They call him Ricky Rodeo...
Be it Ricky Rodeo or the slightly less orthodox and maybe even unstable alter ego Bitty Little, the man himself has left his mark on Mid South Wrestling as a K.A.W. original and Tag Champion and the first Memphis Championship Wrestling Hardcore Champion.
Beginning his career 18 years ago training with Mike Austin and at Bill Dundee's training camp he went on to become one of the most memorable talents in Mid South Independent Wrestling.
In 2000, Bitty would play a crucial role in Kick Ass Wrestling early on with The Little's quickly gaining the K.A.W. Tag Team Championship. Though well received K.A.W. was short lived due to the company promoter receiving a developmental deal with WWE. In a transition the extreme style of Kick Ass Wrestling would transform into the more Traditional Memphis Championship Wrestling.
Early on in Memphis Championship Wrestling he would wrestle and defeat the likes of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Bill Dundee and work alongside Jerry Lawler. During this time Memphis Championship Wrestling would travel the Mid South allowing him to work closely with WWE talents on a regular basis and grow as an in ring athlete.
Even though a very capable all rounder, his dominance in the Mid South Hardcore scene left a mark on the region. His reign as the first MCW Hardcore Champion has the record for time held however it was this very Championship that would change the course of his career. In a Tennessee Street fight, Seven (Former WWE star Kevin Thorne) defeated Bitty to win the Hardcore Championship. In this match he would suffer a serious neck injury that would put him out of the game for four months.Once able to physically compete again he would re emerge in Memphis Championship wrestling until the closure of the company. He then went to first incarnation of L.A.W. (Lethal Attitude Wrestling) but only for a short time. At the Black River Brawl in 2003 competing in a tag team bout he suffered a severe concussion putting him out once again. He would leave wrestling all together for the next several years and rest a tired body and spirit though wrestling stayed in his heart. This time off would prove to be beneficial and when the time came he would not only return, he would return on top of his game.
The return of Ricky Rodeo would mark the next chapter of his storied career. Ricky Rodeo made his way to W.O.W.F. in Newbern, Tennessee and picked up where he left off. W.O.W.F. is now known L.A.W. or Live All Star Wrestling. Since his return Rodeo has not only dominated, he also became the L.A.W. Warrior's Champion and in and effort to pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of Mid South Wrestling's stars he launched Ricky Rodeo School of Wrestling.
The following interview was conducted by Mid South Indy News.
MSIN-Ricky Rodeo thanks for taking the time to speak with MSIN!
Rodeo-Not a problem man, the honor is mine.
MSIN-I'd like to start off by asking when did you begin in the business?
Rodeo-I've been in the business now for 18 years.
MSIN-Who did you initially train with?
Rodeo-Originally with my ex tag partner Mike Austin then I went to Dundee's camp for a while.
MSIN-Who did you look up to as a fan prior to getting in the business.
Rodeo- Actually one of my biggest inspirations was Shawn Michale's trainer José Lothario. I am the biggest fan of José Lothario. I am a fan of the old school type of wrestling. Dick Murdoch, "Maniac" Mark Lewin, Dutch Mantel. Guys that were true soldiers, to me they are icons. Ric Flair by far one of the greatest in the business if not the greatest.
MSIN-When you initially started what companies did you work for?
Rodeo-I worked for a company out of Batesville, Arkansas and after that just local indys that were around. I got my first big start doing an opening match for K.A.W.
MSIN-That takes me into my next question. In 2000 Terry Golden started KAW which was a game changer in the Memphis scene. It challenged what the standard had become in the Mid South. What are your reflections of KAW?
Rodeo- To me KAW was one of the biggest things after Memphis Wrestling. We opened the door for alot of young guys. Terry Golden enabled guys he believed in and made a company so family oriented behind the scenes. Everything we did was as a family.
