Welcome To Memphis Wrestling History

News & Site Updates:

Oct 19, 2009
Here's a short clip from Austin Idol's new shoot interview. The dvd is produced by Highspots and comes out in a few weeks. Click HERE to order the dvd from Highspots.com.

Oct 2, 2009
I emailed with Dutch Mantell yesterday. He's started writing a blog and so far it's a wonderful read! I've added it to my links page, but you can also click Dutch's image below to go directly to the blog.

Sept 16, 2009

Just posted my review of Ron Hall's great new book. Click the above image to read the review. The book is available for purchase now!

Sept 13, 2009
Things with the 1982 book are looking good, Jerry Jarrett just agreed to write the book's foreword.

On another note, I was interviewed for a new project that will highlight the amazing and legendary Sputnik Monroe. If anyone has any memories of Sputnik, (saw his matches, knew him, or anything else) please email those memories to memphiswrestling@gmail.com

August 31, 2009
With my laptop finally getting back from Alienware, I've been able to start back on my book, "MWH Vol 3: 1982". I've already mentioned the good conversation I had with Jim Cornette early last week, but by the end of the week I also had good talks with the WWE's Jim Ross and Memphis Wrestling mainstay, "Dirty" Dutch Mantel. More to come!

August 24, 2009
This afternoon I had a wonderful conversation with Jim Cornette. It's great to know that even after all these years, Jim's still a huge fan of the old days of Memphis Wrestling. Jim has an excellent website up now and is always putting new content out there. Just go to JimCornette.com to see what Jim is up to.

Speaking of Cornette, a few months ago he released his first book, a 25th anniversary of Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express. It's truly an amazing book and there are absolutely none out there that look any better. Between the match-ups, Jim's funny stories, behind-the-scenes stuff and amazing photos, this book is a slamdunk! If you watched wrestling in the 1970s, 1980s or 1990s, do yourself a favor and get this book now! You won't be disappointed.

Click the image to open Jim's book
page and order his book today!

Also in my conversation with Jim, I discovered he has just released a 2-dvd set of rare Midnight Express matches from the 1980s, (vs the Rock n Roll Express, the Road Warriors, Tully Blanchard and Arn Anderson, 4 hours of action in all).

Click the image to open Jim's DVD
page and order his book today!

August 16, 2009
Jerry Lawler's bid for mayor of Memphis is jumping into overdrive. I feel that some people's opinion that Jerry's bid is a publicity stunt are mistaken. It appears that the King is serious about this. I wish Jerry all the luck in the world and will post any major updates right here on my website.

The King has also started a new campaign website. It is jerrylawler2009.com

August 13, 2009
I've only heard good things about the Charlotte fanfest. It seems that everyone had an amazing time there. I just read the post that Lance Russell made on his website and he was thrilled to be there.

Lance Russell, Dave Brown & Me

Jerry Jarrett made some comments about it as well. Apparently it made such an impression that he plans to start attending more of the reunion shows. (I'm not sure if the Jarrett Facebook link requires you to be logged in to view it.)

Lastly, Scott Bowden also has a bunch of post up from his fanfest activities ( 1, 2 or 3 )

August 10, 2009
There is only one, "Handsome Jimmy"

August 08, 2009
Charlotte Fanfest has been amazing this weekend. Sat morning saw Scott Bowden's Roundtable discussion with Jerry Jarrett, Lance Russell and Dave Brown. To state simply, it was brilliant. You could hear the love for wrestling still in their voices as Dave and Lance talked about all the wonderful old angles of Memphis Wrestling. Jerry Jarrett was equally enjoyable as he chimed in frequently to tell the little known behind-the-scenes stories behind the angles. What it showed was how much we Memphis Wrestling fans have lost. It was so enjoyable to just stand there for an hour and a half and listen to these guys talking with the same zeal as they did twenty to thirty years ago. I was so sad when it was over. I personally want to thank Greg Price for allowing Scott Bowden to pull together and host this Memphis Roundtable.

Lance Russell, Dave Brown & Jerry Jarrett, along with moderator Scott Bowden

Another thing that I enjoyed was finally getting to meet, face-to-face all of these guys who I've only been contacting through email and and over the phone. Guys like: Jerry Jarrett, Jackie Fargo, Jim Cornette, Lance Russell and Dave Brown. I was surprised to see many copies of my books at the show and was more than happy to sign them for anyone that wanted it.

Scott Bowden, Jerry Jarrett and myself

As soon as I get home Sunday night, I promise to write up more about the wonderful time I had in Charlotte this weekend, (as well as post more pictures).

August 3, 2009
Just a short book update today. Last week I mentioned two new interviews that I was working on for my new book, "MWH Vol3". I'm glad to let everyone know that I just got through interviewing legendary Memphis referee Jerry Calhoun. I can't remember Jerry talking to anyone in depth about the glory days of Memphis Wrestling before. I think the fans will enjoy hearing Jerry's thoughts and perceptions on some of the bigger happenings of 1982, like: the Lawler-Kaufman feud, the Fabs forming and their popularity, Jim Cornette becoming a manager and more.

As always, I'll keep everyone updated as more interviews happen and on the release date as it inches forward.

