Even as a kid, I knew Rhythm and Blues was the beginning of the end for this legend. He just wasn't a gimmick kind of guy. He was a technician and a good anchor for a tag team.
They we're jobbing to the Bushwhackers so YA it was the end of the road for him lol but Greg appeared at all of the first 7 Mania's. (didn't wrestle in the 6th one but had a segment) so that was a nice run for him
He had such believable elbows that actually looked like it killed the guy. He was the master of anything to do with elbows he just made them look amazing.
It’s a fine line, you need to let them talk but understand when they’re rambling or getting off subject. As the interviewer you need to steer the ship.
I met Greg in Rochester NY in the early 70s and I was terrified of him when I asked him to sign my picture of him. He was walking to his car . One of the absolute nicest guys I ever met. I was just some dumbass kid standing there with my Father never expected that he would actually stop , smile & asked me if I enjoyed myself that night. I believe he was the very first wrestler I ever met face to face. A true class act. Thanks for the memories 👍🏼
I met Greg Valentine at the West Milford High School in 84. He was a hated heel then. I saw him walking out to his car in the parking lot and said " Mr. Valentine sir may I shake your hand? " I must have sounded like the biggest dork but he smiled turned around and said "Sure". He was the best. A moment I'll never forget
I can see his point about losing with dignity but there are wrestlers on every level that says they don’t want to do a job for this guy or that guy for one reason or another and I’m like wth it’s all predetermined, ! I think Greg while a nice guy just couldn’t accept that he was getting towards the end of the line wrestling wise and turned into a prima donna.Still seems like a good guy but he let his ego get the best of him in the late eighties and early to mid nineties
Greg the hammer Valentine is one of the true legends. Long before wrestling got stupid and silly. Loved watching him. One of my favorites definitely!!!
I understand him not wanting to do jobs for people that are clearly not worth the loss, like those joke gimmicks, but doing jobs are part of the business. It's a show they need to put on, it's not an actual competition.
@@NcTheory He explains it in the last sentence. It isn't just doing a job that's the problem, it's losing in a way that doesn't make you look bad. All of those were times they wanted him to job out and not get any benefit from it. He doesn't get any heat back, he doesn't go down swinging and looking like a champ. There is doing the job when it means something, and then there is getting jobbed out like a punk.
In what world is Sting not worthy of the loss for Greg? Sting is a legend and an icon and anyone claiming Greg shouldn't do the job for that guy is overestimating Greg Valentine. This sounds like sour grapes from Valentine to be honest and acting like he shouldn't have to put someone over who he personally thinks isn't going anywhere, who then goes on to be the face of the freaking company, kind of just proves why he's no longer in the business and why he was out of the business earlier than a lot of other contemporaries, some of whom are still hanging around. The fact is he couldn't bump for shit, worked way too stiff, and generally just got overbooked with belts in a lot from the territory days but was ultimately not a good wrestler at all. Everyone ends up having to do jobs for other talent. Even sting did that. Undertaker did it. Flair did it. There's nothing humble about this story. Honestly sounds like a guy whose heyday was over and who was well past his expiring date and just didn't want to admit it.
People are acting like Greg was a good wrestler. He wasn’t. You ever watch him bump? He’s ugly as sin, too. He should have jobbed to whoever asked him.
@@RedroomStudios Evidently you have never wrestled someone and had the move put on you. Yes they know how to put it on to where it won't be very painful. However if you did it intentionally to hurt someone - yes you very much could hurt a person with the figure four
Most moves done in wrestling are done with the intent not to hurt If someone really wanted to the make your life painful and or end it with moves like the Burning Hammer
@@jodybarfield4832 absolutely I have had it put on me before and I put in on others as well. we did these moves when we were kids and yes you could very easily break someone's leg. but this is "pro" wrestling and they dont do it to hurt each other. ffs.
It’s interesting to hear what guys like The hammer say, it brings up the human emotions and aspects about the way a wrestler felt about doing what was asked, Valentine mentioned about getting scripted to elevate another guy, the way he brought up how he would consider whatever situation and at times depending on the factors and opponents he mentioned asking the bosses/promoter(s) or whoever if he could follow up a loss to someone with a win or beating on a TV interview segment, it’s one of those situations that rarely gets recognized, I’ve never even thought of that in my 52 yrs. It just another example of how much there is to learn in our lives, no one should ever run out of areas of study that are new,totally different to them...TY to this channel for bringing this interesting content.
I grew up watching Greg Valentine, he was one of the best in the business, always a total professional, always great matches, it was back when wrestling was great, man I miss those days.
Sting was one of the most over Wrestlers of all time. Dude was the total package. He had the look and could do it all in the ring. Strong enough for the power moves, pretty solid technician, and for a bigger guy was very athletic for the high flying maneuvers.
That's why Valentine was jealous. He left WWF and thought he still had it down South like he did before he left Mid Atlantic. Had the nerve to be befuddled when he realized that wrestling had moved on... And then refuse to play ball. Fuck Valentine.
@@reilneid6436 Greg was never the draw his father Johnny was and the memorable feuds he was in (Wahoo/Piper) he was carried in them by much better talent.
@@JayJackson1981 thanks for straightening out my opinions for me Jay & the nepotism take. (I didn't even have to look that up either) I'll check w/you b4 hand next time I attempt a big step like MY opinion & I'm aware of Johnny Valentine's 4 different HOF'S career. Go figure
And he is ok with the decisions he made. He doesn’t whine and bitch that Vince “owed” him anything. He was a great territory wrestler, had some great angles with flair, wahoo, piper, etc. he wasn’t a high flyer, or 6 1/2 feet tall. He didn’t have a gimmick, he was just mean and tough. He would have made a good member of the Dangerous Alliance in WCW.