MSIN-After KAW the developmental deal came in which was given to Terry Golden which is when Memphis Championship Wrestling was formed. Were you happy about the transition from the extreme, adult oriented KAW to the more traditional days that followed with MCW?
Rodeo-I'm not gonna say I was happy or I was sad. It very much was a learning experience for me because then I got to work people like William Regal, Lawler, Dundee, Curtis Hughes, Jim Neidhart, R-Truth, Christian York & Joey Matthews, the Haas Brothers, The Island Boyz, God rest his Soul Lance Cade, Steve Bradley, Victoria, Simon Diamond, Dawn Marie and the list goes on. For me it was a learning experience because I was able to be around such veterans that it just upped my game even more. Do I wish KAW would have never ended? No I wish it would have kept going. I think it would have been one of the greatest organizations in the Mid South.
MSIN-You were the first MCW Hardcore Champion as Bitty Little. MCW seemed to follow a more traditional hardcore style. Did you miss the extreme violence that KAW was known for?
Rodeo-Oh I missed the extreme. I loved it, probably the biggest adrenaline rush there was. Did I get accustomed to the older style hardcore? Yeah, but I had people able to help me adjust to it like Bull Pain, Regal, Blue Meanie, Diamond. They were there to adjust you to the basic hardcore of the business, The more traditional style. I've been very blessed in the opportunists I've had from the developmental to KAW, to working all the Indy's from Night City years ago to Warriors of Wrestling. Traveling and booking shows with Golden, I learned an extreme amount about the business from Terry Golden.
MSIN-When the MCW Hardcore Championship was brought in do you feel like more could have been done with that Championship?
Rodeo-I don't think it was really meant to be more. It was more of a gimmick sort of haha in a sense. I don't think they realized it would get over like it did and then it actually got over more than they thought it would.
MSIN- As a fan one of my favorite matches of yours was when you wrestled the WWE/MCW show at the convocation center. You worked Power Pro Wrestling's Khan. Are there any matches from that period that stand out in your memory?
Rodeo-I had a couple of them, one of which was a three way dance with Chris Rocker. I did the Enrique gimmick and wrestled Thrasher at the Convocation Center and had a great match but that match led to me breaking my neck. I think my last hardcore match I did was in Manilla, Arkansas and I wrestled Seven.
MSIN-And that was your last match before your surgery?
Rodeo-That was the match that turned out to be the cause of the neck break and then I had reconstructive surgery on my C4, 5 and 6. I was out for four months and my first match back and I got to tag with Joey Matthews and we wrestled the Haas brothers.
MSIN-You've already briefly touched on this but I am curious. During the period of 2000 and 2001 did you enjoy KAW or MCW the most?
Rodeo-KAW, and no disrespect to MCW by no means because as I said I was very humble to work with the veterans like Neidhart, Regal and Bobby Eaton. With those guys teaching us and showing us, I was truly blessed.
MSIN-Ricky Rodeo is a staple in the Mid South Indy scene in one form or another. Be it KAW, LAW or MCW etc...Looking back on your career is their a match, a championship or an event that sticks out above all others?
Rodeo-There are a couple. One would be winning the tag team belts at KAW. Another would be getting to work William Regal and Jim Neidhart at the New Daisy. I could go on, there are so many matches working the Rock N' Roll Express and others through out the years.
MSIN-Didn't you beat Jim Neidhart in a Loser Leaves Town match?
Rodeo-Yes it was a Loser Leaves Town match at the New Daisy Theater. It was me and my little brother Hollywood. That ended Neidhart's stint with Memphis Championship Wrestling and then he went back home and still worked with WWE behind the scenes.
MSIN-You've wrestled and defeated the likes of Simon Diamond, Jim Neidhart and Bill Dundee. If you, Ricky Rodeo had the opportunity to wrestle any one person who would it be?
