Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
(None)
Happy Birthday:
Lt James Earl Wright\Dale Veasey (66)
Brian James\Rodd Dogg (57)
Lacey Lane (38)
Jimmy Dhisa\Akam (33)
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.
Julius Sigel 5-20-1942 at the age of 46
Randy Poffo\Randy Savage 5-20-2011 at the age of 58
Ruth Boatcallie 5-17-2015 at the age of 81
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
Our 400th Issue!
Dear friends and fellow wrestling history enthusiasts,
Today marks a truly special milestone: the 400th consecutive issue of The Daily Chronicle! For 400 straight mornings—at 5:00 AM sharp—we’ve journeyed together through the rich, colorful history of worldwide territory pro wrestling, from the smoke-filled arenas of 1925 all the way through the golden eras and territorial wars that defined the business up to 1995. What began as a passion project to preserve these stories has grown into something far bigger than I ever imagined, thanks entirely to you.
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for every subscriber of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Substack. Your support, kind words, thoughtful comments, and shared memories have kept this train rolling day after day. Whether you’ve been with us since Day 1 or just climbed aboard recently, you’ve helped keep the spirit of the territories alive. None of this would be possible without your love for the game and belief in what we’re building here.
Here’s to many more mornings in the Time Tunnel. The territories may be gone, but their stories live on—every single day.
Thank you,
Tony
The Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Weekend History Session
I’m thrilled to be back at the Tragos-Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Weekend this year, and I’m especially honored to be receiving the James C. Melby Award. It means the world to me to be recognized alongside so many legends who’ve kept our industry’s rich history alive.
While I’m there, I’ll also be hosting my history session on Saturday afternoon at 2:30pm titled “Pro Wrestling’s Greatest Wrestling Wars.” This one is going to be a real treat for any fan who loves the behind-the-scenes stories that shaped our business.
We’ll dive deep into two of the most explosive territorial wars in NWA history:
• First, the Texas Wrestling War of 1952-1953, one of the bloodiest and most hard-fought battles in the early days of the NWA. My guest for this segment is Greg Klein, a frequent contributor to the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel history show and the author of a brand-new book on this very subject. Greg’s research is second to none, and he’ll bring the receipts on how this war played out between the established powers and the upstarts.
• Then we’ll shift to the Georgia Wrestling War of 1972-1974. Joining me for this is Roy Lee Welch of the legendary Welch wrestling family. Roy was actually working inside the NWA office when that war exploded. He’ll share an insider’s perspective on the chaos, including the unforgettable moment when nearly all the wrestlers walked out of the NWA office… except for two. You’ll hear stories you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re attending the Tragos-Thesz HOF Weekend, July 8th through July 11th, you do not want to miss this session. Whether you’re a longtime historian, a collector, or just someone who appreciates the real stories behind the curtain, this will be one of the highlights of the weekend.
Hope to see you there on Saturday, July 11th at 2:30pm. Let’s celebrate wrestling history together!
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 63: 1976 Gulf Coast
Join me and my special guest co-host Michael Norris — the world’s foremost expert on the Gulf Coast territory and a lifelong student of the region — for a packed new episode of the show.
This week we dive deep into the wild world of Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. We break down the infamous real-life incident involving Randy & Lanny Poffo against The British Bulldogs (John Foley and Ted Heath), the wild on-screen and off-screen exploits of Mick Foley & Heath, the triumphant return of the legendary Cowboy Bob Kelly, and career retrospectives on the tough-as-nails Eddie Sullivan and Rip Tyler.
We also shine a special spotlight on the larger-than-life Sweet Daddy Watts — one of the least remembered but most charismatic and influential figures in the business.
Packed with firsthand memories from Michael’s decades following the Gulf Coast scene, and plenty of “you can’t make this stuff up” territory tales, this is another must-listen episode for any fan of old-school wrestling.
Episode 63 drops this morning at 5:00 AM sharp — right on time, just after this edition of The Daily Chronicle.
Grab your coffee, settle in, and step back into the Time Tunnel with us.
Premium Content:
Family Tradition Series
Hey Chronicle faithful! The Orton “Family Tradition” series rolls on in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel — and this latest chapter is Premium exclusive content for our paid subscribers!
We’re taking a deep, thorough look at the man who connects three generations of Orton greatness: the legendary “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr. From tagging with his father Bob Sr. in the Florida territories, to inventing the Superplex, to becoming one of the most despised heels in the 80s as Roddy Piper’s cast-wielding bodyguard “Ace,” this feature covers it all.
