Welcome to “The Thump!” — an irregular column spotlighting the best Black elements of professional wrestling. Named after the signature move of groundbreaking Black wrestler The Junkyard Dog, “The Thump!” showcases the history and impact of Black athletes in the squared circle.
Today we have Brodus Clay, The Funkasaurus (w/ Funkettes, Naomi & Cameron). But doesn’t that gimmick look familiar? The music belongs to Earnest ‘The Cat’ Miller (last seen as ‘The Ayatollah’ opposite Micky Rourke in “The Wrestler”). But the pimp-ish gimmick with backup dancers belongs to … no, not The Godfather … we already discussed him! He is the ECW Original, former ECW Television Champion, WCW Tag Team Champion … the originator, 2 Cold Scorpio AKA Flash Funk AKA Charles Scaggs! Too Cold Scorpio made his pro-wrestling debut in 1985 on the independent scene, eventually finding his way to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Too Cold Scorpio made the move to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1992 feuding with the likes of Paul Orndorff, Chris Benoit and The Nasty Boys. He then migrated to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) to engage in the extreme revolution of pro-wrestling for the 1990’s feuding with Taz, Kid Kash and many others!
Scaggs debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1994, where he had four reigns as World Television Champion and one reign as World Tag Team Champion with The Sandman. During his simultaneous reign as Television and Tag Team Champion, he insisted on being referred to as 2 Gold Scorpio.He had feuds with wrestlers such as Taz, Shane Douglas, Sabu, and Mikey Whipwreck. Following his departure for WWE, Scorpio returned to ECW for one night as a mystery opponent for Taz. Originally introduced by Lance Wright under his WWE name Flash Funk, he corrected Joey Styles and had himself announced as 2 Cold Scorpio, then beat up Wright. Scorpio then lost a memorable match to Taz in which he was jumped afterwards by Doug Furnas and Lance Wright’s bodyguard, Brakus. Taz returned to make the save and gave a memorable speech afterwards. “I don’t do this a lot. I ain’t never heard of anybody named Flash Funk but I know someone named 2 Cold Scorpio and tonight 2 Cold Scorpio showed up. The wrestler, the athlete, the superstar I admire. Now brother I’m done blowing smoke up your ass and don’t go off on me either, but if you want to wrestle for a real promotion you’re welcome in my locker room.” Taz raised his arm and left the ring as they played 2 Cold’s music and he danced. On June 10, 2005, Scorpio wrestled at the ECW reunion event Hardcore Homecoming, defeating Kid Kash. Scaggs made his WWF debut on November 17 at Survivor Series under the name Flash Funk. During his time there, his gimmick involved dancing, wearing a zoot suit, and being accompanied to the ring by his “Fly Girls” or “Funkettes.” He later reverted to the Scorpio name teaming with WCW teammate and friend Ron Simmons as well as Terry Funk through most of 1998. He would soon after become a member of Al Snow’s J.O.B. Squad, but it wasn’t a success. In mid-1998, Flash Funk competed in the WWF’s Brawl for All tournament, replacing Ken Shamrock. He lost in the quarterfinals to The Godfather, however. In early 1999, Scorpio requested time off due to personal problems, but was instead released.
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Interesting Facts:
- Too Cold Scorpio made his WCW debut as a surprise partner for WWE Hall of Famer, Ron Simmons (DAMN!).
- He was at on time managed by former WWE Smackdown! GM, Teddy Long.
- Too Cold Scorpio’s dancers were Funkettes Tracy & Nadine, who performed with him in his video “Too Cold Scorpio Step.”
- Too Cold is a former NWA National Heavyweight Champion.
- Too Cold Scorpio was a member of Al Snow’s J.O.B. Squad
- Too Cold Scorpio recently defeated C.W. Anderson at TNA’s Hardcore Justice
- His finishing maneuver is a 450 splash (Funky Flash Splash).
[Source: Wikipedia]
I thought I was the only one who remembered Flash Funk, let alone Ernest “the Cat” Miller. “Call my momma” was Ernest’s catch phrase, too, I think. Some of his short squash type matches against Screamin’ Norman Smiley (a really underrated technical wrestler) on WCW Saturday night were actually rather good. The Cat was just FAST.
I actually ordered Hardcore Justice in 2010, as an ECW fan from way, way back. Socrpio was one of the only originals that was still in any kind of actual, fighting shape.