Portland Wrestling

Frank
  • 5.0 (4)
  • WRESTLING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Step inside the Portland Sports Arena and relive the golden age of Pacific Northwest wrestling. From legendary feuds to hidden gems, our podcasts bring you the stories, matches, and larger-than-life personalities that defined one of wrestling’s most unique territories. Each episode dives into the history, characters, and unforgettable moments of Portland Wrestling—from household names who passed through on their way to national stardom, to the one-match wonders and obscurities that only true fans remember. If you love wrestling history, colorful characters, and the untold stories behind the

  1. Mid-Card Chronicles #10 – The Ones Who Adapted

    2D AGO

    Mid-Card Chronicles #10 – The Ones Who Adapted

    🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #10 – The Ones Who Adapted Main events get remembered.Champions get photographed.But this week… we focus on the wrestlers who adapted, reinvented themselves, and found ways to survive in a business that never stopped changing. In Episode #10 of Mid-Card Chronicles, Frank Culbertson continues the journey through Portland Wrestling’s dependable talents with four wrestlers who each carved out their place in the territory in very different ways. Because sometimes success in wrestling isn’t about becoming the biggest star… It’s about learning how to evolve. Depending on where you saw him, he might have been: • Ali Hassan• Sheik Abdullah• The Sheik• Or even Sheik Abdullah Hussein Same wrestler.Different presentations. Hassan arrived in Portland in 1982 and quickly became far more than just another heel. Within months he defeated Brett Sawyer to capture the Northwest Heavyweight Title—holding it for over five months. That’s not a placeholder champion.That’s trust. Along the way he introduced fans to the bizarre and chaotic Iranian Death Match, aligned himself with Rip Oliver, and later battled his former allies in a Loser Leave Town feud. Some wrestlers never completely leave. Moose Morowski drifted in and out of Portland Wrestling for years:• 1969• 1970• 1977• 1978• 1979• 1981• 1983 Sometimes a heel.Sometimes masked as the Black Avenger.Always reliable. Moose represents the classic territory journeyman: the wrestler who could step into any role, at any time, and make the card work. When Curtis Thompson arrived in Portland in 1990… He arrived hot. • Defeating Northwest Champion Scotty the Body immediately• Building momentum quickly• Turning heel alongside Ricky Santana• Capturing the Northwest Tag Team Titles But like many late-era Portland runs… It happened fast.And ended fast. Before long, Thompson moved on to national television where fans would know him better as: Firebreaker Chip. When Mike Masters came into Portland in 1981, he entered directly into the orbit of Buddy Rose. That mattered. • Wins over Chris Colt, Brett Sawyer, and King Parsons• Tag matches alongside Buddy Rose and Stan Stasiak• The classic Don Owen-era Full Nelson finish Masters looked like a wrestler on the rise. But wrestling careers evolve. After Portland, he shifted into promoting and training, eventually helping shape future generations of wrestlers. This episode isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about reinvention.Adaptation.And finding ways to stay valuable in a business constantly changing around you. Because in wrestling… sometimes the most important skill isn’t winning. It’s lasting. And while Mid-Card Chronicles rolls on… something new is coming soon. 📦 In two weeks, Ringside in Rose City begins an all-new series:The Attraction Archive. From André the Giant…to women wrestlers…to unforgettable special attractions who stormed through Portland for a short time and left lasting memories… A brand-new chapter is almost here. Step back into the territory. This is Mid-Card Chronicles — because without the middle, there is no main event.

    7 min
  2. Ringside in Rose City #34 – February 1969: When the Snow Melted… Everything Exploded

    3D AGO

    Ringside in Rose City #34 – February 1969: When the Snow Melted… Everything Exploded

