50+ Unforgettable Fan Encounters with Wrestling Legends
50+ unforgettable fan encounters with wrestling legends. Heartwarming, hilarious, and wild tales revealing a rare glimpse behind the curtain!
Javier Ojst
https://popcultureretrorama.wordpress.com/author/javierojst/
FMW: How Atsushi Onita Built Wrestling’s Wildest Empire
FMW began with a broken ring, barbed wire, and Atsushi Onita’s vision to blow up the system. It became Japan’s wildest wrestling revolution.
Wrestling’s First Screwjob: Gorgeous George vs. Don Eagle
Wrestling’s first screwjob: In 1950, Gorgeous George was at the center of a betrayal so blatant, the promoter admitted it!
Sabu Is Gone, But His Pain-Filled Legacy Remains
Remembering Sabu, who bared his heart about his uncle (The Original Sheik), Ric Flair, Vince McMahon, and the death of his girlfriend.
Miss Elizabeth and Lex Luger – A Bond That Led to Tragedy
In May 2003, Miss Elizabeth died in the home of Lex Luger. Here, he opens up about the events surrounding the death of his former…
Mildred Burke: The 5’2″ Giant Who Conquered Wrestling
The 5’2” queen who made men tap. Mildred Burke’s reign hid bone-snapping holds, backroom scandals, and wrestling’s forbidden truth.
Metal Maniac: The Wrestling Story They Tried to Silence
From rock star dreams to wrestling nightmare: How one phone call saved Metal Maniac from two of wrestling’s most notorious bullies.
Las Irmas: The Mother-Daughter Duo Who Ruled Lucha Libre
Mother-daughter team Las Irmas (Irma González and Irma Aguilar) defied odds to become legends, paving the way for women in Mexican wrestling.
Gillberg: Rise and Fall of Wrestling’s Beloved Underdog
When the industry seemingly left him behind, Duane Gill reinvented himself as Gillberg. This is the story of his unlikely journey to stardom.
Wrestling Human Oddities: 20 Freakish Sideshow Acts
From towering giants to tiny warriors, explore 20 bizarre wrestling oddities and sideshow acts that stunned and captivated fans worldwide!
David Schultz vs. John Stossel: Slaps Heard ‘Round the World!
Dr. D David Schultz defended wrestling’s secrets by slapping John Stossel. Discover the story behind this infamous, startling TV moment.
Mr. McMahon’s Masterplan: Hogan, MTV & WWE’s Rise in the ’80s
Uncover Vince McMahon’s game-changing 1980s masterplan: Hulk Hogan, Cyndi Lauper, MTV, and how it ignited WWE’s (then WWF) meteoric rise.
The Black Scorpion: WCW’s Great Unmasking Failure
WCW’s Black Scorpion storyline promised mystery but delivered failure. Explore the disaster that almost derailed Sting’s first title reign.
Blindsided: 4 Lucha Wrestlers Who Lost an Eye in a Match
Lucha libre’s high-flying moves and colorful masks hide a darker side—4 wrestlers who paid the ultimate price by losing an eye in a match.
Sandman Incident: Controversial Time ECW Went Too Far
On October 26th, 1996, ECW crossed a line. An angle involving The Sandman was so distasteful, it silenced the usually wild ECW crowd.
The Six Pack: In Search of WrestleMania – An Honest Review
Honest review of the book “The Six Pack: On the Open Road in Search of WrestleMania,” which exposes the reality behind WWE and WrestleMania.
El Santo Unmasked: 10 Secret Tales on the Superstar Luchador
Uncover the untold story of El Santo, one of Mexico’s greatest luchadors and pop culture phenomenons, in these tales of hardship and triumph.
Steve Nelson: 3rd Gen Wrestler’s Tales of Unsung Wrestling Family
Dive into the secret saga of third-gen wrestler Steve Nelson, where blood, sweat, and untold family tales collide in and out of the ring!
18 Wrestling Heel Pioneers Who Insanely Freaked Out Fans!
These 18 insane wrestling heels defined hardcore wrestling, inspired the hatred of millions of fans, and motivated fans to buy tickets!