@@kalebschulz7310 Well he wasn't. He absolutely wasn't. Any more than the stay puft marshmallow man was "owed" being allowed to come back and fuck the ghostbusters up in ghostbusters 2.
The Dangerous Alliance were all bump machines for fiery babyfaces like Sting, Steamboat, Dustin, etc. Valentine bumped like a tree falling and the matches would have sucked.
Greg's prime was late 70's and through the 80's. By the time he went to WCW his appeal had diminished quite a bit. He needed to revamp his character/gimmick but didn't do it. He might not have like the idea of jobbing to Sting but if Sting makes you look good in the process then that was a big missed opportunity by Greg. Sting was the face of WCW at the time. But I understand it from Greg's point of view too. Wrestlers have to protect their character or else they want last much longer in the business. He didn't want to become a jobber. Sadly though, by that time of Greg's career that's pretty much what he was. I did watch an 84' match of him vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. That was a great match. That's when Greg was at his best.
Looking back, Greg Valentine vs Sting just looks wrong on paper. I never saw Valentine's career before the mid 80's with Beefcake. So I didn't know he and Flair were a big time tag team during the late 70's/early 80's. But, with Sting, I was able to watch him during his UWF days around the time JCP bought out Watts and Sting was one of the very few wrestlers from the UWF to get pushed. Valentine vs Sting in 1992, would not be a headliner.
This is why I was done with Wrestling after having new content and Circus Themes, true Wrestling was pretty much done. Thanks for bringing that out. 1:45
Vince is great at taking superstars like Greg who helped put WWF on the map and as they get older to make a mochary out of they're character and career he has a history of that.Good for Greg having Pride .
@@MiningForPiesIf I'm a fan of "wrestling"? Which type? Amateur, MMA, or pro wrestling? I'm pretty familiar with wrestling. Sting was physically very talented. Good looking athlete, and could also do amazing things in the ring after he was trained. It's pretty gross to say he was"limited" when guys like Hogan are considered top wrestlers. Perhaps you mean "limited" on the mic? Maybe you mean there was better fighters (I'd have to remind you it's a fake/performance sport). Not sure, but it sounds petty .
@@Danielson1818 I thought it was pretty clear what I meant. Guys like Valentine are fans of a particular style of “wrestling” (hence the quotes they add context when you communicate in English). Sting was not the kind of “wrestler” that valentine appreciated. And no, sting could not do “amazing” things in the ring. He was ok in the ring, but needed an opponent like flair to bring the best out of him.
@@standingovation3092 i noticed that about his hands in other interviews and commented on. The callous tough surrounded with pyre strength. You can see when he gestures with his hands, they look like bear paws.
I really enjoy seeing this side of Valentine. He is such a real and honest dude. A throwback to what wrestling should be about. I miss the old days. Can't stand wrestling today. Nothing but gimmicks and stupid drama
love the hammer met him at a county fair n the late 90s pulld up n a Lincoln continental and talked and signed autographs for all of the kids like me...long live the hammer
Whenever I think of wrestling as a true sport this man’s name always pops in my head. That is awesome story about how he wrestled Taker and their was a respect found. Greg is timeless.
In other words Valentine was saying that he may not be the biggest star anymore but he wasn't going to be dissed and treated like a second class citizen either.
@@televiper11 Good for him then. Maybe he made some good investments over the years. He earned it because he didn't come from the new style where guys were getting fat contracts.
Humble? The guy is complaining that he was asked to job to the Undertaker, Sting, Earthquake etc when he was 46....he didnt have to, but he did.......he's delusional. He's a nice guy by the looks of it, but humble he is NOT.
"The Hammer" and "Rowdy" were the best at what they did! No one can hold a candle to those 2! "Hammer" was the nonsense guy and badass, he could sell it so well! "Rowdy" brought the asshole heel and sold that concept so well! No one now has no idea on how to even think about it! Damn! I truly miss the old time wrestling! When I go back and watch the fun all over again I feel like a kid again. Thank you guys for what you did for a lot of people, such joy! Even being young before anyone said it was play acting I already knew for myself. Great memories of time with family and friends watching hour after hour!
I have been a wrestling fan since 1974 when I was 5yrs old. And Greg Valentine was and still is my favorite wrestlers of all time. Real wrestling no bull crap 💩..
@Aaron Digby Man both were busted up pretty bad. Both were in their prime too. Wahoo's chops were devastating! You could see the sweat flying off Valentine!
I would go to the old City Auditorium in Asheville, NC and watch Johnny Valentine and Wahoo McDaniels wrestle each other. They brought a realism to their matches that isn't seen anywhere in today's matches.
??? WTF "deserved better"???? Dude had a 50 year career. total living legend, held over 40 championships, Hall of Fame, one of the most recognizable wrstlers of all time....
Thanks for this great stuff w/The Hammer. I was fortunate enough to see Greg & his Dad both (different times though) wrestle in Detroit at Cobo Hall. Like father, like son. Both legend's in my opinion.
They don't make them like Greg The Hammer Valentine anymore what a shame! Hell of a wrestler and person. Would have been nice if I had a chance to meet you in person. God bless and take care. Tony
My friends and I would die laughing the way this guy used to fall flat on his face. He had it down so well. It is NOT an easy thing to do because you need to fall just right, but he was so good at it.
My brother and I used to sit with Greg and his mom and we would watch his dad Johnny wrestle, this was back in the 60s. My grandpa-was a huge fan and we would be in The Collosuim every Friday and Saturday night when they were in town. Grandpa had a reserved seat next to the bell. Grandma loved it too. I still watch it, I’m going to Wrestlemania on April 1st in Dallas
Greg's big mistake, IMO, was not making that 1987 WWF quitting stick. By the time he finally left WWF for good in 1992, he was long past stale but (judging by this admittedly brief video at least), he didn't seem to realize it.
Always enjoyed Greg the hammer valentine back in the day and you watch these interviews with him he’s a straight up dude and ain’t got nothin bad to say about the other wrestlers!
I absolutely hated Valentine as a heel wrestler back in the day but watching all these interviews of him I got massive respect for the guy. I agree completely about keeping wrestling real and hating the corny gimmicks that polluted wrestling starting in the mid 80's. thats why I ended up quitting watching wrestling. the characters and angles just got too silly.
I'd say between him and SCSA but taker was in the spotlight longer and never heard his name involved in any bullshit. Taker is the godfather of wrestling, no disrespect to Tha godfather at all.
@@nfindc yes he has Debra who he beat also Road Dogg Billy Gunn Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Jarrett Dusty Rhodes ect there are plenty people who talk bad about SCSA
GTHV is low-key one of the GOATs.. Walked the walk, talked the talk and is all class! He looks great, especially compared to many of his peers.. I could listen to him talk all day, The imagery and detail he remembers makes you feel like you were there... Take care of this man, he's a treasure to us!
The behind the scenes drama of the early wrestling years is infinitely better than the mainstage attractions of everything post attitude era... possibly even including... I want old wrestling back.
This is the second "Why I refused to job to..." video about Greg Valentine. In both cases, the wrestlers that Valentine refused to job to were more "over with the fans" than he was. Basically, Valentine refused to accept the fact that by the time he was in his 40s, most of his appeal had greatly diminished. Valentine should have just wrestled for some backwoods indy promotion that let him "win every match."
hes always whinging about the times he had to "job" to people in the early 90s....never happy that he had tag belt reigns and the intercontinental championship put on him before that. Talk about glass half empty. He was SHIT! He looked like shit physically and was even more shit on the mic...yes he was a decent in ring performer but he seems to think he was hard done by when he wasnt getting title pushes on ppvs when he was 43. For fucks sake greg.....concentrate on the positives.
There's a difference between "doing a job" and being a "jobber". his issue with doing the jobs he refers to here is that he would get no heat back. It was basically going in, lie down, here's your money. Over time that makes you a Steve Lombardi, an enhancement talent. All Valentine is saying here, which is fair, is that actually having a decent build first makes more sense for both. The guy winning beats someone who has value, and the guy losing retains his value. Even in his 40's, Valentine had that ability.
@@gary6754 Earthquake was being built as a monster though, so it was meant to be a short match for a reason, and at Wrestlemania so a good payday. It's not like it was a squash match on Superstars of Wrestling or something. It's like the old school equivalent of Lesner coming in and squashing some mid card guy. Hammer was always boring as hell to me. Never cared for him, even as a heel.
Greg understands psychology and booking. A loss done right should benefit both the heel and the baby face. Even if you lose you can still keep your heat if it's done right. Classic story telling that we don't see anymore in the business.
I agree with this but by that time in WCW and Greg’s career, they had zero plans for him. There was no need for a program with Sting, he was purely on the card at that point to lose to stars, without any storyline attached to it
@@BubbafromSapperton have respect for your elders apologizing for what u said to the LGBTQ community would be respectful u cant say a certain look makes u think what u said
I always loved Greg as a heel. Great wrestler, great showman in the ring, just a tough as nails Seattle boy. He’s definitely one of my all time faves ❤️
People trash the heel. That let's you know they did thier job making other people look good. Him n Mr flair. Are the best 2 heels for me from mid 80s on
during his wrestling career he had a lot of value it insomniacs.. His shoot interviews are really good however. Kinda makes sense why he was around for so long.
Greg set a good example of how to stay on good terms with promoters but yet protecting your dignity and your stars at the same time. Way to go Hammer !!!
In the wrestling business, you still have to look after yourself because no one else will....The companies will use you and dispose of you when they are done. And they don't care about your credibility......you have to fight for everything
Greg was smart enough to know that doing jobs is expected sometimes but you try to do it without looking soft. It might help the show / programs today, but how will that affect your your drawing power and pay next month...next year? I don't blame him a bit for saying No once in a while. It's a tough decision--it definitely cost him some gigs.
@@testodude Greg wasn't that smart of he thought he could walk into a promotion and instantly jump into a main event feud with the top star of said promotion without any buildup. At that point, he was lucky to even be getting offers to wrestle on national TV.
@@testodude Boy, did he. I'm currently going through Jake Roberts short WCW run and that feud would've drew far more money than Valentine would've. Even if an old school boss like Bill Watts (who dropped the ball tremendously by releasing Roberts before they could really get the feud going) realized that Valentine was way past his time.
Totally understand his point of view. He didn’t want buried for no reason. Modern wrestling- and by that I mean the last 15 yrs, does this as it books matches with no forethought which make zero sense and ends up doing exactly what he’s talking about.
I enjoyed watching Greg and his dad Johnny wrestling . That were the best. No wrestler could ever compare to them. And Greg looks great! I enjoy listening to his interviews .
Watch More Greg "The Hammer" Valentine (2021)
Streaming Now 📺TitleMatchNetwork.com
Great interview!
He refused to lose to Sting, I guess he didn’t see the potential in him.
Credit to the interviewer for verbally being there only when needed.
Thank you, I appreciate the compliment
Yep. He's not like Sean Oliver who is the biggest mark with a mic.
@@TheVampirePredator Oh come on, he’s pretty fuckin funny. Guests don’t seem to mind.
@@salamisumo2
He's still a mark. Trying to talk like he's one of the boys.
@@TitleMatchWrestling Great job. You kept things moving, but let Greg do the talking.