    Ringside in Rose City #34 – February 1969: When the SnowMelted… Everything Exploded One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… the storm clears—and the chaos begins. After surviving one of the harshest winters in Oregonhistory, Ringside in Rose City returns to February 1969—andsuddenly, Portland Wrestling isn’t fighting the weather anymore… It’s fighting itself. When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope reads:“PSA February ’69.” And what follows is a month where every rivalry thatsimmered in January finally boils over. Three Teams. One Territory. At the center of it all: • The Von Steigers – still clinging to the tag titles through every trick in the book• Shag Thomas & Luther Lindsay – the powerhouse challengers who just won’t go away• Lonnie Mayne & Tony Borne – reunited as the Unholy Alliance, more dangerous than ever Titles change.Matches end in chaos.And every finish somehow makes things worse. This isn’t clean wrestling… This is territory warfare. Feuds That Won’t End February delivers some of the most creative—andbrutal—booking you’ll see: • Bloody disqualifications that help the babyfaces• Referees getting taken out in the middle of matches• Headbutts, chairs, and bodies going through walls• A Texas Death Match that doesn’t just settle things… it extends them And through it all… Lonnie Mayne evolves into something darker— a heel so intense the newspapers start calling him bloodthirsty.” A Night to Remember – February 26, 1969 The biggest crowd in Portland Sports Arena history—2,200fans—packs the building for a card that feels like something bigger: • Lou Thesz vs. Luther Lindsay – pure wrestling, noshortcuts• Stan Stasiak & Buddy Marino vs. Mayne & Borne – new blood meets chaos• John Tolos and Bulldog Bob Brown add star power from outside the territory This isn’t just another Saturday night. This is Portland Wrestling proving…it’s back. Island Interlude – Hawaii Heats Up While Portland builds momentum, Hawaii is stacked withtalent: • Gene Kiniski wins the North American Title• King Curtis returns and reclaims gold• Nick Bockwinkel, Wahoo McDaniel, Ray Stevens, and Ripper Collins headline loaded cards Different island.Same intensity. The Details That Made It Real This episode captures everything that made territorywrestling special: • Heels walking out with the belts to avoid losing• Referees reversing decisions based on crowd reaction• Wrestlers handcuffed at ringside… unable to save their partners• And finishes that leave fans furious—but coming back next week Because in Portland… You didn’t always get the ending you wanted.You got the one that made you care more. February 1969 wasn’t about survival anymore. It was about momentum. The crowds were back.The feuds were hotter.And Portland Wrestling was starting to feel like… something special.

    1h 21m
  3. 🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #9 – The Rise, The Moment, The Choice

    MAY 1

    🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #9 – The Rise, The Moment, The Choice

    🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #9 – The Rise, The Moment, The Choice Main events get remembered.Champions get photographed.But this week… it’s about what happens in between. In Episode #9 of Mid-Card Chronicles, Frank Culbertson explores four very different Portland Wrestling stories—each showing how quickly things can rise… shift… or end. Because in wrestling…timing is everything. 🥊 Steve Regal – The Rise That Stopped When Steve Regal arrived in 1981, there was no slowclimb. • Immediate wins over top names like Buddy Rose, Rip Oliver,and Stan Stasiak• Two-time Northwest Heavyweight Champion• Tag Team success with Matt Borne He wasn’t mid-card.He was the guy. Then… injury. Momentum stalled.Partnerships broke.And after a heated feud with Borne...He was gone. A fast rise.A sudden stop. 🔥 George Wells – The Man in the Moment Some wrestlers are remembered for what they did. Others… for where they were. George Wells was right in the middle of one of themost important moments in Portland Wrestling history: • The legendary 8-man tag that ignited the Piper vs. Rosefeud• Wins over key names across the territory• A short but meaningful run during a peak era He wasn’t the headline. But he was there…when everything changed. 💥 Frank Dusek – Talent Meets Tension Frank Dusek walked into one of the most stacked rosters Portland had ever seen. At first:• Balanced wins and losses• A steady climb Then:• A heel turn• Main event opportunities• Feuds with Buddy Rose and the Sheepherders And behind the scenes? Conflict. A confrontation in the locker room…and just like that— It was over. But not the career. Dusek moved on…and found success elsewhere. 🎓 Mike Webster – The Choice Some stories don’t end in the ring. They end with a decision. Mike Webster found success in Vancouver—titles, wins,momentum. In Portland? A very different role. But Webster saw something bigger: • The wear and tear of the business• The reality of long-term pain• A future beyond wrestling So he made a choice. He walked away. This episode isn’t about one path. It’s about four. The rise that stopped.The moment that mattered.The conflict that changed everything.And the choice to leave. Because in wrestling…every career tells a different story. Step back into the territory. This is Mid-Card Chronicles — because without the middle,there is no main event.

