Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 87Three Territories, 1976 Hey everyone, Tony Richards here! Episode 87 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show takes us back to the territory era with three great territories in 1976. Segment 1:From Tokyo, Japan, Fumi Saito joins the show to take us back to New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1976. Segment 2:We look at the NWA Tri-State office in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the Bicentennial year — Bill Watts, Dick Murdoch, Killer Karl Kox, Grizzly Smith, The Hollywood Blondes, and more. Segment 3:One of our most requested returning guests, Bobby Simmons, joins to talk about Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1976.Two great guests, three great territories, and more. Episode 87 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Show Preview(00:04:24) - Wrestling Memorials: Sign Guy and Jumbo Beretta(00:07:06) - New Japan 1976 Intro with Fumi Saito(00:08:13) - Titles and Territory Rivalries in Japan(00:10:08) - Build Up to Inoki vs Ali(00:14:04) - The Inoki-Ali Fight Details(00:18:58) - Negotiations and Backstage Tension for Ali Fight(00:21:45) - Aftermath and Legacy of Inoki-Ali(00:23:40) - Early 1976 New Japan Tours and World League(00:30:42) - Asia League Titles and Tokon Series(00:32:40) - Andre the Giant Match and Year-End Tours(00:35:22) - The Pakistan Match with Akram Pahalwan(00:38:50) - Reflecting on New Japan's 1976 and Inoki's Legacy(00:41:03) - Carl Gotch's Influence on Inoki(00:50:38) - Fumi's Personal Memories of Carl Gotch(00:54:34) - Akira Maeda and the Shoot Culture(00:56:07) - Wrestling's Human Element and Closing Thoughts with Fumi(00:59:20) - Farewell to Fumi Saito(01:00:34) - Reflections on Technology and Connecting Globally(01:02:08) - Grizzly Up Soap Company Sponsorship Segment(01:07:38) - NWA Tri-State Territory Overview 1976(01:13:33) - January-February 1976 Tri-State Storylines(01:16:16) - Danny Hodge's Career-Ending Accident(01:18:14) - Spring Angles: Bounties and Title Changes(01:20:24) - The Louisiana Superdome Spectacular(01:23:41) - Fall Title Changes and Year-End Shuffle(01:27:38) - Analyzing Bill Watts' Booking Style(01:34:51) - Year-End Rankings and Top Stars of Tri-State(01:40:03) - Transition to Georgia Championship Wrestling(01:40:52) - Bobby Simmons on Referees and Tag Team Workers(01:46:34) - Dusty Rhodes and the Georgia Title Scene Early 1976(01:48:21) - Gary Hart and Backstage Stories(01:52:56) - Memories of Griffin, Georgia's Sports Palace(01:58:25) - Saturday Night Towns and Territory Travel Logistics(02:04:29) - Terry Funk's Unique Championship Style(02:07:32) - The Meaning of the NWA Title in Georgia(02:19:50) - Oates Brothers, Gordman and Goliath, and Other Teams(02:25:11) - The Valiant Brothers and Territory Style Differences(02:31:19) - Dick Slater's Championship Run and Rising Stars(02:37:22) - Young Talent Roster: Steamboat, Atlas, and More(02:43:42) - Transition to Satellite TV and National Exposure(02:49:43) - Decline After Barnett: Ole Anderson Takes Over(02:55:04) - Closing Thanks to Bobby Simmons(02:55:19) - Show Wrap-Up and Membership Information(03:09:24) - Next Week Preview and Sign-Off

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 86 Episode 86 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show continues our 1976 territory reviews as we head to the Pacific Northwest. Segment 1: We look at Don Owen’s Portland Territory in 1976 with two of the finest experts on the territory — author and historian Mike Rodgers and his collaborator Frank Culbertson. There are no two better people to walk us through the buildings, the talent, and the business of Portland that year. Segment 2: We hop across the border to the Vancouver Territory. Steve Verrier joins the show. He’s the author of the Gene Kiniski biography, the George Gordienko biography, and Pacific Wrestling in the Northwest, a comprehensive history of wrestling in that part of the country. Steve helps us break down Vancouver in 1976. Segment 3: Steve Gennerelli returns for our latest Mailbag segment. He and I dig into questions from our listeners and viewers.Portland, Vancouver, and