Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk

In Episode 107 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, All-Saints Day, Greg:

Talks about the life of and HOF candidacy of Bill Dundee.

Looks at three programs from the sale pile that never made it to the sale:

Lake Charles in 1962.

Dallas in 1973.

Atlanta in 1979.

My substack about old school rasslin is now live and is free for September! Check out www.gregkleinsoldschoolrasslin.substack.com.

My new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check me out talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

In Episode 106 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, What Happens After the Big Show?, Greg:

Discusses his blog posts about Houston Wrestling in 1970.

Details the big September show and dissects how the promotion gets past the top babyface not winning the NWA World Title.

Goes through a month of Houston cards.

Discusses the Fonde Red Center, the Sam Houston Coliseum and the City Auditorium.

Looks at how the promotion manages to do another big show a month later.

Pulls out the Kansas City 1970 program that Baron Von Raschke signed.

My substack about old school rasslin is now live and is free for September! Check out www.gregkleinsoldschoolrasslin.substack.com.

My new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check me out talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

In Episode 105 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Birthday Episode, Greg:

Welcomes Rice University professor Geoff Winningham to the show for the first time.

Greg and Geoff ...

Discuss Geoff's great book about Houston Wrestling, Friday Night in the Coliseum.

Geoff discusses how he found Houston Wrestling.

Geoff speaks about Paul Boesch the person.

Geoff explains his philosophy of photography.

Greg looks at a 1953 program he got for his birthday.

My substack about old school rasslin is now live and is free for September! Check out www.gregkleinsoldschoolrasslin.substack.com.

My new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check me out talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

In Episode 104 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Nicky Bock Appreciation Society, Greg:

Welcomes AWA historian George Schire to the show for the first time.

Greg and George ...

Discuss George's fandom of and friendship with Nick Bockwinkel.

Greg asks for information about Warren Bockwinkel, and wonders if Nick was the best second-generation wrestler ever.

George discusses Nick's early life and his amazing trainers.

Both guys marvel at Nick's interview skills.

G&G answer the question, what can 21st century wrestlers learn from Nick Bockwinkel?

My substack about old school rasslin is now live and is free for September! Check out www.gregkleinsoldschoolrasslin.substack.com.

My new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check me out talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

In Episode 103 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Another suspicious fire?, Greg:

Updates the San Antonio research with information on who promoted Alamo Sports in 1980.

Revisits the 1980s war in South Texas and his hypothesis that it wasn't a heated battle.

Reads a Mark Nulty column about the death of Southwest Championship Wrestling.

Discovers another article about a suspicious fire in Texas wrestling history.

Repeats a new peace of information from Houston Wrestling in 1977 in regard to Harley Race's no-show.

My substack about old school rasslin is now live and is free for September! Check out www.gregkleinsoldschoolrasslin.substack.com.

Greg's new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

In Episode 102 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Shuffle off to Buffalo, Greg:

Invites Steven Gennarelli back to the show to talk about Buffalo wrestling and the WWF expansion into the Rust Belt.

Greg and Steve explore the history of Buffalo wrestling.

Talk about the Upstate NY territory of 19 cities in the mid-20th century.

Think about the 1960s and the various ways it affected the midwestern promotions.

Discuss Bob Backlund and the end of his reign as WWF champion.

Look at Buffalo cards from 1980 to 1983 as it changes from a Crockett town to a WWF town.

Greg's new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com/ to see it. You can now order signed copies of all his books there!

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

In Episode 101 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, San Antonio Dreaming, Greg:

Starts to think about how a book on San Antonio wrestling might look.

Compared Tony Richards' stages of a territory to a prospective chapter outline.

Looks at a 1972 article about promoter Dorathy Livengood.

Compares the short time span of Joe Blanchard's Southwest Championship Wrestling (1977-1985) to Livengood/Brown's run (1944 to 1977).

Examines the known opposition cards in San Antonio in the 1980s and talks about the prospect of in being a two-promotion town.

Greg's new website for wrestling, book selling and all things TV and film production is now live. Go to https://www.gregkleinpresents.com to see it.

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

In Episode 100 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Tragos-Thesz Episode, Greg:

Recounts his trip to Waterloo, Iowa for the 27th annual George Tragos-Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Induction.