Even as a kid, I knew Rhythm and Blues was the beginning of the end for this legend. He just wasn't a gimmick kind of guy. He was a technician and a good anchor for a tag team.
Totally agree
Yeah When I saw them debut I knew he was on borrowed time
They we're jobbing to the Bushwhackers so YA it was the end of the road for him lol but Greg appeared at all of the first 7 Mania's. (didn't wrestle in the 6th one but had a segment) so that was a nice run for him
He had such believable elbows that actually looked like it killed the guy. He was the master of anything to do with elbows he just made them look amazing.
@@BeeBumperI was kid when he made that change but still had some feeling that this wasn't a good sign
One of the reasons you are one of my favorite interviewers is because you let them talk, with minimal interruptions.
I really appreciate that - thank you!
And you ask good questions
It’s a fine line, you need to let them talk but understand when they’re rambling or getting off subject. As the interviewer you need to steer the ship.
He is also knowledgeable about the business and the wrestler. He knows who he is talking to, and why it's important to talk to them
I met Greg in Rochester NY in the early 70s and I was terrified of him when I asked him to sign my picture of him. He was walking to his car .
One of the absolute nicest guys I ever met. I was just some dumbass kid standing there with my Father never expected that he would actually stop , smile & asked me if I enjoyed myself that night. I believe he was the very first wrestler I ever met face to face.
A true class act.
Thanks for the memories 👍🏼
Very lucky I live UK and would love to meet my favourite stone cold Steve Austin 👍
Lucky!
I met Greg Valentine at the West Milford High School in 84. He was a hated heel then. I saw him walking out to his car in the parking lot and said " Mr. Valentine sir may I shake your hand? " I must have sounded like the biggest dork but he smiled turned around and said "Sure". He was the best. A moment I'll never forget
Bet he looks pretty much the same now.
You’ll never meet a nicer guy.
I love these shoots better than the actual wrestling
that makes all of us
Shows how big of babies most of them are
because you aren't a wrestling fan
@@ushireborn I was a wrestling fan back when it was fun to watch.
@@iotaeta-pi2770 you can always watch stuff from that era that you haven't seen or rewatch stuff that you have. still better than the shoots
I appreciate his honesty, he’s not making excuses he’s actually admitting he didn’t wanna do the job 😂
To the number 1 baby face in the company. Greg is a pretty cool and mellow guy but it wasn’t 1975 anymore. Or 1983. The run was over.
Still unprofessional. He didn't want to put Sting over for some bullshit reason. Jealousy?
@@josephpeeler5434 lol keep reaching you little punk. Greg is a legend and nobody will take that from him.
I can see his point about losing with dignity but there are wrestlers on every level that says they don’t want to do a job for this guy or that guy for one reason or another and I’m like wth it’s all predetermined, ! I think Greg while a nice guy just couldn’t accept that he was getting towards the end of the line wrestling wise and turned into a prima donna.Still seems like a good guy but he let his ego get the best of him in the late eighties and early to mid nineties
@@timfrederick9305 Greg didn't want to accept the fact that he was becoming a jobber.
Glad he’s still alive! 🙏🏾❤️
alive and looking good
Alive and still sporting that hair
He died last week, due to breath complications.
Greg the hammer Valentine is one of the true legends. Long before wrestling got stupid and silly. Loved watching him. One of my favorites definitely!!!
I remember when he wrestled Bob Backlund for the W.W.F. Championship! Two great matches! Bob's the best! Love both those Guys.
Valentine Sux.....He Was Jealous And Envious Of Sting....Sting Drew Way More Money Than Valentine Ever Could Have
Master of the figure 4 and a true legend, btw Valentine was wrestling when Sting was still in grade school.
His job was to lose. And look ridiculous doing so
@dawgsrule That's not his brother, Johnny Valentine was Greg's father. Maybe you should look him up instead of telling others to.
I Don't Like Doing Jobs: The Autobiography of How Greg Valentine Found Himself Without a Job
I understand him not wanting to do jobs for people that are clearly not worth the loss, like those joke gimmicks, but doing jobs are part of the business. It's a show they need to put on, it's not an actual competition.
@@NcTheory He explains it in the last sentence. It isn't just doing a job that's the problem, it's losing in a way that doesn't make you look bad. All of those were times they wanted him to job out and not get any benefit from it. He doesn't get any heat back, he doesn't go down swinging and looking like a champ.
There is doing the job when it means something, and then there is getting jobbed out like a punk.
In what world is Sting not worthy of the loss for Greg? Sting is a legend and an icon and anyone claiming Greg shouldn't do the job for that guy is overestimating Greg Valentine.
This sounds like sour grapes from Valentine to be honest and acting like he shouldn't have to put someone over who he personally thinks isn't going anywhere, who then goes on to be the face of the freaking company, kind of just proves why he's no longer in the business and why he was out of the business earlier than a lot of other contemporaries, some of whom are still hanging around. The fact is he couldn't bump for shit, worked way too stiff, and generally just got overbooked with belts in a lot from the territory days but was ultimately not a good wrestler at all.
Everyone ends up having to do jobs for other talent. Even sting did that. Undertaker did it. Flair did it. There's nothing humble about this story. Honestly sounds like a guy whose heyday was over and who was well past his expiring date and just didn't want to admit it.
People are acting like Greg was a good wrestler. He wasn’t. You ever watch him bump? He’s ugly as sin, too. He should have jobbed to whoever asked him.
WELL PUT.. NOW LOOK AT HIM.. JOBLESS WHILE OTHERS HIS AGE ARE STILL HAVING FUN WITH SOMETHING THEY LOVE.
I recall Greg back in the early 80s as a serious threat in the ring. His figure 4 leglocks looked very painful. These are great interviews.
you know its fake right?
