Conrad Thompson and co-host Bruce Prichard analyzed the career of Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake on the latest episode of the hit Something to Wrestle podcast.
The hosts revealed the following about Brutus:
- Bruce Prichard had a positive first impression of Hulk Hogan; but, an overall negative first impression of Beefcake due primarily to Beefcake’s attitude
- Linda McMahon came up with the Brutus Beefcake name
- Beefcake received $20,000 for his very first WWE LJN figure
- Brutus was intelligent financially and purchased his first home in 1985 in cash
- The “Barber” character is based on Vince McMahon’s personal hair stylist Sal Fedora
- At first, Brutus was unhappy with the character; but, Hulk Hogan played Brutus-whisperer and convinced his friend to give it a chance and cut hair after every match ala Jake Roberts and his snake Damian
- Wrestlers who received a hair cut courtesy of Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake received a $200 bonus
- Beefcake was considered to beat Honky Tonk Man for the Intercontinental Championship; however, the opportunity went to Ultimate Warrior instead
- Rick Rude didn’t like working with Beefcake and considered him to be clumsy in the ring
- Zeus had a difficult time focusing; but, was a huge James Brown fan. Brown had his share of legal troubles; but, when Brutus, Hogan, or “Macho Man” Randy Savage wanted to get Zeus’ attention they would scream, ‘Free James Brown,’ and that would usually do the trick
- Savage and Beefcake nearly came to blows after “the Barber” cut Lanny Poffo’s hair. Poffo, who was better known as “The Genius” was Savage’s real-life brother
- Brutus was considered to win the Intercontinental Championship at Summerslam 1990; but, a near fatal parasailing accident prevented this from coming to fruition
- Beefcake was in life-threatening condition, as a result of the accident. His entire face collapsed. He had no jaw, no nasal cavity, and no ability to breathe on his own.
- Beefcake received 32 screws and 100 feet of wire. His jaw was sewn shut and so were his eyelids. He received a tracheotomy to assist him in breathing
- Hulk Hogan went to be at his side and attempted to motivate “the Barber.” When the two went for a walk, Beefcake’s eye fell out
- As previously mentioned, Beefcake was responsible with his money; however, was un-insured as a professional wrestler. The hospital debt would have been crippling; however, he was insured through the Screen Actors Guild. That accounted for the majority of his medical debt. The Shriners also helped pay.
- Beefcake could not eat normally and was on an all liquid diet. He went from 250 pounds to 190 pounds. Hulk Hogan moved Beefcake in, so that he could help him recover.
- Hulk Hogan found a doctor in the Bahamas that was an expert in HGH (human growth hormone). The treatment ($14,000) was too much for Beefcake, so Hogan paid for the entirety of the treatment. Beefcake credits HGH for his recovery
- Beefcake claims that there would have been a Dream Team (with Greg Valentine) reunion at WrestleMania 7; but, Prichard refutes this claim
- A doctor informed Beefcake that his new face is stronger and practically indestructible
- Beefcake took a job as Hogan’s personal assistant; but, eventually made his way back to wrestling
- Vince McMahon had the idea to allow Beefcake to wear a mask. It allowed Brutus safety and comfort; but, also made sense in the storyline
- Brutus claims that he would have worked a storyline with Shawn Michaels; but, was taken off television before that came about
- Hogan wanted Brutus to inevitably replace him as WWE’s top star. Hogan believed that Brutus was the only one capable of doing so.
Readers interested in listening to Something to Wrestle in its entirety may do so below:
