Bruno Sammartinoโs Last Christmas: Untold Tales Shared
Bruno Sammartino was my hero since I was 13, and I spent his final-ever Christmas with him. Here is how I found myself in that…
In Memoriam
In Memoriam on Pro Wrestling Stories pays tribute to dead wrestlers who have made a significant impact on professional wrestling. Explore heartfelt tributes and stories that honor these deceased wrestlers’ contributions to the world of wrestling.
David Gann Remembered, 1971-2018
David Gann wasn’t a famous name. He wasn’t any kind of star. But he was one of us. He was family. Itโs our privilege to…
Ivan Koloffโs WWE Hall of Fame Shame: Too Little, Too Late?
Ivan Koloff finally joins WWE Hall of Fame after years of snubs. Did the man who ended Bruno’s reign deserve better than the Legacy Wing?
Kevin Sullivan: Dark Secrets and Legacy of Wrestling’s Devil
Explore the dark, secret legacy of Kevin Sullivan, wrestling’s “Taskmaster” and “Prince of Darkness,” as we uncover his rise and tragic end.
Paul Jones – Wrestling Territory Star ‘No. 1’
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.
Gorilla Monsoon – Remembering “The Manchurian Giant”
When Gorilla Monsoon appeared on WWF TV for the very last time at WrestleMania 15 in March of 1999, I didn’t react well.
FRED GEOBOLD: NYC Wrestling Radio Pioneer, Unsung Hero
Fred Geobold wore many hats in life- receptionist/switchboard operator at WBAI-FM, 99.5 in NYC, on-air radio host, folk singer, songwriter, and concert MC.
Kamala: Secret Tale of WWE Woes, Poor Pay, and Treatment
Kamala was a gentle soul outside the ring. This begs the question: did his kind nature lead to him being taken advantage of in WWE?
Nicole Bass – The Life and Tragic Passing of My Friend
When my beloved friend Nicole Bass walked into a room, everything just stopped. This is my tribute to her and her life.
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…
‘Miss Elizabeth’ Remembered
Years later, the professional wrestling world still mourns the loss of Elizabeth Hulette, known to a generation of wrestling fans as ‘Miss Elizabeth’
‘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…
King Kong Bundy: Secret Tales on Wrestling’s Mischievous Giant
As it turns out, Christopher Alan Pallies, who played the bald-headed monster King Kong Bundy on screen, was quite the opposite off-camera!
Brad Armstrong – Your Favorite Wrestler’s Favorite Wrestler
Michael Hayes referred to himself as “Your favorite wrestler’s favorite wrestler.” Good for a promo, but Brad Armstrong was the real thing.
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.
Buddy Landel: The Wrestler With Most Wasted Potential?
A reader asked: Which wrestler had the most wasted potential? Learn why our pick is Buddy Landel and how poor decisions derailed his career.
Pedro Morales: WWEโs Forgotten Champion and Hero
Pedro Morales: WWEโs first Triple Crown Champion and forgotten legend who transcended wrestlingโs barriers. Explore his enduring legacy.
Killer Kowalski: Secret Tales of a Wrestling Legend
Killer Kowalski headlined around the world, but to me, he was more than a great wrestling villain- he was my friend.
Rick Rude: A Ravishing Wrestler with a Tragic End
Ravishing Rick Rude was one of wrestlingโs most charismatic heels, but his life ended in tragedy. Learn about the man and his untimely death.
Masa Saito Remembered: “Brother, He Was Double-Tough”
“What everyone seems to remember is the arrest of Masa Saito โ and subsequent conviction โ while competing in the AWA in 1984.”
Iron Mike Sharpe: Secret Tale of Canada’s Greatest Athlete
From “Canadaโs Greatest Athlete” to WWE fall, the secret tale of Iron Mike Sharpe is as colorful as his persona in (and out) of the…
Bobby Heenan: Secret History on the Man Behind the Mic
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?
Killer Khan: Secret Story of the Scourge From Mongolia
On December 29, 2023, WWE legend Killer Khan died following a tragic incident at his restaurant. Discover his hidden life outside the ring.
