Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show

The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is dedicated to researching, educating and discovering pro wrestling history from the territorial-era. Our host and guests share a passion for the performance art of professional wrestling as it was presented in the era of the territories and booking offices from 1930 through 1990.

Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show is a sports podcast hosted by Tony Richards, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Tony Richards hosts Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show, a sports show with 55 episodes published.

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  Episode #76

  Episode 76: Dory Funk,. Jr Tribute Show

  Aug 19, 20264 hourS2

  Episode 76 is a special one: The Dory Funk Jr. Tribute Show. We honor the life and career of “The Champ” with four powerful segments and an incredible group of guests. Segment 1: Historian George Schire joins me to discuss the career of Dory Funk Jr. For the first time ever, we walk through my personal scorecard framework that supports the statement that Dory Funk Jr. was the greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of all time. Follow along and score it yourself. Segment 2: One of Dory’s longtime friends, tag-team partners, and opponents, “The Red Dog” Larry Lane, reflects on their relationship, their travels, and the years they spent working together. Segment 3: “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase sits down for a deeply emotional conversation. Ted talks about his father, Iron Mike DiBiase, and Dory Funk Sr. — bitter enemies in the storylines but the best of friends behind the scenes. He also shares stories about breaking into the business in Amarillo while still playing football at West Texas State, and much more. Segment 4: Gerry Brisco, the man who lived the legendary Brisco-Funk feud, shares memories, stories, and a few choked-up moments as we look back on one of the great rivalries in wrestling history. This is a fantastic, heartfelt episode as we remember The Champ, Dory Funk Jr. Episode 76 – The Dory Funk Jr. Tribute Show is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms. Hit play, leave a review, and join us in honoring one of the true greats. We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel. Your Home for the History of the Territory Pro Wrestling Chapters (00:00:02) - PODCAST: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel (00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: The Territory Era (00:05:17) - Dorie Funk Jr Tribute (00:10:52) - Sam Muchnick vs Dorie Funk Jr. (00:11:59) - Dorie Funk Jr. Tribute (00:16:07) - Dorie Funk Jr (00:25:11) - Dory the NWA Champion (00:31:12) - The NWA Championship Transition (00:38:55) - Sam Harris on The NWA's Elite (00:41:25) - Tony Dory on Former NWA Champs (00:47:20) - NWA World Champion Lou Kaniski (00:50:52) - Dory Funk Jr's Look in the 1970s (00:59:29) - Fez vs Dory Funk: The Greatest NWA Champion (01:01:03) - NWA Champions' Ranking (01:07:11) - Lou Harris on His Controversial Comments (01:13:27) - Fabulous Four (01:19:56) - Harley's Career (01:26:16) - Dory Funk Jr. Should Be In The WWE Hall of Fame (01:31:53) - George Costanza at the ALS Survivor's Ball (01:32:24) - Celebrating The Life Of Dorie Funk Jr (01:33:56) - Red Dog Larry Lane on Dory Funk's Death (01:40:23) - Dory Funk Junior (01:47:55) - Terry Funk vs Dory Hart (01:52:49) - Keith Hart Reaches Out to Former Best Friend (01:57:19) - Dory and the Phonics in Amarillo (02:01:59) - Dory Funk's Passing Away (02:04:50) - Dory Funk Jr. on His Last Moments (02:07:10) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History (02:12:38) - Interview With Ted DiBiase (02:14:52) - Ted Dibiase on Dory Funk Junior's Death Match (02:23:06) - Crazy Horse's Death (02:27:48) - Arizona Wrestler on Being Born in the Country (02:33:07) - Terry Hanson on His College Decision (02:38:16) - "Cowboy Bill Watts" (02:39:32) - Bill Watts on The NWA Superdome Match (02:45:03) - "I Should've Stay With Stan" (02:46:09) - Harley Race on His First NWA Title Challenge (02:49:42) - Terry Funk on Dory Jr.'s Success (02:53:21) - Wrestler Dory Funk and His Dad's Texas Death Match (02:58:00) - What's Most Underappreciated About Dory Funk Jr's (03:02:58) - Amarillo Wrestling Legend Terry Briscoe on Dory's (03:06:47) - Jerry Briscoe on The Funk-Briscoe Feud (03:10:24) - Jerry Briscoe on Dory Funk Jr. Tribute (03:17:51) - Terry and Junior Briscoe on Their Friendship (03:24:14) - Eric Briscoe on Jim Crockett's Thanksgiving Match (03:28:15) - Dory Wyatt vs Terry (03:29:46) - Dory on Booking The First Starcade 83 (03:31:37) - Eddie and Dorie's Pickup Truck Accident (03:37:59) - Terry Funk on Working With Dory Funk Jr. (03:44:50) - Thieves Steal Motorcycle From Ship (03:48:29) - Terry Funk on Dory Funk Jr.'s Death (03:51:48) - Story with Jerry Briscoe and Bradshaw (03:55:39) - Dory Funk Passing (03:58:52) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

