@ 15:00 I state that Bruno lost to Von Erich in a cage by “Pin Fall”. I meant to say Bruno “lost the fall” I honestly don’t know how Bruno lost or what the finish was. It could have been a pin fall win considering the NWF was once part of the NWA and climbing over the top of the cage or exiting through the door was not a valid way to win a world title match. I do know it was not a disqualification and there was a clean finish. Just not 100% sure if it was a pin!
Another great video . I think you aren't getting enough credit for the amount of wrestling knowledge you're imparting with these videos as well, it's just as valuable and entertaining as seeing your collection. You're definitely a wrestling historian of note.
I try to keep a lid on my opinions especially when it comes to that big ugly machine up north. But my hate and disappointment runs deep, so at times I find it very difficult to keep that lid sealed. Thanks very much for watching. I appreciate it.
Thank you. And yes that territory was grossly ignored. It always has been especially by the “Apter mags” Stanley Weston publication. Revue, Monthly, Big Book, and Guide, are among the few who on occasion featured them on the cover of their magazines.
@@prowrestlingmags I did come across an in-depth shoot interview with Johnny Powers. The guy was interesting and very smart. He attributed the downfall of the NWF to some bad non-wrestling investments that ended up costing the NWF money and time.i would like to see more interviews with surviving NWF talent. I see Greg Valentine and Bill Edie interviewed a lot but rarely asked about the NWF. I would like to see them both talk NWF for an hour each
@seanabbins5481 yes I heard a Powers interview a little while back. It was a bad edit, at times hard to understand what he was saying. Nonetheless great information about those days! I wish there were more out there as well. There is a “book” out. I can’t say I’d recommend it. I found it interesting enough for me just for the fact that there’s nothing else out there. But I don’t think most ppl would care for it..
This was a very compelling episode considering that the NWF/Pedro Martinez's promotion is not remembered or discussed as accurately as say, WWWF, AWA or the NWA. So thanks Bill for all of the helpful background information and filling in the blanks about a lot of the goings on back then. I know in the late 80's on one of John Arezzi's conventions, Bruno said that Pedro Martinez just was not the Man to try and run a National promotion. I think he was referring more to his booking acumen than his business smarts.
Thanks Stephen. Always appreciate your compliments and wrestling input. Thank you for watching as always. I didn’t think it was going to be as long as it was. But I felt it was important to give the background story to highlight a few important and very interesting events that unfolded there! Damn you mention Bruno, I never thought to go back and listen to the countless shoot interviews that I have because I think I remember him mentioning Pedro Martinez Damn! I really wish I thought of this prior to making the video.. I do know the demise of the IWA leaned heavily on the back of Eddy Einhorn due to his poor business and poor financial management. That was mentioned by several wrestlers and it’s a real shame. The IWA became one of my very favorite TVs to watch. Their first taping of 3 episodes was the best. I watch it all the time. I was told it was filmed in the Cleveland Arena. It was the blue ring and Ox Baker was announced by Jack Reynolds as the new IWA North American Champion but didn’t have a belt. It wasn’t until Bulldog came out a month or so later wearing the new “US style” belt and was announced as the new champion. They never mentioned Ox losing it or who Bulldog beat for it which is strange due to the fact they were both heels. Whats really a crime is the fact that no TV tapings survived from the old NWF. I would give anything to see those old TV tapings. Johnny Powers said in an interview it was one of his biggest regrets not hanging on to those tappings, not realize at the time how important they could’ve been one day.
Great background on the Cleveland riot. I was six years old when Ox Baker came to Kansas City. They showed the riot on tv. Ox Baker scared me to death as a kid. Keep up the good work!
Man, I love these older videos because I just am not familiar with it nor do I have the magazines from that era so it's neat to see them on your videos and get the info about them. I remember in the 80s the NWF did start up again in New York area. Because Paul Heyman was a commentator there at like age 20. And Superstar Billy Graham was there too in between his NWA and WWF runs. I wanna say D.C. Drake ran it?? Or Damien Kane?? Maybe a combo of the two. But another great video, Bill! Thanks for being my inspiration to do my wrestling magazine videos. You sir, are the best at what we do!