Bullet Bob Armstrong: Remembering a Legend
There are legends in professional wrestling. And then thereโs Bullet Bob Armstrong. He passed away at the age of 80 on August 27, 2020.
Les Thornton: Secret Life of The Original ‘Bruiserweight’
Les Thornton was a technical expert and original ‘bruiserweight’ in wrestling who laid the blueprint for future tough-as-nails competitors.
Nikolai Volkoff: Secret Tales of a Wrestling Legend
Nikolai Volkoff was a caring man and one of the few in this business that nobody, not a single soul, could ever say a bad…
Larry Sweeney: Wrestlingโs Sweet and Sour Tragedy
โSweet and Sourโ Larry Sweeney had it all. But, his tragic fall left wrestling with one of its greatest lost legends and โWhat ifs?โ
Art Barr: Secret Tale of a Complex Wrestling Legend
Exploring the complex legacy of wrestler Art Barr: from early promise, through controversy, to a transformative impact on Lucha Libre.
Sweet Daddy Siki Documentary: An Honest Review
Sweet Daddy Siki: an honest look at a gripping yet flawed documentary on a charismatic trailblazer who broke barriers in wrestling and song.
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?
Wrestling Autograph Encounters in the Late ’60s and ’70s
Renaissance man Wayne St. Wayne had many wrestling autograph encounters, even procuring scribbles from the hottest heels during a protected bygone era.
Pepper Martin – A Champion’s Final Fight
Pepper Martin endured it all as an actor, wrestler, and color commentator. He now finds himself fighting his biggest battle yet.
Legends Live on in “Wrestling Then & Now” Documentary
Many legends of the squared circle have left us but they live on, not only in our hearts but in a film from the heart,…
Brickhouse Brown – Passes Away After Initially Kicking Out From Death
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…
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.
Brian Pillman: 13 Times He Changed Wrestling Forever
13 times Brian Pillman revolutionized pro wrestling: From innovator to Loose Cannon, see how he changed the game forever!
‘Big Boss Man’ Ray Traylor’s Secret Life & Tragic Final Days
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.
Harley Race: 15 Untold Stories of Wrestlingโs Toughest Icon
Discover 15 untold tales of Harley Race, one of wrestlingโs toughest icons, whose legendary strength and resilience defined an era.
Dominic DeNucci – Wrestling’s Shining Light
He wrestled across seven decades throughout his illustrious career. But his accolades take a distant second to Dominic DeNucci, the man.
George The Animal Steele: A Teacherโs Secret Life as a Wrestler
Former WWE star George The Animal Steele led a double life! Before his death, he opened up about his secret life and fetish for turnbuckles!
Angelo Savoldi – The World’s Oldest Retired Wrestler
A notable wrestler’s father once stabbed him. For the “World’s Oldest Retired Wrestler” Angelo Savoldi, authenticity was always involved.
Haystacks Calhoun: His Incredible Life and Tragic End
A 600-pound farm boy, Haystacks Calhoun became a wrestling icon known for his strength, charm, and enduring legacyโwith a tragic end.
Death of Dusty Rhodes Still Felt Years On
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…
Paul Vachon: Secret Tale of Wrestlingโs Beloved ‘Butcher’
The saga of Butcher Paul Vachon was nothing short of legendary. Dive into the riveting secret tale of the beloved, barrel-chested baddie.
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.
“Oooh Yeah!” The Untold Story of Pampero Firpo
Delve into the life and exploits of the Wild Bull of the Pampas, Pampero Firpo, whose tale goes much beyond inspiring a future WWE Champion!
Shad Gaspard – A Hero, Brother, and Friend Forever
I want you to know about Shad Gaspard, the man โ my friend, and hero โ who should never be remembered as just another pro…
Mantaur Mike Halac: Untold Tales of a Gentle Powerhouse
Dreams die hard. Even at age 55, Mantaur Mike Halac was contemplating returning to the ring before he abruptly, tragically passed away.
Lance Russell: Remembering the Nicest Man in Wrestling
Lance Russell had a career in the wrestling business spanning six decades. Listening to him was better than being ringside!