Sums up the visit in four photos.

Recounts the simple way James Beard spoke about the Sportatorium fire.

Revels in his times hanging out with Charlie Thesz and Baron Von Raschke.

Thanks to Tony Richards for the great view of the weekend.

Thinks out loud about what his next wrestling book might be about.

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

Episode 99: USA 217

In Episode 99 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, USA 217, Greg:

Looks at Jan. 1993 television for Austin Idol's USA Wrestling program out of Dothan's TV 18 studios.

Laughs about how everyone puts Idol over like he is Poochie from the Simpsons.

Questions if a TV studio show is the way to go in 1993.

Praises Joey Maggs, the Bullet and Scott Armstrong.

Throws some shade at Idol, Larry Santos, Simply Divine and the foreign menaces.

Questions if USA would have been better off in 1983.

Recaps where and when he was dropped into the world of USA and how it went.

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

Episode 98: The Texas Rasslin' Edition

In Episode 98 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Texas Rasslin' Edition, Greg:

Opens a delayed discussion about his new book The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s.

Makes a list of the 10 things he learned or are his takeaways from the year he spent researching and writing the book.

Heralds the Jack Pfefer Collection at the Father Ted Hesburgh Library at University of Notre Dame and its unparalleled contribution to wrestling history.

Talks about his new-found interest in Tommy "Your Boy Izzy" Phelps, Ricki Starr and Danny McShain.

Wonders if Dizzy Davis was the biggest con man in the history of wrestling.

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

Episode 97: The Jerry Grey tribute

In Episode 97 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Jerry Grey Tribute, Greg:

Welcomes Bob Cook to the show.

Bob and Greg discuss "Golden Boy" Jerry Grey as a friend, a mentor, a worker and a promoter.

Bob talks about his Mighty Yankees tag team with Jerry and their matches against Bad Company and Graham & Keirn.

Greg notes Jerry's path through the territories and his evolution as a promoter.

Bob laughs about the Memphis rib Jerry played on him.

Greg gives some tips on good Jerry Grey matches to watch as well as a list of Jerry's personal favorite matches.

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s, Greg's fourth book, is onsale now online. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737863529

Episode 96: The Fourth Anniversary Show

In Episode 96 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Fourth Anniversary Show, Greg:

Celebrates four years of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk.

Thinks about how his life has changes and how the show has changed his life.

Goes back to basics with some Paul Boesch and Houston Wrestling talk.

Nails down (finally!) the date Gulf Athletic Club becomes Best of Texas Wrestling Inc. and when Bill Watts buys into the program.

Debuts some new collection gems, including the book Houston Wrestling sold to commemorate Jack Brisco's NWA title win in July 1973.

Unearths a single-page pullout that Houston Wrestling inserted into the March 2, 1973 programs to advise fans about Dory Funk Junior's "Accident Heard 'Round the World."

Check out Greg talking about Morris Sigel and Houston Wrestling on Great Day Houston KHOU 20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCMpn_1nLtg

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day.

Episode 95: June Gloom

In Episode 95 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, June Gloom, Mississippi, Greg:

Looks at the television for June 1984 in the Mid South Wrestling Association.

Counts the weeks until JYD leaves.

Says goodbye to Ito, Poffo and Mr. Wrestling.

Wonders why they keep putting Sonny King in the ring with awful workers.

Questions the debuts of Jay Youngblood and the Fantastics.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 94: One Night Only in Lucedale, Mississippi

In Episode 94 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, One Night Only in Lucedale, Mississippi, Greg:

Celebrates the anniversary of his first match, April 16, 1993, in Lucedale, MS.

Talks about breaking into the wrestling business in 1993.

Remembers the scoundrels who broke him in.

Goes through six Super Pro Wrestling posters from spring 1993 for shows in five cities in AL and MS.

Lists some of the early episodes to look for if you want to hear more about his wrestling career.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 93: The Dennis Condrey Tribute

In Episode 93 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Dennis Condrey Tribute, Greg:

Welcomes Tony Richards back to the show.

Greg and Tony:

Pay tribute to Dennis Condrey, north Alabama legend and worker extraordinaire.

