What are people saying about the Harley Race Wrestling Academy? Well, Jim Cornette, Les Thatcher, George South, Terry Funk, and Vader weigh in with their thoughts!
INFO ON THE NUMBER ONE CAMP IN THE MIDWEST IN 2014 AT THIS LINK
Posts Tagged ‘Terry Funk’
Jim Cornette, Les Thatcher, George South, Terry Funk, Larry Matysik and Vader on Training with Harley Race
Posted by flairwhoooooo on August 27, 2014
Posted in Uncategorized, World League Wrestling | Tagged: George South, Harley Race, Jim Cornette, Larry Matysik, Les Thatcher, Terry Funk | Leave a Comment »
There is an international crisis in the Midwest in April as the “Tokyo Monster” Kahagas returns!!
Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 25, 2012
By Brian Kelley
The Tokyo Monster Kahagas. Duane Long Photographer— NWA Ring Warriors
Wrestlers around the Midwest are on red alert as we speak due to the announcement that the world wide superstar Kahagas will once again return on April 6th in Glen Carbon, Illinois for NWA Dynamo Pro Wrestling then the very next night in Kansas City, Kansas with NWA Metro Pro Wrestling.
It has been since October 16th, 2010 that Kahagas has terrorized the area during a run as the High Voltage Wrestling Champion. A feud that saw him have classic battles with the best have to offer including Dingo, Flash Flanagan, Bloody Harker Dirge, and the KC Killers( Jeremy Wyatt and Mark Sterling).
During IWA-MidSouth’s last attempt at the Ted Petty tournament, the company decided to have a try-out for aspiring wrestlers. MWR was on hand as “Tokyo Monster” walked in the building, you could see the fear in the eyes of the wrestlers as they scurried around to find out if they had drawn the unlucky number to take on the Superstar.
When the dust settled of over twenty one matches that night , Kahagas entered the main event and stole the show with a win and along with a standing ovation from the fans with chants of “Please come back”. The IWA-Midsouth promoter was so impressed he invited “Tokyo Monster” to take part in round one of the IWA-Midsouth Ted Petty tournament against the future Ring of Honor World Champion Roderick Strong.
Though the tournament or match would never happen, the legend of Kahagas continued to grow.
Time has gone by but nothing has changed as Kahagas have been on tours of Carlos Colons World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico, been to the Dominican Republic and traveled up and down the east and west coast. Videos and photos of Kahagas have been pouring into the MWR office that proved that he was pounding his opponents into submission while having fans run for cover.
Feuds and matches with the very best have only made the man more dangerous. WWE,TNA and ROH stars have not been safe as he has went to battle with Jay Lethal, Sabu, Scotty 2 Hotty, Low Ki, Michael Tarver, Kevin Thorn, Tatanka, and the veteran Cuban Assassin.
In Texas, he went to the finals of the first ever GWT tournament that had legends vote on the matches. Wrestling greats that were on hand for the voting process were Harley Race, Killer Karl Kox, Iceman King Parson, Stan “The Lariat” Hansen, and Jake Roberts to name just a few.
When it was announced that the NWA Junior World title was vacated and a tournament was to be done to crown, Kahagas was among the first one wanting a shot at the title, promising to bring respect, recognition and honor to the belt once more.
The NWA National Heavyweight Champion has shown up with a blood lust. Duane Long Photographer— NWA Ring Warriors
The NWA wisely saw the talents in the Tokyo Monster and instead of the NWA Junior title; he was offered a golden opportunity at the NWA National Champion Chance Prophet.
Chance Prophet has been the NWA National Champion since February 19, 2011. The prestigious NWA National title has a rich history starting with the very first champion Jack Brisco who defeated Terry Funk in the finals of a tournament on October 1980. Since then great men like Buzz Sawyer, Paul Orndorff, Wahoo McDaniel, Ted DiBiase and one of the original Four Horsemen Tully Blanchard have all held the title.
The Tokyo Monster wants Chance Prophet to try a little filet of sole! Duane Long Photographer—NWA Ring Warriors
The toughest challenge to date for the NWA National Champion Chance Prophet has been the Tokyo Monster who has been stalking him as of late meeting him twice at NWA Ring Warriors. The action has been so intense that in only their second meeting ever NWA Ring Warriors demanded that the match be contained with lumberjacks surrounding the ring. Still no one was safe as the match was called off due to a Double Disqualification, after referee Bruce Michaels was assaulted by a chair that left him bleeding.
