Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show

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.

  1. 19h ago

    Episode 83: Territory Review 1976: Detroit Territory

    Promo for Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show – Episode 83 The Detroit Territory, 1976 Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!Episode 83 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show takes a trip to the Detroit territory and Big Time Wrestling in 1976. We open with a short congratulations to one of our family members and AWA analyst, George Schire. The George Tragos–Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Board announced this past weekend that George will be honored with the James C. Melby Award for 2027 at Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. Well deserved. Segment 1: I welcome longtime Detroit television announcer Terry Sullivan to discuss the Detroit Territory in 1976. Segment 2: A short, heartfelt tribute to Bart Batten, one of the Batten Twins tag team, who passed away on October 1st. I also give a little profile of the in-ring career of Klondike Bill — more than a ring truck driver. Segment 3: Brian Solomon, author of Blood and Fire, the biography of The Original Sheik, returns to the show. Brian and I discuss what was happening in the Sheik’s life and territory in 1976. To close, I recap the other territories The Sheik traveled to and wrestled in during 1976. It’s the Detroit Territory, all in one episode. Episode 83 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Show Open(00:00:52) - George Shire's Hall of Fame Announcement(00:07:54) - The Secret Phone Call Story(00:13:46) - Reflections on Family, Age, and Legacy(00:16:59) - Honoring Jim Melby's Friendship(00:19:33) - Thanking Supporters and Closing with George(00:26:03) - Terry Sullivan Introduction and Early Detroit Fandom(00:29:53) - Jack Kane's Role and Backstory(00:34:51) - Ali vs Inoki Closed Circuit Fallout(00:37:26) - US Title Shuffles and Killer Carl Krupp(00:40:39) - Andre the Giant and Crowd Psychology(00:44:09) - Thunderbolt Patterson's Return(00:48:21) - Cincinnati, Columbus and Territory Decline Causes(00:51:37) - Al Haft and Ohio Wrestling History(00:58:10) - Studio Wrestling Origins and TV Economics(01:00:33) - Promoter Transitions and Town Drawing Power(01:01:48) - Johnny Valentine and Bobo Brazil Classics(01:05:36) - Don Jardine the Spoiler and Booking Missteps(01:10:38) - Don Kent, Kangaroos, and Al Costello Memories(01:19:01) - Bull and Fred Curry Tribute(01:22:59) - Wrestling Then vs Now - Authenticity Discussion(01:29:07) - Closing Thoughts with Terry Sullivan(01:38:12) - Show Transition and George Shire Recap(01:40:03) - In Memoriam: Bart Batten(01:46:19) - Klondike Bill Tribute and Career Retrospective(02:01:06) - Introducing Brian Solomon and the Sheik Discussion(02:04:12) - The Sheik's Peak and the Ali-Inoki Closed Circuit Flop(02:08:06) - Declining Attendance Numbers at Kobo Arena(02:11:59) - Recycling Talent and Missed Opportunities(02:16:15) - Captain Ed George and Booking Failures(02:18:20) - The Sheik's Psychology and Trust Issues(02:21:20) - Wrestler-Promoters and Territory Longevity(02:24:36) - Timing, Place, and Business Momentum(02:28:56) - The Sheik's Addiction and Personal Struggles(02:32:49) - Desperation Booking and Outside Bookings(02:40:07) - Eddie Creatchman the Manager(02:43:45) - Outlaw Promotions and Loyalty Issues(02:47:30) - Momentum, Fan Loss, and Lasting Damage(02:55:26) - Modern Wrestling's Global Expansion Parallels(03:01:06) - Why Territories Can't Return Today(03:04:25) - Closing Thoughts on 1976 and the Sheik's Legacy(03:07:56) - The Sheik's Outside Bookings in 1976 Detailed(03:18:32) - Sponsor Segment: Grizzly Up Soap Company(03:23:35) - Show Wrap-up and Next Week Preview

  2. Sep 30

    Episode 82: Bob Smith, Amarillo West Texas 1966 & Mailbag!

    Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 82 Hey everyone, Tony Richards here! Episode 82 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is another history-packed episode with three strong segments. Segment 1: We welcome Bob Smith of The Outdated Wrestling Hour and Outdated Entertainment Hour. Bob was also a staff member at Pro Wrestling Illustrated, worked on the first PWI 500, and played in B.B. King’s band. It should be a fascinating visit. Segment 2: I go back to the 1966 West Texas Territory, this time covering the Tuesday night town of Odessa. We take a deep dive on promoter Pat O’Dowdy and look at the January cards in Odessa. Segment 3: Another fun Mailbag segment. Steve Gennerelli and I take a crack at fascinating questions from our viewers and listeners. Episode 82 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Kentucky weather update(00:03:14) - Remembering PAC (Benjamin Satterley)(00:07:06) - Roy Welch Hall of Fame campaign(00:13:06) - Idealism vs realism in getting Roy Welch elected(00:19:06) - Show preview for today's episode(00:20:24) - Welcoming Bob Smith and podcast recording marathon(00:23:21) - Copyright, music licensing and YouTube issues(00:24:41) - Outdated Entertainment Hour origins and topics(00:26:33) - Polka music tangent(00:28:12) - Reconnecting with old wrestling magazine friends(00:32:07) - Bill Apter stories and Apter's Alley collection(00:33:29) - Life at PWI: magazines and workplace(00:36:57) - Dusty Rhodes' Florida comeback and Terry Funk feud(00:38:55) - Creating the PWI 500 rankings(00:41:43) - Bob's Memphis wrestling trip in 1991(00:44:04) - Studio wrestling nostalgia(00:45:49) - Leaving PWI and career after the magazine days(00:47:53) - Getting hired via Mike Tyson article and PWI duties(00:49:33) - Naming the Rob Van Dam split-legged moonsault(00:51:08) - Favorite Outdated Entertainment Hour: The Guess Who(00:52:38) - Joe Puccio co-host relationship(00:56:49) - Generational gaps in wrestling fandom(00:58:17) - Detroit wrestling legends and the Sheik's outlaw walkout(01:03:13) - Lord Layton and Detroit territory nostalgia(01:04:22) - Amarillo tape preservation and Mario Savoldi(01:05:46) - Origins of Bob's own podcast after being dropped(01:11:17) - Ian Douglas and modern wrestling authors(01:13:41) - Personal reflection questions: memories, heroes, values(01:19:31) - Favorite things: music, food, and places(01:22:28) - Success, legacy, and life advice questions(01:25:13) - Favorite sound and lessons on screens/kids(01:28:12) - Best lesson learned: don't beat yourself up(01:31:08) - Wrapping up with Bob and mutual appreciation(01:36:10) - Tribute to Beautiful Bruce Sweetan/Swayze(01:40:39) - West Texas 1966: Odessa promoter Pat O'Dowdy background(02:03:38) - Odessa Tuesday night cards January 1966(02:18:24) - Mailbag intro with Steve Giannarelli(02:19:34) - Mailbag: Backlund and NWA/AWA title questions(02:30:34) - Mailbag: Harley Race's travel schedule(02:34:02) - Mailbag: Underrated managers and forgotten footage(02:38:42) - Mailbag: Observer Hall of Fame candidates(02:43:28) - Mailbag: Booking WCW after Dusty's firing in 1989(02:50:27) - Mailbag: Saving the territory system hypothetical(03:02:53) - Mailbag: Dusty Rhodes' NWA title reign travel(03:10:09) - Mailbag: George Scott's underrated booking genius(03:14:52) - Mailbag: Andre the Giant's exclusive WWF deal(03:19:46) - Mailbag: JYD in Crockett hypothetical(03:22:26) - Magazine collections and closing mailbag segment(03:27:13) - Show wrap-up, sponsor read, and closing

