Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show

One of the negative aspects involved in following or being a fan of any form of entertainment is when we lose talented performers in the very early stages of really promising careers. One such notable example is Gino Hernandez, known by the moniker “The Handsome Halfbreed”. Hernandez made his pro wrestling debut in 1975 in the markets of San Antonio and Houston and almost immediately started rising through the ranks. In the 9th year of his rocketing rise, his life was cut short. Joining me for this special episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is Lizzy Flanagan. Lizzy is one of our young, enthusiastic historians and authors who has written a biography on the life and death of Hernandez entitles, “I Am Your Champion” published by McFarland Press and is now available. We discuss Gino Hernandez’ debut and his rise to success including his opportuninty to work with one of South Texas biggest babyfaces of all time, Jose Lothario, his close relationship with the Blanchard Family in San Antonio and his outstanding tag team run with Tully Blanchard, his run in Houston, his relationship with the Von Erichs, his move into one of the hottest promotions at the time, World Class Championship Wrestling, his tag team with Chris Adams and more. We discuss the circumstances around his lifestyle in Dallas at the time of his death, his wife and family and yes, we dispel the rumors of Paul Boesch being his biological father. Its all in this special bonus episode commemorating the 40th anniversary of the loss of one of pro wrestling’s brightest and biggest stars, Gino Hernandez. We hope you will take this ride back in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel with Lizzy Flanagan and myself as we go back to 1975 and travel forward to February 1984. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Bonus Episode 1(00:03:09) - Gino Hernandez's Death(00:04:47) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: The Death of Gino Hernandez(00:07:19) - Philadelphia wrestler Gino on his early life(00:14:17) - Louisiana Stars on His Stepfather's Name(00:14:49) - Paul Bosch On Gino's Stepfather's Death(00:21:36) - Gino Lewis Turns From Baby Face to Heel(00:26:25) - Gino Hernandez vs Jose Lothario(00:32:46) - Pro Wrestling's Historical Stylization(00:35:23) - Paul Bosch in the Hair Match(00:36:17) - The David Von Erich vs Gino(00:41:22) - Gino vs David Blanchard(00:42:34) - The Tully vs Geno Tag Team(00:45:45) - Geno Had A Farrah Fawcett Girlfriend(00:51:20) - Gino in WCCW(00:56:49) - Kevin Von Erics on Gino's Death(01:04:28) - Gary Hart on His Sons(01:04:49) - Gary Hart on Gino Hernandez's Drug Problem(01:09:57) - Gino Hernandez on His Book(01:13:58) - Remembering Gino Hernandez(01:14:55) - Memphis Wrestling Podcast and Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(01:18:32) - 1985 Territory History Episode(01:20:24) - Vietnam Valentine's Day Special

We are kicking off the year of 2026 with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical framework entitled: “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we are reviewing what is remaining of the system. After buying the Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling office and territory from his family member, Lee Fields in the late 1970s, Ron Fuller had brought the territory back from almost nothing to a thriving enterprise. He changed the name of the promotion to Southeastern Wrestling and in the first year, he gave back money to the fans due to not having enough of a crowd to wrestle in front of, to purchasing Birmingham and all of Northern Alabama to add to South Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Even with all this success, Fuller knew the wrestling game was changing in 1985. After a meeting with his partners, brother Robert Fuller, cousin Jimmy Golden and close friend, Bob Armstrong, the decision was made to change the brand from Southeastern to Continental, in order to reflect a more national enterprise, should be opportunity present itself to expand beyond the territory’s borders. For the first time here on the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, we have a territory owner, who can tell us the thoughts and motivations at the time of making the decisions that shaped the territory in 1985, while facing the encroachment of both invaders from the North and old friend and allies from the South. This is the story of Continental Wrestling in 1985 with our new co-host for today’s show, The Tennessee Stud, Ron Fuller. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast(00:00:53) - 1985 Territory Review(00:03:47) - A Surprise Birthday Party for 82-Year-Old Mother(00:08:23) - Bumps and Thumps: Gino Hernandez's Passing Anniversary +(00:12:32) - Regional Review: Continental Championship Wrestling(00:13:32) - Tennessee Stud Ron Fuller on His Promotion in 1985(00:18:11) - Vince McMahon Selling Knoxville To Jim Barnett(00:26:37) - Southeastern Championship Wrestling's Brand Change(00:32:34) - Gordon Campbell on WWE's TBS(00:36:07) - Adrian Street Was One of The Lord Humongous's Assist(00:41:23) - Bob Armstrong on His Turn on Jimmy and Continental(00:47:01) - "The Bullet" On His British Wrestling Background(00:47:49) - Les Paul on Working For Tony Charles(00:51:40) - Kevin Sullivan vs New Guinea Headhunters(00:55:58) - Jimmy Golden on The Knife Throw(01:01:43) - Kenny Knoxville on His Traditional Nights(01:07:02) - Ronald Jones on Knoxville, Chattanooga(01:09:57) - 1.8 Million Tickets Sold in 1985(01:12:46) - Ron Welch on Continental Championship Wrestling 1985(01:15:15) - A Taste of 1985(01:17:20) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Facebook Group

