1h ago

The Attraction Archive – Episode 11: World Champions, Trailblazers, and Wrestling's Lasting Mysteries

The Attraction Archive – Episode 11: World Champions, Trailblazers, and Wrestling's Lasting Mysteries Some wrestling attractions became legends because of championship victories. Others broke barriers that reached far beyond the ring. And a few left behind mysteries that historians are still trying to solve. This week on The Attraction Archive, Frank Culbertson and Portland wrestling historian Mike Rodgers explore four fascinating figures whose stories demonstrate just how diverse the world of Portland wrestling truly was. The episode begins with Ivan Koloff, the man who shocked the wrestling world by ending Bruno Sammartino's historic WWWF Championship reign. Mike traces Koloff's early Northwest appearances under the name Red McNulty, his later returns as an international superstar, and the personal conversations that revealed the thoughtful, faith-driven man behind one of wrestling's greatest villains. Next, the spotlight turns to Sue Green, whose extraordinary career began while she was still in high school. After receiving permission from the Governor of Texas to wrestle professionally as a teenager, Green went on to enjoy a remarkable career that extended well beyond the ring, eventually becoming the focus of the acclaimed documentary Out in the Ring. The journey continues with Joey Russell, whose career alongside the legendary Sky Low Low highlights the close-knit world of little person wrestling during its touring heyday. Then Frank and Mike dive into one of wrestling history's enduring puzzles: Pepe Morales. Was he actually Sonny Boy Hayes competing under another name? The historical evidence is compelling, but the mystery remains unsolved, making for one of the most intriguing stories in the Attraction Archive. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historical research of Portland wrestling historian Mike Rodgers, author of The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers. New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

1d ago

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 45: July 1969 – New Champions, New Rivalries, and a Legendary Hawaiian Card

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 45: July 1969 – New Champions, New Rivalries, and a Legendary Hawaiian Card The summer of 1969 is heating up, and so is Portland wrestling. This week, Frank Culbertson and Portland wrestling historian Mike Rodgers continue their month-by-month journey through July 1969, a pivotal month that saw changing championships, growing rivalries, and clear signs that Don Owen was preparing to reshape the territory. Attendance concerns, shifting storylines, and a changing roster all point toward a promotion on the verge of a major turning point. The episode follows the escalating battles between Lonnie Mayne, Tony Borne, Buddy Marino, Crusher Stan Stasiak, Roger "Rip" Kirby, and Dean Higuchi, as the Northwest Tag Team Championship changes hands twice in just a matter of weeks. Along the way, Frank and Mike break down the storytelling behind the matches, debate controversial referee decisions, discuss Don Owen's booking philosophy, and examine why the territory was beginning to reinvent itself during the summer of 1969. Listeners will also hear fascinating stories about forgotten spot shows, the mysterious Oregon Championship, women's wrestling in Washington, colorful newspaper coverage, and the wrestlers who quietly kept the Northwest territory running from town to town. As always, Lisa returns with another entertaining edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, sending Mike well outside his wrestling comfort zone with trivia inspired by Tennessee, Mountain Dew, and a few unexpected detours that lead to stories involving Ric Flair, Triple H, Portland Wrestling, and the Oregon State Athletic Commission. The episode closes with another visit to Hawaii Wrestling, where Frank and Mike examine one of the most incredible cards of 1969—a lineup featuring Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens, Ripper Collins, Pedro Morales, Gene Kiniski, Gorilla Monsoon, King Curtis Iaukea, Nick Bockwinkel, Dory Dixon, and more. It's a reminder that while Portland had an outstanding roster, Hawaii was presenting some of the greatest collections of wrestling talent anywhere in the world. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and Portland wrestling historian Mike Rodgers. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Jul 24

The Attraction Archive – Episode 10: International Legends, Future Champions, and Wrestling's Smallest Giants

