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Many of the early television broadcasts were wrestling matches. Since wrestling takes place on a small "stage", it was easy and inexpensive to telecast. So, in a sense, TV and pro wrestling grew up together.
Gorgeous George is a solid choice along with Vern Gagne and Bruno Sammartino.
Those 3 I think pretty much got pro wrestling the notoriety it needed to where it really took off with the likes of Hulk Hogan and The Rock.
Incidentally, Vern Gagne died this year at 89. While in the nursing home and battling dementia from all the concussions he had through his life, he actually grabbed another resident and body slammed him. The other resident was sent to the hospital where he later died. Because Gagne was advanced enough in his dementia it was ruled that he didn't really know what he was doing and wasn't charge.
Looking at the Wikipedia article, I was surprised to learn that pro wrestling has its roots in the 1800s, maybe earlier. It was often a sideshow attraction at carnivals.
Looking at the Wikipedia article, I was surprised to learn that pro wrestling has its roots in the 1800s, maybe earlier. It was often a sideshow attraction at carnivals.
With the popularity of MMA, pro wrestling is starting to slide back to the sideshow category.
I once saw Andre' the Giant wrestle in the tiny town of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota in approx. 1981 or 1982. I was in the area for business and got a room at the local motel. I noticed a poster advertising pro wrestling at the high school gym. Found a seat on an aisle of the main floor and had a ball watching the preliminary bouts. Andre' was the main event (duh) against an Englishman I believe was named Billy Robinson. Waiting for the wrestlers to walk in the ring I heard the entire crowd gasp. In walked Andre' right by my chair sporting the afro he used to wear. He looked 8' tall and had the biggest rear end I'd ever seen.
I've seen some imposing people over my 60 years, but no one tops seeing Andre' up close.
With the popularity of MMA, pro wrestling is starting to slide back to the sideshow category.
I once saw Andre' the Giant wrestle in the tiny town of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota in approx. 1981 or 1982. I was in the area for business and got a room at the local motel. I noticed a poster advertising pro wrestling at the high school gym. Found a seat on an aisle of the main floor and had a ball watching the preliminary bouts. Andre' was the main event (duh) against an Englishman I believe was named Billy Robinson. Waiting for the wrestlers to walk in the ring I heard the entire crowd gasp. In walked Andre' right by my chair sporting the afro he used to wear. He looked 8' tall and had the biggest rear end I'd ever seen.
I've seen some imposing people over my 60 years, but no one tops seeing Andre' up close.
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(Ha!), but then I decided to use my little friend, Google, and got this:
