The Tombstone

Hmm, last time around, I promised another, better edition of the Tombstone to come in the future. I had no idea it would be so soon, and it's too bad that my inspiration to write this edition of the Tombstone stems from such a tragic thing. In this edition of the Tombstone, I think it's appropriate that I share my feelings on Yokozuna.

The world lost a great guy earlier this week. Maybe I don't have so much room to say that considering I didn't know the man personally, but I will tell you this, my childhood was spent watching him perform in the ring. I began watching the WWF about the time Yokozuna had arrived on the scene. My early days as a WWF fan were filled with Yokozuna. One of my very first WWF memories was the U.S.S. Intrepid challenge to bodyslam the then (only?) 505lbs Champion. Yoko provided some of the best moments of the WWF throughout 1993-1995, and even some of 1996, before he left the WWF in November of '96. It always astounded me how a man so freakin' huge could throw leg drops and put on 30 minute, high-paced matches and just move around in the ring so well. I know I'll never forget the Casket Match that the Undertaker and Yokozuna had at the 1994 Royal Rumble. Not only did the Undertaker lose a Casket Match for the first time, it was also scary as hell with what happened afterward (at least for a kid it is!)

Yokozuna always provided some humor also. My friend and I used to watch him on TV, particularly during his fued with the Undertaker, and just laugh our asses off at his facial expressions when he was "scared" of the Undertaker. We also found it funny when Yoko would take several fierce blows, seemingly unphased, then suddenly fall flat on his ass with a look of shock. Hell, I even remember one of the big jokes between my friends and I at the time Yoko was reigning in the WWF was to threaten to "Banzai Drop" people. Yokozuna was, and really still is, an icon in the wrestling world. His brand of humor and his style in the ring were much appreciated by myself and everyone I know. It's a shame all the rumors over the last four years of him returning to the World Wrestling Federation never came to be. It's a shame he didn't get his weight under control and make a comeback. C'mon, picture Yokozuna vs. Rikishi. It could've been great.

Yokozuna, thank you, and goodbye. I know I'll never forget you man.

Until next time...thanks for reading.

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This column is the opinions of Jeremy Strunk. Any comments can be directed at jsut316@swbell.net. 1