canter's Deli/the author of "Reckless Road," Marc Canter, the star of "Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machine," Kristanna Loken, & former MTV VJ, Dave Holmes). All this & so much more (with over five years of free interviews/audio content)...now available World Wide & 365 at www.MondayNightMayhem.com.
Supplemental Information
Latest News
Mike Bailey explains the origins of his ‘feud’ with AEW’s MVP
Almost a year ago, rumors emerged about AEW stars Mike Bailey and MVP feuding with each other; however,... Read More
The Scoop
NEWS Cappuccino Jones announced he is no longer under an ID contract with World Wrestling Entertainment. He posted the following on social media: “Afte... Read More
AJ Styles on retirement, matches with Cena and Gunther, his son, and more
AJ Styles sat down with Chris Van Vliet in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss his retirement match w... Read More
- Ethan Page talks NXT, move to main roster, working with Chelsea Green, The Rock, and more
- WWE SmackDown Comes to OKC: Royce Keys talks Royal Rumble debut
- Jeff Jarrett talks relationship with Dixie Carter, Dark Side of the Ring, TNA, and more
- Carlito talks departing WWE, time in Judgment Day, Bron Breakker spear, and more
Spotlight in History
- 1969 Danny Hodge def. Chuck Karbo for the TSW North American Title
- 1971 Bill Watts became the TSW North American Champion
- 1986 Crusher Yurkov def. Steve Simpson for the WCCW Television Title
- 2001 The Texas Outlaws (Beau Dalton & Butch Dalton) def. The VIP Crew (Rocco Valentino & Vinnie Valentino) for the OPW Oklahoma Tag Team Titles
- 2001 Amanda St. George became the OPW Oklahoma Womens Champion
- 2001 Big Daddy Moore became the OPW Oklahoma Hardcore Champion
- 2007 Chris Fury became the SECW Light Heavyweight Champion
- 2007 Impact, Inc. (John Zorthos & Bernie Donderwitz) def. Team Shenanigans (Tyler Bateman & Kenny Campbell) for the IZW Tag Team Titles
- 2007 Tyson Armstrong became the SECW Heavyweight Champion
- 2007 The Texas Outlaws (Bobby Burns & Dan Wilder) became the SECW Tag Team Champions
- 2012 Kevin James Sanchez def. Austin Tacious for the SWCW All-American Title
- 2012 The Static Knights (X-Statik & Keith Knight) def. Dynamic Storm (Justin Dynamic & Daemon Storm) for the UWE Tag Team Titles
- 2018 Fuel def. Alex Royal for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 2018 Galaxy Cruzers (Paul Puertorico & Steven Cruze) became the UWE Tag Team Champions
- 2018 Dusty Gold became the UWE Apex Champion
- 2018 Anarchy [2nd] def. Dusty Gold for the UWE Apex Title
Week of Sun 10-18 to Sat: 10-24
- 10-18 2009 Carnage def. Spoiler 2000 for the NWA-OK Oklahoma Heavyweight Title
- 10-18 2019 Tego def. Prince Mahalli for the ASP Inter-County Title
- 10-18 2019 Will Allday def. J. D. Griffey for the TexPro Heavyweight Title
- 10-18 2024 Luther Zay Diamond def. Brandon Warhawk for the MajCW Flawless Title
- 10-18 2024 Nashoba became the MajCW Wetumka Indian Community Centre Champion
- 10-18 2024 Auzzy def. Kari Wright for the TexPro Dynasty Title
- 10-18 2024 The Strays (Barrett Brown & Izzy James) def. K. O. A. (Caine Carter & Devion Black) for the TexPro Tag Team Titles
- 10-19 1976 Karl Kox & Ken Patera became the TSW United States Tag Team Champions
- 10-19 2013 Tyson Jaymes def. Brock Landers for the SWCW All-American Title
- 10-19 2013 The K. C. Wolves (Graham Bell & Luke Langley) def. Nasty Swag (Ace Archuleta & Robert Lee) for the UWE Tag Team Titles
- 10-19 2013 Jon Cross def. Anarchy [2nd] for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 10-19 2014 Jon Cross def. Robert Lee for the WFC Hometown Heroes Title
