BOOK DETAILS Kindle edition: 300 pagesPublisher: Crowbar Press Item #: cbp07-gs-kindle Price: $9.99
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Excerpt from "The Solie Chronicles"
Copyright © Robert Allyn
One evening, he sat in the comfort of his family room — vodka in one hand and a cigarette in the other, and spoke to his son-in-law, Bob Allyn. Gordon said McMahon’s company offered him a fair wage to continue on, and there was even a mention of him co-hosting with Gene Okerlund. He didn’t have a problem with the money offer or with Gene Okerlund, but Gordon said they wanted him to wear a tuxedo, and "he wasn’t going to wear any go—amn tuxedo."
Since the late 1800s, professional wrestling has turned out many high-profile stars: names such as Frank Gotch, Ed "Strangler" Lewis, Lou Thesz, Dusty Rhodes and Hulk Hogan. Perhaps one of the most well-known pro-wrestling personalities, however, wasn't even a wrestler. He was a commentator and announcer named Gordon Solie.
Famous dead-pan style interviews and colorful play-by-play broadcasts of wrestling led to Gordon’s induction into the WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), the NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), and the WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2008).
"Gordon calling a world championship match was like Al Michaels or Bob Costas calling a Super Bowl or World Series ... just a perfect fit!"
Mike Tenay-broadcaster for TNA Wrestling
Wrestling fans of the 60s, 70s and 80s remember Gordon’s legendary broadcasts on Championship Wrestling from Florida, Championship Wrestling from Georgia, and World Championship Wrestling.
Born Jonard Frank Labiak on January 26, 1929, Gordon began working as a page and errand boy for a Louisiana radio station while he was in the U.S. Air Force. Known to his fellow servicemen as Gordy, he would later legally change his name to Gordon Solie, a name chosen to honor his family history. In 1950, he took a job as an announcer for WEBK in Ybor City, Florida. By starting his own radio sports interview program, Gordon made key contacts in professional wrestling and stock car racing. Subsequently, Gordon Solie set a course and made a major impact on the development of professional wrestling, national auto thrill show tours, stock car racing on Florida’s Suncoast, and ultimately, as the host for the highest-rated show on the largest cable network in America.
The background material for this biography was found in Gordon's personal files and taken from interviews with the people who knew him the best. It is written as a testament to a man who made his mark in many endeavors.
— INTERVIEWS with 65 people who knew Gordon the best! — |
Family and Friends
•Dotty Curtis [wife of wrestling legend Don Curtis]
• Gaye Swenson [Gordon's sister]
• Greg Solie [Gordon's son]
• Jeff Bukantz [member of the U.S. National fencing team]
• Jim Oxley [head mechanic at the Pit Stop]
• Keith Mitchell [WCW staff member]
• Pamela S Allyn [Gordon's daughter]
• Robert Allyn [Gordon's son-in-law]
• Tom McEwen [sports editor and Gordon's friend]
Stock car drivers
• Buzzie Reutimann
• Cush Revette
• Jim Gallagher [stock car race announcer]
• "Little Jack" Arnold
• Pancho Alvarez
• Randy Alvarez [Pancho Alvarez' son]
• Wayne Reutimann
• Will Cagle
Wrestling Journalists
• Alex Marvez [Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com]
• Bill Apter [former editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated]
• J Michael Kenyon [wrestling historian]
• Mike Mooneyham [wrestling journalist]
• Scott Teal [wrestling historian]
Wrestling Commentators
• Joe Pedicino
• Jim Ross
• Lance Russell
• Mike Tenay
Wrestling Photographers
• Danny Goddard
• Scooter Leslie |
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Wrestlers, Managers, Referees and Promoters
•Abdullah the Butcher
• Adrian Street
• Bill Newman
• Bob Armstrong
• Bob Roop
• Bobby Simmons
• Buddy Colt
• C.J. West
• Danny Hodge
• Danny Miller
• David Marquez
• Dick Steinborn
• Dory Funk
• "Downtown Bruno" Lauer
• Dr. Ken Ramey
• Frankie Cain
• Gene Kiniski
• Harley Race
• Howard Brody
• Ivan Koloff
• Jack Brisco
• Jack Welch
• Jerry Prater [director-producer of Championship Wrestling from Florida]
• Jim Cornette
• Jimmy Hart
• Jimmy Snuka
• JJ Dillon
• Joe Turner
• Larry Zbyszko
• Les Thatcher
• Mike Graham
• Rocky Johnson
• Ron Garvin
• Roy Lee Welch
• Skip Gossett
• Stan Hansen
• Steve Keirn
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Excerpt from Chapter 1: Loving, Hating, and the FBI
Copyright © Robert Allyn, Pamela S Allyn and Scott Teal
What Jonard [later known as Gordon] didn’t anticipate was the quickness of the Denver police and the FBI. An All Points Bulletin, or APB, was issued for Miller’s stolen car. Outside of Boulder City, near the Boulder Dam, the local police stopped the oversized car with the undersized driver. Arrested on Grand Theft Auto across state lines, Jonard was handcuffed and placed in the back of the squad car. Appearing a lot smaller than his 5’8" frame, he was driven back to Denver to face the law and his parents. Horrified, he envisioned the upcoming scene. He could almost hear them: "You are a criminal, a juvenile delinquent! How could you have done this to us?" At that moment, the last people he wanted to speak to were his parents! There was no way he was going to use his one allowed phone call to speak with his mom and dad. He needed a buffer, so Jonard decided to phone the pastor of his parent’s church and ask him to call his parents.
After the phone call, Jonard was left to sit in a cell at the Denver Juvenile Detention Center. He sat — and he sat.
Excerpt from Chapter 3: Cracked by a Potato
Copyright © Robert Allyn, Pamela S Allyn and Scott Teal
Earning the job on Championship Wrestling from Florida presented another challenge to Gordon. Early in his second stint as host for the show, Gordon had an overseer, a kind of babysitter appointed by the TV station. On one normal taping day at the WTVT studio, fans stretched all the way down the block as they waited in line in the hot Florida sun, and then packed themselves like sardines into the small studio. With the assistance of their "heel" manager, Saul Weingeroff, Kurt and Karl von Brauner won a tag team match. Saul had a habit of cheating by reaching into the ring with his cane and tripping their opponents. The fans screamed their disapproval of his dirty tactics. In response to the jeers emanating from the audience, the so-called "Germans" unfolded an American flag and spread it on the ring mat. The fans got louder and more insulting. Basically telling the fans, "Up yours," the Von Brauners proceeded to desecrate the American flag by jumping up and down on it. The louder the fans got, the more Saul Weingeroff egged on the Von Brauners. The fans in the studio were ready to riot.
After the police restored order, the studio manager made a beeline for WTVT’s office and marched in to see the station manager. "This has gone too far," he wailed to his superior. "The people who come in to watch are rude, crude and profane. They are disgusting. And those wrestlers, they are a disgrace with their anti-American, pro German antics. Something has to be done."
During the negotiations which followed between Luttrall and WTVT officials, it was decided that a station representative named Russ Benedict would be present on the air with Gordon until further notice.
Excerpt from Chapter 4: Wimpy Beats Pancho
Copyright © Robert Allyn, Pamela S Allyn and Scott Teal
On the local scene, Buzzie Reutimann was establishing a "Chevrolet" take-over at the "Gate," while Pancho Alvarez was trying to change that with a brand new 1959 Pontiac. Cush Revette, who competed against both Buzzie and Pancho, said Gordon made the races at the "Gate" more fun for the drivers and the fans.
"He asked that the drivers unbuckle, get out of their cars, and lean against the front right fenders before we competed in the feature races," stated Revette, "and then Gordon announced our names and made comments about our cars or motors. In my case, Gordon made a big deal because I was seen drinking buttermilk one time. He went on and on about it to the point that I even put a little buttermilk container on the hood of my car before feature races. For a time, I was sponsored by the University Lounge and Restaurant and I invited the fans to meet me there after the races. Because of Gordon, they actually expected to see me there drinking buttermilk, and seemed surprised to see me drinking a beer. It got to the point that the crowd expected some humorous encounter whenever Gordon introduced me at the track.
"One night, Gordon was at the microphone and yelled at me, ‘Hey, Cush, what time is it?’ I yelled back from the track, ‘It’s nookie time. But right now we have to race.’ The crowd loved it."
Excerpt from Chapter 12: The Doll House
Copyright © Robert Allyn, Pamela S Allyn and Scott Teal
"One of the guys had a question about a photograph, so I left for a moment to speak with him," said Scooter. "Andre was sitting there at the bar, Dusty was standing there, and then I saw Jody Hamilton who, of course, was wearing his (Assassin) mask. There were so many tuxedos there that it looked like a penguin convention. I finished quickly and came back to rejoin Gordon. By then, he was speaking to another man who had his back to me. As I came around Gordon and looked at the man, I just froze. My fiancé asked, ‘Are you okay? You look like you saw a ghost.’ I barely got out the words, ‘Do you know who that is?’
"My fiance answered, ‘No’
"‘That man hit 755 home runs!’ I replied. It was, indeed, Hank Aaron, the legendary home run king of Major League Baseball. That was the only time in my life that I wished I could pull a baseball out of my ass. I could picture the ball with the number '755' written on it with Hank Aaron’s autograph below. I shook his hand as I said, ‘Hi, Mr. Aaron,’ and probably still had a dumbfounded look on my face. As I looked at Hank and Gordon standing there, I noticed that they were about the same height, but it was apparent that Hank had much bigger biceps. To this day, I still have a clear picture in my mind of the time I stood there chatting with Gordon Solie and Hank Aaron."
Excerpt from Chapter 13: "Don't Make Me Raise My Voice"
Copyright © Robert Allyn, Pamela S Allyn and Scott Teal
Gordon left WCW with a record of good performance, but he did leave an off-the-job situation hanging over his head. While still with WCW, the company changed Gordon’s flights from Delta to Kiwi. He wasn’t happy about the change. Not only did he and Smoky take vacation trips on Gordon’s Delta frequent flyer miles, but a lot of the attendants knew him. He was a regular and they treated him like one. They would make allowances if he occasionally drank too much, and perhaps even chastise him for lighting a cigarette on a plane. "Gordon used to sneak a wet towel into the bathrooms on the airplanes," said Harley Race. "He used to put the damp towel over the smoke detector and sit in the airplane restroom and smoke cigarettes. Gordon was the reason that the airlines added signs about not tampering with their smoke detectors."
When Gordon learned that some WCW staff members were still flying Delta, he was doubly ticked off. Chip on his shoulder and all, Gordon got on a Kiwi flight and began belting down some drinks, and then fired up a cigarette. When a flight attendant began to reprimand him, she got a strong dose of verbal abuse from him. When airline personnel complained to WCW about Gordon’s behavior, someone at WCW filed that away in their memory for use at a future date.
