The week in review is a compilation of the research, writing, audio and video output of Tony Richards and the team at the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
This Past Week’s Issues of Our Daily Wrestling History Newsletter, The Daily Chronicle:
One Territory Era chapter every day: personalities, territories, towns & buildings that built pro wrestling
Sunday, June 14th, 2026:
Issue 425: Flashback 1976 Q2 Analysis (April-June): Georgia Championship Wrestling
Monday, June 15th, 2026:
Issue 426:7 Stages of the Territory Era: Stage 5 Consolidation June 1966
Tuesday, June 16th, 2026:
Issue 427: The Life and Career of Alberto Torres, ONE Thing I Learned About Buddy Roberts
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026:
Thursday, June 18th, 2026:
Issue 429: The Life and Career of Dick Murdoch, ONE Thing I Learned About Big Van Vade
Friday, June 19th, 2026:
Issue 430: The Life and Career of Abe Jacobs, ONE Thing I Learned About El Canek
Saturday, June 20th, 2026:
Special Premium Content for Our Paid Subscribers
From a butcher shop worker and high school cross-country runner with no prior pro experience, he debuted in late 1934 and claimed versions of the World Heavyweight Championship by mid-1936—at just 23 years old, becoming one of the youngest recognized world champions of the era.
His story exemplifies the chaotic, fragmented world title landscape of the 1930s, where multiple promoters, state athletic commissions, and “trusts” (booking alliances) recognized competing claimants. Levin’s ascent blended genuine athletic talent, rapid in-ring development, shrewd management (notably by Jack Pfefer and later Toots Mondt), and opportunistic booking amid title splintering following the Dick Shikat “shoot” on Danno O’Mahony and subsequent disputes.
Monday, June 15th, 2026:
Tracking The World Champions: The Rise of Dave Levin To The World Title in 1936
In the rich tapestry of the Orton wrestling dynasty—spanning generations from Bob Orton Sr. (“The Big O”) through “Cowboy” Bob Orton Jr. to the modern apex predator Randy Orton—Barry Orton often stands as one of the more enigmatic and overlooked figures. Born Randal Berry Orton on May 28, 1958, in Amarillo, Texas, he carried the family name and bloodline into the squared circle, yet his heart was never fully committed to the grappling game. A talented musician at his core, Barry entered wrestling almost by necessity after a near-miss record deal, treating it as a temporary detour rather than a lifelong calling. His career, marked by solid journeyman work, memorable gimmicks, championship wins in the territories, a high-profile role in one of wrestling’s darkest scandals, and a later pivot to acting, embodies the complex realities of second-generation wrestlers navigating family legacy, personal demons, and industry pitfalls.
Friday, June 19th, 2026:
Family Tradition: The Orton Family, Barry Orton
The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show
It’s Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show as we continue our 1976 Territory Review Series!
I am joined by Greg Klein as we roll into the heart of Texas in 1976 and dive deep into one of the hottest territories in the NWA: Big Time Wrestling out of Dallas. From the roads stretching between Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Houston, and Austin, a stacked roster of talent was tearing it up night after night in arenas big and small.
Homegrown hero and NWA American Champion Fritz Von Erich was the beating heart of the promotion. The legendary Iron Claw was working overtime as Fritz anchored fantastic programs, most notably his intense heel feud with The Mongolian Stomper, managed by the cunning J.J. Dillon. These battles had Texas fans on the edge of their seats week after week.
The territory was so hot that even top stars were navigating carefully. The great Red Bastien was reportedly steering somewhat clear of the red-hot scene, while still making selective appearances like his time-limit draw with Rick Martel on the big card.
The crown jewel of the year? The Super Bowl of Wrestling on June 5, 1976, at Texas Stadium in Irving. One of the biggest shows of the year drew a massive crowd (reported around 17,000) for a star-studded supercard. In the main event, NWA World Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk hooked up with Fritz Von Erich in a sizzling title match that spilled outside and ended in a double count-out, further fueling the ongoing Von Erich vs. Funk family feud that had Texas (and beyond) buzzing.
Catch Episode 67 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show:
Wednesday, June 17th, 2026:
Tony’s Media Appearances This Past Week
Friday, June 19th, 2026:
On this episode of Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw, Gerald Brisco and John Layfield welcome renowned wrestling historian Tony Richards for the first installment of a special series exploring the fascinating history of professional wrestling in the great state of Texas. From the legendary territories that helped shape the wrestling business to the larger-than-life promoters, performers, and rivalries that captivated generations of fans, Tony takes listeners on a journey through one of wrestling’s most important regions. The guys discuss the origins of Texas wrestling, the unique culture that made it thrive, and the stars who became household names under the bright lights of the Lone Star State. If you’re a fan of wrestling history, classic territory wrestling, and the larger-than-life characters who built the business, you won’t want to miss the kickoff to this exciting new series on Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw!
Thank You for Reading, Listening and Watching
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share the history of pro wrestling territory era in each content vehicle of the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel. We publish the Week-In-Review each Sunday as a digest for our community members. 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 who contribute and invest in the work I do to preserve the history of the territory era.