Gail Kim and Awesome Kong Feud: Redefining Women’s Wrestling
The feud between Gail Kim and Awesome Kong in 2007 and 2008 set a new standard not only for women’s wrestling but for professional wrestling…
Adrian Street: From Glitz to Grappling, His Legendary Tale
Adrian Street played by his own rules. He’d inflict pain (while keeping mascara intact)! But how hard was life for the sequined grappler?
Iron Sheik: A Daughter’s Murder, a Father’s Vengeance
The Iron Sheik suffered awful tragedy in 2003 – the heartbreaking murder of his daughter, Marissa. He soon decided he would kill her murderer.
Superstar Billy Graham: Uncovering the Untold Truths of His Life
The story of Superstar Billy Graham is of life and death and health; it’s not so much a pro wrestling story. This goes way beyond…
Savio Vega: Secret History on the Original Boricua
From heartbreaking memories of murder to troubles in the WWE, Savio Vega lifts the veil about life once cameras weren’t around.
The Great Antonio and Antonio Inoki Match that Ended in Disaster
When Antonio Inoki retired The Great Antonio from wrestling on December 9th, 1977, it almost cost the famed eccentric strongman his life.
WCW Comic Disaster: How It All Went Wrong!
Marvel’s WCW: World Championship Wrestling fizzled out after only 12 issues. We dig into the untold tale behind why the WCW comic failed.
Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zbyszko: A Heel Turn For the Ages
When Larry Zbyszko turned his back on Bruno Sammartino, it incited one of the greatest rivalries and heel turns in wrestling history!
Ghastly Match Incident: The Legit Nightmare Beat-Down in Japan
Read the gripping tale of The Ghastly Match Incident, a 2015 Stardom bout between Act Yasukawa and Yoshiko that went terribly wrong!
Zach Gowen: His Quick Rise and Spectacular Fall
One-legged wonder Zach Gowen got an opportunity of a lifetime in WWE with the biggest stars in pro wrestling. But it was too much too…
Ann Gunkel and the NWA’s Heated Battle for Atlanta
Betrayal, disloyalty, and mob tactics ran rampant between Ann Gunkel and the NWA with their Battle for Atlanta!
‘Big Daddy’ Shirley Crabtree: Secret History of a British Giant
From great highs to the tragic in-ring accident that led to the death of a wrestler, learn the rise and fall of “Big Daddy” Shirley…
Buck Brezner: A Giant’s Journey in Wrestling and Life
“The American Giant” Buck Brezner stands out in any crowd. Bullied for his awkwardness and lanky frame, wrestling became his outlet.
The Great Khali and the Accident That Killed a Wrestler
Brian Ong was killed in the ring while training with The Great Khali. It was an accident that nearly ended Khali’s career before it began.
Buffalo Jim Barrier: His Shocking, Unsolved Death
Buffalo Jim Barrier was a fun-loving wrestling promoter, business owner, and Las Vegas mainstay until his grim and unsolved death in Motel 6.
Fumi Saito: Japan’s Leading Wrestling Historian and Journalist
It isn’t easy to overstate how entrenched Fumi Saito has been in the professional wrestling industry for the past four decades.
Matt Morgan: From Rising Star to WWE Departure
At 7’0″ and 300lbs, Matt Morgan should have ascended to the very top of the WWE. Which begs the question: what went wrong?
The Strange Case of Manny Fernandez vs. Invader 3
Two months before Bruiser Brody, something very bizarre occurred in Puerto Rico. This is the strange case of Manny Fernandez versus Invader 3
Steve Keirn: Fabulous Ones, Doink, Skinner, and Beyond
Although Steve Keirn found success as one half of The Fabulous Ones and later Doink the Clown and Skinner, his path was a brutal one.
Muhammad Ali and Gene Kiniski: A Battle of Words!
Gene Kiniski and Muhammad Ali were known for their sharp tongues, and when these two respected champions met, they did not hold back!
Gory Guerrero and the Story of Lou Thesz’s Near-Dethroning
Guerrero. A name long associated with wrestling. Before Eddie and his brothers, their father Gory Guerrero paved the way in an exciting way.
Lucha Libre: Challenge of Coming to America in the ’90s
An incredible story about the people who brought Lucha Libre into the USA in the ’90s, and the many challenges they faced along the way.
