Throwing in the Towel DVD Review: Wrestling Memories with Doug Basham

The Lo-Down

Doug Basham is one of those guys who the WWE had on their books for absolutely ages. Having honed his skills in OVW, he awaited a call-up to the big time, for a long time. In typical WWE fashion, they didn’t really know what to do with him. But eventually, he appeared on Smackdown screens and enjoyed a run with Danny Basham, and raised the WWE tag team titles. Becoming a member of JBL’s “Cabinet”, Doug enjoyed a solid run as a member of the Basham Brothers, until the WWE’s disinterest in tag wrestling affected his career. He was broken up with his partner, and thereafter appeared infrequently as a singles competitor. They were then reunited on the newly resurrected ECW, as a bodyguard duo for heel Paul Heyman, but released shortly after Heyman departed the company.

Strong Style Productions are the Irish based spawn of Rob O’Brien. We previously reviewed Quick Shooting with Alison Danger (which can be read here), while I also had the pleasure of sitting through their outstanding Fight Hard: The Alison Danger Story DVD. This Four-Hour Documentary disc is their biggest release yet and is a collaboration with Simon Rochford’s Irish Whip Wrestling, for whom Doug toured with extensively over the last year or so. It combines the format of shoot interview, with a more traditional (though not in wrestling) documentary format.

What’s on it?

The Feature itself, runs at just over 2 hours and is well shot, well-lit, and very professional looking, as is the standard we’ve come to expect from the Strong Style guys. This is their first project in HD, and I must say, it looks tremendously sharp throughout, with splendid sound quality. Doug is interrogated by IWW ring announcer, Eamon D’Arcy. I notice that the title music recalls a song from the soundtrack of a David Lynch movie….. That’s not relevant to anything, but hell, I love David Lynch.

We kick off with a brief discussion about Doug’s early days, before segueing into his career, and some road stories. The reign on the subject matter isn’t tightly held by the interviewer, hence Basham flutters freely back and forth, bring up all manner of subjects. He’s especially funny when he becomes self-deprecating, and see’s the humorous side of his shortcomings. One story, that sees him explain the term “appleing”, is particularly hilarious.

It quickly becomes apparent that Rob O’Brien and Strong Style Productions are attempting something more than an ordinary shoot DVD, a’ la the Fight Hard release. They’re clearly going for more of a Bio or documentary feel, using various angles, Black and White shots, and occasionally cutting to different scenes. However, it doesn’t entirely convince, because the depth of the interview requires us to hear Eamon D’Arcy’s questions, but in doing so, it robs the programme of a true documentary feel. Obviously a huge part of this issue for the guys at Strong Style is being able to use stills, and clips of Basham in action. If they were able to do this (still shots are used, but sparingly, and obviously footage from the subjects brought up, is not a possibility) and incorporate some graphics into the presentation, it would certainly help. That said, their attempts at something fresh should be applauded, and at the very least, the DVD isn’t hindered by simply being a guy on a couch in front of a curtain for three hours.

Doug’s really critical of the Independent scene, which is consistent with many ex-WWE guys, who don’t really seem to understand the differences between an Indy group, like say PWG, selling their product, and Vinnie Mac being able to sell his. And that issue is something I’ve found with his other interviews he’s done in the press. He sees things from the WWE point-of-view, and it affects his overall view of all wrestling. Obviously, he’s a guy who (rightly) appreciates the opportunities he received, and isn’t about to burn any bridges either. Clearly not a politician, Doug’s a guy who backstage was/is a company man, did his job, and doesn’t read into the gossipy side of the industry. More worrying, is when asked about how things work, such as what manner gimmicks are awarded to workers, he claims to not be able to speak for how it happened to anyone but himself. He surely could offer something more than that, but it’s in keeping with his attitude of minding his own business.

However, while that means this release is not crammed with bitterness and slamming of guys like Triple H or Kurt Angle, it doesn’t prevent him from being open and willing to discuss many topics honestly. And when he delves into positive subjects, such as his favourite match, he’s really good at relating, in a thoughtful manner, the circumstances and details. Doug’s full of praise for the smarks’ favourite whipping-boy, famed bully JBL- but he has every right to be. Contrary to the negativity some would bear towards Bradshaw, the loud-mouthed Texan did help to give Basham his biggest break.

After about twenty five minutes or so, the programme takes a, quite frankly, bizarre turn, when we cut to an office filled with posters of past Irish Whip Wrestling shows. Cue Doug going into an odd discussion about the effectiveness of these, and the keys to a successful poster in a really strange and unnecessary moment this.