    7 min
  4. 🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #33 – Princess Victoria: Fighting the System

    APR 30

    🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #33 – Princess Victoria: Fighting the System

    🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #33 – Princess Victoria: Fighting the System One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… one of the toughest stories ever told at ringside. When Lisa Hughes punches the connect button, FrankCulbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers welcome a true pioneer into the Rose City ring: Princess Victoria. Before the bright lights…Before Madison Square Garden…Before the championships… There was a fight just to get in the ring. 🚫 When Women Weren’t Allowed From 1954 to 1975, women’s wrestling was banned in Oregon. Not because they couldn’t wrestle— but because they weren’t allowed to. Princess Victoria was part of the generation that steppedthrough that door when it finally opened… and proved they belonged. 🥊 From Fan to Fighter Her story starts in the stands—watching Portland Wrestlingas a kid… and turns into one of the most unlikely journeys in the business: • Training under Sandy Barr in the toughest possibleenvironment• Learning the craft the old-school way—six days a week, no shortcuts• Becoming “little sister” in a locker room filled with names like Roddy Piper, Buddy Rose, and Dutch Savage• Earning respect the only way that mattered—in the ring 🌎 The Road… and the Reality Victoria shares what life in the territory system was reallylike: • Endless miles—sometimes 800+ miles overnight just tomake the next town• Japan tours, fast-paced styles, and learning on the fly• The difference between working for promoters like Don Owen and Bill Watts… and the realities of working under others• And the truth about what wrestlers—especially women—were really paid This is wrestling without the gloss. ⚖️ The Moolah Reality Princess Victoria doesn’t hold back when discussing FabulousMoolah—but her perspective is layered. She separates the two sides: • Moolah the wrestler – a trailblazer who endured thehardest era and helped open doors for women in the business• Lillian Ellison the booker – a completely different story, involving control, pay disputes, and a system that many wrestlers felt exploited them Victoria speaks candidly about both—respecting the legacy…while refusing to ignore the reality. It’s one of the most honest and complex takes on Moolahyou’ll hear—and a reminder that wrestling history is rarely as simple as it seems. 🏆 The Highest Stage From Portland…to Madison Square Garden… Princess Victoria reached the top of the business as one-half of the WWWF Women’s Tag Team Champions. And yet… She found out she was winning the titles just five minutes before the match. That’s the business. 💥 The Moment Everything Changed On September 1, 1984…a wrinkle in the mat. A move goes wrong. And just like that— A career ends. Victoria shares the raw reality of that night… and how quickly everything can be taken away in professional wrestling. ❤️ More Than Wrestling This episode goes deeper than the ring. Victoria opens up about: • Her childhood and the challenges she overcame• The support—and protection—of the Portland locker room• Why fans mattered more than anything• And how her story continues today through her new book:Fighting the Wrong Side of the Sun This isn’t just a wrestling story. It’s about survival.Respect.And earning your place when the system says you don’t belong. Step into the arena. This is Ringside in Rose City — Wrestling  wrestling the way it should be.

    1h 16m
  5. Mid-Card Chronicles #8 – The Ones Who Chose, Carried, and Changed

    APR 24

    Mid-Card Chronicles #8 – The Ones Who Chose, Carried, and Changed

    Mid-Card Chronicles #8 – The Ones Who Chose, Carried, andChanged Main events get remembered.Champions get photographed.But this week… the story is deeper than wins and losses. In Episode #8 of Mid-Card Chronicles, Frank Culbertson explores a powerful mix of Portland Wrestling talent—those who chose a different path, those who carried the territory at the end, and those who quietly signaled where wrestling was headed next. Don Wyatt – The Choice Some wrestling stories aren’t about what happened…they’re about what didn’t. Don Wyatt had credibility—titles in Vancouver, strongshowings, even a draw with Jimmy Snuka. But when a bigger opportunity came calling… He said no. Not because he couldn’t do it—but because he understood the cost. Travel.Time.Life outside the ring. Wyatt represents something rare in wrestling:a man who chose differently. Gorgeous George Jr. – The Reaction Some wrestlers don’t need wins. Gorgeous George Jr. arrived in Portland with a name that already meant something—and he knew exactly how to use it. • Instant heat• Flash, presence, and personality• Feuds built on emotion, not outcomes Wins didn’t matter.Reactions did. And for six weeks…he got all of them. The Harris Brothers – The Final Force By 1991, Portland Wrestling was nearing the end. Then came Ron and Don Harris—the Bruise Brothers. • Six-time Tag Team Champions• Dominant, physical, impossible to ignore• Anchors of a fading territory And then… Christmas Night 1991. They put hands on Don Owen. The crowd didn’t roar.It went quiet. That kind of silence? That’s not indifference.That’s something real. S&S Express – The Future Arrives Early In 1985, Portland tried something different. Speed.Energy.Youth. Enter the S&S Express—Steve Simpson and Joe Savoldi. • Second-generation talent• Fast-paced, modern style• A glimpse of what tag wrestling was becoming They didn’t last long. But they mattered. Because sometimes the mid-card isn’t just holding thingstogether… It’s where the future shows up first. This episode isn’t about one kind of wrestler. It’s about choices, roles, and timing. The ones who walked away.The ones who held things together.And the ones who hinted at what was coming next. Step back into the territory. This is Mid-Card Chronicles — because without the middle,there is no main event. And hey listeners… before we go… Don’t forget what’s coming next. The giants.The special features.The unforgettable moments that brought fans through the doors. Our next series… Special Attractions. And trust us… You’re not going to want to miss it.

