Ricky Morton, famously one half of the Rock ‘N Roll Express (with Robert Gibson) was on hand to add stories and answer questions about his time in wrestling. He opened by stating, “I am not a Saturday Night Special, this business is what I love.” He is 59 years old, has seven kids, seven grandkids and still wrestles. He said he still doesn’t know he’s old until he sees a recent photo of himself. He wrestles and teaches wrestling because it is all he knows. He said he quit smoking and started using a vaporizer about 2 years ago and now completely stopped and gained 35 pounds. Morton has chosen his last match and it will be Ric Flair in February 2016 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
The last time he wrestled in Kansas City was 1989 at Memorial Hall and it snowed like hell. The dressing rooms weren’t heated and they had to trudge through deep snow to get to the building. It was Rock N Roll Express vs British Bulldogs. He said he never did get warm that night. He was surprised it wasn’t snowing when he got to Kansas City this time.
On the origin of Rock N Roll express, he was in South West Championship Wrestling with his partner Ken Lucan. He had wrestled in Memphis when Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Lawler were working together. Lawler and Jarrett had a falling out, so Lawler invited him back to Memphis and paired him with Robert Gibson. Lawler bought their wrestling gear at a flea market. The first ring gear bought by Gibson was from Frederick’s of Hollywood. (Now we know how spandex got into wrestling.) Rock N Roll Express were the first to come to the ring to music. Morton and Gibson were partners for 33 years.
Talking of gimmick matches and high-risk moves, Morton contends “It’s just part of the job.” When asked about the chloroform match, Morton stated the Bill Dundee and Bill Watts came up with the idea. He said territories, bookers and other wrestlers depended on each other and the same gimmicks and ideas were used from one territory to the next. 1994 saw one of the best angles in Memphis when Macho Man Randy Savage put him through a table. Morton “…laid there like I couldn’t move, but did not get hurt.” He is still kayfabe. He says he “tries to teach the magic, to make the fans believe.” When asked how many drinks to agree to a scaffold match, Morton said the first time was in Shreveport, Louisiana. He said “There were no drinks involved, we just did it because it was something different. We liked to be innovators.”
When Vince bought out all the territories and bought up all their videos, he started uploading them to the WWE network. No wrestlers in these matches were paid royalties for the matches Vince uploaded. They have uploaded videos of some of the bloodiest matches Morton ever participated in. There is no contract and there are no royalties. Doug Summers sued the WWE for royalties, lost the suit and now has to pay WWEs legal fees.
When Rock N Roll Express were members of the York Foundation at WCW they were scheduled to wrestle in Knoxville, Tennessee. There were no contracts and they were facing Doom. Gibson had been injured at home prior to the match. Morton told him to just get to the ring and stay on the apron. When Gibson tagged in, he fell to the ground and Time Warner paid for everything for a year.
Smokey Mountain Wrestling was owned by Ricky Rubin of Black Crows. It closed because Jim Cornette was leaving to go to WWE. Nash and Bischoff were at WCW and put the company $600 million in the red. Goldberg, Kevin Nash and Bret Hart still had three years on their contracts. They sat and collected the money without ever working.
Upon being asked if he envisioned ever going into the Hall of Fame, he spoke of Rock ‘N Roll Express being brought to WWE by Jim Cornette where they made a mark, especially with Midnight Express but they didn’t stay for long because people weren’t taking care of each other and were getting hurt. He doesn’t think he, or Rock ‘N Roll Express will ever go into the WWE Hall of Fame, but that doesn’t bother him. Morton said “The real hall of fame, The Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame is in Waterloo, Iowa and I was voted in in 2014.”
When asked about Michaels and Janetty stealing their gimmick, Morton said it was a compliment. Michaels patterned himself after Morton. During the time Gibson was injured, Morton and Flair were tearing it up around the country and they wanted to put the belt on Morton. Morton declined because he didn’t want Gibson left behind in the shuffle.
He doesn’t watch wrestling, but as soon as class starts, they catch him up pretty quick.
He was well acquainted for the Von Erichs. He said he knew them all and has a great deal of sadness for Kevin as his mother recently passed away. He said “…they were all into crazy stuff as kids and it just caught up with them.”
