Portland Wrestling

Episode 40 – Portland Sports Arena: May 1969The Portland wrestling landscape begins to shift in May of1969. The dominant Von Steigers are nearing the end of their Northwest run, new stars are arriving, and Don Owen is searching for the spark that will carry the territory into the future. Meanwhile, controversy seems to follow everychampionship match, as disputed decisions, held-up titles, and commission rulings leave fans wondering who the real champions are. Join Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rodgers as theydive into a month filled with chaos, including the arrival of Pat Patterson and Roger "Rip" Kirby, the ongoing battles between Lonnie Mayne, Tony Borne, Buddy Marino, and Luther Lindsay, and some of the most unusual finishes Portland wrestling had seen to that point. Plus:• The final days of the Von Steigers' reign in the Northwest• Salem's wild title controversy and near-riot atmosphere• The first-ever battle royal in Longview• Pat Patterson's surprisingly brief Portland stay• Stan Stasiak's puzzling booking during a critical transition period• A look at Rocky Mountain Wrestling and Lonnie Mayne's appearances in Salt Lake City• Another trip to Hawaii, featuring Billy Robinson, Dory Dixon, Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, King Curtis, Ripper Collins, and one of the strongest rosters anywhere in wrestling in 1969 And of course, Lisa Hughes returns with another edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, where Doritos, Popeye, squirrel paws, and professional wrestling somehow end up in the same conversation. One ring. One city. A thousand stories.New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Fridayon Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Ringside in Rose City #39 The Northwest Almost Champions: The Men Who challenged for the NWA World TitleOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.The NWA World Heavyweight Championship was the mostprestigious prize in professional wrestling for decades. The champions areremembered. The title reigns are celebrated. But what about the men who stood across the ring from them and came within one match of changing history?This week, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rogers take adeep dive into nearly four decades of NWA World Championship matches contested throughout Don Owen's territory—from Salem in 1952 to Portland in the late 1980s.Along the way, they uncover the stories of the challengerswho made fans believe that maybe, just maybe, this would be the night the title changed hands.Featured in this episode:• The remarkable Northwest championship history of LouThesz, Pat O'Connor, Gene Kiniski, Dory Funk Jr., HarleyRace, Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, and Ric Flair• Why Luther Lindsay remains one of the most respected and important challengers in wrestling history• The incredible championship résumé of Tony Borne, Portland's ultimate gatekeeper• Don Leo Jonathan's unforgettable battles with Gene Kiniski• The sustained title pursuits of Lonnie Mayne, Dutch Savage, and Buddy Rose• The protected status of Jimmy Snuka and why he never lost to an NWA champion in the Northwest• The one and only NWA title appearance by Buddy Rogers in Don Owen's territory• The surprising story behind Roddy Piper's victory over Ric Flair• How cable television changed wrestling and transformed what it meant to be world championFrank and Mike also explore the unique role of the territorychallenger—the local stars who never held the NWA World Championship but became legends by making fans believe they could.Plus, another edition of Card Shark sends Mike acrosswrestling history, from Seaside to Phoenix to Omaha, testing his memory of territories, arenas, wrestlers, and championship eras.The champions may have carried the belt, but the challengerscarried the dreams of the fans. This is their story.Join us at ringside.Ringside in Rose City — Wrestling, the way it should be.New episodes drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,and YouTube.Based on the research of historian Mike Rogers and the Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers and Katie Bar the Door: The History of Portland Wrestling, available on Amazon.