the Mailbag — all in one episode. Episode 86 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Recent Passings(00:03:40) - Show Preview for Today's Episode(00:05:35) - Welcoming Mike Rogers and Frank Culbertson(00:06:53) - Their Podcasts and Hawaii Wrestling Book(00:13:58) - Portland 1976: Dutch Savage, Snuka, Ventura and Ramos(00:17:44) - Bull Ramos and Don Owen's Booking Style(00:25:20) - Early 1976 Title Changes and Full Nelson Jokes(00:27:05) - Kangaroos, Bounty Hunter Matches and Vancouver Ties(00:38:10) - Buddy Rose Debuts and Changes Portland(00:42:26) - Town Promoters, Sponsors and Small Towns(00:50:55) - Tag Title Swaps and Year-End Portland Wrap-up(01:07:42) - Portland Shows, Books and Final Thoughts(01:13:03) - Transition to Vancouver 1976 with Steve Verrier(01:15:29) - Kiniski, Don Leo Jonathan and Vancouver's National Reach(01:20:56) - Title Changes: Shibuya, Quinn, and Tag Team Shuffles(01:43:46) - Terry Funk's NWA Title Tour Through the Territory(01:49:26) - Fall Title Changes and Supporting Wrestlers(01:57:30) - Year-End Review of Vancouver 1976 and Kiniski's Legacy(02:11:23) - Mailbag Segment Begins with Steve Giannarelli(02:12:39) - Funk, Flair and Booking Hypotheticals(02:15:46) - How Listeners and Hosts Discovered Wrestling(02:26:54) - Randy Savage's Babyface Turn Debate(02:31:11) - Wahoo McDaniel and NWA World Title Standards(02:38:16) - NWA World Tag Team Title Question(02:41:47) - Dave Meltzer's Legacy and Influence Discussed(02:55:08) - Hall of Fame Picks and Favorite Foreign Menaces(03:03:07) - Mid-South Coliseum Memories and Jerry Lawler(03:06:15) - Backlund vs Bockwinkel and Interpromotional Matches(03:10:10) - European Wrestlers and Must-Read Wrestling Books(03:16:24) - Hypotheticals: Orton, Duggan and Territory Dreams(03:26:30) - Wrapping Up the Mailbag and Final Thoughts(03:29:04) - Show Close, Subscriptions and Next Week's Preview

Episode 85 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is all about the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame 2026 ballot. We go down the ballot with plenty of expertise, advocates for their favorites, and deep historical and career reviews to help voters make their decisions this year. Segment 1: Our Hall of Fame panel looks at the Historical and Non-Wrestler categories. Steve Gennerelli, Greg Klein, and Brian R. Solomon join me for this discussion. Segment 2: Allan Blackstock makes his first appearance on the show from Great Britain to discuss the Rest of the World category. Allan shares his research and deep knowledge with our listeners and viewers. Segment 3: Also joining us for the first time is Matt Farmer. Using his year of researching Mexico, Matt helps educate our audience on the candidates in the Mexico category. It’s a full look at the ballot — history, advocacy, and the names that deserve a closer look before the votes are cast. Episode 85 – The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame 2026 Show is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and join us as we go down the ballot in the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Show Preview(00:02:34) - Upcoming Shows: Portland and Vancouver 76(00:03:45) - Fall Weather Chat at the Richards Ranch(00:05:11) - Setting Up the Hall of Fame Panel(00:08:59) - Panel Introductions: Steve and Greg(00:12:10) - Advocating for Ole and Gene Anderson(00:19:40) - Longevity Debate and Tag Team Standards(00:22:25) - The Case for Junkyard Dog(00:31:58) - JYD's Charisma and Intercontinental Title Question(00:36:09) - Mid-South, the Superdome, and JYD's Legacy(00:40:22) - Ole Anderson as Booker(00:42:55) - Gordman and Goliath's Case(00:47:26) - Jesse Ventura for Non-Wrestler Category(00:52:02) - Bob Armstrong and the Armstrong Family Legacy(00:59:19) - Dick Murdoch's Complicated Greatness(01:05:05) - Remembering Bill Dundee(01:16:47) - Gorilla Monsoon's Hall of Fame Case(01:24:06) - Morris Siegel and Texas Wrestling History(01:31:30) - Wrestler-Promoters and the Changing Business(01:37:52) - Rundown of Historical and Non-Wrestler Candidates(01:49:01) - Modern Performers and Closing Thoughts with Panel(01:52:19) - Veterans Committee Idea and Boxing Comparison(01:56:51) - Wrapping