The Kahagas-Prophet match ends in another double disqualification as a dazed and bloody referee Bruce Michaels is helped from ringside. Duane Long Photographer
The next NWA Ring Warriors card will be in Fort Lauderdale at the National Guard Armory on Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. Titled “Battle of the Belts,” the event will kick off South Florida’s WrestleMania weekend which includes shows and events from Ring of Honor, Dragon Gate and WrestleReunion.
Larry Brannon has set in motion to end the chaos once and for all as the NWA National Heavyweight Champ Chance Prophet will clash one more time with The Tokyo Monster Kahagas, except this time it will be in a Steel Cage and the only way to win is for one of the competitors to climb out of the cage.
Not only will there be two NWA officials at ringside, but former three-time NWA World Tag Team Champions, the New Heavenly Bodies (“Vivacious” Vito DeNucci and “Casanova” Chris Nelson) will serve as special enforcement referees for the match.
Then less than a week later one of the most traveled wrestlers in the world today, “The Tokyo Monster” Kahagas will return to the Midwest on April 6th and April 7th. If Kahagas should defeat Chance Prophet for the NWA National title, this will be among the first title defenses for the new champ.
Regardless, a man who has been in main events around the world returns from his year and half absence in the Midwest to once again.
Don’t miss the man who ran Godzilla out of Tokyo, Kahagas.
April 6th NWA Dynamo
April 7th Metro Pro Wrestling
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: "Bloody" Harker Dirge, “Casanova” Chris Nelson, Brian Kelley, Bruce Michaels, Buzz Sawyer, Carlos Colons World Wrestling, Chance Prophet, Cuban Assassin, Dingo, Flash Flanagan, Four Horsemen Tully Blanchard, Harley Race, High Voltage Wrestling, Iceman King Parson, IWA-MidSouth’s, Jack Brisco, Jake Roberts, Jay Lethal, jeremy wyatt, KC Killers, Kevin Thorn, Killer Karl Kox, Low Ki, mark sterling, Michael Tarver, New Heavenly Bodies, NWA Dynamo Pro, NWA Metro Pro Wrestling, NWA Ring Warriors, Paul Orndorff, Roderick Strong, ROH, Sabu, Scotty 2 Hotty, Stan "The Lariat" Hansen, Tatanka, Ted Dibiase, Ted Petty tournament, Terry Funk, the NWA Junior World, TNA, Vivacious” Vito DeNucci, Wahoo McDaniel, WrestleReunion, WWE | Leave a Comment »
MWR Trading Card #45 B.G. James
Posted by flairwhoooooo on April 18, 2011
Missouri Wrestling Revival is very excited to have the one and only “Road Dogg” BG James as a part of the MWR Trading Card series. The son of 2011 WWE Hall of Fame inductee “Bullet” Bob Armstrong and brothers to fellow wrestlers Brad, Scott and Steve, James will go down in history as one of the most entertaining wrestlers to ever set foot in the ring.
James was instrumental in bringing back WWE from the dire straights in the late 80’s in a war with rival WCW. With fellow stars “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, the Rock and Mick Foley and James’s faction of Degeneration X wrestling was cool once again. .
Degeneration X members included Shawn Michaels, Triple –H, X-Pac, Chyna, Rick Rude and James tag team partner Billy Gunn.
Together James and Gunn was the New Age Outlaws!!
The two would go on to win 5 WWE Tag Team Championships Four of their victories came over teams that included Mick Foley with four different partners (Kane, Terry Funk, the Rock, and Al Snow). They hold the fourth longest reign in WWE Tag Team history with 468 days.
James is also a former WWE Intercontiental and Hardore Champion before he went on to compete at TNA Wrestling to win 2 NWA Tag Team Championships with Ron Killings and Konann.
Though he would be able to hold onto gold several times, it is his charisma that is matched by very few that has made him a World wide star.
We are proud to announce that BG James is number #47 in the MWR Trading Card set.
The artwork of B.G James from the hottest comic in the Midwest, The Promotion. The promotion is drawn from none other than Rob Schamberger.
Please support Rob and his hard work by purchasing a copy of his comic for only .50 cents here.
