Cyndi Lauper's earliest appearances in front of the TV cameras was as the manager of
wrestler Wendi Richter.
Thanks to Bobby Reidel here is the story of that particular chapter in Cyndi's
life.
Introduction
I work in the pro wrestling industry, and I have worked with both the WWF and
WCW for many different events. Most of my experience came from working along
side the WWF/Titan Sports. I am in fact an ex Pro Wrestling Editor for a
world-wide paid newsletter, Agent, and Personality.
 Everywhere I go... all over the
country... when wrestling is brought up, almost immediately the person
discusses "the glory of days" of wrestling. The times of Andre the Giant,
Wendi, Hulk, Piper, Lou Albano, the Iron Sheik, and yes, Cyndi Lauper!!!
Everyone remembers her well. I know many people that have told me that their
love for wrestling came from Cyndi's involvement in the sport.
 Back in the mid 80's, wrestling was looked upon as both legit and non
legit...it was at this point when the critics started to question the
validity of the sport. (And it is a sport). Back then, the WWF was just
starting to become this huge entity of popularity. On the road of major
success with huge payoffs, Vince McMahon Jr. (The owner, then and now) had a
vision. He wanted to take wrestling out of the dull lights and into the
bigtime, thus creating sports entertainment on a grand scale. The involvement
with Cyndi, Mr. T, Liberacci, Aretha Franklin, Billy Martin,, Danny DeVitto,
Joe Piscapo, and many others made the WWF one of the biggest success stories
of it's time. Unlike today, you had wrestlers that were called "faces" and
others called "heels". (Good guys and bad guys). This is where Cyndi played a
very important role.......
If your not clear about her involvement then read on.
Cyndi and Lou Albano were in a heated argument about Cyndi's popularity.
Albano claimed that he got her to where she was at that time. Cyndi then
started to defend herself on WWF shows as well as on MTV (Piper's Pit and MTV
Programs). This "issue" or "angle" then prompted the music world and the
wrestling world to get involved. Artists like, Tina Turner, Little Richard,
Stevie Wonder, Twisted Sister, and others started to appear on WWF programs.
Then the wrestlers started to appear on MTV. Due to this incredible story
that was developing, the entire nation was captivated by the scenario. This
little snowball became huge and the WWF and Cyn reaped a lot of benefits from
it. As stated earlier, actors, political figures (Geraldine Ferrara), and
artists (Andy Warhole) all became involved with the popularity of this drama.
Eventually, Lou and Cyndi patched things up on TV and started to work
together on the MS Charities. Millions of dollars were raised for this
charity, and I believe it was largely part to Cyndi's involvement with Titan
(WWF).
Now for those of you still a little confused as to Cyndi's role, read on.
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Cyndi played a few different roles with the WWF. Her most important role to
date, which she alone is responsible for...which still pertains to today, was
that she created what was called the "Rock and Wrestling Connection". To
date, the WWF has had 8 musical albums out and their success (went to #1
overseas) is due to Cyndi. Even now, in the new mellenium, the WWF is
starting their own record company. With out her, Rock and Wrestling would not
of been formed. Secondly, Cyndi played a role as a face manager for Wendi
Richter. I remember seeing arena's sold out primarily for Wendi and Cyndi vs.
Moolah and Lou Albano. At many arenas, I would see dozens of girls dressed up
as Cyn, while "GJWHF" blarred over the sound system. Posters, and banners
were everywhere praising Cyn. Lastly, Cyndi became a wrestling ICON..and I
know that's what bothers many Cyndi fans, but she really did! Former fans of
wrestling, or even casual fans of wrestling always remember the days of Cyndi
Lauper..that was their favorite time. (That was my favorite time). I still
work with the stars of today, and Lou Albano is a very dear friend of mine,
but the fact that wrestling hurt Cyndi's career is true to a point....
She got more exposure from the WWF than any other celebrity they had in the
past..she got paid from the WWF, her name will always be up there when
talking about the good old days, and she had "fun". What caused so many
people to not like her involvement with the industry was the fact that it is
entertainment..and the media frowns on it. However, wrestling today is the #1
rated show on cable each and every week, and it's not so much down played as
it used to be. being part of the WWF is pretty much accepted and liked now by
most people. Do you realize that Cyndi was honored at MSG at a wrestling
event for her accomplishments? Dick Clark gave her the award. Did you know
that Dave Wolffe and Cyndi helped produce the WWF's first wrestling album
entitled....:The Wrestling Album"? She even sang on it...but as Mona Flambe'.
Plus, Cyndi always had her musical fans, but she reached even more fans by
entering the world of wrestling. If anything, we should be proud that Cyndi
was such an important part of the growth of pro wrestling....whether you like
the sport or not.
This is a very important issue to me. Often I hear Cyndi's fans talk of her
involvement in WWF in a very negative way mainly because they don't
understand her role and importance.
I choose to ignore what the media says...they always had it in for wrestling
because wrestling can topple their ratings. Look at it today, in April of
2000..the wrestling stars are Hollywood stars. they are the most sought out
athletes in the world today for promotional purposes, endorsements, and TV
ratings for non wrestling shows. They have had 3 movies in the theaters about
wrestling, and hundreds of wrestling specials that aired within the last 2
years about its success. Cyndi Lauper was seen in every show, and was often
dubbed, "wrestling's Prom Queen". I spoke to Cyndi personally about all this
in orlando back in July of 1999. She simply said, "It was fun at that time.
We had a lot of fun". I know she doesn't care for it anymore, but the
influence that she had is still documented today...in websites, magazines,
and documentaries.
Thanks for reading
Bobby Riedel. |
