Matt Borne - Family of Doink The Clown sues WWE for brain injuries

Family of Doink The Clown sues WWE for brain injuries is the headline of an article from www.Wrestling-online.com today.  It seems as though many wrestlers families, and even Billy Jack Haynes, are suing the WWE for these injuries.  I wonder about the outcome of these cases.  Even though we didn't know the extent of concussions in the 80's, it doesn't mean people didn't realize that hitting your head could hurt your brain.  I just don't see how anyone could win at these cases.

 

Can I get my picture with you?

One of the best parts of Portland Wrestling, was the access to the wrestlers themselves.  These guys were my heroes, but I ran into them at the gym, grocery store, the mall, and walking their dogs.  (That's how I found out where Steve Doll lived.  He was out in front of his apartments on Harmony Road in Milwaukie, walking his dog Mandy.  Brian Adams lived there too.)

Portland Wrestling always offered autograph sessions at the arena, and the guys were always doing charity events that included autograph sessions. But that didn't stop us from waiting outside the Sports Arena after a match or sneaking back inside after security chased all of the fans away, so we could get our photos taken.

Here is a small selection of photos I took with some of the greats....

Jody, Buddy Wayne and Carl Pope photo bomb

My sister Brea and Curtis Thompson

Jody and the Assassin 1988 (Check out that Mullet!)

Jody and Bart Sawyer (I think he was still Steve Sawyer at this point.)

Jody and Bart Sawyer 

Jody and Brian Adams

Mike Winner and Jody (Holding my scrapbook, which held most of the photos you have seen on the blog.)

Jody and Steve Doll (He looks really thrilled.)

Steve Doll and Jody (He's a little happier here.) 1989

Jody and Steve Doll 1988 (I had gotten around 6-7 pictures with him during this autograph session.)

Steve Doll and Jody 1990

Mike Winner circa 1991

Mean Mike Miller's Last Match - 2012

I just came across this video and articles on Oregon Live.  Someone did a nice documentary about Mike Miller's career and finding he daughter, the motivation behind getting in the wrestling ring again.

 

Mean Mike Miller will Fight Again at 61

Photo Gallery of Mean Mike Miller's Last Match - 2012

 

30 Programs for $40 on Ebay... Late 70's to early 80's

I just saw this listing for 30 programs!  It looks like they are late 70's to early 80's a couple in the back may be mid 80's.  I started going to the Sports Arena in 1985 and the programs were the style in the back but I don't know when the change over happened.

Three First Issues 1950s Portland Oregon Wrestling Magazines Wrestlers Northwest - On Ebay

I found this awesome listing for 3 Northwest Wrestling Magazines from the 1950's.  I'd love to get a chance to read through these!  Luigi Macera has sort of a Superman look.  I hope he used that!

Moondog Ed Morretti

 

Not a super pic, but a great wrestler.  I loved the spitting high in the air and catching it gag.  So gross!

Billy Jack Haynes Suing WWE For Concussion Injuries

 

KPTV - FOX 12


The story says that Billy Jack is suing because he felt WWE hid the risks of concussion from him.  They just didn't know the risks in the 80's, at least not the extent of them.  I doubt he has any legal ground to stand on, but it will be interesting to see what happens.  With lawsuits in football and now wrestling, we could see a real change in the way professional sports are played in the future.