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Pro Wrestling Stories
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Bobby Mathews

56 Posts
Bobby Mathews is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories as well as a veteran journalist whose byline has appeared in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Denver Post, as well as other newspapers around the country. He's won multiple awards for reporting and opinion writing, and his sports journalism has garnered several Associated Press Managing Editors Awards. He has covered Division I college athletics and professional sports including MLB and NFL games. He has won awards from press associations in several states, including a General Excellence award from the Georgia Press Association while sports editor at The Statesboro Herald. He currently lives in suburban Birmingham, Alabama and can be reached on Twitter @bamawriter.
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The forgotten Pensacola Wrestling territory, known by three names—Southeastern Wrestling, Continental Championship Wrestling, and CWF—left an indelible mark on WWE. Its influence lingers in the ring, shaping the stars and storylines of today’s wrestling world.

A Ghost Story: The Territory That Still Haunts WWE

by Bobby Mathews  Oct 24, 2024

This lost wrestling territory, once known as Southeastern and Continental Championship Wrestling, still haunts WWE in unexpected ways.

Bob Backlund, Jerry Lawler, and Ric Flair—wrestling legends who tried their hand in politics. Though each took a shot at public office, their journeys highlight the unpredictable and often ruthless nature of the political world.

7 Wrestlers Turned Politicians: Who Succeeded, Who Failed?

by Bobby Mathews  Oct 18, 2024

Sometimes wrestling in the political ring is harder than a match in the squared circle.  These 7 wrestlers found out firsthand!

Ray Traylor, better known as The Big Boss Man, defined his career by hard work and resilience in both NWA and WWE.

‘Big Boss Man’ Ray Traylor’s Secret Life & Tragic Final Days

by Bobby Mathews  Sep 6, 2024

Ray Traylor, AKA The Big Boss Man, built a career on hard work and dedication. But unexpected tragedy struck at the height of his success.

Bob Roop (left) and Ron Garvin (right).

Ron Garvin and Bob Roop: How Stealing a Title Led to Rebellion

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 13, 2024

When CM Punk did it in WWE, it was an angle. but when Ron Garvin walked out with the wrestling title in Knoxville, it was…

Ron Simmons made history by becoming the first black WCW World Heavyweight Champion! But how did he feel about the company failing him after?

Ron Simmons: Untold Tale Behind Becoming WCW Champion

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 25, 2023

Ron Simmons made history by becoming the first black WCW World Heavyweight Champion! But how did he feel about the company failing him after?

Bobby Heenan was one of the funniest and most talented men ever to grace a wrestling show. But what was he like behind the scenes?

Bobby Heenan: Secret History on the Man Behind the Mic

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 25, 2023

Bobby Heenan was one of the funniest and most talented men ever to grace a wrestling show. But what was he like behind the scenes?

"Spoiler alert!" The Spoiler: Don Jardine over the years.

‘The Spoiler’ Don Jardine: Secret Life Behind the Mask

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 28, 2023

‘The Spoiler’ Don Jardine headlined worldwide. Later, he inspired a young Undertaker. Here are tales about his career and notorious temper!

Bobby Eaton, Jim Cornette, and Dennis Condrey. The Midnight Express were an unstoppable tag team that defined greatness.

Rise and Sad Demise of The Midnight Express

by Bobby Mathews  Mar 8, 2023

The faces in The Midnight Express changed over time, but the train kept rolling. This is the story of the tag team’s rise and tragic…

The following wrestling managers deserve a bit of our love by making professional wrestling exceptionally better by being a part of it!

11 Wrestling Managers Who Deserve Some Love

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 11, 2022

The following wrestling managers deserve a bit of our love by making professional wrestling exceptionally better by being a part of it!

The legacy of Matt Borne, who played the role of the first Doink the Clown in the WWF, is a little complicated.

Doink The Clown – A Troubled Life For the Man Behind the Paint

by Bobby Mathews  Apr 22, 2025

Doink the Clown found fame in early 1990s WWE, but there was, unfortunately, trouble along the way for Matt Borne, the man behind the paint.

Beautiful Bobby Eaton - One of the greatest workers of all time, and -- most importantly -- one of the nicest there ever was in wrestling.