Up the Panel Segment(01:57:41) - Introducing Alan Blackstock and Rest of World Category(02:03:00) - Dominic Denucci's Global Case(02:07:27) - Billy Joyce and the Wigan Snake Pit Lineage(02:12:50) - Jose Torres: Spain's Forgotten Box Office King(02:16:49) - Otto Wanz and European Promoting(02:22:37) - George Gordienko's International Career(02:26:02) - Adrian Street's Gimmick and Controversy(02:31:10) - Teddy Boy Marino: Brazil's Forgotten Superstar(02:38:34) - New and Lesser-Known Candidates(02:40:58) - Steve Grayson and the Royal Brothers(02:50:39) - Killer Carl Cox's International Career(02:55:57) - Tibor Szakacs and Big Daddy's Legacy(03:04:52) - Closing Thoughts with Alan Blackstock(03:10:03) - Introducing Matt Farmer and Mexico Category(03:16:57) - Sangre Chicana's Rivalries and Drawing Power(03:24:38) - Mascarita Sagrada and the Mini Wrestlers Debate(03:28:42) - Valiente Junior and Voting Philosophy(03:31:49) - Angel Blanco and Dr. Wagner as a Tag Team(03:33:47) - El Dandy's In-Ring Talent(03:36:55) - La Parka and the AAA Legacy(03:39:18) - Santo and Octagon's Short but Iconic Pairing(03:42:13) - Colossal Colosetti's Career(03:45:58) - Los Espantos and Turning Santo Babyface(03:52:45) - Historical Impact and Media Coverage of Legends(03:59:11) - Matt Farmer's Defy Wrestling Plug and Sign-off(04:01:14) - Show Wrap-Up and Upcoming Episodes

Episode 84 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is a different kind of night — The “What If” Episode. Segment 1: We go back 40 years to the car accident that ended Magnum TA’s career. Jimmy Garvin joins the show as we look at the hot program the two of them had just started. What if that accident never happens? Where does the program go? Does it build into a World Title series between Magnum and Jimmy? How does Precious fit into the story? This one gets intriguing in a hurry. RIP Ricky Sexton Segment 2: Mid-Atlantic analyst and historian Todd Goss returns. Todd and I dig into what a Magnum TA World Title run would have looked like. How would it have affected business in the Carolinas and across the NWA? We kick it around, chase a few other ideas, and see where the road might have led. RIP Clary Fleming Segment 3: Steve Gennerelli and Jammie Ward join me for another big “what if”: Ric Flair going to the WWWF in the 1980s. Several strong theories get tossed around — how it would have changed New York, the NWA, and the man himself. Three segments. Three alternate histories. One episode built for territory fans who love the questions that never got answered. Episode 84 – The “What If” Episode is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and come ride the “what if” with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Episode Preview(00:02:41) - Listener Mail: Grizzly Soap and Sportatorium Revival(00:05:53) - Interview: Jimmy Garvin and Magnum TA Introduction(00:10:12) - How Jimmy and Magnum First Met(00:18:25) - Planning the Garvin-Magnum Program and Precious's Role(00:24:50) - What the Feud Could Have Become(00:34:02) - Hall of Fame Memories and Waterloo Stories(00:36:41) - The Greenville Match and In-Ring Chemistry(00:39:44) - Dan Gable, Jim Crockett's Expansion, and Trust in the Push(00:46:34) - The Night of the Accident and Aftermath(00:48:48) - Patty's Role and Fan Stories(00:58:14) - Final Thoughts from Garvin and Magnum(01:00:55) - Remembering Ricky Sexton (Mario Chriacia)(01:07:35) - Todd Goss Joins: Magnum's Title Reign What If(01:10:35) - Would Magnum Have Worked as a Heel or Face Champion?(01:13:16) - Territory Struggles: Dallas, Atlanta, Georgia(01:18:07) - Booking Philosophy and Dusty Rhodes Critique(01:21:04) - Who Could Magnum Have Worked With as Champion?(01:25:07) - Management and Business Mistakes in Crockett Promotions(01:34:39) - Starrcade Booking Decisions Debate(01:40:36) - Wrapping Up: Nikita, Luger, and the Butterfly Effect(01:49:05) - Wrestling History Preservation and Tape Trading(01:54:16) - Overlooked Historical Figures and Hall of Fame Advocacy(02:00:21) - Final Thoughts on the Magnum What If(02:01:20) - Remembering Clary Fleming(02:04:59) - Baron Von Raschke News and Dusty Trivia(02:08:10) - What If Segment Intro: Ric Flair to the WWF(02:11:08) - Setting the Scene: 1982 WWF/NWA Unification Match(02:22:31) - Booking Flair as WWF/NWA Unified Champion(02:29:14) - The Before Horsemen and Flair's WWF Opponents(02:33:56) - NWA Promoters Rebel Against the Arrangement(02:42:13) - The NWA Championship Tournament Concept(02:49:26) - Tournament Bracket and Results Discussion(02:52:03) - Dibiase's Reign and Territory Programs Set Up(03:00:52) - Flair's WWF Run and Jerry Lawler Praise(03:03:27) - Closing Plugs and Wrestling Podcast Mentions(03:11:10) - Wrap-Up and Grizzly Soap Co Promotion(03:15:12) - Outro and Next Week Preview

