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by Tony Richards
The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is dedicated to researching, educating and discovering pro wrestling history from the territorial-era. Our host and guests share a passion for the performance art of professional wrestling as it was presented in the era of the territories and booking offices from 1930 through 1990.
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Episode 73 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is loaded with three big segments and drops this morning at 5am Central / 6am Eastern. Segment 1: I welcome back World Class Championship Wrestling historian and expert Lance Peterson. Lance shares his thoughts on the recent Curse of the Von Erichs documentary — honest analysis, historical context, and insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Segment 2: We continue The Life and Career of Dory Funk Sr. as 1966 kicks off. The first card of the new year takes us to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I dig into the history of pro wrestling in Albuquerque, local town promoter Mike London, the TV show of the era, and profiles on Iron Mike DiBiase and Sailor Art Thomas. Plus, a complete look at every card from January 1966 in Albuquerque. Segment 3: Steve Gennerelli is back with a brand-new mailbag. He’s been collecting your questions, and I’m ready for him to fire them my way. Territory history, booking, wrestlers, “what ifs” — nothing is off limits. Three strong segments. One powerhouse episode. Episode 73 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your shows. We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel, the home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast - The Curse of the Von Erichs - Brian Adias on the Molestation Scandal - Bradley on Fritz and Doris's Life - Kevin Von Erich on the Fritz Documentary - Jack Fritz on the Death of David - Von Eric and The Rock - Kevin Von Erich on David Manning's Death - Rooster McConaughey on His WWE Return - Mike and Doris on WWE Bloopers - Michael Hayes on The Freebirds and The Von Erichs - Kevin Collapse in Wrestling - Gino Hernandez's Death - Neville on Dusty's Death - Kevin Brody on The Dark Side Review - The Iron Claw - David Von Erich's Funeral - Jerry Lawler on Fritz's Death - The Curse of the Von Erichs - Amarillo Pro Wrestling - Iron Mike Thomas - Jan 1966 Pro Wrestling Card in West Texas - Jack Kane Locked In a Cage - Mailbag - John McAdam on His Return to Wrestling - 30 Great Commentators - Was the Pay in the WWF Always the Best? - What If The Territory Era Had Survived? - Would Vince McMahon Consider Bringing in a New Talent? - Favorite Commentary Team - Did Kevin Sullivan Ever Refer To Frankie Kane As An Influencer? - Favorite Wrestling Venue - Dusty Flair on the Best of 7 Match - Wrestling in the 1980s - WWE Studio Tapings - The Greatest Tag Team of All Time - Top 10 Tag Teams in Wrestling - Kangaroos Fold Out Poster - Favorite Wrestlers That You Never Saw Live - Delbert Prince - Are Any of the WWF Undercard Guys Still Alive? - What If Bill Watts Had Bought the UWF... - Are Wrestlers Entitled to Join the Screen Actors Guild? - Tony Jones on UK Wrestling - The Making of The Muppet - Steve Corgan: I really enjoyed doing this Mailbag with Tony Richards - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History
It's another loaded episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!On Episode 72, Steve Gennerelli joins me as we step back into 1976 for a deep dive into the WWWF. We break down the dramatic Bruno Sammartino broken neck angle, the heated return match against Stan Hansen, and the massive impact it had on the territory. Plus, we examine the historic Inoki vs. Ali mixed wrestler-versus-boxer match and share more key insights into the WWWF during that pivotal year. I’m also excited to launch a brand-new recurring segment: The Life and Career of Dory Funk Sr.! We kick things off by looking back at the significant events of 1965 and how they set the stage for the pivotal year of 1966. Then we head 60 years back in time to the Wild West Texas rings of Western States Sports for some raw, hard-hitting territory history. And finally, the one and only George Schire returns to the show to answer a fan question with his personal thoughts on the Top 5 AWA World Heavyweight Champions of all time!This is a stacked episode packed with territory-era gold you don’t want to miss.Episode 72 is live now here on Substack and on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your favorite platforms. If you love old-school wrestling history, hit play, please subscribe and leave a review, and let us know what you think. Keep those questions and topic requests coming! We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel, the home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters - Podcast - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast - Tony Richards - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History - Grizzly Up Soap Company - WWE Hall of Fame 1976 - Boxing vs Wrestling at MSG - Ali Enoki vs Rocky Johnson - Muhammad Ali vs Anoki Japan Match - The Inoki vs Muhammad Ali Match - Andre vs Chuck Wepner on HBO - Bruno on The WWE's End - Billy Graham on Bruno's WWE Championship Run - Bruno Guerrero's Last Year - The WWF Tag Team Tournament - The Ali vs Anoki Match - Ali vs Inoki: The Fight That Hurt My Soul - Steve From The Mailbag - Back to The WWWF in 1976 - Grizly Up Soap Company - Dorie Funk Senior and the Year of 1966 - West Texas - Dorie Funk Senior and Iron Mike DiBiase - Terry Funk and Dorie Funk Sr. - 1966 - George Shire - Wonders of the AWA Panel - The Old Comiskey Park Being Sold Out - George Shire On The AWA's Greatest Champions - The Crusher's AWA Championship Run - Honorable Mention - Ricky Martel - Kurt Hennig - Best Matches With Verne - Nick Bwinkle - St. Louis Wrestling Legends Remember Warren Buckwinkle - Nick Fury and His Manager - The Ultimate AWA Hall of Fame - Amarillo Wrestling Review: 1966 - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
Episode 71: Tennessee Territory 1976 – The Gulas-Welch Territory in the First Half of the YearIn this episode, host Tony Richards is joined once again by Tennessee wrestling historian Tim Dills for a detailed review of the first six months of 1976 in the powerful Gulas-Welch Tennessee Territory. We explore the behind-the-scenes workings and motivations of the new UWA promotion challenging the established order in Nashville, the heated and emerging Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich feud that would become one of the territory’s biggest draws, the colorful program pitting The Bicentennial Kings against The Fabulous Fargos (including Jackie and Roughhouse), and much more. Throughout the conversation, we see the early seeds of discontent being sown between Nick Gulas and Jerry Jarrett — tensions that would ultimately lead to the dramatic breakup of the territory in 1977.Packed with historical context, key angles, business insights, and classic territory storytelling, this episode is essential listening for fans of Mid-South/NWA action in the 1970s. Episode 71 drops now — available on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company.Ride with us through the Time Tunnel as we continue our deep dive into 1976! Chapters - Podcast - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History: The Trago Estez - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Tennessee Territory in 1976 - Tennessee Wrestling's 200th Anniversary - Jerry Jarrett owned about 20% of the Wrestling Company in 1976 - Jerry Lawler in the Tennessee Territory - Jerry Lawler On His Early Years In Professional Wrestling - Sam Bass - Bicentennial Kings Gimmick - Jerry Jarrett on His Time in Huntsville - Jerry Lawler on His Tag Team Championship - Tennessee Wrestling's Booker's License - Lou Luth Asks for a Booker's License - Roy Ingram's Lawyers and the Athletic Commission - Jim Crockett Promotions: Licensing Issues - Buddy Lee vs John Ringley - 7 Wrestlers Left for Luthez - Bill Warren - Tennessee Athletic Commission Ledger Sheet, Professional Wrestling - The Wrestling Booking Fee - UWA Memphis, Tommy Thompson - UWA Announcement - UWA wrestlers from the Tennessee area - Tennessee Wrestling's Split in Two in 1976 - History of Texas Wrestling - Tennessee 1976
We continue our 2026 Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series with Episode 70, dropping this morning , July 8th — just days before the big Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo.Joining us is Ron Fuller, who will be accepting the 2026 Lou Thesz Award on behalf of the Welch/Fuller Family. Ron shares heartfelt memories of his family’s legendary contributions to the business, stories from his own career, and his pivotal role promoting Southeastern Championship Wrestling in 1976. We dive deep into the family legacy that helped shape so many territories. Our second guest is the noted wrestling historian George Schire. We discuss my own honor — the James C. Melby Award for excellence in journalism and wrestling history preservation — and I have a special surprise for George during the show that you won’t want to miss.Two outstanding guests, rich Hall of Fame conversation, and plenty of territory history. This is one of those episodes you’ll want to listen to more than once. Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company — keeping the legends clean and the territory spirit alive!Set your reminders, download it fresh on Wednesday morning, and ride along with us through the Time Tunnel as we celebrate this year’s honorees. Can’t wait for you to hear this one! Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestliung! Chapters - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Territorial Era - Grizzly Oak Soap Company - The Welch Legacy and The Fields Family - The Lou Thes Award - Ronnie Welch on His National Wrestling Alliance Connection - Ron Wright on His New Promotion in Southeastern Wrestling - Ron Wright on Eddie Graham Flying - Don Carson in the WWE - George Tanaka on His Time in Knoxville - George McCrary on His Turn at Knoxville - Wrestlers in the 1980s - Terry Funk on Working With Dori Funk Jr. - Ronnie Garvin Throwing the Championship Off The Bridge - Roy Estes: The Creators of Territory Wrestling - Jace on His Granddad - Billy Gunn on the NWA Convention - Rocky Marciano vs Ed Spider Galinto - Herb Welch on His Career - Uncle Herb and His 100-Year-Old Sister - Herb Welch Was A Wrestling Trainer In Dyersburg - Herb Golden on His Brother Jack - Crazy Dad: The Cap - Jeff Jarrett on His Family's WWE Hall of Fame Induction - Dusty Welch in the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame - Wrestling Wars of the 1950s and 1972 - WWE Hall of Fame Guest: George Shire - George Shire Returns to "The NFL on ABC" - Pat O'Connor vs Buddy Rogers - Buddy Rogers - The New WWA Territories - NWA Champ Pat O'Connor: Did You Ever Talk To - Tom Ernesto on the NWA - Jerry Oates on Terry Funk's NWA Championship - Jack Briscoe On Harley Dory's Tractor Crash - Buddy Rogers in the National Wrestling Alliance - The James C. Melby Award - Jim Leyland - Mike Chapman - Tony Melby Gets the NWA Melby Award - Tony Robbins on the - George Carlin: If You Would Induct Me Into the Iowa - George Shire and Ron Fuller Stop By Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Vault - Tony Guerrero at the Trago Stays Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame - The History of Texas Wrestling
We proudly launch our brand-new 2026 Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series with Episode 69 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, featuring 2026 Impact Award winner and legendary referee James Beard and Jack Brisco Red Belt Award winner “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin!James was a cornerstone official in World Class Championship Wrestling’s glory years at the Sportatorium and later in the WWF. Jimmy Garvin brings his iconic in-ring perspective from his legendary runs across the territories, including his deep Texas roots and time with the Freebirds. In this conversation we cover career highlights, behind-the-scenes stories from Dallas, and what these well-deserved honors mean to them ahead of the Hall of Fame weekend. Episode 69 is live now on Substack,Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. Listen today and let us know what you think. The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling. Chapters - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Territory History Podcast - Mailbag Show - George Shire Writes A Message On The AWA Mailbag - JYD Was The Biggest Star In New Orleans Wrestling - Texas Wrestling History - Julius Siegel Runs for Justice of the Peace in Houston - The Houston Riot and the Camp Logan Mutiny - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel - James Beard on The Tregostez Hall of Fame Impact Award - What, What first drew you in to, to pro wrestling? - George Strait on Playing in Texas Bars - A Few Words on Red Bastine - Tony Jones on Becoming a Referee - James Harden On His Role As A Referee - Kevin vs. The Iron Claw Movie - Bookmark - Jerry Briscoe on Being Honored in the Texas Pro Wrestling - Jerry Jones on His Presidential Honor - What Fritz Von Erich Was Really Like - Honorary WWE Commissioner Gary Hart - How My Japan Experience Turned Me Into A Teacher - Texas Style Wrestling Clinic - Texas sports on TV - Tony Stark Wins Impact Award - Who Would Have Been the NWA Champion In 1977? - Jimmy Garvin on The NWA World Championship - The Jack Briscoe Red Belt Award - Terry Garvin on Working With Ron and Leroy - Terry McGuirk on Managing Danny Hodge - Lou Diamond on His Attitude - Jimmy Hogan on Working for New Japan and Japan - Michael Jackson on Working With David Von Erich in 1983 - Fighting For Her Life With Chris Adams - Michael Jackson on Working With Steve Regal - The Road Warriors vs Dusty - Dusty Rhodes on The Chief Spanking Patty - Ricky Flair on Working With Dusty and Magnum - Kevin Sullivan on His Hurt Back - Kevin Durant on His Time in the NBA - Bradley on Working With Michael in WCW - Bob Crockett on Taking Off Work - Flying at 26 - Warren Buffett on Working for Warren Buffett - Jimmy Hoffa on Eddie Graham - Flying a C-130 - Jimmy Fallon on His Advice To His Fans - Jimmy Garvin on His Gimmick - Wrestling Legends on Lessons Learned - The Secret to Remembering Your Career - Warren Buffett on Flying For NET Jets - Jack Briscoe Gets His NWA Hall of Fame Ring - Pro Wrestling - Tony Richards: Narrative of the Life and Career of Richard - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