#1 The Northstar Express Darin Corbin and Ryan Cruz – 2008 MWR Tag team of the Year
#2 Mark Sterling– 2009 MWR Wrestler of the Year
#3 The Hooligans Devin and Mason Cutter – 2009 MWR Tag Team of the Year
#4 MsChif – 2009 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year
#5 Mike Sydal – 2009 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year
#6 Jeremy Wyatt – 2008 MWR Wrestler of the Year, 2008 & 2009 MWR Match of the Year (vs. Michael Strider, vs. Tyler Cook)
#7 Santana G – Midwest Sweetheart
#8 Kahagas – The Tokyo Monster
#9 Mephisto – Hardcore Favorite
#10 Tyler Black – Ring of Honor World Champion
#11 Sir Bradley Charles – Rising star trained by Lance Storm
#12 Brandon Espinosa – Talented Superstar
#13 Dave Vaughn – The Wrestling Machine
#14 “The Future” Donovan Ruddick – The 6’9″ Monster
#15 Brandon Aarons – Current Triple Crown Champion in the Midwest
#16 Davey Richards – Arguably the best in the world today
#17 “Superstar” Steve Fender – First American wrestler to train in Pro Wrestling NOAH Dojo
#18 MR Late Nite – “Hollywood Super Agent”
#19 Eric Allen – The Pride of Peoria
#20 Eddie Edward – American Wolf
#21 Evan Money – The Pro Wrestling Kid
#22 Delirious – A Familiar Face from “The Edge of Insanity”
#23 Jason Jones – On the Path to Superstardom
#24 Tony Kozina – Rugged and Well-Traveled Veteran
#25 Jeromy Robb – Senior Referee at 3XW and MECW
#26 Sean Vincent– Canada’s Favorite wrestler
#27 Lucy Mendez – Midwest Latino Knockout
#28 Trevor Murdock – Former WWE Superstar
#29 Eric Davis –Senior referee at IHW and PWE
#30 Angel -ECW Original
#31 Jonathan Greshem– Electrifying young star
#32 Brett Young -#1
#33 Michael Crase Jr -Metro and NWA Dynamo Ref
#34 -U-Gene Dinsmore– Lovable fan favorite.
#35– Billy McNeil– Innovating high flyer.
#36 Mia Martinez – Mysterious and fiery, Midwest diva
#37 Mike Sydal – 2010 MWR Wrestler of the Year
#38 Stacey O’Brien-2008 MWR Female Wrestler of the Year
#39– Neil Diamond Cutter– Prince of Death
#40– Bloody Harker Dirge– God of Thunder
# 41- Brian Breaker– 2011 Pro Wrestling Noah tour
# 42 Brandon Schmitt -WLW and Metro Pro Ref
For a complete list of Missouri Wrestling Revival trading cards as well as WWE , TNA and Japan sets check out the website Wrestling trading cards.com here.
To purchase MWR Trading cards:
1) Catch the star at a show to have them autograph the cards personally
2) Contact them via facebook or myspace
3) Send $1.50 in money order or check for each card at *
Brian Kelley
305 West 3rd Salisbury Missouri 65281
*Checks will take longer to clear than money orders so expect time for that to happen. Make sure you list exactly what card you are wanting to have.
Please note that when purchasing MWR Trading cards from the wrestlers, that they decide the prices for their cards. We highly recommend that you get them from the stars themselves and let them know that you enjoy MWR.
These cards are limited and are not mass produced making them highly collectable.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: (Kane, Al Snow, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, B.G. James, Billy Gunn, Chyna, Degeneration X, DX, Konann, New Age Outlaws, Rick Rude, ROAD DOGG, Ron Killings, Shawn Michaels, Terry Funk, The Rock, Triple –H, WWE, X-Pac | Leave a Comment »
2010 MWR Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Mike Chapman
Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 1, 2011
History should
be studied
because it
is essential to
individuals and
to society, and
because it
harbors beauty.
Pro Wrestling fans are passionate about their love of the drama and action inside the squared circle. In a sport where the desire for us, the fans to know more about our heroes and villains more than ever, we are very fortunate to have websites, shoot interviews, movies and documentaries to fall back on.
Growing up I dreamed of a Hall of Fame for the stars that I saw in publications such as Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Wrestling needed a Hall of Fame just as baseball has Cooperstown New York and the NFL Canton Ohio. Sure, many magazines had a Hall of Fame on paper but I wanted more. I wanted to see the championship belts, photos and posters from past shows.