Thanks so much for the great comment and compliment my friend. Thank you for always coming back to watch and share your thoughts. The NWF in the 80s was only in name. No ties to the original NWF from the 1970. That’s why I didn’t mention them. Much like the IWA when Pedro Martinez closed due do the fact of the poor financial management from Eddy Einhorn, ( I do not make mention of that in the video intentionally) it became a public domain name and several independent companies started using the name, I believe one is still in business today IWA South, which is a hard-core company ran by Ian Rotten from the ECW. I totally loved the NWF in the 80s though. I went to it all the time. They ran several shows within a 30 mile radius of me. They had great wrestlers who were on their way down from the big stage! That’s where I watched Brusier Brody! I was also at a show when Wendy Richter won the NWF ladies title! I still have the pictures from that show also. I watched it on tv if I found it while channel surfing but not regularly tho. I was really excited when superstar came. I thought for sure I would be seeing him at a show but he wasn’t there long at all and never wrestled near me. He left real fast only a few matches then he went to another Indy company IWF for 2 or 3 shows before retiring. I really wanted to see him with the “new” gimmick since he brought back all color and was a face!
Hello Bill, What a great video and a great channel. I’ve been a subscriber for a while, and I never comment on any of the RUclips channels I watch, but had to today. I am in the Pittsburgh area, born in the 60s, raised in 70s and love all of your content and in particular the recognition of the Pittsburgh area you gave on this video. I probably have some info and stories to supplement all of your terrific info you provide. I’ve seen a lot of matches at the Pittsburgh civic arena and penguin games. When did you attend the games at the igloo? I’m curious if you could do a video on the history of you falling in love with the sport, the matches you attended live, and magazines that stood out to you at the time. Sorry I could keep rambling, keep up the great work we appreciate it. Ron
Hey Ron thank you for your comment. It’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you did. But I totally understand the never commenting on videos after watching. I NEVER do either. Mainly because I’m expecting some negative or insulting reply from some of the RUclips gems out there. But here on this ch it’s not tolerated! The good people on the ch can speak freely and they will be treated with respect that I can promise. Pittsburgh is absolutely my favorite city in the entire world. What a great place, great people great energy. When I came out, it would be difficult, but I would try to get a Steelers game a Penguins game and or a panther game. I tried to make the most of my three day weekends. I’ve been to Three Rivers once in the late 70s. Heinz Field several times. The igloo a lot in the 80s. 3 times when Paul Coffey played. I loved him. I was crushed and shocked when he was traded. After the Cups it was harder to get tickets. The last time I visited Pitt was Sidney’s rookie year when Mario came back. I was able to see him skate one more time before he stopped shortly after. I avoided pitt after mid November tho. To Cold lol. But man I loved that city! Nothing like a home game in Pittsburgh!! Nothing like Mike Lang on KDKA radio. Thanks for commenting. I hope you see you comment more in the future. It’s nice to Know ppl like the channel. It helps to keep me going too!
@@prowrestlingmags Love the memories you mentioned Bill. Glad to hear the sincere feelings towards our city. Pro wrestling has a long history in Pittsburgh and continues today with several independent promotions that do a great job. Those Penguin teams were so exciting to watch. Saw many myself. Could not believe we got Cofffey and felt Mario could finally compete on a more even level with Gretzky. Shame the 2 of them never squared off in the finals. It should have happened in 1993 when the Pens were driving for cup 3 but got bounced by the Islanders. I believe Wayne got there that year with the Kings. Quick connection between hockey and wrestling. I was given tix for a WWF raw in 2008 at the igloo, We had ringside seats, maybe 15-20 rows from the ring. Right before the event starts Malkin walks pass us with a hot girl and sits close to the ring. About 1/2 way thru, I take my son who is maybe 10 to grab some food back in the corridor on the floor. Only 1 guy is in line and its Malkin. We quickly run back to our seats and rip one of the posters my son brought into a few pieces and run back, He had not got his food yet and he was kind enough to take a few pics and sign those pieces of paper. Great moment and night for my son and I. I have so many great sports memories as it sounds you do as well. Always savor the moment is my motto. Great stuff Bill.
