Nick Bockwinkel as AWA champion
Before there was Ric Flair there was Nick Bockwinkel. Flair made his reputation as a well-dressed ladies man who liked to "style and profile". In the 1970's there was one champion that did it with style and flare as well. That champion was Nick Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel died on Saturday at the age of 80. Wresling lost another of it's all-time greats.
Bockwinkel wrestled in the AWA (American Wrestling Association) during the 1970's and 1980's. This was during the territory days so he wrestled every great legend of his time including Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Jerry "The King" Lawler just to name a few. Bockwinkel was a 4-time AWA champion.
In fact Bockwinkel was the first champion to work with Hulk Hogan during his time in the AWA from 1981-1983 when Hogan was just starting Hulkamania in the AWA. Who knows where Hulk Hogan would be without Bockwinkel's help. Ric Flair who was a fan of the AWA and was trained by Verne Gagne (the AWA's founder and great wrestler in his own right) also borrowed his style approach from Bockwinkel wearing custom-made suits.
RIP Mr. Bockwinkel. Your impact on this sport will never be forgotten.
THE PROFESSOR
No comments:
Post a Comment