We are kicking off the month of January with a weekly review of the territories in the year of 1985. Here is my historical “Stages of Growth of the Territory Era”:

My framework for understanding and analyzing the history and growth of Professional Wrestling are the 7 Stages of The Territory Era:

Stage One: Conception (1925 to 1935)

Stage Two: Formation (1935 to 1945)

Stage Three: Innovation and Expansion (1945 to 1955)

Stage Four: Investigation (1955 to 1965)

Stage Five: Re-Consolidation (1965-1975)

Stage Six: Fragmentation (1975-1985)

Stage Seven: Disintegration (1985-1995)

1985 is the first year in the last stage of the territory era, and we will review what is remaining of tbe system. The WWF was the death star of the system with it’s “national expansion”, as it started erasing the geographic lines that had defined the territories as it’s leader, Vince McMahon set out to prove his company could “color outside the lines” and ex[and beyond it’s previous borders. Join Steve Gennerelli and I as we walk through the year of 1985 as the stage of disintegration of the territory era begins.

I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter on Substack and each episode of our podcast show. Thanks for your support! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share with folks you think might like to be a free Substack subscriber!

Remember, Premium subscribers get access to exclusive and special content such as some special issues including a multi-part deep dives on wrestling territories, wrestler bios and championship title histories, special audio and video interviews on territory pro wrestling and more available in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel for Premium Subscribers. Being a Premium Subscriber also means you support me in my efforts to document Pro Wrestling History through my research, writing, books, vidoes and podcasts. And…I have something very special planned for our Premium Subscribers on the Podcast side of things in 2026! A Premium Investment is only $5 per month or $50 per year. Details soon here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: The Territory Era Podcast
• (00:03:17) - The Future of Pro Wrestling: The WWF
• (00:07:13) - Reviewing The WWF in 1985
• (00:09:46) - 1984
• (00:13:37) - Jim Crockett Promotions' Mistake in Not Expanding
• (00:23:21) - What We Missed With The Briscoes
• (00:27:15) - Jerry Briscoe on Hulk Hogan's National Expansion
• (00:32:36) - Vince McMahon's Decision To Sell TBS To Crockett
• (00:41:07) - Bruno Hogan in the WWF in 1985
• (00:49:35) - Terry Funk Coming to the WWE
• (00:55:30) - Randy Savage: The Greatest of All Time
• (00:59:52) - 1985
• (01:06:51) - WWF Championship Wrestling From Florida in 1985
• (01:09:09) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Ending The Roy Welch Family Legacy, and
• (01:13:57) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: 400 Subscribers!

We’ve counted down the first 50 from 100 to 51, now its time to get to my list of the 50 Best Wrestlers of 1975. This list is my list/ I’ve taken into consideration other lists avaailable of ranked wrestlers for the year, along with my own research notes from our podcast shows throughout the year as well as extra study into territories and wrestlers i didn’t know very much about in order to be fair as possible/

I took into consideration:

• The Territory or territories the wrestler worked in and the significance and importance of that territory

• The programs and matches they had during the year

• The position on cards they held throughout the year

• How much time they spent as singles wrestlers vs being in tag teams during the year

• What championships they held and the importance of that title in drawing money on the cards and in the buildings

• How significant was the wrestling to that terriory, how dependant was the territory on them to draw money

• How significant was 1975 to their overall career? Was thier career trajectory swing up, peaked or on the down swing?

• And a few other things, but that was the main criteria I took into consideration

I freely admit my own biases and preferences did come into play in this process, however I did try to maintain awareness of those biases and suspend them and honestly, i felt like I made some tough calls as far as assignments on the list.

Here it is, my Top 50 Best Professional Wrestlers for the year of 1975!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:35) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975
• (00:09:30) - Top 25 Wrestlers in WWE 1975
• (00:20:33) - Ric Flair Won His First Singles Title in 1975
• (00:29:18) - Ken Mantel
• (00:35:20) - Rocky Johnson's Greatest Moments
• (00:40:27) - Waldo Von Erich in the WWF
• (00:50:35) - Baron Von Reschke
• (00:58:51) - Billy Robinson
• (01:07:32) - Dusty Rhodes
• (01:12:52) - Abdullah The Butcher
• (01:17:50) - Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time
• (01:28:08) - Jerry Briscoe and Bobo Brazil
• (01:34:34) - Top 25 Masked Wrestlers in Mexico
• (01:43:02) - Top 20 Wrestlers of 1975
• (01:52:06) - The Making of Pero Ag
• (01:59:46) - Ron Fuller
• (02:06:49) - Giant Baba vs Jumbo Saruta
• (02:15:06) - Mil Mil Mask
• (02:19:26) - Terry Funk at #7 in the Top 10
• (02:24:48) - Top 5 Wrestlers in 1975: Andre the Giant
• (02:32:09) - AWA World Championship Book
• (02:34:04) - The Top 3 Wrestlers in 1975
• (02:44:50) - The Top 100 Wrestlers of All Time Countdown

It’s out with the old year and in with the new…New Year’s Eve 2025 that is..and this holiday, I am counting down my Top 100 Wrestlers of 1975 right here in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.