- 10-19 2019 Luke Langley became the WFC Hometown Heroes Champion
- 10-19 2024 Anarchy [2nd] def. Damien Morte for the EPW Internet Television Title
- 10-19 2024 E-Bone def. Trench Blythe for the EPW International Title
- 10-20 1969 Danny Hodge def. Chuck Karbo for the TSW North American Title
- 10-20 1971 Bill Watts became the TSW North American Champion
- 10-20 1986 Crusher Yurkov def. Steve Simpson for the WCCW Television Title
- 10-20 2001 The Texas Outlaws (Beau Dalton & Butch Dalton) def. The VIP Crew (Rocco Valentino & Vinnie Valentino) for the OPW Oklahoma Tag Team Titles
- 10-20 2001 Amanda St. George became the OPW Oklahoma Womens Champion
- 10-20 2001 Big Daddy Moore became the OPW Oklahoma Hardcore Champion
- 10-20 2007 Chris Fury became the SECW Light Heavyweight Champion
- 10-20 2007 Impact, Inc. (John Zorthos & Bernie Donderwitz) def. Team Shenanigans (Tyler Bateman & Kenny Campbell) for the IZW Tag Team Titles
- 10-20 2007 Tyson Armstrong became the SECW Heavyweight Champion
- 10-20 2007 The Texas Outlaws (Bobby Burns & Dan Wilder) became the SECW Tag Team Champions
- 10-20 2012 Kevin James Sanchez def. Austin Tacious for the SWCW All-American Title
- 10-20 2012 The Static Knights (X-Statik & Keith Knight) def. Dynamic Storm (Justin Dynamic & Daemon Storm) for the UWE Tag Team Titles
- 10-20 2018 Fuel def. Alex Royal for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 10-20 2018 Galaxy Cruzers (Paul Puertorico & Steven Cruze) became the UWE Tag Team Champions
- 10-20 2018 Dusty Gold became the UWE Apex Champion
- 10-20 2018 Anarchy [2nd] def. Dusty Gold for the UWE Apex Title
- 10-21 1969 Fritz Von Erich became the WCCW American Heavyweight Champion
- 10-21 1985 King Parsons def. John Tatum for the WCCW Television Title
- 10-21 2005 Mitch Carter def. Kenny Campbell for the SRPW X Division Title
- 10-21 2006 J. T. LaMotta def. John O'Malley for the IZW Cruiserweight Title
- 10-21 2017 MVP def. Damon Windsor for the IWR Heavyweight Title
- 10-21 2017 Spirit Squad (Kenny [1st] & Mikey [1st]) def. Excellence Personified (Duke Swellington & Dustin Heritage) for the ComPro Tag Team Titles
- 10-21 2022 Tego def. Mr. Wobble for the TexPro Texas Title
- 10-21 2023 Wolf of War def. Martin Justice for the EPW International Title
- 10-21 2023 Johnny Dynamite def. Johnny Lightning for the WFC Prime Title
- 10-21 2023 Native Law (Sheriff Schultz & Nashoba) def. K. O. A. (Caine Carter & Devion Black) for the NCWO Tag Team Titles
- 10-21 2023 Malik Mayfield def. Clayton Bloodstone for the NCWO Choctaw Nation Title
- 10-21 2023 Dominik Whiteheart def. Luke Richmond for the NCWO United States Title
- 10-22 1984 The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) def. The Long Riders (Bill Irwin & Scott Irwin) for the WCCW American Tag Team Titles
- 10-22 2005 Big Van Vader def. Aaron Neil for the IZW Heavyweight Title
- 10-22 2005 Carnage def. John O'Malley for the IZW Hardcore Title
- 10-22 2005 Ryan Davidson became the MSWA Mid-South Cruiserweight Champion
- 10-22 2005 The Lone Shining Star def. Tyler Bateman for the MSWA Tri-State Title
- 10-22 2005 Michael Faith def. Outlaw for the MSWA Mid-South Heavyweight Title
- 10-22 2005 The Real Impact Players (Aaron Neil & Se7en) def. The Red Dirt Outlaws (Devon Monroe & Kevin James) for the MSWA Mid-South Tag Team Titles
- 10-22 2011 Fuel def. Jonathan Cross for the UWE Heavyweight Title
- 10-22 2022 Justin Lee def. Koko for the WFC Hometown Heroes Title
- 10-22 2022 Dutch Hagen def. Wesley Crane for the WFC Heavyweight Title
- 10-22 2023 Tunnel Vision (Derek James & Logan Knight) became the BPW Oklahoma Tag Team Champions
