Herb Abrams’ UWF: The Wrestling Dream Gone Wrong
Herb Abrams built the UWF to rival WWE. Empty arenas, chaos, and a notorious final night turned it into one of wrestling’s starkest warnings.
Bruno Sammartino
42 Pre-TV Wrestling Good Guys Who Built the Babyface
Before TV cameras rolled, these 42 babyfaces packed arenas and built the hero playbook. The pre-TV wrestling legends history nearly forgot.
25 Pre-TV Wrestling Heels Who Built the Modern Villain
Before cameras rolled, these 25 heels built pro wrestling’s villain blueprint. Yet, most fans have never heard their names. Until now.
15 Most Hated Heels of WWE’s 1970s WWWF Era
They made champions crumble, and fans weep. These 15 WWWF heels of WWE’s 1970s era left scars that haven’t healed in 50-plus years.
Bobby Fulton: The Fantastics, Road Stories, One Phone Call
Bobby Fulton reveals The Fantastics’ untold origin: flaming ribs, scaffold wars, and promoter glances that changed wrestling forever.
Bobby Duncum Sr: The Cowboy Heel Who Made Wrestling Real
Bobby Duncum Sr. had a real fight aura. Bruno Sammartino scouted him, wrestlers revered him, yet fans forgot. Learn why his legend matters.
25 Pro Wrestling Feuds Cut Short By Real Drama
These 25 pro wrestling storylines were cut short by injuries, politics, and creative changes that left fans wanting more of a payoff.
Tiger Ali Singh: WWE’s $7M Failed Experiment
WWE banked $7M on Tiger Ali Singh after a SkyDome press conference debut. 5 years later, that investment quietly crumbled behind the scenes.
Pro Wrestling Shoot Interviews: How One Lie Changed Everything
One vengeful promoter shattered it all. See how that moment sparked the tell-all era of pro wrestling shoot interviews.
Bruno Sammartino Documentary: An Honest Review
We give our honest review of Bruno Sammartino (The Documentary). Moving yet incomplete. Why does it skip so much of his wrestling legacy?
Mario Milano: The WWE Myth That Refuses to Die
A decades-old WWE mystery persists: fans and historians debate the truth behind Mario Milano’s most controversial chapter.
Larry Zbyszko: Boo On Me – His Secret Tale
Baffling, brilliant, and unforgettable — explore the wild ride of Larry Zbyszko, from Bruno’s betrayal to “Living Legend” status in wrestling.
Ivan Koloff’s 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?
Pedro Morales: WWE’s Forgotten Champion and Hero
Pedro Morales: WWE’s first Triple Crown Champion and forgotten legend who transcended wrestling’s barriers. Explore his enduring legacy.
Inside Evan Ginzburg’s Wrestling Rings, Blackboards & Movie Sets
Evan Ginzburg’s Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets shares 100 untold stories of wrestling legends, Hollywood, and personal triumphs.
Bruno Sammartino’s 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…
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 legacy–with a tragic end.
20 Italian Pro Wrestlers Who Left a Lasting Legacy
From Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon, and yes, even Hulk Hogan, uncover the secret journeys of 20 Italian professional wrestling icons!
The Night The Great Muta Saved Halloween Havoc
In 1989, WCW’s first Halloween Havoc promised thrills–but not like this. Disaster struck, and The Great Muta emerged as the unlikely hero!
7 Hall of Fame Stories WWE Prefers Not Told
The WWE Hall of Fame tends to bring unexpected drama, controversy, and secrets. Explore seven stories WWE doesn’t want fans to know!
11 Shared Wrestling Nicknames: Who Wore It Better?
What happens when wrestlers share the same name? Discover 11 shared wrestling nicknames—proving that in the ring, no name is truly safe!
10 Legends Who Deserve to Be in the WWE Hall of Fame
These 10 legends dominated the ring but are snubbed by the WWE Hall of Fame. Discover who they are and why they deserve recognition!
Today in Pro Wrestling History (August 9): The Showdown at Shea
Relive the epic showdown between wrestling legends Bruno Sammartino and Larry Zbyszko! Learn about their heated rivalry that culminated in a historic steel cage match…
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (April 30) – The Superstar Clinches the WWWF Title
Superstar Billy Graham controversially defeated Bruno Sammartino to win the WWWF Championship. Learn about this historic match.
Today In Pro Wrestling History (Feb 16): Bruno Sammartino Comes Back
Relive Bruno Sammartino’s 1985 comeback as he teams with David to conquer Orndorff & Heenan, marking a historic moment in wrestling history.
21 Best Old-School WWE Wrestlers of All Time, Ranked
The ultimate pre-1990 WWE wrestling legends list! See if your favorite old-school wrestlers from Capitol Sports, WWWF, and WWF made the cut!
Today In Pro Wrestling History (Jan 18): Ivan Koloff Defeats Bruno Sammartino
Today in Pro Wrestling History: On January 18, 1971, at Madison Square Garden, Ivan Koloff achieved a historic victory by defeating Bruno Sammartino to win…
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!
Is Wrestling Fixed? Bill Apter’s Surprising Wrestling Journey
Journalist & photographer Bill Apter is famed for his “Apter Mags” & popularizing wrestling over the years. But how does his book stack up?