Today’s show starts at Number 100 and we count down to Number 51! Tomorrow on New Year’s Day, we run through the Top 50…all the way down to my pick for the Number 1 wrestler for the year of 1975. Get your favorite beverage and maybe a snack and sit back, relax and check out my list. I’d love to hear your thoughts or maybe even your own list for The Top 100 Wrestlers for the year 1975!

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast
• (00:05:38) - Living on a ranch with my mom's death
• (00:11:48) - The Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975
• (00:16:41) - Top 100 Wrestlers of the Year 1975
• (00:22:58) - Top 10 WWF Superstars of 1975
• (00:31:39) - Kentaro Oki and Bobby Duncomb
• (00:36:45) - Bob Backlin Dead at 89
• (00:44:46) - Ken Patera
• (00:47:00) - NWA Super Destroyer and Jimmy Snuka at #88
• (00:54:15) - George the Animal Steel at #82
• (01:02:15) - Ranking The Top 100 Wrestlers in the World For 1975
• (01:06:02) - Killer Kowalski at #79
• (01:12:36) - Legendary Names of The UWA
• (01:19:13) - Bob Armstrong on Wrestling Hall of Fame Voting
• (01:26:01) - Red Bastine In Dallas
• (01:37:27) - Cyclone Negro's International Heavyweight Championship
• (01:38:42) - Blackjack Mulligan
• (01:44:06) - Russia Kimura vs Ken Lucas
• (01:53:33) - El Gran Marcus
• (01:55:44) - Top 100 Wrestlers in 1975: Jose Lothario, Dust

It’s here! Our 2025 Christmas Super Show from the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!

This year we are focusing on the 3 world championships in the world during 1975. My first guest is Steve Gennerelli and we reflect and discuss Bruno Sammartino’s year of 1975 as the WWWF Champion. Bruno has even been declared the wrestler of the year in some historian circles for the year of 1975. Steve and I discuss this and more in Bruno’s championship year of 1975.

Next up, my friend George Schire stops by the Richards Ranch and we discuss the world title in the American Wrestling Association, the AWA. Verne Gagne had been the champion since 1968. Why did he hold the title for so long? Why was the time right in Verne’s mind to end his reign and pass the title to Nick Bockwinkel in November of 1975? George and I discuss these things and more during out visit about the AWA Championship.

Terry Funk won the NWA World Championship in Miami, Florida on December 10th, 1975 winning it from Jack Brisco. Funk had to immediately assume the schedule of the World Champion, which would be taking him to the Central States Territory. Jerry Oates, my next guest was the first challenger on December 11th at Memorial Hall. When did Jerry find out he was wrestling Terry and not Jack? What did Jerry and Terry say to each other? Did they talk before the match or after the match or both? Jerry and I talk about these things and more during our visit about Terry’s first defenses of the NWA Title.