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  Episode #75

  Episode 75: 1976 Territory Review: Tennessee pt2, Dory Funk 1966 and Randy Hales

  Aug 12, 20264h 11mS2

  Hey everyone, Tony Richards here! Episode 75 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is packed with three strong segments and drops this morning in all the usual places. Segment 1:Tennessee wrestling historian Tim Dills joins me as we finish the second half of 1976. We dig into the failure of the UWA, some fascinating records from the Tennessee Athletic Commission, and the growing tension that would lead to the split of the Tennessee Territory in 1977. Plenty more territory history along the way. Segment 2:I travel back through the Time Tunnel to West Texas in 1966, focusing on January in Abilene. The Lawman Don Slatton takes over as the new promoter. After some building problems with the city in 1965, things are smoothed out and the territory is up and running strong by the start of 1966. Segment 3:Longtime Memphis hand Randy Hales stops by the Richards Ranch. Announcer, office assistant, Mid-South Coliseum ring announcer, booker, and promoter — Randy sits down to discuss his career in Tennessee wrestling and share stories from one of the most legendary territories of all time. Three great segments. One history-packed episode. Episode 75 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you listen. Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel! Your Home For The History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast (00:00:34) - Dorie Funk Jr Tribute (00:03:34) - WWE star George G Gets Help From His Community (00:07:59) - PWTS: History of Texas Wrestling (00:10:22) - Tennessee Part 2 (00:13:39) - Tennessee (00:18:27) - Big Bad John in Tennessee (00:25:05) - Jerry Lawler on His Mental Condition (00:31:33) - Phil Hickerson on the Eastern End (00:39:15) - Rocky Johnson vs Jerry Lawler (00:46:05) - The Crash That Killed Pepe Lopez and Cliff Lily (00:50:55) - Jerry Lawler on The Accident (00:53:36) - Pepe Lopez and J.C.'s Redemption Story (01:00:40) - Jerry Lawler on National Wrestling Alliance (01:08:38) - Jerry Lawler vs Tommy Rich in the Memphis (01:16:39) - Tennessee Wrestling Match Attendance in 1976 (01:22:39) - Drawing a tax-free paycheck (01:22:55) - The UWA's Declining (01:30:22) - Nick Gooastowns: What is the Alternative? (01:34:03) - American Legion involvement in Memphis Wrestling story (01:39:28) - Jerry Jarrett's Matchmaker License in Memphis (01:43:37) - Jerry Jarrett on Roy Welch's Disappearance (01:47:05) - Jerry Jarrett on His Presidential Runoff (01:48:36) - Herb Welch and the Memphis Split (01:53:52) - Memphis and Birmingham (01:54:16) - 1976 (01:57:28) - Jerry Jarrett on UWA in 1976 (01:59:13) - Dorie Funk Sr. and Doc Sarpolos (02:05:12) - WWE in Abilene (02:10:04) - Travel to and From the Wrestling (02:21:21) - The Fair Park Arena: An Abilene History (02:25:33) - Abilene Wrestling Proposal Stuck in Legal Obstacles (02:31:17) - Lawman Promoter to Return to Abilene Wrestling (02:41:24) - Tony Funk (02:42:54) - Abilene Wrestling Cards, January 1966 (02:52:11) - Dory Funk Senior vs Tokyo Tom (02:56:49) - Abilene Wrestling Card (02:59:31) - Wrestling in West Texas (03:04:28) - Randy Hales on the Richards Ranch (03:07:49) - Tony Richards on Randy Hill's WWE Match (03:14:05) - Selling pictures at wrestling events (03:19:05) - Memphis Wrestling at the American Legion (03:26:35) - Randy Savage vs Rip Rogers (03:30:58) - Jerry Lawler on Promoting First-Pro Wrestling (03:39:08) - Jerry Lawler on His Time With Power Pro (03:47:35) - Dwayne Johnson on Starting Dewey Cavanaugh (03:52:06) - Kurt Angle on His First Professional Wrestling Match (03:54:36) - Talking Memphis Wrestling (04:00:26) - Jerry Lawler on His New Show (04:07:06) - Randy Hales

