Author: Dr. Mike Lano

Much like part one of the history of wrestling radio, we continue with its evolution by focusing on its programming, shows, and heightened presence. We continue with the origins of wrestling radio here with part 2, The Later Years. Wrestling Radio – AWA, George Schire  Our jaunt with wrestling radio the later years begins with George Schire. At about the same time as Legends, I was also co-hosting a second weekly show with fellow wrestling historian George “Mr. AWA” Schire (The Wrestling Professors) 2003-2009. 100% wrestling conversation, however. George had co-hosted a Minneapolis-based terrestrial radio show with Wrestling Torch editor…

Pro Wrestling Radio or at least terrestrial radio shows dedicated primarily to wrestling, appears to have begun in the very early ’70s. They all seemed to emanate from the great New York City area with that massive WWWF Bruno and Pedro fanbase. It was either Potshot Bill Kunkel and Arnie Katz’ show or that of Bill Apter. We’re talking 1971, mid-1972, with both of these unrelated shows that tried to give an intelligent fan’s view of the wrestling scene. Both shows touched at times on wrestling in other areas like the AWA, WWA, LA, San Francisco circuits, Detroit, Florida, etc.  Sometimes, they…

Billy Red Cloud began his career in the early 1960s after some success in the field of bodybuilding. First, he did so under his given name, Bill Wright. Billy later took on the Billy Red Cloud wrestling persona. He was most notable for wrestling in 1964. Early on during his transformation, he was also ring-announced as Bobby Red Cloud and Chief Red Cloud. His legit hometown was the White Earth Indian Reservation in the U.S. State of Minnesota. Billy Red Cloud – A Menacing Look Bill also worked for a time early on (with his then unique shaved head look)…

One of wrestling’s legit toughest was Edward “Chief Wahoo” McDaniel. With little evidence he was ever recognized as a Chief, Wahoo McDaniel was unquestionably heralded. But that addition was only used for him in the wrestling industry. He was usually in main-event top positions wherever he went.  Ed was one of the earliest to bring what was initially called a “Tomahawk Chop” spot to US and Canadian rings as well as making “Indian Strap Matches,” well known as feud-ending gimmick bouts that drew well. The result often led to both participants bleeding. And Wahoo had no problem “turning red into…

Long-time fan/wrestler/trainer/promoter “Pistol Pete” Marquez, of La Puente, California, who wrestled professionally for over 26 years, passed recently while In-Hospice at only age 65. He was a booker, trainer, worker, and more for West Coast promotions and schools like California Championship Wrestling, International Wrestling Federation, and United Wrestling Council after retiring primarily as a SoCalif-based worker. Marquez was also a TV and film stunt coordinator besides being long-time financial secretary for the International Machinists Union Local 177. ________________________ He was an original CAC Board Of Director when I came aboard in 1992 and dedicated his time serving on boards for…

Tim Corvin spent years researching through library results, microfiche, and more for his definitive book Pioneers of Professional Wrestling: 1860-1899. There’s never been a book like this, particularly on these years because most experts thought predetermined finishes wrestling matches. Ones that were thought to have first started in 1880’s France before they became a mainstay of AT and Carnival/Carny shows in the U.S, Canada, and the rest of the world. Tim said some of the earliest pro wrestlers and MMA stars compensated for their work. These included Civil War soldiers, Canadian Mounties, lumberjacks, miners, train and railroad camp workers, and…

Wrestling Book Marks/CovidCon has been a longtime collaborative of wrestling authors, publishers, and historians. It chaired by wrestling book author/publisher Kenny Casanova. Kenny’s helped put out great books on and with stars. They included the likes of the late Kamala, Vadar, Sabu, Brutus Beefcake, Bugsy McGraw, Danny Davis, and many others. When the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, Kenny and his team, including author John Cosper went to work to help everyone in wrestling affected monetarily. There were no indie shows, no signings or convention/fanfests, and nothing to make money on the weekends. In early May, they had their first pro wrestling…

California has had a longstanding history of producing exceptional wrestling talent. They include NXT (Jake Atlas and Shotzi Blackheart) Reno Scum (IMPACT), Brian Cage, SCU & Will Hobbs (AEW). They are all now garnering attention. Hobbs for instance is receiving a great deal of attention in AEW the past two months. Hobbs is originally from Roland Alexander’s Boot Camp and APW promotion overall, dating back over a decade from Hayward, California. Will had gone through several name changes there as Roland loved naming his talent after his old-school faves. For instance, in Will’s case, his original ring name was “Solomon…

I was sad to learn about the passing of a good friend in wrestler Jerry Brown. Jerry was already famous as part of the original Hollywood Blondes, who made a name for themselves in Montreal, particularly in 1973 with Red, aka Sir Oliver Humperdink, in the Vachon’s Grand Prix promotion, which was one of my favorites. Especially with the territory war going on in that beautiful city against the Rougeau’s “Lutte International” territory. After his passing last weeks, these are my reflections of Jerry Brown as we’re remembering the heavenly Hollywood Blonde. For me, a “Blonde highlight” was their dropping…

Jeanne Basone is a longtime Cauliflower Alley Club member, regular attendee, and honoree. Jeanne has constantly reinvented herself. And as a wrestler on the original weekly GLOW show, she was involved in all sorts of wacky soap opera-esque storylines. Now she’s actually involved in soap directly. Literally. GLOW’s Jeanne “Hollywood” Basone goes from one soap opera to another. Since 1986, Jeanne’s been a friend since GLOW’s taping days of on The Strip. Basone became a breakout star of GLOW. Much like Tina/Lisa Moretti, who went on to WWE stardom as Ivory. Either paired with her tag partner “Vine”. Or in…