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Dedication
Acknowledgements
Foreword
A Note from Gordon's Daughter
1 Loving, Hating, and the FBI
Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota ... Solie family history ... Saved from drowning by a mysterious stranger ... The stepfather ... A trusted companion ... Super heroes ... Saving money for a new bicycle ... Gardens for Victory ... Jonard begins to rebel ... Sneaking out at night ... The word game ... Stealing a car ... Gordon spends a month in jail ... Jonard joins the Air Force ... Breakfast in Hollywood ... Becoming "Gordon Solie" ... Gordon gets married
2 Cigars, Strawberries, Ovals and Rings
Going to work for WEBK ... Searching for sponsors ... Setting his sights on professional wrestling and stock car racing ... Meeting wrestling promoter Cowboy Luttrall ... Announcing at Speedway Park in Tampa ... A thank you letter from Bing Crosby ... Teaming with Milt Spencer on "Sportsreel" ... Gordon becomes a father ... Trouble at home ... Put in his place by Cowboy Luttrall ... Gordon takes on a "nine-to-five" ... $100 legacy ... On tour with Thrillcade ... Southern Wrestling Alliance ... Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch
3 Cracked by a Potato
Hosting the new pro wrestling television show ... Divorce and remarriage ... Working with the "Dean of Florida Sportscasters" ... Helping develop Golden Gate Speedway ... NASCAR comes to Tampa
4 Wimpy Beats Pancho
Thrill-O-Rama ... Anatomy lessons ... Bringing Figure 8 stock car racing to Tampa ... Gordon's solo flight ... Appointed "Automobile Racing Commissioner of Ybor City" ... The NWA world junior heavyweight title changes hands in Tampa ... Danny Hodge goes fishing ... Gordon buys a fire engine ... Negative media coverage ... Turkey hunting ... Candidate for the Florida State House of Representatives ... The FCC's "equal time" policy ... Stock car racers picket Golden Gate Speedway ... The Buffalo Bomber
5 Solie’s Hog
Hog hunting ... Gordon's trademark closing ... Fan mail ... Dr. Ken Ramey and the Masked Medics ... Accolades from former NWA world heavyweight champion Gene Kiniski ... Technical advancements of "Championship Wrestling from Florida" ... Pulling ribs on the boys ... The Great Malenko and the wrestling bear ... Moving to Solie Road ... Working as technical director for the movie, "Jump" ... Outstanding Citizen award ... Mistaking Joe Frazier for "Bob" ... World title match at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg
6 The Abusive Polack
Eddie Graham blasts St. Petersburg Times newspaper hack ... Family matters ... Quickdraw and Monty ... The Pit Stop ... The alcoholic "gene" ... Threatened by Big Bob
7 N.W.A. — No Women Allowed
Debut on Georgia Championship Wrestling ... "Notice of Apparent Liability" from the FCC ... Refrigerator letters
8 You Say Suplex, I Say Suplay
The "fake" question ... Bicycling television tapes ... Super Bowl of Wrestling ... A target for the media ... The explosive growth of pro wrestling
9 The Great Malenko vs. The Mattress
Wrestling is syndicated on the Satellite Program Network ... Criticism of the Last Tangle in Tampa ... Championship Wrestling from Florida in financial trouble ... Competition for Championship Wrestling from Florida ... Gordon's "liquid lunch" ... Amway distributor ... World Championship Wrestling ... A letter from Jim Barnett ... More competition in Tampa ... The Great Malenko splits with Eddie Graham ... NWA Official Rules of Professional Wrestling ... Gordon appears on Equal Challenge
10 Black Saturday
Starrcade '83 ... Roy Shire exposes the wrestling business ... Television ratings ... Vince McMahon takes over Georgia Championship Wrestling ... Irate wrestling fans sound off ... The ABC's of Wrestling by Chuck Shepherd ... Gordon refuses to wear a tuxedo ... Eddie Graham takes his life
11 Without Benefit of Lubricant
Conflict and politics in the wrestling office ... Co-host of Pro Wrestling This Week ... Jim Crockett Promotions takes over the Florida wrestling promotion ... Negotiating with Global Wrestling Alliance ... Gordon gets the axe ... Paul E. Dangerously "fires" Gordon ... The formation of Florida Championship Wrestling, Inc. ... Discord on the homefront ... Dusty Rhodes buys controlling interest in Pro Wrestling Federation ... "Lionel" (Michael Lebron) calls Gordon's local radio show ... Florida Championship Wrestling on the ropes
12 The Doll House
Praise for Gordon from "J.R." Ross ... Gordon returns to WTBS ... "Vodka on the rocks, no vegetables" ... Pancho Alvarez returns to racing ... Relocating to Palm Harbor, Florida ... More family matters ... Cauliflower Alley Club ... Choreographed tumbling ... The mob ... The "900" line ... Chatting with Hank Aaron ... Gordon drafts a resignation letter to WCW ... Controversy over the Hall of Fame
13 "Don’t Make Me Raise My Voice!"
World Superstars of Wrestling ... Gordon learns to e-mail ... Smoky passes away ... Playing video trivia ... Selling air purifiers ... Gordon's health declines ... Gordon's last interview ... Larynx removal ... The electrolarynx ... Hospice ... Reminiscing with his daughter ... The Dean of Professional Wrestling Announcers passes away
Works Cited
Index |
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A&E Television Network, 264, 265 A Date with Judy, 25 A World Apart, 115 A.C. Nielson, 197, 208 Aaron, Hank, 243-244 AAU, 122, 141 Abbondolo, Frank, 226 Abbott and Costello, 20 ABC-TV, 112-113, 115, 117, 140, 164 Abdullah the Butcher, 188 Ackerman, Al, 62 ACLU, 254 Acuff, Roy, 69 Adams, Chris, 214 Adams, Nick, 113 Adkisson, Jack (aka Fritz Von Erich), 170, 234 Afflis, Dick the Bruiser, 53, 55, 145 Air Force Radio, 30 Al Lopez Field, 172 Albano, Lou, 178 Ali, Mohammad, 152, 176 Alice’s Restaurant, 115 All American Wrestling, 210 All South Wrestling Alliance (ASWA), 139, 142 Allen, Herb, 101 Allen, Mel, 255 Allen, Paul, 244 Allen, Ron, 199 Allen, Terry (aka Magnum TA), 187, 245 Allen, Woody, 201 Allison, Bobby, 86, 92, 94 Allison, Davey, 244 Allyn, Bob, 130, 133, 135, 180, 189, 201, 228, 262-263, 269-274, 279 Allyn, Jameson, 262, 269, 272-273, 275, 279 Allyn, Kirstin, 172, 187 (also see Steward, Kirstin) Allyn, Pam, 130-132, 135, 189, 194, 239, 262-263, 265-266, 269-275, 277-280 (also see Sjoblom, Pam) Allyn, Ryan, 172, 187, 262-263, 275 Alvarez, Betty, 232, 237 Alvarez, Pancho, 41, 42, 68, 77-79, 81, 99, 153-154, 232, 237 Alvarez, Randy, 68 Alvis, Jim, 60, 108 American Bandstand, 119 American Cancer Society, 209 American Championship Wrestling, 213 American Diabetes Association (ADA), 190 American Wrestling Association (AWA), 149,215-216, 241, 265 Amos 'n’ Andy, 37 Amusement Business, 206 Anderson, Gene, 143, 178, 198 Anderson, Ole, 143, 169-170, 178, 187, 198, 200, 202-203, 245 Anderson, Paul, 53 Anderson, Ray, 117, 118 Andre the Giant, 152, 156, 168, 170, 175, 201, 243 Andrews, Blythe C., 94 Andrews, Tom, 108 AOL-Time Warner, 234 Apter, Bill, 176, 203, 207, 253, 266 ARB, 208 Armstrong, Brad, 193, 238, 256 Armstrong, Bullet Bob, 140, 145, 163, 199 Armstrong, Lewis, 37 Army of Darkness, 202 Arnold, Jack, 41, 62, 81 Arnold, William, 189 Ash, Bill, 266 Askew, Governor Reuben, 117 Asner, Ed, 145 Atlanta Braves, 150 Atlanta City Auditorium, 161, 165 Atlanta Hawks, 239 Atlanta Journal and Constitution Magazine, 170 Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, 170 Atlanta Open, 192 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, 177 Atlanta Weekly, 182 Atlas, Tony, 169 Atomic Dogg, 268 Auburn University, 215 Austin Idol, 170 Austin, Bob, 165 Austin, Norvell, 140, 216 Austin, Steve, 261-262 Austin’s Greater Flying Circus, 48 Autry, Gene, 48 Auxier, Robert, 208 Avcom, Inc., 214, 221, 229 B. Dalton Books, 205 Baba, Shohei, 124 Bacharach, Bert, 79 Backlund, Jim, 230 Bailey, Thomas K., 246 Baker, Buck, 72 Baker, Buddy, 72 Baker, Ox, 139, 155, 157, 245 Balough, Gary, 108, 109 Baltimore Colts, 102 Banner, Penny, 44 Barber, Marion, 38, 57, 58 Barber, Red, 38 Barksdale Air Force Base, 30, 31 Barnett, Jim, 146, 165-167, 169-170, 174, 176, 177, 183, 185, 198, 267 Barr, Jesse, 208, 213 Bash at the Beach, 251 Basilio, Carmen, 249 Bastien, Red, 106, 245 Batman, 19 Battle of the Belts, 210 Bayfront Center, 118-121, 123-128, 159, 161, 169, 218, 229-230, 238, 264 Beard, Senator Malcolm, 178 Beasley, Lee, 182 