St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame

Last updated

The St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame is a professional wrestling hall of fame in St. Louis, United States. After several years of debating the idea of creating the Hall of Fame, former owner and promoter of the St. Louis Wrestling Club Larry Matysik opened it in 2007. He was joined in this effort by SBAC Member Tony Casta, sports journalist Keith Schildroth, collector Mitch Hartsey, and longtime fan Nick Ridenour. [1] [2] Although these directors oversee the selection process, the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame is unique because it is the only wrestling hall of fame that allows fans to vote for potential inductees. [3]

Contents

The Hall of Fame was created to honor the role St. Louis played in helping to establish professional wrestling in North America. [1] [4] Matysik also wanted to create a hall of fame that recognized wrestlers for their contributions to wrestling rather than their relationships with the owner of the promotion. [1] To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, inductees must have held a title belt or played an important role in or around the Missouri area between 1959 and 1983, when the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) had a strong presence in St. Louis. [3]

For the initial group of inductions, the directors decided that Sam Muchnick, Lou Thesz, Bill Longson, Mickey Garagiola, Penny Banner, and Joe Schoenberger would be inducted by acclamation. [1] [5] Fans were asked to vote for seven more inductees from a list of twenty choices. [1] At the induction ceremony, these thirteen were enshrined, along with Matysik, a surprise inductee. [6] King Kong Brody was inducted later that year. [7]

When the Hall of Fame opened in 2007, it was located in The Pro Wrestling Shirt Shop, a business in St. Louis' South County Mall. [6] It contained plaques and memorabilia from the St. Louis Wrestling Club. [8] In 2008, the Hall was moved to the South Broadway Athletic Club. [9] Each induction plaque is personalized with a description of the individual's contributions. For example, Thesz' plaque states that he is "the finest example of a true world champion". [6] Six more people were inducted in 2008, bringing the total to twenty-one. The Hall's directors plan to add six more inductees each year. [3] Fourteen men and one woman have been honored for their performance in the ring as wrestlers. The remaining six people have been inducted for their other contributions, including owning and promoting the St. Louis Wrestling Club, as well as performing duties as referees, ring announcers, and commentators.

