A new California bill that would reclassify many independent contractors as employees passed both legislative chambers and awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature. While most of the media attention has been how this bill would affect "gig economy" workers like Uber and Lyft drivers, one California labor attorney thinks AB 5...
RIP, King Kong Bundy, 61, a Giant in Pro Wrestling
King Kong Bundy, the 400-pound behemoth who once headlined WrestleMania 2 against Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 61. Bundy died Monday, said promoter and longtime friend David Herro. He posted on Facebook : "Today we lost a Legend and a man I consider family." The cause of...
The Rock Says It Doesn't Matter Who You Think Is At the Top of This List
As Black History Month wraps up, here is a list of my Top 10 Black Wrestlers since 1980. Why 1980? That’s the decade I became a wrestling fan. This list is subjective and from the perspective of a white, California-bred wrestling enthusiast who occasionally gets to write about the subject. My...
Royal Rumble 2019 Preview: A Case for the Honky Tonk Man
The 32nd annual Royal Rumble takes place this Sunday (Jan. 27) at Chase Field in Phoenix. The Royal Rumble is the yearly WWE event, where 30 wrestlers compete in a battle royal-style match. The winner receives a title shot at WrestleMania. Two men start, and every 90 seconds later, a...
Fresno Wrestling Community Remembers Mean Gene Okerlund
Mean Gene Okerlund, the tuxedo-clad wrestling personality, passed away at the age of 76, the WWE announced Wednesday (Jan. 2). For decades, Okerlund served as the preeminent pitchman, interviewer, and wrestling show host for the AWA, WWF, and WCW. Whether it was a big TV event, or just an interview hyping...
Even WWE Champ Daniel Bryan Says Hell No to Fresno's Air Quality
WWE champion Daniel Bryan loves the environment. At least that's his gimmick. That’s why his appearance in Fresno on Tuesday (Dec. 18) may have been tough for him. He had no problem letting fans know the city’s air is some of the worst in the state. Daniel Bryan, the Environmental...
John Cena to Receive SI’s Muhammed Ali Legacy Award
WWE superstar John Cena is the recipient of this year's Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award. The award, which was announced Thursday, is given each year to an athlete or sports figure who embodies the ideals of sportsmanship, leadership and philanthropy while using sports as a platform. Cena will receive...
Who Gave to Wrestler Turned Mayor Kane? A Donor Who 'Chickened' Out.
Politics 101 regularly looks at campaign finance data, usually for those running for local offices here in Fresno. Out of curiosity, I wondered who donated to the campaign of WWE legend turned Knox County, Tenn. Mayor Glenn Jacobs, aka Kane. After all, Halloween is an appropriate time to politically examine...
What Does Swearengin Say About Running for Mayor Again?
Ashley Swearengin has extinguished any ember that she may run again for Fresno mayor. “There is no chance! You will never call me mayor again,” Swearengin said, chuckling at GV Wire’s question Friday at a Measure P news conference. “I’ve done my time, I served my community. I’m loving life...
Former WWE Wrestler Kane Wins Mayor's Race in Tennessee
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A former WWE wrestler known as Kane has won a "no-holds-barred, last-man-standing" round, this time in the political ring. Glenn Jacobs went by Kane in the WWE. Now the 6-foot-8, 300-pound Republican has the title of Knox County mayor. Jacobs runs an insurance and real estate company...