To be honest, coming from a boom time for pro wrestling in the 80’s with “Rock and Wrestling”, I still lived in a small town in the Midwest where there were still many that did not understand my love for wrestling. I thought that if a Hall of Fame was to exist I would have to make my way to New York or California to see such a wonderful museum.
Thankfully, we have one of the leading authorities on wrestling history in Mike Chapman living right here in the Midwest. Mike took his passion for amateur and pro wrestling and parlayed his talent to provide wrestling fans around the world a chance to gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our heroes.
Mike and Bev pose for a photo in the ring in the Pro Wing of the Museum. (Photo Courtesy of Mike Chapman’s website)
Now fans young and old can come together to look back and remember the stars of yesterday at the The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum in Waterloo Iowa. Mike Chapman founded the museum in 1998. With several years of hard work he retired from the museum on October 31, 2009 to devote full time to his new magazine, Iowa History Journal, and to write books.
Mike has represented the Midwest and the wrestling world with class and honor by promoting the sport as a public speaker, an author of 21 books (14 about wrestling) and his work has appeared in dozens of national and regional magazines.
In his books wrestling fans are able to take a trip back into time to look back at the incredible careers of Frank Gotch in “Frank Gotch: His Life and Legacy” and one of my personal favorite wrestlers and human beings Dan Hodge in “Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story”.
Fans of today are well aware of the talents that the collegiate wrestling world has as many in wrestling such as Bill Miller, Jack Brisco, Bob Geigel Brock Lesnar, Ken Shamrock, Steve Williams, Bobby Lashley, LeRoy McGuirk and of course Kurt Angle . Each of these men have all become important wrestlers in the pro ring at one time or another.
If some of these names are people that you may not know, I urge you to check out the museum or look them up, each a champion in their own right.
Let’s look at just a small part of his resume.
Mike is the founder of W.I.N. Magazine, considered by many the nation’s top amateur wrestling publication; the WIN Memorabilia Show, which draws 8,000 fans each year to the NCAA Championships. Mike has been important in the jumpstarting the “Dan Hodge Trophy,” which goes each year to the top college wrestler in the United States. It has been called “the Heisman Trophy of wrestling.”
Mike has earned the respect of many in the sport by being named in six Hall of Fames the AAU National Wrestling Hall of Fame. In 2002 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC), an organization of boxers, wrestlers and movie actors. In 2007 he received the Order of Merit for lifetime achievement from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and the President’s Award from the Iowa Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association.
As a reporter, he has attended 38 NCAA wrestling tournaments, two Olympics and two World Championships. He has won numerous awards for journalism and writing. He has been named National Wrestling Writer of the Year five times, by four different amateur wrestling organizations.
He has met and interviewed such people as Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, Robert Redford, Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk from TV fame), Denny Miller (Tarzan actor and star of “Wagon Train”) and many other famous stars of movies and sports.
Mike has appeared on numerous TV shows –including the networks ESPN, A&E, Fox Sports, Iowa Public Television and Fox and Friends. He has been the guest on over 200 radio talk shows. He has produced three wrestling videos and has two screenplays in Hollywood, including “GOTCH: An American Hero.” The movie rights are owned by Empire Film Group and it is currently in pre-production.
As an athlete, he competed in wrestling, judo, sombo and bench press contests. He once bench pressed 440 pounds at a bodyweight of 205.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Mike Chapman in Newton Iowa, the original home of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum several years ago during an annual Hall of Fame. Several of my heroes from years past where in attendance in 2005 along with theInduction of Harley Race to the HOF.
Terry Funk, Verne Gagne and Larry Hennig were just a few that where there to sign autographs for the each and every one of the fans in attendance. Still one of the fondest memories that I had of that trip to Newton Iowa was how nice this guy that worked for the museum was towards Dubray and I. He spoke to us just like he had known us all of his life, telling stories of the displays and the posters on the wall.
We left that day in Newton with the perception that he just worked there and enjoyed what he done. I would later find out that that worker was none other than Mike Chapman, the founder of the museum, a man who had rubbed elbows former World Champions in Boxing and wrestling, Presidents of the United States, and some of the top Hollywood stars.