Ringside in Rose City #38April 1969: Jersey Joe, Bloodbaths, and the End of an EraOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.This week, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rogerscontinue their journey through Portland Wrestling history as they arrive in April 1969—a month filled with championship changes, Memorial Coliseum super cards, boxing legends, battle royals, and more blood than Salem doctors probably wanted to deal with.Former heavyweight boxing champion Jersey Joe Walcottarrives in the Northwest as a special referee, guest attraction, and even steps into the ring himself. The Von Steigers continue their reign of terror, while Luther Lindsay, Shag Thomas, Lonnie Mayne, and Tony Borne battle through some of the most violent matches of the year.Along the way, Frank and Mike discuss:• Jersey Joe Walcott's surprising wrestling connections• The Von Steigers vs. Thomas & Lindsay rivalry• Lonnie Mayne's climb back to championship gold• Earl Maynard's arrival in the Northwest• Women's wrestling stars Jeane Antone and Betty Nicolai• Why Salem newspaper ads warned fans with heart problems to stay home• The mysterious Al Hobman, "King of Australian Wrestling"• The strange and tragic story of Firpo Zabysco• Fundraisers, spot shows, battle royals, and the realities of territory wrestlingPlus, another visit to Hawaii brings an absolutely stackedcollection of dream matches featuring Gene Kiniski, King Curtis Iaukea, Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, Don Leo Jonathan, Mr. Fuji, Peter Maivia, and many more.As April comes to a close, one thing becomes clear: thePortland roster is beginning to change. Familiar faces are leaving, rivalries are winding down, and Don Owen is about to need fresh talent to keep the territory moving forward.It's a fascinating snapshot of a territory at a crossroads—and another deep dive into the history that made Portland Wrestling special.And yes, Mike somehow finds a way to work Holcomb,Washington, onto his wrestling travel bucket list.Join us at ringside.Ringside in Rose City —WrestlingWrestling, the way it should be.

Ringside in Rose City #37 – “They Worked Here?”One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… the stories get unbelievable. When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope reads:“They Worked Here?”And suddenly Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestlinghistorian Mike Rogers are diving into one of the most fascinating questions in wrestling history:How many future legends, world champions, icons, andwrestling immortals passed through Portland Wrestling before they became famous?The answer?Way more than you think.Before They Became LegendsThis episode explores the surprising Portland appearancesof:• Antonio Inoki – wrestling prelim matches in Portland before becoming one of the most important figures in wrestling history• Jumbo Tsuruta – making a single Portland appearance years before becoming a Japanese legend• Tully Blanchard – here for barely a month before exploding into stardom• Gino Hernandez – loaded with charisma, but trapped in a roster too stacked to fully break through• Larry Zbyszko – years before Shea Stadium and his legendary Bruno Sammartino feud• Magnum T.A. – learning the business in Portland before headlining against Ric Flair• Carlos Colón – long before becoming Puerto Rico’s biggest wrestling icon• Chief Jay Strongbow – back when he was still Flyin’ Joe Scarpa• The Barbarian – appearing as the almost mythical “Tonga John”• Austin Idol – the one Mike Rogers still believes got away too soon• Pampero Firpo – wild, dangerous, intelligent, and unforgettable• Skandor Akbar – before becoming one of wrestling’s great managers• Reggie Parks – future creator of some of wrestling’s most iconic championship belts• Paul Boesch – before becoming one of wrestling’s most respected promoters• And even The Mighty Igor, Billy Red Cloud, Cyclone Negro,Duke Keomuka, and many morePortland Wrestling Was the CrossroadsOne of the biggest themes in this episode:You never knew who you were watching.Some wrestlers were:• Future world champions• Future promoters• Future legends• Or future main eventers still trying to figure things out in prelim matchesAnd Portland?It was often one stop on the journey before everythingchanged.Mike, Jim Valley, and Tonga JohnThe episode also features one of the all-time great MikeRogers stories involving:• Mike• Wrestling Observer’s Jim Valley• Haku• The Barbarian• And the mystery of Tonga JohnLet’s just say:When Mike and Jim Valley worked up the courage to ask Haku a serious wrestling history question…Haku answered with one thumb point.Honestly, Jim Valley surviving that interaction may be oneof the greatest accomplishments in wrestling journalism.Card Shark ReturnsAnd yes…Lisa once again deals out another round of Card Shark,featuring:• World Class• Memphis• WWF house shows• Steve Doll superfan Jody Day’s wrestling scrapbook collection• And Mike Rogers continuing to somehow identify wrestling cards like a human version of Pro Wrestling Illustrated from 1987It’s getting a little unsettling at this point.Special ThanksA special thank you to Jody Day for sharing pieces from her incredible wrestling memorabilia and scrapbook collection for this episode. Her passion for Portland Wrestling history—and especially anything involving Steve Doll—helped make this episode possible.This episode isn’t just nostalgia.It’s a reminder that wrestling history doesn’t happen all atonce.Sometimes legends begin in prelim matches.Sometimes future icons are barely noticed.And sometimes the answer to “Wait… THEY worked here?” is absolutely yes.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City — WrestlingWrestling the way it should be.

🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #36 – The OWF: The Promotion That Almost Changed Portland WrestlingOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… the story of the wrestling war that almost changed everything in Oregon. When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope sendsFrank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers back to 1988 and the rise—and collapse—of the Oregon Wrestling Federation.Billy Jack Haynes had the name.The publicity.The TV deal.The building.And for one brief moment…It looked like Portland Wrestling might finally have realcompetition.The Birth of the OWFThe OWF launched with:• A sold-out debut crowd in Oregon City• TV on Fox 49• Big newspaper coverage• A 30,000 square foot arena• And Billy Jack Haynes promising something bigger and more modern than Portland WrestlingFrank and Mike break down:• Billy’s ambitious plans• Why he called himself the “Pete Rose of Professional Wrestling”• And what Don Owen was likely thinking as a competitor suddenly appeared in his territory for the first time in yearsThe Roster – Familiar Faces and New NamesThe OWF brought together:• Billy Jack Haynes• Rip Oliver• Black Stud Williams (Ray Candy)• Hercules Haggerty (Tugboat)• Corporal Kirschner• Brian Adams• Mike Miller• Coco Samoa• JT Southern• Johnny Ace (John Laurinaitis)• And even future names like The Terminator and Tiger Chung LeeSome were rising stars.Some were veterans.And some were just trying to survive another territory.Real Stories From the Locker RoomThis episode goes beyond match results.Mike shares firsthand stories and interviews from:• Mike Miller• Joey Jackson• And The GrapplerIncluding:• Wrestlers jumping promotions for promised money• The frustrations of working only one night a week• Stiff matches with Hercules Haggerty• Why some wrestlers quickly left the OWF• And how Don Owen quietly waited for the competition to collapseAs the Grappler explains:“You don’t mention the other promotion on TV. All that does is put them over.”Old-school wrestling psychology—inside and outside the ring.From Sellouts to Empty BuildingsThe story of the OWF changes fast.What begins with excitement slowly turns into:• Smaller crowds• Repetitive booking• Missing wrestlers• Financial problems• Unpaid talent• Canceled shows• And confusion over championships, tournaments, and even who was still employedBy the final cards…The dream is barely holding together.Don Owen Fights BackWhile Billy struggled, Don Owen and The Grappler countered with loaded Portland Wrestling cards featuring:• Buddy Rose• Matt Borne• The Assassin• Steve Doll & Scott Peterson• Avalanche• Colonel DeBeers• Curt Hennig• Jimmy Jack Funk• And moreThis episode compares the two promotions week-by-week—showing exactly why one survived… and the other didn’t.Hogan, Magazines, and What Could Have BeenMike also shares the unforgettable story of attending BillyJack’s gym appearance with Hulk Hogan—a massive event that drew thousands and even led to Mike’s photographs appearing on the cover of a national wrestling magazine.For a moment…The OWF really felt like it might work.Special ThanksA special thank you to Rich Patterson for digitizing the original OWF opening audio used in this episode… and to superfan Jody Day for helping preserve and share this piece of Northwest wrestling history. Your work helped bring this story back to life.The OWF lasted only months.But for wrestling fans in Oregon…It remains one of the biggest “what ifs” in Portland Wrestling history.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City Wrestlingwrestling the way it should be.