@backyardcommish3503 wow that’s great!! Very cool. Hockey players are the best to the fans. They really are(or at least were) idk about today’s guys. I haven’t followed it a few years. I can’t remember the year somewhere around 90-91 - 92 I was a bouncer at a strip club when I lived in South Jersey. We always hated the Flyers. I really hated Rick Tocchet. For no reason other than he was a tough strong solid player and a Flyer. One night he comes in the Club to see a Dancer he started dating. The dancer introduces him to me to make sure he never gets charged and brought in with out waiting in line etc. long story short he and I became really friendly. He was at the club a lot during his off season, we hung out alll the time drinking shooting pool etc. what a cool dude. I told him once I use to hate your guts, you always played rough against Pitt and you have the look of an asshole on tv. We both got a big laugh outta that. He said you’re a Pitt fan? Well I’m actually best friends with Paul Coffey! I was shocked! I said No shit!! He said there family’s were all real tight. And Paul was like a brother. Rick was a little shorter than me but thick, big upper body and shoulders. Mean scars on his face too. Those things you really can’t tell on tv. But a really cool guy. Shorty after that he was traded to the Penns. I didn’t see him anymore. But great times back then! I can’t remember but he may have gotten a cup with us? Idk. I’m bad with years. Everything feels like yesterday to me anymore.
I have to stop watching your videos because it’s costing me too much money. You do a really good job presenting the magazines in your videos. Issues that I never had any interest in, I suddenly see with a new set of eyes and now I want them. Those issues with Ladd and Powers In particular. I never knew about the pre-riot matches in Cleveland. Thanks for the great info on that. And you are so right about the lost power of kayfabe! Without it you get what you have today. And today is embarrassingly bad. Thanks for another great video.
Haha I know the feeling, I honestly do! My bank account has lost a lot of weight over the years lol. I’m glad to have exposed you to something interesting to add to you collection. That’s the whole reason I’m here making these videos. Physical media is being wiped out at an alarming rate. Ppl like us need to save these history books! Thanks very much for your comment and for watching!
Another great episode full of a wealth of information. My weekend always gets better when you make a video. Much respect for all the hard work you do to make these great videos.
Quick note about Jack Reynolds: He was the voiceover guy on those TV mail order spots for the products that were "not available in any store", and one of his catchphrases was "So you don't forget, send before midnight tomorrow!" The NWF used a number of WWWF wrestlers on their shows, like Manuel Soto, Luke Graham, Bruno, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Eric the Red (he worked for WWWF under that name before becoming Eric the Animal in NWF), various TV job guys like Mike Pappas, Joe Turco, Vicente "Bull" Pometti, Dr. Beach and Rujack Woods, among others. "The Man They Call 'Fish'" at 16:39 on that Wrestling Revue is our old pal Gilles Poisson, whom as we discussed earlier worked in WWWF in 1975-76 as Louis Cyr.
@@prowrestlingmags It would probably be an old one. Even when I was collecting the mags I only went back to 1970. You already have every mag I had, plus a ton I never even heard of. Maybe try a Google or Yahoo image search under "wrestler Bob Merrill". Beyond that, I'm as clueless as you on ol' Mighty Joe. Thanks man!
@@prowrestlingmags I found a photo on The Online World of Wrestling of a Bob Merrill. It looks like a younger version of Mighty Joe Thunder but with bleached blond hair, standing with his right foot up on a stool. The name on the photo says "Bob Stanlee". It has to be him.
Great video Bill. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video and comment. Lots going on that took me away from watching some videos here. Again, you are so right, kayfabe is over. And, it is sad. It was a sport for many years but when it became defined as "entertainment," that was it. Sand paper was the go to for when you got burned or had your face rubbed into the concret or mat repeatedly. The fans of today want to be part of the show. That irks me. I digress. Let me not go down that road...lol. Ernie Ladd was gold on the mic. He was a much better heel in my opinion as well. He turned on Dusty Rhodes in 1977 in Florida and oh were the fans hot. Plus, if you listen to Ladd's commentary, you would laugh. Like I said, he was so good on the stick. I think I said this in an early video of yours but as a six year old kid seeing The Sheik for the first time, he scared me to death. And, I was blown away when he would throw fire. He had so much heat on him the whole time from the crowd when I would see him on TV. That June 1975 Ben Strong magazine with Sheik on the cover is one of the nicest wrestling magazine covers ever in my opinion. I had my chance to buy it in the back issue section of the Weston magazines but never did. I could kick myself for that. I am going to email you Bill and if that offer is still available, I would be honored to have a copy of it from your collection. And, rest assured, it will stay in my collection for the rest of my life my friend.