Beaudroux, Blade, 268 Beautiful Bobby, 268 Beiro, Mark, 245 Bellots, Jennifer, 181 Bench, Johnny, 183 Bennedict, Russ, 64 Bergen, Edgar, 20 Bergman, Ingrid, 184 Berry, "Wild" Red, 72 Beverly, Steve, 215-216, 243 Bevis Jr., John T., 92-93, 109, 115, 117 Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 181, 192 Big Sky, 268 Big Steel Man, 231 Big Time Wrestling, 109 Big Van Vader, 242 Bigelow, Bam Bam, 231, 231, 260 Bilarakis, U.S. Congressman Michael, 218 Bill Denny’s Sports Beat, 190 Billy Jack, 197 Bischoff, Eric, 248, 252-253, 261 Black Saturday, 197, 199, 244 Blackburn, Sheriff Ed, 55, 178, 205 Blackstone, Boni, 213, 246, 247 Blair, Brian, 151, 273, 276-278 Blanchard, Joe, 189 Blassie, Fred, 89, 105, 203 Blears, Lord Tally-Ho, 145, 245 Blekkenk, Billy, 264, 276 Bloomfield, Crusher, 181 Blount, Archie, 100-101, 104, 112, 114 Bob Newhart Show, 149 Boca Raton News, 149 Bockwinkel, Nick, 245, 265 Boesch, Paul, 157 Boggs, Wade, 277-278 Boldgett, Bill, 81 Bonanno, 241 Boston Red Sox, 277 Bowman, Bill, 113 Boyle, Peter, 115 Bozo the Clown, 113 Brack, Bobby, 97 Brady, Margaret, 172 Brandi, 268 Brannon, Dr. Michael P. (Dr. Red Roberts), 221-224 Branson, Don, 76 Brantley, Scott, 184 Brazil, Larry, 61, 102 Breakfast in Hollywood, 30-31 Breneman, Tom, 30 Brent, Dennis A., 258 Brevard County Fair, 210, 214 Brewer, Sterling, 139 Brigham Young University, 122 Brisco, Jack, 111, 117-120, 122-123, 125, 127, 129, 135, 139, 152, 163, 166, 168, 170, 172, 175, 182, 184, 198, 220, 237, 259, 261, 276-278 Brisco, Jerry, 166, 170, 172, 175, 182, 184, 198, 259 Brody, Howard, 235, 256, 258-261, 274, 279 Brody, Bruiser, 267 Bronson, Charles, 216 Brooks, Killer, 144 Brown, Dave, 203 Brown, Leroy, 170 Browning, Barbara, 190 Browning, Logan, 161, 178, 190 Brubaker, Bill, 157-158, 162 Bryant, Butch, 112 Buda, Danise, 60-61 (also see Solie, Danise & Lanciault, Denise) Buda, Eric, 60-61 (also see Solie, Eric) Buda, Greg, 60-61 (also see Solie, Greg) Buda, Eileen, 60-61 (also see Solie, Eileen "Smoky") Buffalo Bills, 102 Buffalo University, 103 Bukantz, Danny, 162 Bukantz, Jeff, 162, 192 Buono, Tony, 231 Burcham, Bobby, 92 Burnham, Chip, 238 Burrough, Bryan, 189 Burzichelli, John, 207 Cabot, Gil, 206-207, 230, 245, 257-258, 260-262 Cactus Jack (Mick Foley, Mankind), 242, 258, 268 Cagle, Will, 61, 68, 99-100, 108, 137 Cain, Frankie, 83 Calhoun, Haystack, 55 Calvacade of Comics, 56 Cameron, Ed, 91 Canadian National Exposition, 50 Candy, Ray, 170 Cannon Films, 114, 115 Cannon Group, 114, 135 Capetta, Gary, 269 Capone, Al, 166 Capone, Joe, 270 Capral, Ed, 139 Captain America, 19 Captain Marvel, 19 Carlton, Bob, 47 Carras, Don, 215 Carroll, John, 134 Carter, President Jimmy, 177 Cash, Johnny, 177 Caudle, Bob, 196, 234, 256 Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC), 239, 248-250, 259, 265 Cavanaugh, Doreen, 176 CBS, 37 Center Stage, 234, 243 Chambers, Pat, 39, 41 Champion, Mark, 172, 183 Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF), 62-63, 73, 81, 86, 91, 94, 98, 102, 105-107, 109-111, 116, 121, 123, 131, 135, 140-141, 144-146, 148-150, 154-157, 159, 162, 166-168, 172, 175-182, 184, 186, 191-192, 194, 197, 199-200, 202-204, 206, 208-213, 215, 218-221, 228-229, 232, 235, 248, 258, 260, 267, 271, 274 Chapman, Mike, 246 Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, 228 Charles, Tony, 140, 152 Charleston Post and Courier, 73 Chavez, City Council member Helen, 190 Cherne, Bill, 69 Chicago Sun Times, 161 Chief Little Eagle, 89, 105 Chitwood, Joie, 48-49, 118 Chokehold Radio Show, 270 Chono, Masahiro, 260 Choshu, Ricky, 260 Christie, George, 47 Christy, Paul, 123 Citrus County Speedway, 112 Clapton, Eric, 177 Clark, Dick, 79, 144, 231 Clary, Barbara, 182, 194 Clash of Champions, 233, 243 Clayton Henry Sun, 172 Clearwater Sun, 126, 164 Cleaver, Marshall, 51 Cline, Patsy, 177 CNN, 231, 234, 248, 261 CNN Plaza, 208, 234, 247-248 Coast to Coast Advertising, 212 Cohen, Andy, 148 Cohn, Al, 75 Colon, Carlos, 196 Colt, Buddy, 133, 191, 219 Columbia Restaurant, 38 Commercial Appeal Northwest Ark. Bureau, 187 Concorde Arena, 208 Conga the Barbarian, 215 Conlin, Bill, 195 Connors, Paul, 92 Consumer Products Corporation, 242 Continental Championship Wrestling, 208, 213, 215-216, 218, 220-221, 226, 229 Cook, Charlie, 163 Coolidge, Calvin, 12 Cornette, Jim, 191-192, 256, 258 Corsica Jean, 89 Corsica Joe, 89 Cosell, Howard, 155 Costas, Bob, 251 Country Music Television (CMT), 261 Cow Palace, 108, 195 Cowboy Lang, 208 Craver, Walt, 61 Crist, C. M., 222 Crockett Jr., Jim, 170, 195, 208, 213, 215, 219-221, 228-229, 232, 242-243, 267 Crockett Sr., Jim, 53, 119, 135 Crockett, David, 196, 215, 252 Cronkite, Walter, 185, 210, 255 Crosby, Bing, 20, 37 Crowe, Allen, 76 Cruise, Chris, 236 Crusher, 245 CTN Network, 232 Culverhouse, Hugh, 238 Curtis, Don, 54-55, 57-58, 72, 77, 81, 84, 95, 101-103, 117-118, 120, 130, 145, 179-180, 239, 256, 258-259, 275-276 Curtis, Dotty, 84, 95, 103, 145, 180, 240, 275-276 Curtis, Jack, 226 CW Network, 205 Dade City Fairgrounds Speedway, 112 Dangerously, Paul E., 226, 237-238, 258 Daniels Racing Team, 62 Darlington Raceway, 71, 77 Daudt, Douglas, 267 Davis, Ancil, 206 Davis, Mike, 202 Davis, Sharon, 158 Day, Beth, 55 Daytona "500", 71, 237, 244 Daytona International Speedway, 66-67, 69 de Naruaez, Panfilo, 33 de Soto, Hernando, 33 De Young, Karen, 143-144 DEADFROMTHENECKUP, 201 DeBartolo, Eddie, 183 DeBerg, Steve, 238, 246 Dee, Lenny, 134 Deep South Sports, Inc., 36, 43, 51, 54, 59-60, 74, 97, 135-136 Deep South Wrestling, 216 Delbuchi, Francis Lionel "Lion", 231 Dempsey, Jack, 35, 83 Dery, Frank, 42, 60, 62, 66-70, 72, 75-76, 78, 81, 92-93, 99, 115, 136-137 Dery Sports Promotion, 60, 76 DeSalvo, Joe, 154 Devane, Kim, 230, 245 Devins, Robert S., 179 Dewey, Christopher, 115-116 Dials, Gerry, 253 Diamond Lil’, 94 DiBiase, Mike, 96 Dietrich, Marlene, 79 Dillon, Jim (J.J.), 178 Dinsmore, Tex, 52 Disney, 261 Disney World, 143 Disneyland, 56 Divine, Candy, 216 Divine, Father Michael, 275 Doench, Reverend Delores, 210 Dolin, John, 263 Douglas County Sentinel, 199 Douglas, Shane, 265 Dr. Jekyll, 20 Drill Instructor, 268 Duffy, Tom, 123 Dumont Network, 176 Duncan, Dorothy, 79 Duncum, Bobby, 140, 152 Dundee, Chris, 90-91, 157 Dunn, Dick, 107 Dunning, Roy, 61 Duran, Roberto, 197 Durham, Yank, 118 Dusty Woods Entertainment, 214 Dykes, J. C., 105 Dyna, 58-59 Eagle, Don, 54-55 Eastern Star, 23 Eastwood, Clint, 115 Eck, Marvin, 56 ECW, 265 Eddie Graham Memorial Benefit, 218 Eddie Graham Memorial Foundation, 205 Eddie Graham Sports Complex, 173 Edenfield, Jane, 269 Edmonson, Terry, 205 Edwards, Marion, 112 Einhorn, Eddie, 147 Ellering, Paul, 193 Ellis, Cowboy Bob, 105 Ellis, John, 253 Embry, Eric, 222 Engstrom, Carl, 259 Entertainment Tonight, 184-185 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 136 Equal, 190 ESPN, 191, 261, 265 Esposito, Phil, 257 Eurosport, 257 Fabulous Kangaroos, 72 Fair Park Coliseum, 45 Fall Brawl, 251 Family Feud, 238 Farakan, 254 Fariss, Wayne, 33-34 Farley, Cal, 55 Fay, Bill, 209 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 27, 241 Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 98-99, 146, 154, 189 Felt Forum, 196 Fernandez, Johnny, 178, 196, 241 Fernandez, Manny, 170, 172, 218 Fisher, Freddie, 75 Fitzgerald, Ella, 37 Flair, Ric, 187, 195-196, 210, 218, 229, 233-234, 251, 258 Fleenor, Dan, 61, 67, 75, 79, 97, 134 Fleischman, Sol, 63, 86 Florian, Jim, 75 Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), 227-232, 235, 237 Florida Child’s Wish Come True, Inc., 236-237 Florida National Sports Car Races, 42 Florida Racing Association, 99-100 Florida Sheriffs Youth Boys Ranch, 54-55, 69, 82, 91, 174, 204, 238 Florida State Fair, 59, 75 Florida State Fairgrounds, 48, 51, 60, 66, 227 Florida State House of Representatives, 98 Florida State Late Model Championships, 79-81, 85-86, 91, 96-97, 102, 108, 114 Florida Sun-Bulletin, 94-95 Florida Times-Union, 144, 148, 152, 155, 179 Florida’s West Coast, 152 Folse, Pete, 51, 62 Fonda, Jane, 248 Fort Homer Hesterly Armory, 37, 44, 72, 77, 82, 85-86, 99, 109-110, 125, 129, 139, 144, 156, 164, 184, 186, 192, 194, 219, 236 Fort Myers News Press, 159 Fort Pierce News-Tribune, 154 Foster, Bob, 117-118 Fox Network, 265 Fox Sports, 265 Fox Sports Network, 267 FoxSorts.com, 235 Foyt, A. J., 92 France Sr., William, 69 