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Pro Wrestling Stories
  • Choose a Story
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    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
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Dusty Rhodes

Mark "Van Hammer" Hildreth in WCW and beyond, from heavy metal hopeful with a Flying V guitar and a big money contract to a life later marked by personal battles and hard headlines.

Van Hammer: From WCW Hype to a Life Derailed

by Griffin Kaye  Jun 5, 2026

Van Hammer’s WCW rise, backstage heat, personal battles, and the complex legacy remembered by Marc Mero and the two women who knew him best.

The Philadelphia Civic Center at 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, the longtime home of major professional events in the city, and the site of Jim Crockett Promotions' July 20, 1985, NWA card. The venue was demolished in 1995.

The Lost 1985 NWA House Show Fans Never Forgot

by Tony M. Caro  May 22, 2026

In 1985, a loaded Jim Crockett Promotions house show hit Philadelphia, delivering title fights and chaos fans still talk about.

Turner executive Richard Steinberg shares 27 behind-the-scenes road stories, ribs, and disasters from WCW's wildest era.

Inside WCW: 27 Wild Tales From a Turner Executive

by Richard Steinberg  Mar 10, 2026

Turner executive Richard Steinberg shares 27 behind-the-scenes road stories, ribs, and disasters from WCW’s wildest era.

Action Mike Jackson has wrestled across five decades, from his early days in the Southern territories to walking the ropes in TNA well into his 70s. Few careers in professional wrestling have stretched this far and meant this much.

Action Mike Jackson: Ageless Wonder Still Wrestling in His 70s

by Jim Phillips  Mar 4, 2026

Still wrestling in his 70s, Action Mike Jackson revisits the territory era, fan violence, and his TNA return in a rare, unfiltered interview.

They made champions crumble, and fans weep. Read on to discover 15 WWWF heels of WWE’s 1970s era left scars that haven’t healed in 50-plus years.

15 Most Hated Heels of WWE’s 1970s WWWF Era

by Evan Ginzburg  Feb 11, 2026

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.

From West Texas fields to professional wrestling’s grandest stages, Bobby Duncum Sr. proved that authenticity never goes out of style.

Bobby Duncum Sr: The Cowboy Heel Who Made Wrestling Real

by Evan Ginzburg  Jan 22, 2026

Bobby Duncum Sr. had a real fight aura. Bruno Sammartino scouted him, wrestlers revered him, yet fans forgot. Learn why his legend matters.

The Southwest Championship Wrestling (SCWF) territory, under the leadership of Joe Blanchard in San Antonio, thrived with stars such as (from left to right, row 1) Wahoo McDaniel, Manny Fernandez, Al Madril, Dale Hey (Buddy Roberts), Bobby Jaggers, Scott Casey, Bobby Fulton, Eric Embry, Chicky Starr, (row 2) Gino Hernandez, Shawn Michaels, Jose Lothario, Chavo Guerrero Sr., Tim Brooks, Bruiser Brody, Bob Sweetan, Dick Slater, (row 3) Tully Blanchard, Rudy Boy Gonzales, Terry Funk, “Playboy” Gary Hart, (top row) Joe Blanchard, and Fritz Von Erich. Artwork by Pro Wrestling Stories.

Southwest Championship Wrestling: The Wrestling Territories

by Jim Phillips  Jan 14, 2026

Southwest Championship Wrestling: Behind San Antonio’s legendary territory that launched Tully Blanchard, Gino Hernandez, and Shawn Michaels.

Kevin Sullivan and his Army of Darkness - "Superstar" Billy Graham, The Fallen Angel (Nancy Benoit), Kevin Sullivan, The Lock (Winona Littleheart), and Sir Oliver Humperdink. Before there was D-Generation X, the nWo, and even The Four Horsemen, there was Kevin Sullivan and His Army of Darkness who shook professional wrestling from its comfort zone forever.

Kevin Sullivan’s Army of Darkness: Wrestling’s Darkest Faction

by Javier Ojst  May 31, 2026

Kevin Sullivan’s Army of Darkness dragged wrestling into a darker age, rattled parents, and redefined what a heel faction could be.

Discover 13 wrestlers who mastered visual drama, crafting some of pro wrestling’s most haunting and graphic moments.

13 Pro Wrestling Legends Who Mastered Visual Drama

by Dale Pierce  Nov 18, 2025

Discover 13 wrestlers who mastered visual drama, crafting some of pro wrestling’s most haunting and graphic moments.

