Ep 8. Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Abrams Story

In the eighth episode of the second season of Dark Side of the Ring, entitled Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Abrams Story, we delve into the life and times of one of professional wrestling's most elusive characters, "Dr. D" David Schultz. Known for his rugged and uncompromising demeanor inside the squared circle, Schultz's story is one of triumph and turmoil, a journey that took him from the heights of the sport to the depths of addiction and legal trouble.

The episode explores Schultz's early days in the business, including his time training under the legendary Verne Gagne in Minnesota. From there, we follow him to the wild and woolly territory days, where he made a name for himself as a no-nonsense bruiser with a mean streak. Along the way, we hear from some of Schultz's peers and colleagues, including fellow wrestlers Bret Hart and Terry Funk, who shed light on what it was like to be in the ring with him.

However, the central focus of the episode is on Schultz's infamous confrontation with journalist John Stossel on a 20/20 segment in 1984. In a clip that has since become infamous among wrestling fans, Schultz slaps Stossel hard across the face after the journalist suggests that wrestling was fake. The incident led to Schultz being fired by the WWF and blacklisted from the industry, effectively ending his career as a wrestler.

But the episode doesn't stop there. We also explore what happened to Schultz after his wrestling career came to a close. We hear about his ongoing struggles with addiction, as well as his eventual run-ins with the law. We hear from Schultz himself, who gives us his side of the story and reflects on what he's learned from his experiences.

As with previous episodes of Dark Side of the Ring, Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Abrams Story provides a fascinating and unflinching look at the dark side of the wrestling world. It explores the personal demons that often haunt those involved in the business, and the toll that a life on the road can take. At the same time, it celebrates the passion and dedication that wrestlers like David Schultz bring to their craft, even in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Overall, Cocaine & Cowboy Boots: The Abrams Story is another must-watch episode for wrestling fans, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of sports, entertainment, and the human experience. With its gripping storytelling and candid interviews, it offers a powerful exploration of one of wrestling's most enigmatic and controversial figures, and the impact that he had on the industry as a whole.