We are kicking off the year of 2026 with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical framework entitled: “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of the system. Verve Gagne and Bernie Karbo had been buying points in the NWA Minneapolis Booking Office and Territory starting in the late 1950s and by 1960 were ready to pull away from the National Wrestling Alliance to start a new wrestling federation. At the time, the NWA had been under investigation by the Department of Justice for monopolistic business practices and were eager to have another group in existence to show they weren’t the only game in town. After several years of prosperity and building one of the largest geographic areas fully controlled by one office in the entire North American continent, by 1985, things had begun to change. After losing Hulk Hogan to the WWF in late 1983, Gagne was still trying to find a new champion to carry the AWA banner forward into a new era. Rick Martel was the champion for most of th eyear before the decision was made to switch the title to Stan Hansen. All in all, in 1985, the AWA was still drawing very healthy crowds and staying very much in competition with the other entities that were “going national.” 1985 would prove to be a pivotal year leading into the future. My friend and noted historian, George Schire joins me on the show to review the year in the AWA that was 1985. Chapters (00:00:02) - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:00:34) - Honorary Guest on the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show(00:07:09) - American Wrestling Association's Territorial Dissolution(00:10:59) - George Shire(00:12:40) - WWE 8, The AWA and The WWF(00:20:23) - George Hart on WWE's Lengthy Card(00:23:28) - Jimmy Garvin Challenging Rick Martell(00:28:22) - Where Does Rick Martell Rank Among All the AWA Champions?(00:35:08) - The Road Warriors in 85(00:40:05) - Sergeant Slaughter Came to the AWA(00:46:48) - Brody on Verne's Run Detroit(00:52:50) - Ric Flair on Verne Crockett's(00:57:56) - The AWA Television Situation in 1985(01:06:28) - The AWA in the 90s(01:10:46) - The Free Birds vs The Road Warriors(01:17:44) - Vernon Hanson's Title Change(01:24:10) - Vinny McMahon on Verne Hill's Decision(01:30:00) - The AWA Contract Guarantee(01:35:06) - Vince McMahon on Verne Fallon(01:38:18) - Balinsky: Bad Boy Gig(01:39:47) - 1985(01:44:49) - George Carlin on 'This Is Your Life'(01:45:43) - George Shire on The AWA and Its Impact

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The Memphis Wrestling Territory was an offshoot of the original Tennessee Territory, possibly the largest geographic territory in the United States founded by Roy Welch. The town of Memphis was purchased by Gulas-Welch Wrestling in 1957. The town got really hot from 1959 to 1961, then carried forward to the 1970s when it was under the supervision of Jerry Jarrett. Jarrett broke away from Gulas in 1977 and ran the town as a hub from the Memphis television show, recorded on Saturday mornings and cycled through the towns the next week. In 1985, Jarrett and his partner Jerry Lawler are in their 8th year of running the territory and coming off some fantastic years from 1982 through 1984. As in all the territories 1985 kicked off the “Disintegration Stage” which would eventually end with the death of every territory but one, the WWF.. I’m joing by my Tennessee Co-Host and Historian , Tim Dills for a look back at the still-strong and excellently booked, 1985 in Memphis Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:02:35) - The Jim Melby Award(00:07:34) - Tennessee Wrestling History: The Tennessee Territory in 1985(00:08:36) - Tennessee Wrestling(00:12:25) - 1985 in Review(00:19:23) - Randy Savage on His Career(00:23:09) - Memphis Wrestling: The Turnaround(00:29:00) - Eddie Gilbert(00:34:51) - Jerry Lawler in Japan(00:37:26) - Jimmy Hart Dumps Flour on Lance Russell's Head(00:43:24) - Randy Savage on Tux Newman(00:48:49) - David Schultz on Being Fired by Vince McMahon(00:50:45) - Jerry Lawler on Bruiser Brody(00:52:45) - Lawler vs Randy Savage(00:59:46) - Jerry Lawler vs The Free Birds(01:05:35) - NWA Superstar Jim Crockett vs Jeff Jarrett(01:11:51) - Jerry Lawler Turned On Tom Ernesto(01:16:48) - Jerry Jarrett on Tom Ernesto's WWE Split(01:22:10) - The Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee(01:23:26) - Midnight Express(01:29:12) - Jerry Jarrett on His State of Wrestling in Tennessee(01:35:34) - Jackie Fargo and The Hitman(01:35:49) - Tim Ferriss on Pro Wrestling History in the 80s(01:42:42) - Jerry Lawler on The Bicentennial(01:43:58) - Tennessee and the AWA in 1985(01:47:54) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. 1984 was a blockbuster year for World Class Championship Wrestling with the low point being the death of David Von Erich and the high point being in May when Kerry Von Erich winning the NWA World Heavyweight Title from Ric Flair at the huge stadium show in Dallas. Lance Peterson is my special co-host as we quickly review the end of 1984 and roll through the year of 1985 for both the Von Erich Family and the World Class wrestling promotion. Lance was both a fan and a super supporter of the promotion. He attended both television tapings at the Sportatorium and some of the biggest Star Wars shows in ‘85. As both the WWF and Jim Crockett Promotions had national expansion in the games plans, World Class was expanding internationally to Israel. Gino Hernandez and Chris Adams are the hot heel tag team in the territory facing the ever popular Von Erich Family. After Kerry winning the NWA’s biggest prize the year before, Head of the family and the company, as well as a former Preisdent of the NWA, Fritz Von Erich contemplates pulling out of the Alliance and having his own company world champion. These stories and more unfold in the year 1985 and Lance Peterson and I cover them all on today’s episode 43 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast(00:00:58) - The Roy Welch Wrestling Dynasty(00:05:21) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Gene Kinisky(00:06:36) - World Class Championship Wrestling(00:08:06) - 1985(00:12:19) - World Class vs WWF in 1985(00:17:02) - The Average Age of the WWF Stars(00:19:19) - Kevin Von Erich on The Fantastics(00:21:41) - Jimmy Fallon on Cornet and the Midnights(00:26:55) - WWE Legend Gino on WCW In Texas(00:30:54) - Charlotte and Flair vs The Fantastics(00:34:05) - Buddy Roberts vs Terry Gordy in Texas(00:40:12) - Von Eric vs Ric Flair at Texas Stadium(00:43:16) - David Von Erich on Charlotte Flair(00:49:38) - Gino and Chris Reunion(00:54:02) - Mark Lorenz on the Star Wars Match(00:58:13) - Mike Von Erich On The AWA Tour Of Israel(01:01:35) - Mike Von Erich on Terry Gordy's Death(01:04:00) - Mike Tyson Getting Sick After Israel(01:08:03) - The Gino and Chris Hair Match(01:12:57) - Lance Peterson on His Daughter's Dress(01:17:52) - Gary Williams on His Cotton Bowl Home(01:18:20) - Lance Von Erich on His Career(01:19:51) - The Thanksgiving at Reunion Arena(01:25:02) - Randy Flair on the NWA Split(01:30:47) - Bob Ley on Wrestling's World Class Memory Site(01:36:07) - "The Day I Met Harley Race"(01:37:37) - Free Birds vs Geno in 86(01:42:12) - Andre On The Free Bird(01:47:06) - Lance Bass on World Class of 1985(01:48:47) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: New Member Lance Peterson