- 10-22 2023 Luke Richmond def. Brandon Groom for the BPW Oklahoma Title
- 10-22 2023 Trench Blythe def. El Gallardo for the BPW Lion Heart Title
- 10-22 2023 The Stage Dive Mafia (Rook Tyler & Axel Savage) def. Native Law (Sheriff Schultz & Nashoba) for the NCWO Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 1965 Lee Fields & Bobby Fields became the TSW Louisiana Tag Team Champions
- 10-23 1967 Spoiler #1 & Gary Hart def. Brute Bernard & Mike Paidousis for the WCCW American Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 1968 Manuel Perez & Pepe Perez def. The Blue Demons (Blue Demon #1 & Blue Demon #2) for the TSW Louisiana Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 1988 Jerry Lawler def. Kerry Von Erich for the WCCW World Title
- 10-23 2003 Payton Scott def. Chris Matthews for the ACW Heavyweight Title
- 10-23 2005 Matt Garza & Mr. Brown def. Brandon Bishop & John Zorthos for the ACW Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 2005 Pretty Young Things (Cade Sydal & Mitch Carter) def. Matt Garza & Mr. Brown for the ACW Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 2011 Javi Hernandez became the UWF06 Heavyweight Champion
- 10-23 2015 Vinny Pacheco def. Buster Cherry for the MSWA Oklahoma Title
- 10-23 2015 The Creepsters (Buster Cherry & Mr. Barnes) became the MSWA Mid-South Tag Team Champions
- 10-23 2021 Richie Adams def. Tommy Dean for the WFC Prime Title
- 10-23 2021 Toxic Masculinity (Johnny Lightning & Johnny Dynamite) def. The Space Age Cowboys (Paul Puertorico & Jason Jones) for the WFC Tag Team Titles
- 10-23 2021 Luke Langley def. Alex Royal for the WFC Heavyweight Title
- 10-24 1983 Jimmy Garvin def. Chris Adams for the WCCW Television Title
- 10-24 1998 The VIP Crew (Rocco Valentino & Vinnie Valentino) def. The Texas Outlaws (Dan Wilder & Bernard Funk) for the OPW Oklahoma Tag Team Titles
- 10-24 2004 Se7en def. John O'Malley for the ACW Hardcore Title
- 10-24 2009 Xavior became the SWCW Cruiserweight Champion
- 10-24 2009 Dawn of Extreme (Ty Thunder & Crucifer) def. Texas, Inc. (Tim Rockwell & Bernard Funk) for the ComPro Tag Team Titles
- 10-24 2009 The South Side Soul Assassins (Tyson Jaymes & 3rd Rail) def. The Good Ol' Boys (Bud Barnes & Moonshine) for the SWCW Tag Team Titles
- 10-24 2009 The Good Ol' Boys (Bud Barnes & Moonshine) became the SWCW Tag Team Champions
- 10-24 2009 Rated N (Crisstopher Crow & Shane Sanchez) def. The Good Ol' Boys (Bud Barnes & Moonshine) for the SWCW Tag Team Titles
- 10-24 2020 Sam Stackhouse def. Alex Royal for the WFC Heavyweight Title
- 10-24 2021 Ryan the Ripper def. Drake Gallows for the EPW Internet Television Title
- 10-24 2025 Merc def. Riker for the BUW This Is Wrestling Title
- Morgan Mercy Oct 20th Today!
- Ed Sharp Oct 20th Today!
- Chavo Guerrero, Jr. Oct 20th Today!
- Devan Scott Oct 21st
- Bushwacker Butch Oct 21st
- Tom Jones Oct 22nd
- George Knight Oct 22nd
- Porkchop Cash Oct 22nd
- Red Eagle Oct 23rd
- Daniel Powers Oct 24th
- Ray Durán Oct 24th
- Bobby Lambert Oct 24th
- Bill Dundee Oct 24th
- Paige Turner Oct 25th
- Double D Oct 25th
- Sheriff Schultz Oct 25th
- Phil Shark Oct 25th
- Halo Oct 26th
- Eddie Williams Oct 26th
- Anthony Wayne Oct 26th
- Troy Graham Oct 26th
- AWOL Oct 27th
- Miss Linda Oct 27th
- Doberman [2nd] Oct 27th
- Jake Boulder Oct 28th
- Chris Smith Oct 28th
- Mike Sharpe, Jr. Oct 28th
- MVP Oct 28th
- D. J. Hall Oct 29th
- Paul Orndorff Oct 29th
- Mischief Oct 29th
- Danny McShain Oct 30th
- Debbie Combs Oct 30th
- Jesse Beeler Oct 30th
- Brandon Bishop Oct 30th
- George Wells Oct 30th
- Jayson Boss Oct 31st
- Bugsy McGraw Nov 1st
- Dutch Hagen Nov 1st
- Big Daddy Moore Nov 1st
- Mike Davis [2nd] Nov 2nd