In an attempt to ride the wave of success felt by Johnny Knoxville, Ernie Claxton wanted to start his own TV show. Unlike Knoxville’s show, which features gross-out gags, Claxton wanted to feature antics rednecks might perform after uttering the famous words “Hey, hold my beer!” All 3 major networks and 15 minor ones turned down the opportunity to produce and air the show, usually citing “creative differences.” Johnny Knoxville was at one time a South Knoxville resident. Ernie Claxton is from northern Powell, a suburb of Clinton.