Frank, Thomas, 268 Frankel Capital Management, Inc., 226 Frazier, Joe, 118 Freebirds, 178 Freed, Ralph, 198, 200 Freeman, Frank, 157 French, Ed, 124 Frey, Kip Allen, 237 Friedland, Dennis, 115 Friend, George, 36 Fryar, Freddie, 86, 92 Fujinami, Tatsumi, 214-215 Full Effect Entertainment, 245 Fuller, Buddy, 105 Fuller, Robert, 208, 212, 223, 226 Fuller, Ron, 163, 208, 226 Funk Jr., Dory, 109-110, 118-119, 123-124, 127, 129-130, 152, 170, 218, 220, 245, 261 Funk Sr., Dory, 55, 107 Funk, Terry, 105, 230-233, 252 Gable, Dan, 246, 260 Gabreski, Fancies, 18 Gaddis, Carter, 258 Gagne, Greg, 245 Gagne, Verne, 145, 241, 245, 265 Gallagher, Jim, 44-45 Gallery, 201 Ganter, Ed, 218 Garcia, Orlando, 241 Garcia, Woody, 47 Garland, Judy, 37 Garlits, Big Daddy Don, 120 Garrett, Billy, 107 Garvin, Ron, 197, 199 Gaspar, Jose, 39 Gasparilla Parade, 38, 46 Geare, Axle (Gordon Solie), 244 Geigel, Bob, 170, 195, 199, 245 Genovese, Chico, 101 Gentleman Ben, 113 George, Ed Don, 240 Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW), 139-140, 142-143, 145, 147, 150, 154-155, 158, 160-161, 165-168, 170, 174, 176, 180-182, 184-185, 188, 192, 197-201, 267 Georgia Council for the Arts, 177 Georgia Wrestling Superstars, 191 Gibbons, U.S. Congressman Sam, 143 Gibron, Abe, 190 Gibson, Reuben, 163 Giftos, Elaine, 145 Gilbert, Doug, 163 Gilbert, Eddie, 226 Giles, Jimmy, 172 Gill, Billy, 109 Gilman, Bill, 248 Gladitorial Origins of Professional Wrestling, 229 Global Wrestling, 187, 190-191 Global Wrestling Academy, 222, 224 Global Wrestling Alliance, 221-226, 236 Glover, Judy, 54, 254 Goddard, Danny, 143, 159-160 Goldberg, Sheldon, 257 Golden Gate Speedway and Sports Mecca, 66-70, 74-76, 78-81, 85-86, 91-92, 97, 99-102, 108-110, 112-113, 115, 117-118, 120, 136-137, 154, 244 Gomez, Pepe, 220 Gonzales, Paul, 181 Gordon Solie Championship Wrestling Trivia Game, 221, 227-228, 238, 242 Gordon Solie Enterprises, Inc., 169, 208, 210-212, 214-215, 264 Gordon, Gene, 143, 188 Gordon, Jeff, 244 Gordy, Terry, 151, 180-181 Gorgeous George Jr., 170 Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), 215 Gossett, Mitch (Skip), 91, 98 Goulet, Rene, 119 Governor’s Cup, 91-92, 96-97, 109 Gowdy, Curt, 150 Graham, A. L., 271 Graham, Billy "Superstar", 157, 162, 164 Graham, Eddie, 53, 55, 63-65, 77, 81, 84, 89, 91, 95-96, 101, 104, 107-109, 117, 120, 122-124, 127-128, 135, 139-140, 145, 153, 156, 165, 173-174, 177-178, 186, 191, 204-205, 211, 218, 220, 236, 241-242, 245, 258-259, 261, 271, 274 Graham, Mike, 63, 120, 133, 144, 152-153, 166, 168, 170, 175, 183, 186, 204, 227, 323 Grapevine, 220 Gravitt, James, 211, 215 Great American Bash, 251, 253 Great Muta, 258, 260 Greco, Mayor Dick, 115, 119, 178, 257 Green Bay Packers, 102 Greenburg, Herb, 149 Greensboro Coliseum, 45, 195-196 Greensboro Daily News, 196 Gregory, Don, 114 Griffith, Andy, 45 Grim, Bobby, 76 Guerrero, Hector, 208 Gulas, Nick, 170 Gulley, Jim, 116 Gunkel, Ann, 139, 142, 187, 190, 200 Gunkel, Ray, 138, 139, 155, 267 Haiti Kid, 152 Hall, Millie, 79 Hall, Scott, 232 Halloween Havoc, 251 Hamel, Larry, 175-176 Hamilton, Jody (aka Assassin #2), 81-82, 132, 155, 157, 163, 243, 245, 249 Hansen, Chris, 266-267 Hansen, Stan, 161 Hanson, Swede, 105 Happy Days, 164 Happy the Clown, 133 Harbough, Raymond, 125 Hardy, Andy, 84, 258-259 Harkness, Bill, 66 Harley Davidson, 252 Harrell, Jim, 153 Harris, Blimp (George Harris), 106 Harris, Jack, 257 Harris, Two Ton (George Harris), 94 Hart, Bret, 203, 261, 265 Hart, Gary, 141, 233 Hart, Jimmy, 202 Hart, Owen, 269 Hart, Stu, 245 Hartley, Jeremy, 260 Haslam’s Bookstore, 205 Hatch, Robert, 147 Havana Post, 47 Hawk, Rip, 105 Hayes, Lord Alfred, 175 Hayes, Michael, 258 Haynes, Roy, 66 HBO, 154 Heath, John, 81, 141, 150, 154, 156, 218, 259 Heavner, Howard, 199 Hednesford Hills Raceway, 80 Heenan, Bobby ‘the Brain", 248, 257 Heinrick, Sheriff Walter, 178 Heller, Peter, 249 Hemphill, Paul, 83, 85 Hendrickson, Paul, 152 Hennepin County Schools, 25 Hennig, Larry, 268 Herd, Jim, 238, 242 Herndon, Houston, 75 Herndon, Linda, 72 Heston, Charlton, 184 Heston, Frazier, 184 Hicks, Johnny, 68, 70, 79-81, 92-93, 98, 104, 218 Higgins, Hacksaw, 215 Higgins, Monsignor, 178, 196 Highlander, 154 Highlands Media Company, 231 Hill, David, 265 Hillsborough County Cancer Society, 98 Hinson, Judge Ed, 154, 161, 178, 200, 236, 241 Hirsch, Judd, 135 Hitler, 177 Hixon, Mayor Curtis, 83 Hoak, Bob, 227 Hodge, Danny, 84, 86-87, 145, 155, 261, 265 Hoffer, Richard, 195 Hoffman, Dustin, 184 Hoffman, Ken, 159 Hogan, Hulk, 206, 208, 273, 278 Holliman, Ray, 149 Hollywood Star Wars Championship ‘80, 170 Homecoming, 230-231 Homecoming II, 232 Hope, Bob, 37, 62 Hope, Dick, 61 Horton, Sheriff, 55 Hotseat, 163 Hulkamania, 206 Human Bomb, 69 Human Torch, 19 Humperdink, Sir Oliver, 172-173, 231-232, 257, 259-260 Hunter, Chris, 229 Huntington, Woody, 75 Hutchinson, Betty, 32 (also see Sjoblom, Betty & Locke, Betty) Hutton, Dick, 250 Hyatt, Missy, 242 I Quit Match, 233 In Sports, 196 Indy "500", 62, 92 Infernos, 94, 105 Ingram, Jack, 92 Inoki, Antonio, 152, 214-215, 252 Inside the Squared Circle, 267 Inside Wrestling, 163 Integrated Business Company, 224 International Amphitheater (Chicago), 152 International Championship Wrestling (ICW), 181, 210 International Motor Contest Association (IMCA), 48-49, 51, 62, 70, 76 International Wrestling Alliance, 209 International Wrestling Association (IWA), 147-148, 156 Inter-Social Baseball League, 38 Irish Tenors, 177 Iron Sheik, 193, 209, 268 Irwin, Scott (aka the Super Destroyer), 173, 208 Islanders, 163 Italian Stallion, 231 Ivey Communications, 167 IWG, 214 IWWA, 185 Jackson, Keith, 73, 150 Jackson, Mark, 177 Jacksonville Coliseum, 101, 179 Jago, Gordon, 186 James, Dinita, 196 James, Jimmy, 51 Jarrett, Jerry, 191, 202-203 Jarrett, Ned, 71,77 Jett, Jeff, 267 Jett, Johnny, 268 Jim Crockett Promotions, 195, 208, 218-220, 228 Joe, 115 Johnny and Jack, 75 Johnson, Joe Lee, 86 Johnson, Junior, 71 Johnson, Rocky, 146, 163, 276 Jones, Burrhead, 163 Jones, Dan, 79 Jones, Everett Q., 98 Jones, Lewis "Possum", 71 Jones, Norman, 33 Jones, Paul (broadcaster), 39 Jones, Paul (promoter), 135, 139, 142-143, 198, 267 Jones, Paul (wrestler), 133, 166, 173 (Mr. Florida), 175 Jones, Robert T., 114 Jonnard, Clarence, 13 Jonnard, Claude, 13 Joplin, Dick, 112 Jump, 115, 116, 135 Junior Olympics, 117 Junkyard Dog, 207 Jurassic Powers, 258 Juster, Gary, 252 Kansas City Chiefs, 171 Kaye, Danny, 50 KBU Network, 232 KCOP Championship Wrestling, 146 KCOP-TV, 146-147, 213 KDFI-TV, 213 KDTU-TV, 213 Keefe, Francis, 236 Keirn, Steve, 154, 168, 170, 218-219, 227, 231-232, 236, 277-278 Keller, Al, 62, 91-92 Kelley, King, 72 Kelly, Bronco, 101 Kelly, Tom, 119 Kemper Arena, 268 Kennedy, Pamela J., 192 Kennedy, President John F., 65, 82 Kentuckians, 105 Kenyon, J Michael, 49, 73, 83, 218 Kenyon, Mel, 76 Keomuke, Duke, 219 Kerr, Peter, 229 KGMC-TV, 213 Khayyam, Omar, 181 Kiel Auditorium, 45 Kilgore, Michael, 166 Killer Kahn, 170 Kimura, Kengo, 215 King, Peter, 163-164, 215 King, Sonny, 166, 168 Kiniski, Gene, 105, 109-110, 245, 250 Kirby, Bill, 108-109 Kirby, Roger, 178 Kirk, Governor Claude R.115 Kitts, Elmo, 34 Klein, Frank, 106, 185 Klinkenburg, Jeff, 274 Klondike Bill, 105 Knopke, Florida State Representative Ray, 66, 94, 95 Kofoed, Jack, 164 Kojak, 149 Koloff, Ivan, 170, 175, 187 Korean Assassin, 144 Kowalski, Killer, 55 Kox, Killer Karl, 170 KSCH-TV, 213 KTMA-TCV, 213 KTRV-TV, 213 Kuhns, Lydon, 152 KWKH Radio, 31 L & G Promotions, 125-126, 135-136, 141 L’eggs World Series of Women’s Tennis, 149 L & G Promotions, 135-136, 141 La Gaceta, 33, 117-118, 120, 134, 189, 245 Labiak, Amy, 131 Labiak, Andrew, 12 Labiak, Fancizek, 12, 14 Labiak, Frank, 12-14, 131-132, 135, 266 Labiak, Jerome, 131 Labiak, Katherina, 12, 14 Labiak, Luella, 13-15 (also see Solie, Luella & Sjoblom, Luella) Labiak, Mary Lee, 131 Ladd, Ernie, 105, 170-171, 175, 181, 249 Lake, Larry, 41 Lakeland Ledger, 41 Lamphier, Al, 69, 111 Lamphier, Jack, 69, 75 Lancaster, Keith, 185 Lanciault, Danise, 275 (also see Buda, Danise & Solie, Danise) Lane, Dick, 73-74 Lane, Mayor Julian, 61 Lane, Stan, 218 Lanza, Black Jack Larkin, Bob, 47 Larsen, Greg, 144-145, 179 Lasorda, Tommy, 183 Last Tangle in Tampa, 175-176 Lauer, Downtown Bruno, 226-227 Lauer, Karl, 259, 267-268 Laverne and Shirley, 164 Lawler, Jerry, 191 Layton, Lord Athol, 