October 13th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Walter “Killer” Kowalski 1926
Happy Birthday:
Don Callis (62)
RIP Memorial: We stop & remember those who have passed on this day and gave themselves to the business for us, the fans. We salute you and thank you.
Eric Pederson 10-13-1990 at the age of 62
Don Leo Jonathan 10-13-2018 at the age of 87
Significant Pro Wrestler Debut
10-13-1948: Johnny Barend went to a time limit draw with Al Dunlop at the Edgerton Sports Arena in Rochester, New York
Johnny Barend, born John R. Barend on March 27, 1929, in Rochester, New York, began his wrestling journey as an amateur at the age of eight. He continued wrestling through high school at Thomas Jefferson High School (graduating in 1944) and during his service in the United States Navy toward the end of World War II, where he reportedly defeated all challengers in his fleet and was even considered for Olympic representation but opted for discharge instead. Barend was trained for professional wrestling by promoter and former wrestler Ed Don George, primarily in western New York.
His debut match took place at Edgerton Park Sports Arena (commonly referred to as Edgerton Arena or simply the Sports Arena) in Rochester, New York. This venue, originally built in 1892 as a drill hall for a state industrial school, was converted into a sports arena in the 1930s and hosted various events, including professional wrestling cards, until its demolition in the 1950s. It was a key local spot for wrestling promotions in the region during the post-war era.
On Wednesday, October 13, 1948, Barend made his professional wrestling debut against Al Dunlop (sometimes listed as a journeyman or enhancement talent in regional circuits) as part of a regular weekly wrestling show promoted in Rochester. The match ended in a draw, with no specific details recorded on duration, falls, or in-ring action. This bout marked the start of Barend’s early local appearances, where he quickly built momentum with subsequent wins and draws against opponents like Wally Greb, Jack Moore, and Al Korman in the following weeks. Barend would go on to a successful career, often as a heel known for his “Handsome” persona, cigar, sunglasses, and charismatic promos, competing across territories like Hawaii, the Northeast, and beyond until his retirement in 1972. He passed away on September 20, 2011, at age 82.
40 Year Flashback
10-13-1985: Ivan & Nikita Koloff defeated The Rock & Roll Express (ch) to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship at the Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina
On July 9, 1985, in Shelby, North Carolina, Morton and Gibson defeated Ivan Koloff and Krusher Khruschev to capture the NWA World Tag Team Championships for their first reign. This match aired on NWA World Wide Wrestling and marked a major upset, as The Russians had been portrayed as unstoppable. The loss fueled The Russians’ quest for revenge, leading to a series of heated confrontations, including brawls and interference in each other’s matches. The storyline emphasized the contrast between the all-American, rockstar-like Express and the “evil” foreign invaders, which was a staple of 1980s wrestling booking.
On October 13, 1985, at a JCP house show (non-televised live event) held in Charlotte, North Carolina, Ivan Koloff and Nikita Koloff defeated The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express to regain the NWA World Tag Team Championships. This marked the end of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express’s first title reign after 96 days and was the second reign for The Koloffs as a unit (noting the switch from Krusher to Nikita in the pairing). The event took place in front of a live crowd in Charlotte, a key JCP stronghold, but as a house show, it wasn’t broadcast on television, so detailed play-by-play accounts are limited in historical records. Reports from the era indicate it was a hard-fought match typical of their rivalry, with The Russians using brute force, chain attacks (Nikita’s signature “Russian Sickle” clothesline), and possible interference from Krusher Khruschev at ringside to overpower the faster, more agile Express.
The title change served as a plot device to heighten drama for the ongoing feud, setting up a high-stakes rematch. The Koloffs’ reign lasted 46 days until November 28, 1985, when The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express reclaimed the titles in a steel cage match at Starrcade ‘85: The Gathering in Greensboro, North Carolina. This 1985 title exchange cycle was part of one of the hottest tag team rivalries in NWA history, helping elevate both teams and contributing to JCP’s boom period. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express would go on to have multiple additional reigns, while The Russians continued as top heels, feuding with stars like Dusty Rhodes and Magnum T.A.
60 Year Flashback
A Time Capsule Review of the Pro Wrestling Cards In the North American Wrestling Territories On This Day In Pro Wrestling History
As a regular Monday feature of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel’s Daily Chronicle, we crack open the Wrestling Time Capsule to do a survey of the cards, matches and performers of the decades of territory pro wrestling. This week we flashback to this Day in Pro Wrestling History, Monday October 13th, 1965.
