On a recent edition of his “The Hacksaw Hour” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan discussed the career of the late former WWE wrestler, Tommy Lister Jr. (Zeus).
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On Tiny Lister having heat in the locker room: “I got along with Tiny, Zeus was a good guy. He carried a lot of heat, though. Imagine that, you know, guys working all the time, working in and out, day in, day out. Especially back then, all the time. Now we got the big show coming up, the big blow-off, and they bring in this movie star guy and he gets the big payoff and stuff.”
On Lister simply taking the job that was offered to him: “In his defense, if you can get it, take it, brother, and they were giving it to him. He couldn’t wrestle, but he wasn’t there to wrestle. He was just there to look big and mean.”
Lister passed away in December 2020 at the age of 62.
In a recent episode of his podcast, “The Hacksaw Hour,” WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan paid tribute to the late former WWE wrestler, Tommy Lister Jr., also known as Zeus. Lister, who passed away in December 2020 at the age of 62, had a unique career in the wrestling industry.
During the podcast, Duggan discussed Lister’s time in the wrestling business and shed light on some aspects of his career. One topic that came up was the heat Lister had in the locker room. Heat refers to tension or animosity between wrestlers. Duggan acknowledged that Lister carried a lot of heat due to his sudden arrival and the big payoff he received for his role.
Duggan explained that the wrestlers who worked day in and day out felt frustrated when a movie star like Lister was brought in for a big show without having paid his dues in the wrestling industry. However, Duggan also defended Lister, saying that if an opportunity presents itself, one should take it. Lister may not have been a skilled wrestler, but he was there to play a specific character and look big and mean.
Lister’s most notable role in the wrestling world was as Zeus, the antagonist to Hulk Hogan’s character in the 1989 film “No Holds Barred.” The movie’s storyline spilled over into the wrestling ring, with Lister making appearances in WWE (then known as WWF) as Zeus. Despite not having a background in professional wrestling, Lister’s imposing presence and acting skills made him a memorable figure in the industry.
While Lister’s time in the wrestling business was relatively short-lived, his impact was significant. He played a crucial role in creating memorable moments and storylines during his tenure. Lister’s portrayal of Zeus showcased his ability to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.
The passing of Tommy Lister Jr. was a loss for the wrestling community. His contributions to the industry, though unconventional, will always be remembered. As fans and fellow wrestlers continue to pay tribute to his legacy, it is evident that Lister’s time as Zeus left an indelible mark on the wrestling world.
In conclusion, Hacksaw Jim Duggan’s podcast episode shed light on the career of the late Tommy Lister Jr., known as Zeus in the wrestling industry. Despite facing heat in the locker room, Lister’s role as Zeus in “No Holds Barred” and subsequent appearances in WWE made him a memorable figure. His imposing presence and acting skills left a lasting impact on the wrestling community. As we remember Lister’s contributions, we honor his unique place in the history of professional wrestling.