Ringside in Rose City #35 – March 1969: Chaos, Chains, and the Road to Memorial ColiseumOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… Portland Wrestling completely loses control. When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope sendsFrank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers into March 1969—a month where the feuds stop simmering and start exploding.The crowds are back.The Portland Sports Arena is packed.And every major rivalry in the territory is spiraling into violence.Billy White Wolf vs. EverybodyNo wrestler dominates March 1969 quite like Billy WhiteWolf.Fresh off returning from injury after the Von Steigersshattered his nose, White Wolf spends the month tearing through opponents in brutal Indian Death Chain Matches:• Kurt Von Steiger• Karl Von Steiger• Lonnie MaineAnd somehow… he survives all of them.The chain matches become so violent the newspapers describe them as:• “Blood splattered”• “One-sided beatings”• And even claim White Wolf “almost scalped” Karl Von Steiger(As always, some language from 1969 reflects a verydifferent era and newspaper style than today.)At one point, six wrestlers literally drag Kurt Von Steigerback into the ring against his will so White Wolf can continue the match.That’s not modern wrestling.That’s territory chaos.The Unholy Alliance Grows StrongerWhile White Wolf is fighting the Von Steigers…Lonnie Maine and Tony Borne are becoming one of the hottest heel teams Portland has ever seen.• Banned from buildings• Constant interference• Referees knocked unconscious• Police officers stationed around ringside in Eugene• Chairs, chains, and flying knee drops everywhereAnd through it all…Lonnie Maine evolves into something even darker.The papers call him:• Belligerent• Bloodthirsty• DangerousAnd honestly?For once, the newspapers may have undersold it.The Territory Starts ExpandingMarch also feels like Portland Wrestling becoming somethingbigger.• Packed crowds in Salem and Longview• Spot shows in Baker City, Pendleton, and Coos Bay• TV expanding into the Rocky Mountain region• Big names arriving like Dutch Savage, John Tolos, Buddy Marino, and Edward CarpentierThe territory suddenly feels alive.And unstable.Flashy Eric FrolicYes… Mike Rogers finally gets to discuss one of his favorites:Flashy Eric Frolic.The “flippity-flip” specialist of 1969.Back handsprings.Flying dropkicks.Scientific matches.And apparently enough athleticism for Mike to compare him to Will Ospreay.Which may or may not have broken Frank emotionally.Island Interlude – Hawaii Gets WeirdThe trip to Hawaii this month includes:• Nick Bockwinkel• Bobby Shane• King Curtis• Wahoo McDaniel• Pedro Morales• Ripper Collins• Lord Blears• And Rocky Montero winning… an Abdominal Stretch MatchYes.An actual stipulation match that could only end with anabdominal stretch.Even Mike doesn’t know what to do with that.And somewhere in the middle of it all, Frank and Lisapresent Mike with a one-million-dollar bill featuring Lisa in a grass skirt and coconut bra, and Frank on the back of the bill in the same outfit!As one does.The Road to April 1stBy the end of March, everything is building toward oneenormous showdown at the Memorial Coliseum:Luther Lindsay & Shag Thomas vs. The Von SteigersThe tag titles are held up.The hatred is real.And nobody trusts anybody anymore.Exactly how Portland Wrestling liked it.March 1969 wasn’t clean.It wasn’t polished.And it definitely wasn’t under control.But it was unforgettable.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City —Wrestling wrestling the way it should be.