158 Leahy, Tim, 259 LeBell, Mike, 168, 170 LeBron, Michael (Lionel), 210, 213, 231, 257, 266 LeDuc, Joe, 155, 242 Lee, Dennis, 237 Leggat, Al, 120, 124-126 Leisure Concepts, Inc., 258 Lennon Sisters, 48 Leslie, Scooter, 151, 188, 243 Lewin, Mark, 152, 212, 256 Lewis, Dale, 115 Lewis, Dale, 115, 119, 122, 127 Lewis, Ed "Strangler", 240 Lewis, Steve, 154-155 Liberace, 79 Light in August Films, 263 Ligon, Tom, 115, 135 Lil’ Kids Publishing Company, 184, 205 Liles, Mardii, 39 Limbaugh, Rush, 257 Lindsay, John, 92 Linkletter, Art, 37 Lisowski, Reggie "Crusher", 152, 249 Little Kato, 268 Little Tokyo, 208 Locke, Betty, 278 (also see Hutchinson, Betty & Sjoblom, Betty) Locke, Kenneth, 130 Locke, Ray, 61, 74 Logan, Horace, 31 Lombardo, Guy, 79 London, Jerry, 95 Londos, Jim, 49 Lords of the Ring-Superstars and Superbouts, 207 Los Angeles Coliseum, 48 Los Angeles Dodgers, 255 Los Angeles Times, 195f LoScalzo, Vincent, 241 Lost in Space, 273 Lothario, El Grande (Jose), 94, 101, 105, 119 Love Radio, 205 Lowrance, Mark, 215 Lowry Park Zoo, 57 Lufberry, Raoul, 18 Luger, Lex, 212-213 Lusk, Ken, 122 Luttrall & Graham Development Company, 74 Luttrall, Cowboy, 35-37, 43-44, 48, 51, 53, 55, 62-63, 65, 82-83, 86-87, 91, 95, 106, 108, 117, 135-136, 140-141, 204-205, 220, 241, 259 Lyger, Justin Thunder, 258 Lynch, Jimmy, 48 Maccabiah Games, 193 MacDill Air Force Base, 42, 69 MacLaine, Shirley, 115 Maddox, Johnny, 50 Madison Square Garden, 47, 53, 206 Madison Square Garden Network, 200 Main Event: The World of Professional Wrestling, 260 Major League Baseball, 119, 161, 243-244 Major, Jr., Charlie, 213 Make-A-Wish Foundation, 230 Malenko, "The Great" (Larry Simon), 72, 77, 105, 113, 122, 133, 168, 181, 185-186, 223, 248-249, 261, 271 Malenko, Dean, 186 Malenko, Joe, 186 Malia, 268 Malio’s, 131, 183, 277-278 Malloy, Vince, 41 Malone, Art, 69, 100 Manduke, Joe, 115 |
Mankiewicz, Brandi, 266 Mann, Jimmy, 111 Manning, Louise, 200, 208 Maridon, Harold, 159, 161, 190 Marquee Enterprises, Inc., 266 Marquez, David, 266-268 Martin, Mary, 37 Marvez, Albert, 173 Marvez, Alex, 173, 235 Marvin, Lee, 115 Mary Tyler Moore Show, 149 Mascaras, Mil, 119, 196 Mase, Sam, 107 Maseda, Alcade Marcelo, 85 Masked Cockroach, 156 Masked Medics, 94, 107, 108 Masked Superstar, 181 Master of the Ring, 200, 205-206 Matlock, 45 Matsuda, Hiro, 86-87, 89, 105, 140, 211-212, 219, 223, 256, 261, 273-274 Matthews, Tom, 39 Maxey, Ron, 187 Maxim, Joey, 53 Mayport Mirror, 72 McCall, Betty, 34 McCarthy, Charlie, 20, 37 McCarty, Governor Dan, 42 McCluskey, Roger, 76 McDaniel, Chief Wahoo, 105, 160, 208, 210, 245, 252, 259 McElroy, Jack, 30 McEwen, Tom, 43, 59, 69, 71, 91, 105, 157, 178, 196, 218-219, 257, 259, 264, 271 McGee, Fibber, 20 McGhee, Scott, 187 McGovern, Bernie, 115-117 McGraw, Bugsy, 170, 245 McGuirk, LeRoy, 90, 220 McInnis, Dave, 80-81, 86, 100 McKay Auditorium, 122 McKay, John, 183 McLain, Tim, 186 McLaughlin, Daniel, 204 McMahon, Vincent J., 145, 146, 170 McMahon, Vincent K., 150, 152, 191, 197-201, 203, 206, 208, 215, 218-219, 229, 236, 265-267 McShain, Molly, 259 Meffert, Neil, 65 Meltzer, Dave, 243 Mena, Eddie, 60 Menninger, Dr. Karl, 152 Mercer, Bill, 215 Metzger, Gary, 164 Meyer, Ed, 164 Meyers, Billy, 97 Miami Beach Auditorium, 157 Miami Beach Convention Center, 173 Miami Dolphins, 102, 149 Miami Heat, 239 Miami Herald, 164, 171, 235 Miami News, 157, 162 Michael Waltrip Racing, 137 Michaels, Al, 251 Mickey "J", 230 Micro Cellular, Inc., 226 Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, 143, 210, 256 Midget Racing Association, 237 Mid-South Coliseum, 44, 187 Mid-South Wrestling, 143, 208, 229 Mid-Southern Championship Wrestling, 216 Mighty Maccabee, 193 Miller, Andy, 112 Miller, Cookie, 185 Miller, Danny, 89-90, 105 Miller, Dr. Bill, 89 Miller, Freddie, 142, 165-167, 183-185, 191, 197, 199, 211 Miller, Guy, 27 Miller, Karen, 91 Miller, Mike, 155 Minnesota State Fair, 48 Minnesota Vikings, 102 Miss Linda, 216-217 Missing Link, 207 Mississippi State College, 186 Missouri Mauler, 94, 105 Mitchell, Keith, 234 Mod Squad, 218 Monday Night Football, 141, 149 Money for Nothing, 246 Money fro Nothin, 245 Monroe, Sputnik, 94, 105 Monsoon, Gorilla, 215 Monteiga, Roland, 117 Montgomery, George, 134 Montgomery, Henry, 70 Moolah, the Fabulous, 44, 53, 170, 245 Moondogs, 178 Mooneyham, Mike, 73, 233-234, 253 Moore, Benny, 97 Moore, Blue, 135 Moore, Mike, 138 Moore, Terry, 134-135 Moore, Vicki, 271 Morales, Daady-O, 86 Morgan, Roberta, 260 Morrell, Frank (aka the Angel), 191 Morris, Bill, 80, 226-227, 244-245 Mortier, Baron Hans, 113 Morton, Hank, 69 Motley, Tom "Chokester", 270 Mountain Man Mike, 191 Mr. "T", 206 Mr. Fujinami, 170 Mr. Hyde, 20 Mr. Okuma, 119 Mr. Rogers, 201 Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods), 120, 125, 158-160 Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker), 142, 172, 183, 245 Mr. X, 90 Muchnick, Sam, 83, 127-129, 135, 145, 254 Municipal Auditorium (Tampa), 54 Muraco, Don, 145, 169, 172, 175, 184 Murdoch, Dick, 119, 214, 229 Murdoch, Rupert, 265 Murdock, Jimmy, 95, 148 Murphy, Chuck, 241 Murphy, Dan, 153 Murray, Ken, 134 Murrow, Edward, 20, 31 Musgrave, Leo, 69 Mutoh, Kenji, 215 Myerson, Russell, 205, 208, 260 Nafe, Rick, 259 Nagasaki, Kendo, 173, 213 Naimoli, Vince, 257 Namath, Joe, 152 Napoli, Michael, 200, 241 Napolitano, Dominick, 241 Nasalla, Jimmy, 229 NASCAR, 62, 69-72, 75, 81, 86, 112, 137, 275 Nasty Boys, 231-232 Nasty, Bill, 268 National Basketball Association (NBA), 239 National Football League (NFL), 141, 238, 244, 257, 259 National Observer, 151, 152 National Speed Sport News, 70, 72 National Speedways, Inc., 62 National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Awards (NSSA), 149 National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), 83, 86, 97, 106, 109-110, 118-119, 127, 129, 138-140, 142, 145-146, 148-149, 156, 162-164, 168, 170, 175, 178, 180-181, 186, 189, 195-196, 198-200, 206-207, 210, 215, 228-229, 236, 256, 260, 266-267, 274, 276 NBC, 13, 186, 218 NCAA National Soccer Championship, 178 NCAA wrestling, 86, 122, 127 Neal, Bob, 158 Nelson, Art, 142 Nelson, Larry, 215 Nelson, Willie, 177 New Japan Pro Wrestling, 257 New Smyrna Beach Speedway, 112 New York Fencers, 192 New York Giants, 102 New York Knockout, 233 New York Mets, 265 New York Times, 73, 182, 229 New York Yankees, 255, 265 Newman, Bill, 190 Newman, Christopher, 259-260 News of the Weird, 192 Newsday, 268 Nielson Media Research, 265 Nietzsche, 177, 210 Nixon, President Richard, 273 North Side Coliseum, 45 Northwest Lives, 22 Novak, Jerry (aka Bounty Hunter), 191 NWA Power Hour, 233 O’Brien, Pat, 79 O’Dell, Homer, 132 O’Hara, Pat, 91 Ohio Center, 178 Ohlingher, Fred, 68-69 Okerlund, Gene, 201, 203, 248, 252 Oldfield, Barney, 48 Olin Mott Tire Company, 67, 70 Oliver, Earl, 260 Oliver, Walker, 42 Olympic Auditorium, 73, 196 Olympics, 53, 83, 127, 141, 162, 192-193, 198 Omni, 139-140, 152, 161, 165, 174 On Thin Ice, 245 Oppenheimer, Dick, 258 Orange Bowl, 162 Orlando Arena, 250 Orlando Speedway, 112 Orlando Sports Stadium, 173 Orndorff, Paul, 151, 206, 273 Orton Jr., Bob, 154, 268 Orton Sr., Bob, 89, 105, 153 Ovack, Kathleen, 241 Owen, Don, 170, 245 Oxley, Jim, 133, 135 Pacino, Al, 231 Packs, Tom, 129 Page, Diamond Dallas, 230-232, 237-238 Paint Your Wagon, 115 Pak Song, 144, 152 Palance, Jack, 113 Palm Beach Polo Grounds, 89 Palm Beach Post, 89 Pan American Games, 122 Panch, Marvin, 72 Pappas, Mike, 150 Paradise Alley, 252 Parker, Colonel Tom, 44 Parker, Fess, 113 Parsons, Ross, 104 Paschal, Jim, 72 Pasco County Speedway, 115 Patera, Ken, 162, 192 Patterson, Pat, 265 Paulsen, Johhny, 51 Pavarotti, 177 Pecaro, Daniel, 182 Pedicino, Joe, 213-214, 221, 226, 246 Pedley, Brian, 80 Penn State Teacher’s College, 141 Pep, Willie, 249 Pepin, Art, 178 Perez, Al, 229 Perez, Lou, 232, 230 Perlmutter, Marty, 140 Perry, Corinne, 210 Peters, Craig, 207 Peters, Ted, 274 Petty, Lee, 72 Petty, Maurice, 72 Petty, Richard, 72, 77, 244 Phillips Field, 60-63, 70 Phillips, Bill, 75 Phillips, Tiger Treach, 268 Picasso, Pablo, 177 Pierce, Webb, 271 Pillman, Fly’in Brian, 238, 269 Pinellas Park Art Museum, 192 Piper, Roddy, 184, 206 Plant Field, 60, 62, 100 Platt, Charlie, 208, 226 Poffo, Angelo, 252, 259 Popular Agencies, N.V., 163 Pops (Thibaut, Ralph), 114, 131, 135 Portz, Skip, 156 Powell, Angela, 200 Power Pro Wrestling (Mid-South), 215 Prater, Jerry, 64-65, 109-110, 121-123, 145, 220, 260 Presley, Elvis, 44, 196 Prime Time Wrestling (WWF), 210, 215 Princess Diana, 217 Pringle, Percy (Paul Bearer), 258, 270 Pro Wrestling Career and Educational Series, 258 Pro Wrestling Federation (PWF), 229-231 Pro Wrestling Illustrated, 203, 207, 215, 243, 253, 266 Pro Wrestling International, 147 Pro Wrestling This Week (PWTW), 213, 216, 221, 223, 226, 229 Pro Wrestling USA (AWA), 215 Professional Championship Wrestling, 210 Professional Wrestling of Florida, Inc. (PWF), 236 Purcell, Pat, 69 Quarles, James, 44 R2D2, 273 Race, Harley, 162, 164, 166-168, 170, 175-176, 192, 195-196, 212, 249, 251, 256, 265-268 Ramey, Ken, 107-108 Random House, 261 Reagan, President Ronald, 196 Red River Valley State Fair, 53 Remington Entertainment Complex, 267 Renesto, Tom (aka The Assassin), 151, 163 REO National, 258 Reuben, Art, 108 Reutimann, Buzzie, 68, 71-72, 77, 80, 85, 94, 97, 100, 136-137, 245 Reutimann, David, 137 Reutimann, Emil, 68, 137 Reutimann, Wayne, 68, 80, 85, 92-94, 108 Revette, Cush, 68, 77 Rhodes, Dustin, 230-232 Rhodes, Dusty, 144, 148, 152-153, 157, 162, 164, 166, 169-170, 172, 175-176, 178, 186, 195, 197, 201-202, 215, 218-220, 229-232, 238, 242-243, 245, 248, 251-253, 258-259 Rich, Tommy, 170, 181, 192 Richter, Wendi, 170, 175 Rickenbacker, Eddie, 18 Riddle, Frank, 70 Riddle, Jimmy, 99 Riley, Rock, 259 Ring Warriors, 257-262, 268 Ringley, John, 143 Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, 50 Ringsider, 140 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, 252 Ritter, Tex, 69 RLM Associates, 210 Road House, 252 Road Warriors, 199, 265 Roames, Chuck, 159 Roat, Polly, 81, 103 Robarts Arena, 141 Roberts, Glenn "Fireball", 71-72 Roberts, Johnny, 61 Roberts, Randy, 229-230 Roberts, Red, 223-225 Robinson Arena, 95 Robinson Auditorium, 45 Robinson, Billy, 145 Robinson, Will, 273 Rocco, Antonino, 53, 55 Rocke, Knute, 49, 79 Rocky V, 252 Rodee, Chuck, 76 Rodriguez, Joe, 67 Rodriguez, Rudy, 66 Rogers, Roy, 48 Roop, Bob, 111-112, 119, 122, 125, 127, 211, 213, 215, 223, 225 Roop, Molly, 223-224 Rose, Pete, 244 Rose, Shannon, 230 Rosin, James, 210 Ross, Jim (JR), 215, 229, 233-234, 238, 241-244, 248, 255, 258 Rotundo, Mike, 197, 208, 218 Rowdies, 186 Roynon, Bill, 85 Rubin, Bob, 170-171 Rude, Rick, 218 Rushe, Paul, 156 Russ Craft Broadcasting of Tennessee, 146 Russell, Audrey, 243 Russell, Lance, 202-203, 234, 236, 242-243, 247, 256, 258 Russo, Harry, 189 Ruth, Babe, 12-13 Rutledge, Chet, 60, 79, 99 Sabu, 265 Sacramento Bee, 195 Sakaguchi, Seiji, 215 Sammartino, Bruno, 185, 257, 259-260 Samu, 218 Santana, Tito, 193 Satellite Program Network, 174 Satellite Syndicated Systems, 174 Saturday Night Live, 218 Savoldi, Joe, 49 Savoldi, Mario, 210 Sawyer, Buzz, 192 Scarborough, Dave, 61, 80, 84, 99 Scarecrow, 231 Scarpa, Joe (Jules Strongbow), 81 Scarpello, Joe, 145 Schaffer, Patrick, 223 Schenkel, Chris150 Schiavone, Tony, 215, 241, 248 Schneider, Barbara, 170 Schofield, Lemuel E., 146 Schopenhauer, 177 Schultz, David, 163 Schwartz, Marvin, 79 Scipps Howard News Service, 162 Scotty Flamingo, 242 Scully, Vin, 255 Sebring International Raceway, 45 Selman, Jim, 141, 204 Seslar, Max, 113 Sevaraide, Eric, 31, 157 Severn, Dan, 267 Shadow, 19 Shaffer, Paul, 207 Shamrock, Ken, 265 Shands Hospital, 236-237 Shane, Bobby, 139-140, 191 Sharpe, Pretty Boy Kevin, 268 Shaw, Bill, 245-247, 255 Shea Stadium, 152 Shepherd, Chuck, 192, 201, 203, 231 Sherk, Bud, 39-40 Sherwood, Don, 79 Shevin, Florida Attorney General Robert, 158 Shire, Roy, 135, 195, 212 Shirer, William, 31 Shreve, Dave, 85 Shufelt, Wayne, 76, 92 Simmons, Bobby, 150-151, 183 Simmons, Ellsworth, 66 Simmons, Ron, 258 Sinatra, Frank, 79 Sirois, Jigger, 75 Sjoblom II, Jonard, 41, 58, 61, 130, 133 (also see Solie, Jonard) Sjoblom, Betty, 34, 39, 50, 56-57, 61 (also see Hutchinson, Betty & Locke, Betty) Sjoblom, Gaye, 16-17, 19, 22-24, 29, 38, 41, 46 (also see Swenson, Gaye) Sjoblom, Luella, 16-17, 22-24, 26, 29, 32, 38, 214 (also see Solie, Luella & Labiak, Luella) Sjoblom, Pam, 38, 46, 50, 57-58, 61, 74 (also see Allyn, Pam) Sjoblom, Pierre, 16-17, 19-21, 23-26, 28-29, 47 Skolnick, David, 252 Sky King, 20 Slamboree, 245, 248, 251-252 Slater, Dick, 152, 175, 231 Sloan, Alex, 48-49 Smarten Up Say It Right, 276 Smirnoff, Alexis, 170 Smith, Bob, 66, 100 Smith, Carl, 75 Smith, Doug, 183 Smith, Dumont, 96, 108 Smith, Grizzly, 245 Smith, Harry, 53-54 Smith, Jim, 116, 189 Smith, Percy, 14-15 Smith, Phil, 183 Smith, Tom, 173, 179 Smoky Mountain Boys, 69 Snodgrass, Ray, 97 Snow, Hank, 44-45 Snuka, Jimmy, 180-181, 215 Solie, Arthur, 21 Solie, Caroline Gordon, 13, 31 Solie, Danise, 74, 130 (also see Buda, Danise & Lanciault, Danise) Solie, Eileen (Smoky), 67, 74, 79, 84, 91, 103, 130-131, 135, 161, 172, 185, 190, 224, 226, 228, 232, 236, 238-241, 243, 246, 255, 259, 260-262, 265, 270, 273, 276-277, 280 (also see Buda, Eileen) Solie, Eric, 74, 130, 133, 159, 166, 262, 270, 272-277 (also see Buda, Eric) Solie, Floyd, 15 Solie, Floyd, 46, 47 Solie, Greg, 74, 116, 120, 130, 133, 146, 159, 166, 227, 275 (also see Buda, Greg) Solie, Hans Larson, 13 Solie, Jolin, 262, 272, 275 Solie, Jonard, 262, 274-275, 278, 280 (also see Sjoblom II, Jonard) Solie, Kjersti, 13 Solie, Luella, 12 (also see Labiak, Luella & Sjoblom, Luella) Solie, Matthew, 275 Solie, Nicole, 262, 269, 272, 275 Solie, Oscar, 13 Solie, Samantha, 262, 272, 275 Solie, Sheila, 275 Solie, Tarah, 275 Solie’s Vintage Wrestling, 260 Sorvino, Paul, 135 Soto, Cyclone, 94 South Fulton Neighbor, 172 Southeastern Championship Wrestling, 145, 163, 208 Southeastern Wrestling Corporation, 176 Southern Wrestling Alliance (SWA), 53-54, 97, 135 Southside Sun, 172 Southwest High School, 23, 257 Southwest Texas Wrestling, 198-199 Spartan Auditorium, 65, 215 Speedway Park, 35, 41-42, 46, 48, 60 Speider, Mary, 239 Spencer, Milt, 37-39, 53, 150, 190, 209, 277 Spike TV, 249 Spivey, Randy, 108 Spoiler #1, 164 Spoiler #2, 164 Sportatorium (Dallas), 45 Sportatorium (Tampa), 65, 91, 103, 109, 111, 116, 131, 144, 192, 206, 219-220, 229-230 Sports Entertainment International, LTD, 221 Sports Huddle, 227 Sports South, 244 Sportscaster, 53, 55 Sportsreel, 37 Sportsweek, 158 Spoto, George, 35, 180 Springfield News-Leader, 267 Sprint Car Hall of Fame, 48 Square Circle, Inc., 266 SRN Radio, 251, 253 St. Clair, Tony, 215 St. Petersburg Times, 72-73, 75, 111, 120, 123, 126-128, 143, 149, 155-156, 241, 274 Stallings, Mike, 163 Stanlee, Gene, 53 Star Wars, 273 Starr, Bart, 152 Starr, Jim, 107-108 Starrcade, 45, 195-196, 251, 256 Steamboat, Laura, 84 Steamboat, Sam, 84, 89, 101, 104, 122, 258 Steen, Lias B., 188-189 Steere, Mike, 201 Stein, Len, 163 Steinborn, Dick, 65, 95-96, 105 Steinborn, Milo, 91 Steinbrenner, George, 183 Steward, Alec, 275 Steward, Benjamin, 275 Steward, Jakob, 275 Steward, Kaleigh, 275 Steward, Kirstin, 262 (also see Allyn, Kirstin) Steward, Michael, 262 Sting, 238, 242 Stone, Derrick, 268 Stone, Senator Richard, 204 Stouffer, Dick, 47 Strawberry Festival, 43-44, 46, 89, 206, 212 Street, Adrian, 216-217 Studd, John, 178, 252 Sugar, Bert Randolph, 249 Sullivan, Ed, 51 Sullivan, Kevin, 157, 211, 202, 214, 218 Summit Media Group, 258 Sun Belt Wrestling, 179 Sun Dome, 194, 208, 210, 219, 262 Sun Valley Speedway, 82 Suncoast Chapter Leukemia Society, 178 Suncoast Speedways, Inc., 75-76, 169 Sunshine Dragstrip, 79, 85, 100 Sunshine Speedway, 66-67, 75, 79, 83, 85, 100, 111-112 Super Bowl, 119, 175, 238, 251, 279 Super Bowl of Wrestling, 162, 192 Super Destroyer, 175 SuperBrawl, 238, 251 Superman, 19 Superstars of Wrestling, 213 Sutton, Len, 76 Swan Lake, 268 Swayze, Patrick, 245 Swedler, Russ, 75 Sweeney, Al, 41-42, 48, 61 Swenson, Aut, 48-49, 50, 56, 60 Swenson, Gaye, 214, 275 (also see Sjoblom, Gaye) Swenson, George, 275 Szymanski, David, 236 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 157, 172, 183-184, 328, 246, 279 Tampa Bay Devil Rays, 137 Tampa Jai Alai, 245 Tampa Museum, 197 Tampa Scene, 124 Tampa Sports Authority, 259 Tampa Stadium, 175, 238 Tampa Times, 72, 76, 81-83, 85, 100-102, 104-105, 112, 114, 185 Tampa Tribune, 37, 44, 59, 65-66, 69-72, 77, 91-92, 99-101, 105, 108, 116, 141, 157, 165, 170, 175, 194, 204, 208-209, 229, 236, 258, 271 Tampa Tribune Times, 126, 183 Tanaka, Professor Toru, 160 Taylor, Lucy, 196-197 Taylor, Terry, 