Inductees

#YearRing name
(Birth name)		Inducted forNotes
12007 Penny Banner
(Mary Ann Kostecki) [10] 		Women's wrestling Born in St. Louis and began wrestling career working for Muchnick's St. Louis Wrestling Club; won the NWA Women's World Tag Team Championship (1 time) [11]
22007 King Kong Brody
(Frank Donald Goodish) [12] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; inducted September 14. [7] Won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) and NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time) [13]
32007 Dick the Bruiser
(William Richard Afflis) [14] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (3 times) [15]
42007 Ric Flair
(Richard Morgan Fliehr) [16] [a] 		Wrestling Won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (10 times) and NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [15] [17]
52007 Mickey Garagiola Ring announcing and commentating Longtime ring announcer and commentator for St. Louis Wrestling Club [6] [18]
62007 Gene Kiniski Wrestling Held NWA World Heavyweight Championship for three years; won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [15] [17]
72007 Bill Longson
(Willard Rowe Longson) [19] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship (3 times) and NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [19]
82007 Larry Matysik Commentating and Promoting Owner, office worker, booker, announcer, and commentator for St. Louis Wrestling Club; wrote biography of Sam Muchnick [6] [20]
92007 Sam Muchnick Promoting Posthumous inductee; founded the NWA and served as president from 1950 to 1960 and 1963 to 1975; owner of St. Louis Wrestling Club [21] [22]
102007 Pat O'Connor Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time), NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time), and NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (2 times); co-owner and booker of St. Louis Wrestling Club [17] [22] [23]
112007 Harley Race Wrestling Won the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (7 times) and NWA World Heavyweight Championship (8 times); co-owner of St. Louis Wrestling Club [15] [17] [22]
122007 Joe Schoenberger Refereeing Posthumous inductee; longtime referee for St. Louis Wrestling Club and community youth sports advocate [6]
132007 Lou Thesz
(Aloysius Martiz Thesz) [24] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (6 times) [24]
142007 Johnny Valentine
(John Theodore Wisniski) [25] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [15]
152007 Fritz Von Erich
(Jack Barton Adkisson) [26] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [27]
162008 Jack Brisco
(Fred Joe Brisco) [28] 		Wrestling Won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (2 times), and NWA Missouri Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times) [15] [17] [29]
172008 Dory Funk Jr. Wrestling Won NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) and NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [15] [17]
182008 Joe Garagiola Commentating First commentator for St. Louis Wrestling Club's Wrestling at the Chase television program [30]
192008 Rocky Johnson
(Wayde Douglas Bowles) [31] 		Wrestling Competed in St. Louis from 1975 to 1986 and challenged for NWA World Heavyweight Championship on several occasions [32]
202008 Buddy Rogers
(Herman Gustav Rohde Jr. ) [33] 		Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [17]
212008 Lee Warren Referee Longtime referee for St. Louis Wrestling Club [34]
222009 [35] Baron von Raschke Wrestling Won numerous tag team titles, including NWA World Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (1 time) – with Maurice Vachon and NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (1 Time) – with Harley Race
232010 Bobby Heenan manager Managed various Tag Team Champions in AWA and WWE with The Heenan Family
242010 Terry Funk Wrestling Won numerous titles, including NWA World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
252010 Dick Murdoch Wrestling Posthumous inductee; won various titles, including NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (2 times), [36] NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Bob Brown [37] and NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Central States version) (3 times) – with Dusty Rhodes (1) and Bob Sweetan (2) [38]
262010 “Cowboy” Bob Ellis Wrestling
272014 "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase Wrestling Multi-time holder of the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship and NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship among other titles in the NWA and WWE Tag Champion.
282014 Wilbur Snyder Wrestling Posthumous inductee
292014 Rip Hawk
(Harvey Maurice Evers)		 Wrestling Posthumous inductee
302015 Ken Patera Wrestling Two-time NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship title holder.
312015 Joe Tangaro Wrestling Posthumous inductee: Former wrestler and referee
322015 Eddie Smith Wrestling Former referee
332015 Bill Apter Wrestling Professional wrestling journalist
342016 Kerry Von Erich Wrestling Posthumous inductee; NWA World Heavyweight Champion: 1984
352016 David Von Erich Wrestling Posthumous inductee; Missouri Heavyweight Champion: 1983–84
362016 Kevin Von Erich Wrestling Missouri Heavyweight Champion: 1979–80
372016 Dr. Bill Miller Wrestling Posthumous inductee; Former American Wrestling Association Champion
382016 John Paul Henning Wrestling Posthumous inductee; Very popular wrestler in the St. Louis area during the 60's
392016 Charlie Venator Referee
402017 Bob Backlund Wrestling Former World Wrestling Entertainment Champion: 1978–83, 1994
412017 Édouard Carpentier Wrestling Posthumous inductee; NWA World Heavyweight Champion: 1957 and WWA Heavyweight Champion (Los Angeles): 1957–61, 1963–64
422018 Whipper Billy Watson Wrestling Posthumous inductee; Former NWA World Heavyweight Champion: 1947, 1956
432019 Bob Orton Sr Wrestling Posthumous inductee; Former Missouri Heavyweight Champion: 1954
442019 Debbie Combs Wrestling NWA Women's Champion: 1986–87, 1987–94, 1996
452022 Joyce Grable Wrestling Wrestled for Sam Muchnick several times during the 70's & early 80's
462023 Gerald Brisco Wrestling One half of the Brisco Brothers, long time WWE executive
472023 J.J. Dillon Wrestling Manager of The Four Horsemen
482024 Bob Orton Jr. Wrestling Commonly known by the ring name "Cowboy" Bob Orton during the 70's & 80's
492024 Harold Koplar Businessman Posthumous inductee: St. Louis businessman
502024 George Abel Ring announcing Posthumous inductee: Announcer
512024 Leilani kai Wrestling Women wrestling star of the 80's, WWF Women's Champion (one time)
522024 Judy Martin Wrestling Women wrestling star of the 80's, WWF Women's Tag team Champion (one time)
532024 Wendi Richter Wrestling Women wrestling star of the 80's, WWF Women's Champion (two times)

Current board members are Herb Simmons and Nick Ridenour.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lou Thesz</span> American professional wrestler (1916–2002)

Aloysius Martin Thesz, known by the ring name Lou Thesz, was an American professional wrestler. Considered to be one of the last true shooters in professional wrestling and described as the "quintessential athlete" and a "polished warrior who could break a man in two if pushed the wrong way", Thesz is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers and wrestling world champions in history, and possibly the last globally accepted world champion.

