One Territory Era chapter every day: personalities, territories, towns & buildings that built pro wrestling
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Ed Don George 1905
Ivan Rasputin 1912
Tiger Tasker 1913
Prince Pullins 1933
Happy Birthday:
Jade Cargill (34)
Red Velvet (34)
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.
William Muldoon 6-3-1933 at the age of 88
Dory Funk, Sr. 6-3-1973 at the age of 54
Muhammad Ali 6-3-2016 at the age of 74
Significant Debut:
Motoshi Okuma 6-3-1962 at the age of 20
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 65
Episode 65 of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show drops this morning, and I’m excited to bring you an absolute gem of a conversation with my special guest, Michael St. John — Memphis Wrestling Hall of Famer and one of the legendary TV announcers for both Nick Gulas and Jerry Jarrett in the classic Tennessee Territory.
We sit down and pay our respects to the recent passing of Phil Hickerson, dive deep into the great tag teams that defined Tennessee wrestling, talk about the various TV announcers who helped carry the territory on the airwaves, and explore the fascinating parallels between the wrestling business and the broadcasting world.
Michael is a tremendous storyteller with decades of firsthand experience, so this episode is packed with history, insight, humor, and plenty of “you can’t make this stuff up” moments. We go way beyond the surface and cover so much more.
If you love old-school Memphis, Nashville, and Tennessee wrestling territory history, this is one you don’t want to miss.
Stay tuned for the release — Episode 65 with Michael St. John is coming your way this morning on the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show!
Mailbag Episode #2 for 2026
Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!
I’m excited to announce that Mailbag Episode #2 of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is coming your way on Tuesday, June 24th!
This is your chance to get your questions answered. Steve Gennrelli will be back as my co-host, grabbing questions from the mailbag and feeding them to me live. We’re doing “Ask Tony Anything” — so fire away with your pro wrestling territory questions, historical debates, or even non-wrestling topics if you want. Nothing is off limits!
Send your questions now through any of these ways:
• Drop them in the comments on my X feed (@tonyrichards4)
• Post them in our Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Facebook group
• Or email me directly at tonyrichards4@gmail.com
The more questions the better — let’s make this another fun, informative, and lively episode.
I can’t wait to dig into what’s on your mind. Get those questions in soon so we can include them on the June 24th Mailbag Show!
Thanks for being part of the Time Tunnel community.
Let’s keep the history alive!
This Week in The Daily Chronicle
For the week of May 31st through June 6th, 2026
Sunday, May 21st – Issue 411: Flashback 1976 Q2 Analysis (April-June) for the AWA
A detailed quarterly breakdown of the American Wrestling Association in spring 1976, featuring key title defenses by Nick Bockwinkel, the rise of Bobby Heenan’s family, tag team battles involving The High Flyers, major arena draws in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Winnipeg, and the continued dominance of Verne Gagne’s promotion during a pivotal transitional period.
Monday, June 1st – Issue 412: 7 Stages of the Territory Era, Stage 3 – Expansion (June 1946)
We examine the rapid growth phase of the territory system with a focus on June 1946, highlighted by promoter Fred Kohler’s groundbreaking debut of professional wrestling on television in Chicago. This issue explores how early TV exposure transformed local wrestling into a regional phenomenon.
Tuesday, June 2nd – Issue 413: The Life and Career of Brute Bernard
A full retrospective on the hard-hitting Canadian legend Brute Bernard (James Prudhomme), best known for his destructive tag team with Skull Murphy. The piece covers his long career across the NWA, WWWF, Australia, and his reputation as one of the most feared villains of the 1950s–1970s.
Wednesday, June 3rd – Issue 414: The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
The latest community update for the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, including Episode 64 highlights with special guest Michael St. John, plus upcoming releases, listener feedback, and exclusive behind-the-scenes notes from the world of classic wrestling history.
Thursday, June 4th – Issue 415: A Complete Recap of the Motorcycle Accident of Kerry Von Erich (June 1986)
A thorough day-by-day and medical account of Kerry Von Erich’s near-fatal motorcycle crash on June 4, 1986, in Argyle, Texas, detailing the severe injuries, the amputation of his right foot, and the long-term impact on his career and the Von Erich family.
Friday, June 5th – Issue 416: The Life and Career of Leon Baxter, The Wrestling Pro
An in-depth look at the career of Edward Leon Baxter, who wrestled as Tarzan Baxter before becoming the masked heel sensation The Wrestling Pro. The synopsis covers his success in the Gulf Coast, NWA territories, multiple championships, and his memorable unmasking years later.
Saturday, June 6th – Issue 417: A Look Back to 1982 and the Anniversary of Vince McMahon Jr.’s Purchase of Capitol Sports
Marking the anniversary of Vince McMahon Jr.’s historic acquisition of his father’s Capitol Wrestling Corporation in June 1982, this issue explores the deal’s structure, key players involved, and how it set the stage for the national expansion of what would become the WWF.
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.