|
Attack
of the Giant Texan
By
Frank Dusek
In
the 1960’s and 70’s, few men were more physically
imposing in the ring than big Tex McKenzie. At 6’10"
and 280 pounds Big Tex definitely had a ring presence.
Unfortunately, Tex used a high step when he moved around
the ring that made him look like a cat in the snow, trying
to keep his feet dry.
Because
of his height, when he high stepped, his boots often came
up to face level. Add to this the fact that he wasn’t,
by all accounts, the most graceful man who ever entered
the ring, and you have the formula for a hilarious disaster.
The
legendary Carolinas
booker George Scott tells the story that one night he
and his brother Sandy Scott were in a six-man tag team with
Tex McKenzie.
As
the referee was going through the instructions, Tex was
asking questions in his usual animated fashion.
At
one point he waved an arm in explanation and accidentally
stuck his finger into his partner Sandy Scott’s eye.
That
pretty much broke up the meeting in the center of the ring
so the Scott brothers and Tex returned to the corner. Still
holding his eye, Sandy went to the apron.
Apparently,
there was some confusion as to who would start the match
so Tex and George Scott tried to go through the ropes at
the same time. There wasn’t enough room and Tex accidentally
kicked George Scott in the face.
The
bell had not rung; no one had their ring jackets off, yet
both of Tex
McKenzie’s partners were hurt.
Frank
Dusek is a second-generation wrestler from one of the
most famous wrestling families ever. He had a solid career
as a wrestler and later managed several wrestlers to major
titles. He also spent time as a broadcaster, promoter and
matchmaker. His first memories of the wrestling business
are selling programs for his father when he was 4 years
old.
Back to Top of Page | Return
to Stories Home Page
| Return to Museum Home
Page
|