Professional wrestling in October 1965 was drawing solid crowds in key markets like New York, Baltimore, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, with stars like Bruno Sammartino, Bobo Brazil, and Lou Thesz headlining. Magazines like The Ring Wrestling and Wrestling Revue provided coverage, often highlighting backstage drama or “capsule grinders”.
Some notable events in October of 1965:
10-5-1965: Gulas-Welch ran its first card at the new Tennessee Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville, Tennessee
Debut event at the newly renovated arena after a fire destroyed the old venue. Main event: Lou Thesz (c) vs. Dick The Bruiser for NWA World Heavyweight Title ended in a no contest (one fall each). Other matches: Tojo Yamamoto & Tor Kamata def. Chief Little Bear & Gus Kalas; Rita Cortez def. Sherrie Lee; Tony Baillargeon & Wilbur Snyder def. Karl & Eric Von Brauner; Jackie Fargo & Len Rossi vs. Mysterious Medics (time limit draw). This marked a “new era” for Nashville wrestling after 25 years at the Hippodrome.
10-9-1965: WWWF at the Baltimore Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland
Arnold Skaaland def. Herb Starr; Pete Spatelli def. Angelo Savoldi; Bonita White Dove & Donna Christanello def. The Fabulous Moolah & Dorothy Carter (2-1 falls); Tarzan Tyler def. Miguel Perez; Johnny Valentine def. Bill Watts by DQ; Argentina Apollo & Chief Big Heart def. Smasher Sloan & Clyde Steeves; Bill Miller def. WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino by count-out.
10-16-1965: NWA at the Cow Palace in San Franscisco, California
Buddy Austin def. Eric Froelich; Jim Hady def. George Drake; The Kentuckians (Jake Smith & Luke Brown) def. Johnny Kace & Pedro Godoy; Dominic DeNucci def. The Spoiler (Vince Montana); Pepper Gomez & Bearcat Wright & Luis Martinez def. The Blond Bombers (Pat Patterson & Ray Stevens) & Don Manoukian (2-1 falls); *Bobo Brazil def. AWA San Francisco United States Champion Kinji Shibuya (2-1 falls) to win the title.
10-17-1965: NWA at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California
Jack Allen def. Johnny Vander; Nick Bockwinkel def. Pancho Lopez; Alberto Torres def. The Mummy (Benny Ramirez); WWA World Tag Team Champions The Kentuckians def. Lonnie Mayne & Ox Anderson; Bobo Brazil vs. Gorilla Monsoon (draw); *Pedro Morales def. Luke Graham to regain the WWA World Title.
10-20-1965: WWWF at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino def. Bill Watts; Johnny Valentine vs. Bill Miller (draw); Bobo Brazil & Miguel Perez def. Waldo Von Erich & Smasher Sloan; Tarzan Tyler def. Chief Big Heart; Tiny Tim & Jamaica Kid def. Cowboy Bradley & Pancho Lopez; Argentina Apollo def. Gino Brito; Arnold Skaaland def. Golden Terror.
*Title Changes
Several regional titles changed hands, reflecting the competitive territorial landscape:
October 8: Bob Orton Sr. was awarded the Georgia version of the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship based on his Florida recognition.
October 16: Bobo Brazil defeated Kinji Shibuya to win the AWA San Francisco United States Championship (San Francisco, CA).
October 17: Pedro Morales regained the WWA World Heavyweight Championship from Luke Graham (Los Angeles, CA).
Other events in October 1965:
October 15: Wrestler Ray Stevens appeared in court in Indianapolis, IN, pleading “no contest” to charges of failing to pay income taxes for 1959 and 1960.
The month saw the release of wrestling magazines like Wrestling Revue (October issue), which covered ongoing feuds and personalities.