25 Pro Wrestling Feuds Cut Short By Real Drama

by Jason LeBlanc  Sep 16, 2025

These 25 pro wrestling storylines were cut short by injuries, politics, and creative changes that left fans wanting more of a payoff.

George Weingeroff spent 18 years in the ring, from sharing the ring and road with icons like Macho Man Randy Savage (seen here in the middle) to stretching rookies who underestimated him. All the while, few knew he was legally blind!

George Weingeroff: A Legally Blind Wrestler’s Secret Tale

by PW Wade  Jul 15, 2025

George Weingeroff wrestled professionally for 18 years while legally blind – a secret so well-kept that opponents refused to believe it!

The dramatic transformation of Billy Jack Haynes: from ’80s musclebound wrestling star to a man now facing the most serious accusations of his life.

Billy Jack Haynes: From WWE Hero to Accused Killer

by Griffin Kaye  Jul 7, 2025

Once an ’80s WWE star, Billy Jack Haynes hid a world of trauma, conspiracy, and murder claims. Discover the shocking truth behind the legend.

The nWo logo was born in a Disney backlot, designed in one hour by a then-unknown artist named Jenni Sloan. This is the story WCW never told ...until now.

nWo Logo: Secret Disney Origins WCW Never Shared

by JP Zarka  May 23, 2025

The nWo logo was born in a Disney backlot, designed in one hour by an unknown artist. This is the story WCW never told …until…

From Hookers to Houses to Dusty Finishes: Unlock the Secret Language That Once Ruled the Ring!

36 Pro Wrestling Terms You Rarely Hear Anymore

by Jason LeBlanc  May 13, 2025

Unlock the secret code of 36 pro wrestling terms rarely heard today and the hidden meanings behind the lingo that once ruled the ring!

Baffling, brilliant, and unforgettable — explore the wild ride of Larry Zbyszko, from Bruno’s betrayal to “Living Legend” status in wrestling.

Larry Zbyszko: Boo On Me – His Secret Tale

by Benny J. Scala  Jun 5, 2026

Baffling, brilliant, and unforgettable — explore the wild ride of Larry Zbyszko, from Bruno’s betrayal to “Living Legend” status in wrestling.

On January 18, 1971, Ivan Koloff shocked the world by pinning Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden, ending his historic 2,803-day reign as WWWF Champion. Yet for 54 years, WWE failed to honor “The Russian Bear” with a proper Hall of Fame induction—until quietly placing him in the Legacy Wing in 2025, eight years after his death. We ask: Too little, too late?

Ivan Koloff’s WWE Hall of Fame Shame: Too Little, Too Late?

by Evan Ginzburg  Apr 17, 2025

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?

The following 21 WWE Hall of Famers, from Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts to George ‘The Animal’ Steele and ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff, never held a championship belt but left an indelible mark on wrestling history. Their legacies prove that greatness isn’t always measured in gold!

21 Hall of Famers WWE Never Crowned Champions

by Rahul Amare  Nov 4, 2024

21 WWE Hall of Famers who never held championship gold, but their legacies shine just as bright—proving greatness needs no title!

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 30, 2025

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.

On October 27th, 1993, Sid Vicious and Arn Anderson were locked in one of pro wrestling’s most infamous and brutal real-life hotel fights, with a pair of scissors at the center of the chaos.​

Sid Vicious vs. Arn Anderson: The Bloody Scissors Fight

by JP Zarka  Sep 20, 2024

Uncover the infamous scissor fight between Sid Vicious and Arn Anderson—a brutal brawl that changed wrestling history and left lasting scars.​

Although hijinks mainly occur off-camera, here are ten surprising times ribs trickled into the public eye in the form of a wrestler's name!

10 Wrestlers Whose Names Were Ribs in WWE & WCW

by Griffin Kaye  Sep 6, 2024

Were these 10 WWE & WCW wrestlers’ names clever jabs or just backstage jokes? Discover the playful—and often spiteful—side of wrestling!

One of artist Joe Jusko's memorable works is the 1991 Royal Rumble poster, which features WWE legends Ultimate Warrior, Sgt. Slaughter, Mr. Perfect, Hulk Hogan, Road Warriors Animal and Hawk, Kerry Von Erich, Randy Savage, Earthquake, Tugboat, and Big Bossman.

