Nick Bockwinkel Suffering From Alzheimer's

Ric Flair revealed on "The Steve Austin Show" podcast with host "Stone Cold" Steve Austin that legendary wrestler Nick Bockwinkel, 78, is now suffering from Alzheimer's disesase. It was apparently known some time in various wrestling circles according to a report by Dave Meltzer. Bockwinkel has been described as "no longer addressing everyone" when appearing at Cauliflower Alley conventions.

Opinionated View- This truly awful to hear. Make no mistake about it Bockwinkel is one of the all time greats and I wouldn't wish Alzheimer's on anyone.

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Health Update on Harley Race

To follow up on an earlier report by Dave Meltzer, Harley Race's office is stating that Race didn't actually did not suffer a recent fall and dislocate his hip as noted on Thursday. The office instead is saying that Race has a hip problem that is currently giving him trouble and he is now resting at home. Race pulled out of an appearance at the St. Louis Grizzlies event on Saturday due to his current hip issues.
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Report on Why Bill Watts Pulled OUt of Hall of Fame Appearance

To follow up on an earlier report about Bill Watts pulling out an an appearance next weeked in Iowa at the Dan Gable Museum, Dave Meltzer is now reporting that Watts sent word he couldn't attend due to health reasons. Watts, 74, was scheduled to be inducted into the Class of 2013 George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo.

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WWE Issues Statement on the Death of Matt Borne

From WWE.com:

Reports indicate that Matt Osborne, aka the original Doink the Clown, has passed away. A rugged brawler in promotions like Mid-South Wrestling and World Championship Wrestling, Osborne made a major impact in WWE under the greasepaint of a prankster named Doink — one of the most enduring personas of the early ’90s.

WWE is saddened by the news of Osborne's passing. Our deepest condolences go out to Osborne’s family, friends and fans.

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Matt Borne AKA The First Donk The Clown Passes Away At 55

Matt Osbourne, better known as "Maniac" Matt Borne, Big Josh and the original Doink the Clown in the WWF, has passed away.



Details on his passing are still developing. PWInsider.com can confirm Osbourne was found this morning in Texas, where he had been staying of late, by his girlfriend. Osbourne would have turned 56 next month.

A second generation star, Osbourne was the son of "Tough" Tony Borne, a star who challenged for the NWA World title during his career and was most prominently known in the Texas and Pacific Northwest territories.

It was that same Northwest region that Osbourne debuted after being trained by his father, working for Don Owen's promotion. Billed as "Maniac" Matt Borne, he was a tough, bruiser of a wrestler and was a natural for the business.  It was his streak for wild behavior outside the ring that often prevented him from having big money runs in the business and causing the premature end of a number of pushes in different companies.

After making his name, Osbourne worked a number of different territories, including Mid-South Wrestling, where he teamed with Ted DiBiase and Hacksaw Duggan as babyfaces known as the "Ratpack", playing off the famous entertain trio of the era by the same name. He and Duggan actually ended up having heat with each other during that time period, which actually turned into a legitimate shoot decades later during a PWS independent event in New Jersey just a few years back.

Osbourne moved to Georgia Championship Wrestling, where he and Arn Anderson were tapped to become a top duo there.  Allegations against Osbourne and a potential legal case led to his quick exit.

Osbourne's travels took him to the WWF in the early 1980s and he worked the first Wrestlemania card, losing to Ricky Steamboat, who had just started with the promotion.

He wasn't long for WWF and Osbourne moved around for most of the 1980s working for all the major territories as they dried up one by one. He had a big push in World Class Championship Wrestling, teaming with Buzz Sawyer to win the World Class Tag straps and also had a run as The Texas Heavyweight champion. But, the territories were fewer and fewer as the 80s went on, making it harder and harder to find work, so the journey never ended for the journeyman.

Osbourne returned to national TV was brought in by Dusty Rhodes to World Championship Wrestling in 1991.  Although he was an old school guy in how he protected the business and presented himself, this time, he was not Matt Borne.  Instead, he was given a makeover and became Big Josh. His past in the business was completely ignored as he morphed into a fan turned wrestler. The idea was he was a simple country outdoorsman, complete with an entrance accompanied by bears on major PPVs. If you think Hillbilly Jim in the 1980s WWF, it was similar in vein to Big Josh.

While in WCW, Osbourne had several title runs (United States tag belts with Ron Simmons and a WCW Six Man Tag run with Z-Man and Dustin Rhodes) but was never pushed as anything more than just an undercard babyface character.  That sort of character seemed out of place in WCW, even in 1991 where the company was floundering creatively after the loss of Ric Flair.  Osbourne left the company after a year.