Similarly, there are other excursions from the main portion of the DVD. Doug traipses around Donegal, and checks out an Obama café, which pays tribute to the new American President. Good fun. But when Doug visit’s a bar, and attempts to pull a few pints of Guinness, its entertaining stuff, whether they need to cut to black and white shots of him pouring the drink though, is debatable. When he sits down to actually talk at the bar though, it’s really intriguing, and when they return to this setting, it feels improvised, and is amongst the most impressive material on the event.

Later on the DVD, we walk with Doug as he arrives at a building for an IWW show. This is absorbing stuff, as he greets a few kids, and goes through his pre-show rituals. But it’s also notable for taking place in a venue with the most ludicrously low-ceiling I’ve ever seen at a wrestling event!

Doug seems to exhibit a little hurt towards the WWE about the latter days of his tenure, especially as he discusses how he went back to OVW of, according to himself, his own bat, in order to improve his work. He feels they didn’t bother even paying attention to his efforts. But he is also very businesslike in his discussion of such matters, and while he’s critical in this regard, he doesn’t seem to let it cloud his overall viewpoint.

Eamon D’Arcy takes us into discussing certain talents also. Basham is full of praise for guys like CM Punk, but it’s in this area that perhaps the DVD is least interesting- in merely discussing other performers. When asked about Punk, he briefly mentions his talent, but he doesn’t really answer the question about the feud between the two. Not pressed for an answer, we simply move on. It’s a shame because the rivalry in OVW was supposedly really neat. Doug’s a smart guy and he’s not the type to spill on a ton of guys, and dwell on the negative. He knows what’s got to be done to ensure your future employment, and while he doesn’t kiss folks asses, he doesn’t bury them either. Although, in contrast to that, his opinion on Randy Orton, when the current WWE Champion first came to OVW is pretty interesting….

The second hour of the feature improves as it goes along, with an increasing reliance on the clips of Doug at an Irish Whip event, and the aftermath of him working a long bout with IWW Champion Mandrake. A couple of the scenes in the locker-room post-match are extraordinarily candid. We cut between all of this, and the interview, in which Doug become increasingly melancholy as he reflects, and brings up the subject of retirement.

Extras

-On disc one, a whole bunch of guys give their opinion on working with Doug, including, LA Warren, and Joel Redman. Exactly what you would expect, with everyone gushing over the guy, aside from Mad Man Manson, whose contribution is in character, and utterly baffling.

-IWW promoter Simon Rochford talks about a match between Doug and IWW Champ, Mandrake, who are performing the bout through a window behind him. There’s not much more to say about it in all honesty…a really strange clip.

-The Second Disc boasts an absolute pile of deleted scenes. Some are better than others, but they’re all worth having. A story about finding himself in “Wrestlers Court” is noteworthy, and we get a nifty name association bit. I can see why a lot of this was cut, because although the standard is similar to the feature, it simply would have been far too long.

-The same shiny disc also includes two matches. The first, Doug’s hard-hitting 2/3 Falls match with IWW Champion, Mandrake, is the better of the two, but a Triple Threat match with Vic Viper and Balls Mahoney, is watchable as well.

Add to basket?

If you’re a fan of Interviews, or Documentary features, this contains enough elements of both to offer the best of both worlds. It goes without saying that this is also a must for Doug Basham fans, but it’s also recommended for those who follow IWW. Doug Basham is a compelling subject for the most part, and pretty damn entertaining. Although he dodges the odd subject slightly, the questions he’s asked are well-thought out, and bring to light more than a few interesting tidbits. His tone is good-natured and patient and his humour warm, making him a subject whom I am truly surprised by.

One thing I have to say I really enjoyed is how they wrap the main interview around an overall story in itself. Yes, the do stray all over the place along the way, but in general, there’s a flowing structure, especially in the second hour of the documentary as Doug goes to work, wrestles, and then leaves. It’s a bittersweet moment as he drives into the night, and in this, it’s O’Brien and Rochford’s biggest achievement as they intertwine Doug’s confession that he’s retiring (note, Doug did announce his retirement following the IWW tour).

It’s not quite as effective as Fight Hard- but this is still quite the DVD release. Forgive some early awkwardness, and you’ll be rewarded with rather a special DVD package. Strong Style Productions have gone from err… strength to strength, and look set to be a major player in the field.


Reviewed By Michael Campbell from iFight365.com on May 15th, 2009

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You might remember the Strong Style Productions team from their three-release DVD series about Allison Danger, including Straight Shootin’, Fight Hard, and The Lost Clips. Those DVD’s were excellent, but I did critisize them for not changing up the scenery throughout the multi-hour shoot interview. Viewers just looked at Allison Danger for more than five hours sitting on a couch with the same backdrop. To their credit, the crew took my advice and used it to create a visually stimulating video that did not make my eyes yawn like the Danger video did (don’t get me wrong the content was wonderful). I would give Strong Style Productions two thumbs up for taking my criticism and putting it towards improving their product.