Throughout most of the territorial era of professional wrestling, one man was chosen as the very best wrestler in the world to carry the sport’s most coveted trophy, the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship. At the 1965 NWA Convention, the Championship Committee put forth the name of Gene Kiniski to succeed it’s perennial champion, Lou Thesz. That man was Gene Kiniski, who won the title from Thesz in a two out of three falls match at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis on January 7th, 1966. Today, two amazing historian friends join me as we discuss the life and career of Gene Kiniski. Steve Verrier, who chronicled the life of the champion in his book, “Gene Kinski: Canadian Wrestling Legend” and the co-host for our Vancouver Territory Shows. George Schire, AWA Historian and co-host of our AWA History Shows. These two wonderful lovers of wrestling history have so much to share about Kiniski’s storied career in this special bonus episode honoring the g0th anniversary of Kiniski being crowned “the best in the world. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Gene Kiniski(00:03:36) - Gene Kinisky On The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:05:07) - Gene Kinisky, Canada's Greatest Athlete(00:13:53) - Bob Kinisky on Wilbur Snyder and the AWA(00:21:03) - Whipper Billy Watson vs Gene Kinisky(00:29:53) - Gene Kanisky Was Recognized As The National Wrestling Alliance World Champion(00:40:53) - Giant Baba vs Gene Kinisky(00:50:38) - Gene Kinisky vs Verne Haggerty(00:57:53) - Steve Kovac on Gene Kiniski's Suicide(01:05:41) - Gene Kinisky On The 60th Anniversary(01:07:44) - Final thoughts on Gene Kinisky(01:08:48) - Gene Kiniski Induction into the Wrestling Hall of Fame(01:12:11) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(01:15:00) - Pro Wrestling: The Time Tunnel(01:15:40) - Podcast

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The year of 1984 had seen Championship Wrestling From Florida lose some of it’s biggest stars, including The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, to Jim Crockett Promotions. Yet, the biggest impact was yet to come in 1985. In January, on Super Bowl Sunday, the territory’s “captain of the ship”, Eddie Graham would take his own life. In today’s podcast show, we will cover thins and more of the year’s events in 1985 with someone whop was there for it all. I am joined, as always by our Championship Wrestling from Florida analyst, Howard Baum and special guest, Bruce Owens. Bruce became a fan in the 1960s, joined the company in 1973, became a close friend of several within the promotion, including Eddie Graham himself. This relationship led Owens to be trained to serve in various capacities, including as referee for some of the biggest events in The Florida territory’s history. He worked with the biggest stars and the biggest matches in every one of the Florida towns in the loop. Even with the departure of Dusty Rhodes in ‘84 and then Eddie Graham, the loyal fans of Florida wrestling were still coming through the turnstiles to suppport shows, includin gthe first “Battle of the Belts” show at the Tampa Sun Dome, which was also carried on a network of television stations in many major cities. Join Howard, Bruce and myself as we go backward in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel to Championship Wrestling From Florida in the year of 1985. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:04:44) - Florida Legend Bruce Owens on Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:07:09) - Jack Briscoe On The Transition From Eddie Graham To Dory(00:15:10) - Eddie Guerrero On His Advice To(00:17:05) - Eddie Moreno Was More Involved With the Promotion(00:18:47) - West Palm, Tampa and Orlando(00:22:29) - Bruce Flannery on Becoming A Referee(00:30:19) - Terry Funk on His Babyface Run in ECW(00:36:21) - Eddie Guerrero on Andre vs Terry Funk(00:40:58) - Don Curtis on His Life(00:45:15) - Eddie Graham Was Asked To Do Things Like That(00:53:22) - Eddie Graham's Injured Leg(00:55:47) - Dusty Rhodes vs The American Dream in 1984(01:03:55) - Eddie Fuller's Suicide(01:11:24) - Dutch Miller on His Time With Michael Hayes(01:15:30) - Bruce Lee on His Hall of Fame Moment(01:17:57) - Michael Jackson on Co-Booking the Freebirds(01:19:08) - Bruce, How are the houses in the territories during the Dusty(01:23:27) - What Did The Freebirds Think About Eddie's Death?(01:29:33) - Mike Tyson on The Eddie Graham Feud(01:31:32) - Cody Rhodes Was Born in Florida in June of 85(01:38:56) - Rick Rude on Wahoo McDaniel(01:41:05) - Dusty Had A Good Side(01:48:20) - Boxing at the Convention(01:49:01) - Lex Luger on His First Year in the WWE(01:55:52) - Dusty on His Florida Connection(01:56:31) - Bruce interviewing Tony Robbins in 1985(01:58:05) - A Taste of 1985 in the Florida Territory

We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”: My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era: Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935) Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945) Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955) Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965) Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975) Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985) Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995) 1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The WWF was the death star of the system with it’s “national expansion”, as it started erasing the geographic lines that had defined the territories as it’s leader, Vince McMahon set out to prove his company could “color outside the lines” and ex[and beyond it’s previous borders. Join Steve Gennerelli and I as we walk through the year of 1985 as the stage of disintegration of the territory era begins. Thank You for Watching and Listening I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter on Substack and each episode of our podcast show. Thanks for your support! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share with folks you think might like to be a free Substack subscriber! Remember, Premium subscribers get access to exclusive and special content such as some special issues including a multi-part deep dives on wrestling territories, wrestler bios and championship title histories, special audio and video interviews on territory pro wrestling and more available in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel for Premium Subscribers. Being a Premium Subscriber also means you support me in my efforts to document Pro Wrestling History through my research, writing, books, vidoes and podcasts. And…I have something very special planned for our Premium Subscribers on the Podcast side of things in 2026! A Premium Investment is only $5 per month or $50 per year. Details soon here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel. Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Territory Era Podcast(00:03:17) - The Future of Pro Wrestling: The WWF(00:07:13) - Reviewing The WWF in 1985(00:09:46) - 1984(00:13:37) - Jim Crockett Promotions' Mistake in Not Expanding(00:23:21) - What We Missed With The Briscoes(00:27:15) - Jerry Briscoe on Hulk Hogan's National Expansion(00:32:36) - Vince McMahon's Decision To Sell TBS To Crockett(00:41:07) - Bruno Hogan in the WWF in 1985(00:49:35) - Terry Funk Coming to the WWE(00:55:30) - Randy Savage: The Greatest of All Time(00:59:52) - 1985(01:06:51) - WWF Championship Wrestling From Florida in 1985(01:09:09) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Ending The Roy Welch Family Legacy, and(01:13:57) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: 400 Subscribers!