Osbourne was brought back to the WWF in 1993. With the advent of the Monday Night Raw era, a slew of new personalities were introduced. The knock on WWF had been that it had become a circus among old school wrestling fans. With Osbourne, WWF now had their clown - dressed as a clown with bright green wig, white, red and blue facepaint and a colorful polka-dotted outfit, he began appearing in the audience at shows.

Over time, it was revealed that Doink was an evil clown. He would pull cruel pranks on fans at ringside and eventually, on the late Bryan "Crush" Adams, attacking him with a fake arm he pulled out of a sling. Doink was off to the races, including a Wrestlemania 9 appearance where he defeated Crush after a second, identical Doink (Steve Keirn) came from under the ring. It was twin magic well before there was a Bella Twin in sight.

The multiple Doinks became the calling card of the character and also allowed Doink to appear on multiple events taking place at the same time on the road. Steve Lombardi (the Brooklyn Brawler) would often end up playing a Doink on the road as well.

For most of 1993, Osbourne was in the WWF mix, working Bret Hart at Summerslam that year and having an extended series of matches with Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig in a tournament for the vacant Intercontinental championship.

Having done his run as a heel, the decision was made to turn Osbourne babyface, although that turn would eventually see the end of his career on a national level. Following a number of personal issues, WWF opted to let Osbourne go, instead hiring Northeastern independent wrestler Ray Apollo to portray Doink from that point on. Apollo officially debuted in a vignette at the 1993 Survivor Series. Osbourne never played the character for WWF again, with the exception of the Raw 15th Anniversary show, where his old foe Steamboat, now an agent, suggested he be brought in for the role.

Osbourne hit the indy scene as Doink almost immediately, working all over the United States as well as overseas as the character. Doink on the indy scene was a hot draw. The character was all over WWF TV, allowed Osbourne (and others who had no business playing the role) to make decent money with bookings and merchandise money.

Osbourne also had a short run in the original ECW, debuting as Doink in a tournament for the NWA title. Doink was a mystery opponent for ECW mascot 911, who quickly destroyed him with a series of chokeslams. This allowed Paul Heyman to rip on the WWF by declaring that this, "Wasn't the circus, it was E-C-W!" That night, Shane Douglas won and rejected the NWA title, instead declaring the ECW belt the "ECW World Heavyweight championship" and that he was going to bring the sport back to pro wrestling.

As part of that plan, initially was Matt Borne. Christened "Borne Again", the idea was that Douglas had brought the wrestler back out of the clown. Borne was muscle for Douglas and worked alongside him for several months. When it came time for ECW's big November to Remember weekend, Osbourne had overseas dates that conflicted. He later claimed in an interview here on PWInsider.com that he was told by Paul Heyman to take the overseas dates, but when he returned, there was no longer a spot for him.

Over the ensuing years, Osbourne continued to be an old school journeyman wrestler, working independents where he could find bookings, making the convention circuit appearances and working as a mentor and trainer to different wrestlers in areas where he was located at different times. He also tried his hand in promoting in the Garfield, NJ area a few years back.

Ric Flair Pulls out of Hall of Fame Weekend

Ric Flair will not attend Hall of Fame weekend in Waterloo
WATERLOO, Iowa—The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum received word that Ric Flair will not be in Waterloo, Iowa, to attend the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame weekend due to a family commitment.

“We regret that Ric cannot make this year’s hall of fame weekend,” said Kyle Klingman, director of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. “However, we are very excited about the weekend festivities. Edge and Matt Hughes are two of the biggest names in their respective professions. Museum namesake Dan Gable will also be in attendance. This will be a historic weekend for everyone involved.”

Weekend activities include a professional wrestling tryout with Hall of Famers Gerry Brisco and Jim Ross, a professional wrestling show, an autograph signing, a Mixed Martial Arts seminar, and much more.

The Class of 2013 includes Ric Flair, “Cowboy” Bill Watts, Chris Taylor (posthumously), Edge (Lou Thesz Award), Jim Brunzell (Frank Gotch Award), Matt Hughes (George Tragos Award), and George Napolitano (Jim Melby Award).

Past inductees scheduled to attend weekend activities include Danny Hodge, Gerald Brisco, Jim Ross, Baron Von Raschke, Mad Dog Vachon, Bill Murdock, Jason Sanderson, Larry Hennig, Bob Roop, and museum namesake Dan Gable.

Tickets to the Impact Professional Wrestling Show on Friday, July 12 are $20 for ringside and $15 for general admission.