Wrestler Movie Appearances You May Have Missed!
It’s not surprising that many wrestlers have made the jump to the movie screen. Here are wrestler movie appearances you may have missed!
WWF Drug and Sex Scandal That Rocked The Tabloids in 1992
In 1992, the then WWF and Vince McMahon were under fire due to a drug and sex scandal, and it was on T.V. for the…
Wrestling Arrests You May Not Be Aware Of!
Wrestlers misbehaving is nothing new, but there have been many outlandish wrestling arrests you may not be aware of outside the ring!
Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki Bizarre Encounter in Japan
In 1976, a bizarre encounter between boxer Muhammad Ali and Antonio Inoki became the talk of the sports world.
JJ Maguire – 1980s and ’90s Wrestling Theme Song Master
Meet JJ Maguire, credited with over 100 wrestling entrance theme songs of your favorite WWE and WCW stars of the 1980s and ’90s!
When Wrestling Goes Bad: The 1957 MSG Riot
In 1957, Madison Square Garden was a stir with violence from fans, wrestlers, and police. It almost led to the ban of wrestling in New…
Revealed: The Untold Story of AWA Team Challenge Series
To counter the growing dominance of the WWF, AWA had to do something different. Thus, the AWA Team Challenge Series was born.
Dick Murdoch – Always Controversial, Always Himself
Dick Murdoch was always ready for action in (and out) of the ring. But has his suspected ties outside of wrestling tarnished his legacy?
Luna Vachon – A Force in the Ring with an Unfortunate End
With her imposing presence, Luna Vachon was a force to be reckoned with. This is the unfortunate story of her rise and tragic fall.
Angelo Mosca and Joe Kapp Fight: Surprising Details
In 2011, a 48-year grudge hit a boiling point at a Canadian Football League luncheon between wrestler Angelo Mosca and quarterback Joe Kapp!
Wrestling Stories from El Salvador – Its Wild History and Bright Future
Among the beautiful beaches and friendly people in El Salvador, you’ll find a country rich in wrestling history with unbelievably wild tales!
Vince McMahon’s WWF and Jerry Lawler’s USWA: A Secret War!
The war between Vince McMahon and Jerry “The King” Lawler and the time Vince and several WWF stars invaded the USWA in Memphis.
Jody Hamilton – Behind the Mask of The Assassin
From generating heat that got him in dire trouble to becoming a trainer and promoter, we pull back the mask on The Assassin Jody Hamilton.
Matt Striker – Life in the Classroom, Squared Circle, and Beyond
From his unceremonious WWE departure, to achieving his dream as a commentator, and more, this unheard Matt Striker interview is not to miss!
Bruiser Bedlam: Wrestler Ion Croitoru’s Secret Life of Crime
Peers described Ion Croitoru (Johnny K-9, Bruiser Bedlam) as the happiest guy in the locker room. His life would lead to a tragic conclusion.
Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt – The Original Wrestling Screwjob
Gotch and Hackenschmidt garnered much fame in the early 1900s but ultimately would damage wrestling’s credibility for years to come.
Dr Death Steve Williams and Steve Ray – A Shoot in the Ring
At a May ’91 UWF taping, Herb Abrams paid Dr. Death Steve Williams to “take care of” Steve Ray. The ensuing shoot quickly turned dangerous.
Adrian Adonis and Dan Spivey Near-Deadly Locker Room Brawl
In 1986, wrestler Adrian Adonis picked the wrong person to mess with, and according to witnesses, Dan Spivey almost ended Adonis’s life.
Collision In Korea – Wrestling’s Bizarre Political Game in a Land of War
In front of 360k fans, Antonio Inoki, Muhammed Ali, and Ric Flair became ambassadors in a bizarre political game: Collision in Korea.
World Bodybuilding Federation Fiasco – Where Did It Go Wrong?
The World Bodybuilding Federation was an epic financial disaster for Vince McMahon and Titan Sports. Here’s how it all went wrong.
New Jack: Secret History on Wrestling’s Most Violent Man
New Jack made a name for himself as one of the business’s most dangerous and unpredictable wrestlers. This is his shocking story!