You got it pal. It’s goin out to you asap. I’m glad to give it to someone who appreciates it! I never sold a mag in my life. But I’ve given away a TON!! especially to people who were long in search of a particular issue but never able to pick one up. Good luck with the move south! Another 4 years I’ll be retiring that way as well. I’ll need a house with a huge basement tho lol.
Oh my god, it would be really strange not having a basement. Idk if I could buy a house without one. I’ve never not had one. Where would I escape from reality without it! Where do I put all my shit? I can’t think about it. It hurts my head lol. Your package is on the way man! It will be there by Friday. I haven’t mailed anything in years. I was shocked at the shipping rates wow. Let me know if you didn’t get it by Saturday and I’m track it.
@@prowrestlingmags North Florida homes might have some basements. You will just have to get an extra bedroom for all your stuff. Thanks for the magazine again. I will be back in Florida this weekend. I will tell my wife to keep an eye out for the issue. I have never owned a Ben Strong wrestling mag.
I love it. For all it's worth I always dreamed of getting that October 1973 issue of "The Wrestler" that featured a bloody Superstar Billy Graham that claimed "Jealousy Did This To Me", and as a collector myself of over 80 wrestling magazines but I never was able to acquire it for some reason or another. I believe John Tolos attacked Superstar from behind possibly with another wrestler, maybe Chief Wahoo McDaniel IDK. But the year was 1982 and you could back then purchase that magazine for liker $1.75. How bout that.
Well it sounds to me that it’s about time for you to grab that October 73 issue. You deserve it! There’s a few listed on eBay right now I think 20 bucks. I’m glad you have a wrestling magazine collection and are preserving the great pro wrestling history. If you need any help with your collection along the way, I hope my videos on this channel can offer you some insight on the months and years a head! There is a video for every publication broken down month my month year by year in order to help everyone see what awaits for them! We cover every issue ever printed from issue #1 in 1951 to 1990. Let me know if you ever have any questions.
@@Nicholas-dreamloveyes!! Start back again. About 6 months ago I bought one for the first time in probably 15 years. Now I can’t stop, I’m buying several a week lately. I have a new found fondness for the magazines again. It’s all because of this ch too. Bill opened my eyes to stuff I never saw before. It’s been fun searching for them again.
@@StaryHope0098 yo that’s awesome stary! Thank you crediting me and my videos as the reason you restarted your collection again. I totally love to hear ppl are influenced and got the itch once again. I say this all the time like a broken record, but it’s true. It’s up to us to save these from being wiped off the planet. Physical media is diminishing day by day, year by year at a alarming rate. These magazine collections are being thrown out by inheritors and family members.
He was red hot with the fans. Young black good looking star in 4 cities with a heavy mixed race crowd. It was the guy they’ve been waiting for since the start in the mid 60s. But all that being said I see what you mean and I would also agree with your comment.
Yea, especially in the IWA in 1975-76 he was beat up over the 20 plus years prior. It was the tail end of his career but you could see it in his hips, knees etc just when he walked around the ring. On top of that being 6’10” and close to 300lbs didn’t help.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
@ 15:00 I state that Bruno lost to Von Erich in a cage by “Pin Fall”. I meant to say Bruno “lost the fall” I honestly don’t know how Bruno lost or what the finish was.
It could have been a pin fall win considering the NWF was once part of the NWA and climbing over the top of the cage or exiting through the door was not a valid way to win a world title match.
I do know it was not a disqualification and there was a clean finish. Just not 100% sure if it was a pin!
Another great video . I think you aren't getting enough credit for the amount of wrestling knowledge you're imparting with these videos as well, it's just as valuable and entertaining as seeing your collection. You're definitely a wrestling historian of note.
@@doxbane hey thanks very much. I appreciate that! I’m glad you like the vids!
I agree with your rant.
I try to keep a lid on my opinions especially when it comes to that big ugly machine up north. But my hate and disappointment runs deep, so at times I find it very difficult to keep that lid sealed. Thanks very much for watching. I appreciate it.