@@RedroomStudios Evidently you have never wrestled someone and had the move put on you. Yes they know how to put it on to where it won't be very painful. However if you did it intentionally to hurt someone - yes you very much could hurt a person with the figure four
Most moves done in wrestling are done with the intent not to hurt
If someone really wanted to the make your life painful and or end it with moves like the Burning Hammer
@@jodybarfield4832 absolutely I have had it put on me before and I put in on others as well. we did these moves when we were kids and yes you could very easily break someone's leg. but this is "pro" wrestling and they dont do it to hurt each other. ffs.
@@RedroomStudios they do it with caution but as a child, I do remember my next-door neighbor, put the figure 4 on his little brother and broke his leg
I like watching Greg's interviews. He seems like a cool, down-to-earth guy. He has that retired "rockstar" look.
Down to Earth-quake = jobbed down to quake
I chatted with Greg. Very laid back guy. Very professional and straightforward.
He does have that look.
the old woman look
Just a cry baby
“It’s not always about winning. It’s how you lose.”
This stuff just gets better and better.
It’s interesting to hear what guys like The hammer say, it brings up the human emotions and aspects about the way a wrestler felt about doing what was asked, Valentine mentioned about getting scripted to elevate another guy, the way he brought up how he would consider whatever situation and at times depending on the factors and opponents he mentioned asking the bosses/promoter(s) or whoever if he could follow up a loss to someone with a win or beating on a TV interview segment, it’s one of those situations that rarely gets recognized, I’ve never even thought of that in my 52 yrs. It just another example of how much there is to learn in our lives, no one should ever run out of areas of study that are new,totally different to them...TY to this channel for bringing this interesting content.
I grew up watching Greg Valentine, he was one of the best in the business, always a total professional, always great matches, it was back when wrestling was great, man I miss those days.
Not very professional if he’s not doing what’s best for business or what his employer asks of him
One of the better shoots I've seen. Greg keeps it real throughout. Great job brother ...hope you are in good health.
Are you a Trump supporter
@@dannywallis5302 seems completely unrelated.
@@Jffeeney3rd why did you answer?... So many heartless selfish Republicans are ruining America that its time to start asking
@@dannywallis5302 no it isn’t. Politics and political leanings are your own business and nobody else’s.
@@dannywallis5302 Comment hasn't aged very poorly.
Sting was one of the most over Wrestlers of all time. Dude was the total package. He had the look and could do it all in the ring. Strong enough for the power moves, pretty solid technician, and for a bigger guy was very athletic for the high flying maneuvers.
That's why Valentine was jealous. He left WWF and thought he still had it down South like he did before he left Mid Atlantic. Had the nerve to be befuddled when he realized that wrestling had moved on... And then refuse to play ball. Fuck Valentine.
@@JayJackson1981 totally disagree. Valentine was never a jobber to anyone. He was a legend who paid his dues when Sting was in diapers.
@@reilneid6436
Paid his dues? He was the son of a legend who had his way paved via nepotism.
@@reilneid6436
Greg was never the draw his father Johnny was and the memorable feuds he was in (Wahoo/Piper) he was carried in them by much better talent.
@@JayJackson1981 thanks for straightening out my opinions for me Jay & the nepotism take. (I didn't even have to look that up either) I'll check w/you b4 hand next time I attempt a big step like MY opinion & I'm aware of Johnny Valentine's 4 different HOF'S career. Go figure
And he is ok with the decisions he made. He doesn’t whine and bitch that Vince “owed” him anything. He was a great territory wrestler, had some great angles with flair, wahoo, piper, etc. he wasn’t a high flyer, or 6 1/2 feet tall. He didn’t have a gimmick, he was just mean and tough. He would have made a good member of the Dangerous Alliance in WCW.
EXACTLY.
Except the fact that he felt like he was owed something whenever she had to do the job.
@@kalebschulz7310
Well he wasn't.
He absolutely wasn't.
Any more than the stay puft marshmallow man was "owed" being allowed to come back and fuck the ghostbusters up in ghostbusters 2.
Dangerous alliance, those were the good ol days, I remember when Paul E. hit the guy from the wonder years over the head with the phone
The Dangerous Alliance were all bump machines for fiery babyfaces like Sting, Steamboat, Dustin, etc. Valentine bumped like a tree falling and the matches would have sucked.
Great memories with Greg Valentine. Thank you sir for being a part of my fond memories of the 80's as a young dude enjoying wrestling.
I have more respect for him than ever after watching this. What a legend!
Mark alert
Agreed. Probably the first shoot interview I’ve ever seen where the guy admits he doesn’t want to do jobs without a return.
What a great shoot interviewee
I love to hear these behind the scenes stories of the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling!
Greg's prime was late 70's and through the 80's. By the time he went to WCW his appeal had diminished quite a bit. He needed to revamp his character/gimmick but didn't do it. He might not have like the idea of jobbing to Sting but if Sting makes you look good in the process then that was a big missed opportunity by Greg. Sting was the face of WCW at the time. But I understand it from Greg's point of view too. Wrestlers have to protect their character or else they want last much longer in the business. He didn't want to become a jobber. Sadly though, by that time of Greg's career that's pretty much what he was. I did watch an 84' match of him vs. Hulk Hogan for the WWF Championship. That was a great match. That's when Greg was at his best.
Looking back, Greg Valentine vs Sting just looks wrong on paper. I never saw Valentine's career before the mid 80's with Beefcake. So I didn't know he and Flair were a big time tag team during the late 70's/early 80's.
But, with Sting, I was able to watch him during his UWF days around the time JCP bought out Watts and Sting was one of the very few wrestlers from the UWF to get pushed.
Valentine vs Sting in 1992, would not be a headliner.