  3. Sep 23

    Episode 81: A Farewell To Superstar Bill Dundee

    Episode 81: A Farewell for Superstar Bill Dundee This week's special episode features Dr. Tom Prichard, Randy Hales, and Pat Trammell of Talking Memphis Wrestling. Together we share stories, personal remembrances, and words of tribute for Bill Dundee. It is the only segment on this week’s show — a full episode dedicated to remembering one of the great personalities of Memphis and the territory era. Thank you for being part of this community as we honor the people who built this business. Do us and territory wrestling fans a favor, subscribe, like, give a 5-Star review and share this show so more and more territory wrestling fans can find us. The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and welcome to episode 81(00:01:48) - Support the show and Daily Chronicle newsletter(00:03:40) - Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot preview(00:04:49) - Roy Welch and the Welch family legacy(00:06:35) - Introducing the panel: Randy, Dr. Tom, Pat(00:09:09) - Panel discussion begins - remembering Bill Dundee(00:11:21) - Bill Dundee's celebration of life service(00:14:43) - Reflections on funerals and Jerry Oates' service(00:17:00) - What made Bill Dundee special as a person(00:19:42) - Tom Prichard's Mid-South Coliseum debut, 1983(00:24:07) - Territory buildings and road life memories(00:25:10) - Bill Dundee's car and early Birmingham memories(00:29:20) - Dundee's journey from Scotland/Australia to Tennessee(00:32:16) - Nick Gulas conflict and joining Jarrett's territory(00:34:36) - Lawler-Dundee chemistry and rivalry(00:35:54) - Bill Dundee's work ethic and passion for wrestling(00:39:58) - The Lawler-Dundee tag team legacy(00:44:55) - Dundee's versatility with tag partners(00:48:56) - Scaffold match and Dundee's fearlessness(00:50:50) - Watching the funeral via livestream, Coco Ware(00:53:22) - Dundee's circus background and family life(00:55:14) - Bobby Eaton, family ties, and Dylan Eaton at funeral(00:57:59) - Reflecting on aging and getting older(00:58:52) - Final thoughts and tributes to Bill Dundee(01:06:36) - Wrap-up and upcoming Time Tunnel content(01:09:33) - Grizzly Up Soap Company sponsor segment(01:12:51) - Closing and sign-off

  4. Sep 16

    Episode 80: 1976 Territory Review: All Japan Pro Wrestling & RIP Jerry Oates

    Episode 80 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is a special one, with a trip to Japan and a heartfelt look back at our friend Jerry Oates. Segment 1:We travel to Japan as wrestling historian Fumi Saito joins us from Tokyo. Fumi looks back at Giant Baba’s All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1976, the year Jerry and Ted Oates won the All Asia Tag Team Championship. Segment 2:Two of our regulars, Georgia wrestling analyst Bobby Simmons and Gulf Coast expert Michael Norris, join me to share their friendship and memories of Jerry Oates. We laugh, we reflect, and we get sad at times talking about our friend. Segment 3:My last conversation with Jerry Oates for the show — recorded a couple of weeks before his passing — as Jerry discusses his career in 1976. This is a history-packed and deeply personal episode. Episode 80 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel. Chapters (00:00:02) - Intro and Show Overview(00:01:35) - Remembering Jerry Oates and Show Roadmap(00:04:59) - Catfish, Cornmeal, and Southern Cooking Talk(00:09:50) - Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Campaign for Roy Welch(00:12:44) - Fumi Saito Joins: Remembering Dory Funk Jr(00:19:06) - All Japan's NWA Connection and Title History(00:23:20) - Jumbo Tsuruta's Rise and the 10 Match Series(00:26:47) - Foreign Talent Tours and Dick Murdoch's Impact(00:30:10) - Understanding the Japanese Tour System(00:34:58) - Champion Carnival and Abdullah the Butcher's Win(00:38:46) - Oates Brothers Win All Asia Tag Titles(00:47:44) - Fall Tours, Title Changes, and Kim Duk's Rise(00:53:26) - Comparing All Japan and New Japan in 1976(00:59:47) - Reflecting on Dory Funk Jr's Legacy in Japan(01:03:23) - Wrap-up with Fumi and Show Promotion(01:06:12) - Introducing Bobby Simmons and Michael Norris(01:10:06) - How Bobby and Michael Met Jerry Oates(01:13:52) - Jerry and Ted Oates as a Tag Team(01:21:52) - Jerry's Georgia Career and Barnett Relationship(01:26:50) - Wrestlers Jerry Trained and Mentored(01:35:43) - Funny Ribs and Road Stories About Jerry(01:43:28) - Jerry's Gym, Milo Steinborn, and Business Ventures(01:56:16) - Remembering Kathy Oates and Jerry's Faith(02:07:07) - Remembering Bill Dundee(02:20:22) - Final Thoughts and Tributes to Jerry Oates(02:31:56) - Texas Wrestling Series Promotion(02:37:33) - Final Jerry Oates Interview Begins: 1976 in Kansas City(02:42:36) - Leaving Kansas City and Return to Georgia(02:52:36) - Back in Georgia: New Feuds and Territory Politics(03:07:08) - Working with Gordman, Goliath, Thornton and Charles(03:10:31) - Milo Steinborn's Incredible Backstory(03:15:33) - Injury, Surgery, and Return to Action(03:20:52) - Trip to All Japan: Winning the Tag Titles(03:28:43) - Reflections on Tag Team Trust and Territory Politics(03:35:58) - Joining Bill Watts' Territory(03:40:17) - Reflecting on Career Choices and the AWA Path Not Taken(03:46:45) - Closing Thoughts on 1976 and Gratitude(03:53:12) - Show Support, Sponsors, and Sign-off

