Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Houston Harris\Bobo Brazil 1924
Anthony Charles Scott\Tony Charles 1935
Alex Karras 1935
Happy Birthday:
Mil Mascaras (84)
Mike George (78)
Jesse Ventura (75)
Robert L Ross. Jr\Ranger Ross (67)
Martin Wright\The Boogeyman (62)
Kahagas (53)
Kerry Drew\Cherry (51)
Heath Miller\Slater (43)
Anna Jernigan\Anna J (28)
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.
Charles Messerole\Gary Lawler 7-15-2013 at the age of 59
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show This Week
Episode 71: Tennessee Territory 1976 – The Gulas-Welch Territory in the First Half of the Year
In this episode, host Tony Richards is joined once again by Tennessee wrestling historian Tim Dills for a detailed review of the first six months of 1976 in the powerful Gulas-Welch Tennessee Territory.
We explore the behind-the-scenes workings and motivations of the new UWA promotion challenging the established order in Nashville, the heated and emerging Jerry Lawler vs. Tommy Rich feud that would become one of the territory’s biggest draws, the colorful program pitting The Bicentennial Kings against The Fabulous Fargos (including Jackie and Roughhouse), and much more.
Throughout the conversation, we see the early seeds of discontent being sown between Nick Gulas and Jerry Jarrett — tensions that would ultimately lead to the dramatic breakup of the territory in 1977.
Packed with historical context, key angles, business insights, and classic territory storytelling, this episode is essential listening for fans of Mid-South/NWA action in the 1970s.
Episode 71 drops now — available on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.
Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company.
Ride with us through the Time Tunnel as we continue our deep dive into 1976!
Dory Funk, Sr: His Career in the Year of 1966:
Starting next week, we launch a brand-new regular deep-dive series: “Dory Funk Sr. in 1966.”
Host Tony Richards will work his way through the year month by month (or key period by key period), exploring the career and influence of Dory Funk Sr. — one of the most respected figures in territorial wrestling history.
We’ll cover:
• The rise of Dory Funk Jr. as a top star
• Dory Sr.’s strategic pullback from full-time competition
• The debut and early development of Terry Funk
• The Funk family’s growing influence and branching out into the St. Louis market
• Key matches, bookings, territory politics, and the foundational work that helped shape the NWA’s golden era
This series blends detailed historical research, family legacy stories, and the business realities of 1966 wrestling. It’s a must for anyone interested in the Funk dynasty, Amarillo, and the inner workings of the territory system.
“Dory Funk Sr. in 1966” begins next week on The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show — available on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.
Brought to you by the Grizzly Up Soap Company.
Stay tuned for the first installment and join us as we ride through 1966 with the King of the Texas Death Match!
This Week in The Daily Chronicle July 12 – July 18, 2026
Good morning, Time Tunnel family! Here’s what’s coming your way this week in the only daily territory-era history newsletter:
Sunday, July 12 – Issue 453: 1976 Quarterly Review – Central States Territory / Kansas City Booking Office
We take a deep look at the July through September 1976 period in one of the NWA’s toughest and most competitive territories under the Kansas City office.
Monday, July 13 – Issue 454: 7 Stages of the Territory Era – Stage 5: Consolidation
Focusing on the month of July 1966 as the territorial system continued to stabilize and consolidate power in the post-war era.
Tuesday, July 14 – Issue 455: Orville Brown Becomes the First NWA World Champion (1948)
A spotlight on the historic moment that officially launched the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship and helped shape the territory era.
Wednesday, July 15 – Issue 456: Community Update
The weekly roundup of what’s happening in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel community, including the latest podcast episodes, upcoming events, and more.
Thursday, July 16 – Issue 457: The Life and Career of Terry Gordy
One of the greatest big men of the territory era — we explore his explosive power, legendary work with the Fabulous Freebirds, and lasting impact across multiple regions.
Friday, July 17 – Issue 458: The Life and Career of Jesse “The Body” Ventura
From bodybuilder to charismatic heel, and eventually one of pro wrestling’s most distinctive announcers — a look at Ventura’s unique journey in the business.
Saturday, July 18 – Issue 459: The Life and Career of Ann Casey – The Panther Girl
One of the most fascinating women’s wrestlers of all time. We dive into her trailblazing career, in-ring style, and place in wrestling history.
All this week in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel — your daily destination for territorial-era history. Subscribe, share with fellow fans, and stay locked into the Time Tunnel!
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.