Bobby Eaton: Secret History of a Beautiful Wrestler

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 16, 2023

All Bobby Eaton wanted to do was be a wrestler. He did that, and then some. We remember one of the nicest guys in the…

Eddie Guerrero remains one of the greatest and most influential wrestlers of his generation.

The Tragic Final Days of Eddie Guerrero

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

To put it simply: his heart gave out. The tragic passing of Eddie Guerrero is still hard to fathom. He had just turned 38 the…

Tales of ribs and practical jokes during the crazy world of 1960s wrestling, particularly this one story involving Stu Hart, Austin Idol, and Dennis Condrey, are so inappropriate you have to read it to believe it. We'll even throw in the tale of Stu Hart's plane getting stolen for good measure!

Stu Hart – The Truth About His Stolen Plane (and Other Ribs)

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

Stu Hart, Dennis Condrey, and Austin Idol ribs pulled on the road in the ’60s and ’70s are so inappropriate you have to read it…

Jerry Lawler, Bruno Sammartino, and Chris Jericho are amongst the wrestling legends who have had the unfortunate experience of having their wrestling championship belt come up missing or stolen. Many have never been recovered.

Mystery of Missing Wrestling Championship Belts

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 25, 2023

Over the years, these wrestling championship belts have either been stolen or come up missing. Many have never been recovered.

Bruiser Brody with his son, Geoffrey. Brody died on July 17th, 1988.

Final Moments of Bruiser Brody and the Mystery that Followed

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 22, 2023

Circumstances surrounding the murder of Bruiser Brody remain a mystery. Here are the known theories and the twists and turns that followed.

It should have been a happy time in the life of Kerry Von Erich. His wife was due to have their second child. Instead, tragedy struck.

Kerry Von Erich: Devastating Final Days of ‘The Texas Tornado’

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 27, 2023

It should have been a happy time in the life of Kerry Von Erich. His wife was due to have their second child. Instead, tragedy…

Becoming a wrestler still isn’t easy – but it’s not like it once was! Discover the jarring (and often painful) reality many wrestling legends faced after choosing to join the wrestling business!

Horror Stories of Legends Entering the Wrestling Business

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 8, 2023

Becoming a wrestler still isn’t easy – but it’s not like it once was! Discover the painful reality many wrestling legends faced early on.

There are legends in professional wrestling. And then there’s Bullet Bob Armstrong.

Bullet Bob Armstrong: Remembering a Legend

by Bobby Mathews  Sep 8, 2022

There are legends in professional wrestling. And then there’s Bullet Bob Armstrong. He passed away at the age of 80 on August 27, 2020.

Championship Belt Maker Dave Millican Shares His Pieces of History

Dave Millican: Tales From a Premier Championship Belt Maker

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 18, 2023

Dave Millican is the premier championship belt maker in the world. He graciously opened his home for an interview where treasures awaited.

Canada has a rich history in professional wrestling and a legacy of producing standout wrestlers and talent. Discover the stories of notable individuals and families from The Great White North who have made their country proud.

Canadian Wrestlers With a Rich History in the Sport

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 10, 2023

Discover the stories of notable professional wrestlers and families from Canada who have made their country proud.

The signature sign-off for Chris Hyatte.

Chris Hyatte – RIP to the Most Entertaining Man in the Room

by Bobby Mathews  Aug 5, 2020

Chris Hyatte died. This time it was for real. Maybe. He’d died maybe a hundred Internet deaths. Hyatte was a lightning rod for readers and…

Bullet Bob Armstrong, Southeastern Championship Wrestling.

Bob Armstrong | Stronger Than A Bullet

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 11, 2022

There are legends in professional wrestling. And then there’s Bullet Bob Armstrong. This is the story of the true man behind the curtain.

Legends of professional wrestling: Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie.

Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie – Too Real for the Mob

by Bobby Mathews  Mar 20, 2024

Shocking details on how a match between Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie led to a frightening confrontation with the mob in New Jersey.

Blackjack Mulligan was stabbed by a fan before his 1971 match against Pedro Morales in Boston. The shocking attack left him bleeding in the ring and needing 100 stitches to survive.

Blackjack Mulligan: The Night a Fan Stabbed Him

by Bobby Mathews  May 21, 2025

Blackjack Mulligan was a West Texas roughneck known to take no nonsense from anybody. But on this night, he could not protect himself.

Original 'bruiserweight' Les Thornton died at 84 on February 1st, 2019. He was one of the toughest of his day.

Les Thornton: Secret Life of The Original ‘Bruiserweight’

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 6, 2023

Les Thornton was a technical expert and original ‘bruiserweight’ in wrestling who laid the blueprint for future tough-as-nails competitors.

Real Pro Wrestling Stories with Jim Cornette and Brandon Easton

Real Pro Wrestling Stories with Jim Cornette and Brandon Easton

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 7, 2022

“Before the interview, disaster struck!” Behind the curtain with Real Pro Wrestling Stories writers Jim Cornette and Brandon Easton.

David Gann Remembered, 1971-2018

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

David Gann wasn’t a famous name. He wasn’t any kind of star. But he was one of us. He was family. It’s our privilege to…

Brickhouse Brown – Passes Away After Initially Kicking Out From Death

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

We are sad to report that Brickhouse Brown has, in fact, passed away on July 29, 2018 after initially kicking out from death nine days…

SAITO Remembered: "Brother, He Was Double-Tough"

Masa Saito Remembered: “Brother, He Was Double-Tough”

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

“What everyone seems to remember is the arrest of Masa Saito – and subsequent conviction – while competing in the AWA in 1984.”

Greg Valentine on His Career and the Tragic Fate of His Destroyed IC Title

Greg Valentine on His Career and the Tragic Fate of His Destroyed IC Title

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 14, 2022

Greg Valentine opens up about his favorite feuds in wrestling, and the tragic fate of his destroyed Intercontinental title!

Wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham.

The Tragic Tale of Wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham

by Bobby Mathews  Mar 10, 2023

Dr. Jerry Graham was the favorite wrestler of young Vince McMahon. In 1969, he would be involved in one of wrestling’s most tragic stories.

WWE Greatest Royal Rumble Fluke Finish – A Throwback to a Classic

by Bobby Mathews  May 26, 2022

The fluke finish fans saw at the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble in April of 2018 was a throwback to a classic, and here’s why.

Jos LeDuc was one of the nicest guys in the dressing room. But when he got in front of the camera, there was no telling what the Canadian lumberjack would do.

“Who Is Wrestling’s Greatest-Ever Monster Heel?” | Ask PWS

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 12, 2023

We were recently asked, “Who is wrestling’s greatest monster heel wrestler of all time?” This got us thinking about the territory days…

Paul Jones went around the world as a lovable babyface but found his fortune when he turned heel in Florida.

Paul Jones – Wrestling Territory Star ‘No. 1’

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 2, 2021

When the world saw Paul Jones, he was a shell of his former self. Before becoming a legendary manager, he had a standout wrestling career.

"Nature Boy" Buddy Landel.

Buddy Landel: The Wrestler With Most Wasted Potential?

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 24, 2023

A reader asked: Which wrestler had the most wasted potential? Learn why our pick is Buddy Landel and how poor decisions derailed his career.

With barely 12 minutes gone in their Survivor Series 1997 match, Bret Hart found himself caught in his own finishing hold -- and then in the most talked about wrestling conspiracy of the 20th century.

The Twisted Legacy of WWE’s Montreal Screwjob

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 25, 2023

Behind closed doors, the Montreal Screwjob was much more than getting the title away from Bret Hart before his departure to WCW.

‘Brutal’ Honesty: Hanging with ROH’s BRUTAL BOB EVANS

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

Ring of Honor’s Bob Evans shares his wisdom: “Wherever you go in this business, I want you to be the best that you can be…

"How Insecure Are Professional Wrestlers?" | Ask PWS

“How Insecure Are Professional Wrestlers?” | Ask PWS

by Bobby Mathews  Dec 11, 2020

We answer, “How insecure are professional wrestlers?” “Who’s the most influential person in wrestling who doesn’t get his due?” “No kneepads?”

Lance Russell interviewed a who's who of wrestling stars during a career that spanned six decades in the wrestling business. Through it all, he maintained his sense of humor and his dignity. 

Lance Russell: Remembering the Nicest Man in Wrestling

by Bobby Mathews  Mar 14, 2024

Lance Russell had a career in the wrestling business spanning six decades. Listening to him was better than being ringside!

Former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor battled Bam Bam Bigelow at WrestleMania XI.

