Time out for wrestling

And Lance Russell rings the bell... 10 minutes gone, 20 minutes to wrestle... the rank smell of the Memphis Mid-South Coliseum... the good old days...

Legendary wrestling manager and Hollywood writer/actor Scott Bowden's Kentucky Fried Rasslin column this week analyzes a new course at Penn State called "The Professional Wrestling Industry: The Business and Spectacle of Populist Sports-Entertainment." More:

Pin State: According to a recent course catalog, Penn State is offering a course on The Professional Wrestling Industry: The Business and Spectacle of Populist Sports- Entertainment. The catalog describes the class as: "An examination of the history and current popularity of professional wrestling. We will examine the major companies, the behind the scenes workings of the business, the relationship between the Internet and the current "boom" in the business (Bowden: that should be interesting), and important issues that surround the business. One need not be a "fan" (Bowden: i.e., "mark") of the pro-wrestling industry to study it. Students will have a chance to meet guest speakers from the pro-wrestling industry (Bowden: Who...Johnny Valiant?) as well as attend some live events. Required texts: A three-month subscription to one of the industry newsletters (we'll do this on the first day of class), access to cable TV (to watch 2 hrs. per week of pro wrestling) and willingness to make extensive use of the Internet. No wrestling required."

It's a good thing they included that last disclaimer. In fact, after the controversial first semester in which the class was offered, more disclaimers were added: 1. Foreign objects are strictly prohibited. 2. Further, you cannot carve your initials onto your desk or onto anyone else's forehead. 3. Hitting your instructor with a folding metal chair will result in an automatic failing grade. 4. The final exam will take place within the confines of a steel cage.

The title of the course reflects what I'm sure is the department's disdain for "Joe Six Pack" and "Johnny Lunch Pail" - whenever you hear the word populist, you know you're about to be condescended to. In this case it may be completely warranted.

I wish they had this at my institution of lower learning when I was in school because I wouldn't have skipped a class, lest I miss an essay on the lineage and character development from Gorgeous George to the Exotic Adrian Street.

Having known Bowden for some years, and having worked with him in a community-outreach program in Memphis called the "Cougars," I can attest that he is a man of unimpeachable character and even if you're not a rasslin' fan, you would do yourself a favor by reading Bowden's column every week.