The Attraction Archive – Episode 10: International Legends, Future Champions, and Wrestling's Smallest Giants The Attraction Archive travels around the wrestling world this week, from legendary Japanese stars and future world champions to one of the most accomplished women ever trained by Sandy Barr and a fascinating collection of little person wrestling attractions whose careers spanned decades. This episode begins with Kinji Shibuya, one of the territorial era's greatest villains. Although billed as Japanese throughout his career, fans may be surprised to learn he was actually born in Utah. Mike Rodgers explores Shibuya's remarkable career, his time as one of wrestling's biggest stars during the 1960s, and his memorable appearances in Portland alongside names like Haru Sasaki, Jesse Ventura, Bull Ramos, Jimmy Snuka, Don Leo Jonathan, and Dutch Savage. Next comes one of the most unusual championship stories in Portland wrestling history. Tatsumi Fujinami, already an international superstar, wrestled only two matches in Portland—but somehow managed to win the Northwest Heavyweight Championship in one and lose it in the other, creating one of the shortest and most unique title reigns the territory ever witnessed. The spotlight then turns to Velvet McIntyre, another graduate of Sandy Barr's wrestling school. Although she wrestled only twice in Portland, she went on to capture both the WWF Women's Championship and the WWF Women's Tag Team Championship, including a career-defining victory over The Fabulous Moolah. The episode concludes with a look at several memorable little person attractions—Pee Wee Adams, Sonny Boy Hayes, and Little Brutus—whose careers stretched from Portland to some of wrestling's biggest stages, including Shea Stadium, while helping preserve one of wrestling's most unique traditions. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historical research of Portland wrestling historian Mike Rodgers, author of The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers. New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Jul 23

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 44: Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame – Part 2

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 44: Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame – Part 2 & Remembering Siva Afi The Hall of Fame vault is open once again. Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers continue their journey through years 12 through 22 of the Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame. Rather than simply reciting the complete classes, they stop to explore the careers, contributions, and personal stories of selected inductees who helped shape wrestling throughout the Pacific Northwest. Among those receiving the spotlight are Tiger Daula, Al Madril, Frankie Lane, Kyle O’Reilly, Rasputin, Verne Siebert, Gordon Hessel, Richie Magnet, Dr. John Bonica, Adrian Adonis, Art Barr, The Gray Mask, Frank Shields—also known as Bull Bullinski, Tito Carrion, Sgt. Slaughter, Scotty Mac, Sweet Daddy Siki, Red Bastien, Matty Suzuki, and Enrique Torres. Their stories range from world championships and major rivalries to opening-match longevity, medical innovation, personal friendships, and careers that might otherwise be lost to time. Lisa also deals another round of Card Shark, challenging Mike to identify classic wrestling cards from San Francisco, Dallas, and Florida. With only the match lineups as clues, Mike works to uncover the territory, city, year, and history behind each event. The episode then takes a heartfelt turn. Just as recording concluded, Frank and Mike learned that Siva Afi had passed away at the age of 77. Mike looks back on Afi’s journey from New Zealand to Hawaii, Portland, and the WWF; his major victories and one-hour draw with Ric Flair before 12,000 fans in Hawaii; and a personal memory of seeing him during the years he worked at Tom Peterson’s. Frank and Mike close the tribute by offering their condolences to the Afi family.Hosted by Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Jul 17

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #9 – The Greatest of All Time, Future Champions, and Wrestling Originals

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #9 – The Greatest of All Time, Future Champions, and Wrestling Originals Some wrestlers earned championships. Some earned fame. And a select few earned something even greater—the respect of generations of wrestlers who simply called them the greatest. In Episode #9 of The Attraction Archive, Frank Culbertson explores another remarkable collection of Portland Wrestling attractions, featuring perhaps the greatest professional wrestler who ever lived, one of the Northwest's most successful women champions, an unforgettable wrestling original who proudly called herself a "Gidget," and two pioneers of little person wrestling whose careers helped define an entire era. When wrestling legends were asked one simple question—"Who was the greatest professional wrestler of all time?"—the answer was often the same: Lou Thesz. From an unforgettable 1969 classic against Luther Lindsay to an impromptu match with Gene Kiniski after arriving in Portland as a special referee, Thesz proved why he remains one of the most respected figures in wrestling history. You'll also hear his heartfelt admiration for Don Owen, offering a rare glimpse into the mutual respect shared by two true legends. Standing just 4'11", Jeanne Antone refused to let anyone define her. Instead, she created her own category. Calling herself a "Gidget"—too small to be considered average-sized and too tall to compete as a little person wrestler—Antone carved out a unique identity while entertaining fans throughout the Northwest. It's one of the most charming and original stories in wrestling history. Long before capturing the WWF Women's Tag Team Championship, Princess Victoria was learning her craft under Sandy Barr in Portland. Her early Northwest appearances became the launching pad for a championship career, proving once again that Portland Wrestling was where many future stars first learned to shine. Sometimes history leaves behind only fragments. Farmer Jones remains one of wrestling's great mysteries—a performer whose documented Portland career lasted only one appearance but whose name continues to surface in wrestling records across North America. It's another reminder of why preserving wrestling history matters. Few names in little person wrestling carry more prestige than Sky Low Low. Over a remarkable 41-year career, he wrestled more than 900 matches, became a three-time World Midget Champion, performed before royalty, and earned a place alongside Little Beaver as one of the two greatest little wrestlers of all time. His story is nothing short of extraordinary. The Attraction Archive continues to celebrate the stars you know... ...the legends you may have forgotten... ...and the remarkable personalities who helped make Portland Wrestling unlike anywhere else in the world. Because every attraction... has a story worth telling. 🎙️ New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Based on the historical research of Mike Rogers and The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers, available now on Amazon.