Nice video. There's not a lot of videos on the NWf or the Buffalo - Cleveland territory
Thank you. And yes that territory was grossly ignored. It always has been especially by the “Apter mags” Stanley Weston publication. Revue, Monthly, Big Book, and Guide, are among the few who on occasion featured them on the cover of their magazines.
@@prowrestlingmags I did come across an in-depth shoot interview with Johnny Powers. The guy was interesting and very smart. He attributed the downfall of the NWF to some bad non-wrestling investments that ended up costing the NWF money and time.i would like to see more interviews with surviving NWF talent. I see Greg Valentine and Bill Edie interviewed a lot but rarely asked about the NWF. I would like to see them both talk NWF for an hour each
@seanabbins5481 yes I heard a Powers interview a little while back. It was a bad edit, at times hard to understand what he was saying. Nonetheless great information about those days! I wish there were more out there as well. There is a “book” out. I can’t say I’d recommend it. I found it interesting enough for me just for the fact that there’s nothing else out there. But I don’t think most ppl would care for it..
This was a very compelling episode considering that the NWF/Pedro Martinez's promotion is not remembered or discussed as accurately as say, WWWF, AWA or the NWA. So thanks Bill for all of the helpful background information and filling in the blanks about a lot of the goings on back then. I know in the late 80's on one of John Arezzi's conventions, Bruno said that Pedro Martinez just was not the Man to try and run a National promotion. I think he was referring more to his booking acumen than his business smarts.
Thanks Stephen. Always appreciate your compliments and wrestling input. Thank you for watching as always. I didn’t think it was going to be as long as it was. But I felt it was important to give the background story to highlight a few important and very interesting events that unfolded there!
Damn you mention Bruno, I never thought to go back and listen to the countless shoot interviews that I have because I think I remember him mentioning Pedro Martinez Damn! I really wish I thought of this prior to making the video.. I do know the demise of the IWA leaned heavily on the back of Eddy Einhorn due to his poor business and poor financial management. That was mentioned by several wrestlers and it’s a real shame.
The IWA became one of my very favorite TVs to watch. Their first taping of 3 episodes was the best. I watch it all the time. I was told it was filmed in the Cleveland Arena. It was the blue ring and Ox Baker was announced by Jack Reynolds as the new IWA North American Champion but didn’t have a belt. It wasn’t until Bulldog came out a month or so later wearing the new “US style” belt and was announced as the new champion. They never mentioned Ox losing it or who Bulldog beat for it which is strange due to the fact they were both heels. Whats really a crime is the fact that no TV tapings survived from the old NWF. I would give anything to see those old TV tapings. Johnny Powers said in an interview it was one of his biggest regrets not hanging on to those tappings, not realize at the time how important they could’ve been one day.
Excellent!!!
Thanks for watching.
OMG! I remember these! These magazines were my introduction to wrestling!
Wow, amazing!! Tyvm for posting! Subbed you up!!
💪 💪 💪 💪
Thanks for watching!! Glad you liked it.
Great background on the Cleveland riot. I was six years old when Ox Baker came to Kansas City. They showed the riot on tv. Ox Baker scared me to death as a kid. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! And thanks for watching. Only a few wrestlers ever scared me. Ox and Killer Kahn were the two who really freaked me out.
Man, I love these older videos because I just am not familiar with it nor do I have the magazines from that era so it's neat to see them on your videos and get the info about them. I remember in the 80s the NWF did start up again in New York area. Because Paul Heyman was a commentator there at like age 20. And Superstar Billy Graham was there too in between his NWA and WWF runs. I wanna say D.C. Drake ran it?? Or Damien Kane?? Maybe a combo of the two. But another great video, Bill! Thanks for being my inspiration to do my wrestling magazine videos. You sir, are the best at what we do!
Thanks so much for the great comment and compliment my friend. Thank you for always coming back to watch and share your thoughts. The NWF in the 80s was only in name. No ties to the original NWF from the 1970. That’s why I didn’t mention them. Much like the IWA when Pedro Martinez closed due do the fact of the poor financial management from Eddy Einhorn, ( I do not make mention of that in the video intentionally) it became a public domain name and several independent companies started using the name, I believe one is still in business today IWA South, which is a hard-core company ran by Ian Rotten from the ECW.