  5. Sep 9

    Episode 79: Mexico 1976 & Stampede Wrestling 1976

    Episode 79 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show welcomes two first-time guests to the show — and we also pause to remember three wrestlers we’ve lost recently. Segment One: I pay tribute to Paul LeDuc, one of the Canadian Lumberjacks along with his kayfabe brother Jos LeDuc. Then we welcome Lucha Libre historian and enthusiast Roy Lucier for his first appearance on the show. Roy and I discuss wrestling in Mexico as we cover the EMLL and UWA promotions in 1976. Segment Two: I offer a heartfelt tribute to Jerry Oates, a Southern territory legend and a member of our Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel family. Then we welcome Ross Hart of the famous Stu Hart family for his first appearance on the show. Ross and I cover Stampede Wrestling in 1976. Segment Three: I wrap up the episode with thoughts on Superstar Bill Dundee, who passed away over the weekend.It’s a history-packed episode with new voices, important tributes, and another look at 1976 around the wrestling world. Episode 79 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel. Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:03:36) - Paul Leduc(00:12:18) - Roy Lucher(00:18:54) - Dory Dixon In The Observer Wrestling Hall of Fame(00:20:01) - Luderoth on CMLO and His Retirement(00:24:53) - What's the atmosphere at Arena Lucha?(00:27:39) - Are You Ready for The Mask Unmasking?(00:29:25) - Dr. Wagner(00:33:29) - The Psychology of Lucha Libre's Mask Match(00:38:56) - Phil Fishman on Mill Masters' popularity in America(00:44:14) - NWA National Welterweight Championship(00:48:22) - How Did They Work Their Way Up the Card in Mexico?(00:51:20) - The Truth About Ringo Mendoza(00:55:52) - UWA vs AAA(01:00:45) - The UWA vs Lucha Libre(01:02:57) - Perca Ag(01:04:01) - Roy Lucher on Rey Mysterio Senior's Inclusion(01:08:50) - Roy on SNL(01:09:00) - Roy Lucier On WWE and Lucha Libre(01:17:38) - Jerry Oates on Terry Funk's WWE Championship(01:26:56) - Ross Hart On Stampede Wrestling In 1976(01:31:15) - Stu Hart on His Family's History in Wrestling(01:35:04) - Stampede in Lethbridge and Edmonton(01:42:24) - Bob Stuart on Wrestling Honours(01:47:06) - What Was Your Dad's Overall Mindset About Pro Wrestling?(01:49:52) - Keith Miller(01:55:02) - Alberta Heavyweight Championship(02:02:06) - Andre the Giant At The Stampede(02:07:00) - How Stampede affected ticket prices(02:08:13) - Stu Hart on Gil Hayes vs Keith Hart(02:13:20) - Ed Whalen On His Stampede Days(02:21:15) - Larry Lane(02:24:02) - Raven Collins and Larry Sharp(02:25:07) - The Mara brothers in Canada(02:32:47) - Ross Hart On His Recent Trip To Canada(02:35:19) - Jerry Oates and Bill Dundee Pass Away(02:47:05) - Bill Dundee on Jerry Oates Tribute(02:47:31) - Grizzly Up Soap Co.(02:49:08) - The History of Texas Wrestling