Morton told a story about Lawler and his artwork. They were doing a show in a Catholic School when they saw a nun coming toward them. She asked if they knew any artists and he started raving about the talents of Jerry Lawler. The nun took them to the bathroom where they saw artwork on the door. Mickey had Minnie bent over…
When he was in ECW he was wrestling Bam Bam Bigelow and there was a fan calling for spots. Morton turned to the guy and said, “The heel calls the match. Sit down and shut up!”Morton owns the School of Morton in Chuckey, Tennessee. He said, “I gave my life to this business and I’m still out here!”
MWR was thrilled to have Debbie Chmidling share with us this great recap of the meet and greet with Ricky Morton from Metro Pro Wrestling. Be sure to check out Debbie’s great recaps in the upcoming MWR Yearbook that will also feature this one as well as ECW Legend Tommy Dreamer and Jim Cornette.
Metro Pro Wrestling returns to Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, KS, on Saturday, January 30, for our first event of 2016! Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now!
– Metro Pro Championship Match: Jeremy Wyatt (c) vs. The Beer City Bruiser. As always, if Wyatt loses, he’s fired.
– ECW/SMW/NWA/WWF star Tracy Smothers vs. The Math Magician
– Brass Ring Challenge – The Winner gets a Metro Pro Championship title shot whenever they wish! Jake Dirden vs. Mark Sterling vs. Devin Thomas vs. Kraig Keesaman
– Women’s Tag Team Match: Angelus Layne/D’Arcy Dixon vs. Lucy Mendez/Miss Natural
– Metro Pro Tag Team Title Match: Kobra Kai Dojo vs. The Riegel Twins
– “Yoga Monster” Mike Sydal vs. Jon Webb
– Also in action: Central States Champion Ace Steel, Kansas Champion Redwing, The Commission, The King Brothers, the KC Wolves, Kiyoshi Shizuka and more!
Front Row: SOLD OUT
General Admission: $15
Kids 5-12 (Does not count front row): $10
Under 5: Free
Check out Metro Pro Photos on Facebook: Metro Pro Wrestling Photos
Metro Pro Wrestling airs every Saturday night on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel at 11 p.m. The show replays several times during the week! Check local listings for details.
Time Warner Cable SportsChannel is a regional 24-hour sports network, and it is the ONLY place you can see Metro Pro Wrestling! Catch us on:
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel – Channel 30 & 323
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel 2 – Channel 324
• Time Warner Cable Nebraska
• Comcast Cable Channel 44 & 258
• WOW! Cable – Lawrence 37
Turner Rec Center is located at 831 S. 55th St, Kansas City, KS.
For more information, call Metro Pro at (816) 974-7160.
BREAKING: Energy announce 16-Time World Champion Ric Flair to headline Pro Wrestling Night on Jan. 15. Call 515-564-8550 to book your VIP Experience with Ric Flair.
Wells Fargo Arena
833 5th Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
Metro Pro Wrestling returns to Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, KS, on Saturday, December 5, for our last event of 2015! Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Event starts at 7 p.m.
Matches will include:
– Iron Man Match for the Metro Pro Championship – Jeremy Wyatt (c) vs. Mark Sterling. If Wyatt loses, he’s fired!
– Central States Title Match: Ace Steel (c) vs. “Rock ‘n Roll Express” Ricky Morton
– Kansas Championship Match: Redwing (c) vs. “Vintage” Kraig Keesaman
– “Yoga Monster” Mike Sydal vs. The Math Magician
– Four Team Tag Team Elimination Match for the Metro Pro Tag Team Titles: The King Brothers (c) vs. The American Bulldogs vs. The Commission vs. Kobra Kai Dojo
– The Return of Santa Claus – A Metro Pro Tradition!
Purchase tickets to our Ricky Morton Q&A/Meet & Greet for $20 in our store now!
Front Row: SOLD OUT
General Admission: $15
Kids 5-12 (Does not count front row): $10
Under 5: Free
Check out Metro Pro Photos on Facebook: Metro Pro Wrestling Photos
Metro Pro Wrestling airs every Saturday night on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel at 11 p.m. The show replays several times during the week! Check local listings for details.