I totally loved the NWF in the 80s though. I went to it all the time. They ran several shows within a 30 mile radius of me. They had great wrestlers who were on their way down from the big stage! That’s where I watched Brusier Brody! I was also at a show when Wendy Richter won the NWF ladies title! I still have the pictures from that show also. I watched it on tv if I found it while channel surfing but not regularly tho. I was really excited when superstar came. I thought for sure I would be seeing him at a show but he wasn’t there long at all and never wrestled near me. He left real fast only a few matches then he went to another Indy company IWF for 2 or 3 shows before retiring. I really wanted to see him with the “new” gimmick since he brought back all color and was a face!
Hello Bill, What a great video and a great channel. I’ve been a subscriber for a while, and I never comment on any of the RUclips channels I watch, but had to today. I am in the Pittsburgh area, born in the 60s, raised in 70s and love all of your content and in particular the recognition of the Pittsburgh area you gave on this video. I probably have some info and stories to supplement all of your terrific info you provide. I’ve seen a lot of matches at the Pittsburgh civic arena and penguin games. When did you attend the games at the igloo? I’m curious if you could do a video on the history of you falling in love with the sport, the matches you attended live, and magazines that stood out to you at the time. Sorry I could keep rambling, keep up the great work we appreciate it. Ron
Hey Ron thank you for your comment. It’s good to hear from you. I’m glad you did. But I totally understand the never commenting on videos after watching. I NEVER do either. Mainly because I’m expecting some negative or insulting reply from some of the RUclips gems out there. But here on this ch it’s not tolerated! The good people on the ch can speak freely and they will be treated with respect that I can promise.
Pittsburgh is absolutely my favorite city in the entire world. What a great place, great people great energy. When I came out, it would be difficult, but I would try to get a Steelers game a Penguins game and or a panther game. I tried to make the most of my three day weekends. I’ve been to Three Rivers once in the late 70s. Heinz Field several times. The igloo a lot in the 80s. 3 times when Paul Coffey played. I loved him. I was crushed and shocked when he was traded. After the Cups it was harder to get tickets. The last time I visited Pitt was Sidney’s rookie year when Mario came back. I was able to see him skate one more time before he stopped shortly after. I avoided pitt after mid November tho. To Cold lol. But man I loved that city! Nothing like a home game in Pittsburgh!! Nothing like Mike Lang on KDKA radio. Thanks for commenting. I hope you see you comment more in the future. It’s nice to
Know ppl like the channel. It helps to keep me going too!
@@prowrestlingmags Love the memories you mentioned Bill. Glad to hear the sincere feelings towards our city. Pro wrestling has a long history in Pittsburgh and continues today with several independent promotions that do a great job. Those Penguin teams were so exciting to watch. Saw many myself. Could not believe we got Cofffey and felt Mario could finally compete on a more even level with Gretzky. Shame the 2 of them never squared off in the finals. It should have happened in 1993 when the Pens were driving for cup 3 but got bounced by the Islanders. I believe Wayne got there that year with the Kings. Quick connection between hockey and wrestling. I was given tix for a WWF raw in 2008 at the igloo, We had ringside seats, maybe 15-20 rows from the ring. Right before the event starts Malkin walks pass us with a hot girl and sits close to the ring. About 1/2 way thru, I take my son who is maybe 10 to grab some food back in the corridor on the floor. Only 1 guy is in line and its Malkin. We quickly run back to our seats and rip one of the posters my son brought into a few pieces and run back, He had not got his food yet and he was kind enough to take a few pics and sign those pieces of paper. Great moment and night for my son and I. I have so many great sports memories as it sounds you do as well. Always savor the moment is my motto. Great stuff Bill.
@backyardcommish3503 wow that’s great!! Very cool. Hockey players are the best to the fans. They really are(or at least were) idk about today’s guys. I haven’t followed it a few years.