Perry Saturn and Mike Bell – When Things Turned Ugly!
During a 2001 taping of WWF Metal, Perry Saturn made a questionable decision with wrestler Mike Bell that changed his career for the worse.
Sputnik Monroe | The Wrestling Rebel Who Challenged Racial Divide
The remarkable story of the grappler who tirelessly fought to end segregation in Memphis and the whole of the South, Sputnik Monroe.
Earthquake John Tenta and Kōji Kitao – When Things Turned Real!
When Earthquake John Tenta and Kōji Kitao faced off in 1991, things turned very real. It would soon become headline news all over Japan.
Evelyn Stevens – From Champion Wrestler to Murderer
Evelyn Stevens was a women’s wrestling trailblazer who tasted success and championship gold, but in 1986, her world came crashing down.
Glacier in WCW: Secret History on Eric Bischoff’s Frigid Failure
With hundreds of thousands of dollars going into his WCW arrival, Glacier (Ray Lloyd) and Eric Bischoff were doomed from the start.
Wrestling Union – Failed Attempts and a History of Blackballing by WWE
Many professional wrestlers have attempted to form a wrestling union but were met with failure. Some were blackballed completely.
The Tempest – The Unusual Story of an Often Forgotten Luchador
Had it not been for a vision in a dream long after his passing, these stories on superstar luchador The Tempest would have been lost…
El Santo, Black Shadow, and the Curious Case of a Lost Mask
The “Mother of All Betting Matches” saw Black Shadow losing his mask to El Santo. Mystery and controversy still surround what happened next.
Monster Ripper to Bertha Faye: Secret Story of Rhonda Sing
Rhonda Sing wrestled as the punishing Monster Ripper and Bertha Faye. She had a rapid journey to the top but a fast descent once joining…
Growing Up The Daughter of a Wrestling Heel
These wrestling heels caused mayhem in the wrestling territories, creating a unique family dynamic at home — especially for their daughters.
Oscar and the Surprising Story of Men on a Mission
Oscar opens up about his time with Men on a Mission, backstage problems with The Kliq, wrestling today, and his sudden departure from WWE.
How Harley Race and Sting Tamed Monster Vader in WCW
What happens when you have a 6’5″, 450lbs monster heel that is too rough in the ring? You enlist the help of Sting and Harley…
El Salvador Wrestling – Stories of Grit, Near-Death, and Triumph
Although these El Salvador wrestling legends aren’t known to all, these stories of grit, triumphs, and even near-death are worthy of any fan.
King Kong Bundy and Larry Sharpe – The Lost Tapes
A recently discovered tape of King Kong Bundy and Larry Sharpe offers a rare, uncut glimpse of life on the road for two road-weary veterans.
La Parka: A Fight Over a Name Ends in Tragedy
In 1996, a wrestler’s fight to use another luchador’s name ended when the second La Parka tragically died.
WWF Wrestling Superstars – The Tale of WWE’s First Wrestling Figures
1984’s WWF Wrestling Superstars by LJN was WWE’s first wrestling figures. Here’s the fascinating backstory behind their creation.
Janet Boyer Wolfe – A Promising Career Tragically Cut Short
On July 28th, 1951, tragedy struck when 18-year-old Janet Boyer Wolfe suddenly collapsed during only her third professional wrestling match.
Irish Mickey Doyle – A Journeyman’s Memorable Tale
In his well-traveled career bankrolled by mostly paltry paychecks, Irish Mickey Doyle accumulated memorable stories working the territories.
Mae Young – A Fierce Fighter In (and Out) of the Ring
Brash, athletic, and tough as nails, the fierce yet wonderful Mae Young was a born performer, and professional wrestling was the perfect fit.
Stan Hansen and the AWA Championship Belt Scandal
What Stan Hansen did to the AWA World Heavyweight Championship belt after becoming champion is forever a part of wrestling lore.
Tracy Smothers – The Wild-Eyed Southern Boy Who Wrestled Bears!
Tracy Smothers prayed before facing a 550-pound bear a second night in a row. The Humane Society and The World Wildlife Fund looked on.
