Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
Lillian Ellison\The Fabulous Moolah 1923
HIro Matsuda 1937
David Von Erich 1958
Steve Gillespie\Dr Hannibal 1963
Happy Birthday:
Bob Roop (84)
Shawn Higgenbottom\Shawn Michaels (61)
Shaun Simpson (60)
Marcelo Rodriguez (57)
Kenny King (45)
Curtis Hussey\Johnny Curtis\Fandango (43)
Akira Tozawa (41)
Melissa Cervantes\Thunder Rosa (40)
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 John Woronick\The Great Mephisto 7-22-1968 at the age of 57
“Two Ton” Tony Galento 7-22-1979 at the age of 69
Randy Tyler 7-22-2002 at the age of 51
Larry Pitchford\Beauregard 7-22-2024 at the age of 88
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Community Update
Tragos-Thesz Hall of Fame Induction Speech
Here is the video of the introduction by John Bradshaw Layfield, the induction by George Schire and my acceptance speech of the James C. Melby Award as I am inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class.
WATCH HERE
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 72
Hey fight fans, Tony Richards here with another loaded episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!
On Episode 72, Steve Gennerelli joins me as we step back into 1976 for a deep dive into the WWWF. We break down the dramatic Bruno Sammartino broken neck angle, the heated return match against Stan Hansen, and the massive impact it had on the territory. Plus, we examine the historic Inoki vs. Ali mixed wrestler-versus-boxer match and share more key insights into the WWWF during that pivotal year.
I’m also excited to launch a brand-new recurring segment: The Life and Career of Dory Funk Sr.! We kick things off by looking back at the significant events of 1965 and how they set the stage for the pivotal year of 1966. Then we head 60 years back in time to the Wild West Texas rings of Western States Sports for some raw, hard-hitting territory history.
And finally, the one and only George Schire returns to the show to answer a fan question with his personal thoughts on the Top 5 AWA World Heavyweight Champions of all time!
This is a stacked episode packed with territory-era gold you don’t want to miss.
Episode 72 is live now here on Substack and on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your favorite platforms.
If you love old-school wrestling history, hit play, please subscribe and leave a review, and let us know what you think. Keep those questions and topic requests coming!
We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel!
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel YouTube Channel Enhancements
If you love territory-era wrestling history, you need to head over to The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel YouTube Channel right now!
We’re updating the channel every single day with:
• Full episodes of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show
• Exclusive clips and highlights from the podcast
• My guest appearances on other shows
• And a massive library of classic matches
I’ve just gone through and added over 70 new videos of matches to our curated 1976 playlist — giving you an incredible day-by-day look at one of the most important years in wrestling history that is one of our main themes and most popular segments of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show!
Whether you want the full deep-dive episodes or quick hits of territory gold, the Time Tunnel YouTube Channel is your daily destination for old-school wrestling content.
Subscribe, hit the bell, and never miss a new upload!
Search Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel on YouTube or click the link in my bio / Substack.
Let’s keep the territory era alive — one video at a time!
The History of Texas Wrestling
Hey wrestling fans!
The History of Texas Wrestling Episode 6 drops this Thursday morning wherever you get your podcasts on Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw!
Join Gerry, John, and Tony Richards as they continue this incredible journey through the growth of professional wrestling across the massive state of Texas. In this episode, we dive deep into the 1930s and explore:
• The fascinating relationship between Morris Sigel in Houston and Ed McLemore in Dallas — with Tony’s personal hero Doc Sarpolis right in the middle
• The grand opening of the iconic Sportatorium in Dallas
• The first tag team match in Houston
• The amazing character Leo “Daniel Boone” Whiskers Savage — who drew huge money in Houston during the depths of the Great Depression and became the Texas version of the World Heavyweight Champion following his memorable match with Danno O’Mahoney
• How passionate fans followed Whiskers through the streets of Houston and much, much more!
This series just keeps getting better. If you love old-school territory history and the roots of Texas wrestling, you don’t want to miss Episode 6.
The History of Texas Wrestling Episode 6 – Available Thursday morning on all major podcast platforms.
Subscribe, download, and tell a friend. The Texas wrestling story is unfolding one legendary chapter at a time!
This Week in The Daily Chronicle (July 19 – July 25, 2026)
Good morning, Time Tunnel family! Here’s your guide to another great week of territory-era history in the only daily newsletter dedicated to the golden age of wrestling:
Sunday, July 19 – Issue 460: 1976 Quarterly Review – NWA Hollywood / Los Angeles Territory
We spotlight the action in one of the flashiest territories of the era, covering key storylines, talent, and business developments in Los Angeles during 1976.
Monday, July 20 – Issue 461: 7 Stages of the Territory Era – Stage 6: Fragmentation
A worldwide look at the state of pro wrestling in July 1976 as the territorial system showed increasing signs of strain and change.
Tuesday, July 21 – Issue 462: The Life and Career of Lord Alfred Hayes
From his British roots to his memorable run as a heel manager and commentator in the AWA and beyond — the distinguished “Lord” of the microphone.
Wednesday, July 22 – Issue 463: Community UpdateThe weekly roundup of everything happening in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel community — latest episodes, upcoming events, reader feedback, and more.
Thursday, July 23 – Issue 464: The Life and Career of Hercules CortezA tribute to the powerful Mexican star known for his strength and charisma in the AWA and other territories.
Friday, July 24 – Issue 465: The Life and Career of Rip Oliver
The tough Pacific Northwest heel and multi-time champion who brought intensity and attitude wherever he wrestled.
Saturday, July 25 – Issue 466: The Life and Career of Shag Thomas
A look at the career of the popular and resilient wrestler known for his work in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Don’t miss a single issue of The Daily Chronicle — your daily destination for Territory Era Wrestling History!
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.