Retro Wrestling w/ Gene Jackson Episode #45: w/guest “Lord Humongous” Jeff Van Camp
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Show Notes
Special Guest Host: Robb Helt
This week on Retro Wrestling with Gene Jackson, we go BIG… literally.
Gene is joined by special guest co-host Robb Helt, and together they sit down with the man behind one of the most intimidating masked gimmicks of the 1980s, “Lord Humongous” Jeff Van Camp.
From a 6’9", 300 pound defensive tackle at the University of Louisville to becoming one of the most feared monsters in Memphis, Southeastern, Continental, Mid-South, and beyond , Jeff’s journey into wrestling is unlike any other you’ve heard before. After a two hour crash training course from the "King" himself, Jerry Lawler.....Jeff suddenly found himself on the road on wild, weird, and wonderful world of professional wrestling.
Highlighted by the quote: "You know you’re over when you get stabbed!”
Inside this episode:
- How Jerry “The King” Lawler personally trained Jeff inside the Mid-South Coliseum and handed him his first booking sheet.
- Early lessons from Buddy Landell (including the story behind Jeff’s first pair of wrestling boots).
- The creation of the Lord Humongous gimmick, from pantyhose under the hockey mask to War Machine by KISS as entrance music.
- Traveling the Southeastern loop with Austin Idol, Bob Armstrong, Jerry Stubbs, and the Armstrong family.
- Getting STABBED by a fan in Jackson, Mississippi during his Mid-South run.
- Working an hour long match with Ric Flair and "winning" the NWA Title in Birmingham.
- Fishing trips with Scott and Steve Armstrong in Gulf Breeze.
- Missed picture money opportunities in Continental Wrestling.
- The decision to leave Continental for Bill Watts’ Mid-South territory.
Jeff shares incredible firsthand stories about Lance Russell, Gordon Solie, Jim Ross, Ron Fuller, Porkchop Cash, Jake Roberts, John Nord, Dr. Death Steve Williams, and so many more, offering a rare, behind the mask look at territory wrestling during one of its most volatile and magical eras.
This isn’t just a career recap.
It’s a deep dive into how a football player fell into wrestling… and became a monster!