Time Warner Cable SportsChannel is a regional 24-hour sports network, and it is the ONLY place you can see Metro Pro Wrestling! Catch us on:
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel – Channel 30 & 323
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel 2 – Channel 324
• Time Warner Cable Nebraska
• Comcast Cable Channel 44 & 258
• WOW! Cable – Lawrence 37
Turner Rec Center is located at 831 S. 55th St, Kansas City, KS.
For more information, call Metro Pro at (816) 974-7160.
I have been privileged to cover some of the top moments in the world of Indy Pro wrestling in the Midwest for the past eight years. During that time there have been great matches, title changes and events that have made myself a wrestling fan that much more.
Who can forget Michael Strider’s Ric Flair eques retirement, or Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterlings’ series of matches? One of the greatest run was Adam Pearce’s tour as the NWA World Champion that earned him his MWR Wrestler of the Year award. There was thee current Ring Of Honor’s Jerry Lynn’s visit to Dynamo Pro Wrestling and how can we forget the Submission Squad vs. The Bearded Men from Space Station 11 Street Fight? We were there to document the historic AAPW event that featured El Generico (WWE’S Sami Zayn) vs Pac (WWE’s Neville) . I was able to stay alive ringside around the unleashed Ron Powers during his Classic Wrestling title reign at SICW as well as frequently covering the biggest week of the year during Harley Race’s annual WLW/WWE/NOAH camp.
Yet, after having time to digest what I saw at Metro Pro Wrestling during the August Metro Proyale, I am convinced that I saw something that I may have not seen in the current product at this level during my time of covering the sport and that was a moment that could only be describe as the Brock Lesnar/Undertaker Wrestlemania aftermath.
As many fans know heading into that Wrestlemania the Undertaker was looking to add another victory in his win streak at the Superbowl of wrestling events. Even though Brock Lesnar has always been one of the truly gifted wrestlers to enter the ring, no one thought he would defeat the Undertaker, not Jim Ross, not Steve Austin and if you ask any fan if they tell you that they saw it coming they just are not being truthful to you. Todays fans are quite arguably the smartest wrestling fans in the history of the sport and the fact that Vince and the WWE was able to swerve them on a match proved that in the world of the Internet Wrestling Community and dirt sheets that there was still some magic in the world of pro wrestling.
Why will the Lesnar victory forever be remembered as much as any title change from the 1900’s to today? The fact that the WWE and Undertaker to his credit were able to get the fans invested in the streak. The Undertaker for years had wrestled mid-card Mania matches which a touch of main event status through the years that the streak became something that the fans themselves took ownership of. Thus when out of the blue the streak had been conquered at WRESTLEMANIA the emotions of losing felt as real to the fans as much as someone losing their wallet.
To get to the magic of the final moments of Metro Pro Wrestling’s main event match you would have to look at the roadmap left in the story at the beginning of 2015. The main event player for Metro Pro Wrestling is none other than the “Belt Collector” Jeremy Wyatt. Though Wyatt was once the most hated man in Metro Pro Wrestling, like many of the top biggest fan favorites of the sport including Shawn Michaels, Steve Austin and even the Rock, the man the fans love to hate, they truly are thrilled to cheer.
Amazingly it would take the Metro Pro Wrestling commissioner Michael Strider, a guy who was once the most respected man at Metro Pro to allow the fans to embrace Wyatt as one of the own.
Strider with an attitude and arrogance about himself, Strider screwed Wyatt out of title back in December by helping Derek win.
Then in January he announced the, announced I’d never be given another title shot of any kind, but to make matters worse the very next match that he lost would be his last at Metro Pro. Since that time we have seen a who’s who of wrestling talent around the world looking to earn that honor of retiring the Rebel including Christopher Daniels, Matt Striker, Matt Cage, and Ricky Cruz.
Wyatt overcame the odds each and every time that the Strider hoped to end his career, but in the air was a small, but loud section of fans that hoped to put the spotlight on themselves by challenging the pro Wyatt fan base by chanting “Worthless Wyatt”.
Those anti-Wyatt fans had nothing to cheer about early in the night as Striders hand-picked opponent Christian Rose brought the pain in the match, but would prove unable to earn the reputation as the man to end Wyatts career at MPW as the momentum headed to the 2015 Metro Proyale (Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal) where the survivor of the match would win an immediate Metro Pro Title shot. Afterwards strider immediately put Wyatt in a handicapped match Vs the Kansas City Kings, which Wyatt won by DQ. Not satisfied with the outcome Strider, along with Sterling, the Kings, Rebelucha, and 2 other security guards beat him down so bad that the refs had to help him to the back.