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  Episode #74

  Episode 74: Cauliflower Alley Club 2026

  Aug 5, 20263h 7mS2

  Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!Episode 74 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is focused on one of the most important gatherings in our industry — the Cauliflower Alley Club and their annual meeting taking place in Las Vegas this August 2026. We’ve got a fantastic lineup of guests this week:• New CAC board member and Director of Assistance Paige Sutherland• James Melby Award winner for journalism, author, and historian Dan Murphy• Ron Hutchinson Trainers Award winner Rip Rogers Together we dig into the history, the mission, and the continued importance of the Cauliflower Alley Club, while sharing stories, insights, and updates from this year’s gathering.It’s another history-packed and entertaining episode you won’t want to miss. Episode 74 drops this morning on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.Hit play, leave a review, and keep supporting the clubs and organizations that help take care of the people who built this business. We’ll see you in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel, Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling!! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast (00:08:25) - Wrestler George Gulas Needs Help Getting Out of Debt (00:10:23) - Cauliflower Alley Club James Melby Award (00:11:15) - The Life of Kurt Von Hess (00:15:14) - Meet Paige Sutherland (00:16:38) - The Life Of Kurt Von Hess (00:19:20) - Living On The Road With My Dad (00:25:08) - Darla on Her Dad's Wrestling (00:29:07) - Bill Terry on Being the Promoter's Son (00:34:10) - How Wrestling Star Dad Met His Wife (00:39:42) - Cauliflower Alley On His Dad's Success (00:47:29) - Paige Deserves Cauliflower Alley Club (00:49:56) - "The Cauliflower Alley Club" (00:52:16) - Randy Collie on His Dad's Wrestling (00:57:38) - One of the Holocaust Survivor's Stories (00:59:55) - CAC Wrestling's 60th Anniversary (01:03:48) - Kurt Von Hess on The CAC 60th Reunion (01:08:04) - WWE Diva On Her Dad (01:09:12) - Top 10 Superstars (01:10:23) - Paige Warren on Her Dad's Legacy (01:14:51) - CAC Director Paige on her new role (01:16:57) - Cauliflower Alley Club's 60th Anniversary (01:22:03) - PWI Magazine's James C. Melby Award (01:23:32) - Dan Murphy (01:24:12) - Dan Murphy Wins the James Melby Award for the Cauliflower (01:27:56) - The Body Slams In Buffalo (01:32:28) - You Talked About Drinking in Buffalo (01:33:31) - Dan Aykroyd on Pro Wrestling Illustrated's 500 (01:39:21) - In the Elevator With Mike Tyson (01:40:06) - The Wrestlers by Brian Young (01:41:30) - Rip Rogers on His New Book (01:43:11) - Dan Melby Gets James C. Melby Award (01:45:56) - Dan Aykroyd on PWI's Future (01:48:28) - Have You Discovered a Way to Write a Wrestling History? (01:50:18) - Ed Don George: A Distinguished Life (01:54:03) - Dan Murphy on His Wedding Day (01:54:42) - What's the #1 Hero in Your Life? (01:55:38) - What Do You Think Your Greatest Value Is? (01:57:23) - How a Blue Heeler Helped His Owner (01:59:09) - Dan Murphy on His Cauliflower Alley Award (02:02:46) - A Life in the Squared Circle (02:04:04) - Cauliflower Alley Club James C. Melby Award (02:04:59) - Grizzly Oak Soap Company (02:06:57) - Hustler Rip Rogers on The Cauliflower Alley (02:11:04) - Ron Hutchinson on Being Honored (02:14:50) - Jimmy Valiant on Working For Randy Savage (02:19:00) - OVW Pro Wrestling (02:23:43) - Wrestling in Calgary (02:26:17) - Randy Savage on Working For Ron Fuller (02:30:02) - Jared Jarrett on Working With Randy Jackson (02:33:16) - Randy Savage on Lanny's Hair Match (02:36:02) - Former WWE Trainer Danny Davis on Training WWE Guys (02:38:37) - "The Wrestling Business Didn't Really Change" (02:42:48) - John Cena on WWE's Future (02:46:55) - How To Win in Wrestling (02:51:07) - Paul Heyman on His Trainers Award (02:55:02) - Joe DeFalco on Wrestling (03:00:10) - Tony Jones on His Cauliflower Alley Award (03:03:06) - Rip Rogers on Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History (03:05:04) - 1976