Hilarious thinking about Valentine and Piper in that dog collar match! The two guys who NEVER wanted to lose 😆😆😆😆
“Lets just wrestle forever until the fans get bored and go home” 😆😆
Greg Valentine accidentally hit Roddy Piper in one of his ears, permanently deafening him in that ear...or so I've heard.
This is why I was done with Wrestling after having new content and Circus Themes, true Wrestling was pretty much done. Thanks for bringing that out. 1:45
Vince is great at taking superstars like Greg who helped put WWF on the map and as they get older to make a mochary out of they're character and career he has a history of that.Good for Greg having Pride .
Greg Valentine such a legend in pro wrestling
Valentine and Sid would have made a great tag team. Catchphrases could be “That’s when I walked out” and “I quit after that”.
😏
And yet both of them are relatively well-off now, unlike most of their peers. They protected their value.
@@televiper11 Greg isn’t. He’s skint and owes a lot of money to people for failing to turn up.
Have them face each other in a "I Quit Match!"
@@MiningForPies Really? I never knew that.
Man, THIS is what wrestling is to me. Literally agree with EVERYTHING he says. Who's going to fill their shoes?
Everything? So basically you aint a fan of Sting either till this day? That part kinda came off weird.
@@Danielson1818 to be fair, if you’re a fan of “wrestling” then sting wouldn’t be top of your list. He was very limited.
@@MiningForPiesIf I'm a fan of "wrestling"? Which type? Amateur, MMA, or pro wrestling? I'm pretty familiar with wrestling.
Sting was physically very talented. Good looking athlete, and could also do amazing things in the ring after he was trained. It's pretty gross to say he was"limited" when guys like Hogan are considered top wrestlers. Perhaps you mean "limited" on the mic? Maybe you mean there was better fighters (I'd have to remind you it's a fake/performance sport). Not sure, but it sounds petty .
@@Danielson1818 I thought it was pretty clear what I meant. Guys like Valentine are fans of a particular style of “wrestling” (hence the quotes they add context when you communicate in English). Sting was not the kind of “wrestler” that valentine appreciated.
And no, sting could not do “amazing” things in the ring. He was ok in the ring, but needed an opponent like flair to bring the best out of him.
I shook this man’s hand once, what a fucking grip 0_0
Thanks for warning me. I think I have arthritis. If I ever meet him, I'll be prepared and just fist bump if he's okay with that.
I agree, my son and I met Greg 3 years ago. It was like sticking my hand in a vice grip. Great guy
@@standingovation3092 i noticed that about his hands in other interviews and commented on. The callous tough surrounded with pyre strength. You can see when he gestures with his hands, they look like bear paws.
I miss his kind of wrestling. I like listening to his interviews.
Greg The Hamner Valentine's looks like a mafia hitman this guy was my favorite heel back in the day
Mine also...... Great Matches against Pedro Morales, Tito Santana, Bob Backlund, Wahoo McDaniel, and the list goes on and on.
He needs to be cast as a mafia syndicate Boss.
I really enjoy seeing this side of Valentine. He is such a real and honest dude. A throwback to what wrestling should be about. I miss the old days. Can't stand wrestling today. Nothing but gimmicks and stupid drama
100% - I'm the same. 70's - mid 80's was the best!
love the hammer met him at a county fair n the late 90s pulld up n a Lincoln continental and talked and signed autographs for all of the kids like me...long live the hammer
Smash, ax, crush, hammer !
Greg is real. Gotta respect that
Whenever I think of wrestling as a true sport this man’s name always pops in my head. That is awesome story about how he wrestled Taker and their was a respect found. Greg is timeless.
Much respect to Greg Valinetine. Watched all since the late 50,s. I'm 70 so I remember a lot of the matches and characters.
In other words Valentine was saying that he may not be the biggest star anymore but he wasn't going to be dissed and treated like a second class citizen either.
Great. But then don't expect to get paid.
Yet Hammer is the one sitting in a fancy house in Las Vegas while the majority of his compatriots are broke.
@@televiper11 Good for him then. Maybe he made some good investments over the years. He earned it because he didn't come from the new style where guys were getting fat contracts.
@@televiper11 the people he complaining about are definitely doing better than him and their wrestling careers are more successful so yeah
@@kombatdaddy1773 yea, that guy Sting isn't going to last.
One of the best wrestling interviews for sure
I saw him perform when I was a younger man. Hes a humble guy. Respect the HAMMER
Humble?
The guy is complaining that he was asked to job to the Undertaker, Sting, Earthquake etc when he was 46....he didnt have to, but he did.......he's delusional.
He's a nice guy by the looks of it, but humble he is NOT.
I would say he is the opposite of humble.
Humble? That doesn't work for me brother.
Greg is such a great guy! I met him back in the '80's when I drove Jack & Jerry Brisco to and from the airport in Savannah.
"The Hammer" and "Rowdy" were the best at what they did! No one can hold a candle to those 2! "Hammer" was the nonsense guy and badass, he could sell it so well! "Rowdy" brought the asshole heel and sold that concept so well! No one now has no idea on how to even think about it! Damn! I truly miss the old time wrestling! When I go back and watch the fun all over again I feel like a kid again. Thank you guys for what you did for a lot of people, such joy! Even being young before anyone said it was play acting I already knew for myself. Great memories of time with family and friends watching hour after hour!
love how his interviews are always longer then 5 minutes unlike most, easy listening and always backstorys or reasons for doing something
Takes him about 5 minutes to really warm up!
And his stories actually make sense. so many of the old timers can barely complete a sentence
Than not then
@@dan7478 the more he tells the story, the more he likes it!
Longer than his jobber matches!
