
George Gray (a.k.a. One Man Gang and Akeem) was a recent guest on Sean Mooney’s Prime Time podcast where he opened up about his past in the WWE.
Gray talked leaving the WWE in 1990, which he claims was his decision made due to the expenses he incurred traveling solo on the road. Gray missed a flight and received a call from Pat Patterson. Gray informed Patterson that he was burnt out, beat up, and unwilling to get on another air plane. Patterson informed WWE CEO Vince McMahon, who in turn, called Gray.
McMahon said,
“George, what’s the problem? We’ve got some things coming up. I know I’ve had you on the back burner for a long time; but, I was fixin’ to take you off and get you heated up.”
Gray recounts already having had the same talk with McMahon several times face-to-face with nothing ever changing, so he refused McMahon’s overtures.
McMahon replied,
“George, you know this is bad business.”
Gray apologized and assured McMahon that he was certain he was done.
Gray recalls receiving a call from Pat Patterson about one month later with an offer to partake in an upcoming Japanese tour for $8,000. Gray was to wrestle Hulk Hogan and in doing so get back in good graces with the WWE; however, ultimately he refused. Gray claims Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage were both easy to work with; but, ultimately does not regret turning down WWE’s offer.
Gray also revealed which wrestlers he found difficult to work with:
Gray also talks about his experiences living with “Macho Man” Randy Savage & how he was given the controversial Akeem gimmick.
Readers interested in hearing more may listen to Mooney’s full interview with Gray HERE.
RELATED: One Man Gang Talks Big Bossman In The HOF, Not Attending The Ceremony
Vince McMahon
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DETROIT - APRIL 1: WWE chairman Vince McMahon gets his head shaved by Donald TRump after losing a bet to Trump in the Battle of the Billionaires at the 2007 World Wrestling Entertainment's Wrestlemania April 1, 2007 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Umaga, who was representing McMahon in the match, lost to Bobby Lashley, who was representing Trump, so McMahon lost the bet. The event drew more than 75,000 wrestling fans. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)
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Vince McMahon during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Vince McMahon during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Vince McMahon during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Vince McMahon during the WWE Monday Night Raw show at the Thomas & Mack Center August 24, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Vince McMahon attends the press confrence held by Battle of the Billionaires to announce details of Wrestlemania 23 at Trump Tower on March 28, 2007 in New York City.
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NEW YORK - MARCH 26: WWE president Vince McMahon speaks at a press conference for WrestleMania XXIV on March 26, 2008 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. (Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images)
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HOUSTON - APRIL 04: WWE Chairman Vince McMahon inducts Stone Cold Steve Austin into the WWE Hall of Fame at the 25th Anniversary of WrestleMania's WWE Hall of Fame at the Toyota Center on April 4, 2009 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/WireImage)
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Vince McMahon
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Vince McMahon