At Mike’s website this quote was stated
The mission of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum (DGIWIM) is to preserve, maintain and promote the long and illustrious heritage of mankind’s oldest sport in a manner which will benefit the sport, educate and entertain the public, and to inspire youth to dream big and work hard.
Mission accomplished Mike, this Lifetime Achievement Award is a thank you from the fans of the Midwest and around the world.
Editors Note: Please come back to MWR in the future for updates on the progress Mike latest project as he has been working with a committee in Humboldt, Iowa – the hometown of Frank Gtoch – to build an eight-foot statue of the world heavyweight champion (1908-1915) in the center of town.
If all goes as plan we hope to cover this historic occasion at Missouri Wrestling Revival
Please take the time to check out more information of Mike Chapman at his website here.
Fans of wrestling should check out the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum website here and make plans to see it live in 2011.
Brian Kelley
Missouri Wrestling Revival
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: A&E, AAU National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Bill Miller, Bob Geigel Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley, Cauliflower Alley Club, Dan Hodge, Denny Miller, ESPN, Fox Sports, Frank Gotch in “Frank Gotch: His Life and Legacy”, GOTCH: An American Hero, Harley Race, Jack Brisco, Ken Shamrock, Kurt Angle, Larry Hennig, LeRoy McGuirk, Lou Ferrigno, Mike Chapman, Muhammad Ali, Oklahoma Shooter: The Dan Hodge Story”., Robert Redford, Ronald Reagan, Steve Williams, Tarzan, Terry Funk, The Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum, The Incredible Hulk, Verne Gagne, W.I.N. Magazine, WIN Memorabilia Show | 2 Comments »
Dubray Tallman and Ric Flair with the red hot MWR Shirt
Posted by flairwhoooooo on December 5, 2010
Many claim that he is the greatest wrestler of All-time!!
His name is Ric Flair! He has thrilled fans with matches between legends such as Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, Terry Funk, Sting and Shawn Michaels. He has wrestled around the world and is a 16 time World Champion.
We are thrilled that he took the time to show off the Missouri Wrestling Revival t-shirt with MWR’S Dubray Tallman.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Harley Race, Missouri Wrestling Revival, MWR, Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Shawn Michaels, Sting, Terry Funk | 1 Comment »
MMWA-SICW 6/19 Photo Recap by Mike Van Hoogstraat- Vaughn vs. Ruddick
Posted by flairwhoooooo on July 10, 2010
Match info from Patrick Brandmeyer
Photos Mike Van Hoogstraat
Captions Brian Kelley
Herb Simmons, Mickey Garagolia and Larry Matysik speaks to the great Terry Funk..(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Larry Matysik and Mickey Garagiola were in the house and we heard from Terry Funk via telephone.
Jaysin Static has been improving with each month.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Manson would counter Static’s non stop energy with cheap shots throughout the match. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Isick Manson d. Jaysin Static after a mulekick to the groin(unseen by the referee).
Travis Cook brags that his man has true knockout abilities. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan proves his punching power!! (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Travis Cook hyped the punching power of The Big Texan, showcasing it by having Waco hold wooden boards for Texan to break with his fist(covered by a “protective glove”).
Travis Cook sings Oh Canada as Chris Hargas looks on. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Sean Vincent’s uses his experience to out maneuver young Chris Hargas. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Sean Vincent gets warned from the ref. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Hargas nails a suplex.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
A big knee to the face of the Canadian.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Dead on is Hargas. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Hargas had Vincent frustrated because no matter what he could do he just couldn't defeat him, thus causing him to get caught using the Canadian flag allowing Hargas to get the win. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
-Chris Hargas d. Sean Vincent(w/ Travis Cook) by DQ when the referee caught Vincent using the Canadian flagpole as a weapon.
Brandon Espinosa shows new comer Chase King why he is one of the best in the Midwest. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Another win for Espinosa.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
-Battle Royal Champion Brandon Espinosa(w/ Travis Cook) d. Chase King with the Trendsetter.
St Louis legends Mickey Garagolia and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Orton would play a key part in the tag team main event
–Cowboy Bob Orton made an appearance to speak to the fans in attendance.