I can’t remember the year somewhere around 90-91
- 92 I was a bouncer at a strip club when I lived in South Jersey. We always hated the Flyers. I really hated Rick Tocchet. For no reason other than he was a tough strong solid player and a Flyer. One night he comes in the Club to see a Dancer he started dating. The dancer introduces him to me to make sure he never gets charged and brought in with out waiting in line etc. long story short he and I became really friendly. He was at the club a lot during his off season, we hung out alll the time drinking shooting pool etc. what a cool dude. I told him once I use to hate your guts, you always played rough against Pitt and you have the look of an asshole on tv. We both got a big laugh outta that. He said you’re a Pitt fan? Well I’m actually best friends with Paul Coffey! I was shocked! I said No shit!! He said there family’s were all real tight. And Paul was like a brother. Rick was a little shorter than me but thick, big upper body and shoulders. Mean scars on his face too. Those things you really can’t tell on tv. But a really cool guy. Shorty after that he was traded to the Penns. I didn’t see him anymore. But great times back then! I can’t remember but he may have gotten a cup with us? Idk. I’m bad with years. Everything feels like yesterday to me anymore.
@@prowrestlingmags haha great story Bill
Bill, another Great Episode! Very informative! Thanks for keeping the History of Pro Wrestling alive!
Thank you Todd! Very Much Appreciated brother!!
I have to stop watching your videos because it’s costing me too much money. You do a really good job presenting the magazines in your videos. Issues that I never had any interest in, I suddenly see with a new set of eyes and now I want them. Those issues with Ladd and Powers In particular. I never knew about the pre-riot matches in Cleveland. Thanks for the great info on that. And you are so right about the lost power of kayfabe! Without it you get what you have today. And today is embarrassingly bad. Thanks for another great video.
Haha I know the feeling, I honestly do! My bank account has lost a lot of weight over the years lol. I’m glad to have exposed you to something interesting to add to you collection. That’s the whole reason I’m here making these videos. Physical media is being wiped out at an alarming rate. Ppl like us need to save these history books! Thanks very much for your comment and for watching!
Another great episode full of a wealth of information. My weekend always gets better when you make a video. Much respect for all the hard work you do to make these great videos.
Thank you very much friend! Really appreciate that! Thanks for always coming back for more!
Quick note about Jack Reynolds: He was the voiceover guy on those TV mail order spots for the products that were "not available in any store", and one of his catchphrases was "So you don't forget, send before midnight tomorrow!" The NWF used a number of WWWF wrestlers on their shows, like Manuel Soto, Luke Graham, Bruno, Baron Mikel Scicluna, Eric the Red (he worked for WWWF under that name before becoming Eric the Animal in NWF), various TV job guys like Mike Pappas, Joe Turco, Vicente "Bull" Pometti, Dr. Beach and Rujack Woods, among others. "The Man They Call 'Fish'" at 16:39 on that Wrestling Revue is our old pal Gilles Poisson, whom as we discussed earlier worked in WWWF in 1975-76 as Louis Cyr.
WTF! You did it again man. Louis Cyr is on a mag cover with a different name. I’m framing it. Now find me one with Mighty Joe Thunder
@@prowrestlingmags It would probably be an old one. Even when I was collecting the mags I only went back to 1970. You already have every mag I had, plus a ton I never even heard of. Maybe try a Google or Yahoo image search under "wrestler Bob Merrill". Beyond that, I'm as clueless as you on ol' Mighty Joe. Thanks man!
@@prowrestlingmags I found a photo on The Online World of Wrestling of a Bob Merrill. It looks like a younger version of Mighty Joe Thunder but with bleached blond hair, standing with his right foot up on a stool. The name on the photo says "Bob Stanlee". It has to be him.
lol yes I’ve seen that photo and it’s him. That’s funny shit tho man!
Awesome, thanks again
Thanks again to you!!
Great video Bill. Sorry it took me so long to get to this video and comment. Lots going on that took me away from watching some videos here.
Again, you are so right, kayfabe is over. And, it is sad. It was a sport for many years but when it became defined as "entertainment," that was it. Sand paper was the go to for when you got burned or had your face rubbed into the concret or mat repeatedly. The fans of today want to be part of the show. That irks me. I digress. Let me not go down that road...lol.
Ernie Ladd was gold on the mic. He was a much better heel in my opinion as well. He turned on Dusty Rhodes in 1977 in Florida and oh were the fans hot. Plus, if you listen to Ladd's commentary, you would laugh. Like I said, he was so good on the stick.