Ringside in Rose City #34 – February 1969: When the SnowMelted… Everything ExplodedOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… the storm clears—and the chaos begins.After surviving one of the harshest winters in Oregonhistory, Ringside in Rose City returns to February 1969—andsuddenly, Portland Wrestling isn’t fighting the weather anymore…It’s fighting itself.When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope reads:“PSA February ’69.”And what follows is a month where every rivalry thatsimmered in January finally boils over.Three Teams. One Territory.At the center of it all:• The Von Steigers – still clinging to the tag titles through every trick in the book• Shag Thomas & Luther Lindsay – the powerhouse challengers who just won’t go away• Lonnie Mayne & Tony Borne – reunited as the Unholy Alliance, more dangerous than everTitles change.Matches end in chaos.And every finish somehow makes things worse.This isn’t clean wrestling…This is territory warfare.Feuds That Won’t EndFebruary delivers some of the most creative—andbrutal—booking you’ll see:• Bloody disqualifications that help the babyfaces• Referees getting taken out in the middle of matches• Headbutts, chairs, and bodies going through walls• A Texas Death Match that doesn’t just settle things… it extends themAnd through it all…Lonnie Mayne evolves into something darker— a heel so intense the newspapers start calling him bloodthirsty.”A Night to Remember – February 26, 1969The biggest crowd in Portland Sports Arena history—2,200fans—packs the building for a card that feels like something bigger:• Lou Thesz vs. Luther Lindsay – pure wrestling, noshortcuts• Stan Stasiak & Buddy Marino vs. Mayne & Borne – new blood meets chaos• John Tolos and Bulldog Bob Brown add star power from outside the territoryThis isn’t just another Saturday night.This is Portland Wrestling proving…it’s back.Island Interlude – Hawaii Heats UpWhile Portland builds momentum, Hawaii is stacked withtalent:• Gene Kiniski wins the North American Title• King Curtis returns and reclaims gold• Nick Bockwinkel, Wahoo McDaniel, Ray Stevens, and Ripper Collins headline loaded cardsDifferent island.Same intensity.The Details That Made It RealThis episode captures everything that made territorywrestling special:• Heels walking out with the belts to avoid losing• Referees reversing decisions based on crowd reaction• Wrestlers handcuffed at ringside… unable to save their partners• And finishes that leave fans furious—but coming back next weekBecause in Portland…You didn’t always get the ending you wanted.You got the one that made you care more.February 1969 wasn’t about survival anymore.It was about momentum.The crowds were back.The feuds were hotter.And Portland Wrestling was starting to feel like… something special.

🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #33 – Princess Victoria: Fighting the SystemOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… one of the toughest stories ever told at ringside.When Lisa Hughes punches the connect button, FrankCulbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers welcome a true pioneer into the Rose City ring:Princess Victoria.Before the bright lights…Before Madison Square Garden…Before the championships…There was a fight just to get in the ring.🚫 When Women Weren’t AllowedFrom 1954 to 1975, women’s wrestling was banned in Oregon.Not because they couldn’t wrestle— but because they weren’t allowed to.Princess Victoria was part of the generation that steppedthrough that door when it finally opened… and proved they belonged.🥊 From Fan to FighterHer story starts in the stands—watching Portland Wrestlingas a kid… and turns into one of the most unlikely journeys in the business:• Training under Sandy Barr in the toughest possibleenvironment• Learning the craft the old-school way—six days a week, no shortcuts• Becoming “little sister” in a locker room filled with names like Roddy Piper, Buddy Rose, and Dutch Savage• Earning respect the only way that mattered—in the ring🌎 The Road… and the RealityVictoria shares what life in the territory system was reallylike:• Endless miles—sometimes 800+ miles overnight just tomake the next town• Japan tours, fast-paced styles, and learning on the fly• The difference between working for promoters like Don Owen and Bill Watts… and the realities of working under others• And the truth about what wrestlers—especially women—were really paidThis is wrestling without the gloss.⚖️ The Moolah RealityPrincess Victoria doesn’t hold back when discussing FabulousMoolah—but her perspective is layered.She separates the two sides:• Moolah the wrestler – a trailblazer who endured thehardest era and helped open doors for women in the business• Lillian Ellison the booker – a completely different story, involving control, pay disputes, and a system that many wrestlers felt exploited themVictoria speaks candidly about both—respecting the legacy…while refusing to ignore the reality.It’s one of the most honest and complex takes on Moolahyou’ll hear—and a reminder that wrestling history is rarely as simple as it seems.🏆 The Highest StageFrom Portland…to Madison Square Garden…Princess Victoria reached the top of the business as one-half of the WWWF Women’s Tag Team Champions.And yet…She found out she was winning the titles just five minutes before the match.That’s the business.💥 The Moment Everything ChangedOn September 1, 1984…a wrinkle in the mat.A move goes wrong.And just like that—A career ends.Victoria shares the raw reality of that night… and how quickly everything can be taken away in professional wrestling.❤️ More Than WrestlingThis episode goes deeper than the ring.Victoria opens up about:• Her childhood and the challenges she overcame• The support—and protection—of the Portland locker room• Why fans mattered more than anything• And how her story continues today through her new book:Fighting the Wrong Side of the SunThis isn’t just a wrestling story.It’s about survival.Respect.And earning your place when the system says you don’t belong.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City —Wrestling wrestling the way it should be.