Bam Bam Bigelow – “Was He a Main Eventer?” | Ask PWS

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 7, 2022

Did attitude and politics get in the way of Bam Bam Bigelow becoming a main eventer? We answer this and more in this edition of…

Rise of ROH: Ring of Honor Riding High

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

ROH aka Ring of Honor separates itself from WWE by showcasing more in-ring action than the self-proclaimed “Leader in Sports Entertainment.”

RIC FLAIR: The Greatest Wrestler of All Time?

by Bobby Mathews  May 26, 2022

Ric Flair carried himself as the champion, as the greatest wrestler of all time because he believed it, he made the fans believe it, too.

The View From the Ring: Tales from a Wrestling Referee

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 16, 2022

After 10 years away, our writer and wrestling referee, Bobby Mathews chronicles what it was like to make a return to the indy scene.

A Stinking Place to Die: Part II

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

Part 2 of a short fiction inspired by the real-life murder of Bruiser Brody

Brad Armstrong – Your Favorite Wrestler’s Favorite Wrestler

by Bobby Mathews  Jun 30, 2021

Michael Hayes referred to himself as “Your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler.” Good for a promo, but Brad Armstrong was the real thing.

A Stinking Place to Die: Part I

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

Deke Carter turned away from the lights and sea of San Juan. He was looking for something cheap. Something entertaining. And something cold to drink.

The Great American Bash: From the NWA to WWE

by Bobby Mathews  May 26, 2022

Dusty Rhodes had his finger on the pulse of the business during the 1980s. His idea of The Great American Bash was an unqualified success.

"Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers as the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Rogers was a seminal influence in today's entertainment product, as well as being the star that drove a major wedge between the NWA and Vincent J. McMahon.

Buddy Rogers – The Man Who Drove a Wedge in the NWA

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

“Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers was a wrestling pioneer. When he passed away in 1992, he left behind a complicated legacy, but a lasting one.

Death of Dusty Rhodes Still Felt Years On

by Bobby Mathews  Jun 11, 2020

It’s been some time since the death of Dusty Rhodes due to stomach cancer, and we still realize there is no replacement for The American…

10 Wrestling Book Must-Reads (and 5 You Should Skip!)

by Bobby Mathews  Jun 3, 2023

The best wrestling memoirs are confessional and brutally honest. Here are the top 10 best wrestling book must-reads, and the 5 worst!

One of the worst aspects of these shocking crimes was that many people in the wrestling community were aware of it and did nothing for more than a decade.

Wrestling Deviants Jailed for Shocking Abuse

by Bobby Mathews  Feb 27, 2023

These stories are a cautionary tale: a reminder that wrestling draws many marginal people toward its tawdry spotlight.

Current AEW Justin Roberts announcer opens up about his time in WWE.

WWE Nightmare: Justin Roberts Opens Up

by Bobby Mathews  Mar 10, 2023

Justin Roberts talks with us about his book, WWE, bullying, JBL, the Daniel Bryan incident, and he answers THE Batista question!

‘Miss Elizabeth’ Remembered

by Bobby Mathews  Apr 13, 2023

Years later, the professional wrestling world still mourns the loss of Elizabeth Hulette, known to a generation of wrestling fans as ‘Miss Elizabeth’

12 Years Since the Death of Chris Candido, NJPW’s Tokyo Dome Debut in 1989

by Bobby Mathews  Jul 7, 2022

This week in Wrestling History – The death of Chris Candido one of the most underrated workers in professional wrestling was announced – a look…

Roddy Piper’s Birthday, ‘Pretty Boy’ Larry Sharpe Passes Away

by Bobby Mathews  Nov 7, 2019

It’s Rowdy Roddy Piper’s birthday. In his honor, hit somebody with a coconut today.

WWE Bullying: Mauro Ranallo, JBL, and the Culture of Veteran Hazing

by Bobby Mathews  Jan 10, 2023

Despite anti-bullying rhetoric, WWE bullying is still alive and well, They tacitly condone veteran hazing of younger talent.

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  • Merch
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  • Meet The Team
  • More
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
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    • Podcasts
      • Pro Wrestling Stories Presents (2015)
      • The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19)
      • The Pro Wrestling Stories Podcast (2020)
    • Pro Wrestling Documentaries, Books, and Movie Reviews
    • Today in History
    • Huge Crowd Reactions
    • Ask PWS