Throwback Theater presents a review of

“I Like to Hurt People” 1985

By A T Folino

In the late 1970’s the years before the WWF took over the world of wrestling. In the years before Hulkamania ruled “Brother!!!!.” There was the territory system of professional wrestling leagues all around the United States. One of the most violent territories at the time was in Detroit. 15 years before we would hear the chant of ECW there was Big Time Wrestling the local NWA affiliate. Most of the carnage was caused by one man one madman the Sheik and his arsenal of pencils, spikes and fireballs. His exploits are that of legend. For decades the Detroit wrestling scene was scarred with his legacy like the bodies and heads of his rivals.

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By reading the above paragraph I have helped to put you in the proper mindset to sit back and watch the cult wrestling classic “I Like to Hurt People”. Filmed in various locations over the course of 2 years in the late 1970’s the movie serves as a time capsule look at the territory system and wrestling at the time. Filmed as a quasi documentary about a group of concerned citizens trying to get the Sheik banned from wrestling and TV because of his violent and crazy antics. Also starring are some of the biggest names in wrestling from the 1970’s including Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes, Terry Funk, Abdullah the Butcher and Dick the Bruiser. It is great fun to see these legends take on the Sheik and one by one get bloodied by him. This film is a must watch for the so called hardcore wrestling fan or just a fan of classic wrestling. This movie is a SCU high recommendation.

The Sheik’s real name was Ed Farhat the owner and booker of Big Time Wrestling. He had a great mind for business and kayfabe or making it look as if his antics as the Sheik were real. To make things seem legit he would speak quasi Arabic in public and if fans bothered him on the street he would toss flash paper fireballs at them.

Today’s so called stars could learn a lesson about the psychology of wrestling from him.

Things to watch out for!!!!

) Andre the Giant with the Jeep.

) The Sheik and Dick the Bruiser brawl.

) A great look at a young Terry Funk and Dusty Rhodes

As Always enjoy the movie!!!!