It’s 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.
This week’s episode of Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Episode 64 should be in your inbox this morning if you are a subscriber here at the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel! You can also see the video version here on Substack and at our YouTube Channel plus download the audio version of our show on your favorite podcast provider platform.
Here’s the archive of our regular podcast episodes for 2026:
Episode 52: Brian R. Solomon 2025 Book of the Year Surprise Party Celebration
Episode 53: 2026 Mailbag Episode 1
Episode 54: The Pro Wrestling World of Ian Douglass
Episode 55: The Dennis Condrey Tribute Show
Episode 57: Wrestlemania 42 Weekend
The 1976 Territory Review Series:
Episode 56: Herb Simmons and Darla Staggs and the 1976 Review of St. Louis Wrestling Club
Episode 58: Howard Baum and Steve Keirn and the 1976 Review of Championship Wrestling from Florida
Episode 59: Steve Gennarelli and the 1976 Review of the World Wide Wrestling Federation
Episode 62: Todd Goss and the 1976 Review of Jim Crockett Promotions and Mid Atlantic Wrestling
Episode 63: Michael Norris and the1976 Review: Gulf Coast Championship Wrestling
Towns of The Territories Series:
Episode 60: Towns of the Tennessee Territory: Sean Dulaney and Evansville, Indiana
The 1985 Territory Review Series:
Episode 40: Steve Gennerelli and the 1985 Territory Review of The World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
Episode 43: Lance Peterson and the 1985 Territory Review of World Class Championship Wrestling
Episode 44: Tim Dills and the 1985 Territory Review of Memphis Wrestling
Episode 45: George Schire and the 1985 Territory Review of The AWA
Episode 48: Jammie Ward and the 1985 Territory Review of Jim Crockett Promotions
Episode 50: Greg Klein and the 1985 Territory Review of Mid-South Wrestling
Episode 51: Mike Rodgers & Frank Culbertson and the 1985 Territory Review of Portland Wrestling
Special Bonus Episodes In 2026:
Special Bonus Episode 47: Lizzy Flanagan and the 40th Annniversary of the Passing of Gino Hernandez
Special Bonus Episode 61: Brian R. Solomon and Bob Smith, Tribute to Ted Turner
Thank You for Watching and Listening
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 and each episode of our podcast show. Thanks for your support! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
Remember, Premium subscribers 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 Subscribers. Being a Premium Subscriber also means you support me in my efforts to document Pro Wrestling History through my research, writing, books, vidoes and podcasts. And…I have something very special planned for our Premium Subscribers on the Podcast side of things in 2026! Details soon here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.