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  Episode #73

  Episode 73 1976 Territory Review: WWWF Part Two

  Jul 29, 20263h 14mS2

  Episode 73 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is loaded with three big segments and drops this morning at 5am Central / 6am Eastern. Segment 1: I welcome back World Class Championship Wrestling historian and expert Lance Peterson. Lance shares his thoughts on the recent Curse of the Von Erichs documentary — honest analysis, historical context, and insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Segment 2: We continue The Life and Career of Dory Funk Sr. as 1966 kicks off. The first card of the new year takes us to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I dig into the history of pro wrestling in Albuquerque, local town promoter Mike London, the TV show of the era, and profiles on Iron Mike DiBiase and Sailor Art Thomas. Plus, a complete look at every card from January 1966 in Albuquerque. Segment 3: Steve Gennerelli is back with a brand-new mailbag. He’s been collecting your questions, and I’m ready for him to fire them my way. Territory history, booking, wrestlers, “what ifs” — nothing is off limits. Three strong segments. One powerhouse episode. Episode 73 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your shows. We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel, the home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Podcast (00:02:31) - The Curse of the Von Erichs (00:06:29) - Brian Adias on the Molestation Scandal (00:08:33) - Bradley on Fritz and Doris's Life (00:12:28) - Kevin Von Erich on the Fritz Documentary (00:17:49) - Jack Fritz on the Death of David (00:23:35) - Von Eric and The Rock (00:28:23) - Kevin Von Erich on David Manning's Death (00:32:54) - Rooster McConaughey on His WWE Return (00:37:56) - Mike and Doris on WWE Bloopers (00:43:13) - Michael Hayes on The Freebirds and The Von Erichs (00:48:44) - Kevin Collapse in Wrestling (00:52:41) - Gino Hernandez's Death (00:58:42) - Neville on Dusty's Death (01:02:36) - Kevin Brody on The Dark Side Review (01:05:26) - The Iron Claw (01:08:36) - David Von Erich's Funeral (01:12:01) - Jerry Lawler on Fritz's Death (01:14:52) - The Curse of the Von Erichs (01:16:59) - Amarillo Pro Wrestling (01:27:13) - Iron Mike Thomas (01:36:14) - Jan 1966 Pro Wrestling Card in West Texas (01:44:55) - Jack Kane Locked In a Cage (01:52:56) - Mailbag (01:53:48) - John McAdam on His Return to Wrestling (01:55:09) - 30 Great Commentators (01:59:18) - Was the Pay in the WWF Always the Best? (02:04:01) - What If The Territory Era Had Survived? (02:15:03) - Would Vince McMahon Consider Bringing in a New Talent? (02:16:17) - Favorite Commentary Team (02:19:01) - Did Kevin Sullivan Ever Refer To Frankie Kane As An Influencer? (02:22:57) - Favorite Wrestling Venue (02:26:12) - Dusty Flair on the Best of 7 Match (02:33:48) - Wrestling in the 1980s (02:34:17) - WWE Studio Tapings (02:35:26) - The Greatest Tag Team of All Time (02:36:41) - Top 10 Tag Teams in Wrestling (02:43:37) - Kangaroos Fold Out Poster (02:45:04) - Favorite Wrestlers That You Never Saw Live (02:47:21) - Delbert Prince (02:49:27) - Are Any of the WWF Undercard Guys Still Alive? (02:53:06) - What If Bill Watts Had Bought the UWF... (02:56:30) - Are Wrestlers Entitled to Join the Screen Actors Guild? (02:59:26) - Tony Jones on UK Wrestling (03:05:13) - The Making of The Muppet (03:06:28) - Steve Corgan: I really enjoyed doing this Mailbag with Tony Richards (03:07:50) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History