    7 min
  6. Ringside in Rose City #32 – The Next Generation

    APR 23

    Ringside in Rose City #32 – The Next Generation

    One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… we look at what came next. When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope doesn’t send us back to a card or a date—it sends us into the future ofwrestling in the Pacific Northwest. In Episode #32 of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers revisit Excitementin the Air: Voices of Northwest Wrestling—but this time, the focus is on the next generation. The wrestlers who came after the territory era… and kept the business alive. The Next Generation – Voices That Carried It Forward This episode dives into the stories behind: • Dr. Luther – The Butler rocks! From the Hart Dungeon to Japan’s hardcore scene, evolving into an old-school performer with world-class timing, now shining in a completely different role on national TV• Kyle O’Reilly – A Northwest original whose technical precision and mindset carried him from local gyms to global stages, including major wins at the highest level• Bryan Alvarez – From in-ring performer to one of wrestling’s most recognizable media voices, proving there’s more than one path to impact the business. For some reason Mike has to keep reminding Frank to say “Auto” when he mentions Miss Rent To Own…• Michelle Starr – Wrestler turned promoter, navigating the realities of running shows, locker rooms, and rival promotions in the independent era• Steve Rizzono – A powerful and sobering story of work ethic taken to the extreme, and the physical toll the business can take• Adam “Firestorm” Dykes – A talented, respected worker whose story highlights the very real impact of concussions and mental health• Pat Brady – Intelligent, articulate, and honest—offering one of the rare perspectives of a wrestler who reflects deeply on the cost of the business• Nick Wayne – A true next-generation star, growing up in wrestling, training from childhood, and reaching national television before even finishing high school• Christopher Daniels – A bridge between eras, explaining how wrestling evolved from slow builds to fast-paced, action-driven storytelling. And the sworn nemesis of Jim Valley.• Davey Richards – Intense, disciplined, and unapologetically old-school in mindset, emphasizing that wrestling is built on emotion—not just movement• ELP (El Phantasmo) – A late bloomer in global terms, turning a Northwest career into major success in Japan and beyond• The Bollywood Boys – Students of the game who earned their opportunities through respect, preparation, and relentless effort• Skag Rollins (Todd Royce) – A standout personality who transitioned from strong in-ring work to national success as a comedian More Than Just Matches This episode isn’t just about where these wrestlers went… It’s about:• How wrestling changed after the territories• What it takes to survive in the independent era• And how different paths—wrestler, promoter, historian, performer—can all shape the business The territory ended in 1991.But wrestling didn’t. It evolved.It adapted.And this generation made sure it kept going. Step into the next chapter. This is Ringside in Rose City — Wrestling Wrestling the way it should be.

    1h 21m
  7. 🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #7 – The Ones You Remember Differently

    APR 17

    🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #7 – The Ones You Remember Differently

    🎙️ Mid-Card Chronicles #7 – The Ones You Remember Differently Main events get remembered.Champions get photographed.But this week… it depends on when you were watching. In Episode #7 of Mid-Card Chronicles, Frank Culbertson explores a unique layer of Portland Wrestling history—the wrestlers whose reputations changed over time, depending on when fans saw them. Because in wrestling…timing doesn’t just shape careers.It shapes memory. 🥊 Bulldog Bob Brown – The Force vs. The Caricature Ask two fans about Bulldog Bob Brown, and you might get two completely different answers. • In the early ’70s, he was a top-level force in Vancouver—beating names like Don Leo Jonathan, Dutch Savage, and Man Mountain Mike• A multi-time champion with real credibility• A wrestler who could anchor any card But later? A louder, exaggerated version took over—and for many fans… that’s all they remember. In Portland, Brown was used differently—protected, credible,and respected. Same wrestler.Different memories. 🔥 Kendall Nagasaki – The Instant Impact Heel When Kendall Nagasaki arrived in 1984, there was noslow build. • Immediate wins over key names• A believable, dangerous heel presence• Tag gold with Ed Wiskowski during the Mega Maharishi era• Feuds with Billy Jack Haynes and Bobby Jaggers He wasn’t there long…but he filled a role Portland desperately needed. ⚡ Terry Gibbs – The Sudden Turn Sometimes a run is defined by one moment. For Terry Gibbs, it was: • A quiet start in 1980• A stronger return in 1982 as a needed babyface• A promising team with Brett Sawyer And then… A shocking reveal as the Georgia Jaw Jacker—turning on Sawyer in one of those classic Portland moments that changed everything instantly. Short run.Lasting impact. 🎭 Yasu Fuji / Dr. Hiro Ota – Right Place, Wrong Time Yasu Fuji is a story of evolution—and timing. • Early success in Vancouver tag teams• A steady presence in the mid-card• Reinvention as Dr. Hiro Ota, with size and credibility By 1978, he was rising… Then everything changed. Roddy Piper.Killer Brooks.A new main event scene. Ota didn’t fall off—the landscape shifted around him. This episode isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about how careers are remembered…and how quickly perception can change. Because in wrestling…who you are depends on when we saw you. Step back into the territory. 📚 Based on The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers by historian Mike Rodgers. 🎙 New episodes of The Mid-Card Chronicle drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. This is Mid-Card Chronicles — because without the middle,there is no main event.

