Apr 1, 03:27 AM
What do NASCAR, Xena, Mystery Science Theater 3000, and TNA Wrestling have in common?
Posted by Cheryl Walker under Racing ArticleNear my computer you will find a Xena bobblehead, and stuck to a nearby file cabinet there are Crow T. Robot and Tom Servo magnets. If you came to my home and were not a fan of either, 'Xena: Warrior Princess', or 'Mystery Science Theater 3000', you would pass by these whimsical items and likely pay them no notice.
However, on your way to my extra room where I have a box of old wrestling action figures like Andre the Giant and Sergeant Slaughter, you would pass walls full of NASCAR memorabilia. Unless you have been living in a basement since the days of moonshine runners, you should be able to figure out that I am a racing fan by the time you have walked the length of my home.
If you would happen to make that trip through my humble abode and were able to identify all four of these interests of mine, you might either appreciate my eclectic nature, or think that I need medication and therapy.
Each of these entities seems to have the same thing in common: you either love 'em, or hate 'em. You either understand, for example, the wry humor employed by the universe's most famous bad movie critics in 'MST3K', or you don't. You either think Xena and Gabrielle were two of the world's coolest fictional characters fighting for 'the greater good', or you don't. And you either happen to click on a TNA wrestling show and stop and enjoy the heck out of it, or you click quickly to something else. There seems to be little room for indecision with any of these subjects.
There is a well-known figure in NASCAR that would definitely keep his TV tuned to professional wrestling, as Jeff Hammond has been involved in announcing for it as well as refereeing. This weekend, he will be part of a TNA wrestling show that is being sponsored by Aarons, that will be attended by other NASCAR stars, and feature a performance by country music singer Don Cox (and there is another 'love it or hate it' subject: country music… but I digress). Hermie Sadler would have piloted his No. 00 Chevy carrying a special TNA Wrestling/Aarons paint scheme on Sunday’s ‘DirecTV 500’, but unfortunately he didn’t qualify in to the race. However, all entities were joining together to help Hermie promote National Autism Awareness Month, and I don't believe anyone out there could have anything but a positive opinion of that.
Even the connection between NASCAR and TNA Wrestling is controversial; it will either be loved or hated by NASCAR fans. I imagine some might think the two sports go together like Richard Childress's wine and Wisconsin cheese, with all of the lights, colors, and grown men yelling at each other. By the same token, I can see some fans shuddering a little, imagining that an association with wrestling, that, hey, NASCAR fans, a sport that some deny is a sport, might further the notion that only folks with small mentalities and large buck teeth could enjoy.
I personally think it's a great idea, and I think a lot of fans will enjoy the association.
Further, I hope that Hermie's No. 00 Chevy and information blurbs about autism will be on-screen at least a few times this month. Knowing Artie Kempner (NASCAR Producer on Fox, and father of a son with autism) as I do, I imagine that's a great possibility.
What do you think of the NASCAR/wrestling mix? Are you a closet Mistie? Have you ever attended a Xena convention? Do you know the 800 number for the National Autism Society (which is 1-800-3AUTISM, in case you don’t)?
Do tell!
The age-old racing question: is it the driver, or the machine? C'mon Bobby... Give Us a Win

Apr 1, 10:48 AM
Well I for one would love to see Jimmie Spencer take on all the Busch Brothers ie The Doberman and Pyle come on boys how about Jummping into the ring for a good cause. And Mattie needs a re match with Jeffie poo just think of the crowds that would draw. My heart is broken for Hermie such a bummer hopefully he can drive that car in another race. My nephew is afflicted with autisum as well. Thank you for this informative article Cheryl.
GO Xena (Xena battle Cry)