Tickets to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center at $50.

All-access passes have sold out.

Tickets to either event may be ordered by calling (319) 233-0745 for e-mailing dgmstaff@nwhof.org.

Banquet tickets can be ordered online by clicking here.

Schedule of events

Friday, July 12
Noon – Professional wrestling tryout with Gerald Brisco and Jim Ross at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

5:30 p.m. – Doors open to the public for Impact Pro Wrestling show at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Autograph signing begins.

7 p.m. – Impact Pro Wrestling show featuring Colt Cabana.

Saturday, July 13
11 a.m. – History of WWE presentation with "NY Times” Bestselling Author & WWE Biographer, Brian Shields.

Noon—Mixed Martial Arts seminar with Matt Hughes in the Dan Gable Teaching Center inside the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

1 p.m.—Fan Fest at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Fan Fest includes a tribute to the American Wrestling Association, historic wrestling matches playing in the theater, and Q & A with Bill Apter and Mick Karch, and an AWA reunion.

2:30—Autograph signing with professional wrestling legends at the Hall of Fame.

5 p.m.—Hall of Fame reception at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

6 p.m.—Induction banquet at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center.

7 p.m.—Induction ceremony at Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center with Arda Ocal as the master of ceremonies.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum is a not-for-profit organization based out of Waterloo, Iowa. The mission of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame is to preserve history, recognize excellence, and inspire future generations

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Stan Lane Remembers Jackie Fargo

- Stan Lane, who was mentored by Jackie Fargo during his time in Memphis as one half of The Fabulous Ones with Steve Keirn, sent out the following today…
The Fabulous One- Jackie Fargo

The electricity he exuded when he entered a room, or an arena, was something that was truly rare and something that was never forgotten once witnessed. He set the bar for his ability to compel awrestlingaudience to fixate on his every move and mannerism in the ring, and lead them through a myriad of emotions that made them beg for more.

Jackie was "often imitated, but never duplicated," although many who followed him tried. Having Jackie personally take Steve Keirn and myself under his wing and guidance while endorsing us to continue his lineage and legacy as "The Fabulous Ones" was a once in a lifetime blessing for me.

Remembering Jackie demonstrating to us at his house inNashvilleover and over again on how to do his Fargo Strut correctly spoke volumes on how much he treasured his craft. Although we tried and tried, as many others have over the years, no one could do it quite like the original which is just the way it should be. He will be missed terribly, but spoken of often with a joy in our hearts and a smile on our face....

-Stan Lane

"The Fabulous Ones"

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Jeff Jarrett and Jerry Lawler Comment on the Death of Jackie Fargo

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler and TNA Founder Jeff Jarrett had the following to say about the passing yesterday of Jackie Fargo on Twitter.

Jerry Lawler        ✔ @JerryLawler

Without the Fabulous Jackie Fargo, there would never have been a King Jerry Lawler. RIP Jackie. pic.twitter.com/29C9bEg06z

Jeff Jarrett        ✔ @JeffJarrettTNA

RIP Jackie Fargo... Huge influence on my career... Often imitated, but never duplicated...

8:13 AM - 24 Jun 2013

Memphis Legend Jackie Fargo Passes Away At 85

Multiple wrestling media sites are reporting that Memphis wrestling legend Jackie Fargo passed away this morning at the age of 85. Fargo had been hospitalized over the last week with a heart issue due to congestive heart disease. At the time he was hospitalized, only 15 percent of his heart was functioning. 

Allow me to send my condolences to Fargo's family, friends, and fans. 

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Updates on Jackie Fargo and Bobby Eaton's Health Statuses

Jackie Fargo remains in critical condition in an intensive care unit due to his heart condition. Bobby Eaton is doing better from his own heart problems and is currently awaiting surgery for his pacemaker to be installed.

Jackie Fargo Rushed to Hospital, Now in Critical Condition

Jackie Fargo, 85, one of the greatest wrestlers to ever work the Memphis territory and the originator of the "Fargo Strut" so many wrestlers have emulated over the years is currently hospitalized in critical condition.

Fargo was found unconscious in his home Saturday and rushed to the hospital. He's been battling congenital heart disease for some time. According to Fargo's daughter Debra Ann, only 15% of his heart is currently working.

Fargo worked for a number of territories during his career but was forever intertwined with Memphis Wrestling. However, he worked in Georgia, the WWWF, and lots of groups across the Mid-West. He held several versions of the NWA Tag straps with Don Fargo and the Southern Tag Team belts with everyone from Lou Thesz to Jerry Jarrett.

