Pro Wrestling Resource

Jim Cornette’s 1982 Memphis Wrestling TV Debut [Videos]

Before becoming one of wrestling’s most outspoken and influential managers, Jim Cornette made his humble on-camera debut on Memphis Wrestling television — a glimpse at the early spark that would shape a legendary career.

Jim Cornette (born September 17, 1961) made his professional wrestling debut at the age of 20, portraying a privileged, arrogant young manager from a wealthy background. Initially presented as a “rich kid” entering the business through family connections and his Mom's money, Cornette quickly became known for his sharp wit, articulate promos, and deep understanding of wrestling psychology.

Revisit Jim Cornette’s first television appearance — the moment that introduced one of wrestling’s most passionate and influential voices to the world.

Memphis Wrestling

Saturday, August 21, 1982

Though brief and modest in production, this television debut contains the genesis of Cornette’s voice in pro wrestling. It introduces the early stages of his managerial persona, the mic presence, and the stylistic seeds that would grow into decades of influence. From Memphis to national platforms, the trajectory started in 1982.

Memphis Wrestling

Saturday, August 28, 1982

Commentators: Lance Russell and Jimmy Cornett

Bret "Hitman" Hart vs British Bulldog in June 1992 [Videos]

Bret Hart vs British Bulldog

Some matches never make the broadcast, yet they still carry weight. On June 30, 1992, in Binghamton, New York, the WWF staged a dark match between Bret “Hitman” Hart and The British Bulldog. It wasn’t televised, and for years it remained tucked away in fan recordings and archives. But this bout has taken on extra meaning because it acted as a warm-up — even a rehearsal — for their legendary showdown at SummerSlam ’92 in front of 80,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. This dark match gave them the chance to test their timing and chemistry in front of a smaller crowd before being trusted to headline the company’s biggest international event ever.

Background & Stakes

The two weren’t just rivals — they were brothers-in-law, linked through family, which gave their matches a unique undercurrent of pride and familiarity. Their familiarity gave this match (and SummerSlam ’92) an authenticity that few rivalries could match.

Both also had rich tag team pedigrees: Bret with The Hart Foundation, and Bulldog with The British Bulldogs. Their years of tag experience against (and sometimes alongside) one another gave them a chemistry that translated perfectly when they clashed in singles competition.

Hidden Gem Spotlight: The Forgotten Prelude

This match matters not just because it’s rare, but because it’s a dress rehearsal for history.

Fans often remember SummerSlam ’92 as the pinnacle of the British Bulldog's WWF career.
Seeing them tangle here — away from the spotlight — feels like peeking into the workshop before the masterpiece.
If Wembley was the polished diamond, this dark match is the rough cut that shows the first glimmer of brilliance.

Your Turn: Watch & React

What do you see here?

Can you spot the seeds of the SummerSlam story?
Does Bulldog look ready for the main event, or was Bret carrying more weight at this stage?
Drop your take below — and let’s decide if this one deserves the label of Hidden Gem.
After watching this dark match, go back and view their SummerSlam ’92 battle — see how this undercard moment set the stage.

Drop your thoughts in the comments and let me know which other rare matches deserve a spotlight next!

WWF Intercontinental Championship

"DARK MATCH"

Bret "Hitman" Hart vs British Bulldog

Binghamton, New York

Tuesday, June 30, 1992