We’ve counted down the first 50 from 100 to 51, now its time to get to my list of the 50 Best Wrestlers of 1975. This list is my list/ I’ve taken into consideration other lists avaailable of ranked wrestlers for the year, along with my own research notes from our podcast shows throughout the year as well as extra study into territories and wrestlers i didn’t know very much about in order to be fair as possible/ I took into consideration: The Territory or territories the wrestler worked in and the significance and importance of that territory The programs and matches they had during the year The position on cards they held throughout the year How much time they spent as singles wrestlers vs being in tag teams during the year What championships they held and the importance of that title in drawing money on the cards and in the buildings How significant was the wrestling to that terriory, how dependant was the territory on them to draw money How significant was 1975 to their overall career? Was thier career trajectory swing up, peaked or on the down swing? And a few other things, but that was the main criteria I took into consideration I freely admit my own biases and preferences did come into play in this process, however I did try to maintain awareness of those biases and suspend them and honestly, i felt like I made some tough calls as far as assignments on the list. Here it is, my Top 50 Best Professional Wrestlers for the year of 1975! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:35) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975(00:09:30) - Top 25 Wrestlers in WWE 1975(00:20:33) - Ric Flair Won His First Singles Title in 1975(00:29:18) - Ken Mantel(00:35:20) - Rocky Johnson's Greatest Moments(00:40:27) - Waldo Von Erich in the WWF(00:50:35) - Baron Von Reschke(00:58:51) - Billy Robinson(01:07:32) - Dusty Rhodes(01:12:52) - Abdullah The Butcher(01:17:50) - Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time(01:28:08) - Jerry Briscoe and Bobo Brazil(01:34:34) - Top 25 Masked Wrestlers in Mexico(01:43:02) - Top 20 Wrestlers of 1975(01:52:06) - The Making of Pero Ag(01:59:46) - Ron Fuller(02:06:49) - Giant Baba vs Jumbo Saruta(02:15:06) - Mil Mil Mask(02:19:26) - Terry Funk at #7 in the Top 10(02:24:48) - Top 5 Wrestlers in 1975: Andre the Giant(02:32:09) - AWA World Championship Book(02:34:04) - The Top 3 Wrestlers in 1975(02:44:50) - The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time Countdown

It’s out with the old year and in with the new…New Year’s Eve 2025 that is..and this holiday, I am counting down my Top 100 Wrestlers of 1975 right here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel. Today’s show starts at Number 100 and we count down to Number 51! Tomorrow on New Year’s Day, we run through the Top 50…all the way down to my pick for the Number 1 wrestler for the year of 1975. Get your favorite beverage and maybe a snack and sit back, relax and check out my list. I’d love to hear your thoughts or maybe even your own list for The Top 100 Wrestlers for the year 1975! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:05:38) - Living on a ranch with my mom's death(00:11:48) - The Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975(00:16:41) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975(00:22:58) - Top 10 WWF Superstars of 1975(00:31:39) - Kentaro Oki and Bobby Duncomb(00:36:45) - Bob Backlin Dead at 89(00:44:46) - Ken Patera(00:47:00) - NWA Super Destroyer and Jimmy Snuka at #88(00:54:15) - George the Animal Steel at #82(01:02:15) - Ranking The Top 100 Wrestlers in the World For 1975(01:06:02) - Killer Kowalski at #79(01:12:36) - Legendary Names of The UWA(01:19:13) - Bob Armstrong on Wrestling Hall of Fame Voting(01:26:01) - Red Bastine In Dallas(01:37:27) - Cyclone Negro's International Heavyweight Championship(01:38:42) - Blackjack Mulligan(01:44:06) - Russia Kimura vs Ken Lucas(01:53:33) - El Gran Marcus(01:55:44) - Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975: Jose Lothario, Dust