After another stellar card from MPW that saw Ace Steel defeat ACH for the Central States title and Bolt Brady come up just short in his second chance to win the Metro Pro Wrestling title from Derek Stone it was time for the Metro Proyale.
One by one they came to the ring in the co-main event to earn that distinction. Favorites like the new Central States Champion Ace Steel look to win two titles in the same night while men like the Iceman hoped to live his dream to become the MPW Champion. One came in and they all gave a fight as they went over the top rope including Kraig Kessaman , ACH, Matt Cage, the King Brothers, Tyler Cook, the Commission, Davey Vega, Devin Thomas, Maddog Mcdowell and Bolt Brady as MPW Champion Derek Stone and Michael Strider both watched on at ringside with Striders henchmen in tow.
All along the anti-Wyatt fans taunted the crowd with “Where is Wyatt” and when Redwing the man who had won the last position in the Royal earlier in the match during the six man scramble by pinning Sydal, the chant Where is Wyatt along with a taunting smiles from the anti-Wyatt crowd only got louder.
As the match was about to come to a close Stone and Strider came to their feet to get a closer look as Red Wing Striders masked henchman Rebelucha to double team the powerful Redwing. All eyes was on the ring as my money was on Redwing to overcome the odds somehow, someway. When Mark Sterling eliminated Redwing, business picked up. Stone showed his true colors as out of the blue he eliminated Mark Sterling leaving Rebelucha as the 2015 2015 Metro Proyale Champion.
As a furious Sterling went after Stone, Strider was able to get his henchman to restrain him as he demanded that the title match began right away. Stone looking to end it quickly left himself open for a quick strike as Rebelucha nailed the eye of the hurricane finisher as the referee landed the final three count on the mat, time stopped and within moments the crowd erupted.
Rebelucha grabbed the MPW Belt and did a victory lap around the ring then headed to the middle of the Turner Rec center bleachers with his belt in hand. I never thought there would be a time in this era that the crowd would be shocked over who was underneath a mask, but when Rebelucha unmasked himself to show himself as Jeremy Wyatt I had chills up and down my spine as the crowd roared and mocked the anti- Wyatt fans as Strider demanded everyone to leave the building .. RIGHT AWAY
Metro Pro results from 8/8/15:
– Redwing won the Six-Man Scramble after pinning Mike Sydal.
– Mark Sterling defeated Devin Thomas
– Mr. Abernathy/Mat Fitchett defeated Mr. Gelistico/Davey Vega
– Jeremy Wyatt defeated Christian Rose.
– Jeremy Wyatt defeated the King Brothers via disqualification after Mark Sterling interfered.
– Derek Stone retained his Metro Pro Championship against Bolt Brady.
– Ace Steel defeated A.C.H. to become the new Central States Champion.
– Rebelucha won the 2015 Metro Proyale (Over-The-Top Rope Battle Royal) to win an immediate Metro Pro title shot.
– Rebelucha defeated Derek Stone to become the new Metro Pro Champion. Rebelucha unmasked to reveal he was Jeremy Wyatt.
Metro Pro Wrestling returns to Turner Rec Center in Kansas City, KS, on Saturday, October 10, for our next event! Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Event starts at 7 p.m.
Matches will include:
– A special appearance by wrestling legend Jim Cornette!
— You can now buy special limited Q&A/Meet & Greet tickets for Jim Cornette in our online store!
– Metro Pro Championship Match: Jeremy Wyatt (c) vs. Ace Steel. If Wyatt loses, he’s fired.
– Kansas Championship Match: Mike Sydal (c) vs. Redwing
Additional matches to be announced soon!
Front Row: SOLD OUT
General Admission: $15
Kids 5-12 (Does not count front row): $10
Under 5: Free
Check out Metro Pro Photos on Facebook: Metro Pro Wrestling Photos
Metro Pro Wrestling airs every Saturday night on Time Warner Cable SportsChannel at 11 p.m. The show replays several times during the week! Check local listings for details.
Time Warner Cable SportsChannel is a regional 24-hour sports network, and it is the ONLY place you can see Metro Pro Wrestling! Catch us on:
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel – Channel 30 & 323
• Time Warner Cable SportsChannel 2 – Channel 324
• Time Warner Cable Nebraska
• Comcast Cable Channel 44 & 258
• WOW! Cable – Lawrence 37
Turner Rec Center is located at 831 S. 55th St, Kansas City, KS.
For more information, call Metro Pro at (816) 974-7160.
Over the past two weeks we have been flooded with questions on where can I buy tickets to meet Ric Flair and Harley Race, along with the stars of World League Wrestling in Troy, Missouri.
Pictured in the photo are SICW Promoter Herb Simmons, MMWA Promoter Tony Casta, ring announcer Ben Simon, Hall of Fame committee member Nick Ridenour, 2015 Hall of Famer Ken Patera and MMWA’s Tim Miller.
By Brian Kelley
The St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame showcases talents that flourished during the days of (and prior to) the St. Louis Wrestling Club. The Hall features 33 legends including: Lou Thesz, Ric Flair, Harley Race, Bill Longson, Bruiser Brody, Penny Banner, and Sam Muchnick.
The 2015 inductees are: Ken Patera, Joe Tangaro, Eddie Smith, and Bill Apter. The first two, Patera and Tangaro, were honored at the historic South Broadway Athletic Club on July 11th.
Former NWA Missouri Champion and Olympic strongman Ken Patera was in attendance for his induction. On April 25th, 1980, Patera defeated Kevin Von Erich for the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship and lost the title to Ted DiBiase on November 21. He dethroned Jack Brisco to regain the belt on October 23, 1981. Patera would go on to wrestle for the AWA and the WWF in the 80’s.
Joe Tangaro was also honored July 11th at South Broadway. Tangaro was a wrestler, referee, and restaurant manager who won the hearts of fans in Saint Louis. He passed away in 1997 at age 70 after suffering from ALS. He was the president of the local chapter of ALS research and helped to raise thousands of dollars to battle the disease locally and nationally.
The Hall of Fame was founded in 2007 by legendary Saint Louis announcer Larry Matysik, promoter Herb Simmons, promoter Tony Casta, sports journalist Keith Schildroth, and longtime fan Nick Ridenour. All except Schildroth remain on the Board.
The inductions are split for two dates. Eddie Smith and Bill Apter are to be formally inducted at an SICW event in October.
The 2015 Harley Race Wrestling Camp is now finalized! If you’re wanting your opportunity to get some of the best training that one can get, sign up now! www.harleyrace.com/2015trainingcamp.html
13 spots remain, how bad do you want it?
V.I.P. Meet and Greet Information Location – Race Wrestling Arena Time – 1:00pm to 3:30pm
Information: Platinum
You can bring your own personal item to be signed by Ric Flair AND Harley Race OR receive an 8×10 of each wrestler signed. You will also get a picture with Ric Flair, Harley Race, and the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship! – $60
Gold
You can bring your own personal item to be signed by Ric Flair AND Harley Race OR receive an 8×10 of each wrestler signed. – $40
Silver
You will get a picture with Ric Flair, Harley Race, and the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship! – $30
It is a pleasure today to be joined with “The Voice of Minnesota wrestling” Mick Karch for this edition of Missouri Wrestling Revival’s One on One. MWR fans will have a special oppurtunity to get to meet Karch in East Carondelet, Illinois on May 16th during the SICW “Bruiser Brody Memorial” event that will also include the afternoon “Meet and Greet” with several Wrestling Legends including Brody’s lovely widow Barbara Goodish, former American Wrestling Association (AWA)Champion Stan Hansen, Wrestling at the Chase announcer Larry Matysik, Wrestling superstar “Cowboy” Bob Orton, the first ever WWE (Then known as the WWF) female ring announcer Mike McGuirk starting at 3:30pm that will conclude with a memorable night of action featuring the stars of SICW.
Please note: All photos courtesy of Mick Karch.
With Terry Taylor and Missy Hyatt, my broadcast colleagues in the American Wrestling Federation Warriors of Wrestling.
Brian: Mick, thank you so much for taking the time to be with us at MWR today.
Mick: Brian, it’s my pleasure. You do a terrific job.
Brian: Today’s wrestling fans have many opportunities to discover wrestling through the WWE on the USA Network, TNA on Destination America, Ring of Honor on Sinclair as well as various outlets on the internet including Youtube and promotions own websites. Yet, as a man that started his career in the 70’s, I have to ask what was your first exposure to the sport as a fan and who was it that created that spark for the love of pro wrestling?
Mick: I did behind the scenes print publicity for the AWA from 1973-1986. In 1987, I was hired on as their ring announcer and occasional color guy for their ESPN tapings at the Showboat in Las Vegas. It is so ironic to have eventually worked for them, because my hero as a child was Verne Gagne. I was flipping through the TV channels at the age of nine, and I saw big Tiny Mills, a 6’3″, 275 pound lumberjack, pushing around the TV announcer, Marty O’Neill. Marty was all of about 5’6″. Tiny was ranting and raving about wanting a match with Verne Gagne.
I saw my first live event May 17, 1960, in Minneapolis, and Verne was in the main event, teaming with football and wrestling star Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb to face Mills and Stan “Krusher” Kowalski. I was hooked on wrestling for life.
Brian: You entered the business during a time that it was hard to break in due to the laws of Kayfabe being enforced. At what point did you realize that the matches were predetermined and how were the doors open for you to be included among the circle of people that were involved in the sport?
Mick: Like any kid from that era, I refused to listen to my parents and siblings, who told me that wrestling wasn’t on the “up-and-up.” Of course, I refused to believe it—for a while. As time went on, I began to pick out certain things that didn’t seem quite right. When I ventured down to the Dyckman Hotel in downtown Minneapolis, which housed the Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club (AWA) a few years later and saw Reggie Parks and Moose Cholak standing by the elevators, laughing and joking, the light bulb went off. Parks and Cholak were in the midst of a “feud” at the time. Now it all made sense.
You are so correct that this was the “kayfabe” era, and the wrestling business was protected to the hilt. No one was automatically allowed even remotely close to the inner circle. I literally hung around the TV tapings and the arena matches for years before I was semi-trusted. That is certainly a far cry from today’s scenario, when it seems just about anyone can finagle their way into a locker room or back stage.
Brian: Before we go any further with the AWA we have to mention the great Verne Gagne. Last month on April 27th , Gagne passed away at the age of 89, but his contribution to the sport of wrestling as a Champion, promoter and trainer defined an era of wrestling that continues to this day. What were your memories of Verne Gagne and out of those three different aspects of wrestling do you feel was his biggest accomplishment?
Former AWA World Champ Verne Gagne by the Artist of Champions Rob Schamberger
Mick: As it relates to Verne Gagne, I don’t think his impact and imprint on the business can be overstated. His influence was monumental, going back to the mid-1950’s when he was really the first national “babyface” wrestler on the old Dumont Network. Televised pro wrestling was an absolute mainstay back then, and Verne was its original big star. As the years went on, his star shone brighter and brighter. He was the epitome of a champion: good looks, tremendous conditioning, smart, articulate, and always the ultimate professional. As a promoter, he had a keen eye for talent and he ruled with an iron fist. Verne was first and foremost a WRESTLER, and you damn well better know how to wrestle if you worked for him. The AWA had its share of off the wall characters, too, but nothing like the circus “sports entertainment” that the WWF/WWE foisted on the world.
As a trainer, there were none better than Verne. Look at the roster of guys he turned out: Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Sgt. Slaughter, Greg Gagne, Jim Brunzell, Scott Irwin, Bob Backlund, Khosrow Vaziri, on and on. Amazing.
Brian: The AWA was filled with several larger than life characters throughout the years that thrilled fans with exciting action in the ring and memorable interviews that drew huge crowds night after night. Men such as a Nick Bockwinkel , Mad Dog Vachon, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Dick the Bruiser, Larry Hennig and Baron Von Raschke just to name a few. Who were your favorites to work with personally and can you share a story with the MWR fans of one of those stars?
With Nick Bockwnkel, 1982.
Mick: My favorite wrestlers over the years tend to be the “heels.” My all time favorite, bar none, is Nick Bockwinkel. I honestly believe that he was the standard bearer for the wrestling business in the 1970’s and early 80’s. I was also a huge fan of the late Dr. Bill Miller, Dick (Dr.X/Destroyer) Beyer,Stan “Krusher” Kowalski, and Bobby Heenan. The stories about these guys could fill a book, but I’ll share one kind of bizarre and scary one.
Dr. Bill Miller wrestled in the AWA under a mask as “The Mysterious Mr. M.” He won the AWA title from Verne in January 1962. In August of that same year, Verne won the title back in Minneapolis. The end of the match saw Verne twist the mask so Miller couldn’t see, then he dropkicked and pinned him. The stipulation was if Miller lost, he would unmask, which he did right after the match. On his way back to the locker room, a crazed fan leaned over the railing of the balcony and viciously hit Miller over the head with a 2 x 6 board with a 1/8″ steel spike on the end. A nearly unconscious Miller was assisted back to the locker room.
Some 12 years later, Miller returned for a short stint in the AWA and I spoke with him at the TV tapings. We discussed the incident, which Miller said he remembered like it was yesterday. He explained that when he went back to the locker room and was regaining his senses, he could actually put his pinky finger into the top of his head a feel his brain! Miller was a veterinarian and he knew how serious it was. He showed me the scars which were still clearly visible. The perpetrator, by the way, was never caught.
“The World’s Most Scientific Wrestler” Wilbur Snyder teams with “The Man With The Cast Iron Stomach” Pepper Gomez, to go against the feared master of the heart punch Ox Baker and Dr. Big Bill Miller. This is the first of a two fall battle.
Editors note: SICW fans were fortunate enough to meet OX Baker in 2014 at the East Carondelet Community Center , before he passed away months later.
Brian: Here at Missouri Wrestling Revival, we work with many ring announcers throughout the MWR coverage area. What would be your advice to someone that is looking to become the best ring announcer that they can be?
With AWA/WWF announcer Ken Resnick, 2015
Mick: To aspiring ring announcers, here’s a few tips. Take a deep breath and relax. The audience will pick up on it right away if you are nervous. Do your homework. Make sure you are clear on all the weights, hometowns, and match stipulations. Most importantly, don’t be too overbearing. Deliver your intro forcefully and clearly, but don’t try to be flamboyant and outshine the wrestlers. Remember, it’s about them, not you.
Brian: On December 29th, 1985 Stan Hansen defeated Rick Martel to become the AWA World Champion? Hansen was also a Mega Star in Japan with his good friend and partner Bruiser Brody who is set to be honored next week at SICW with the Bruiser Brody memorial event in East Carondelet Illinois. As a fan that Grew up in the 80’s, Hansen’s version of the clothesline, the Lariat was a feared move that every wrestling fan “knew” had broken WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino’s neck in the 70’s. I don’t remember a match that involved Hansen that the commentator put over the fact that he could win the match with the lariat if he was able to land the move. Who and what were some of your favorite finishers to call during a match while you did color commentary?
Mick: My favorite finishing maneuvers to call play by play on? Wow, that’s a tough one. I would say Bruiser Brody’s boot to the face and flying knee drop, Greg Gagne’s sleeper hold, Jerry Blackwell’s big splash, and Mad Dog Vachon’s piledriver rank right up there. It’s sad how the business has changed and the finishers I’ve mentioned are just another move in the matches these days, and usually the opponents kick out at least once.
Brian: Fans of today can relive the AWA through the WWE DVD release WWE: The Spectacular Legacy of the American Wrestling Association. Was this a worthy look of the AWA, and what would you have liked to have seen showcased more or less on the DVD?
Mick: I thought the AWA DVD was pretty decent, especially when you consider it was a WWE release. Watching some of the old footage is particularly great to an old school fan like me. If there is anything I had a problem with it would be how much emphasis was placed on the erosion of the promotion. I guess that’s to be expected, but the AWA had 50 years of greatness before the wheels fell off the bus.
At Cauliflower Alley Club with Sir Oliver Humperdink.
Brian: Recently you and I had the pleasure of spending time in Las Vegas at the 50th Anniversary of the Cauliflower Alley Club. The event was filled with memories and moments that will last a lifetime including what I felt was one of the most entertaining acceptance speech’s of All-time when one of my heroes, Harley Race presented Hennig the “Iron” Mike Mazurki Award. The two, along with Hennigs’ wife Irene could easily take their show on the road as they delivered laughs and good times that exhibit what the CAC is all about. This is a multi-part question, how long have you been a member of the CAC, what have been your highlights of attending the reunion and why should a wrestling fan join a club that we feel so passionate about?
Mick: I have been attending the CAC reunions since 2000. There is no way to describe the feeling you get rubbing elbows with the legends of the business. I have met so many amazing people. Since I started going there, I have seen the likes of Steve Austin, Roddy Piper, Ricky Steamboat, Antonio Inoki, Pat Patterson, the Vachons, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Tex McKenzie, Kurt Angle, Sputnik Monroe, Larry Hennig, Harley Race, Lou Thesz, Bobby Heenan, The Crusher, Jim Cornette, JJ Dillon, Nick Bockwinkel, Terry Funk, The Fabulous Moolah, Mae Young, Judy Grable, Stan Hansen, Tim Woods and Johnny Walker (“Mr. Wrestling” 1 & 2), Ox Baker, Superstar Graham, Jimmy Valiant, on and on and on. Hundreds of superstars. I would tell anyone who is truly passionate about the wrestling business, you NEED to attend at least once. You owe it to yourself. I would also say, don’t wait. Many of the people I just mentioned have passed away. You just never know.
Brian: As we prepare for an exciting weekend built around the memories of Bruiser Brody at the show of the year for SICW, what were your memories of Bruiser Brody?
With Bruiser Brody, 1987
Mick: My memories of Bruiser Brody. God, so many. I was a fan of his long before I ever saw him wrestle in person. Watching him on various syndicated wrestling programs and reading about him in the magazines, I always looked forward to seeing him. When he first arrived in the AWA area, it was incredible. His aura, his mystique, his sheer presence. I don’t know if I have ever seen a feud to match the one he had with Jerry Blackwell. In 1986, I had the tremendous honor of doing two television interviews with him at a show in Winnipeg, Canada. Bruiser main evented against the guy I know many fans in this area are very familiar with, “Bulldog” Bob Brown. Their match was a war and spilled out into the crowd. Even though I had been announcing for a couple years at that point, Brody was my first “big time” interview, and needless to say I was initially scared to death. But he spoke with me beforehand, laid down a few guidelines, and the promos went perfectly. When he thanked me for a job well done, I felt as if I had truly arrived as an announcer in the wrestling business. I will never forget that.
Brian: Since AWA has closed doors you have stayed active in the world of pro wrestling. Please tell the fans what you have been up?
Mick: During the time frame that the AWA was shutting down, I left there and became host of a four-hour wrestling block in the Twin Cities called “Saturday Night at Ringside.” Joe Pedicino and Paul Heyman were instrumental in getting me the job. Besides carrying NWA Worldwide, World Class, Pro Wrestling This Week, and Windy City Wrestling, I incorporated localized tie-ins for independent wrestling shows, brought in both local and national wrestlers, created angles and storylines, did trivia contests, answered viewer questions, and had fans appear as a “Ringsider of the Week.” In fact, the famous lady wrestler “ODB” was a “Ringsider” on my program at the age of 8 !!
On the set of “Saturday Night at Ringside,” with Stan Kowalski, Baron Von Raschke, Larry Hennig, Al DeRusha, Wally Karbo and Mad Dog Vachon (1990.)
I have worked for the American Wrestling Federation “Warriors of Wrestling” under the direction of Sgt. Slaughter and Tito Santana; I have done television for literally dozens of independent promotions in the United States, Canada, and Australia. For the past 17 years, I have been lead booker and TV host for Ed Hellier’s Steel Domain Wrestling, based out of Minnesota.
Hosting Steel Domain’s “Championship Wrestling from the Twin Cities” program with promoter Ed Hellier, 2015.
In the early days, SDW had future world champions C.M. Punk, Adam Pearce, Colt Cabana, Ken Anderson, Shawn Daivari, and Austin Aries on the roster AT THE SAME TIME!!!
Brian: Mick, thank you so much for taking the time with Missouri Wrestling Revival and we look forward to seeing you at SICW’s Bruiser Brody memorial event that starts with the 3:30 Q and A. Do you have anything that you would like to mention as we end this interview and prepare for such an exciting weekend?
Mick: I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to you for the opportunity to share part of my story, and to Herb Simmons and Larry Matysik for inviting this old AWA guy to such a wonderful event!!