Rodeo-This may sound funny but I would probably say that I'd love to work Dusty Rhodes. I would have loved the chance back in the day to work José Lothario, again I say this because their ring technique and knowledge. The guys I work now are awesome, Derrick King. Probably one of the indy wrestlers in the business. I don't think I could pick one person. I would love to work Bobby Eaton if it were possible but due to his health I know I can't but it would be one of the biggest honors.
MSIN-As most MSIN readers know Bobby was recently hospitalized and is battling some health issues and since we are talking about it I would just like to ask those of you reading this to keep "Beautiful" Bobby in your prayers.
Rodeo-I'd also like to ask for prayers for Rosey who was one of the Island Boys in MCW. He is having some heart problems himself and may God be with him and let's pray he makes a full recovery.
MSIN-Absolutely. MSIN readers, please keep the prayers going up for Bobby and Rosey. Whats next in the career of Ricky Rodeo. What would you say is your next goal?
Rodeo-I would say now in the business, a title to me is more of a glory thing. I've already had so many titles in the Indy business, again like I said I've been blessed. Now it would be just to pass my knowledge onto a younger generation. Maybe I can open a training school again and teach.
MSIN-You actually trained Tony Gunn of OVW who is one of their top stars. That was from your initial Training School. What are your thoughts on Tony?
Rodeo-Tony is a very talented young man. I'm very glad to see him headed in the direction he is. I wish him the best of luck in getting signed.
MSIN-Lastly is there anything you' like to say to the MSIN readers?
Rodeo-Come to LAW in Newbern. One of the best indy's going today. We have great talent. Golden Boy, Jon Michael, Derrick King, The Posse, Dustin Starr and more. Come out, give us a chance and see true talent in the ring.
MSIN-In addition do you have any words of advice for people reading this that may want to get in the business?
Rodeo-If your looking to get in the business, the best advice I can give you is to come in whole heatedly. Don't come into the business half way. If your going to do it you have to eat drink and sleep this business as I've done and know that every day there's that chance you may get that opportunity. If you want it, reach for it. Again, you have to be in it all the way, you can't come in half witted or you'll hurt yourself or others.
MSIN-And there you have it, Ricky we thank you for taking time to speak with Mid South Indy News!
Rodeo-Thank you guys for the opportunity!
Beginning his career 18 years ago training with Mike Austin and at Bill Dundee's training camp he went on to become one of the most memorable talents in Mid South Independent Wrestling.
In 2000, Bitty would play a crucial role in Kick Ass Wrestling early on with The Little's quickly gaining the K.A.W. Tag Team Championship. Though well received K.A.W. was short lived due to the company promoter receiving a developmental deal with WWE. In a transition the extreme style of Kick Ass Wrestling would transform into the more Traditional Memphis Championship Wrestling.
Early on in Memphis Championship Wrestling he would wrestle and defeat the likes of Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart and Bill Dundee and work alongside Jerry Lawler. During this time Memphis Championship Wrestling would travel the Mid South allowing him to work closely with WWE talents on a regular basis and grow as an in ring athlete.
Even though a very capable all rounder, his dominance in the Mid South Hardcore scene left a mark on the region. His reign as the first MCW Hardcore Champion has the record for time held however it was this very Championship that would change the course of his career. In a Tennessee Street fight, Seven (Former WWE star Kevin Thorne) defeated Bitty to win the Hardcore Championship. In this match he would suffer a serious neck injury that would put him out of the game for four months.Once able to physically compete again he would re emerge in Memphis Championship wrestling until the closure of the company. He then went to first incarnation of L.A.W. (Lethal Attitude Wrestling) but only for a short time. At the Black River Brawl in 2003 competing in a tag team bout he suffered a severe concussion putting him out once again. He would leave wrestling all together for the next several years and rest a tired body and spirit though wrestling stayed in his heart. This time off would prove to be beneficial and when the time came he would not only return, he would return on top of his game.