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.
12 Years Since the Death of Chris Candido, NJPW’s Tokyo Dome Debut in 1989
This week in Wrestling History – The death of Chris Candido one of the most underrated workers in professional wrestling was announced – a look…
Bobby Eaton: Secret History of a Beautiful Wrestler
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…
Kerry Von Erich: Devastating Final Days of ‘The Texas Tornado’
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…
Jimmy Rave – Surrendering His Mind and Body to Wrestling
Former TNA and Ring of Honor star Jimmy Rave surrendered his mind, limbs, and, unfortunately, his life to the business.
Ben Justice: A Wrestling Legacy Remembered
Ben Justice had a devoted following of fans in pro wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s. Learn about his career and life!
Final Moments of Bruiser Brody and the Mystery that Followed
Circumstances surrounding the murder of Bruiser Brody remain a mystery. Here are the known theories and the twists and turns that followed.
Kirk White – Remembering Wrestling Promoter, Bret Hart Manager
Kirk White was a wrestling promoter and the longtime manager of Bret Hart. I remember my friend, someone I had known since he was just…
The Tragic Final Days of Eddie Guerrero
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…
Dynamite Kid – Examining His Life and Troubled Legacy
Dynamite Kid Tom Billington was one of the best to ever lace up a pair of wrestling boots, but does his troubled past overshadow his…
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.
Sid Eudy (aka Sid Vicious & Sycho Sid): His Secret Story
Discover the secret story of 2x WWE Champion Sid Eudy (AKA Sid Vicious and Sycho Sid) from his life, career, and untimely death.
Ivan Koloff: Secret Untold Tale of a Beloved Wrestling Heel
The untold tale of Ivan Koloff: From Canadian farm boy to pro wrestling legend, and his epic upset victory that shook the wrestling world!
The Grand Wizard of Wrestling – Ernie Roth Remembered
The Grand Wizard of Wrestling was a gaudily attired, smooth-talking manager who fans loathed (though appreciated) with every ounce.
Chris Hyatte – RIP to the Most Entertaining Man in the Room
Chris Hyatte died. This time it was for real. Maybe. Heโd died maybe a hundred Internet deaths. Hyatte was a lightning rod for readers and…
Bruno Sammartino – “Our Forever Champ” Remembered
If you saw Bruno Sammartino live โ where the love for this impossibly charismatic man was palpable โ you’ll never forget the deafening roars.
![Lanny Poffo over the years. The last image on the right was taken just one day before he sadly passed away. We honor and remember our friend, a man known to wrestling fans as "Leaping Lanny" and "The Genius." [Photo composite by JP Zarka/Pro Wrestling Stories]](https://prowrestlingstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Lanny-Poffo-tribute.jpg)
Lanny Poffo: Remembering a Genius Friend
With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to our beloved friend, Lanny Poffo, known to wrestling fans as “The Genius” and “Leaping Lanny.”
Terry Funk Forever: Secret Journey of a Wrestling Icon
Celebrating Terry Funk: A Texan wrestling icon’s decades-long journey. We remember a man who forged a path that few dared!
Bam Bam Bigelow: Secret Life of a WWE Legend
Uncover the remarkable legacy and secret life of the WWE legend with the flaming head tattoo: Bam Bam Bigelow!
Melissa Coatesย – A Champion’s Fight Outside The Ring
Melissa Coates made a name for herself in multiple fields. But before her untimely passing, she went through her biggest fight yet.
Dale Pierce Remembered – Wrestling Manager Extraordinaire
Dale Pierce simultaneously loved and loathed pro wrestling with a passion that only someone who has devoted their life to it could fully grasp.
13 Wrestling Legends Share Thoughts on Brodie Lee
Brodie Lee, AKA Luke Harper in WWE, left a lasting legacy. 13 wrestling legends share heartfelt tributes to honor the man, Jonathan Huber.
Remembering Calgary Stampede Star, TIGER KHAN
Tiger Khan was on the rise. But like many wrestlers before him and likely after, he treated his body like a chemistry set. In the…