Tony discusses Condrey's early days in wrestling and his roots in the Tennessee territories.

Both men explain why Condrey and Eaton is the best version of the Midnight Express.

Look at other tag teams Condrey was in, especially with Phil Hickerson and David Schultz.

Greg lists some Dennis Condrey matches on YouTube you can check out this week.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 92: the Gorilla Position

In Episode 92 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, The Gorilla Position, Greg:

Welcomes Brian Solomon back to the show.

Greg and Brian:

Discuss Brian's wresting fandom, his WWE career and his preference for early 1990s wrestling to the late 90s stuff.

Talk all things Gorilla Monsoon, including his somewhat forgotten 1960s in-ring career, his importance to Black Saturday and his relationship with Vinnie McMahon.

Look at his relationship with Bobby "the Brain" Heenan.

Wonder about a WWF with Gorilla in charge.

See the WWF evolution through the eyes of Gorilla.

Lay out the tragic last years of his life.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 91: Every Dog Needs a Bone to Chew On

In Episode 91 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Every Dog Needs a Bone to Chew On, Greg:

Reviews the television for the Mid South Wrestling Association from May 1984.

Notices the sweeps month programming.

Tries to balance his dislike of Joel Watts as an announcer with his admiration for what Joel does well and his accomplishments at age 20.

Laughs about how much Boyd Pierce puts Joel over.

Continues to be stunned by the crowds of girls now in attendance at the tapings.

Discusses the upcoming end of the JYD era in MSWA, and the end of the long, well-booked feud between Mr Wrestling (II) and Magnum T.A.

Observes the way MSWA handles the tar and feathering of JYD and the thoughtful interview Sonny King does in his debut.

Marvels at the match between the Rock-N-Roll Express and the Midnight Express.

Greg invites everyone to attend The Made by New York Women Film Festival in Oneonta, NY, on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 90: A Decided Highlander

In Episode 90 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, A Decided Highlander, Greg:

Welcomes author Ian Douglass to the show for the first time.

Greg and Ian discuss his newest book, about Scottish influence in professional wrestling.

Delve into his stories about writing autobiographies for Steve Keirn, Mike Rotundo, Bugsy McGraw and more.

Discuss the history of Black wrestling and how to record subject matter that uses terms that are offensive or no longer used today.

Greg retells his Bugsy McGraw story from the year he worked for Jerry Grey.

Ian talks about his writing process and how different it is to write history vs. autobiographies.

Greg invites everyone to attend The Made by New York Women Film Festival in Oneonta, NY, on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 89: Two Refs Enter, One Ref Leaves

In Episode 89 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two Refs Enter, One Ref Leaves, Greg:

Looks at an angle in Dallas in 1954 as referees Otto Kuss and Jim Blood take issue with one another.

Talks about the dating of team matches in wrestling.

Reviews the lack of success of the first team match in Houston.

Looks forward to the Mid South Wrestling Association reviews in 1985 and talks about the spring and summer of tag team main events in Houston.

Gives an update on his book, The Texas Rasslin' War(s) of the 1950s.

Invites everyone to attend The Made by New York Women Film Festival in Oneonta, NY, on Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."

Episode 88: Two IIs on One

In Episode 88 of Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk, Two IIs on One, Greg:

Reviews the Mid South Wrestling Association's TV shows for April 1984.

Notices how hard the promotion is working to keep the crowds up following the Last Stampede.

Declares the Magnum T.A. project complete and T.A. a full-fledged headliner.

Enjoys the babyface AF performance by Terry Taylor.

Wonders why Butch Reed and Buddy Landel would rather embarrass Stagger Lee instead of unmask him.

Laughs at the Superdate at the Superdome contest and its rules.

Check out Greg's column about Morris Sigel on Slam Wrestling. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2024/10/11/guest-column-elect-morris-sigel-to-the-observer-hall-of-fame/

Greg Klein's Old School Rasslin Talk is sponsored by Greg and his written work. His newest release, "Sunset Painting & The Sun, Two Plays by Greg Klein," is on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com, as are his previous books: The Junkyard Dog biography, "The King of New Orleans" and the historic fiction, sports novel, "The Paper Tigers, How Eight Guys from the Streets of Philadelphia Became Professional Baseball Players for One Day."