October 27th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Crusher Verdu 1940
Happy Birthday:
Miss Linda Street (80)
Harvey Whippleman (60)
Bobby Fish (49)
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.
Rudy Dusek 10-27-1971 at the age of 70
Anthony Samizarro\Tony Santos 10-27-1984 at the age of 62
Kay Bell 10-27-1994 at the age of 80
Significant Pro Wrestler Debut
10-27-1978: JJ Dillon defeated Jim Neidhart at the Victoria Pavillion in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for Neidhart’s pro debut
Jim Neidhart was a 23-year-old former college football player (UCLA) who had briefly trained with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys but transitioned to wrestling after being cut from the NFL. He had recently arrived in Calgary to train in the legendary Hart Dungeon under Stu Hart, drawn by the promoter’s reputation for developing athletic big men into wrestlers.
Neidhart’s debut was a classic “rookie squash” for a green talent—positioning him as an up-and-comer against a seasoned heel like Dillon, who was in his prime as an in-ring performer before shifting to full-time management. Stampede Wrestling, a NWA-affiliated territory, was a proving ground for many future stars (including the Hart family), emphasizing stiff, athletic matches influenced by British and Japanese styles.
This match kicked off Neidhart’s territorial career, where he later won Stampede’s International Tag Team Championship twice (with Hercules Ayala in 1980 and Mr. Hito in 1982) and ventured to promotions like New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Mid-South Wrestling. By 1985, after marrying Stu Hart’s daughter Ellie (making him Bret Hart’s brother-in-law), he joined WWF (now WWE) as part of the Hart Foundation tag team, becoming a two-time WWF Tag Team Champion and a key figure in the 1980s boom era.
60 Year Flashback
Von Stroheim Brothers Win the NWA Florida Tag Team Titles
Saturday 10-23-1965: Karl & Skull Von Stroheim defeated Sam Steamboat & Ronnie Etchison (ch) at the television taping of Championship Wrestling From Florida at the Sportatorium in Tampa, Florida
At the Tampa Sportatorium—a modest, 7,500-square-foot stucco arena at 106 North Albany Avenue, more television studio than grand coliseum. With its black-painted walls to mask the intimacy of its 100-seat capacity and no air conditioning to temper Florida’s humid embrace, the Sportatorium was nonetheless the beating heart of the promotion. Here, on October 24, 1965, history etched itself into the annals of tag team warfare as the Von Stroheims dethroned the reigning champions, Sam Steamboat and Ronnie Etchison, to claim the NWA Florida World Tag Team Titles in a match beamed live to living rooms across the Sunshine State.
The challengers, the Von Stroheims—portrayed as Karl and Skull, though often a rotating cast of rugged heels like Skull Murphy and Brute Bernard under the Teutonic gimmick—arrived like storm clouds over the Gulf. Billed as Prussian aristocrats with a penchant for ruthless efficiency, they embodied the classic foreign menace: tall, broad-shouldered bruisers clad in black trunks and knee-high boots, their blonde buzz cuts and sneers evoking memories of wartime villains. Managed by the cunning Sir Oliver Humperdink or working solo as a unit of calculated aggression, the Stroheims had terrorized rings from Los Angeles to the Carolinas. Earlier that year, they had held WWA World Tag Team gold in California before dropping it to the masked Assassins in May. Now, invading Florida under the watchful eye of promoter Eddie Graham, they sought to conquer the NWA’s regional crown, a belt that symbolized supremacy in the steamy circuit of CWF. Their arsenal? The dreaded Iron Claw—a vise-like grip that turned opponents’ heads into pulp—and a tag-team tandem of stomps and suplexes that left crowds howling for justice.
