Jim Herd | |
|---|---|
| 1st Executive Vice President of World Championship Wrestling | |
| In office 1988–1992 | |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Kip Frey |
| 15th President of National Wrestling Alliance | |
| In office 1991–1992 | |
| Preceded by | Jim Crockett, Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Seiji Sakaguchi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | James Herd (1939-03-24)24 March 1939 (age 85) |
| Nationality | American |
Jim Herd (bornJames Herd; March 24, 1939) is an American former television production executive andprofessional wrestling executive. He served as the Executive Vice President ofWorld Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1988 to 1992, followingTurner Broadcasting's acquisition ofJim Crockett Promotions.
Herd held positions in the broadcasting and food service sectors. He served as a station manager forKPLR-TV inSt. Louis, Missouri,[1][2] a channel that aired the then-popular wrestling programWrestling at the Chase. Subsequently, he worked as a regional manager forPizza Hut.[1]
In 1988, Herd was appointed as the inaugural Executive Vice President of WCW, with his official tenure commencing on January 3, 1989. One of his first initiatives undertaken was to model the success of theWorld Wrestling Federation (WWF)--which embraced a positive family-friendly image.-- This was achieved by introducing various gimmicks and characters with the intention of broadening WCW's appeal, especially to the younger demographic. One such initiative was the creation of "The Ding Dongs," a tag team portrayed byThe Rock 'n' Roll Rebels, donning an all-red outfit with a visual representation of a bell. This gimmick did not resonate with many fans and critics.[3] Another concept was "The Hunchbacks," a tag team idea where the wrestlers' physical characteristics (the hump) would ostensibly prevent them from being pinned. This idea was not widely accepted within the company. and was ultimately never implemented.[4]
Herd was also known for his promotional partnerships, particularly with the movieRoboCop 2. As part of this collaboration, Herd organised a dedicatedPay-Per-View event calledCapital Combat, whereRoboCop appeared alongside professional wrestlerSting.
Herd’s tenure saw several internal conflicts, particularly with prominent wrestlerRic Flair. Disputes arose over proposed changes to Flair's wrestling persona and contractual disagreements. Herd reportedly suggested that Flair adopt agladiator-inspired gimmick named ‘Spartacus,’[5] which Flair and some within the company reportedly opposed. Herd wanted Flair to lose theWCW World Heavyweight Championship and undergo a significant change in his physical appearance, which consisted of shaving his head. Flair would also been expected to take a pay cut.[6] Flair balked at Herd's proposition. Herd would terminate Flair's contract and invalidate his status as recognised title holder, on July 1, 1991, however, Flair still retained possession of the physical representation of the championship, which he took with him upon exiting the company.[5]
Herd resigned from his position as Executive Vice President on January 8, 1992.[7]