Witnessing History: Superstar Billy Graham’s Best Matches
His promos talked you into a building, and his charisma shook said venue. But how did Superstar Billy Graham stack up in his matches?
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!
‘The Flying Greek’ Mike Pappas: The Rey Mysterio of his Day!
Each time The Flying Greek Mike Pappas stepped into the ring, he was David trying to conquer a towering Goliath. And we adored him for…
Wrestlers Who Shouldn’t Have Followed Father’s Footsteps
Many young men have been introduced to professional wrestling by their fathers. What follows are examples of young men who shouldn’t have!
Old School Wrestling: 10 Things Sorely Missed!
A lot has changed since the days of old school wrestling, though not always for the better. Here are ten things that are very much…
6 Times Professional Wrestlers Were Blinded
“The eyes are the windows to the soul!” What follows are several examples of incidents where wrestlers were blinded in or out of the ring!
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.
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…
Baron Mikel Scicluna – The Velvet-Caped Villain From Malta
Many wrestlers during the WWWF era disappeared after an appearance or two. But then there was the great Baron Mikel Scicluna!
Bruno Sammartino – “Our Forever Champ” Remembered
If you saw Bruno Sammartino live – where the love for this impossibly charismatic man was palpable – you’ll never forget the deafening roars.
WWWF at MSG (1974-84): A Love Letter to the Past
I attended 90% of the WWWF Madison Square Garden shows between 1974 and ’84. This is my love letter to the past.
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.
Sunnyside Garden Arena – A Snapshot to Wrestling’s Past
Relive what it was like to experience professional wrestling at the storied Sunnyside Garden Arena in Queens, New York, in the 1970s.
Showdown at Shea: Epic Tale of WWE’s First Supercards
In the days before WrestleMania, these three epic Showdown at Shea events marked the first unmissable grand-scale events from WWE!
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.
Roller Derby – The Contact Sport Like Wrestling on Wheels!
Noise, color, and body contact! If you’re wondering why a story about roller derby is on a wrestling site, allow us the chance to explain!
Interview with Pro Wrestling Stories’s Javier Ojst and Benny Scala
Javier Ojst and Benny Scala discuss the latest on wrestling union talks, failed attempts in the past, their work on our site, and more!
Mystery of Missing Wrestling Championship Belts
Over the years, these wrestling championship belts have either been stolen or come up missing. Many have never been recovered.
‘The Crippler’ Ray Stevens: Secret History of a Wrestling Heel
The Crippler Ray Stevens was one of the greatest heels in the history of the wrestling business. Here is his story.
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…
Mark Madden – His Controversial Career in Pro Wrestling
Provoking feuds is an art form Mark Madden turned into a job in pro wrestling. It was that same ability that would ultimately doom his…
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…
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.
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.
When It Was Real by Nikita Breznikov, with Scott Teal | Book Review
Pro Wrestling Stories senior writer Evan Ginzburg reviews the book When It Was Real by Nikita Breznikov, with Scott Teal.
![Bruno Sammartino wins the WWWF Championship for the very first time after defeating Buddy Rogers in just 48 seconds at Madison Square Garden on May 17, 1963. [Photo: Pro Wrestling Illustrated]](https://prowrestlingstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Bruno-Sammartino-and-Buddy-Rogers-e1690825398645.jpg)
Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers – The 1963 WWWF Title Screwjob
This important moment in professional wrestling history between Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers all but marked the end of one career and launched another.
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.
Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie – Too Real for the Mob
Shocking details on how a match between Bruno Sammartino and Freddie Blassie led to a frightening confrontation with the mob in New Jersey.
Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff – The Night They Shocked the World
Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff reflect on the night Koloff almost started a riot by ending Bruno’s almost 8-year reign as world champion.
Time Machine: The Story of a Wrestling Fan in 1968
Jump aboard the wrestling time machine. Next stop, 1968. Be advised, you may experience slight turbulence and high levels of nostalgia ahead!
Wrestling’s Unsung: Those History Hasn’t Been Kind To
It’s time to show love and appreciation for those usually underserved in the wrestling world – the unsung heroes who rarely get credit.
Bruno Sammartino and Stan Hansen – The Botch That Broke Bruno
In 1976, Stan Hansen changed the career of Bruno Sammartino forever. Here, both men discuss this near-tragic incident.
Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon’s Venomous 25-Year Feud
Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon hated one another, creating quite a tense moment when the two met for the very first time in over 25…
Freddie Blassie – The Truth (and Somewhere In-Between)
For Freddie Blassie, death threats were frequent. He triggered deaths in Japan, was stabbed 21 times by fans, and was even doused with acid!
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.
Bruno Sammartino and Lou Thesz – The Dream Feud That Never Was
The late-great Killer Kowalski shares his musings on the dream feud that never was: Bruno Sammartino and Lou Thesz.
Captain Lou Albano Opens Up About His Wild Career
Captain Lou Albano is forever etched in our memory. Here are his stories on wrestling, acting, drugs, and rock and roll.
Unforgettable Wrestling Moments at Madison Square Garden
Relive some of the most magnificent matches and magical wrestling moments in New York’s Madison Square Garden (MSG)!