<i>Wrestling at the Chase</i> Professional wrestling television series

Wrestling at the Chase is a professional wrestling television series of local and national historical importance in the field of television wrestling. The show was recorded in St. Louis, Missouri, for KPLR-TV, Channel 11, and aired from May 23, 1959, to September 10, 1983. It was promoted by the St. Louis Wrestling Club, which was a member of the National Wrestling Alliance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madusa</span> American professional wrestler and monster truck driver

Debrah Ann Miceli, better known as Madusa, is an American monster truck driver and retired professional wrestler. She is currently signed to National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) as a producer. In professional wrestling Miceli is also known by the ring name Alundra Blayze, which she used while in the WWF/WWE. Outside of the WWF, she wrestled under her professional name of Madusa, which was shortened from "Made in the USA". Her early career was spent in the American Wrestling Association, where she once held the AWA World Women's Championship. In 1988, she was the first woman to be awarded Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Rookie of the Year. The following year, she signed a contract with All Japan Women's Pro-Wrestling, making her the first foreign wrestler to do so.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Valentine</span> American professional wrestler (1928–2001)

John Theodore Wisniski, better known by his ring name Johnny Valentine, was an American professional wrestler with a career spanning almost three decades. He has been inducted into four halls of fame for his achievements in wrestling. Wisniski is the father of professional wrestler Greg "The Hammer" Valentine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat O'Connor (wrestler)</span> New Zealand professional and amateur wrestler

Patrick John O'Connor, was a New Zealand/American amateur wrestler and professional wrestler. Regarded as one of the premier workers of his era, O'Connor held the AWA World Heavyweight Championship and NWA World Heavyweight Championship simultaneously, the latter of which he held for approximately two years. He was also the inaugural AWA World Heavyweight Champion. He is an overall two-time world champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gene Kiniski</span> Canadian professional wrestler

Eugene Nicholas Kiniski was a Canadian athlete who played football for the Edmonton Eskimos and then became a three-time professional wrestling world heavyweight champion. "Canada's Greatest Athlete", as he billed himself for promotional purposes, was born in Edmonton, Alberta. Like Bronko Nagurski before him, Kiniski was one of the first world champions in professional wrestling to have a previous background in football. He is the father of professional wrestler Kelly Kiniski and international amateur and professional wrestler Nick Kiniski.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Crockett</span> American professional wrestling promoter

James Allen Crockett Sr. was an American professional wrestling promoter and professional sports franchise owner sometimes known as Jim Crockett Sr., or to people within the business simply as "Big Jim".

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter (WON) Hall of Fame is a professional wrestling and mixed martial arts (MMA) hall of fame that recognizes people who make significant contributions to their professions. It was founded in 1996 by Dave Meltzer, editor of WON. Like many other wrestling halls of fame, such as the WWE, TNA, ROH and WCW halls of fame, WON's Hall of Fame is not contained in a building, and there are no ceremonies for inductions other than a highly detailed biographical documentation of their career in the newsletter. Inductees include wrestlers/fighters, managers, promoters, trainers, and commentators. On select occasions, groups, either tag teams, trios, or quartets, have been inducted rather than the individual members of the group. This first occurred in 1996, when The Fabulous Kangaroos and The Road Warriors entered the hall. The Fabulous Freebirds, The Midnight Express, The Rock 'n' Roll Express, The Assassins, The Holy Demon Army, The Sharpe Brothers, Los Misioneros de la Muerte, and Los Brazos among others all also entered as groups. Occasionally entire wrestling families have been inducted into the hall. This first occurred in 1996 when The Dusek Family entered the hall; in 2022, the five man familial team of Los Villanos was inducted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Lewis (wrestler)</span> American professional wrestler