I have been a wrestling fan since 1974 when I was 5yrs old. And Greg Valentine was and still is my favorite wrestlers of all time. Real wrestling no bull crap 💩..
These stories make me happy. Some people have a gift to remember and tell stories. These guys are so blessed to have had such memorable experiences.
I saw his father Johnny Valentine wrestle Wahoo McDaniel as a child in Laurinburg, NC at Saint Andrews college in the 70s.
@Aaron Digby
Man both were busted up pretty bad. Both were in their prime too. Wahoo's chops were devastating! You could see the sweat flying off Valentine!
I would go to the old City Auditorium in Asheville, NC and watch Johnny Valentine and Wahoo McDaniels wrestle each other. They brought a realism to their matches that isn't seen anywhere in today's matches.
Great flow to this interview!... Loved the honesty by the Hammer! Really missed his in ring presence.
I loved the Hart foundation. Jimmy, Hitman, The Anvil, Hammer. Great group!
Valentine wasn't in the Hart Foundation.
One of the greatest heels ever!
He broke Wahoo's leg.
And then he came to WWF and broke Chief Jay Strongbow's leg.
He is a legend and deserved better
Who the booty man?
??? WTF "deserved better"???? Dude had a 50 year career. total living legend, held over 40 championships, Hall of Fame, one of the most recognizable wrstlers of all time....
Thanks for this great stuff w/The Hammer. I was fortunate enough to see Greg & his Dad both (different times though) wrestle in Detroit at Cobo Hall. Like father, like son. Both legend's in my opinion.
Always good to hear from the hammer he’s such a straight shooter
So glad I tuned in…. Love this guy too….no bs, real understanding of business, not full of himself, musta bin his upbringing….
One of my favourite wrestlers of all time. This guy was a wrestler!! One of the best ever!! Glad he's doing well.
Such great interviews. I am loving your styling of questioning also. Thank you.
Always liked and respected Greg Valentine, this interview has taken that to another level for me. A true man a dedicated class act…
They don't make them like Greg The Hammer Valentine anymore what a shame! Hell of a wrestler and person. Would have been nice if I had a chance to meet you in person. God bless and take care. Tony
Not wanting to do the job for Sting is silly. Sting has put way more asses in seats than Greg Valentine ever has.
Greg sold put MSG in the main event on a House Show in 1987.
What an icon and true wrestlers wrestler. I bet he has some historic stories.
Man what a cool dude .His attitude and true story telling is on point.He would be a cool Uncle or FAMILY member. RESPECT.
He quit a company every time he lost a match. Not really cool.
My friends and I would die laughing the way this guy used to fall flat on his face. He had it down so well. It is NOT an easy thing to do because you need to fall just right, but he was so good at it.
Yep.
As soon as you said that I could see it again in my mind
Thanks Hammer, for giving us an insight into the world of wrestling.
Truly one of the classiest wrestlers,all the old school guys are so cool.
Greg “The Hammer” Valentine seems like a cool freakin’ dude. He was great to watch when he was in WWF during the mid to late 1980’s.
My brother and I used to sit with Greg and his mom and we would watch his dad Johnny wrestle, this was back in the 60s. My grandpa-was a huge fan and we would be in The Collosuim every Friday and Saturday night when they were in town. Grandpa had a reserved seat next to the bell. Grandma loved it too. I still watch it, I’m going to Wrestlemania on April 1st in Dallas
Greg's big mistake, IMO, was not making that 1987 WWF quitting stick. By the time he finally left WWF for good in 1992, he was long past stale but (judging by this admittedly brief video at least), he didn't seem to realize it.
I agree. He should have left in '87.
Always enjoyed Greg the hammer valentine back in the day and you watch these interviews with him he’s a straight up dude and ain’t got nothin bad to say about the other wrestlers!
I absolutely hated Valentine as a heel wrestler back in the day but watching all these interviews of him I got massive respect for the guy. I agree completely about keeping wrestling real and hating the corny gimmicks that polluted wrestling starting in the mid 80's. thats why I ended up quitting watching wrestling. the characters and angles just got too silly.
Love Greg !! His brutal honesty about the business and the people he worked with is just captivating.
I love how The Undertaker gets props from everyone. He is the most respected man in the business. Period.
I'd say between him and SCSA but taker was in the spotlight longer and never heard his name involved in any bullshit. Taker is the godfather of wrestling, no disrespect to Tha godfather at all.
@@-sdot83 I agree. Austin has never had a bad word spoken about him. His contributions to the business are unparalleled.
@@nfindc yes he has Debra who he beat also Road Dogg Billy Gunn Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Jarrett Dusty Rhodes ect there are plenty people who talk bad about SCSA
I couldn't agree anymore, is also timeless 🤘
@@shanepleasants6280 I retract my previous statement.
I always enjoyed watching Greg - and he would be great to have a beer with and hear wrestling stories!!
So much respect for a real wrestler, The Hammer!
The Undertaker was walking the top rope long before he became the Undertaker
Greg's honesty is so refreshing.
Greg gotta a Lotta love from the crowd at a televised rumble or a battle royal as he went the distance almost. Great PRO WRESTLER
Sting was to WCW what Hogan was to WWF back in the day. Watching him take the title from Flair was one of my favorite moments in wrestling history.
GTHV is low-key one of the GOATs.. Walked the walk, talked the talk and is all class! He looks great, especially compared to many of his peers.. I could listen to him talk all day, The imagery and detail he remembers makes you feel like you were there... Take care of this man, he's a treasure to us!
Greg Valentine says you lose with dignity, I guess Lanny Poffo is the most dignified man that ever lived !😃🤸♂️🤸♂️👍
The behind the scenes drama of the early wrestling years is infinitely better than the mainstage attractions of everything post attitude era... possibly even including... I want old wrestling back.
