Jim Phillips

25 Postshttps://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-jim-phillips-take-his-first-steps-again

Jim Phillips is a contributor for Pro Wrestling Stories. He's been a wrestling fan since the late '70s and a journeyman writer for the past decade. Sadly, Jim is currently in the challenge of his life after being paralyzed on January 21st, 2023. Learn his story and how you can help him reach his goal of taking his first steps again at the link above! He can be reached by e-mail at squints72hhi@gmail.com.

The Andre the Giant Fight That Turned REAL in Japan

by Jim Phillips

Andre the Giant and Akira Maeda in the ring together created volatility, and much like a forest fire, it only needed a spark.

From Mongolia to the mainland, Killer Khan tore a swathe through every territory he went to, even once leaving Andre the Giant lying crippled in his wake!

Killer Khan: Secret Story of the Scourge From Mongolia

by Jim Phillips

Many today may not be familiar with Killer Khan, who lived a secret life outside of the ring. This is his remarkable story!

The NWA Central States Wrestling territory thrived under the tutelage of Bob Giegel (center) and stars such as (from left to right) Harley Race, "Tarzan" Killer Kowalski, Sonny Myers, Mike George, Black Angus Campbell, Steve Regal, "Bulldog" Bob Brown, Dewey Robertson (pre-Missing Link), Wild Bill Longson, "The Big O" Bob Orton Sr., Danny Little Bear, "Nature Boy" Roger Kirby, Orville Brown, "The Freight Train" Rufus R. Jones, and a host of others.

NWA Central States Wrestling: The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Central States Wrestling (Heart of America Sports Attractions) was one of the original NWA territories that thrived until its demise in 1989.

"Mr. Olympia" Jerry Stubbs over the years.

Mr. Olympia Unmasked: Secret Story of Jerry Stubbs

by Jim Phillips

Many today may not be familiar with Mr. Olympia Jerry Stubbs, who lived a secret life outside of the ring. This is his remarkable story!

The Great Kabuki with manager Gary Hart: one of wrestling's most legendary pairings.

The Great Kabuki and Gary Hart: A Timeless Partnership

by Jim Phillips

The Great Kabuki and Gary Hart were unstoppable when united in their reign of terror.. until their union ended (in a haze of green mist)!

The World Wrestling Association (WWA Indianapolis) wrestling territory thrived under the tutelage of Dick The Bruiser (after purchasing the NWA Indianapolis territory from Jim Barnett with Wilbur Snyder in 1964) and stars such as Baron von Raschke, Big Moose Cholak, Wilbur Snyder, The Great Wojo, Bobby Heenan, Scott Steiner, The Valiant Brothers (Johnny, Jimmy, and Jerry), The Assassins (Joe Tomasso and Guy Mitchell), Ox Baker, The Fabulous Kangaroos, and a host of others.

World Wrestling Association: WWA Indianapolis Wrestling Territory

by Jim Phillips

World Wrestling Association (WWA Indianapolis) was a territory created out of rebellion with a legacy going back to the creation of the NWA.

The Western States Sports wrestling territory thrived under the helm of Dory Funk Sr., Dory Funk, Jr., and Terry Funk, and stars such as Mike DiBiase, Lord Alfred Hayes, Dick Murdoch, Ciclón Negro, The Von Brauners, Fritz Von Erich, Don "The Lawman" Slatton, Gory Guerrero, Ricky Romero, and a host of others.

Western States Sports – Funk Amarillo Territory | The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

The Funk’s Western States Sports wrestling territory out of Amarillo took wrestling to great heights. Here’s the story of its rise and demise.

"So, you want to be a wrestler?" Left: Stu Hart stretches a new wrestling recruit in the infamous Hart Dungeon. Right: A new batch of pro wrestling students absorb life lessons and fundamentals during training.

Want To Be a Wrestler? – Lessons in Wrestling and Life

by Jim Phillips

Want to be a wrestler? Sit under the learning tree as we discover that wrestling is much more than just a vehicle to fame and…

The United States Wrestling Association (USWA) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jerry "The King" Lawler, Sid Vicious, Jeff Jarrett, announcer Lance Russell, Nightmare Danny Davis, The Punisher (later the Undertaker), manager Skandor Akbar, Cactus Jack Manson (Mick Foley), "Stunning Steve Austin, Brian Christopher, "Gentleman" Chris Adams, Miss Texas (Jacqueline Moore), Eric Embry, and a host of others.

United States Wrestling Association (USWA) | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

The United States Wrestling Association (USWA) saw many young stars come through its doors that rattled the wrestling game to its core!

The Big Time Wrestling in San Fransisco wrestling territory thrived initially under the tutelage of Joe Malcewicz (top left) and later Roy Shire (top right) and stars such as Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens, Roddy Piper, Pepper Gomez, booker Red Bastien, Chavo (Sr.) and Mando Guerrero, "Moondog" Lonnie Mayne, "High Chief" Peter Maivia, and a host of others.

Big Time Wrestling in San Francisco | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Big Time Wrestling in San Francisco was one of the most profitable NWA territories. However, unfortunate factors would lead to its demise.