Defending the titles were a duo as unassuming as they were unbreakable: Sam “Sammy” Steamboat and Ronnie Etchison. Steamboat, born Samuel K. Mokuahi in Hawaii but reborn in the mainland mats, was the territory’s everyman hero—a compact, 210-pound technician with a mustache that framed his determined scowl. Trained under the tutelage of Lou Thesz, Steamboat had already etched his name into Florida lore, partnering with Eddie Graham for three prior reigns with the very belts at stake. His style was pure precision: arm drags that whipped foes like lassos, dropkicks that snapped like thunder, and a resilience that turned near-falls into rallying cries. Teamed since August 1965 with Etchison—the “Wonder Boy” from California’s 1950s scene, a 230-pound powerhouse known for his bulldog tenacity—they had claimed the titles just weeks earlier on October 2. Etchison, with his flat-top fade and farmer’s build, complemented Steamboat’s finesse with raw brawn: clotheslines that felled oaks, body slams that shook the ring posts, and a never-say-die spirit honed from refereeing gigs later in his career. Together, they represented the blue-collar backbone of Florida wrestling—underdogs who had toppled Swede Hanson and Rip Hawk in a brutal upset, only to face the Stroheims’ orchestrated onslaught.
The match, taped at the Sportatorium’s weekly 2 p.m. Saturday session for broadcast on local affiliates, unfolded under the unblinking gaze of host Gordon Solie, the “Dean of Wrestling Announcers.” Steamboat opened against “Karl,” chaining wristlocks into hip tosses that sent the German tumbling into his corner. Etchison tagged in for a thunderous double-team: a Steamboat hurricanrana followed by Etchison’s spinebuster, nearly pinning the invader at the five-minute mark. But the Von Stroheims thrived on adversity, their isolation tactics a masterclass in villainy. A blind tag and a loaded forearm—rumored to house a roll of quarters—dropped Etchison like a sack of feed, allowing “Kurt” to cinch the Iron Claw while his partner stalled the referee. The champions rallied twice: Steamboat’s desperation dive from the top rope scattered the heels, and Etchison’s gorilla press slam teetered the match toward retention. Yet, in the shadows of the 15-minute time limit, treachery prevailed. As Steamboat lunged for the save, a low blow from the apron doubled him over, paving the way for a double-team powerslam that flattened Etchison for the three-count. The belts changed hands amid boos that rattled the thin walls, the Stroheims hoisting their prize with salutes that mocked the fallen heroes.
40 Year Flashback
A Time Capsule Review of the Pro Wrestling Cards In the North American Wrestling Territories On This Day In Pro Wrestling History
In October 1985, professional wrestling was in a transformative period, driven by the rise of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) under Vince McMahon’s aggressive expansion and the ongoing competition from regional promotions. Here’s a concise overview of the key highlights and the state of the industry at that time:
1. WWF’s Dominance and the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Era
The WWF was solidifying its national presence, fueled by the “Rock ‘n’ Wrestling Connection,” a crossover with MTV and pop culture icons like Cyndi Lauper. This brought mainstream attention to wrestling, with Hulk Hogan as the face of the industry.
Hogan, the WWF Champion, was at the peak of his popularity, embodying the “Hulkamania” phenomenon. His feuds with top heels like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff were drawing huge crowds.
On October 5, 1985, the WWF aired its first Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC, a landmark primetime special that replaced Saturday Night Live in select time slots. The debut featured Hogan defending the WWF Championship against Nikolai Volkoff, with other stars like Uncle Elmer and Hillbilly Jim in prominent storylines, showcasing the WWF’s blend of spectacle and entertainment.
2. Regional Promotions and the NWA
The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) remained a strong counterpoint to the WWF, with Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) leading the charge. Ric Flair, the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, was a central figure, known for his flamboyant promos and in-ring excellence. In October 1985, Flair was feuding with rivals like Dusty Rhodes and Magnum T.A., with JCP events drawing strong regional audiences.
Other NWA territories, like Georgia Championship Wrestling and Mid-South Wrestling, continued to thrive locally but faced pressure from the WWF’s national TV deals and talent raids.
The American Wrestling Association (AWA), led by Verne Gagne, was still relevant, with stars like Rick Martel (AWA World Champion) and the Road Warriors. However, the AWA was losing ground to the WWF’s slick production and star power.
3. Key Events and Storylines
In the WWF, the buildup to major feuds was intensifying. Roddy Piper’s heel antics, including his “Piper’s Pit” segments, were must-see TV, setting the stage for clashes with Hogan and others.