Brock Lesnar – His Fight to Become UFC Champion
How Brock Lesnar climbed to the top of the MMA mountain to become UFC Heavyweight Champion despite not being wanted there in the first place.
Len Rossi – A Gentleman In and Out of the Ring
With an unpretentious yet convincing wrestling style, Len Rossi was a world-class athlete and an even better man. This is his powerful story.
Ashley Massaro: Her Tragic Story a Result of WWE Neglect?
On May 16th, 2019, Ashley Massaro was found unresponsive in her Long Island, New York home. Later, she would be pronounced dead just ten days…
The Shockmaster: Fred Ottman’s Emotional Side of the Story
Fred Ottman tells the inside story about his botched debut as The Shockmaster and how it forever changed his life.
Lucha Libre | 5 Dark Stories With Questions Unanswered
Behind the scenes, Lucha Libre (Mexican professional wrestling) has dark stories of murder, the supernatural, and the unforgivable.
Ox Baker – The Endearing Heel Who Loved To Hurt People
With a heart punch that ignited a riot in ’74 and a face only a mother could like, Ox Baker was one of the most…
Mitsuharu Misawa – A Wrestling Legend Taken Too Soon
Mitsuharu Misawa was only 46-years-old when he died in the ring doing what he loved. And on that evening, we lost one of wrestling’s finest.
Rick Martel and the Legendary Terry Funk Rib
What is a wrestler to do to pass time on the road? Rib each other, of course! This story on Rick Martel has become the…
Mad Maxine: Mohawks, Moolah, and Her Surprising Story
Mad Maxine was poised for greatness but, after 2 years, abruptly left the business. She opens up about the realities of her time in wrestling.
Ric Flair and Terry Funk: A Feud to Remember
WCW had a monumental task on their hands, and Ric Flair and Terry Funk were forced to answer the age-old question — how do you…
Big Van Vader and Antonio Inoki Incite a Riot in Sumo Hall
On December 27th, 1987, Big Van Vader and Antonio Inoki incited a riot in Sumo Hall. Here’s how (flaming seat cushions and all)!
Davey O’Hannon – Journeyman Brawler With a Ph.D. in Wrestling
Davey O’Hannon grew up a fan and never envisioned he’d be with his heroes on the road, in the ring, and soon call some of…
Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior | The True Story of WrestleMania 6
WrestleMania 6 pitted Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior against one another, causing a divide amongst the fans and those involved backstage.
Wrestling Documentaries That Hit The Mark
Here are standout wrestling documentaries that have made their mark across three decades that provide highly recommended viewing.
Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis | Stealing the Show in ECW
Rey Mysterio Jr. and Psicosis in ECW was Extreme Lucha Libre at its finest. Paul Heyman entrusted both to create art. They did much more…
Suzie Tanner: Secret Tale of Pro Wrestling’s First Female Referee
Meet Suzie Tanner, the first female pro wrestling referee who fought for her dreams in a sport where opportunities for women were sparse.
Evan Ginzburg | A Journey Through Wrestling and The Arts
Associate Producer of The Wrestler and 350 Days, lifelong wrestling fan Evan Ginzburg has been able to convert his love for wrestling into something big.
The Wrestler – 9 Surprising Unrevealed Facts About The Film!
The tragic wrestling convention scene in The Wrestler was not filmed as planned. Here are 9 surprising facts about this Oscar-nominated film!
![Eddie Sharkey - The trainer of professional wrestling champions. [design: JP Zarka / ProWrestlingStories.com]](https://prowrestlingstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Eddie-Sharkey-Trainer-of-Pro-Wrestling-Champions-4.jpg)
Eddie Sharkey – The Trainer of Wrestling Champions
From training legendary professional wrestlers to gouging out eyes alongside Harley Race, Eddie Sharkey is the last of a dying breed!
Michel Martel – The Tragic Passing of Rick Martel’s Brother
Tragically, Michel Martel passed away at 33 after wrestling a match in Puerto Rico with the man accused of slaying Bruiser Brody.
Ric Flair and Jack Veneno Title Change The NWA Won’t Accept
Ric Flair and Jack Veneno, Dominican Republic’s unrecognized NWA champ. What lengths have the media gone to protect their national hero?
