The Global Wrestling Federation took to the air in 1991 with its own brand of professional wrestling. Week days at 4 p.m.
for wrestling fanatics of my generation was our time to watch the GWF. I still remember running home from school and rushing
to get my homework done so I could catch the show which, subsequently, was my lead in to dinner! That was my routine for
2 years there. And, I would not have traded it for the world.
In recent years, the GWF's memory has been bastardized by dirt sheet writers describing it simply as a lackluster attempt
to recreate World Class. I never felt that way. I enjoyed it for what it was and didn't try to say it was just this, that, or the other. It was
a fun show... one I think most of us wish we had today, a daily wrestling show of quality. So, my goal is to change the perspective
of the general wrestling public and reeducate them on the greatness of Global.
This first interview is with a gentleman known in wrestling circles as Craig Johnson. His real name is Jon Horton. He was the
main announcer in the most remembered years of the GWF after a stint with Jerry Jarrett and the USWA. It was amazing getting
to talk to Johnson/Horton and I think he enjoyed our interview almost as much as we did. And, hopefully, as much as you will!
You can hear the whole show in the download link to be posted shortly. But, if you want to hear the interview right now, you can
hear it through the YouTube videos posted below. Please share the videos with all your friends and spread the word about our
tribute to Global. I hope you feel as I do that we're doing something pretty special here.
Click Here to Listen to the Interview - or see below!
CRAIG JOHNSON
On getting into wrestling: Johnson credits Jerry Jarrett for giving him a chance. Johnson had called some sports prior to this including college football but was given a chance in the USWA. He knew all the moves and because of that, he also got what they were going for story wise so it worked out well. This would eventually lead to him staying on ESPN with the GWF.
On the GWF being "global" and based in Barcelona: "We were trying to appear bigger than we were," Johnson explained. The concept was that the GWF was an existing promotion that had been around the world but never in the United States and that it finally landed in the United States for its major exposure.
On his broadcast partner in GWF Scott Hudson: "I don't say this about other men but I love him," said Johnson. Johnson explained that they were best of friends and even did a sarcastic wrestling newsletter with fellow friend Steven "De Truth' Prazak.
On never going to WCW or WWE: Craig Johnson states that he never went to either but was nearly a part of WCW. He says his size, as a tall man, kept him away because promoters felt he was too big and would take away from the wrestlers and their large stature if he stood next to them and was taller.
Sharing a funny story: Johnson and Hudson went to a WCW Saturday Night TV taping that was to be the return of Ric Flair. For whatever reason, the wto thought it would be funny if they made a big deal about Tex Slassinger and Shanghai Pierce during a tag team throw away match. They managed to get the crowd so excited that when the team made a tag, the crowd reaction was almost as loud as when Flair returned to WCW.
On what he does now: At the time of this recording, Johnson says he lives in the Seattle area and calls Women's Roller Derby.