Relive his brutal wars with Ric Flair, his pivotal role in the very first WrestleMania, the infamous turn on Hot Rod, and those emotional father-and-son moments alongside Randy against The Undertaker. Bob Orton Jr. wasn’t just a bridge in the family legacy — he was a globe-trotting pioneer, a devious innovator, and one of the toughest workers the business has ever seen.
This in-depth Family Tradition feature is available right now for our Premium and Premium+ subscribers. If you’re not already a paid member, now’s the perfect time to join and dive into the full piece.
Head over to the Time Tunnel page, check out the latest Orton installment, and let us know in the comments: what’s your favorite Cowboy Bob memory?
The Orton Legacy continues… only for Premium Time Tunnel subscribers
This Week in The Daily Chronicle
Sunday – Issue 397: Q2 1976 Territory Review – Jim Crockett Promotions
This issue dives deep into the red-hot Mid-Atlantic territory during America’s Bicentennial year. Hosted with special JCP historian Todd Goss, the review captures the high-energy atmosphere in arenas like Greensboro Coliseum, Charlotte Coliseum, and Richmond Coliseum. It highlights the kickoff of the Ric Flair era (as “The Nature Boy” returned post-plane crash with a bold new look), intense blood feuds, lumberjack matches, hair-vs-hair stipulations, and classic rivalries featuring stars like Wahoo McDaniel. The episode celebrates the promos, angles, and packed crowds that made JCP one of the premier territories of the era.
Monday – Issue 398: 7 States of the Territory Era – Stage 6, May 1976
The regular deep-dive series examines the evolving pro wrestling landscape in May 1976. It contrasts the traditional territory model with emerging trends, using that specific month as a snapshot to illustrate broader changes across the industry (including references to other regions like Florida and the NWA scene). The feature helps readers understand the structure, challenges, and dynamics of the territory era at that pivotal mid-1970s stage.
Tuesday – Issue 399: The Life and Career of Dick Slater
A biographical spotlight on “Dirty” Dick Slater (Richard Van Slater, 1951–2018), the tough, unpredictable heel known for his work in the 1970s–1990s across Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, WCW, Georgia, and Florida. Trained by Hiro Matsuda and Eddie Graham, Slater excelled as a rugged singles and tag competitor, holding multiple titles and appearing on the first Starrcade. The piece covers his amateur wrestling roots, football background at the University of Tampa, booker roles, and reputation as one of the era’s most versatile and intense performers.
Wednesday – Issue 400: 400th Issue Celebration + Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
A milestone edition marking the 400th issue of the Chronicle, paired with the regular Wednesday community roundup. It recaps recent happenings in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel community, including Tony Richards’ upcoming history session at the Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame Induction Weekend (July 9–11, 2026) in Waterloo, Iowa. Expect reflections on the publication’s journey, reader engagement, and plans for future content alongside Hall of Fame weekend details at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum.
Thursday – Issue 401: The Life and Career of Southern Legend Tex Riley
This bio feature profiles journeyman wrestler Tex Riley (Russell Alvin Riley, 1916–1964), a mid-20th-century competitor active across various NWA territories. Standing around 5’10” and 187–188 lbs, Riley was a reliable hand in the ring during the 1950s and early 1960s, known for his work in regional promotions. The synopsis traces his career as a classic territory-era wrestler who contributed steadily to the business before his passing in 1964.
Friday – Issue 402: The Life and Career of Brian Pillman
A detailed look at “The Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman (1962–1997), the former Cincinnati Bengals/CFL player turned high-flying innovator. The feature covers his Stampede Wrestling beginnings under Stu Hart (as “Flyin’ Brian”), WCW tag title reigns, ECW run, and WWF stint. It highlights his groundbreaking unpredictable gimmick, cruiserweight-style influence, and tragic passing at age 35 due to heart issues. The piece balances his in-ring athleticism and mat classics (e.g., vs. Jushin Thunder Liger) with his boundary-pushing persona.
Saturday – Issue 403: The Life and Career of Don Kernodle
The week closes with a tribute to Don Kernodle (Charles Donald Kernodle Jr., 1950–2021), the North Carolina native and longtime Mid-Atlantic/JCP stalwart. A former Elon College wrestler trained by the Andersons, Kernodle captured the NWA World Tag Team Championship multiple times (with Sgt. Slaughter, Bob Orton Jr., and Ivan Koloff). The bio covers his 1973 debut, strong tag team work, post-wrestling law enforcement career, and legacy as a reliable territory performer who passed in 2021.
I hope you enjoy this week of Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel content—milestone celebration, strong bios, and classic territory deep dives!
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!
Remember, premium investors get access to exclusive and special content such as some special issues including a multi-part deep dives on wrestling territories, wrestler bios and championship title histories, special audio and video interviews on territory pro wrestling and more available in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel for Premium Investors.