Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Donnybrook Theatre

WWE 24/7 ("Classics on Demand") added a never-before-seen snippet entitled "Donnybrook Theatre". A pilot episode from 1995, hosted by Todd Pettengill, with Mr. Fuji, Yokozuna, Lord Alfred Hayes (he was still around in 1995?!!) and (apparently) the Rosati Sisters ("Oink-ettes").

Like the bastard love child of "TNT", it took place in a studio, with an Old West Saloon set-up. Recalling "Fuji Bandito", Yokozuna and Fuj walked in to play cards. Might sound like fun... but 95% of the skit was Todd Pettengill motor-mouthing his way through the whole thing, while dressed like the old "movie director" stereotype. Clad in a beret, boots and carrying a megaphone, Pettengill narrated the whole thing, which was completely devoid of humor or excitement. Stuff like: "Yokozuna then sat down to play cards!"

For some reason, "The Huckster" soon entered, although he was announced as simply "Hulk Hogan". Yoko slowly beat him up and gave him the BANZAI drop. That was it... as the final segment was destroyed and couldn't be found. Very, very WEIRD. The premise sounded somewhat funny, with Yoko and Fuj clowning around, but Pettengill delivered no witty remarks or one-liners and the "director" gimmick quickly turned stale. Then "Hulk Hogan"?! I'm curious as to WHEN this was originally filmed, as it may have been their first attempt to whip up something similar to the Billionaire Ted skits.

Avoid this clip at all costs. "Fuji Vice" has gained a cult following over the years, but it "Donnybrook Theatre" ever does, then there is no hope for the Internet Rasslin' Fan.