Doug Basham has been around the wrestling business for 17 years and has become a top talent, but unfortunately that skill has not always translated into the employment that he deserves. Basham’s passion keeps him going, wrestling all over the world for promotions like OVW, WWE, TNA, and various other independents. I’ve always had respect for Basham’s in-ring abilities, but after watching this DVD I have a lot of respect for the real person behind the wrestler. I’m sure you will feel the same way after you get this DVD in your mailbox after ordering it from www.wrestlingentertainmentdvd.com

Disc number one contains a two hour shoot interview which covers Doug Basham’s career from beginning to subsequent end (he actually announces his own retirement). The topics discussed in this portion of the DVD include; his early days in pro-wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling, who helped him while working for the WWE, his long-time partner Danny Basham, the WWE tag team titles, competing at WrestleMania 20, going back to OVW, working with C.M. Punk in OVW, working with Elijah Burke and the Spirit Squad, first impressions of Randy Orton (not good!), JBL’s Cabinit, representing the WWE during a Tough Enough challenge, the Basham’s breaking up, WWE travel schedule, idolizing Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero, more about JBL (I bet you didn’t know Basham is JBL’s biggest fan!), working as Paul Heyman’s masked security team, an unfortunate story about getting fired by Johnny Ace, getting a call from Jim Cornette to work for TNA, serious injuries, life on the road, ribs (pranks), his full experience working for Total Nonstop Action, a scary injury he suffered on his last day on the job, the difference between WWE and TNA, the status of the independent circuit, how the business has changed, thoughts on the Benoit Tragedy, ideas on locker-room leaders, training opportunities, life after wrestling, and his own retirement. Basham makes it clear that he is offering his true opinions as a tribute to his career and moving on with his life.

Doug Basham also gets filmed on location, taking a good look at a collection of wrestling posters from over the years. They also caught Basham walking the streets of a random town in Ireland, in search of an authentic Irish Pub run by a descendent of President Barack Obama. Basham takes a free lesson from the bartender on how to properly pour a glass of Guinness. Next they showed Basham arriving at a building where he was scheduled to wrestle, then later they followed him as he prepared for his match, going through the rituals he has developed over his long career. Finally they filmed Basham after the match, including the interaction between he and his opponent in the locker-room. This is real insight into the life of a professional wrestler.

The second disc in this set contains some extras, including a series of outtakes, which could probably be descibed more accurately as “deleted scenes.” Basham talks about a run-in with Teddy Hart, the infamous wrestler’s court, diet and exercise, being one of the Undertaker’s creatures of the night, potential talent in training, wrestling schools, bad attitudes, road agent duties, the WWE developmental system (OVW vs. FCW), tips for independent wrestlers, the significance of titles in wrestling, the death of kayfabe, the business making a comeback, a game of word association, thoughts on Eric Angle, funny stories about Tajiri, the Boogeyman, attending the WWE Hall of Fame with girlfriend/TNA Knockout Gail Kim, TNA’s booking committee, Vince Russo killing WCW, hardest working women in wrestling (Gail Kim), Diva ribs (including the full story of what really happened with Amy Weber), his uncle Danny Davis promoting MMA, JBL funding OVW, the death of Andrew “Test” Martin, and a whole lot more…

Some more extras on disc number two include two matches from Irish Whip Wrestling home video; Doug Basham vs. Mandrake in a Best 2/3 Falls match, and Doug Basham vs. Balls Mahoney vs. Vic Viper in a triple threat match.. plus a series of promos, interviews, and backstage segments featuring Doug Basham on IWW DVD.

With nearly four hours of footage, this DVD offers a little extra bang for your buck. They kept it fresh by rotating locations throughout the interview, and shooting from unique vantage points.

Reviewed By Brad Dykens from Online World Of Wrestling on June 7th, 2009

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While Doug Basham may be best known for his stints in the WWE in the early to mid 2000’s, twice winning the WWE Tag Team Championships with Doug Basham, he had already earned a strong reputation as a solid worker, with a legacy in the business, and a big future.

As a stalwart of Ohio Valley Wrestling, founded by his uncle, the infamous Nightmare Danny Davis, Basham was a top star and top babyface for a long time, and then went under a mask as The Machine, taking on the trainees of Davis: Damaja, Nick Dinsmore and Rob Conway.

The story of OVW, run by Davis and James Cornette, is undoubtedly tied into the career of Basham. Unfortunately, the realities of professional wrestling politics and the fallout of the inevitable split between the WWE and Cornette derailed many of the top prospects of OVW, those guys that legitimately headlined the developmental territory between the eras of Kurt Angle and The Rock, up until the emergence of Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Batista (aka Leviathan.)