And Gerry Brisco joins me at the Richards Ranch to talk about his brother, Jack Brisco and his reign as NWA WOrld Champion from 1973 to 1975, We discuss Jack’s collegiate career, breaking in for LeRoy McGuirk in Oklahoma, Jack’s first television match, his NWA Title run, the title change with Giant Baba in 1974 and when he decided he wanted to give up the NWA Title and late on, give up pro wrestling and retire. Its a fabulous discussion with all four of my guests on this year’s 2025 Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Christmas Super Show!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:37) - Christmas Super Show
• (00:01:40) - Story with Briscoe and Bradshaw
• (00:06:08) - WWE Christmas Special
• (00:08:00) - 1975
• (00:09:13) - Bruno Sammartino's Most Frequent Opponents
• (00:15:10) - Bruno vs Jack Briscoe
• (00:23:25) - Bruno Briscoe on Being the WWF Champion
• (00:26:11) - WWE Legend: Bruno Bockwinkel
• (00:27:53) - Bruno vs Ivan Koloff
• (00:31:16) - Did Spiros Aragon Need A Manager?
• (00:33:49) - Do You Think Bruno's Second Reign Was Better Than His First?
• (00:42:07) - Interviewing George Shire
• (00:44:03) - AWA World Championship in 75
• (00:45:09) - Verne Luthez
• (00:52:38) - The AWA Champion Transition
• (01:00:12) - The AWA Championship Belt Stealing
• (01:03:36) - Bobby Heenan Loses A Family Member
• (01:06:12) - St. Paul Championship Change Hands
• (01:12:55) - The NWA World Heavyweight Championship
• (01:18:10) - Verne's Decision To Give the Title to Nick Duncombe
• (01:25:21) - Nick Bockwinkle on Vern Ward's AWA Championship
• (01:30:22) - A Little About Vern Ganya
• (01:34:15) - Nick Bachwinkel on His First Christmas
• (01:36:38) - Terry Funk vs Jerry Oates
• (01:37:29) - Terry Funk on His NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match
• (01:42:59) - Terry Briscoe on His First World Championship Match
• (01:48:09) - Matt Terry on His Match With Jack Briscoe
• (01:50:09) - Bob Geigel Talking About Getting the NWA World Title
• (01:53:44) - Terry Jones on Struggles Getting Over
• (01:58:16) - Jack Briscoe vs Terry Goggle
• (02:04:37) - Harley Jackson on His Return
• (02:08:54) - Terry or Jack vs Harley
• (02:10:48) - Tony Dunphy on His Career in 76
• (02:14:44) - Jerry Briscoe on Terry Funk's NWA World Heavyweight
• (02:16:30) - Jerry Briscoe on Roy Welch's Legacy
• (02:22:30) - Jack Briscoe on His Decision to Go Scientific Wrestling
• (02:29:31) - Jack Briscoe on Dropping the NWA World Title
• (02:34:43) - Jack Backlin on Vince McMahon's Offer for the NWA Championship
• (02:39:55) - Terry Funk vs. Steve Kern
• (02:46:58) - Jack Briscoe on His Time With the WWE
• (02:52:48) - The Funks vs The Rock
• (02:53:39) - Jack Foley on Terry Funk's 14 Month Run
• (02:54:38) - Neville Briscoe on His Brother Jack
• (02:54:59) - WWE Legends: The Welch Family
• (02:56:14) - Christmas Special
• (02:57:57) - Christmas Wish

This is a special bonus episode in your stocking for Christmas Week as I am joined by our WWWF Analyst and Storyteller, Steve Gennerelli!

The Mongolian Stomper (Archie Gouldie) was one the Top 10 heels in all of Pro Wrestling in 1975. He held both versions of the NWA Southern Title in the first half of the year in 1975 in Florida and in the second half of the year in Tennessee, then wrapping up the year as Texas Brass Knuckles Champion working and being booked out of Dallas at the end of 1975.

He seemed perfect as a heel for Bruno Sammartino in the WWWF, why did that never happen? Well Steve Gennerelli has the story on why that program never materialized!

Also, a famous World Champion Japanese Wrestler appeared in New York at Madison Square Garden for the first time ever in 1975! Who was it? Steve and Tony have the story as well as the Stomper story in this special Christmas Bonus Stocking Stuffer episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel history podcast! Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Richards Ranch and the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, from our home to yours!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:34) - The Mongolian Stomper
• (00:07:58) - Dr. Jerry Graham's WWE Run
• (00:14:53) - Antonio Inoki Wrestling The First Time In Japan
• (00:20:14) - A Taste of Wrestling: Howard Baum and Donald De Leon
• (00:23:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

This week we reach the pinnacle of 1975 in the Championship Wrestling from Florida Territory on an exciting night in Miami Beach at the Convention Center on December 10th! It’s the night where Jack Brisco had been advertised to defend his NWA World Heavyweight Championship against Dory Funk, Jr. Fans in Miami thought it would be another mat classic with two of the best wrestling technicians of this or any eraa met once again in combat. Surprise filled the air when it was announced that Funk, Jr was unable to make flight connections to be there and that younger brother Terry Funk would be taking his place in the match.

Howard Baum, our regular Florida Territory analyst and commentator joins me aling with our special guest Don DeLeon, who was the photographer that night at the Convention Center. Having backstage access, DeLeon was the first human being to witness Terry Funk come into the dressing room that night after beating the best wrestler in the world and now holding the NWA World Title belt and that distinction for himself. Join Howard and I as we welcome Don to our show and have a special and unique conversation at The Richards Ranch about that historic night 50 years ago in Miami Beach.