    7 min
  8. 🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #31 – January 1969: When Wrestling Froze

    APR 16

    🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #31 – January 1969: When Wrestling Froze

    🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #31 – January 1969: When Wrestling Froze One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… everything comes to a halt. In Episode #31 of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers move into January1969—a month that should have built momentum… but instead was buried under snow, ice, and chaos. As always, Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, and the envelope reads:“PSA January ’69.” What follows is one of the most unusual months in PortlandWrestling history. ❄️ The Month the Territory Froze This wasn’t just bad weather. This was:• The coldest temperatures since 1919• Snow totals reaching 15+ inches across the region• Highways shut down• Entire towns cut off• And wrestling cards… canceled A massive New Year’s Day Battle Royal?Canceled. Multiple Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis shows?Canceled. And when shows did happen… crowds were sparse, travelwas dangerous, and nothing felt stable. For Don Owen—who had just invested heavily in the PortlandSports Arena—this wasn’t just inconvenient. It was financially dangerous. 🥊 Chaos in the Ring Despite the weather, when the bell rang… things didn’t slowdown. • The Von Steigers continue to dominate the tag scene—then lose, then regain the titles in rapid-fire fashion• Luther Lindsay & Shag Thomas emerge as a powerful team—and Battle Royal winners• Lonnie Mayne returns angry, targeting Luther, the Von Steigers… and just about everyone• Tony Borne begins his full heel turn, promising to win “any way possible”• Gene Kiniski appears in a rare non-title match• And the roster begins to feel… stale, just as major changes loom ahead 🔗 The German Death Match One of the most bizarre stipulations in Portland history appears this month: All four wrestlers tied to ring posts by one wrist…forced to fight their way free before the match can even begin. It’s chaotic.It’s dangerous.And it’s classic territory creativity. 🌺 Island Interlude – Hawaii Stays Hot While Portland froze, Hawaii wrestling was on fire. Frank and Mike head to the islands where: • Ed Francis returns to the ring• Ripper Collins headlines major feuds• Nick Bockwinkel, Mr. Fuji, and Ray Stevens fill stacked cards• And a tragic real-life moment strikes with the passing of beloved star Jim Hady Same business.Different world. 🧊 Survival Over Momentum January 1969 wasn’t about building momentum. It was about survival. • Wrestlers missing bookings• Promoters losing money• Fans unable to attend• And a territory trying to stay alive through forces no one could control But underneath it all… The seeds were being planted. Lonnie Mayne.Tony Borne.The Von Steigers.Luther Lindsay. February was coming.And with it… opportunity. This episode isn’t just about wrestling. It’s about what happens when real life collides with thebusiness—and the show somehow keeps going. Step into the storm. This is Ringside in Rose City — wrestling wrestling the way it should be.

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Step inside the Portland Sports Arena and relive the golden age of Pacific Northwest wrestling. From legendary feuds to hidden gems, our podcasts bring you the stories, matches, and larger-than-life personalities that defined one of wrestling’s most unique territories. Each episode dives into the history, characters, and unforgettable moments of Portland Wrestling—from household names who passed through on their way to national stardom, to the one-match wonders and obscurities that only true fans remember. If you love wrestling history, colorful characters, and the untold stories behind the

Information

  • Creator
    Frank
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Frank
  • Show Website
    Portland Wrestling

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