  6. Sep 2

    Episode 78: Dusty Rhodes 1976

    Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 78 Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!Episode 78 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is another loaded episode with three strong segments. Segment 1:Steve Gennerelli and I open the show with a salute and review of the career of Dolly Parton, the Hall of Fame singer-songwriter who recently passed away at the age of 80. We share our thoughts and pay tribute to one of the greats. Segment 2:Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Florida analyst Howard Baum is joined by former Florida referee and office employee Bruce Owens. The guys review the career of The American Dream Dusty Rhodes in 1976 and his legendary battles with NWA World Champion Terry Funk, Don Jardine, The Spoiler, Jody Hamilton (The Assassin), and more — all in the Spirit of ’76 as well as more memories of Dory Funk Jr in Florida as booker. Segment 3:Tennessee analyst Tim Dills joins me as we document the career of UWA personality and Nashville legend Big Tussie. We also review the cards from the outlaw UWA group and the Gulas Tennessee office in Nashville and the surrounding towns.Three great segments. One history-packed episode. Episode 78 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel, your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:00:34) - Tony Richards(00:02:38) - Dolly Parton Dies at 80(00:11:22) - Dolly's Career in 60 Seconds(00:18:10) - Dolly Parton on Her Top 5 Female Vocalists of(00:24:33) - Dolly the Musical's Life(00:31:14) - Dolly Parton's 80th Birthday Tribute(00:32:59) - American Dream(00:33:33) - Florida Wrestling Analyst Howard Baum Back with Bruce Owens(00:39:14) - Bruce Funk on Dory Funk Jr's Death(00:46:32) - Jack Briscoe on Dory Funk vs Terry Funk(00:53:06) - Dory Funk Was Not The Most Exciting Wrestler...(01:00:20) - Dory Funk Sr. and the Jack Briscoe feud(01:07:54) - Evel Knievel, Jack Briscoe(01:14:11) - "It's a Family Business"(01:14:54) - Terry Jones on Dusty's Turn(01:21:26) - Dusty Rhodes: Winning The NWA World Heavyweight Championship(01:26:44) - Dusty Rhodes on Terry Funk's Paralyzed Face(01:30:56) - Jody Rhodes Had To Rob a Liquor Store(01:37:40) - Florida Championship Wrestling(01:43:41) - Dusty Rhodes vs Ox Baker(01:46:06) - Bruce Lee on Driving Dusty Rhodes Around(01:52:08) - PWF Champion on Dusty's Death(01:57:11) - Dusty Funk on His Career(01:58:54) - 1976(02:00:31) - Grizzly Up Soap Co.(02:01:59) - Tennessee 1976(02:02:47) - Tennessee Wrestling History(02:12:38) - Christine Jarrett on the Split(02:13:57) - Big Tessie(02:15:09) - Big Tussie Jackson(02:20:27) - Big Tussie Jackson's story(02:21:24) - Child Abuse Case in Nashville(02:27:43) - The Story of Tussie Kennedy(02:32:11) - The Kennedys: Big Tussie's Trial(02:34:52) - UWA Bringing Big Tussie Jackson to the Ring(02:40:38) - Tony Fox on Jerry Jarrett's Use of Pop Culture in Pro Wrestling(02:42:46) - Big Tussie's Pro Wrestling License Application(02:48:24) - Big Tussie's Pro Wrestling Career(02:51:20) - Big Tussy(02:54:36) - The UWA vs Nick Goulis(03:01:28) - UWA Championship Match(03:03:30) - Nick Gulas vs Ernie Ladd(03:07:38) - Andre the Giant vs Nick Golis(03:14:42) - Ray Parker and the UWA Split(03:18:53) - Tennessee sports talk(03:22:42) - Interview(03:23:37) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