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show – Episode 83The Detroit Territory, 1976 Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!Episode 83 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show takes a trip to the Detroit territory and Big Time Wrestling in 1976. We open with a short congratulations to one of our family members and AWA analyst, George Schire. The George Tragos–Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Board announced this past weekend that George will be honored with the James C. Melby Award for 2027 at Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. Well deserved. Segment 1:I welcome longtime Detroit television announcer Terry Sullivan to discuss the Detroit Territory in 1976. Segment 2:A short, heartfelt tribute to Bart Batten, one of the Batten Twins tag team, who passed away on October 1st. I also give a little profile of the in-ring career of Klondike Bill — more than a ring truck driver. Segment 3:Brian Solomon, author of Blood and Fire, the biography of The Original Sheik, returns to the show. Brian and I discuss what was happening in the Sheik’s life and territory in 1976. To close, I recap the other territories The Sheik traveled to and wrestled in during 1976.It’s the Detroit Territory, all in one episode. Episode 83 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Show Open(00:00:52) - George Shire's Hall of Fame Announcement(00:07:54) - The Secret Phone Call Story(00:13:46) - Reflections on Family, Age, and Legacy(00:16:59) - Honoring Jim Melby's Friendship(00:19:33) - Thanking Supporters and Closing with George(00:26:03) - Terry Sullivan Introduction and Early Detroit Fandom(00:29:53) - Jack Kane's Role and Backstory(00:34:51) - Ali vs Inoki Closed Circuit Fallout(00:37:26) - US Title Shuffles and Killer Carl Krupp(00:40:39) - Andre the Giant and Crowd Psychology(00:44:09) - Thunderbolt Patterson's Return(00:48:21) - Cincinnati, Columbus and Territory Decline Causes(00:51:37) - Al Haft and Ohio Wrestling History(00:58:10) - Studio Wrestling Origins and TV Economics(01:00:33) - Promoter Transitions and Town Drawing Power(01:01:48) - Johnny Valentine and Bobo Brazil Classics(01:05:36) - Don Jardine the Spoiler and Booking Missteps(01:10:38) - Don Kent, Kangaroos, and Al Costello Memories(01:19:01) - Bull and Fred Curry Tribute(01:22:59) - Wrestling Then vs Now - Authenticity Discussion(01:29:07) - Closing Thoughts with Terry Sullivan(01:38:12) - Show Transition and George Shire Recap(01:40:03) - In Memoriam: Bart Batten(01:46:19) - Klondike Bill Tribute and Career Retrospective(02:01:06) - Introducing Brian Solomon and the Sheik Discussion(02:04:12) - The Sheik's Peak and the Ali-Inoki Closed Circuit Flop(02:08:06) - Declining Attendance Numbers at Kobo Arena(02:11:59) - Recycling Talent and Missed Opportunities(02:16:15) - Captain Ed George and Booking Failures(02:18:20) - The Sheik's Psychology and Trust Issues(02:21:20) - Wrestler-Promoters and Territory Longevity(02:24:36) - Timing, Place, and Business Momentum(02:28:56) - The Sheik's Addiction and Personal Struggles(02:32:49) - Desperation Booking and Outside Bookings(02:40:07) - Eddie Creatchman the Manager(02:43:45) - Outlaw Promotions and Loyalty Issues(02:47:30) - Momentum, Fan Loss, and Lasting Damage(02:55:26) - Modern Wrestling's Global Expansion Parallels(03:01:06) - Why Territories Can't Return Today(03:04:25) - Closing Thoughts on 1976 and the Sheik's Legacy(03:07:56) - The Sheik's Outside Bookings in 1976 Detailed(03:18:32) - Sponsor Segment: Grizzly Up Soap Company(03:23:35) - Show Wrap-up and Next Week Preview