We’re back with our second Mailbag Show of the year — Episode 67 — and I’m joined once again by my great friend and co-host, Steve Gennerelli!This one is pure fan interaction. Steve and I are diving into your questions from the community — everything from deep territorial history, booking decisions, hidden gems from the 70s and 80s, wrestler careers, and those classic “what if” scenarios that we all love to debate.You asked… we’re answering. Expect plenty of stories, insight, laughs, and that signature Time Tunnel deep dive you’ve come to expect.Whether you’re a longtime territory fan or just discovering the golden age of regional wrestling, this episode is for you. Episode 67 – The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Mailbag Show #2 is live now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your shows.Drop a review, share your thoughts, and keep those questions coming for the next mailbag! Thanks for riding with us through the Time Tunnel… let’s open some letters and talk some wrestling history! Chapters - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Mailbag Show - A message from the daughter of the late Pro Wrestling Legend - The Jay Briscoe and Bradshaw Show - Mailbag Has a Hacking Guy - Grizzly Up Soap - Andy Kaufman on The Rock and Wrestling - What is the oldest title in Wrestling? - In A Perfect World... JYD - Some Promoters Who Should Be Remembered - Roy Welch - Eddie Graham - The Wizard Should Be In The WWE Hall of Fame - Jim Barnett On Gary Jester - Who Was The Best Utility Wrestler? - Red Bastine on Mid-South Wrestling - Tony Robbins on AEW and WWE - AEW CEO on Keeping the Company Authentic - Would Bobby Shane Have Been an Elite Booker? - Sam Mushnick's St. Louis Wrestling - What Was The Brass Knuckles Championship? - Why Did Crockett Not Acquire The IWA or Bill - Vince McMahon on His National Business - Dusty Rhodes On Always Want To Form A Tag Team - Howard Finkel - Would You Write a Book On A Wrestler? - The Impact of Wrestling Producers - Send in Questions About the Death of the Territory - Podcast
It's Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory Show as we continue pur 1976 Territory Review Series! I am joined by Greg Klein this week as we we roll into the heart of Texas in 1976 and dive deep into one of the hottest territories in the NWA: Big Time Wrestling out of Dallas. From the roads stretching between Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Austin, a stacked roster of talent was tearing it up night after night in arenas big and small.Homegrown hero and NWA American Champion Fritz Von Erich was the beating heart of the promotion. The legendary Iron Claw was working overtime as Fritz anchored fantastic programs, most notably his intense heel feud with The Mongolian Stomper, managed by the cunning J.J. Dillon. These battles had Texas fans on the edge of their seats week after week.The territory was so hot that even top stars were navigating carefully. The great Red Bastien was reportedly steering somewhat clear of the red-hot scene, while still making selective appearances like his time-limit draw with Rick Martel on the big card.The crown jewel of the year? The Super Bowl of Wrestling on June 5, 1976, at Texas Stadium in Irving. One of the biggest shows of the year drew a massive crowd (reported around 17,000) for a star-studded supercard. In the main event, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk hooked up with Fritz Von Erich in a sizzling title match that spilled outside and ended in a double count-out, further fueling the ongoing Von Erich vs. Funk family feud that had Texas (and beyond) buzzing.We’ll break down the full card highlights, key angles, the business side of the territory, other top talent on the roads, and how this era set the stage for what would become World Class Championship Wrestling. From blood feuds and big gates to the territorial grind, it’s classic 1976 Texas wrestling at its absolute peak.Tune in for another deep dive through the Time Tunnel—where the territories come alive again! The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling. Chapters - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History - Nikita Koloff and Magnum TA: The 40th Anniversary Book - 1973 WWE Hall of Fame Weekend Review - The History of Texas Wrestling With Jerry Briscoe and John Brad - 1976 - Best Friend of Wrestling's New Book - Dallas Wrestling: The Houston Territory - The Super Bowl of Wrestling - Back in the Saddle: Dallas, Texas, 1976 - Texas Wrestling Wars: The History of The War - The Mongolian Stomper vs Terry Funk - Fritz Von Erich - Andre the Giant - Terry Funk Coming Home to Texas - Terry Funk vs Chavo Guerrero - Andre the Giant vs Stan Hansen in the AWA Texas - Gino Hernandez - Terry Funk vs Fritz Von Erich - Mongolian Stomper - Andre vs Stomper - Terry Funk vs Fritz Von Erich - Fritz Von Erich and his sons - Andre and Inoki at the Go Home Show - Book Review: The Texas Wrestling Wars of the 1950s - Tribute To Jerry Gray - Greg Klein - Grizzly Up Soap Co. - Daily Pro Wrestling History Newsletter - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Podcast
