Looking Back On Bob Saget's Strange Days Tribute Episode To Pro Wrestling
The comedy world lost one of its greats on Sunday night. Bob Saget passed away at the young age of 65. While he was mostly known for his work on Full House and America's Funniest Home Videos, Saget was also a skilled (and often raunchy) stand-up comedian. The wrestling world mourned the loss of this incredible talent, as well.
Saget had a close relationship with the wrestling industry. He never shied away from poking fun at the sport, but he did it with love. In addition to being a former commissioner for Chikara, the comedian also dedicated an episode of his show Strange Days with Bob Saget to the wrestling community.
Bob Saget Visit A Backyard Wrestling Promotion
Bob Saget brought his camera crew with him to New Omega Wrestling, held in the back yard of a San Dimas, California home. Like only a pro can do, he perfectly balances the jokes and genuine adoration for these young wrestlers who spend the entire segment nearly killing each other.
At one point, one of the wrestlers shouts, "This is for you, Bob Saget," before pelting his opponent's face with a weapon.
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The Luchador World Through The Lens Of A Comedian
Saget went to the depths of East L.A. to spend time with the underground luchador tag-team, Los Chivos. "That's Spanish for The Chivos," he jokes. Before diving into a real Lucha show, Saget gave a brief but detailed history of Lucha Libre and the significance of their masks.
At the show, Bob was scheduled to announce the match for Los Chivos. "I don't know who was more nervous, me or Los Chivos. Sure, they'd be defending their championships, but I'd be offending the whole nation of Mexico with my crappy Spanish." The fans did, in fact, boo Saget as soon as his "r's" failed to roll off of his tongue. He took it in stride like a champ and gave Los Chivos an excellent introduction.
Saget Speaks With Roddy Piper At Dragon Gate
The legend's final stop on his wrestling tour was a Dragon Gate show in Phoenix, Arizona. Another legend, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, was in attendance, and the two spoke before the show. "Comedians and pro wrestlers have a comradery to them," confides Piper. "We're brothers of the road." Perhaps Piper solved the mystery of Saget's infatuation with the sport. Piper showed Saget a lot of respect, which is saying something, given his history with other comedians and journalists (see the painful Bill Maher interview on Politically Incorrect).
Before the show, Piper gave a pep talk to the wrestlers backstage. The Hall Of Famer spoke of spirit. "When you got the people behind you, then everything's working."
Saget was to be the ring announcer once again. This time, a heckler shouted, "Full House sucks." Saget responded, "Yeah, well, so does your mom." Saget's retort got massive pop from the crowd. Never go after a comedian. The same could be said for a wrestler, though. A young Jon Moxley entered the ring and provoked Saget. Moxley was attacked from behind, and Saget escaped with his life.
Promoter Gable Sapolsky recalled the Saget cameo via Twitter, "I booked this angle with Bob Saget, Jon Moxley, YAMATO, and BxB Hulk thinking it would be a big break for DGUSA. We'd get all these characters over on Strange Days With Bob Saget. Unfortunately, the show never gained any traction. In fact, it was cut from an hour episode to 30 minutes. However, looking back, it was crazy and cool that this happened. I also got advice Bob gave us that he learned from Rodney Dangerfield about trying to make it. 'Be like a tank.' I've repeated it many times over the years, especially during my hardest times. Thank you, Bob Saget."
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While he would often try to downplay it, Saget's respect for wrestling was evident. From his time in Chikara to doing an indie wrestling tour, something about the sport drew him to it.
Saget concluded, "Whether it's teenagers fulfilling their dreams in a backyard, a family tradition in East L.A., or performing for thousands of fans, there's a passion for this sport that cannot be denied. Wrestlers of America, I salute you. You are entertainers, and you are badass. Two things I aspire to be." The Wrestling world salutes you, Bob Saget. Thanks for the love. Rest in peace.
