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.
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This week's special episode features Dr. Tom Prichard, Randy Hales, and Pat Trammell of Talking Memphis Wrestling. Together we share stories, personal remembrances, and words of tribute for Bill Dundee.
It is the only segment on this week’s show — a full episode dedicated to remembering one of the great personalities of Memphis and the territory era.
Thank you for being part of this community as we honor the people who built this business.
Do us and territory wrestling fans a favor, subscribe, like, give a 5-Star review and share this show so more and more territory wrestling fans can find us.
The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel: Your Home for the History of Territory Wrestling!
Chapters
(00:00:02) - Intro and welcome to episode 81
(00:01:48) - Support the show and Daily Chronicle newsletter
(00:03:40) - Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame ballot preview
(00:04:49) - Roy Welch and the Welch family legacy
(00:06:35) - Introducing the panel: Randy, Dr. Tom, Pat
(00:09:09) - Panel discussion begins - remembering Bill Dundee
(00:11:21) - Bill Dundee's celebration of life service
(00:14:43) - Reflections on funerals and Jerry Oates' service
(00:17:00) - What made Bill Dundee special as a person
(00:19:42) - Tom Prichard's Mid-South Coliseum debut, 1983
(00:24:07) - Territory buildings and road life memories
(00:25:10) - Bill Dundee's car and early Birmingham memories
(00:29:20) - Dundee's journey from Scotland/Australia to Tennessee
(00:32:16) - Nick Gulas conflict and joining Jarrett's territory
(00:34:36) - Lawler-Dundee chemistry and rivalry
(00:35:54) - Bill Dundee's work ethic and passion for wrestling
(00:39:58) - The Lawler-Dundee tag team legacy
(00:44:55) - Dundee's versatility with tag partners
(00:48:56) - Scaffold match and Dundee's fearlessness
(00:50:50) - Watching the funeral via livestream, Coco Ware
(00:53:22) - Dundee's circus background and family life
(00:55:14) - Bobby Eaton, family ties, and Dylan Eaton at funeral
(00:57:59) - Reflecting on aging and getting older
(00:58:52) - Final thoughts and tributes to Bill Dundee
(01:06:36) - Wrap-up and upcoming Time Tunnel content
(01:09:33) - Grizzly Up Soap Company sponsor segment
(01:12:51) - Closing and sign-off
Episode 80: 1976 Territory Review: All Japan Pro Wrestling & RIP Jerry Oates
Season 2 · Episode 80
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 03:59:30
Episode 80 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is a special one, with a trip to Japan and a heartfelt look back at our friend Jerry Oates.
Segment 1:We travel to Japan as wrestling historian Fumi Saito joins us from Tokyo. Fumi looks back at Giant Baba’s All Japan Pro Wrestling in 1976, the year Jerry and Ted Oates won the All Asia Tag Team Championship.
Segment 2:Two of our regulars, Georgia wrestling analyst Bobby Simmons and Gulf Coast expert Michael Norris, join me to share their friendship and memories of Jerry Oates. We laugh, we reflect, and we get sad at times talking about our friend.
Segment 3:My last conversation with Jerry Oates for the show — recorded a couple of weeks before his passing — as Jerry discusses his career in 1976.
This is a history-packed and deeply personal episode.
Episode 80 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Time Tunnel.