The Mid-South Wrestling Association wrestling territory thrived with the cast of "Cowboy" Bill Watts, Boyd Pierce, Mr. Olympia, The Junkyard Dog, Jim Ross, Jim Cornette, Bobby Eaton, and Dennis Condrey of The Midnight Express, Buddy Landel, Mr. Wrestling II, Magnum T.A., Ted DiBiase, Dr. Death Steve Williams, Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton of The Rock 'n' Roll Express, Kamala, Butch Read, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and a host of others.

Mid-South Wrestling Association | The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Mid-South Wrestling Association was one of the hottest wrestling promotions of the 1980s. Its ultimate demise leaves its mark in history.

The Big Time Wrestling in Detroit (BTW) wrestling territory thrived initially under the tutelage of Harry Light and stars such as Lord Athol Layton, Walter "Killer" Kowalski, Abdullah the Butcher, The Mighty Igor, The Sheik, Dick The Bruiser, "Wild Bull" Curry, Fritz Von Erich, Bobo Brazil, The Grand Wizard of Wrestling, and a host of others.

Big Time Wrestling in Detroit | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Big Time Wrestling in Detroit was one of the most successful NWA territories and introduced fans to hardcore wrestling before anyone else.

Verne Gagne over the years.

Verne Gagne and the Rise and Fall of the AWA

by Jim Phillips

From his storied sports career to the AWA, rumors about Hulk Hogan, and troubling final days, this is the unforgettable story of Verne Gagne.

The Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jack and Jerry Brisco, "The Minnesota Wrecking Crew" Ole and Arn Anderson, El Mongol, The Masked Superstar, Abdullah the Butcher, promoter Jim Barnett, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Mr. Wrestling II, "The Fabulous Freebirds" Terry Gordy and Michael Hayes, "Wildfire" Tommy Rich, The Assassins, Seth Hansen, and a host of others.

Georgia Championship Wrestling | Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Georgia Championship Wrestling was a prolific wrestling territory. However, greed, backstabbing, and Vince McMahon would lead to its demise.

The Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) wrestling territory thrived with stars such as Jack and Jerry Brisco,

Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF): Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips

Championship Wrestling from Florida saw wrestling’s finest travel through its doors. However, it is its tragic demise that leaves its mark.

Then-president of the NWA, Bruce Tharpe.

Bruce Tharpe – Former NWA President on His Unexpected Journey

by Jim Phillips

Former NWA President Bruce Tharpe unexpectedly began his pro wrestling journey one afternoon while performing a magic trick backstage.

Brian Cage, G.L.O.W.'s Sunny The California Girl, and Bill Alfonso were on the receiving end of these memorable wrestling ribs and road stories!

7 Unforgettable Wrestling Ribs and Road Stories

by Jim Phillips

Wrestling ribs can be used as teaching tools and as tests of heart and dedication. Here is a collection of seven of our favorite tales.

"Hustler" Rip Rogers was a very fine wrestler and is an even better trainer, with a wealth of knowledge of the sport that's beyond essential for young wrestlers to take heed.

Rip Rogers – Professional Wrestling’s Renaissance Man

by Jim Phillips

“Hustler” Rip Rogers was a fine wrestler and an even better trainer, with a wealth of knowledge essential for young wrestlers to take heed.

Adrian Adonis over the years.

Adrian Adonis: His Remarkable Career and Tragic End

by Jim Phillips

Adrian Adonis was audacious, arrogant, and truly one of the best. Sadly, he’d perish in a freak accident. This is his unforgettable story.

GLOW's Roxy Astor over the years.

Roxy Astor – GLOW Wrestler on Her Unlikely Journey

by Jim Phillips

Roxy Astor shares her unlikely journey into wrestling and what it was like to be a part of the history of GLOW.

"The Prince of Darkness" Kevin Sullivan.

Kevin Sullivan Unveils the Secrets of his “Devil” Side

by Jim Phillips

A conversation with one of the most diabolical minds in wrestling: Kevin Sullivan. He sure had some great stories to share.

The Crippler Ray Stevens - One of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

‘The Crippler’ Ray Stevens: Secret History of a Wrestling Heel

by Jim Phillips

The Crippler Ray Stevens was one of the greatest heels in the history of the wrestling business. Here is his story.

Sam Fatu, best known for his appearances with the World Wrestling Federation under the ring names The Tonga Kid and Tama, and World Championship Wrestling as The Samoan Savage.

Sam Fatu | The Tonga Kid – Wrestling in His Bloodline

by Jim Phillips

The Tonga Kid Sam Fatu shares what it was like to be there the night Bruiser Brody got stabbed, the legacy of the Anoa’i Family,…

Sam Houston | A Wrestler Coming to Terms With His Past

Sam Houston | A Wrestler Coming to Terms With His Past

by Jim Phillips

Sam Houston has seen the gambit of the wrestling business. Here, he comes to terms with his past in search of a brighter future.

When Andre the Giant and Akira Maeda met in the ring in May of '86, things did not go to plan!

Andre the Giant and Akira Maeda Fight That Turned REAL in Japan

by Jim Phillips

Andre the Giant and Akira Maeda in the ring together created volatility, and much like a forest fire, it only needed a spark.