Body Slams in Color: How Joe Jusko Painted WWE’s Golden Age

by Tim Buckler  Jan 24, 2024

Explore the secret journey of artist Joe Jusko, from creating The Undertaker’s iconic design to his instantly recognizable artwork in WWE.

Are Undertaker and Kane brothers? Plus thirteen other wrestling family facts you should know!

Are Undertaker and Kane Brothers? 13 Wrestling Family Facts!

by M. Nadeem  Jul 30, 2025

Are Undertaker and Kane brothers? Plus, discover thirteen other wrestling family relationship facts you should know!

A wrestling great remembered: Terry Funk over the years.

Terry Funk Forever: Secret Journey of a Wrestling Icon

by JP Zarka  Aug 24, 2023

Celebrating Terry Funk: A Texan wrestling icon’s decades-long journey. We remember a man who forged a path that few dared!

"Nature Boy" Ric Flair over the years.

A Surprising Not Often Seen Side of Ric Flair – 13 Notorious Tales

by Matt Pender  May 24, 2023

These tales reveal a surprising perspective on Ric Flair – the limousine-riding, jet-flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ dealin’ son of a gun!

From Bruno Sammartino, Dusty Rhodes, and beyond, here are ten of the best Superstar Billy Graham matches we saw live before, during, and after his run as WWWF World Heavyweight Champion.

Witnessing History: Superstar Billy Graham’s Best Matches

by Evan Ginzburg  May 18, 2023

His promos talked you into a building, and his charisma shook said venue. But how did Superstar Billy Graham stack up in his matches?

From the streets of Blackpool to the ring to VP, William Regal had one wild journey!

William Regal: His Secret, Inspirational Story

by Griffin Kaye  May 3, 2023

William Regal has had a rollercoaster career of suspensions and terminated contracts. However, one event changed the trajectory of his life.

Who would be more fitting a subject for a WWE Legends documentary than “The bull of the woods, if you will?” But did the Dusty Rhodes A&E Biography capture "The American Dream"?

Dusty Rhodes A&E Biography: An Honest Review

by Evan Ginzburg  Jun 3, 2023

Learn if the Dusty Rhodes A&E Biography captured “The American Dream” in this documentary review by an award-winning wrestling documentarian.

Tim Storm with his hero Harley Race, and as NWA World Heavyweight Champion.

Tim Storm: From Super Fan to NWA World Champion

by Ian Aldous  May 21, 2025

From avid professional wrestling fan to NWA World Heavyweight Champion, this is the amazing tale of Tim Storm!

Dick Murdoch over the years.

Dick Murdoch – Always Controversial, Always Himself

by Javier Ojst  Feb 24, 2023

Dick Murdoch was always ready for action in (and out) of the ring. But has his suspected ties outside of wrestling tarnished his legacy?

In the world of professional wrestling, Al Perez had it all. He was the favorite of many greats in the business and was always on the cusp of greatness, though he never quite got there. A lot of that was his undoing.

Al Perez – A Wrestling Career That Could Have Been More

by Benny J. Scala  Jan 10, 2023

Al Perez had it all. He was many wrestlers’ favorite and on the cusp of greatness, but never quite got there. A lot of that…

"The Assassin" Jody Hamilton.

Jody Hamilton – Behind the Mask of The Assassin

by Javier Ojst  Oct 17, 2024

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.

10 Masked Wrestlers Whose Identities Were Quite Obvious!

10 Masked Wrestlers Whose Identities Were Quite Obvious!

by Griffin Kaye  Dec 23, 2023

Here are ten of our favorite examples of wrestlers donning a mask to conceal their identity. As you’ll find, they weren’t fooling anybody!

Winning the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship often cemented legacies in the annals of professional wrestling history. But what happened once former NWA World Champions jumped ship to the WWWF, WWF, or WWE? We examine just how much success these past champions had up north, compared to their successes found in the NWA. As you'll find, many of these legends never saw the same height of success once under the thumb of Vince McMahon.

How WWE Treated 13 Former NWA Champions

by Griffin Kaye  Apr 13, 2026

As you’ll find, many of these former NWA World Champions never saw the same height of success once under the thumb of Vince McMahon.

Dusty Rhodes: Secret History on the American Dream

by Matt Pender  Jul 21, 2023

Dusty Rhodes left an indelible mark on people in and out of wrestling. But what was the American Dream like when the cameras weren’t around?

