Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Sandy Scott 1934
Happy Birthday:
Eric Bischoff (71)
Kelly Kiniski (66)
Natalya Neidhart (44)
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.
George Temple 5-27-1996 at the age of 77
Ken Farber 5-27-1996 at the age of 73
Apache Bull Ramos 5-27-2006 at the age of 68
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
Today’s Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode
1976 Territory Review Series: AWA 1976
Today I am dropping Episode 64 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined once again by the one and only Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel analyst and special AWA Historian George Schire. We’re stepping back into the Time Tunnel to review the American Wrestling Association in 1976 — a pivotal year in one of wrestling’s most iconic territories.
In this episode, George and I break down the major storylines, title scenes, and larger-than-life personalities that defined AWA that year. Nick Bockwinkel was firmly entrenched as the AWA World Heavyweight Champion after dethroning Verne Gagne late in 1975. He carried the promotion with technical mastery and arrogant heel brilliance, defending against top challengers while drawing huge crowds. We talk about his key programs, including those tense encounters with Verne Gagne himself — most notably their big draw in Chicago that kept the title scene sizzling.
The tag team division was on fire too. We cover Bobby Duncum and Blackjack Lanza capturing the AWA World Tag Team Titles from the legendary duo of The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser in July. That heel team, backed by Bobby Heenan, brought serious heat and power. Meanwhile, the Bruiser and Crusher remained massive fan favorites and kept the rivalries boiling all year long.
We also dive into other standout names and moments: the rising roles of guys like Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell, appearances and impacts from stars like Billy Robinson, Ray Stevens’ memorable face turn, and even special attractions like Muhammad Ali’s involvement in AWA rings earlier that year to build his Inoki bout. George brings his unmatched knowledge and personal insights from following the territory for decades, painting a full picture of how Verne Gagne’s AWA balanced athleticism, rugged brawling, and strong regional storytelling in the heart of the Midwest.
If you love classic territory wrestling — with its blood feuds, scientific matches, wild crowds in places like Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities — this one’s for you. George Schire delivers the history like no one else can.
Tune in now to Episode 64 and join us as we travel through the Time Tunnel back to AWA 1976. Let’s relive the glory days together!
And don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the show.
The Tunnel is always open… see you inside!
Our 2nd Mailbag Show of The Year Is Coming
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show – Second Mailbag Episode of 2026
Hey wrestling history enthusiasts!
The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel is back with our second Mailbag Episode of 2026, dropping Wednesday, June 24th.
This is your chance to get your questions answered about the territory era — the stars, the angles, the classic matches, and the stories that made wrestling history. Got a burning question about a specific territory, a wrestler, a feud, or anything else from wrestling’s rich past? I’ll be joined by co-host Steve Gennerelli, who’ll be throwing your questions my way on the show.
Deadline to get your questions in is Saturday, June 20th.
Send them in through any of these channels:
• The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Substack Chat
• Our Facebook Group post
• My X post @tonyrichards4
• Email: tonyrichards4@gmail.com
Whether you want to know about the glory days of the territories or just have a fun wrestling history question you’d like me to take a stab at, now’s the time.
Let’s hear from you! Your questions will help make this another great Mailbag episode.
The 2nd Mailbag Episode of 2026 of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show drops June 24th. Don’t miss it!
This Week in The Daily Chronicle
5/24/2026 Sunday – Issue 404
Our regular quarterly flashback analysis dives into Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling in 1976. We break down the territory’s key storylines, talent, and business during that pivotal year, plus a special EXTRA feature examining owner Lee Fields’ long-term business strategies that helped make Gulf Coast one of the most consistently successful and enjoyable territories of the era.
5/25/2026 Monday – Issue 405
We continue our 7 Stages of the Territory Era series with Stage 7: Disintegration. This episode focuses on the month of May 1986, as the old territory system continued its rapid decline amid national expansion and changing industry dynamics.
5/26/2026 Tuesday – Issue 406
The Life and Career of Buck Robley – one of the most fascinating and underrated bookers of the territory era. We explore his unique booking style, creative vision, and influence across multiple promotions.
5/27/2026 Wednesday – Issue 407
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update – Your weekly roundup of the latest happenings, new features, member highlights, and everything going on inside the PWTT community.
5/28/2026 Thursday – Issue 408
The Life and Career of Tex Hager – Spotlighting one of the territory era’s most successful yet often overlooked booking office owners. We examine how Hager built and sustained a thriving promotion across the Western United States.
5/29/2026 Friday – Issue 409
The Life and Career of Ray Candy – A deep dive into one of pro wrestling’s most charismatic and physically imposing performers, known for his larger-than-life personality and memorable runs across multiple territories.
5/30/2026 Saturday – Issue 410
We flashback to the newly branded Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) under Bill Watts. Relive the excitement of the tournament to crown the first-ever UWF Champion.
Enjoy our trips into the territory era in The Daily Chronicle all week long
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.