It’s here! Our 2025 Christmas Super Show from the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel! This year we are focusing on the 3 world championships in the world during 1975. My first guest is Steve Gennerelli and we reflect and discuss Bruno Sammartino’s year of 1975 as the WWWF Champion. Bruno has even been declared the wrestler of the year in some historian circles for the year of 1975. Steve and I discuss this and more in Bruno’s championship year of 1975. Next up, my friend George Schire stops by the Richards Ranch and we discuss the world title in the American Wrestling Association, the AWA. Verne Gagne had been the champion since 1968. Why did he hold the title for so long? Why was the time right in Verne’s mind to end his reign and pass the title to Nick Bockwinkel in November of 1975? George and I discuss these things and more during out visit about the AWA Championship. Terry Funk won the NWA World Championship in Miami, Florida on December 10th, 1975 winning it from Jack Brisco. Funk had to immediately assume the schedule of the World Champion, which would be taking him to the Central States Territory. Jerry Oates, my next guest was the first challenger on December 11th at Memorial Hall. When did Jerry find out he was wrestling Terry and not Jack? What did Jerry and Terry say to each other? Did they talk before the match or after the match or both? Jerry and I talk about these things and more during our visit about Terry’s first defenses of the NWA Title. And Gerry Brisco joins me at the Richards Ranch to talk about his brother, Jack Brisco and his reign as NWA WOrld Champion from 1973 to 1975, We discuss Jack’s collegiate career, breaking in for LeRoy McGuirk in Oklahoma, Jack’s first television match, his NWA Title run, the title change with Giant Baba in 1974 and when he decided he wanted to give up the NWA Title and late on, give up pro wrestling and retire. Its a fabulous discussion with all four of my guests on this year’s 2025 Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Christmas Super Show! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:37) - Christmas Super Show(00:01:40) - Story with Briscoe and Bradshaw(00:06:08) - WWE Christmas Special(00:08:00) - 1975(00:09:13) - Bruno Sammartino's Most Frequent Opponents(00:15:10) - Bruno vs Jack Briscoe(00:23:25) - Bruno Briscoe on Being the WWF Champion(00:26:11) - WWE Legend: Bruno Bockwinkel(00:27:53) - Bruno vs Ivan Koloff(00:31:16) - Did Spiros Aragon Need A Manager?(00:33:49) - Do You Think Bruno's Second Reign Was Better Than His First?(00:42:07) - Interviewing George Shire(00:44:03) - AWA World Championship in 75(00:45:09) - Verne Luthez(00:52:38) - The AWA Champion Transition(01:00:12) - The AWA Championship Belt Stealing(01:03:36) - Bobby Heenan Loses A Family Member(01:06:12) - St. Paul Championship Change Hands(01:12:55) - The NWA World Heavyweight Championship(01:18:10) - Verne's Decision To Give the Title to Nick Duncombe(01:25:21) - Nick Bockwinkle on Vern Ward's AWA Championship(01:30:22) - A Little About Vern Ganya(01:34:15) - Nick Bachwinkel on His First Christmas(01:36:38) - Terry Funk vs Jerry Oates(01:37:29) - Terry Funk on His NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match(01:42:59) - Terry Briscoe on His First World Championship Match(01:48:09) - Matt Terry on His Match With Jack Briscoe(01:50:09) - Bob Geigel Talking About Getting the NWA World Title(01:53:44) - Terry Jones on Struggles Getting Over(01:58:16) - Jack Briscoe vs Terry Goggle(02:04:37) - Harley Jackson on His Return(02:08:54) - Terry or Jack vs Harley(02:10:48) - Tony Dunphy on His Career in 76(02:14:44) - Jerry Briscoe on Terry Funk's NWA World Heavyweight(02:16:30) - Jerry Briscoe on Roy Welch's Legacy(02:22:30) - Jack Briscoe on His Decision to Go Scientific Wrestling(02:29:31) - Jack Briscoe on Dropping the NWA World Title(02:34:43) - Jack Backlin on Vince McMahon's Offer for the NWA Championship(02:39:55) - Terry Funk vs. Steve Kern(02:46:58) - Jack Briscoe on His Time With the WWE(02:52:48) - The Funks vs The Rock(02:53:39) - Jack Foley on Terry Funk's 14 Month Run(02:54:38) - Neville Briscoe on His Brother Jack(02:54:59) - WWE Legends: The Welch Family(02:56:14) - Christmas Special(02:57:57) - Christmas Wish

This week we reach the pinnacle of 1975 in the Championship Wrestling from Florida Territory on an exciting night in Miami Beach at the Convention Center on December 10th! It’s the night where Jack Brisco had been advertised to defend his NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Dory Funk, Jr. Fans in Miami thought it would be another mat classic with two of the best wrestling technicians of this or any eraa met once again in combat. Surprise filled the air when it was announced that Funk, Jr was unable to make flight connections to be there and that younger brother Terry Funk would be taking his place in the match. Howard Baum, our regular Florida Territory analyst and commentator joins me aling with our special guest Don DeLeon, who was the photographer that night at the Convention Center. Having backstage access, DeLeon was the first human being to witness Terry Funk come into the dressing room that night after beating the best wrestler in the world and now holding the NWA World Title belt and that distinction for himself. Join Howard and I as we welcome Don to our show and have a special and unique conversation at The Richards Ranch about that historic night 50 years ago in Miami Beach. Chapters (00:00:02) - Tony Richards on the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:05:18) - Florida Pro Wrestling Legends(00:06:59) - Florida Championship Wrestling in 1975(00:09:19) - 1975(00:11:25) - Don Was Ringside When He Was 16(00:18:09) - Photographing WWE Superstars(00:24:25) - Big John Stud On His First Night(00:25:31) - The First Night In The WWE Dressing Room(00:31:12) - Meet Don Bradly(00:31:48) - Talking To The Mongolian Stomper(00:32:20) - Terry Briscoe Wins The World Title(00:35:27) - What Was the Atmosphere in Miami in the 1970s?(00:37:12) - Miami Beach Auditorium(00:40:29) - Wrestling in Miami vs Fort Lauderdale(00:44:11) - Terry Funk Wins the NWA World Heavyweight Championship(00:48:42) - Terry Rhodes on the Fans in North Carolina(00:52:34) - Terry Funk Walked Away From the Title to Be With Vicky(00:55:04) - Don DeLeon on Eddie Graham's IWA In Florida(01:00:39) - Don Blankenship on Wrestling(01:06:06) - Bob Roop on His Friendship With Terry Funk(01:09:04) - Eddie Graham's Success in Wrestling(01:14:33) - Who were some of the regulars at the Miami Beach Arena?(01:17:21) - Don Hardy On His Last Appearance(01:20:29) - Don Deleon On The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(01:21:27) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Social Media Channels(01:23:39) - Christmas Pro Wrestling Special