Robert Herman Julius Friedrich, better known by the ring name Ed "Strangler" Lewis, was an American professional wrestler and trainer. During his wrestling career, which spanned four decades, Lewis was a four-time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion and overall recognized officially as a five-time world champion. Considered to be one of the most iconic and recognizable sports stars of the 1920s, often alongside boxer Jack Dempsey and baseball player Babe Ruth, Lewis notably wrestled in over 6,000 matches and lost only 32 of them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jerry Blackwell</span> American professional wrestler

Jerry Blackwell was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Crusher" Jerry Blackwell. Blackwell competed in the 1979 World's Strongest Man contest, but withdrew early in the competition due to an injury. He was a main event star in the American Wrestling Association where he feuded with Mad Dog Vachon, Hulk Hogan, The Crusher, Bruiser Brody and Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whipper Billy Watson</span> Canadian professional wrestler

William John Potts, was a Canadian professional wrestler best known by his ring name "Whipper" Billy Watson. He was a two-time world champion, having held both the National Wrestling Association title and the National Wrestling Alliance title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orville Brown</span> American professional wrestler

Orville Brown was an American professional wrestler. He is a thirteen-time world champion and was recognized as the first NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1948. Brown's professional wrestling career ended on November 1, 1949, when he suffered severe injuries in an automobile accident.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NWA Hall of Fame</span> Professional wrestling hall of fame

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Hall of Fame is an American professional wrestling hall of fame maintained by the NWA. It was established in 2005 to honor select wrestling personalities, mostly alumni of the NWA. Inductees receive commemorative medals that have their names inscribed on it with the logo of the NWA.

The Hart Dungeon or Hart Family Dungeon, otherwise known simply as The Dungeon, was the gym and wrestling school located in the basement of the Hart mansion. The school was created by Stu Hart, patriarch of the Hart wrestling family and is known for having produced some of the greatest and most successful professional wrestlers of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leroy McGuirk</span> American amateur and professional wrestler, and professional wrestling promoter (1910–1988)

Leroy Michael McGuirk was an American amateur and professional wrestler, and wrestling promoter. He was involved in professional wrestling for more than fifty years. As one of the longest surviving members of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), he was affiliated with the promotion from 1949 to 1982, where he was a one-time NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul LeDuc (wrestler)</span>

Paul LeDuc is a former Canadian professional wrestler. He is best known for teaming with his kayfabe (storyline) brother Jos LeDuc.

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Wrestling Legends Hall of Heroes is a professional wrestling hall of fame that honors people who have competed or played other major roles in the NWA. Organized by wrestling promoter Greg Price, the hall is separate from the NWA Hall of Fame and is not officially endorsed by the company, but the NWA has given permission for the use of its name. An induction ceremony takes place at the annual NWA Legends Fanfest Weekend. In 2007, there were seven inductees in the inaugural class. Seven more honorees were added the following year, and another eight were added to the Hall of Heroes in 2009. The 2009 induction ceremony took place on August 7 and was hosted by Jim Cornette.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chase Park Plaza Hotel</span> Building in Missouri, United States

The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis is a historic hotel and apartment complex located at 212 N. Kingshighway Boulevard in the Central West End of St. Louis, Missouri. It consists of two buildings - the Chase Hotel, built in 1922 by developer Chase Ullman, and the Art Deco-style Park Plaza tower, built in 1929 and today housing condominiums. The complex also features a cinema and several restaurants and bars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ray Hrstich</span> New Zealand professional wrestler

Dick Hrstich was a Yugoslavian/New Zealand professional wrestler, known by his ring names Ray Hrstich and Ray Gordon, who competed in the former Yugoslavia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States during the late 1950s and 60s. He was among the first New Zealanders to travel to the US and, like his fellow countrymen Pat O'Connor and Abe Jacobs, became a major star with the National Wrestling Alliance during the Television-era.

Larry Matysik was an American professional wrestling commentator, promoter and author best known for his commentary on Wrestling at the Chase.