The MMWA-SICW Champion Dave Vaughn. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Two of the very best in the business “The Future” Donovan Ruddick and Travis Cook. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ruddick picks Vaughn up with ease. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ruddick was intense and determined to become the MMWA-SICW Champion. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Vaughn gets the leg up just in time to change the momentum of the match. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Big shoulder block from Dave Vaughn. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Chaos on the outside. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Spear by the Champ!! (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Cook and Future felt like they had the match won but the champ would retain in a 20 min draw. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Dave Vaughn fought “The Future” Donovan Ruddick(w/ Travis Cook) to a 20-minute time-limit draw to retain the Heavyweight Title.
Max Archer lands a big one but….(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan proves to Max Archer not to try trade punches with him. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–The Big Texan(w/ Travis Cook & Waco) d. Max Archer via knockout punch.
Fan favorites Danny Boy and Ron Powers. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
A strange site to say the least…Travis Cook leads Gary Jackson into battle with partner Waco. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Danny Boy locks up with the Great one.. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Gary Jackson goes for the early win.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Gary Jackson and Waco work over Danny Boy in the corner. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Travis Cook enjoys the scene as Gary Jackson and Waco hands out the punishment. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Waco attempts to make Danny Boy submidt. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Danny Boy comes alive while Ron Powers itches to come into the ring.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ron Powers was pumped up to get into the match to meet his arch enemy Gary Jackson.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
Ron Powers gets vicious on the outside against the former MMWA-SICW Champion Gary Jackson. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The Big Texan looks to use his knockout power to take out Danny Boy. (Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
The WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton counts the 1-2-3 as Powers pins Waco in a big main event to end the night.(Photo Credit Mike Van Hoogstraat)
–Ron Powers & Danny Boy d. Gary Jackson & Waco(w/ Travis Cook); the referee was knocked out and Texan entered the ring, but accidentally took out Waco with the gloved knockout punch. Powers rolled up Waco and Cowboy Bob Orton jumped in the ring to make the three-count.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Brandon Espinosa, Chase King, Chris Hargas, Cowboy" Bob Orton, Danny Boy, Dave Vaughn, Donovan Ruddick, Gary Jackson, Herb Simmons, Isick Manson, Jaysin Static, Larry Matysik, Max Archer, Micky Garagolia, Mike Van Hoogstraat., MMWA-SICW, Patrick Brandmeyer, Ron Powers, Sean Vincent, Terry Funk, The Big Texan, Travis Cook, Waco | 1 Comment »
Listen to Herb Simmons live interview with Terry Funk at KZQZ 1430 am and on www.KZQZ1430am.com on June 5th.
Posted by flairwhoooooo on May 28, 2010
We just got word from our good friend Herb Simmons that he will be interviewing former NWA World Champion and WWE Hall of Fame member Terry Funk on Saturday June 5th on KZQZ 1430 am and on www.KZQZ1430am.com at 11:00 AM.
Listen in as Herb Simmons and Terry Funk go down memory lane about his wrestling career as well his acting skills in movies like Roadhouse with the late Patrick Swayze.
You will not want to miss this!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Herb Simmons, Patrick Swayze, Roadhouse, Terry Funk | Leave a Comment »
Gene Kiniski- One of last links to the past is gone but not forgotten
Posted by flairwhoooooo on May 20, 2010
By Brian Kelley
There is no one today that compares to “Big Thunder” Gene Kiniski , stated legendary St Louis announcer Larry Matysik. At 6”4 272 pounds Eugene Nicholas “Gene” Kiniski quickly made an impact with his size and energy that would not stop.
Born outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Kiniski was a natural athlete earning him a scholarship to the University of Arizona . After collage he played with the Edmund Eskimos football team. An injury would force his football to come to an end.
Pro Footballs loss was Pro Wrestling’s game. Kiniski would train with Dory Funk JR and Tony Morelli. He quickly earned a chance at the NWA title held by the great Lou Thesz.at the Olympic Auditorium on November 3, 1954. The veteran Thesz would defeat Kiniski in two straight falls but this would not be the last time these two would meet. .
After earning a reputation in the states at one of the top bad guys, Kiniski would return home finding one of his main rivals in Whipper Billy Watson. The two were would enjoy television exposure on CBS where their exciting feud was often featured.
Kiniski’s rival Watson would end Thesz’s 6 year stranglehold on the NWA title on March 15, 1956 in Toronto . Kiniski was a true threat to the NWA championship for the remainder of the decade.