Cards in the United States on October 13th, 1955, which was a Wednesday:
Championship Wrestling from Florida, Tampa, Florida Booking Office:
American Legion Arena in Sarasota, Florida
Greg Peterson vs Herb Larson
Bobby Shane vs Missouri Mauler
Judy Grable & Penny Brooks vs Linda Carroll & Toni Rose
Danny Miller & Don Curtis vs Karl & Skull Von Stroheim
Georgia Championship Wrestling
The Arena in Columbus, Georgia
Bob Boyer defeated Johnny Heidman by 2 falls to 1 fall
Dick The Bruiser vs Mario Galento ended as a DCO at 1 fall each
Dale Lewis & Dutch Savage defeated Chief Little Eagle & Dick Steinborn by 2 falls to 1 fall
Jim Crockett Promotions’ Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
City Auditorium in Asheville, North Carolina
Pedro Zapata defeated Jesse James
Nelson Royal defeated Corsica Jean
Abe Jacobs defeated Mike Padousis
Chris Tolos defeated Omar Atlas
Haystacks Calhoun defeated John Tolos
Haystacks Calhoun won the 10-Man Battle Royal
WBTV-TV Studios in Charlotte, North Carolina
Bob Orton & Boris Malenko defeated Pepe Gomez & Steve Bolus
George Grant defeated George Harris by DQ
Tex McKenzie defeated Tony Nero
WRAL-TV Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina
Aldo Bogni & Bronk Lubich defeated Billy Two Rivers & Suni War Cloud
Johnny Weaver & George Becker defeated The Red Demons (Jimmy & Billy Hines)
Gulas-Welch Enterprises’ NWA Mid-America Wrestling
Civic Auditorium in Kingsport, Tennessee
Billy Blue River vs Mario Galento
Rocky Smith vs Tamayo Soto
Eddie Graham & Sam Steamboat vs Johnny Long & Ron Wright
Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Gene Dundee vs Gus Kalas
Mack York vs Tarzan Baxter
Karl & Eric Von Brauner vs Jackie Fargo & Len Rossi
Louisiana Wrestling Enterprises
Thompson’s Arena in Alexandria, Louisiana
Darling Dagmar vs Diamond Lil
Ken Cooper, Bobby & Lee Fields vs Pancho Villa, Kurt Steiger & Chin Lee
Tri-State Wrestling Enterprises
Sports Arena in Fort Smith, Arkansas
Chief Kit Fox defeated Paddy Osbourne by 2 falls to 1 fall
Argentina Zuma defeated Jack Donovan by 2 falls to 1 fall
Sputnik Monroe defeated Jerry Kozak by 2 falls to 1 fall
The Shrine Mosque in Springfield, Missouri
The Great Bolo vs Jack Brisco ended as a time limit draw
Jack Brisco & Mike Clancy defeated The Great Bolo & Don Kent by 2 falls to 1 fall
Antone Leone defeated Don Kent by 2 falls to 1 fall
Gulf Athletic Club
Wrestlethon in San Antonio, Texas
Kanji (Antonio) Inoki defeated Louie Tillet by DQ
Billy Red Lyons defeated Don Duffy
Bruce Kirk defeated Mighty Yankee #2
The Great Dane defeated Mighty Yankee #1 by DQ
Billy Red Lyons & Kanji Inoki defeated Louie Tillet & Don Duffy
The Destroyer vs Killer Karl Kox in a Texas Death Match ended without a winner as a no contest
Western States Sports
Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas
Florence Gidget defeated Kay Noble
Dory Funk, Jr, Ricky Romero & Rene Goulet defeated Ivan Firpo, El Medico & Klondike Bill
Don McClarity defeated Doug Gilbert
Iron Mike DiBiase defeated The Sheik
All-Star Wrestling
Pershing Center in Lincoln, Nebraska
Corsica Joe vs Jack Pesek
Jena Antone vs Mars Monroe
Reggie Parks vs Stan Pulaski
Billy Red Cloud & Danny Hodge vs Mad Dog Vachon & Haru Sasaki
NWA Hollywood
Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California
Alberto Torres defeated Bandit Lopez
Nick Bockwinkel vs Ox Anderson ended as a time limit draw
Pedro Morales defeated Jack Allen
The Kentuckians defeated Lonnie Mayne & Tony Galraza by 2 falls to 0
Pacific Coast Wrestling Corporation
The Civic Auditorium in San Jose, California
Pepper Gomez & Luis Hernandez defeated Buddy Austin & The Spoiler
Dominic DeNucci defeated Pedro Godoy
Mitsu Arakawa defeated George Drake
Kinji Shibuya (ch) defeated Bearcat Wright by CO by 2 falls to 1 fall
Championship Wrestling USA
The Armory in Albany, Oregon
Joe McCarthy vs Ricky Hunter
Jerry Christy vs Shag Thomas
Billy White Wolf vs Tony Borne
In next Monday’s edition of the Daily Chronicle, we will cover the cards “On this Date” in October 1975.
Thank You for Reading
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share it with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
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