Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Dr Benjamin Roller 1876
Edward Wollinski\The Original Great Mephisto 1914
Tosh Togo\Harold Sakata 1920
Mike LeBell 1930
Bill Bowman 1933
Jumping Joey Maggs 1969
Joseph Hudson\Josephus\Question Mark 1977
Happy Birthday:
Tom Magee (68)
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.
Stan Frazier 7-1-1992 at the age of 54
George “Crybaby” Cannon 7-1-1994 at the age of 62
Michiharu Sadano\Toyonbori 7-1-1998 at the age of 67
Jacques Rougeau, Sr 7-1-2019 at the age of 89
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 69
2026 Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series Starts Today!
This morning we launch our brand-new Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series with Episode 69 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show, featuring the 2026 Impact Award winner, legendary referee James Beard!
James was a fixture in the Sportatorium during World Class Championship Wrestling’s glory years and later in the WWF. In this conversation we explore his career, life in the Dallas territory, and what this honor means to him heading into the Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo. We also touch on my own humbling selection as the 2026 Jim Melby Award recipient.
Episode 69 is live now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere else. Dive in, leave a review, and let us know your thoughts!
The History of Texas Wrestling
Episode 3 This Week!!
Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw
I joined Gerry Brisco and John Bradshaw Layfield on the Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw Show for Episode 3 of The History of Texas Wrestling. We explore the foundational years 1915–1935, including the Sigel Brothers’ pioneering work in Houston, Karl “Doc” Sarpolis, the City Auditorium, Amarillo’s early scene, the Cal Farley / original Dutch Mantell meeting, and much more. Highly recommended listening!
This Week in The Daily Chronicle (June 29 – July 4, 2026)
Sunday, June 28 – Issue 440: 1976
Flashback & Q2 Analysis for the Amarillo Territory
We take a deep dive into one of the hottest territories of 1976. From the territorial business side to key storylines, talent movement, and major events in the first half of the year under the Dastardly Daddy and the Amarillo crew.
Monday, June 29 – Issue 441: The 7 Stages of the Territory Era – Stage 7
Re-capping the month in pro wrestling for June 1986. We examine the accelerating fragmentation and early disintegration of the old territory system, with Vince McMahon’s national expansion in full swing, key title changes, promoter battles, and the shifting landscape that defined this pivotal year.
Tuesday, June 30 – Issue 442: Legendary Match Spotlight
We revisit one of the biggest crowds and most important matches of the early territory era: NWA World Champion Pat O’Connor defending against “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers in front of a record-breaking audience at Comiskey Park in Chicago, 1961. A classic clash that helped shape the golden age of NWA title matches.
Wednesday, July 1 – Issue 443: Community Update (you’re reading it right now)
Featuring the launch of our new Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Series.
Thursday, July 2 – Issue 444: The Life and Career of Johnny Saint
A tribute to the legendary British wrestling technician and innovator. We explore his long career, influence on the UK style, key matches, and lasting impact on the global wrestling scene.
Friday, July 3 – Issue 445: The Life and Career of Adrian Adonis
From his early days as Adrian Adonis through his flamboyant run in the WWF as the flamboyant, larger-than-life character. We cover his in-ring work, memorable feuds, and contributions across multiple territories.
Saturday, July 4 – Issue 446: Deep Roots of American Wrestling (Happy 250th birthday!)
Way back to 1913, when Dr. Benjamin Roller defeated Charlie Cutter for the American Title in Michigan for the second time. We examine this early 20th-century grappling pioneer, the significance of the American Title, and the rough-and-tumble era that laid the foundation for what would become modern professional wrestling.
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.