251, 253, 258 Teagarden, Jack, 37 Teal, Scott, 102, 124, 143, 145, 181, 186, 220 Temple Terrace Times, 83 Tenay, Mike, 235, 249, 251 Terhune, Albert Payson, 18 Texas Boys Ranch, 54-55 Texas Motor Speedway, 137 Texas Stadium, 207 Thatcher, Les, 139, 143, 191, 256, 259-260, 269 The ABC’s of Wrestling, 201 The Best of Championship Wrestling, 164, 210 The Daredevil, 134 The Grappler, 119 The Lone Ranger, 20 The Man without a Country, 25 The Marlborough Man, 252 The Marrying Man, 252 The Nashville Network (TNN), 261 The Price is Right, 263 The Protector, 252 The Shield, 19, 55 The Sheik, 55, 124 The Tennesseans, 75 The Unreal Story of Pro Wrestling, 264 The War of the Worlds, 152 The Wrestler, 145 The Wrestling Exchange, 174, 176 Thesz, Charlie, 260 Thesz, Lou, 104-105, 191, 220, 239-241, 245-246, 250, 256, 260, 265, 267, 276 Thomas Jefferson Hotel, 91 Thomas, Rick, 267-268 Thomas, Sailor Art, 105 Thornton, Les, 175 Thrillcade, 48-53, 56, 58, 60-61 Tierney, Mike, 155-156 Tillet, Louis, 179, 212 Time Magazine, 114, 239 Titan Productions, Inc., 150 Titan Sports, Inc., 200, 258 TNT, 265 Today, 159 Togie, David, 167, 213 Toledo Magazine, 201 Tolos, John, 196, 245 Tomlin, Jim, 149 Tomwil, Inc., 187 Tootsie, 184 Torme, Mel, 79 Total Nonstop Action (TNA), 249 Traatham, Ray, 92 Trafficante Jr., Santo, 241 Trafficante, Santo, 242 Tuesday Night Titans, 203 Tunney, Frank, 135 Turner Broadcasting, 238-239, 247 Turner Home Entertainment, 238 Turner, Joe, 113 Turner, Ted, 155, 159, 168, 182, 200, 228, 233-236, 238-239, 242, 245-246, 248, 251, 267 TV Ashai of Japan, 257 Tyler, Tarzan, 89, 94, 104-105 U.S. National Fencing Team, 192 Unitas, Johnny, 152 United Cerebral Palsy, 183 Unites States Air Force, 26, 30, 33 United States Auto Club (USAC), 76 United States Navy, 30 Universal Wrestling Corporation, 228 Universal Wrestling Federation, 229 University of Buffalo, 240 University of Florida, 165, 204 University of Minnesota, 20, 30 University of Nebraska, 42 University of Notre Dame, 49 University of South Florida, 182, 257 University of Tampa, 44, 48, 60, 65, 215 University of Wisconsin, 20 USA Network, 199-200, 265 Vachon, Maurice (Mad Dog), 188, 245 Valdez, Alcade Armando, 61, 67 Valentine, Greg, 208 Valentine, Johnny, 124, 188, 245 Valiant, Jimmy, 192 Vallee, Bob, 86-88, 135, 275-276 van Brechts, Pierre, 51 Variety, 118, 206 Vennett, Ken, 65-66, 181 Ventura, Jesse, 215, 248, 250 Vest, John, 209 Viatech Communications, 259 Villela, Edward, 268 Villmer, Ray, 53-54, 77 Virginia City Auditorium, 35 Volkoff, Nikolai, 208 Von Brauner, Karl, 63-64, 77, 105, 123 Von Brauner, Kurt, 63-64, 77 Von Stroheim, Karl, 105 Von Stroheim, Kurt, 105 Waldek, Ella, 53, 119, 259 Walden Books, 205-206 Walker, Clint, 113 Walker, Johnny (see Mr. Wrestling II) Wall Street Journal, 189 WALT Radio, 86 Walters, Slick, 60 Ward, Fred, 170, 198 Ward, Roger, 76 Ward, Tom, 194 Warren, James, 161 WATL-TV, 213 Watson, Bonnie, 119, 259 Watts, Cowboy Bill, 139, 148, 152, 170, 208, 229 WCIX-TV, 173 WCKT-TV, 33 WCW Hall of Fame, 245, 248-249, 252-253, 264 WCW Main Event, 248, 252 WCW Pro Wrestling, 248 WCW Saturday Night, 248 WCW Uncensored, 251 WCW World Wide, 248 WDAE Radio, 41 WDZL-TV, 213 Weatherly, Joe, 71-72, 77 Weaver, Johnny, 119 Webb, Ted, 227-228, 245, 257, 259, 275 WEBK Radio, 33-34, 36-37, 41, 44 Web-Star, 259 WEDU-TV, 51, 105, 227 Weekend with the Stars, 183 Weingeroff, Saul, 64, 77 Welch, Jack, 106 Welch, Les, 97, 101, 105 Welch, Roy Lee, 106, 163 Wells, Kitty, 75 Wepner, Chuck, 152 West, Jay, 165-166 Weston, Stanley, 253 WEVU-TV, 34 WFEA Radio, 47 WFLA Radio, 37, 39-41, 79, 181, 227, 231 WFLA-TV, 53 WFTS-TV, 227 WGBA-TV, 213 WGN-TV, 182, 191 Whalen, Ed, 173 Whatever Happened to…?, 102, 181, 186 Wheelright, Richard, 135 White, Rex, 71-72 Whiteman, Paul, 48 Whitley, David, 270 Wide World of Sports, 113, 117 Wide World Wrestling, 238 Wildhaver, Willie, 75 Williams, Doug, 172 Williams, Everett, 120 Williams, Steve "Dr. Death", 242 Willoughby, Sandy, 164 Wilson, Hallie "Wrestling Doc", 270 Wilson, Rick, 244 WILZ Radio, 86 Wimpy, 79 Windham, Barry, 172, 175, 208, 218 Windham, Barry, 197 Windham, Kendall, 213 WJKS-TV, 208 WKYN Radio, 256 WLCY-TV, 149 WLW Beatdown, 268 WNJU-TV, 168 Wolf, Mark, 197 Wonder Woman, 19 Woods, David, 226 Woods, Tim (see Mr. Wrestling) World Championship Wrestling (WCW), 184-185, 191, 193, 197-199, 208, 210, 215-216, 228-229, 233-238, 241-242, 244-257, 261, 263, 265, 267-268 World Class Championship Wrestling, 215-216 World Class Wrestling, 210, 222 World Legion Wrestling, 266-269 World Pro Wrestling from Japan, 214-215 World Series, 251 World Superstars of Wrestling (WSW), 256-259, 261 World Wide Wrestling, 216 World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), 149, 162, 164, 175, 185, 196 World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), 146 World Wrestling Federation (WWF), 197, 199-201, 203-204, 206, 208, 210, 215-216, 219, 229, 232, 234, 236, 241, 244, 257-258, 262, 264-265 Worldwide Championship Wrestling, 210 WOR-TV, 147, 200 WPLA Radio, 40-41, 43-45 WPMT-TV, 213 WPTT-TV, 213 WPWR-TV, 213 WRCB-TV, 146-147 WRCN Radio, 30 Wrestlemania, 206 Wrestler’s Eye View, 256 Wrestling Action, 113 Wrestling Book, 145 Wrestling Channel, 259 Wrestling Fans International Association (WFIA), 143, 174 Wrestling Hall of Fame, 246 Wrestling Network News, 234 Wrestling News Network, 259 Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 215 Wrestling Perspective, 252 Wrestling TNT, 210 Wrestling with the Past, 263 WSUN Radio, 51 WSWB-TV, 147 WTBS-TV (Super Station), 159, 167-168, 182, 185, 192, 197-202, 208, 233-235, 239, 242-243, 253, 255, 261 WTCG-TV, 140, 158 WTOG-TV, 149, 158, 164, 229 WTSP Radio, 47, 51 WTVT-TV, 33, 62-65, 82, 84, 258 WTVY-TV, 145 WUTV Radio, 44 WVFT-TV, 213 WVOJ Radio, 270 WWF Superstars of Wrestling, 216 WWTK-Radio, 231 WXIN-TV, 213 WXTX-TV, 213 Wyche, Sam, 257, 259 WYOU Radio, 108, 119, 131, 143 WZDX-TV, 213 Yarborough, LeRoy, 71 Yoffe, Martin, 274 Young Democrats, 98 Young, Skip (aka Sweet Brown Sugar), 242 Young, U.S. Congressman Bill, 218 Yukon Eric, 105 Zaatar, Ali, 163 Zaharias, Babe (Babe Didrikson), 83 Zaharias, George, 83 Zbyszko, Larry, 185, 248, 252 Ziener, Mary, 257 Ziglar, Nadine, 183 Z-Man, 238 |
Get information about the print edition HERE.
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I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed "The Solie Chronicles." The personal detail of Gordon's life as told by his son-in-law is absolutely incredible.
Being only 26 years of age, I was only able to catch the later work of Gordon's career during his time with Turner and the WCW. However, I've seen thousands of hours of old tapes and caught up with his career after his passing. To read your book was simply fascinating and it shed new light on many topics I was curious about.
While reading it, you seemed as if you were living Gordon's life right along with him through his radio days, his meetings with Eddie Graham, his struggles with his family (as I was reading the book, I was really hoping he would eventually make up with his son Jonard), his drinking, his investments, his love of stock-cars, and into his final days.
I especially enjoyed the incredible details on Gordon's final years. I had no idea he started an Internet wrestling program and I remember when he was scheduled to call the infamous "Heroes of Wrestling" Pay-Per-View back in 1999 and was unable to make it due to illness.
Once again, I commend the detail on how Gordon lived life as a retiree, as I find it very similar to a situation my grandfather was in. Trying to "find his way" on the computer and still meeting with his friends and having a few drinks after being told not to.
Tears came over me after reading his final statement, as well.
Keep up the good work (this is the fourth book I've read that you've helped edit and they just keep getting better) and please thank the Allyn family for their incredlible insight into Mr. Solie's life and for sharing it with the world.
Josh Harvoth, Video Director, Region Sports Network
I met Gordon Solie in the early '70s, shortly after I was introduced to the wrestling business by Ron and Buddy Fuller. Sadly, I never really got to know Gordon well enough to call him a close friend, but he accepted me as being part of the Florida organization without question.
