I Remember Portland Wrestling

Jun 13, 2026

June 13, 1987 - Steve Doll Debuts in Portland Wrestling - Video, Photo, Clipping and Program

Steve Doll started his career in Mid-South wrestling in October of 1985. In September of '86, he started wrestling in World Class, and then came to Portland on June 13, 1987. He didn't have much time on the microphone before Portland, so the interview is a little awkward, but it didn't take him long to find his style and build a HUGE fanbase here in the Northwest! June 13, 1987. Steve Doll debuts in Portland Wrestling. I was already a big fan. I'd seen Steve on World Class some months before. We'd just gotten cable on a day when I was home sick from school. I was flipping around the amazing number of 36 channels, and came across World Class on ESPN. My previous favorite wrestler was Steve Simpson, and I heard his name, so I stayed to watch. I saw Steve wrestle for the first time, and suddenly I had a new favorite! I was conveniently sick every Wednesday so I could watch at 1pm, until we got a VCR and I could record it. We went to the Sports Arena on the kids' free night that was closest to my birthday. When we got there, I got my program and looked inside and saw the little graphic that said, "We welcome newcomer Steve Doll!" I was so excited! My favorite wrestler, here!! I'd missed the announcement the week before. I got the chance to talk to him and get his autograph. He told me that it was the first autograph he signed in Portland! I excitedly told him that he was my favorite wrestler and I had been watching him on World Class. He was all smiles and seemed really excited to be there. He won his match against the Mighty Sputnik as well as the Battle Royal that evening.

From the Oregonian 6/13/1987

Steve won the Battle Royal!

Jun 10, 2026

10-7-88 Going To the Mat, A Beginner's Guide to Pro Wrestling - Oregonian Feature Article

This crap article was published in the Oregonian on October 7, 1988.

The reporter was clearly not a wrestling fan.

Jun 9, 2026

Portland Wrestling Program - June 13, 1981 - Father & Son v The Army

Thanks to Curtis, @RetroGamingHippie3720 on YouTube, for sharing

this awesome program!

Jun 5, 2026

Portland Wrestling 6/4/88 - Scott Peterson v Avalanche - It's My Birthday! - Video, Photos, Program, Story

In 1988, my mom wrote a letter to Steve Doll asking him to come to my birthday. Yes, she did that! I don't know what she wrote in the letter, and she doesn't remember, but whatever it was must have touched his heart.

I remember sitting in the house with my friends, wondering why we weren't outside, but my mom insisted that we sit inside and watch a movie. She made sure I was sitting by the front door, and I noticed when a little yellow '77 Mustang pulled up in front of the house. I immediately recognized it as Steve's car. A blonde gal got out and was walking up to the door, and I said, "Someone is here, and she has a car like Steve Doll." My mom said that it was for me, and I should go talk to her. Huh? When I opened the door, she handed me a manila envelope and said, "I'm sorry that Steve couldn't make it. He had a charity event today." My mom came over and told her that I didn't know anything about what was going on. She introduced herself as Steve's wife and said that she had brought some birthday gifts for me from Steve, and that he wished he could be there. 😇 She also said that there would be two front row tickets for me at the ticket window that night at the Sports Arena. (My first time ever sitting ringside!) And, to make sure that I went by the autograph table so that he could tell me "Happy Birthday" in person. My mom thanked her, and she went on her way.

To say that I was in shock was an understatement. I just stood there by the front door staring at the envelope and watching Steve's car drive away! What just happened!!??!! I opened up the envelope to find these three photos and a signed boot bandana.

Steve wasn't just nice. He went out of his way to be kind. Not just to me. I witnessed his kindness on many occasions. It's part of why he'll always have a very special place in my heart.

My front row ticket!

This photo was taken ringside, which wasn't something that happened often at the Sports Arena. There was no time to stop for photos or autographs between matches. When I came across this photo, I was confused. I turned it over, and it was marked 6-4-88. I had completely forgotten that Scott Peterson, among other wrestlers, came over to wish me a happy birthday, and I asked if my friend Michelle, who absolutely loved Scott, could get a picture. He was happy to. I'm so glad I have all of these photos and ephemera, or I would never remember anything!!