Omni Coliseum | 11 Unforgettable Wrestling Moments at The Omni

The Omni Coliseum: 11 Shocking Wrestling Moments

by Jason Lane  Jan 10, 2023

It wasn’t the most perfect venue, but it sure did pack a lot of wrestling history! Here are 11 wrestling moments that are hard to…

Late-great wrestling manager Gary Hart once wrote about the time Dusty Rhodes showcased a talent unbeknownst to some!

Dusty Rhodes and His Fairly Unknown Talent!

by Pro Wrestling Stories  Mar 3, 2023

Late-great wrestling manager Gary Hart once wrote about the time Dusty Rhodes showcased a talent unbeknownst to some!

Mad Max | 9 Undeniable Times Its Movies Inspired Pro Wrestling

Mad Max: 9 Unmistakable Influences on Pro Wrestling

by Tim Buckler  Feb 6, 2023

Mad Max has been around for 40+ years, and during that time, the franchise has had a lot of influence on the world of professional…

Dustin Rhodes: Always a "Natural."

Dustin Rhodes: His Secret Life Behind the Paint

by Pro Wrestling Stories  Feb 26, 2023

Being the son of Dusty Rhodes, naysayers would test his toughness. In the words of Dustin Rhodes, “There were many fights along the way!”

JP Zarka of ProWrestlingStories.com joins Brian Tramel on the “Shootin’ The Shiznit" podcast

JP Zarka of ProWrestlingStories.com Interview

by Pro Wrestling Stories  May 13, 2022

JP Zarka of ProWrestlingStories.com joins Brian for a new episode of Shootin’ The Shiznit. Coliseum videos, wrestling books, the creation of PWS, and more!

Legendary mat technician Bob Roop opens up about his friend Harley Race, showing a side not often seen of the legend. Included is a must-read story of the time Harley was able to back off a mob of twelve angry Dusty Rhodes fans (on his own)!

Harley Race, My Friend: A Side Not Often Seen

by Bob Roop  Apr 22, 2023

Bob Roop opens up about the grit and determination of his friend Harley Race, showing a side not often seen of the legend.

Son and father: Mike Graham and Eddie Graham. Their tragic tale leave many questions left unanswered, though their legacy lives on.

Eddie Graham and Mike Graham: Legacy & Dark Secret Tragedy

by Javier Ojst  May 14, 2025

The tragic tale of father and son Mike Graham and Eddie Graham leaves many unanswered questions, though their legacy lives on.

Dustin Rhodes is proving to the world (and himself) that he's still got it.

Dustin Rhodes – Proving to the World (and Himself) That He’s Still Got It

by JP Zarka  Jul 7, 2022

At age 50, Dustin Rhodes pulled off the greatest match of his career. Along the way, he rediscovered his love of wrestling.

Magnum TA had just come back from a near-fatal car accident when he made some comments about Tully Blanchard. Blanchard came out and sucker-punched Magnum, which caused Dusty Rhodes to come out with a baseball bat and beat Tully Blanchard to near death on live television.

Dusty Rhodes and Tully Blanchard Attempted Murder on Live TV

by Jason Lane  Jan 10, 2023

A close look at the events causing Dusty Rhodes to come out with a baseball bat and beat Tully Blanchard to near death on live…

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.

The tale of The Undertaker in WWE kicks off at Survivor Series 1990, a pay-per-view defined by two debuts (but we’re here to talk about the good one, thankfully)! Here's how at 26, he became the then-youngest WWE Champion a year after his terrifying debut.

Rise of The Undertaker: Terrifying Debut and First Year in WWE

by Cameron Shank  Feb 20, 2023

Here’s how at 26, The Undertaker became the then-youngest WWE Champion a year after his monumental, terrifying debut!

Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express Attack Baby Doll

Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express Attack Baby Doll

by Jason Lane  Jan 10, 2023

Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express attacking Baby Doll was one of the most vile moments in professional wrestling history.

"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.

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.

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…

The Texas Outlaws: Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes.

Tales of The Texas Outlaws Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes

by Pro Wrestling Stories  Mar 9, 2023

A particular choice of clothing led to The Texas Outlaws, Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes, getting fired from the Australian territory in 1969!

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    • About Pro Wrestling Stories
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      • Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure Policies
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  • Meet The Team
  • More
    • Women Wrestling Pioneers
    • Shoot Fights
    • Lists
    • In Memoriam
    • 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