The return of Ricky Rodeo would mark the next chapter of his storied career. Ricky Rodeo made his way to W.O.W.F. in Newbern, Tennessee and picked up where he left off. W.O.W.F. is now known L.A.W. or Live All Star Wrestling. Since his return Rodeo has not only dominated, he also became the L.A.W. Warrior's Champion and in and effort to pass on a wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of Mid South Wrestling's stars he launched Ricky Rodeo School of Wrestling.
The following interview was conducted by Mid South Indy News.
MSIN-Ricky Rodeo thanks for taking the time to speak with MSIN!
Rodeo-Not a problem man, the honor is mine.
MSIN-I'd like to start off by asking when did you begin in the business?
Rodeo-I've been in the business now for 18 years.
MSIN-Who did you initially train with?
Rodeo-Originally with my ex tag partner Mike Austin then I went to Dundee's camp for a while.
MSIN-Who did you look up to as a fan prior to getting in the business.
Rodeo- Actually one of my biggest inspirations was Shawn Michale's trainer José Lothario. I am the biggest fan of José Lothario. I am a fan of the old school type of wrestling. Dick Murdoch, "Maniac" Mark Lewin, Dutch Mantel. Guys that were true soldiers, to me they are icons. Ric Flair by far one of the greatest in the business if not the greatest.
MSIN-When you initially started what companies did you work for?
Rodeo-I worked for a company out of Batesville, Arkansas and after that just local indys that were around. I got my first big start doing an opening match for K.A.W.
MSIN-That takes me into my next question. In 2000 Terry Golden started KAW which was a game changer in the Memphis scene. It challenged what the standard had become in the Mid South. What are your reflections of KAW?
Rodeo- To me KAW was one of the biggest things after Memphis Wrestling. We opened the door for alot of young guys. Terry Golden enabled guys he believed in and made a company so family oriented behind the scenes. Everything we did was as a family.
MSIN-After KAW the developmental deal came in which was given to Terry Golden which is when Memphis Championship Wrestling was formed. Were you happy about the transition from the extreme, adult oriented KAW to the more traditional days that followed with MCW?
Rodeo-I'm not gonna say I was happy or I was sad. It very much was a learning experience for me because then I got to work people like William Regal, Lawler, Dundee, Curtis Hughes, Jim Neidhart, R-Truth, Christian York & Joey Matthews, the Haas Brothers, The Island Boyz, God rest his Soul Lance Cade, Steve Bradley, Victoria, Simon Diamond, Dawn Marie and the list goes on. For me it was a learning experience because I was able to be around such veterans that it just upped my game even more. Do I wish KAW would have never ended? No I wish it would have kept going. I think it would have been one of the greatest organizations in the Mid South.
MSIN-You were the first MCW Hardcore Champion as Bitty Little. MCW seemed to follow a more traditional hardcore style. Did you miss the extreme violence that KAW was known for?
Rodeo-Oh I missed the extreme. I loved it, probably the biggest adrenaline rush there was. Did I get accustomed to the older style hardcore? Yeah, but I had people able to help me adjust to it like Bull Pain, Regal, Blue Meanie, Diamond. They were there to adjust you to the basic hardcore of the business, The more traditional style. I've been very blessed in the opportunists I've had from the developmental to KAW, to working all the Indy's from Night City years ago to Warriors of Wrestling. Traveling and booking shows with Golden, I learned an extreme amount about the business from Terry Golden.
MSIN-When the MCW Hardcore Championship was brought in do you feel like more could have been done with that Championship?
Rodeo-I don't think it was really meant to be more. It was more of a gimmick sort of haha in a sense. I don't think they realized it would get over like it did and then it actually got over more than they thought it would.
MSIN- As a fan one of my favorite matches of yours was when you wrestled the WWE/MCW show at the convocation center. You worked Power Pro Wrestling's Khan. Are there any matches from that period that stand out in your memory?
Rodeo-I had a couple of them, one of which was a three way dance with Chris Rocker. I did the Enrique gimmick and wrestled Thrasher at the Convocation Center and had a great match but that match led to me breaking my neck. I think my last hardcore match I did was in Manilla, Arkansas and I wrestled Seven.