Somewhere along the way, the wheels seemed to have fallen off that potential career, even as he had the backing of JBL and The Undertaker at the peak of his WWE career. Was it the connections to OVW and Cornette? Was it other considerations? Or was it something that can be gleaned by a rather interesting DVD by Strong Style Productions?

Basham goes out of his way to give thanks to JBL (often the bad boy of most shoot interviews) and The Undertaker, who kept the Bashams on the roster as part of The Cabinet, that almost forgettable faction that emerged after the APA faded out, and just before JBL became a true headliner.

Of course, the backstory of Doug and Danny Basham – in OVW , Danny was the long time rival named Damaja – adds lots of depth and twists to the story. I can recall reading the exploits of OVW from the late 1990’s to the strange and surprising appearance of Doug and Danny as S&M attired tag team contenders in 2003.

Obviously, it was one major slap in the face of Jim Cornette’s booking. OVW in that era was one of the best laid out promotions anywhere, often despite the inane and contrary portrayals of OVW stars in WWE. Yeah, in reality, the WWE’s developmental territory did owe much of its existence to what was going on in the mainstream product, but there came many examples of spite and hindrance rather than taking what worked on a smaller stage and letting the talent use what they learned for bigger and better things.

The side-steps and explanations of OVW’s own product was great reading in the Wrestling Observer… finding out how James E. would make sense of it all was a testament to creative energies being worked far greater than what was on cable TV at the time.

And so, Doug Basham became a tag teammate of his biggest rival, and they ended up winning the WWE Titles from Los Guerreros.

What completely astounded me about the DVD was Basham’s dismissal of that first title win as anything important. “You don’t win sh*t”  he says, playing on the realities of professional wrestling, but at the same time displaying an attitude, I would think, that may have also played into his career derailment.

Yeah, wrestling is wrestling and we all know what that is in 2010, but unfortunately, the Eric Bischoffs of the world think wrestling is entertainment, not pseudo sport, and far too many otherwise talented individuals seem to think that being disdainful of the industry, its history and the fans – who pay money to be entertained by watching a product that should be enjoyable and respectable within its framework.

Yeah, I know the story of talented wrestlers of various degrees of connections in the sport, who lament the reality that buffoons of larger size and lesser skill often win coveted slots ahead of their efforts. Yeah, I can emphasize with the notion that it’s who you know that gets you somewhere. Yeah, I can understand that Basham is bitter.

But I can also start to see why he sort of faded away as well.

His insights and stories are of interest. I always tout the words and perspective of guys who have been in the business, and can offer glimpses of the big picture that you’re never going to get from the talent that is at the top, and from the talent more interested in maintaining their hopes in the business.

Once a guy (or gal) realizes that they aren’t going back, is when the truth comes out.

Of course, the shades of truth and the way the stories are presented can be taken with a grain of salt. But they are interesting nonetheless. With Basham, the realities are that he was not someone without connections. His uncle was running the developmental territory, and obviously focused attention on developing his career, and undoubtedly gave him opportunities that others never saw materialized.

Basham rose to the opportunity, but after two title wins, and despite his effusive praise of Eddie Guerrero and Benoit and the other guys he admired and respected, there’s just something off-putting about his attitude about the whole thing.

But I’ll leave that for the viewer to decide.

The DVD is long. But it is also well produced, with Blu-Ray technology and a variety of camera shots, a variety of enhancements and production values beyond most other shoot style DVDs. But it is long. There are lengthy bits with Basham visiting towns and pubs in Ireland, which is cool in some respects, and way too effusive in fawning over the current President of the United States of America.

I mean, there’s a point where you point out a picture and some facts, but after ten minutes of it, let’s talk wrestling or something a little less controversial.

Controversy, however, is interesting and part of the story. Basham does provide the locker room stories, the good, the bad and the ugly of in-ring stories, and does provide insight into the WWE and TNA from his career perspective.

Is Basham candid?

There’s a bit of jaded former star attitude that rubs off a bit wrong at times, but considering the talent and potential he had, one can appreciate looking back and seeing so many faces and names that never rose to his level. That’s always been a part of the industry.

But from Eddie Guerrero to CM Punk, from talking trash about Tough Enough (and pointing out that he was one of the few who stood up to the challenges) to talking up the genius of McMahon, from dropping names of people he’s wrestled to providing insight into the stars he’s seen grow, there’s a great opportunity here to learn a lot about the 00’s and the industry that is still prevalent today.

Reviewed by Joe Babinsack from The Wrestling Observer on July 22, 2010

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