In a special celebration episode marking the exact 40th anniversary of one of pro wrestling’s most intense and unforgettable rivalries, host Tony is joined by the two men who lived it: Magnum T.A. and Nikita Koloff themselves! This landmark episode dives deep into the legendary 1986 Best-of-7 Series for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship that electrified arenas across the Jim Crockett Promotions territory and forever changed the landscape of Mid-Atlantic wrestling. For the first time on the show, Magnum and Nikita sit down together to relive the entire program — from the explosive buildup on television, the sold-out crowds that packed the Omni, the Greensboro Coliseum, and the Scope, all the way through the dramatic conclusion of the seventh and final match. Tony guides the conversation as the two former rivals recount the major story arcs, the real-life heat that blurred the lines between kayfabe and reality, the physical toll of wrestling seven straight high-stakes matches in a single month, and the personal respect that grew between them once the series was over. Listeners will hear never-before-shared details about the planning of the series, the psychology behind each contest, the emotional weight of the “Russian” vs. “All-American” storyline at the height of the Cold War era, and what it meant to compete for what many still call the most prestigious championship in the United States at that time. The episode also spotlights the brand-new book “Magnum & Nikita: The Untold Story of the 1986 Best-of-7” (as told to acclaimed wrestling author Bill Murdock). Both guests discuss how the book came together, the stories they chose to reveal for the first time, and the moments that even hardcore fans have never heard until now. Magnum and Nikita read select excerpts live and answer listener-submitted questions about the series that defined both of their careers. Whether you watched the matches live in 1986, discovered them on the Network years later, or are just now learning about this classic feud, Episode 66 is the definitive oral history of one of wrestling’s greatest seven-match wars. Available now on all major podcast platforms and the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Substack and YouTube channel. And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show. In a special celebration episode marking the exact 40th anniversary of one of pro wrestling’s most intense and unforgettable rivalries, host Tony is joined by the two men who lived it: Magnum T.A. and Nikita Koloff themselves! This landmark episode dives deep into the legendary 1986 Best-of-7 Series for the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship that electrified arenas across the Jim Crockett Promotions territory and forever changed the landscape of Mid-Atlantic wrestling. For the first time on the show, Magnum and Nikita sit down together to relive the entire program — from the explosive buildup on television, the sold-out crowds that packed the Omni, the Greensboro Coliseum, and the Scope, all the way through the dramatic conclusion of the seventh and final match. Tony guides the conversation as the two former rivals recount the major story arcs, the real-life heat that blurred the lines between kayfabe and reality, the physical toll of wrestling seven straight high-stakes matches in a single month, and the personal respect that grew between them once the series was over. Listeners will hear never-before-shared details about the planning of the series, the psychology behind each contest, the emotional weight of the “Russian” vs. “All-American” storyline at the height of the Cold War era, and what it meant to compete for what many still call the most prestigious championship in the United States at that time. The episode also spotlights the brand-new book “Magnum & Nikita: The Untold Story of the 1986 Best-of-7” (as told to acclaimed wrestling author Bill Murdock). Both guests discuss h... Chapters - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Nikita and Magnum - Magnum TA vs Wahoo McDaniel - Nikita Koloff on His Career - Billy Gunn on Working With Kamala - Working With Dusty Joe and Booker Hawkins - Magna on Dusty's Creativity - Dusty and Magnum on Working For The WWF - Magnum on The Dusty McMahon Best of 7 Match - Nikita vs Magnum at the Great American Bash - Nikita vs Dusty Rhods - Jimmy Garvin on Had He Been the NWA World Champion - Dusty Briscoe on His Best of 7 Match - The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show
The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is dedicated to researching, educating and discovering pro wrestling history from the territorial-era. Our host and guests share a passion for the performance art of professional wrestling as it was presented in the era of the territories and booking offices from 1930 through 1990.
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