August 2, 2009
Here's a really great article on the Fabulous One, Jackie Fargo. Jackie will be in attendance next weekend in Charlotte, NC at the Fanfest. He and the rest of "The Fargos" will be inducted into the "Hall of Heroes"

Click image to open the articel on Jackie Fargo

August 1, 2009
Scott Bowden continues to highlight next weekends Charlotte Fanfest. If you ever wanted to have a chance to win a real wrestling belt, this crticle by Scott will explain how. The belt in question is one of a kind and made by west TN's own Dave Millican.

Click image to open Scott article.

Want To Know What's Here?
I've tried to collect everything I could on Memphis Wrestling, (cards, matches, results, newspaper clippings, program art, etc). I've been lucky enough to get access to some excellent old items that include newspaper clippings & photos all the way back to the 1940's. Some of the people in this special collection include: Wrestlers ( Sputnik Monroe, Jackie Fargo, Billy Wicks, Tojo Yamamoto, Jerry Lawler, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski & Andre the Giant) as well as Promoters (Roy Welch, John Regus & Les Wolfe) from decades gone by. I even threw together an Andy Kaufman page .

In putting this site together, I've even been able to put out a book. There's so many cards & results out here ( 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993), that they are broken down by complete year. Just look at the main menu at the top of this page to access them. We even have all the Memphis cards & results that featured the World Heavyweight Champion for the 60's, 70's & 80's, or all together).

If you can't find something you're looking for, use the menu bar at the top ov every page. If it's on my website, it's in my menu.

A recent addition to the website is interviews. The first one i did was with Julien Nitzberg, who is the screewriter to the new Sputnik Monroe movie. A more recent interview was done with Scott Bowden. Another new thing I've been trying is online polls If your thing is wrestling belts, I've even got a great collection of photos.

Before you leave, be sure to give us your feedback on what you think about the website, or even sign up for our free mailing list. Don't worry, we keep your email addresses private.

July 30, 2009
More Austin Idol news... Scott Bowden has posted two great article on him, (Part 1 & Part 2). As usual, Scott's commentaries are a fun and an informative read. I highly recommend you take a minute and read both pieces.

Speaking of the Universal Heartthrob, I got an email from Austin yesterday and he's posted another video on YouTube. From what I've heard so far, it sounds like he is going to run for the Mayor's job in Tampa FL.

Click here to see Austin's latest video!

July 29, 2009
Here's a book update... It was a long time coming, but last week I was able to do an interview with Dave Brown for my new book (Memphis 1982). Dave had some wonderful insights into the history of Memphis Wrestling and I believe everyone will enjoy readying his comments. Dave was more than willing to answer all the questions I had. Besides being a great weatherman, Dave is a great guy who had nothing but wonderful things to say about the old days of Memphis Wrestling. He was also very complimentary about this website and the books we've already put out.

Truly the best tag team in Memphis history!
Lance Russell & Dave Brown: Early 1980s

July 15, 2009
We all had a great time at the Memphis library last night. Even though there wasn't much publicity for the event, we still had a full house. The library officials said this was the biggest turnout they have ever had for any of their Summer "Local Experts" series. Click HERE to see the photos my wife took of the event.

I've heard that Tommy Gilbert in some pain, but at home after his surgery last week. A full recovery is expected, though it is expected to take 6 months.

Finally... Apparently Jerry Lawler isn't the only one talking about running for mayor. Down in Tampa,FL hometown son Austin Idol is saying he's close to throwing his hat in the ring to run for the job as Tampa's mayor. As soon as I hear more, I'll post it here.

July 01, 2009
Last night I exchanged emails with the Universal Heartthrob, Austin Idol. Sounds like his book is coming along nicely. He's already booked for the Charlotte Fanfest in August, but I'm also getting indications that he might be showing up a lot closer to home. Austin always did leave the fans wanting more.

May 03, 2009
The CAC Reunion was a lot of fun. I got to meet a ton of great people and some wrestlers I grew up watching, (like Nick Bockwinkel, Harley Race and Terry Funk.)

As stated last month, both of my books are now available at Amazon.com to order them. Click HERE to find them, or just goto Amazon.com and do a search for "Memphis Wrestling History". My 2 books should come up first

Feb 09, 2009
Monday is here and so is the promised interview. The mystery wrestler I mentioned last week is no other than former AWA world heavyweight champion, Nick Bockwinkel. Click HERE to go to the transcript of the interview.

Jan 04, 2009

I've posted a review of the new Mickey Rourke movie, "The Wrestler". Don't read the review if you don't want to know what happens, (because it's filled with tons of spoilers.) Just click HERE to go to the review page.

Aug 16, 2008
Just got my new belt. It's the version of the United States Heavyweight Title that was used by Jim Crockett Promotions in the early-to-mid 1980s. Some of the people that held that belt are: Greg Valentine, Roddy Piper, Wahoo McDaniel, Tully Blanchard and Magnum T.A. (Terry Allen). The belt was made by Dave Millican. After holding the actual US belt in my hands, this one has exceeded my expectations! If you are a fan of any of the old wrestling belts, I highly recommend getting in touch with Dave about ordering your favorite old (or new) wrestling belt.

Click on pic to see a full size image

June 11, 2008
To find out more about my latest book, "Memphis Wrestling History Vol2", just CLICK HERE.

May 03, 2008
From 1976, a classic magazine cover. Click on the cover image to open a full size image of it. If you're interested in getting a copy of it, email me because my copy is for sell.