  7. Aug 26

    Episode 77: 7 Stages of Territory Era, Stage 7 (1985-1995)

    Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode  77 Episode 77 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is another history-packed episode with three great guests and deep conversations. Segment 1: Steve Gennerelli joins me as we go deep into the 7 Stages of the Territory Era framework. Steve and I discuss how the framework was created, its roots, and the original thoughts and ideas behind it. We talk about how it continues to evolve as new information comes to light. Then we focus specifically on Stage 7: Disintegration (1985–1995) — the critical ten-year period when the territory system collapsed, offices closed, and promotions disappeared. We examine the impact of cable television technology and the forces that drove national expansion. Segment 2: Historian Greg Klein stops by the Ranch. We discuss his new book, The Texas Rasslin Wars of the 1950s, his recent guest appearance on Episode 9 of Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw’s The History of Texas Wrestling, and more. Segment 3: Sean Dulaney visits to talk about his new book, The History of Wrestling in Evansville, Indiana 1972–1973, and the special exhibit at the Evansville Museum celebrating 100 Years of Pro Wrestling in Evansville.Three strong segments. One loaded episode of territory history. Episode 77 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast(00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Dory Funk Tribute(00:03:03) - The 7 Different Stations of Wrestling(00:09:04) - The Final Stage of Wrestling: The Territory Era(00:18:19) - In the Elevator With Vince(00:20:00) - Jim Crockett vs Vince McMahon(00:27:28) - Steve Austin on Trying to Take the AWA to National(00:31:10) - The Story of the WWF and Universal Wrestling(00:38:15) - Sam Muchnick's Retirement(00:46:14) - The NWA vs AWA(00:54:12) - The Hedonic Cycle of Entertainment(01:02:20) - Greg Klein on The Wrestling Wars of the 1950s(01:03:12) - Greg Klein On The Trago Says Hall of Fame Banquet(01:08:02) - David Sierra on the Cuban Assassin Panel(01:11:33) - Dan Gable on His New Book(01:17:27) - Roy Lee On The NWA War(01:20:10) - Texas Wrestling's TV Wars of the 1950s(01:27:41) - Ed McLemore and the Texas Wrestlers(01:32:38) - Texas Wrestling on TV(01:35:04) - The Sportatorium Fire: James Beard on Wrestling(01:43:43) - Tony Jones on The Texas Wrestling Wars(01:45:48) - Greg Klein's New Book, The Texas Wrestling Wars of the 1950(01:47:36) - Grizzly Up Soap Company(01:49:22) - History of Wrestling in Evansville(01:51:54) - Sean Delaney on His New Book '(01:52:46) - EVENTSVILLE PRO WRESTLING: History of Wrestling in(02:03:10) - The Nut Club Fall Festival(02:04:29) - Jerry Lawler's First Year in Paducah(02:11:23) - Advertisements for Wrestling in El Dorado, Illinois(02:19:06) - EVERY WEEK: 100 Years of Wrestling in Evansville(02:26:04) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Florida Wrestling 1976