This week, we wrap up the year of 1975 in the great state of Texas! We begin our show in the Dallas Big Time Wrestling Territory as our good friend and analyst Greg Klein joins us once again to travel the roads to all the towns and building in the Dallas loop! The arrival of The Mongolian Stomper and the classic show down in the Sam Houston Coliseum with the Man of 1,000 Masks, Mil Mascaras. All the matches, angles and feuds that close out the year of 1975 with Fritz Von Erich, Red Bastien, Joe Blanchard, Paul Boesch and others! Then, I head out to West Texas with a new guest on our show, my friend Dan Black, who grew up in the Amarillo territory and has some great memories to share. We talk about the debut of The Silver Streak from a very famous wrestling family in West Texas, the Western States Title run of Frank Goodish, the arrival and angle of the masked Super Destroyer and his program with Terry Funk. We will also discuss the Poffo Family, Angelo, Lanny and Jim Pride. Thank you for going on this amazing ride of miles and miles of Texas on this week’s Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:36) - Thanksgiving(00:02:50) - The Evolution of Wrestling: The Year 1925(00:07:07) - 1984(00:10:16) - NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship Match(00:16:26) - Rick Martel vs Stan Hansen(00:22:08) - Andre the Giant vs. John Tolos(00:28:11) - Johnny Valentine Plane Crash Update(00:34:44) - Terry Funk Gets The NWA American Heavyweight Title(00:39:45) - Thanksgiving in the NWA(00:43:36) - Fritz Von Erich vs Terry Funk(00:50:47) - The Mongolian Stomper in Houston(00:53:38) - Christmas Gifts given away in Houston in 1975(00:57:47) - Did Mill Come to the Ring With His IWA World Title?(01:02:27) - Terry Funk Wins World Heavyweight Title(01:06:07) - End of 1975(01:08:25) - Dan Black On His First Appearance On The Pro Wrestling Podcast(01:13:24) - West Texas Wrestling(01:16:28) - Terry Funk vs Sputnik Monroe in West Texas(01:22:31) - Andre the Giant vs Terry Funk in West Texas(01:27:04) - Terry Funk's Lubbock run(01:33:23) - Ricky Romero in Lubbock(01:36:21) - Terry Funk(01:41:29) - Dori Funk Jr vs Frank Goodish in November(01:46:33) - Randy Tyler in Lubbock(01:53:12) - Terry Funk vs. Junior Junior(01:56:16) - Terry Russell Winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship(02:01:05) - Terry Funk on His NWA Championship Run(02:04:07) - The New NWA Western States Championship Match(02:07:47) - Dan Black on Terry Jones' Death(02:10:56) - Terry Funk's NWA World Championship Run

Here it is! Episode 34 of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Show and this week, we wrap up the year of 1975 in the Gulas-Welch Tennessee Territory with my Tennessee Historian and Analyst Tim Dills! Tim and I tour around the huge territory covering matches in Nashville, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Memphis and others! All the matches, angles,storylines and stars including The Mongolian Stomper finally meeting his Waterloo and leaving for Texas. Bob Armstrong, Bill Dundee and Jerry Lawler triangle that ends up with Lawler turning heel and the seeds of the beginnings of the Lawler-Dundee feud that will last for decades are sown! These terrific fun things and much, much more. Tim and I are joined at the beginning of our show by Kevin McCann, historian and author to discuss his book on the legendary heel, Rowdy Red Roberts who dominated rings in the Tennessee Territory with his ongoing decades-long deud with all the Welch Brothers, Tex Riley and others. We are excited to have Kevin on the show to talk about his first book and one about one of the forgotten but most wonderful heels in Pro Wrestling History. Join us and learn all about the life and career of Rowdy Red Roberts! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:07:09) - 31 Legends of Pro Wrestling Announcers(00:13:53) - Goulas Welch in Tennessee Wrestling(00:16:27) - Bookmark Review(00:23:02) - Jerry Jarrett on Red Bull(00:23:51) - What was the most interesting thing you found out about Red(00:29:53) - Bob Brownie Roberts Working With The Referee(00:36:21) - Roddy Piper on Rowdy Red Roberts(00:40:13) - Red Roberts(00:46:41) - Thank You, Tim Feist(00:47:22) - Dyersburg Pro Wrestling Legends on Uncovering Secrets(00:50:07) - 1975(00:55:19) - Pepper Gomez(00:59:53) - The Nashville vs Memphis Wrestling Wars(01:04:23) - Alabama Passed a Bill to Allow Wrestling on Sundays(01:08:59) - Jerry Lawler Supports Silky Sullivan's Run for City Council(01:11:11) - Eddie Gilbert(01:17:39) - Bob Armstrong vs Ole Anderson(01:25:26) - Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee(01:31:54) - David Schultz on Bill Ash's debut(01:36:57) - Jerry Lawler vs Andre the Giant in 1974(01:40:46) - Bounty Hunters vs Jackie Fargo in Tennessee(01:46:54) - Tennessee Management legend Saul Weingroth back(01:51:26) - Tennessee Athletic Commission Business(01:55:28) - John Ringley Asking for Promoter's Licenses in Tennessee(02:02:08) - Jerry Lawler and Harry Thornton in 1975(02:06:07) - Harry Thornton Worked Almost Every Territory in 1975(02:11:42) - Dave Brown Gets Attacked By His(02:16:30) - Arthur Williams, who wrestled under the name Rufus Jones(02:17:50) - Bill Warren and the Jackson Athletic Commission(02:22:02) - Tennessee Wrestling: How Much Money Was the Athletic Commission Taking in(02:27:44) - Wrestling in Tennessee: The Money(02:32:39) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