In the Midwest Kiniski was often involved in the hottest feuds in Sam Muchnick’s Wrestling at the Chase. Wild Bill Longson would wrestle his last match in a tag team war with partner Whipper Billy Watson after Kiniski slammed Watson on the outside allowing Rip Hawk to get the pinfall.
In front of a sellout crowd at the Kiel Auditorium Kiniski would get a huge win against arch rival Whipper Billy Watson in the very first Texas Death match in St Louis . A back and forth battle that saw Kiniski get the win after 6 falls…yes 6 falls when Watson could not continue after the devastating backbreakers of Kiniski. This win led to him getting two opportunities at the NWA World title then held by Pat O’ Connor in St Louis.
Kiniski would be unable to defeat O’ Conner but he would go on to win titles wherever he went, enraging fans with his sarcasm and referring to himself as “ Canada ’s greatest athlete”.
On July 11 1961 he would win his very first world title by defeating American Wrestling Association Champion Verne Gagne. His title would be short lived as Gagne would regain it 28 days later. Kiniski continued to Main event wherever he went because the promoters knew he could deliver. The remainder of the 60’s Kiniski traveled the world challenging the best wrestlers of his day.
In Japan he headlined with wrestling legend Shohei “Giant” Baba while trips to the then WWWF (WWE) had him going against Bruno Sammartino in the historic Madison Square Garden .
Back in St Louis a young Nick Bockwinkel was set to debut in St Louis against Kiniski but Fritz Von Erich attacked Kiniski with the deadly claw thus keeping him from taking on the future world champion. Bockwinkel would go on to meet Don Plechas and win his first match in 2 out 3 falls. On May 14th 1965 Kiniski would get his revenge from Von Erich in a Texas Death Match at the Keil Auditorium
St Louis would also be the place that Kiniski would get his biggest career win on January 7 1966 when he defeated NWA World Champion Lou Thesz in two out three falls. Matysik recalls it as such Thesz won the first fall, Kiniski was awarded the second fall by DQ when Thesz threw Kiniski over the top rope. The St Louis wrestling fans were very respected and educated just as the St Louis Cardinals fans are today. At first the crowd booed because Kiniski was so hated but it quickly became cheers because they knew how special a NWA Title change was. Lou Thesz would show respect by shaking the new Champions hand cementing the special occasion.
NWA World Championship (Atlanta, GA 4/14/67) NO SOUND
Kiniski would be a fighting champion traveling around the world from his home country in Canada to Japan and throughout the states taking on the best in Thesz, Dick the Bruiser, Terry and Dory Funk Jr and many more during his three years of greatness.
It would be Dory Funk JR. that would defeat Kiniski in Tampa Florida on February 11, 1969 to end his title reign. Kiniski would continue to headline around the world winning titles and drawing big houses.
After Kikiski’s days were long gone, Kiniski and Matysik was driving by the Kiel Auditorium, they spoke of the changes of wrestling throughout the years. Kiniski put it in perspective “I don’t begrudge anyone in the business making money but be sure to let the fans know there was matches in that building that will never be done again.
The loving father of two sons, Nick and Kelly who followed in their dads footsteps to become pro wrestlers. Kiniski referred the main event of the inaugural NWA Starrcade (Ric Flair vs. NWA World Champion Harley Race in a steel cage) in 1983.
Special referee Gene Kiniski (a former NWA World Champion himself) checks Ric Flair for foreign objects. Kiniski has been brought in to guarantee a fair match(Photo WWE)
Kiniski was inducted into the Tragos/Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Newton, Iowa in 2004 and a member of the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame – Hall of Fame [2007].
On April 14, 2010 Kiniski at aged 81, passed away from cancer at his home in Blaine, Washington.
~~~~Special thanks to Larry Matysik for his words of wisdom and allowing me to use his wonderful book From the Golden Era- The St Louis Wrestling Record Book 1959 to 1963 .If you would like to buy this wonderful treasure back in time click here.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: American Wrestling Association, AWA, Bruno Sammartino, Dick the Bruiser, Don Plechas, Dory Funk Jr., Fritz Von Erich, Gene Kiniski, Kiel, Larry Matysik, Lou Thesz, Missouri Wrestling Revival, MWR, Nick Bockwinkel, NWA, Pat O Connor, Sam Muchnick, Shohei Giant Baba, Terry Funk, Tony Morelli, Verne Gagne, Whipper Billy Watson, WWE, WWWF | Leave a Comment »
Terry Funk, Dick Murdoch and Cowboy Bob Ellis will join Bobby Heenan in the Class of 2010 St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame
Posted by flairwhoooooo on April 26, 2010
Terry Funk
Dick Murdoch
Cowboy Bob Ellis
Three more of the most influential wrestlers in ST Louis wrestling history will be honored in the ST Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2010 along with Bobby “the Brain” Heenan who was inducted during the TNA Legends Main event on April 17th in St Charles.
