Jul 26, 2018

Rex King (Timothy Smith) September 8, 1961 – January 9, 2017 ~ Rest In Peace

     I'm not sure where I've been, but I didn't hear that Rex King had died.  Rex came to wrestle in the Northwest in late 1988 or early 1989.  He wasn't super popular to start off with, but a good wrestler.  Once it was announced that Scott Peterson would be leaving the Southern Rockers, Rex King was named as his replacement.  I wasn't too impressed.  Mostly, because I was 13, loved Scott Peterson, and wanted things to remain the same.  Even though Steve and Rex were a great team and VERY popular, I remained salty about the whole thing.  I later watched a bunch of matches with Steve and Rex together and realized that they really were a great team.  Rex, like most of the wrestlers, was always super nice to me.  Thanks for your years of hard work and dedication to your audience Rex.
     After Rex died, his mother started a Go Fund Me to pay for his funeral expenses.  The original amount was $2,500.  Apparently he had been in a bad way for years after several neck and head injuries.  Chris Jericho came forward and paid the entire amount.  He said that Rex had been good to him, early in his career, and he wanted to help out.  The amount has since been bumped up to $15,000 and the account is still active.  If you want to contribute visit the Go Fund Me page.





Jul 25, 2018

Wrestling Spectacular III - May 21, 1986? - Seattle Center Arena - Newspaper Clipping


I think this is 1986. Correct me if I am wrong.
Looks like a fun card.

Rocky "Soulman" Johnson in attendance. 
Brady Boone and Coco Samoa seem like an odd pair.
I wonder what the other bouts are?

Jul 23, 2018

Some interesting ebay items from 1972!

Both of these items are currently available on ebay.  
Click the photos to be linked to the listings.
The Ringside Reporter seems like a great look at what was happening in the NW at that time.

Ringside-Reporter-Wrestling-Fan-Newspaper-Portland-oregon


Jul 13, 2018

Steve Doll Promo Pics -80's and 90's

These photos, along with about 100 others adorned the walls of my bedroom in my preteen years.
My friends had New Kids on the Block and I had the Southern Rockers.

Probably 1988, taken at the Milwaukie Health Club

1990

1990, taken on Portland's Waterfront.

From USWA  

WWF or later.

1990.

No D.Q. Falls Count Anywhere - October 28, 1982 - Newspaper Clipping


No DQ, Falls Count Anywhere?  If you heard hardcore wrestlers of the 90's and early 00's talk, they invented these types of matches.

Jul 12, 2018

World's 8th Wonder - Andre the Giant - March 4, 1981 - Clipping


November 6, 1981? ~ Newspaper Clipping


I'm not sure what year this one is supposed to be, super early 80's or late 70's?  What do you think?

I can't imagine that Rip Oliver wrestled twice in one night, but who knows what happened?  Maybe Billy Jack called him out!  Maybe that was the beginning of their decade long feud!  

April 26, 1986 at the Portland Sports Areana ~ Clipping


This clipping has more information than the Oregonian clippings typically had..  
Coco the Fly Samoan?  Usually he was just called Coco Samoa, so not sure where that came from.

Big Time Wrestling in Seattle - February 16, 1983 ~ Clipping


The main event, Shiek Abdullah Husein versus Billy Jack!  
Wrestling sure does have a way of taking cultural stereotypes and turning them into villains.