On this week’s episode, we present our 2025 version of our Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Thanksgiving Spectacular Show! Eminating from The Richards Ranch in Western Kentucky, our show today is packed with Thanksgiving Memories! We cover Thanksgiving Shows from Tennessee, the AWA in Minneapolis, Amarillo, Charlotte, Norfolk, Atlanta, Kansas City and Miami! Our guests on the show are George Schire, Jerry Oates, Bobby Simmons and Mike George. Everything from Abdullah and The Sheik in a steel cage, a Mask vs The Georgia Title Match, A match involving Ernie Ladd and Bobo Brazil tag team, Bob Geigel’s booking, referees in wrestling, bookers, Jerry & Ted Oates vs Dutch Mantell and Ron Bass, The Destroyer, the Jerry Oates and Mike George Tag Team, Driving home to St. Joseph from Miami in a Thanksgiving snowstorm and much, much more! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast: Thanksgiving Spectacular(00:01:31) - Jerry Lawler vs Bill Dundee(00:05:33) - A Taste of Thanksgiving in the AWA(00:06:37) - Thanksgiving Wrestling in the AWA(00:14:38) - The Impact of The Good Guy and Bad Guy(00:23:17) - Bill Watts on Ending His Matches(00:25:32) - Minnesota Wrestling's legendary Minneapolis Auditorium(00:31:00) - Khosrow Vasiri Refereeing in the AWA(00:37:10) - Bobby Duncomb vs Bull Balinski(00:43:56) - Death Match(00:49:37) - The German Heel vs. Tony(00:52:26) - The Do6 and Tom Andrews(00:54:42) - The AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match(01:02:40) - Bill Irwin on Vern Gagne's World Light Heavyweight Title(01:06:06) - The Road Warriors(01:10:50) - Thanksgiving Cards in 75, 65 and 85(01:12:46) - Terry Funk(01:20:36) - Thanksgiving in 1975(01:22:13) - Thanksgiving Wrestling Story(01:23:51) - NWA Wrestling Thanksgiving Memories(01:27:14) - Thanksgiving on the Air(01:29:02) - Jerry Oates on Thanksgiving in Watch Territory(01:33:24) - Thanksgiving and Christmas Wrestling(01:38:32) - Jerry Gaines on Dutch and Ron Bass(01:41:53) - Bob Geigel Was Never Good At Booking(01:46:42) - How to Build a Winning Team(01:47:09) - Thanksgiving of 75(01:52:10) - Bobby Whitlock on Referees(01:57:00) - Moondog Maine on(02:00:51) - Tony Jones on Working For Watts(02:05:45) - Bobo Brazil vs Harley Race(02:10:06) - Brody on Working With Dusty and Eric(02:13:13) - Jerry and Mike on Thanksgiving Wrestling(02:17:31) - A Taste of Thanksgiving(02:18:36) - Thanksgiving Wish List

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Presents: Personalities, Territories, Towns & Buildings Episode 32, this week on the Time Tunnel Wrestling History Show, I welcome regular WWWF Analyst and Commentator, Steve Gennerelli. On this week’s episode, we wrap up the year of 1975 with discussion on more classic Bruno Sammartino Title Defenses wotking with some of the hottest heels in the business, Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame class member in 2025, Spiros Arion, Waldo Von Erich, Ivan Koloff and even Captain Lou Albano was still getting a lot of heat in 1975. The tag team championship will change hands as The Blackjacks’ short run as champions comes to an end as Blackjack Mulligan is needed elsewhere. Those topics and much, much more! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:50) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Ending 1975(00:03:22) - Bob Cottle Passes Away at 95(00:06:22) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: WWW F 1975(00:09:14) - Gorilla in the WWF in 75(00:14:16) - Bobo Brazil Plane Crash Explained(00:22:23) - Bruno Sammartino vs Andre the Giant(00:30:53) - Bugsy McGraw On Working With Bruno(00:32:41) - Dominic Denucci on Working For Vince McMahon(00:35:30) - Gorilla Monsoon On Vince McMahon's Selling The WWF(00:43:57) - Bruno Sullivan's WWW debut(00:47:16) - The Grand Wizard vs Lou Albano(00:50:53) - George Scott Booking A US Title Tournament in November(00:59:22) - Bruno Sammartino vs The Black Jacks(01:01:31) - WWE Legends on The Arena Report(01:04:34) - Jerry Blackwell vs Billy Graham in the NWA(01:12:16) - Blackjack Mulligan Gets Stabbed By a Wrestling Fan(01:14:38) - Terry Funk Wins NWA World Championship in Just Three Months(01:20:39) - Bruno Sammartino vs Lou Albano in a Steel(01:25:54) - Bob Smith on The Stick to Wrestling Podcast(01:28:46) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Presents: Personalities, Territories, Towns & Buildings Episode 31, this week on the Time Tunnel Wrestling History Show, I welcome Michael Norris, Pro Wrestling Historian for the Gulf Coast Wrestling Territory! On this week’s episode, we discuss more of the history of the territory including Michael’s favorite feud of all time and more of the happenings in the various towns and buildings across South Alabama, Mississippi and the panhandle of Florida. You will enjoy this episode on one of the least covered territories of the territory era in professional wrestling, the Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling territory! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:40) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:06:59) - Michael Norris on the History of Gulf Coast Wrestling(00:09:26) - Gulf Coast 101: The History Of The territory in 1975(00:10:38) - Gulf Coast History(00:13:15) - The Mysterious Medics vs Jerry Oates(00:20:08) - Kelly Jones(00:27:23) - Spears and Ricky Fields in Georgia(00:28:36) - Bobby Shane in Mobile(00:37:38) - Bob Kelly vs Shane Lee(00:44:36) - The Mighty Yankees in NWA(00:51:39) - McGurk vs Mantell(00:52:41) - Ricky Neal Was billed as Ricky Neal in 1975(00:58:49) - Pensacola and Biloxi on TV(01:00:53) - The Gulf Coast Six Man Tag Team Championship(01:04:25) - Pensacola vs Panama City Wrestling(01:09:47) - The Interns vs The Medics in Mobile(01:16:54) - Double Main Event at Alabama(01:21:25) - Wrestling in the Mississippi(01:27:36) - Bounty Hunters vs Frank Dalton(01:35:07) - How Much Money Did The Infernos Make In 75?(01:42:34) - Roy Welch and Nick Ghoulis(01:49:25) - Plowboy Frazier on Roy and Nick(01:53:51) - Albert Welch on His Hall of Fame Moment(01:58:34) - Roy Welch and Jerry Jarrett(02:05:23) - Welch on a Deal(02:10:09) - Goodbye Kentucky Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Presents: Personalities, Territories, Towns & Buildings Episode 30, this week on the Time Tunnel Wrestling History Show, I welcome Steve Verrier, author of Wrestling in the Pacific Northwest, the Gene Kiniski biography and co-author of the Wilbur Snyder biography! On this week’s episode, we discuss the booking office, territory and promotion of Vancouver, British Columbia. Largely owned by former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Gene Kiniski, we discuss the personalities, towns, buildings, angles, television product and legendary matches that took place in Vancouver throughout the year of 1975. You will enjoy this episode on one of the most overlooked territories of the territory era in professional wrestling, the Vancouver territory! Plus Tony answers these questions sent into the show: 1. Tony, other than Gordon Solie and Lance Russell I'm territory days who in your opnion who was good wrestling announcers in the day?2. What wrestlers have been forgotten that we need to remember? 3. What are your thoughts on multi-time world champions, such as 14-time world champion and such?4. I would like to hear about the All South and how they challenged Crockett promotions in NC and SC and what the internal challenges were? Did you know the promoter even backed one or two of them?5. Tony, What are your thoughts about David Von Erich as NWA World Champion?       Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: History Podcast(00:01:24) - Audio Version of OUR Show Now Available(00:02:36) - The WFIA Podcast and The Hollywood Squares(00:06:13) - The WWE Hall of Fame Selection(00:12:50) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:14:16) - Rod Fenton(00:22:38) - Vancouver and British Columbia(00:34:06) - Vancouver's dominant wrestlers in the mid-70s(00:40:34) - George Gordienko Was Blacklisted in the United States(00:48:35) - Jack Briscoe Came Through Vancouver Wrestling in 75(00:56:05) - Was Cross-Promotion Possible In Oregon?(00:58:58) - Gene Kaniski Was Never Promoter or Owner of a Wrestling(01:06:56) - Ron Maurier On All-Star Wrestling(01:14:27) - Vancouver's Wrestling(01:16:20) - Tony DiBienna on Wrestling(01:19:15) - Vancouver Wrestling(01:21:39) - My List of 31 Wrestling Announcers(01:30:54) - What Wrestlers Have Been Forgotten?(01:35:25) - Remembering Forgotten Wrestlers(01:39:19) - George Shire on Multi-Time World Champions(01:49:07) - Would David Flair Have Left the National Wrestling Alliance?(01:57:05) - The WWE World Championship(02:04:18) - All South Wrestling vs Crockett Promotions(02:13:51) - Tony Richards

Our podcast focuses in on a by-gone era of regional booking offices in the territory era of wrestling talent in historic towns and legendary buildings around the world. On this week’s episode, we discuss the promotion owned by Dick The Bruiser and Wilbur Snyder, the World Wrestling Association. What was the television like? And the towns, such as the home base of Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as Champaign, Illinois, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Bloomington, Hammond, Lafayette, Gary, Indiana and sharing Chicago, Illinois with the AWA. We are going to dig into the history of the territory as well as the WWA World Champion for most of 1975, Ox Baker and the WWA World Tag Champs, Sgt Jaques Goulet and Pvt LaBeouf, The Legionnaires. Dave lets us in on some of Dick The Bruiser’s simple booking philosophy that kept the WWA rolling in dollars and television viewers throughout the mid-1960s and all through the 1970s. You will enjoy this episode on one of the least talked about territories of the territory era in professional wrestling, the WWA! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:56) - FYIs(00:04:19) - A Tribute To Territory Era Commentators(00:07:49) - WWE From Indianapolis(00:09:51) - Bruiser vs Dave Dynasty(00:13:43) - In the Elevator With My Mother(00:13:53) - Dave Dark on Starting a Wrestling Podcast(00:18:48) - WOJO on Jerry Graham Jr.'s Death(00:23:50) - Bruiser Miller on His Controversy(00:28:27) - Bruiser vs Vince McMahon(00:33:58) - Bruiser's Indianapolis Studios(00:37:56) - Bruiser the Clown on Indiana(00:40:40) - Nick The Bruiser on His CHAIN(00:45:07) - Bruiser vs Sheiks in Indianapolis(00:48:30) - St. Louis Wrestling Legends reminiscing about Dog the Bruiser and(00:51:58) - Bruno Sammartino(00:56:14) - Bruiser vs Luther in Detroit(00:58:24) - Legionnaires vs The Crusher(01:02:23) - Paul Christie on His WWE Days(01:04:58) - Bob Bruiser on His Booking Plans(01:09:21) - BRUISER AND CROSSES(01:11:45) - WWE 125(01:15:43) - Pepper Gomez's Run With the WWE Championship(01:18:21) - Bruiser's Last Match of 1975(01:22:56) - Dave On Nostalgic Dave Dynasty(01:26:08) - Interviewing Raven on My Podcast(01:28:22) - 1975

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Presents: Personalities, Territories, Towns & Buildings Episode 28, this week on the Time Tunnel Wrestling History Show, I welcome Lib Ayoub, the author of “It’s All About the Belt”, The World Heavyweight Title Belts of the American Wrestling Association 1960-1990. In the second half of the show today, I answer questions in our first Q&A segment. Questions for this week’s Q&A: What the Tony Richards’ Origin Story with Pro Wrestling? What were the “Peak Years” of the Territory Era? What World Title Changes Would You Have Wanted To Be There Live For? Can You Give A History of Wrestling In San Antonio, Texas? Can You Talk A Little About The Relationship Between Doc Sarpolis and Dory Funk, Sr?   Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:35) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast(00:04:37) - New Book Review(00:06:58) - Wrestling's Championship belts(00:10:11) - Replica AWA Rings(00:15:34) - The First AWA Champion's Belt With Snake Skin(00:18:21) - NWA US TV Championship Belt(00:21:27) - The Police Gazette Belt(00:25:46) - The AWA World Championship(00:27:37) - The Inmate Championship Belt(00:32:31) - Jerry Lawler On The AWA Championship Belt(00:36:33) - The Incentives Section of Your Book(00:39:47) - The History of the AWA World Championship(00:45:23) - Roy Welch Should Be Inducted Into The Wrestling Hall of Fame(00:50:10) - Fooled by the AWA Championship belts(00:51:32) - Tony Richards Origin Story(01:00:51) - Tony Richards Creates Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(01:02:04) - What Were The Peak Years of Wrestling?(01:13:25) - Sam Mushnick vs National Wrestling Alliance: Stage 3(01:21:48) - What World Title Change Match Would You Have Wanted To Attend?(01:26:19) - Dori Funk Senior(01:33:04) - Texas Wrestling in the 1940s(01:42:16) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast