On the Ropes - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

TMC · 11-12-2001, 04:37 PM

I'm not sure if this is the actual name of the sitcom (and some extra information would truely help). But what I know for sure is that it aired in syndication for sometime during the late 1980s. The show starred the late Lyle Alzado of Oakland/LA Raider fame and my personal favorite, Ernest Goes to Camp, as a teacher who moonlighted as a wrestler.

Jimbo · 11-12-2001, 06:12 PM

I remember this show! I believe the name was "Learning The Ropes". It was produced and broadcast on TBS. As you have stated, TMC, it aired in the mid to late 80s, and starred former professional football player Lyle Alzado as a teacher (I think he was a Physical Education teacher - which would make sense) who moonlighted as a Professional Wrestler. He wrestled under a mask, since he didn't want to jeopardize his day job as a teacher. Since TBS also broadcast the "National Wrestling Alliance" (which Ted Turner later purchased and renamed "World Championship Wrestling"), each show featured guest appearances from NWA stars. Stars such as The Road Warriors, Lex Luger, and Dusty Rhodes would drop by to visit with Lyle in the locker room, or give him advice to help his wrestling career. I think the program only lasted one season. It was not too much longer after the show ceased production that Lyle Alzado's health began to deteriorate. (I don't know if that was the reason for the show's cancellation, or if it ended due to low ratings. Perhaps someone else familiar with the program can clarify that point).

11-12-2001, 04:37 PM	#1
TMC Member Forum Idol Join Date: Jan 09, 2001 Posts: 124,387	On the Ropes I'm not sure if this is the actual name of the sitcom (and some extra information would truely help). But what I know for sure is that it aired in syndication for sometime during the late 1980s. The show starred the late Lyle Alzado of Oakland/LA Raider fame and my personal favorite, Ernest Goes to Camp, as a teacher who moonlighted as a wrestler.

11-12-2001, 06:12 PM	#2
Jimbo Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jul 29, 2001 Location: United States of America-One Nation UNDER GOD! Posts: 471	I remember this show! I believe the name was "Learning The Ropes". It was produced and broadcast on TBS. As you have stated, TMC, it aired in the mid to late 80s, and starred former professional football player Lyle Alzado as a teacher (I think he was a Physical Education teacher - which would make sense) who moonlighted as a Professional Wrestler. He wrestled under a mask, since he didn't want to jeopardize his day job as a teacher. Since TBS also broadcast the "National Wrestling Alliance" (which Ted Turner later purchased and renamed "World Championship Wrestling"), each show featured guest appearances from NWA stars. Stars such as The Road Warriors, Lex Luger, and Dusty Rhodes would drop by to visit with Lyle in the locker room, or give him advice to help his wrestling career. I think the program only lasted one season. It was not too much longer after the show ceased production that Lyle Alzado's health began to deteriorate. (I don't know if that was the reason for the show's cancellation, or if it ended due to low ratings. Perhaps someone else familiar with the program can clarify that point).