References

General
Specific
  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Matysik, Larry. "St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame is on its Way". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  2. ↑ White, Harry (2007-02-27). "St. Louis Hall of Fame opens". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2012-07-14. Retrieved 2008-01-29.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. 1 2 3 Nolan, Kimberly (2007-03-23). "Bell Clangs for Wrestling Fans". South Country Times. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
  4. ↑ "Rip "The Profile" Hawk Interview: Page One". Mid-Atlantic Gateway. Retrieved 2009-01-28. No doubt St. Louis was the Mecca of the NWA.
  5. ↑ "Hall of Fame Results". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Hall of Fame". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-05-14. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  7. 1 2 White, Harry (2007-09-20). "St Louis Wrestling Hall Of Fame Part Two - Total Immersion". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-09-06. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
  8. ↑ "Ask Larry Archives Page 7". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-12-04. Retrieved 2009-01-27.
  9. ↑ Meltzer, Dave. "Thurs. Update: SmackDown MyNetwork Notes; ECW & Cable Ratings; Nash Talks Contract; Terry Funk; RVD". Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
  10. ↑ Oliver, Greg (2008-05-13). "Goodbye Penny Banner; I'll miss you". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2012-07-17. Retrieved 2009-01-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  11. ↑ "Penny Banner". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  12. ↑ Babinsack, Joe (2007-08-28). "Wrestling Observer reviews Brody". ECW Press. Archived from the original on 2008-08-07. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
  13. ↑ Slagle, Steve. ""King Kong" Bruiser Brody". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on 2009-04-09. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
  14. ↑ Hornbaker, 238.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Deem, Roger. "History of the Missouri State Championship". St. Louis Wrestling from the Chase. Archived from the original on 2008-04-08. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  16. ↑ Hornbaker, 333.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "World Heavyweight Championship". National Wrestling Alliance. Archived from the original on 2009-01-23. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  18. ↑ Matysik, 71-74.
  19. 1 2 "Bill Longson". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on 2013-12-28. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
  20. ↑ "Larry Matysik". ECW Press. Archived from the original on 2008-12-28. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  21. ↑ Gallipoli, Thomas M. (2008-03-11). "List of Deceased Wrestlers for 1999". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  22. 1 2 3 Hornbaker, 59.
  23. ↑ Slagle, Steve. "Pat O'Connor". Professional Wrestling Online Museum. Archived from the original on 2008-07-20. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
  24. 1 2 Litsky, Frank (2002-05-08). "Lou Thesz, 86, Skilled Pro Wrestler, Dies". The New York Times . Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  25. ↑ Molinaro, John F. (2001-04-24). "Johnny Valentine passes away". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2012-07-17. Retrieved 2009-01-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  26. ↑ "Fritz Von Erich". The Official Website of the Von Erich Family. Archived from the original on 2009-02-13. Retrieved 2009-01-23.
  27. ↑ Cappetta, Gary Michael (2006). Bodyslams!: Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman. ECW Press. p. 83. ISBN   1-55022-709-2.
  28. ↑ Hornbaker, 323.
  29. ↑ "Hall of Fame: Jack Brisco". World Wrestling Entertainment . Retrieved 2009-01-26.
  30. ↑ Matysik, 16.
  31. ↑ McCoag, Tom (2005-07-16). "Rocky Johnson returns home". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2012-07-17. Retrieved 2009-01-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  32. ↑ Nevada, Vance (2008-04-29). "Rocky "Soulman" Johnson". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on 2012-07-22. Retrieved 2009-01-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  33. ↑ Davies, Ross (2001). Buddy Rogers. Rosen Publishing Group. p. 14. ISBN   0-8239-3433-0.
  34. ↑ Matysik, 22.
  35. ↑ "Baron Von Raschke – St.Louis HOF Inductee". Cauliflower Alley Club. Archived from the original on 2012-03-09. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  36. ↑ NWA Central States Heavyweight Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  37. ↑ NWA Central States Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  38. ↑ NWA North American Tag Team Title history At wrestling-titles.com
  39. ↑ Oliver, Greg; Steven Johnson (2007). The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels. ECW Press. p. 87. ISBN   1-55022-759-9.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.