I think I said this in an early video of yours but as a six year old kid seeing The Sheik for the first time, he scared me to death. And, I was blown away when he would throw fire. He had so much heat on him the whole time from the crowd when I would see him on TV. That June 1975 Ben Strong magazine with Sheik on the cover is one of the nicest wrestling magazine covers ever in my opinion. I had my chance to buy it in the back issue section of the Weston magazines but never did. I could kick myself for that. I am going to email you Bill and if that offer is still available, I would be honored to have a copy of it from your collection. And, rest assured, it will stay in my collection for the rest of my life my friend.
You got it pal. It’s goin out to you asap. I’m glad to give it to someone who appreciates it! I never sold a mag in my life. But I’ve given away a TON!! especially to people who were long in search of a particular issue but never able to pick one up. Good luck with the move south! Another 4 years I’ll be retiring that way as well. I’ll need a house with a huge basement tho lol.
@prowrestlingmags Thanks Bill! You won't find any basements in South Florida, though, or you will be under water...lol
Oh my god, it would be really strange not having a basement. Idk if I could buy a house without one. I’ve never not had one. Where would I escape from reality without it! Where do I put all my shit? I can’t think about it. It hurts my head lol. Your package is on the way man! It will be there by Friday. I haven’t mailed anything in years. I was shocked at the shipping rates wow. Let me know if you didn’t get it by Saturday and I’m track it.
@@prowrestlingmags North Florida homes might have some basements. You will just have to get an extra bedroom for all your stuff.
Thanks for the magazine again. I will be back in Florida this weekend. I will tell my wife to keep an eye out for the issue. I have never owned a Ben Strong wrestling mag.
I love it. For all it's worth I always dreamed of getting that October 1973 issue of "The Wrestler" that featured a bloody Superstar Billy Graham that claimed "Jealousy Did This To Me", and as a collector myself of over 80 wrestling magazines but I never was able to acquire it for some reason or another. I believe John Tolos attacked Superstar from behind possibly with another wrestler, maybe Chief Wahoo McDaniel IDK. But the year was 1982 and you could back then purchase that magazine for liker $1.75. How bout that.
Well it sounds to me that it’s about time for you to grab that October 73 issue. You deserve it! There’s a few listed on eBay right now I think 20 bucks. I’m glad you have a wrestling magazine collection and are preserving the great pro wrestling history. If you need any help with your collection along the way, I hope my videos on this channel can offer you some insight on the months and years a head! There is a video for every publication broken down month my month year by year in order to help everyone see what awaits for them! We cover every issue ever printed from issue #1 in 1951 to 1990. Let me know if you ever have any questions.
@@prowrestlingmags : TRUE , but unfortunately I nolonger have those magazines anymore. I thought of buying them again though someday maybe.
@@Nicholas-dreamloveyes!! Start back again. About 6 months ago I bought one for the first time in probably 15 years. Now I can’t stop, I’m buying several a week lately. I have a new found fondness for the magazines again. It’s all because of this ch too. Bill opened my eyes to stuff I never saw before. It’s been fun searching for them again.
@@StaryHope0098 : I was thinking about it, but it would be costly to recapture the same amount of magazines as before.
@@StaryHope0098 yo that’s awesome stary! Thank you crediting me and my videos as the reason you restarted your collection again. I totally love to hear ppl are influenced and got the itch once again. I say this all the time like a broken record, but it’s true. It’s up to us to save these from being wiped off the planet. Physical media is diminishing day by day, year by year at a alarming rate. These magazine collections are being thrown out by inheritors and family members.
You would Ladd would turn on Powers, given Ladd is usually the heel.
He was red hot with the fans. Young black good looking star in 4 cities with a heavy mixed race crowd. It was the guy they’ve been waiting for since the start in the mid 60s. But all that being said I see what you mean and I would also agree with your comment.
Can you believe Abdullah's still alive today?
Quite Frankie no! Of all the deaths and early deaths in wrestling one would think Abdullah’s expiration date would have been decades ago.
Tex McKenzie. Slower than a turtle with arthritis
Yea, especially in the IWA in 1975-76 he was beat up over the 20 plus years prior. It was the tail end of his career but you could see it in his hips, knees etc just when he walked around the ring. On top of that being 6’10” and close to 300lbs didn’t help.
@@prowrestlingmags Yet, the fans still liked Tex. But, yes, he was definitely beat up as many guys were.