Chapters
(00:00:02) - Intro and Show Overview
(00:01:35) - Remembering Jerry Oates and Show Roadmap
(00:04:59) - Catfish, Cornmeal, and Southern Cooking Talk
(00:09:50) - Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame Campaign for Roy Welch
(00:12:44) - Fumi Saito Joins: Remembering Dory Funk Jr
(00:19:06) - All Japan's NWA Connection and Title History
(00:23:20) - Jumbo Tsuruta's Rise and the 10 Match Series
(00:26:47) - Foreign Talent Tours and Dick Murdoch's Impact
(00:30:10) - Understanding the Japanese Tour System
(00:34:58) - Champion Carnival and Abdullah the Butcher's Win
(00:38:46) - Oates Brothers Win All Asia Tag Titles
(00:47:44) - Fall Tours, Title Changes, and Kim Duk's Rise
(00:53:26) - Comparing All Japan and New Japan in 1976
(00:59:47) - Reflecting on Dory Funk Jr's Legacy in Japan
(01:03:23) - Wrap-up with Fumi and Show Promotion
Episode 79: Mexico 1976 & Stampede Wrestling 1976
Season 2 · Episode 79
Wednesday, September 9, 2026 • Duration 02:52:57
Episode 79 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show welcomes two first-time guests to the show — and we also pause to remember three wrestlers we’ve lost recently.
Segment One: I pay tribute to Paul LeDuc, one of the Canadian Lumberjacks along with his kayfabe brother Jos LeDuc. Then we welcome Lucha Libre historian and enthusiast Roy Lucier for his first appearance on the show. Roy and I discuss wrestling in Mexico as we cover the EMLL and UWA promotions in 1976.
Segment Two: I offer a heartfelt tribute to Jerry Oates, a Southern territory legend and a member of our Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel family. Then we welcome Ross Hart of the famous Stu Hart family for his first appearance on the show. Ross and I cover Stampede Wrestling in 1976.
Segment Three: I wrap up the episode with thoughts on Superstar Bill Dundee, who passed away over the weekend.It’s a history-packed episode with new voices, important tributes, and another look at 1976 around the wrestling world.
Episode 79 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.
Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel.
Chapters
(00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
(00:03:36) - Paul Leduc
(00:12:18) - Roy Lucher
(00:18:54) - Dory Dixon In The Observer Wrestling Hall of Fame
(00:20:01) - Luderoth on CMLO and His Retirement
(00:24:53) - What's the atmosphere at Arena Lucha?
(00:27:39) - Are You Ready for The Mask Unmasking?
(00:29:25) - Dr. Wagner
(00:33:29) - The Psychology of Lucha Libre's Mask Match
(00:38:56) - Phil Fishman on Mill Masters' popularity in America
(00:44:14) - NWA National Welterweight Championship
(00:48:22) - How Did They Work Their Way Up the Card in Mexico?
(00:51:20) - The Truth About Ringo Mendoza
(00:55:52) - UWA vs AAA
(01:00:45) - The UWA vs Lucha Libre
(01:02:57) - Perca Ag
Episode 78: Dusty Rhodes 1976
Season 2 · Episode 78
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 • Duration 03:28:39
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 78
Hey everyone, Tony Richards here!Episode 78 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is another loaded episode with three strong segments.
Segment 1:Steve Gennerelli and I open the show with a salute and review of the career of Dolly Parton, the Hall of Fame singer-songwriter who recently passed away at the age of 80. We share our thoughts and pay tribute to one of the greats.
Segment 2:Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Florida analyst Howard Baum is joined by former Florida referee and office employee Bruce Owens. The guys review the career of The American Dream Dusty Rhodes in 1976 and his legendary battles with NWA World Champion Terry Funk, Don Jardine, The Spoiler, Jody Hamilton (The Assassin), and more — all in the Spirit of ’76 as well as more memories of Dory Funk Jr in Florida as booker.
Segment 3:Tennessee analyst Tim Dills joins me as we document the career of UWA personality and Nashville legend Big Tussie. We also review the cards from the outlaw UWA group and the Gulas Tennessee office in Nashville and the surrounding towns.Three great segments.
One history-packed episode.