  8. Aug 19

    Episode 76: Dory Funk,. Jr Tribute Show

    Episode 76 is a special one: The Dory Funk Jr. Tribute Show. We honor the life and career of “The Champ” with four powerful segments and an incredible group of guests. Segment 1:Historian George Schire joins me to discuss the career of Dory Funk Jr. For the first time ever, we walk through my personal scorecard framework that supports the statement that Dory Funk Jr. was the greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of all time. Follow along and score it yourself. Segment 2:One of Dory’s longtime friends, tag-team partners, and opponents, “The Red Dog” Larry Lane, reflects on their relationship, their travels, and the years they spent working together. Segment 3:“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase sits down for a deeply emotional conversation. Ted talks about his father, Iron Mike DiBiase, and Dory Funk Sr. — bitter enemies in the storylines but the best of friends behind the scenes. He also shares stories about breaking into the business in Amarillo while still playing football at West Texas State, and much more. Segment 4:Gerry Brisco, the man who lived the legendary Brisco-Funk feud, shares memories, stories, and a few choked-up moments as we look back on one of the great rivalries in wrestling history. This is a fantastic, heartfelt episode as we remember The Champ, Dory Funk Jr. Episode 76 – The Dory Funk Jr. Tribute Show is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and join us in honoring one of the true greats. We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel. Your Home for the History of the Territory Pro Wrestling Chapters (00:00:02) - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel(00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: The Territory Era(00:05:17) - Dorie Funk Jr Tribute(00:10:52) - Sam Muchnick vs Dorie Funk Jr.(00:11:59) - Dorie Funk Jr. Tribute(00:16:07) - Dorie Funk Jr(00:25:11) - Dory the NWA Champion(00:31:12) - The NWA Championship Transition(00:38:55) - Sam Harris on The NWA's Elite(00:41:25) - Tony Dory on Former NWA Champs(00:47:20) - NWA World Champion Lou Kaniski(00:50:52) - Dory Funk Jr's Look in the 1970s(00:59:29) - Fez vs Dory Funk: The Greatest NWA Champion(01:01:03) - NWA Champions' Ranking(01:07:11) - Lou Harris on His Controversial Comments(01:13:27) - Fabulous Four(01:19:56) - Harley's Career(01:26:16) - Dory Funk Jr. Should Be In The WWE Hall of Fame(01:31:53) - George Costanza at the ALS Survivor's Ball(01:32:24) - Celebrating The Life Of Dorie Funk Jr(01:33:56) - Red Dog Larry Lane on Dory Funk's Death(01:40:23) - Dory Funk Junior(01:47:55) - Terry Funk vs Dory Hart(01:52:49) - Keith Hart Reaches Out to Former Best Friend(01:57:19) - Dory and the Phonics in Amarillo(02:01:59) - Dory Funk's Passing Away(02:04:50) - Dory Funk Jr. on His Last Moments(02:07:10) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History(02:12:38) - Interview With Ted DiBiase(02:14:52) - Ted Dibiase on Dory Funk Junior's Death Match(02:23:06) - Crazy Horse's Death(02:27:48) - Arizona Wrestler on Being Born in the Country(02:33:07) - Terry Hanson on His College Decision(02:38:16) - "Cowboy Bill Watts"(02:39:32) - Bill Watts on The NWA Superdome Match(02:45:03) - "I Should've Stay With Stan"(02:46:09) - Harley Race on His First NWA Title Challenge(02:49:42) - Terry Funk on Dory Jr.'s Success(02:53:21) - Wrestler Dory Funk and His Dad's Texas Death Match(02:58:00) - What's Most Underappreciated About Dory Funk Jr's(03:02:58) - Amarillo Wrestling Legend Terry Briscoe on Dory's(03:06:47) - Jerry Briscoe on The Funk-Briscoe Feud(03:10:24) - Jerry Briscoe on Dory Funk Jr. Tribute(03:17:51) - Terry and Junior Briscoe on Their Friendship(03:24:14) - Eric Briscoe on Jim Crockett's Thanksgiving Match(03:28:15) - Dory Wyatt vs Terry(03:29:46) - Dory on Booking The First Starcade 83(03:31:37) - Eddie and Dorie's Pickup Truck Accident(03:37:59) - Terry Funk on Working With Dory Funk Jr.(03:44:50) - Thieves Steal Motorcycle From Ship(03:48:29) - Terry Funk on Dory Funk Jr.'s Death(03:51:48) - Story with Jerry Briscoe and Bradshaw(03:55:39) - Dory Funk Passing(03:58:52) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

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About

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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