Jul 16

Ringside in Rose City #43: The Voices That Sold the Matches: Interviews, Promos & Rare Audio

A great wrestling match could bring fans back next week. A great interview could sell out the building. In this special episode of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rogers return to the legendary Crow's Nest, where some of Portland Wrestling's greatest interviews—and a few unforgettable train wrecks—helped shape the territory. This time, the microphones belong to an incredible lineup of wrestling personalities, including: • Andre the Giant, Rocky Johnson, and Bret Sawyer setting the stage for a blockbuster Tuesday night card.• Roddy Piper delivering one of the most unforgettable—and controversial—promos of his Portland career.• Buddy Rose turning the intensity up to eleven as only the Playboy could.• Rick Martel, Matt Borne, Lonnie Mayne, Mike Miller, Steve Doll, Scotty the Body, Ricky Vaughn, Bret Sawyer, Rocky Johnson, and many more. Frank and Mike don't just play the interviews—they break them down, explaining what was happening behind the scenes, why certain promos worked so well, and why others... well... probably should have ended about thirty seconds sooner. The episode also includes one of the true highlights in Ringside in Rose City history, as Rich Patterson joins the show after answering Lisa's unexpected phone call. Rich shares the remarkable story of recording rare Portland Wrestling interviews as a ten-year-old in 1972, preserving audio that very few fans have ever heard. His memories—and his passion for preserving wrestling history—make this a must-listen for every Northwest wrestling fan. And speaking of fan favorites... Yes, Steve Doll gets another well-deserved spotlight. We know superfan Jody Day is probably already standing and applauding—and if anyone dares suggest Steve Doll doesn't belong in the conversation, Jody has likely prepared a ten-minute rebuttal complete with exhibits, witness testimony, and a closing argument. Around here, defending Steve Doll isn't just a hobby... it's practically a full-contact sport! If you've ever wondered why Portland Wrestling interviews are still talked about decades later, this episode provides the answer. Some sold matches. Some created unforgettable feuds. And some became legendary simply because they were so entertaining. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Jul 10

The Attraction Archive #8 – Legends, Champions, and Stories Worth Remembering

The Attraction Archive #8 – Legends, Champions, and Stories Worth Remembering Some attractions appeared only once. Some became world champions. And some left a legacy so great that one appearance in Portland was all it took to become part of wrestling history. In Episode #8 of The Attraction Archive, Frank Culbertson explores another remarkable collection of wrestlers whose influence stretched far beyond the Northwest. This week's journey features two of the most respected performers to ever lace up a pair of boots, one of the greatest women wrestlers of her generation, and two memorable stars from the world of little person wrestling. Ask veteran wrestlers, promoters, or historians to name the greatest performers of all time, and one name is guaranteed to come up: Ray Stevens. Although his Portland Sports Arena career consisted of just a single appearance, Stevens' reputation is legendary. Discover why his partnerships with Pat Patterson and Nick Bockwinkel are still considered among the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling history—and why so many insiders simply call him one of the best to ever step into a ring. Calm. Confident. Brilliant. Nick Bockwinkel never needed to shout to command an audience. Long before becoming AWA World Heavyweight Champion, he had already established himself as one of Portland Wrestling's finest competitors. This episode revisits his Northwest success and his memorable championship defense against a young Curt Hennig, a true meeting of two wrestling generations. Born into one of wrestling's pioneering families, Debbie Combs transformed early promise into an extraordinary career. From her Portland appearances against Liz Chase to championship battles with Sherri Martel, Debbie went on to become a three-time NWA World Women's Champion, proving she belonged among the elite women of her era. Standing just 4-foot-4 but carrying the heart of a champion, Chief Lone Eagle brought athleticism, determination, and an unforgettable personality to little person wrestling. His journey—from amateur wrestling in Newfoundland to Portland Wrestling and beyond—is one of the hidden gems of wrestling history. Sometimes a wrestling career lasts decades. Sometimes it lasts only a handful of matches. Tiny Tom wrestled just five times in the Northwest, yet his story remains one worth remembering. His brief career and tragic passing at only 27 years old serve as a reminder that every wrestler, no matter how short their time in the spotlight, helped shape wrestling's rich history. The Attraction Archive isn't just about the biggest stars. It's about preserving the stories, celebrating the careers, and remembering the people who made professional wrestling the unique world it has always been. Because every attraction... has a story worth telling. 🎙️ New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Based on the historical research of Mike Rogers and The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers, available now on Amazon.