The book goes into great detail of Gordon's love of car racing. I learned some of the behind the scenes activities of car racing, which was interesting to me even though I have never been a racing fan, but it primarily centered on Gordon's becoming the superstar of professional wrestling's announcers. Many wrestling fans got their education by watching and listening to Gordon. Some of these fans didn't know a hammerlock from a hemorrhoid, but by the time the show was over, they had had an education in the art of wrestling and didn't even know it. The man was a superstar.
A lot of Gordon's personal life is told in great detail, much of which was known only to his family and close friends. He had his good points and his bad points, as we all do, which makes him human. He was always a drinker, but I never knew of a time when he couldn't do his job with the professionalism that people expected. I remember when he died in 2000. I was in Tennessee working the independant wrestling circuit and we made sure Gordon received the memorial ten-bell salute for the next two weeks. And to this day, he is spoken of with reverance by today's announcers and color commentators who never had the honor of actually meeting him. He was, and always will be, a legend in the sport of professional wrestling. His voice will never be silenced.
RIP: Gordon.
Mac McMurray, former referee for Southeastern Championship Wrestling
I just finished reading "The Solie Chronicles." I decided to read this book because it was written by Mr. Solie's daughter (Pam), her husband Robert, and wrestling author Scott Teal. I grew up watching NWA wrestling and was blessed to have access to Mr. Solie every Saturday from both the Sunshine and the Peach states. This book chronicles Mr. Solie's life and includes memories of his involvement in stock car racing and hundreds of wrestling personalities. It goes deep into the Florida and Georgia wrestling scene and pulls no punches, taking you behind the curtain to show what pro wrestling was really about. It chronicles the NWA from its heyday to its tragic demise. It includes stories about Mr. Solie's relationships with men like Eddie Graham, Dusty Rhodes, Jack Brisco, Ole Anderson, Jim Ross, Ted Turner, and many more. If you are a fan of the "Dean of Wrestling Announcers," or just wish to relive the glory days of the NWA, you will more than enjoy this book.
Brad Hudson
Brilliant, Professor! I fell off the chair with tears in my eyes when I read about the deflating chair. Back to you, Les!! So Carson-esque!!!!!!! That is the funniest bit ever and I can see Gordon doing it. He was portrayed well in the book and I think it was about as factual as you could get. The last few pages were hard to read, because I was on the phone with Gordon when Pam, Bob and the kids arrived. He said to me, "Gotta go. Pam just arrived," and I said, "Go! I'll talk to you tomorrow night!" :-(
Dotty Curtis, wife of wrestling legend Don Curtis
I consider myself a huge Florida wrestling fan, and have been since about 1975. At the age of ten, I got turned onto wrestling, and from the first show, I began watching Championship Wrestling from Florida every Saturday night at seven o'clock on Channel 44 WTOG and never missed a show. As a kid, I enjoyed it so much and tried to act like Dusty Rhodes at school. Those who know me know Ii do a very good Dusty Rhodes voice. It was just something I loved so much. Over the years, I loved the way Gordon Solie called the action. He was the greatest at what he did. He made matches like Bubba Douglas vs Reggie Parks sound like the match of the year (no disrespect to either man, but it was usually an undercard match). I remember Coach John Heath filling in for Gordon one week. No disrespect to Heath, either, but it just wasn't the same without Gordon. Today, when I bring up the good old days of Florida wrestling, the first name people remember is Gordon Solie. Oh, how I miss these days, but I'm fortunate to have a huge library of the old shows from those days and enjoy watching them today.
The Solie Chronicles is a must-read for every person who claims to be an old-school fan of Florida wrestling. The book features so many great, detailed behind-the-scenes stories. I can't say enough good things about the book. I guarantee it will stir up great memories and will give the reader an inside look at the story of how Gordon got his start in wrestling, not to mention stock car racing. My hat is off to Bob Allyn, Pamela Allyn, and Scott Teal, who put this book together for people just like me. Having said that, I will close this note just as Gordon would have by saying, "So long from the Sunshine State."
Ron Weiss Ocala, Florida
The truth is, wrestling worst enemy has always been wrestlers. There are so many individuals that step into the ring or have a part in what the fan sees, that have no business there. I've checked all of the colleges, universities, and online schooling facilities, and even pre-kindergarden, and have yet to find any program to learn this wonderful love affair with the lady I call the ring. You see, there are too many pimps in this world that will use anything to make a buck. I would give you the list, but I won't live long enough to complete it.
You don't have to have a diploma, doctorate, and in my day, you had to have tights and boots, but those are gone, too. I bet you wonder where I'm going with this. Here's where.
Gordon Solie. My God. There is nothing I can say that hasn't been said about this man. The accolades should go on forever. Simply a class act. You see, he was able to do what Vince McMahon has done without all the tv time, glitz and glamour, and the unending money flow that Vince uses to create. Solie could do it with one word, or without a word, just a look. You always listened to him. You turned on the television, and sure, you wanted to see Dusty, the Briscos, the Grahams, and the rest, but the first thing you yearned for was to hear Gordon's voice. This man was not an announcer, color guy. He was the show. Without Gordon, there wasn't a show. This man, regardless of the situation, gave credibility and believability to whatever was being put on the platter. You see, Vince, Mr. Solie was the first to make chicken soup out of chicken sh–. There is NO way anyone will come up with the recipe any better, or even close to what he gave to us weekly.
I myself watched him for many years, and then going to Florida early in my career, when I had no right even to be near the ring. In fact, I was a part-time referee and job guy. But I was hungry. All he ever gave to anyone was respect, support, and a friendly smile. My problem was, at the time, I did not feel worthy of even a glance. I think what I'm trying to tell you guys, is, if you didn't know the man, or have any idea what he was about, or contributed, then you are very fortunate, because there are books, and if there was any book to talk about wrestling, this is the one you should read. Why? Because its not a hyped , pushed down your throat, and million-dollar marketed extravaganza of BS ... just this man's thoughts. If I were to tell you of my many regrets and mistakes in my life, one of the biggest would have to be not taking advantage of this great man's friendship, love and knowledge. Next week, I will tell you a story about this man, and no, it's not the giggles and smiles I used to give him during a production meeting at Georgia Championship wrestling, when I'd given Ole Anderson (my boss) with no power, a fake tv show on Friday, just so he would go nuts all night and be frothing at the mouth when he came to the meeting on Saturday morning at TBS. Gordon knew the game I was playing with Ole without me ever saying a word to him. Ole would rant, spit, and rave and Gordon would play it off like a child had spilt his milk in the high chair. You see, the class of the man was to enjoy the presentation and the game without spoiling it. Always to enhance whatever had been given. He was cool before cool ever happened. If you look up cool in the dictionary, there is Gordon Solie's picture looking back at you. Simply put, the best that ever was, or will be. More so than Gorilla and Heenan, 'cause he never stole the show. THE man.
Next week, we will give you my funniest, and I regret to say, most painful memory I've ever done to anyone. And unfortunately, it was Gordon. Buy the book, or get off my friend list. .;)
Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Just wanted to let you know that I finished the book last week and enjoyed it very much. I remember being able to watch CWF on a Philadelphia UHF station. Unfortunately it would not come on until 11:30 on a weeknight and I was in high school at the time before there were VCR's. I was only allowed to watch in the summertime. Then it seemed to disappear for a while and then returned on Saturdays at one in the afternoon - that was so much better.
A storyline that made a big impression on me was Bob Roop and I think Bob Orton Jr. "badmouthing" Steve Keirn's Dad who was a returning war veteran or prisoner of war and Keirn flying over the announcer table to get at Roop and a "pier six brawl" happening. Afterwards, Keirn was being interviewed and was practically crying over Roop's actions he was so upset. I remember thinking, wow, he is really angry. It seems since then I remember reading somewhere (maybe in one of your fine publications) that Keirn banged up his leg or knee and was in a lot of pain which brought on the tears. What great times back then.
Anyway, Gordon Solie was so much better than any announcers I watched locally from the WWWF. When I tell my kids stories from when I grew up most of them are from the shows I was lucky enough to see that were syndicated. They were just better shows overall.
Thanks for reading and so long from the keystone state!
Don Overly
I wanted to comment on the Solie Chronicles book. I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Pam at an event and bought the book. They are definitely two great people. The book was truly amazing and a wonderful insight into the life and times of the greatest wrestling announcer ever. It was beautifully written with nothing held back. A must read for any true wrestling fan. It is definitely not a canned book that was "ghost written" and then passed off as being wrote by the wrestler. In other words, if you are looking for a WWE book, then this book is not for you. This book is for fans of old-school wrestling, not the stuff that is passed off today as sports entertainment. Thanks again, Bob and Pam, for sharing your knowledge of a great man. GOD bless.
Barry Jones
I grew up in Miami, Florida and was a huge CWF fan for many years (I'm 48 years old now). Jack Brisco was, and still is, one of my heroes. But who can think about CWF without thinking of the raspy voice of Gordon Solie ...
"Waaait a minute, waaait a minute ... Dusty Rhodes has just hit the ring. Dusty Rhodes has just hit the ring and we have pier 6 brawl. Rhodes and Leduc slugging it out in a pier 6 brawl. Great day in the morning. That would have ripped the head off the average man!"
Solie: You seem to have quite a bit of disregard for the rules Mr. Leduc.
Leduc: We don't care bout de rules. We are citizen of de worl' ... you dink we not learn how to fight dirty in the Lumber Camp? We don't got no rules, Solie.
Solie: Indeed.
Leduc: So whatcha dink bout dat Solie? Eh? Whatch dink?
Solie: Well, I am not impressed Mr. Leduc, and I think Dusty Rhodes will say it much better than I can in the ring.
(Leduc, frustrated, starts to backhand Gordon)
Solie: Hold on right there, Mr. Leduc! I can assure you that you will rue the day you ever lay a hand on me sir!
What a great gift he had, and as I think back over all those times in the Miami Beach Convention Center on Wednesday nights, and on TV on Saturdays at noon, I smile.
And the book was signed, too! What a bonus!
Pam (ladies first), Bob and Scott — Thanks for all you've done to preserve this great time in our lives.
Walter Willis |
Get information about the print edition HERE.
—— AUDIO & PRINT INTERVIEWS ——
Bill Apter-Gordon Solie Review on YouTube
Chris Scramm, SLAM Wrestling
Mr. Media, Bob Andelman
James Walsh, Wrestling Epicenter
Lance Russell
Casey Carnage-The Carnage Crew
Jobber Joe, Roundtable Wrestling Radio
Jim Varsallone, The Miami Herald
Bob D’Angelo, The Tampa Tribune/Tampa Bay Online
Ron’s World of Classic NWA Wrestling
Matt and Ben-Uncensored Wrestling Radio
Katie B. Davis, The Gainesville Times
John Gray, The Real Side of Wrestling
Mike Trash, Trash Talking Radio
Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post-Courier
Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling (Scripps Howard News Service)
Earl Oliver's Solie's Vintage Wrestling
Joey and Audrey Roberts of Georgia Old School Wrestling
Rich Tate and Les Thatcher, Georgia Wrestling History Radio Network
Nick Anthony, Online World of Wrestling Radio
Eric Cohen, About.com: Professional Wrestling |
Get information about the print edition HERE.
To schedule radio interviews or other media appearances with the authors, please contact Scott Teal at
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