A great interview, Fargo was a wild, roughhouse brawler. While everyone today thinks of Jerry Lawler as the King of Memphis, the crown, the throne and the hearts of Memphis Wrestling fans belonged to Fargo for many, many years before Lawler's name was ever uttered on TV.

Although Memphis would consider him one of their own, Fargo is actually from China Grove, NC. Fargo broke into the business in the Carolinas working for an "outlaw" group (what would today be considered an independent group; it was outlaw because it ran the same territory as an established NWA group without the NWA blessing.) as Dick or Dickie Bishop, depending on the area.

After a run in the military, Fargo returned to the business and actually worked on top for the WWWF in the 1950s. It was there was promoter Toots Mondt realized that Jackie and another wrestler, Don Kait, would work well as a heel duo. The Fargos were born.

Managed by Bobby Davis, the duo carried themselves as completely arrogant villains with blonde died hair, purple and red outfits, sequined jackets and top hats. The duo were white hot as heels and even headlined in Madison Square Garden in 1957.

By 1958, the duo had hit Memphis, which was never, ever the same. It became the epicenter of Fargo's career, although the team continued touring for a number of Southern areas with runs in Chicago as well.

Fargo worked for most of his career as a crazy, brawling, cocky heel. Those qualities, not unlike Steve Austin many generations later, led to the audience eventually embracing him as a massive super-hero babyface.

At times, even Fargo needed help to even the odds. "Roughhouse" Sonny Fargo would be introduced, with the idea that he was locked away in a nuthouse and would be brought out when dire circumstances called for it. Fargo was known as a crazy brawler, so when Roughhouse, the one so dangerous he needed to be locked away, was set loose, Memphis became unglued with the excitement of the heels getting theirs from the Fargos.

While Don Fargo would go off in his own direction and work under lots of different guises, Jackie was set in Memphis by the 1960s and working there full-time.

Fargo was also responsible for breaking a local artist named Jerry Lawler into the business. Lawler, who was discovered by announcer Lance Russell after the Memphis TV show host received artwork showcasing what happened at the weekly Mid-South Coliseum events. Russell began using the art regularly, setting Lawler on his own journey into wrestling immortality. The young Lawler worked for Fargo painting and creating signage for his side business. This was Lawler's foot in the door and Fargo became his trainer, mentor and at times, opponent.

Fargo officially retired in 1980 but remained a colorful figure in Memphis Wrestling as the manager and springboard for The Fabulous Ones, Stan Lane and Steve Keirn, who at one point were the hottest tag team the territory had ever seen. Fargo bestowed the strut upon them as part of their personality, which they accentuated with beards, tuxedo-like ring outfits and other Chippendales style garb to draw female fans (which they did, by the bus load).

Fargo would occasionally come out of retirement to team with the duo or Lawler as well. Even as the years went on and he became older, Fargo was a regular presence for pro wrestling in the South. He was brought in to help bring additional "oomph" to major events and was the referee who counted the pinfall when Lawler pinned Curt Hennig to win the AWA World title. He was the living legend.

Fargo was honored in 2009 by the NWA Legends Hall of Heroes. He was a big part of the awesome "Memphis Heat" documentary that was released a few years ago and will always be synonymous with wrestling in that city.

Al Green dead at age 57, former partner Kevin Nash comments

Al Green (a/k/a Al Dobalo) died on Friday at age 57. He had reportedly been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Green teamed with Kevin Nash as The Master Blasters and was known as "The Dog" later in his career. Nash addressed Green's death on his Twitter page. "RIP AL Green," Nash wrote. "Thanks for saying yes in Hammond, Indiana to be my partner."

Opinionated View- Allow me to just extend my condolences to Mr. Green's family friends and fans 

WWE legend featured on CBS This Morning

CBS This Morning just did an excellent piece on Tito Santana going from the WWF to teaching Spanish. The segment also noted how he saved his money and retired, and also how he bought a store location for his wife's beauty salon entitled "Santana." They also mentioned his real name Merced Solis & he's 60 years old.


There were a lot of cool clips from his WWF days, wrestling Mr. Perfect in the Intercontinental Title tournament in 1990, the night he lost the IC Title to Randy "Macho Man" Savage, footage from Survivor Series 1990 wrestling Sgt. Slaughter in the main event elimination match, and the match where Strike Force defeated The Hart Foundation for the WWF Tag Team Titles on Superstars of Wrestling in October 1987.

You can check out the CBS feature on Santana at CBSNews.com/video/watch/?id=50148838n.