MSIN-And that was your last match before your surgery?
Rodeo-That was the match that turned out to be the cause of the neck break and then I had reconstructive surgery on my C4, 5 and 6. I was out for four months and my first match back and I got to tag with Joey Matthews and we wrestled the Haas brothers.
MSIN-You've already briefly touched on this but I am curious. During the period of 2000 and 2001 did you enjoy KAW or MCW the most?
Rodeo-KAW, and no disrespect to MCW by no means because as I said I was very humble to work with the veterans like Neidhart, Regal and Bobby Eaton. With those guys teaching us and showing us, I was truly blessed.
MSIN-Ricky Rodeo is a staple in the Mid South Indy scene in one form or another. Be it KAW, LAW or MCW etc...Looking back on your career is their a match, a championship or an event that sticks out above all others?
Rodeo-There are a couple. One would be winning the tag team belts at KAW. Another would be getting to work William Regal and Jim Neidhart at the New Daisy. I could go on, there are so many matches working the Rock N' Roll Express and others through out the years.
MSIN-Didn't you beat Jim Neidhart in a Loser Leaves Town match?
Rodeo-Yes it was a Loser Leaves Town match at the New Daisy Theater. It was me and my little brother Hollywood. That ended Neidhart's stint with Memphis Championship Wrestling and then he went back home and still worked with WWE behind the scenes.
MSIN-You've wrestled and defeated the likes of Simon Diamond, Jim Neidhart and Bill Dundee. If you, Ricky Rodeo had the opportunity to wrestle any one person who would it be?
Rodeo-This may sound funny but I would probably say that I'd love to work Dusty Rhodes. I would have loved the chance back in the day to work José Lothario, again I say this because their ring technique and knowledge. The guys I work now are awesome, Derrick King. Probably one of the indy wrestlers in the business. I don't think I could pick one person. I would love to work Bobby Eaton if it were possible but due to his health I know I can't but it would be one of the biggest honors.
MSIN-As most MSIN readers know Bobby was recently hospitalized and is battling some health issues and since we are talking about it I would just like to ask those of you reading this to keep "Beautiful" Bobby in your prayers.
Rodeo-I'd also like to ask for prayers for Rosey who was one of the Island Boys in MCW. He is having some heart problems himself and may God be with him and let's pray he makes a full recovery.
MSIN-Absolutely. MSIN readers, please keep the prayers going up for Bobby and Rosey. Whats next in the career of Ricky Rodeo. What would you say is your next goal?
Rodeo-I would say now in the business, a title to me is more of a glory thing. I've already had so many titles in the Indy business, again like I said I've been blessed. Now it would be just to pass my knowledge onto a younger generation. Maybe I can open a training school again and teach.
MSIN-You actually trained Tony Gunn of OVW who is one of their top stars. That was from your initial Training School. What are your thoughts on Tony?
Rodeo-Tony is a very talented young man. I'm very glad to see him headed in the direction he is. I wish him the best of luck in getting signed.
MSIN-Lastly is there anything you' like to say to the MSIN readers?
Rodeo-Come to LAW in Newbern. One of the best indy's going today. We have great talent. Golden Boy, Jon Michael, Derrick King, The Posse, Dustin Starr and more. Come out, give us a chance and see true talent in the ring.
MSIN-In addition do you have any words of advice for people reading this that may want to get in the business?
Rodeo-If your looking to get in the business, the best advice I can give you is to come in whole heatedly. Don't come into the business half way. If your going to do it you have to eat drink and sleep this business as I've done and know that every day there's that chance you may get that opportunity. If you want it, reach for it. Again, you have to be in it all the way, you can't come in half witted or you'll hurt yourself or others.
MSIN-And there you have it, Ricky we thank you for taking time to speak with Mid South Indy News!
Rodeo-Thank you guys for the opportunity!