Jul 9

Episode 42 – Portland Sports Arena: June 1969 – New Faces, New Champions, and a Territory in Transition

The summer of 1969 has arrived, and Portland Wrestling is changing before the fans' eyes. The Von Steigers are gone. New stars are stepping into the spotlight. Championships are changing hands, rivalries are intensifying, and Don Owen is clearly reshaping the territory for the months ahead. June proves to be one of the most pivotal months of 1969, as familiar names begin to fade and the next generation starts making its mark. Join Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rogers as they return to the Portland Sports Arena to relive another unforgettable month in Northwest wrestling history. This episode features: • A tribute to former Portland wrestler and promoter Jerry Gray, whose career stretched from the territories to promoting his own successful wrestling cards in the Northwest• Lonnie Mayne & Tony Borne capturing and defending the Northwest Tag Team Championship while Mayne continues his reign as Northwest Heavyweight Champion• Buddy Marino's incredible month, earning title shot after title shot and proving he belonged among Portland's elite• The continued rise of Dean Ho, as he steps into the role of one of Portland's top fan favorites• The arrival of Roger "Rip" Kirby, whose athletic style quickly makes him one of the territory's brightest new stars• The final Portland appearances of Pat Patterson before his return years later• Why Salem's famous stage wall may have been one of the busiest "weapons" in professional wrestling Plus... 🌺 Island Interlude returns with another incredible trip to Hawaii, featuring dream matches involving Pedro Morales, Gorilla Monsoon, Nick Bockwinkel, Billy Robinson, Gene Kiniski, Karl Gotch, King Curtis Iaukea, Ray Stevens, Pat Patterson, Dory Dixon, Rocky Montero, and many more. If there was a hotter wrestling territory anywhere in June 1969, we'd like to see it. And of course, there are plenty of laughs along the way, including:• Mike's unforgettable referee story involving Jerry Gray• Why Tony Borne may have found the greatest loophole in wrestling history... by simply buying a ticket.• Frank's tale of accidentally making Little Nasty Boy even "smaller" during a ring introduction.• Another spirited debate over Stan Stasiak, the Full Nelson, and whether Mike would have awarded Lonnie Mayne a cage match victory. June 1969 wasn't just another month in Portland Wrestling. It was the beginning of a new chapter. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Based on the research of historian Mike Rogers and The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers, available now on Amazon.

Portland Wrestling

The Attraction Archive – Episode 11: World Champions, Trailblazers, and Wrestling's Lasting Mysteries

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 45: July 1969 – New Champions, New Rivalries, and a Legendary Hawaiian Card

The Attraction Archive – Episode 10: International Legends, Future Champions, and Wrestling's Smallest Giants

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 44: Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame – Part 2

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #9 – The Greatest of All Time, Future Champions, and Wrestling Originals

Ringside in Rose City #43: The Voices That Sold the Matches: Interviews, Promos & Rare Audio

The Attraction Archive #8 – Legends, Champions, and Stories Worth Remembering

Episode 42 – Portland Sports Arena: June 1969 – New Faces, New Champions, and a Territory in Transition

Ratings & Reviews

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Portland Wrestling

Episodes

The Attraction Archive – Episode 11: World Champions, Trailblazers, and Wrestling's Lasting Mysteries

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 45: July 1969 – New Champions, New Rivalries, and a Legendary Hawaiian Card

The Attraction Archive – Episode 10: International Legends, Future Champions, and Wrestling's Smallest Giants

Ringside in Rose City – Episode 44: Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame – Part 2

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #9 – The Greatest of All Time, Future Champions, and Wrestling Originals

Ringside in Rose City #43: The Voices That Sold the Matches: Interviews, Promos & Rare Audio

The Attraction Archive #8 – Legends, Champions, and Stories Worth Remembering

Episode 42 – Portland Sports Arena: June 1969 – New Faces, New Champions, and a Territory in Transition

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information