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

    3d ago

    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.

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

    4d ago

    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.

    1h 11m
  3. 🎙️ The Attraction Archive #7 – Wrestling's Hidden Architects

    Jul 3

    🎙️ The Attraction Archive #7 – Wrestling's Hidden Architects

    🎙️ The Attraction Archive #7 – Wrestling's Hidden Architects Some wrestlers became legends because of what they did inside the ring. Others changed wrestling history because of the people they influenced. In Episode #7 of The Attraction Archive, Frank Culbertson explores another remarkable collection of Portland Wrestling personalities whose impact reached far beyond their win-loss records. From the patriarch of one of wrestling's most famous families to the scout who helped shape the future of Portland Wrestling, these are the stories behind some of the sport's most influential figures. Long before Randy Savage became "Macho Man" and Lanny Poffo became "The Genius," there was Angelo Poffo. Discover the remarkable story of a wrestling veteran whose Portland appearances were separated by an astonishing 26 years—a gap that may be the longest ever between appearances in the same territory. It's a fascinating look at a family whose wrestling legacy spans generations. Some of wrestling's biggest stars may never have arrived in Portland without Red Bastien. Mike Rogers shares why Red's recommendations helped bring names like Buddy Rose and possibly Roddy Piper to the Northwest, forever changing the direction of Portland Wrestling. Add in Red's unforgettable stories, legendary laugh, and a memorable series of 5:00 a.m. phone calls to Mike, and you'll understand why Red was one of wrestling's most beloved ambassadors. Two accomplished women whose careers connected Portland to the national wrestling scene. From Liz Chase's early days alongside Princess Victoria and Wendi Richter to Judy Martin's championship success as one-half of the Glamour Girls, this episode explores how even brief Portland appearances became part of much larger wrestling careers. No... not that Butch Cassidy. Meet the little person wrestler whose reputation for being incredibly tough led to unforgettable matches with Jim Cornette years later. Sometimes the best wrestling stories are the ones that sound almost too unbelievable to be true. A 31-year wrestling career... A one-week World Championship reign... And another reminder that wrestling history is filled with performers whose stories deserve to be remembered just as much as the biggest stars. The Attraction Archive isn't just about famous names. It's about discovering the forgotten connections, remarkable careers, and fascinating personalities that helped make Portland Wrestling unlike any other territory. Because sometimes... The most interesting stories belong to the people you thought you'd never heard of. 🎙️ New episodes of The Attraction Archive 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.

    9 min
  4. Ringside In Rose City #41 Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame: The First 11 Years

    Jul 2

    Ringside In Rose City #41 Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame: The First 11 Years

    Episode 41 – Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame: The First 11 Years Some wrestlers became world champions. Others became household names. And some quietly built the foundation of Pacific Northwest wrestling one match at a time. In this special episode, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rodgers open the Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame vault and revisit the first eleven Hall of Fame classes, exploring the wrestlers, promoters, announcers, and personalities whose impact shaped Portland and Vancouver wrestling for generations. Along the way, you'll hear stories about: • Why Gorgeous George changed professional wrestling forever• The incredible careers of Ripper Collins, Sandy Barr, The Skull, Steve Doll, Rick Martel, Bearcat Wright, and many more• How Hall of Fame selections were made—and why championships weren't the only measure of greatness• Forgotten stars whose contributions deserve to be remembered• Behind-the-scenes stories from Mike's 30 years publishing Ring Around the Northwest Plus, Lisa Hughes presents another Hall of Fame edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, where Mike somehow finds himself answering questions about Bat Masterson, Annie Oakley, Cowboy Lang, and Hall of Fames that have absolutely nothing to do with wrestling. And yes... before anyone asks... we made sure to spend time talking about Steve Doll. We know one of our favorite listeners, Jody Day, is always standing by to defend Steve's honor, and we're pretty sure she'd have driven to the studio if we'd skipped him. Consider this episode officially Jody-approved! One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    1h 7m
  5. The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy

    Jun 26

    The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy

    The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy Some wrestlers become champions. Some become legends. And then there was Andre the Giant—a once-in-a-lifetime attraction whose arrival alone was enough to fill an arena. In this special edition of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson dedicates the entire episode to the eleven-year Northwest career of one of the most recognizable figures in sports and entertainment history. From his first appearance in Portland in 1974 to his final tour in 1984, Andre wasn't simply another wrestler on the card—he was the event. Follow Andre's remarkable journey through Portland Wrestling as he dominated battle royals, headlined unforgettable cards, and shared the ring with some of the biggest names of the territorial era, including Dutch Savage, Jimmy Snuka, Buddy Rose, Roddy Piper, Jesse Ventura, Chris Taylor, Don Leo Jonathan, and the Sheepherders. Along the way, hear the fascinating stories behind the booking that made Andre a legendary attraction, the infamous Buddy Rose dressing room prank, and the unforgettable moments that left generations of Northwest fans in awe. More than a wrestling biography, this special episode explores why Andre the Giant became one of the greatest box-office attractions professional wrestling has ever known—and why, decades later, fans who saw him walk through the curtain at the Portland Sports Arena have never forgotten the experience. 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.