I remember Greg's matches with Garvin.
Great stuff.
This is the second "Why I refused to job to..." video about Greg Valentine. In both cases, the wrestlers that Valentine refused to job to were more "over with the fans" than he was. Basically, Valentine refused to accept the fact that by the time he was in his 40s, most of his appeal had greatly diminished. Valentine should have just wrestled for some backwoods indy promotion that let him "win every match."
hes always whinging about the times he had to "job" to people in the early 90s....never happy that he had tag belt reigns and the intercontinental championship put on him before that.
Talk about glass half empty.
He was SHIT!
He looked like shit physically and was even more shit on the mic...yes he was a decent in ring performer but he seems to think he was hard done by when he wasnt getting title pushes on ppvs when he was 43.
For fucks sake greg.....concentrate on the positives.
There's a difference between "doing a job" and being a "jobber". his issue with doing the jobs he refers to here is that he would get no heat back. It was basically going in, lie down, here's your money. Over time that makes you a Steve Lombardi, an enhancement talent.
All Valentine is saying here, which is fair, is that actually having a decent build first makes more sense for both. The guy winning beats someone who has value, and the guy losing retains his value. Even in his 40's, Valentine had that ability.
u missed the key point "losing with dignity".... that was his entire point
@@gary6754 Earthquake was being built as a monster though, so it was meant to be a short match for a reason, and at Wrestlemania so a good payday. It's not like it was a squash match on Superstars of Wrestling or something. It's like the old school equivalent of Lesner coming in and squashing some mid card guy. Hammer was always boring as hell to me. Never cared for him, even as a heel.
He was jobbing in 1990, 1991 wwf. Then wcw 1992 lol. Lost at WM7 yet didn't wrestle on wm6 card lol.
Greg V saying Sting isnt that big of a deal...lol
Lol delusional.
He is right. The epitome of overrated
Some of Greg's matches were boring. Nothing wrong with just wrestling but add some pizazz to it. Sting could wrestle and he had pizazz.
Sting sucked
@@yeahsure8323 Uh, yeah sure...
Greg got that permanent, "fuck this shit" face. 😂
Greg understands psychology and booking. A loss done right should benefit both the heel and the baby face. Even if you lose you can still keep your heat if it's done right. Classic story telling that we don't see anymore in the business.
I agree with this but by that time in WCW and Greg’s career, they had zero plans for him. There was no need for a program with Sting, he was purely on the card at that point to lose to stars, without any storyline attached to it
Greg looks like an old rock star.
When he was young he still looked like an unwell aged old man
Greg looks like an old lesbian... 🤭
@@BubbafromSapperton you beat me to it..
@@necrophagiakc sir apologize to wrestling fans all over world
@@BubbafromSapperton have respect for your elders apologizing for what u said to the LGBTQ community would be respectful u cant say a certain look makes u think what u said
I always loved Greg as a heel. Great wrestler, great showman in the ring, just a tough as nails Seattle boy. He’s definitely one of my all time faves ❤️
People trash the heel. That let's you know they did thier job making other people look good. Him n Mr flair. Are the best 2 heels for me from mid 80s on
Man who knows his value.
That is a tough thing to figure out.
Much respect.
during his wrestling career he had a lot of value it insomniacs.. His shoot interviews are really good however. Kinda makes sense why he was around for so long.
Even when he speaks negative about someone he still gives them a few compliments. Lol. Greg is the best.
Absolutely love "The Hammer!"
Tremendous talent, good man. Master of the Figure four 🔒
Greg set a good example of how to stay on good terms with promoters but yet protecting your dignity and your stars at the same time. Way to go Hammer !!!
In the wrestling business, you still have to look after yourself because no one else will....The companies will use you and dispose of you when they are done. And they don't care about your credibility......you have to fight for everything
That's what's missing from the biz today...The Fed has taken the fight outta talent
Greg was smart enough to know that doing jobs is expected sometimes but you try to do it without looking soft. It might help the show / programs today, but how will that affect your your drawing power and pay next month...next year? I don't blame him a bit for saying No once in a while. It's a tough decision--it definitely cost him some gigs.
@@testodude
Greg wasn't that smart of he thought he could walk into a promotion and instantly jump into a main event feud with the top star of said promotion without any buildup. At that point, he was lucky to even be getting offers to wrestle on national TV.
@@JayJackson1981 He definitely overestimated his value / appeal
@@testodude
Boy, did he. I'm currently going through Jake Roberts short WCW run and that feud would've drew far more money than Valentine would've. Even if an old school boss like Bill Watts (who dropped the ball tremendously by releasing Roberts before they could really get the feud going) realized that Valentine was way past his time.
One of the greats at the end of an era. He and Ted Dibiase, two of my faves
Interviewer Did a good job!! fun listening to Stories. These were the GOOD OLD DAYS!! WRESTLING is NO MORE! SAD!
Totally understand his point of view. He didn’t want buried for no reason. Modern wrestling- and by that I mean the last 15 yrs, does this as it books matches with no forethought which make zero sense and ends up doing exactly what he’s talking about.
Thank you for sharing your years of wrestling experience
Thanks Greg 4 ur honesty, u r one tough son of a gun! I grew up watching your awesome matches...!
Him and Brutus were one of my favorite tag teams only second to the British Bulldogs
I loved when he started wearing the airbrushed shinguard.
AND THAT KIDS IS WHAT A REAL WRESTLER LOOKS AND ACTS LIKE . THE HAMMER , OLD SCHOOL, THE REAL DEAL !
I enjoyed watching Greg and his dad Johnny wrestling . That were the best. No wrestler could ever compare to them. And Greg looks great!
I enjoy listening to his interviews .
i love how honest Greg is