Do not miss the opportunity to meet Terry Funk at the Wrestling legends on tour. The presentation is set for Saturday May 8 while the three day extravaganza will be held on Ma7 –May 9. For more information check out their website here.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Bobby Heenan, Cowboy Bob Ellis, Dick Murdoch, Missouri Wrestling Revival, St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame, Terry Funk, Wrestling legends on tour | Leave a Comment »
MWR Fans you can speak to former NWA World Champion and WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk JR this Saturday.
Posted by flairwhoooooo on March 29, 2010
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By Brian “Flair” Kelley
MWR Fans you will not want to miss the chance to listen in on the St Louis Nostalgia show this Saturday April 3rd at 11am at http://kzqz1430am.com/. Your host Herb Simmons and co-host Larry Matysik will interview wrestling great Dory Funk JR. Callers are welcomed to call in at the radio station at 1-888-394-1430.
Dory Funk JR is the son of Dory Funk SR and brother of Terry Funk. On February 11, 1969 in Tampa, Florida, Dory Funk JR would defeat Gene Kiniski and remained NWA World Champion for the next four and a half years, which is the second-longest uninterrupted reign of any NWA World Champion (Lou Thesz held the NWA world title from November 27, 1949, to March 15, 1956).
Dory’s ties to the Midwest are very tight as he would defend the NWA Championship against Black Jack Lanza with Bobby Heenan, Dick the Bruiser and Baron Von Raschke in classic match ups. Dory Funk Jr would lose his NWA World Championship in the Midwest against Harley Race in Kansas on City May 24, 1973. The match would earn Funk JR and Race the 1973 Pro Wrestling Illustrated Match of the year honors. Dory Funk JR would earn the 1974 PWI Match of the Year honors once again, this time against Jack Brisco In Tokyo Japan.
Dory is the innovator and master of the Texas cloverleaf submission hold and thrilled fans as he sold out arenas the world with great matches. At WrestleMania 2 Dory teamed with his brother Terry as they defeated the Junkyard Dog and Tito Santana.
No wrestling Hall of Fame is complete without Dory Funk 50 plus years of wrestling greatness. Last year Dory was inducted in the WWE Hall of fame by Dusty Rhodes. Dory Funk JR is also a member of the Cauliflower Alley Club (Class of 1998), NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (Class of 2005), St Louis Hall of Fame (Class of 2008) and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).
Former NWA World champions Terry Funk, Jack Brisco, Harley Race and Dory Funk Jr. strike a pose at the 2005 NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Charlotte.
Dory would continue to be an impact in the sport as he would go on to train WWE World Champions Edge, Lita and Mickie James and TNA World Champions Kurt Angle, Christian and Rhino.
Wrestling fans you will not want to miss the chance to speak to one of the most influential wrestlers to ever lace up the boots. Remember to listen this Saturday at 11 am on at http://kzqz1430am.com/to hear from the former World Champion Dory Funk JR speak with St Louis’s Herb Simmons and co-host Larry Matysik. To call in do not forget 1-888-394-1430.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged: Baron Von Raschke, Black Jack Lanza, Bobby Heenan, Christian, Dick the Bruiser, Dory Funk Jr., Dory Funk SR, Dusty Rhodes, Edge, Gene Kiniski, Harley Race, Herb Simmons, Jack Brisco, Junkyard Dog, Larry Matysik, Lita, Lou Thesz, Mickie James, Missouri Wrestling Revival, MWR, NWA Hall of Fame, NWA World Champion, Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Rhino, St Louis Hall of Fame, St Louis Nostalgia show, Terry Funk, Tito Santana, TNA World Champions Kurt Angle, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, WWE Hall of fame | Leave a Comment »
Missouri Wrestling Revival 