Retired wrestler Ronnie Garvin has shared his blunt take on today’s pro wrestling scene during an appearance on Busted Open Radio, calling modern matches “embarrassing to watch.” The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion noted that performers rarely lock in proper holds and recalled attending an independent event for a signing, where the promoter afterward asked for his honest opinion. Garvin didn’t hold back, telling the man straight to his face that the show “sucks” and was so poor he wouldn’t even let children see it.
“I went to some places to sign autographs, and then they had wrestling after. They wanted me to stay, and it was actually embarrassing to watch. I had one guy who’s a promoter, I won’t name his name. He’s promoting local, and I hated to, I don’t lie. He said, ‘What do you think?’ He had 20 people that came to the matches. I said, ‘It sucks. It’s horrible. I wouldn’t even put that in front of kids. They call it wrestling, but nobody takes a hold.” – Ronnie Garvin
80-year-old Garvin, real name Roger Barnes, debuted in 1962 and built a long career as a tough technician. Known as “Rugged” or “Hands of Stone,” he transitioned from tag team wrestling to singles competition, gaining fame with wild angles in Knoxville and heated rivalries in International Championship Wrestling against Randy Savage and others. His career peak came in Jim Crockett Promotions, where he defeated Ric Flair in 1987 to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but only held the title for 62 days before losing it back to Flair at Starrcade.
- Son Of WWE Legend To Make His Professional Debut Next Week - June 20, 2026
- Matt Hardy Addresses TNA Sale Rumors Amid Cost-Cutting - June 20, 2026
- Why Matt Riddle Decided To Change Up His Hairstyle - June 20, 2026
