Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On June 30th, 1961, Buddy Rogers defeats Pat O’Connor 2-1 in a best of three falls match to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (June 30): Buddy Rogers becomes NWA World Champion
Dubbed "The Match of the Century", it drew a then-record crowd of 38,622, with $148,000 in gate receipts.
This historic victory marked the beginning of a new era in the wrestling world, solidifying Rogers’ status as a top star and setting the stage for future developments in the industry.
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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