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  Episode #72

  Episode 72: 1976 Territory Review WWWF 1976 Part 2

  Jul 22, 20262h 49mS2

  It's another loaded episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!On Episode 72, Steve Gennerelli joins me as we step back into 1976 for a deep dive into the WWWF. We break down the dramatic Bruno Sammartino broken neck angle, the heated return match against Stan Hansen, and the massive impact it had on the territory. Plus, we examine the historic Inoki vs. Ali mixed wrestler-versus-boxer match and share more key insights into the WWWF during that pivotal year. I’m also excited to launch a brand-new recurring segment: The Life and Career of Dory Funk Sr.! We kick things off by looking back at the significant events of 1965 and how they set the stage for the pivotal year of 1966. Then we head 60 years back in time to the Wild West Texas rings of Western States Sports for some raw, hard-hitting territory history. And finally, the one and only George Schire returns to the show to answer a fan question with his personal thoughts on the Top 5 AWA World Heavyweight Champions of all time!This is a stacked episode packed with territory-era gold you don’t want to miss.Episode 72 is live now here on Substack and on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your favorite platforms. If you love old-school wrestling history, hit play, please subscribe and leave a review, and let us know what you think. Keep those questions and topic requests coming! We’ll see you in the Time Tunnel, the home for the History of Territory Wrestling! Chapters (00:00:02) - Podcast (00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Podcast (00:04:49) - Tony Richards (00:09:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History (00:10:09) - Grizzly Up Soap Company (00:11:53) - WWE Hall of Fame 1976 (00:14:37) - Boxing vs Wrestling at MSG (00:17:22) - Ali Enoki vs Rocky Johnson (00:19:16) - Muhammad Ali vs Anoki Japan Match (00:27:31) - The Inoki vs Muhammad Ali Match (00:37:52) - Andre vs Chuck Wepner on HBO (00:44:50) - Bruno on The WWE's End (00:46:53) - Billy Graham on Bruno's WWE Championship Run (00:52:49) - Bruno Guerrero's Last Year (00:55:08) - The WWF Tag Team Tournament (00:58:23) - The Ali vs Anoki Match (01:04:21) - Ali vs Inoki: The Fight That Hurt My Soul (01:12:57) - Steve From The Mailbag (01:13:29) - Back to The WWWF in 1976 (01:14:16) - Grizly Up Soap Company (01:16:01) - Dorie Funk Senior and the Year of 1966 (01:19:37) - West Texas (01:29:02) - Dorie Funk Senior and Iron Mike DiBiase (01:34:59) - Terry Funk and Dorie Funk Sr. (01:41:21) - 1966 (01:46:19) - George Shire (01:51:16) - Wonders of the AWA Panel (01:55:59) - The Old Comiskey Park Being Sold Out (02:00:37) - George Shire On The AWA's Greatest Champions (02:03:56) - The Crusher's AWA Championship Run (02:07:49) - Honorable Mention (02:10:07) - Ricky Martel (02:16:11) - Kurt Hennig (02:23:48) - Best Matches With Verne (02:25:32) - Nick Bwinkle (02:27:19) - St. Louis Wrestling Legends Remember Warren Buckwinkle (02:29:15) - Nick Fury and His Manager (02:37:50) - The Ultimate AWA Hall of Fame (02:42:42) - Amarillo Wrestling Review: 1966 (02:43:53) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel

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