Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: Herman Rohde, known to wrestling fans and the world as Nature Boy Buddy Rogers, dies while on life support in a Florida hospital. He had suffered a severe broken arm and three separate strokes just days earlier and passed away in Ft. Lauderdale at the age of 71.
Today in Pro Wrestling History (June 26): The Original Nature Boy Passes Away
Rogers was wrestling’s original “Nature Boy”, having later anointed Ric Flair with the moniker when they finally faced each other in the 1970’s.
He was also one of the sport’s first ‘pretty boys,’ whose bleached blonde hair and arrogant heel character became legendary for enraging fans and selling out buildings.
Rogers was the first man to hold both the NWA and WWF World heavyweight titles over the span of his career, as well as one of the recognizable stars of wrestling’s golden age and the early days of American television. He is still known as being one of the men who TV interviews are patterned after.
His heel verbiage includes the arrogant and infamous phrase:
“To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen!”
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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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