JCP’s Starrcade ‘85 was being hyped for November, with Flair vs. Rhodes as the centerpiece, showcasing the NWA’s focus on athleticism and storytelling.
Emerging talents like Randy Savage (who debuted in the WWF in mid-1985) and Sting (in the NWA’s Continental Wrestling) were beginning to make waves, hinting at the next generation of stars.
4. Industry Trends
The WWF’s national expansion was disrupting the traditional territory system. McMahon’s strategy of signing top talent and securing cable TV deals (e.g., on USA Network) was marginalizing smaller promotions.
Wrestling’s shift toward family-friendly entertainment in the WWF contrasted with the NWA’s grittier, more athletic focus, creating a divide in fan preferences.
Pay-per-view was still in its infancy, with WrestleMania I (March 1985) having set a precedent. The industry was moving toward larger, centralized events.
5. Cultural Impact
Wrestling’s mainstream appeal was growing, with merchandise like action figures and video games emerging. Hogan’s appearances in media, from talk shows to cartoons (Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling), amplified the industry’s visibility.
The sport’s blend of athleticism and theatricality was attracting diverse audiences, though some traditional fans criticized the WWF’s cartoonish direction.
State of the Industry
By October 1985, professional wrestling was at a crossroads. The WWF’s aggressive expansion and media-savvy approach were reshaping the industry, while the NWA and other promotions fought to maintain relevance. The focus on larger-than-life characters, national TV exposure, and crossover appeal was setting the stage for wrestling’s global boom, but it also threatened the regional diversity that had long defined the sport. The next few years would prove pivotal as the WWF solidified its dominance and competitors adapted or faded.
Cards in the United States on October 27th, 1985, which was a Monday with some selected Cards from existing territories on October 28th, 1985:
Championship Wrestling from Florida, Tampa, Florida Office
Sunday 10-27-1985 Eddie Graham Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida
Blackjack Mulligan vs Kevin Sullivan in a Barbed Wire Match
Mike Graham & Kendall Windham vs Maya Singh (Bob Roop) & Purple Haze (Mark Lewin) in a Texas Tornado Match
Buddy Rose vs Hector Guerrero
The Cuban Assassin vs Tyree Pride
Prince Iaukea vs Frank Land
Lex Luger defeated Cocoa Samoa
CWA Wrestling, Nashville, Tennessee Office
American Legion Arena in Jonesboro, Arkansas
Bill Dundee vs Phi; Hickerson
Jonathan Boyd vs Steve Keirn in a Dog Collar Match
Rip Morgan vs Stan Lane in a Kick Boxing Match
The Sheepherders vs The Fabulous Ones
Pat Rose vs Steve Armstrong
Scott Armstrong vs Tom Prichard
Tojo Yamamoto & Jerry Jarrett vs The Spoiler (Frank Morrell) & The Masked Superstar (Jerry Stubbs)
Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA) Charlotte, North Carolina Office
Old Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina
Jimmy Valiant & Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey by DQ
Monday 10-28-1985 Memorial Auditorium in Greenville, South Carolina (TV Taping)
Jimmy Valiant & Superstar Billy Graham defeated Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey by DQ
Magnum T.A. defeated Arn Anderson in a Texas Death Match (Dark Match)
Mid-South Wrestling, Tulsa, Oklahoma Office
Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Wendell Cooley & Al Perez (ch) defeated Ted DiBiase & Steve Williams by DQ
Buzz Sawyer & Dick Slater defeated The Fantastics (Fulton\Rogers)
Bob Sweetan defeated Dutch Mantell
The Nightmare defeated Steve Constance
Eddie Gilbert defeated Tony Falk
Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Jake Roberts defeated Lord Humongous
Steve Williams defeated Steve Constance
The Nightmare defeated Tony Falk
Texas All-Star Wrestling, San Antonio, Texas Office
HemisFair Arena in San Antonio, Texas
Paul Diamond & Shawn Michaels defeated The Sheepherders (Miller\Williams)