    11 min
  6. The Attraction Archive – Episode 5: Wrestling Families, Forgotten Pioneers, and Andre's Traveling Companion

    Jun 19

    The Attraction Archive – Episode 5: Wrestling Families, Forgotten Pioneers, and Andre's Traveling Companion

    Some attractions filled arenas because of championships. Others because of famous family names. And some became part of wrestling history through the unique roles they played behind the scenes. In Episode 5 of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson explores another fascinating collection of performers whose stories remind us that wrestling history is about much more than wins and losses. Discover the story of Larry Hennig, the respected veteran who teamed with his son Curt Hennig long before "Mr. Perfect" became a household name. Learn about Ricky Romero, the patriarch of a wrestling family whose legacy stretched across multiple generations. Meet Frank Valois, a veteran wrestler whose unique place in wrestling history came from serving as one of Andre the Giant's earliest traveling companions as Andre conquered territories across North America. Revisit the contributions of Paula Kay, one of the women helping reintroduce women's wrestling to Portland in the mid-1970s. And finally, remember Bobo Johnson, an often-overlooked pioneer whose story deserves a lasting place in wrestling history. From legendary wrestling families and historic pioneers to one of the most unusual connections in wrestling lore, these are the stories of the attractions who helped shape Portland Wrestling in ways both large and small. 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.

    9 min
  7. Ringside In Rose City #40 Portland Sports Arena: May 1969

    Jun 18

    Ringside In Rose City #40 Portland Sports Arena: May 1969

    Episode 40 – Portland Sports Arena: May 1969 The Portland wrestling landscape begins to shift in May of1969. The dominant Von Steigers are nearing the end of their Northwest run, new stars are arriving, and Don Owen is searching for the spark that will carry the territory into the future. Meanwhile, controversy seems to follow everychampionship match, as disputed decisions, held-up titles, and commission rulings leave fans wondering who the real champions are. Join Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rodgers as theydive into a month filled with chaos, including the arrival of Pat Patterson and Roger "Rip" Kirby, the ongoing battles between Lonnie Mayne, Tony Borne, Buddy Marino, and Luther Lindsay, and some of the most unusual finishes Portland wrestling had seen to that point. Plus: • The final days of the Von Steigers' reign in the Northwest• Salem's wild title controversy and near-riot atmosphere• The first-ever battle royal in Longview• Pat Patterson's surprisingly brief Portland stay• Stan Stasiak's puzzling booking during a critical transition period• A look at Rocky Mountain Wrestling and Lonnie Mayne's appearances in Salt Lake City• Another trip to Hawaii, featuring Billy Robinson, Dory Dixon, Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, King Curtis, Ripper Collins, and one of the strongest rosters anywhere in wrestling in 1969 And of course, Lisa Hughes returns with another edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, where Doritos, Popeye, squirrel paws, and professional wrestling somehow end up in the same conversation. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Fridayon Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

    1h 17m
  8. The Attraction Archive – Episode 4: Olympic Giants, Future Stars, and Wrestling Pioneers

    Jun 12

    The Attraction Archive – Episode 4: Olympic Giants, Future Stars, and Wrestling Pioneers

    The Attraction Archive – Episode 4: Olympic Giants, Future Stars, and Wrestling Pioneers Some attractions drew fans because of their size. Othersbecause of their personality. And some because they were making history right before the audience's eyes. In Episode 4 of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson explores five remarkable attractions whose careers took verydifferent paths but all left their mark on Portland Wrestling history. Discover the story of Chris Taylor, the Olympic wrestling standout whose incredible size and athletic credentials made him one of the most unique attractions of the 1970s. Follow the early career of Taylor Made Medina, better known to WWF fans as Tori, whose wrestling journey began in Portland before reaching a national audience. Learn about SandyParker, a true pioneer whose accomplishments helped break barriers in professional wrestling and whose appearance in Portland helped reintroduce women's wrestling to the territory after a twenty-year absence. Then step back into the colorful world of little-person wrestling with Cowboy Cottrelland longtime fan favorite Billy the Kid, two performers who became familiar attractions to Northwest wrestling audiences. From Olympic competition and future WWF stardom togroundbreaking achievements and unforgettable characters, these are the stories of the attractions who made Portland Wrestling a place where fans never knew what they might see next. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historicalresearch 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

    10 min
See All (107)

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
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Frank
  • Show Website
    Portland Wrestling

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