Women of ECW: Untold Stories (More Than Meets the Eye!)
ECW did everything they could to make sure you didn’t change the channel. With these three ladies, there was a lot more than meets the…
Bobo Brazil, Bearcat Wright, and Art Thomas – Champion Pioneers
In the dark days of segregation, Bobo Brazil, Bearcat Wright, and “Sailor” Art Thomas paved the way for a more inclusive sport.
Bob Backlund – Humble Beginnings to Championship Gold
Bob Backlund paid his dues by sleeping in his car, eating tuna from a can, and defeating up to 9 fans from the crowd a…
André The Giant | Unforgettable Encounters with Fans
Wrestling fans describe what it was like to meet André The Giant. These stories show a whole different side of the giant!
Titanes en el Ring – Argentina’s Crazy Wrestling Show
The story of Titanes en el Ring. WWE may have perfected merging wrestling with entertainment, but they certainly weren’t the first to do it!
Gino Hernandez – His Tragic Death and The Mystery That Remains
Gino Hernandez had the ‘it factor,’ but he was running with strong, powerful people that might not have liked certain things getting out.
Mil Máscaras – “No Yob!” Prima Donna or Misunderstood Superhero?
“No yob!” Is Mil Máscaras a no-selling, self-centered egomaniac? Or are the accusations of him being difficult to work with an unfair representation?
Mick Foley Has the Longest Day of His Life
The King of the Deathmatch tournament spawned explosive brutality, and according to Mick Foley, it was the longest day of his life.
The Tragic Killing of Rikidozan: The Father of Puroresu
Despite the fame and glory wrestler Rikidozan achieved, his vanity and underworld connections would lead to a tragic conclusion.
Silver King: Questions After Death of Nacho Libre Star Luchador
He played Ramses in Nacho Libre and wowed fans as a luchador in Mexico. Sadly, Silver King would die in the ring, leaving many questions.
7 Wrestling Upsets That Left Fans Shocked and Confused
“Things did not go to plan!” Here are seven upset victories that took place in the ring that left wrestling fans shocked and confused.
Jack Donovan Deal – One of Wrestling’s Most Heinous Attacks
Jack Donovan was in a situation that almost turned deadly. It changed the lives of Tojo Yamamoto, Jerry Jarrett and Jackie Fargo forever.
The Party Pedro Morales and Buddy Austin Barely Escaped Alive
Former WWWF/WWE World Heavyweight Champion Pedro Morales and Buddy Austin were lucky to escape this party with their lives!
Fabulous Moolah – Her Career and Controversial Legacy
Fabulous Moolah became the most powerful woman in wrestling through ruthless and cutthroat methods, leaving behind a controversial legacy.
Jimmy Snuka and the Death of Nancy Argentino
Jimmy Snuka and the death of Nancy Argentino is a sobering story filled with possible cover-ups and the needless death of a young woman.
Andy Kaufman and Jerry Lawler – The Truth Behind Their Feud
With his feud with Jerry Lawler, Andy Kaufman changed wrestling into sports entertainment, whether he knew it or not.
Hiro Matsuda: The Man Who Broke Hulk Hogan’s Leg!
Who was Hiro Matsuda and what were the events that shaped the man who Hulk Hogan claims broke his leg on his first day of…
Eddie Graham and Mike Graham: Legacy & Dark Secret Tragedy
The tragic tale of father and son Mike Graham and Eddie Graham leaves many unanswered questions, though their legacy lives on.
Kevin Sullivan and His Unnerving Army of Darkness
Before the nWo and The Four Horsemen, there was Kevin Sullivan and His Army of Darkness who took wrestling from its comfort zone forever.
Vader’s Shocking Rookie Error Against Bruiser Brody
Discover the shocking tale of the adversity Big Van Vader had to overcome against Bruiser Brody early in his career.
Lonnie Mayne – The Glass Eating, Raw Meat Chewing Original Moondog!
“Moondog” Lonnie Mayne proved crazy doesn’t mean crazy if there’s a method behind the madness. This is his memorable story.
His Way or No Way: The Story of Don Fargo
“I wanted to make the people believe.” Most people live from day to day; others live like there is no tomorrow. Then there was Don…