Big Bubba defeated Killer Tim Brooks in a Dog Collar Match
Scott Casey defeated Al Madril
Kortsia Korchenko defeated Manuel Villalobos
Hood #1 , Hood #2 & Mike Golden defeated Nick Kiniski, JR Hogg & Tom Jones
Dale Veasey defeated Jim Powell
Continental Championship Wrestling, Pensacola, Florida Office
Monday 10-28-1985 Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, Alabama
The Bullet (Bob Armstrong) & Brad Armstrong defeated Jimmy Golden & Robert Fuller by DQ
Tommy Rich & Johnny Rich defeated The Nightmares in an Indian Strap Match
Adrian Street defeated Norvell Austin in a Texas Death match
The Flame defeated Roberto Soto by DQ
The Flame defeated Jimmy Backlund
Roberto Soto defeated Bob Johnson
Roy Lee Welch defeated Ken Timbs
American Wrestling Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota Office
The Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota
Rick Martel (ch) vs Stan Handen ended as a NC for the AWA World Heavyweight Title
Wahoo McDaniel, Curt Hennig & Scott Hall defeated Nick Bockwinkel, Ray Stevens & Larry Zbyszko
Michael hayes defeated Jerry Blackwell
Greg Gagne defeated Jimmy Garvin
Bill Irwin defeated Kevin Kelly
Boris Zhukov vs Greg Boyd ended as a time limit draw
Leon White defeated Scott Irwin
World Class Championship Wrestling, Dallas, Texas Office
Monday 10-28-1985 Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas
Lance Von Erich vs Ric Flair (ch) ended as a NC for the NWA World Heavyweight Title
Rick Rude defeated Dave Peterson
Gino Hernandez & Chris Adams defeated Kerry & Kevin Von Erich
Iceman King Parsons defeated John Tatum
Brian Adias defeated The Grappler by DQ
World Wrestling Federation, Stamford, Connecticut Office
The Auditorium in West Palm Beach, Florida
Ricky Steamboat & Paul Orndorff defeated Don Muraco & Mr. Fuji
Ivan Putski defeated The Iron Shiek by DQ
Nikolai Volkoff defeated Jim Haley
Randy Savage defeated Scott McGhee
King Tonga defeated Terry Gibbs
Lanny Poffo defeated The Menace
Joe Mirto vs Rusty Brooks ended in a time limit draw
Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Andre The Giant defeated King Kong Bundy by CO
Junkyard Dog defeated Terry Funk
Big John Studd defeated Hillbilly Jim by DQ
Tito Santana (ch) defeated Bob Orton, Jr to retain the WWF Intercontinental Title
Wendi Richter (ch) defeated The Spider Lady to retain the WWF Women’s Title
Dino Bravo (ch) defeated Moondog Spot to retain the WWF Canadian Title
Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart defeated Jose Luis Rivera & Danny Spivey
Tony Parisi defeated Steve Lombardi
Cousin Junior defeated Iron Mike Sharpe
Athletic & Convocation Center in Notre Dame, Indiana
Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake (ch) defeated Mr. Wrestling 2 & Mike Rotunda
George Steele defeated The Spoiler
B. Brian Blair defeated Les Thornton
Corporal Kirchner defeated Barry O
Tony Atlas defeated Rene Goulet
EMLL Lunch Libre, Mexico City, Mexico Office
La Arena Coliseo in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Atlantis vs Pirata Morgan
El Faraon vs Ringo Mendoza
International Wrestling, Montreal, Canada Office
Paul Sauve Arena in Montreal, Canada
Abdullah The butcher & Jos LeDuc vs Raymond & Jaques Rougeau ended as a time limit draw
Sheik Ali & Mad Dog Lefebvre defeated Gino Brito, Jr & Johnny Rapone
Richard Charland defeated Sunny War Cloud
Andre Malo vs Ludger Proulx ended as a time limit draw
Tito Senza defeated Reggie Rapone
Stampede Wrestling, Calgary, Alberta, Canada Office
Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada
Ron Starr & Honkytonk Wayne defeated Rick Patterson & Leo Burke
Tom Magee defeated The Cuban Assassin
Mike Shaw defeated Butch Moffat by CO
Kerry Brown defeated Hutch Thomas
Hubert Hallant defeated Goldie Rogers
In next Monday’s edition of the Daily Chronicle, we will cover the cards “On this Date” on November 3rd, 1955.
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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