• (00:00:02) - Tony Richards on the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast
• (00:05:18) - Florida Pro Wrestling Legends
• (00:06:59) - Florida Championship Wrestling in 1975
• (00:09:19) - 1975
• (00:11:25) - Don Was Ringside When He Was 16
• (00:18:09) - Photographing WWE Superstars
• (00:24:25) - Big John Stud On His First Night
• (00:25:31) - The First Night In The WWE Dressing Room
• (00:31:12) - Meet Don Bradly
• (00:31:48) - Talking To The Mongolian Stomper
• (00:32:20) - Terry Briscoe Wins The World Title
• (00:35:27) - What Was the Atmosphere in Miami in the 1970s?
• (00:37:12) - Miami Beach Auditorium
• (00:40:29) - Wrestling in Miami vs Fort Lauderdale
• (00:44:11) - Terry Funk Wins the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
• (00:48:42) - Terry Rhodes on the Fans in North Carolina
• (00:52:34) - Terry Funk Walked Away From the Title to Be With Vicky
• (00:55:04) - Don DeLeon on Eddie Graham's IWA In Florida
• (01:00:39) - Don Blankenship on Wrestling
• (01:06:06) - Bob Roop on His Friendship With Terry Funk
• (01:09:04) - Eddie Graham's Success in Wrestling
• (01:14:33) - Who were some of the regulars at the Miami Beach Arena?
• (01:17:21) - Don Hardy On His Last Appearance
• (01:20:29) - Don Deleon On The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (01:21:27) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Social Media Channels
• (01:23:39) - Christmas Pro Wrestling Special

My personal thoughts and remembrances of Ricky Romero, Jr, who passed away this past Thursday, December 11th in Amarillo, Texas. Ricky, Jr was a member of our group who didn't post or comment very much but was always very proud of my work and supported and helped me privately to a great degree.

I will miss him tremendously.

• (00:00:02) - Ricky Romero Jr. Dead
• (00:07:32) - Ricky Romero Sr.'s obituary
• (00:11:35) - Ricky Romero Jr. Passed Away

This week, we wrap up the year of 1975 in the great state of Texas! We begin our show in the Dallas Big Time Wrestling Territory as our good friend and analyst Greg Klein joins us once again to travel the roads to all the towns and building in the Dallas loop! The arrival of The Mongolian Stomper and the classic show down in the Sam Houston Coliseum with the Man of 1,000 Masks, Mil Mascaras. All the matches, angles and feuds that close out the year of 1975 with Fritz Von Erich, Red Bastien, Joe Blanchard, Paul Boesch and others!

Then, I head out to West Texas with a new guest on our show, my friend Dan Black, who grew up in the Amarillo territory and has some great memories to share. We talk about the debut of The Silver Streak from a very famous wrestling family in West Texas, the Western States Title run of Frank Goodish, the arrival and angle of the masked Super Destroyer and his program with Terry Funk. We will also discuss the Poffo Family, Angelo, Lanny and Jim Pride. Thank you for going on this amazing ride of miles and miles of Texas on this week’s Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show!

• (00:00:02) - Podcast
• (00:00:36) - Thanksgiving
• (00:02:50) - The Evolution of Wrestling: The Year 1925
• (00:07:07) - 1984
• (00:10:16) - NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship Match
• (00:16:26) - Rick Martel vs Stan Hansen
• (00:22:08) - Andre the Giant vs. John Tolos
• (00:28:11) - Johnny Valentine Plane Crash Update
• (00:34:44) - Terry Funk Gets The NWA American Heavyweight Title
• (00:39:45) - Thanksgiving in the NWA
• (00:43:36) - Fritz Von Erich vs Terry Funk
• (00:50:47) - The Mongolian Stomper in Houston
• (00:53:38) - Christmas Gifts given away in Houston in 1975
• (00:57:47) - Did Mill Come to the Ring With His IWA World Title?
• (01:02:27) - Terry Funk Wins World Heavyweight Title
• (01:06:07) - End of 1975
• (01:08:25) - Dan Black On His First Appearance On The Pro Wrestling Podcast
• (01:13:24) - West Texas Wrestling
• (01:16:28) - Terry Funk vs Sputnik Monroe in West Texas
• (01:22:31) - Andre the Giant vs Terry Funk in West Texas
• (01:27:04) - Terry Funk's Lubbock run
• (01:33:23) - Ricky Romero in Lubbock
• (01:36:21) - Terry Funk
• (01:41:29) - Dori Funk Jr vs Frank Goodish in November
• (01:46:33) - Randy Tyler in Lubbock
• (01:53:12) - Terry Funk vs. Junior Junior
• (01:56:16) - Terry Russell Winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
• (02:01:05) - Terry Funk on His NWA Championship Run
• (02:04:07) - The New NWA Western States Championship Match
• (02:07:47) - Dan Black on Terry Jones' Death
• (02:10:56) - Terry Funk's NWA World Championship Run