Episode 78 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.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: Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
(00:00:34) - Tony Richards
(00:02:38) - Dolly Parton Dies at 80
(00:11:22) - Dolly's Career in 60 Seconds
(00:18:10) - Dolly Parton on Her Top 5 Female Vocalists of
(00:24:33) - Dolly the Musical's Life
(00:31:14) - Dolly Parton's 80th Birthday Tribute
(00:32:59) - American Dream
(00:33:33) - Florida Wrestling Analyst Howard Baum Back with Bruce Owens
(00:39:14) - Bruce Funk on Dory Funk Jr's Death
(00:46:32) - Jack Briscoe on Dory Funk vs Terry Funk
Episode 77: 7 Stages of Territory Era, Stage 7 (1985-1995)
Season 2 · Episode 77
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 • Duration 02:29:29
Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel Territory History Show Episode 77
Episode 77 of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is another history-packed episode with three great guests and deep conversations.
Segment 1: Steve Gennerelli joins me as we go deep into the 7 Stages of the Territory Era framework. Steve and I discuss how the framework was created, its roots, and the original thoughts and ideas behind it. We talk about how it continues to evolve as new information comes to light. Then we focus specifically on Stage 7: Disintegration (1985–1995) — the critical ten-year period when the territory system collapsed, offices closed, and promotions disappeared. We examine the impact of cable television technology and the forces that drove national expansion.
Segment 2: Historian Greg Klein stops by the Ranch. We discuss his new book, The Texas Rasslin Wars of the 1950s, his recent guest appearance on Episode 9 of Stories with Brisco and Bradshaw’s The History of Texas Wrestling, and more.
Segment 3: Sean Dulaney visits to talk about his new book, The History of Wrestling in Evansville, Indiana 1972–1973, and the special exhibit at the Evansville Museum celebrating 100 Years of Pro Wrestling in Evansville.Three strong segments.
One loaded episode of territory history.
Episode 77 is available now on Castos, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all your usual platforms.
Hit play, leave a review, and keep riding with us through the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel!
Chapters
(00:00:02) - Podcast
(00:00:34) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Dory Funk Tribute
(00:03:03) - The 7 Different Stations of Wrestling
(00:09:04) - The Final Stage of Wrestling: The Territory Era
(00:18:19) - In the Elevator With Vince
(00:20:00) - Jim Crockett vs Vince McMahon
(00:27:28) - Steve Austin on Trying to Take the AWA to National
Episode 76: Dory Funk,. Jr Tribute Show
Season 2 · Episode 76
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 03:59:30
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.
Episode 75: 1976 Territory Review: Tennessee pt2, Dory Funk 1966 and Randy Hales
Season 2 · Episode 75
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 04:15:56
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
Episode 74: Cauliflower Alley Club 2026
Season 2 · Episode 74
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 • Duration 03:07:17
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
Episode 73: Curse of The Von Erichs, Funk 1966 and Mailbag
Season 2 · Episode 73
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 • Duration 03:13:56
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
Episode 72: 1976 Territory Review WWWF 1976 Part 2
Season 2 · Episode 72
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 • Duration 02:49:02
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
(01:06:12) - Introducing Bobby Simmons and Michael Norris
(01:10:06) - How Bobby and Michael Met Jerry Oates
(01:13:52) - Jerry and Ted Oates as a Tag Team
(01:21:52) - Jerry's Georgia Career and Barnett Relationship
(01:26:50) - Wrestlers Jerry Trained and Mentored
(01:35:43) - Funny Ribs and Road Stories About Jerry
(01:43:28) - Jerry's Gym, Milo Steinborn, and Business Ventures
(01:56:16) - Remembering Kathy Oates and Jerry's Faith
(02:07:07) - Remembering Bill Dundee
(02:20:22) - Final Thoughts and Tributes to Jerry Oates
(02:31:56) - Texas Wrestling Series Promotion
(02:37:33) - Final Jerry Oates Interview Begins: 1976 in Kansas City
(02:42:36) - Leaving Kansas City and Return to Georgia
(02:52:36) - Back in Georgia: New Feuds and Territory Politics
(03:07:08) - Working with Gordman, Goliath, Thornton and Charles