One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… we look at what came next.When Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, the envelope doesn’t send us back to a card or a date—it sends us into the future ofwrestling in the Pacific Northwest.In Episode #32 of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers revisit Excitementin the Air: Voices of Northwest Wrestling—but this time, the focus is on the next generation. The wrestlers who came after the territory era… and kept the business alive.The Next Generation – Voices That Carried It ForwardThis episode dives into the stories behind:• Dr. Luther – The Butler rocks! From the Hart Dungeon to Japan’s hardcore scene, evolving into an old-school performer with world-class timing, now shining in a completely different role on national TV• Kyle O’Reilly – A Northwest original whose technical precision and mindset carried him from local gyms to global stages, including major wins at the highest level• Bryan Alvarez – From in-ring performer to one of wrestling’s most recognizable media voices, proving there’s more than one path to impact the business. For some reason Mike has to keep reminding Frank to say “Auto” when he mentions Miss Rent To Own…• Michelle Starr – Wrestler turned promoter, navigating the realities of running shows, locker rooms, and rival promotions in the independent era• Steve Rizzono – A powerful and sobering story of work ethic taken to the extreme, and the physical toll the business can take• Adam “Firestorm” Dykes – A talented, respected worker whose story highlights the very real impact of concussions and mental health• Pat Brady – Intelligent, articulate, and honest—offering one of the rare perspectives of a wrestler who reflects deeply on the cost of the business• Nick Wayne – A true next-generation star, growing up in wrestling, training from childhood, and reaching national television before even finishing high school• Christopher Daniels – A bridge between eras, explaining how wrestling evolved from slow builds to fast-paced, action-driven storytelling. And the sworn nemesis of Jim Valley.• Davey Richards – Intense, disciplined, and unapologetically old-school in mindset, emphasizing that wrestling is built on emotion—not just movement• ELP (El Phantasmo) – A late bloomer in global terms, turning a Northwest career into major success in Japan and beyond• The Bollywood Boys – Students of the game who earned their opportunities through respect, preparation, and relentless effort• Skag Rollins (Todd Royce) – A standout personality who transitioned from strong in-ring work to national success as a comedianMore Than Just MatchesThis episode isn’t just about where these wrestlers went…It’s about:• How wrestling changed after the territories• What it takes to survive in the independent era• And how different paths—wrestler, promoter, historian, performer—can all shape the businessThe territory ended in 1991.But wrestling didn’t.It evolved.It adapted.And this generation made sure it kept going.Step into the next chapter.This is Ringside in Rose City — WrestlingWrestling the way it should be.

🎙️ Ringside in Rose City #31 – January 1969: When Wrestling FrozeOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… everything comes to a halt.In Episode #31 of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers move into January1969—a month that should have built momentum… but instead was buried under snow, ice, and chaos.As always, Lisa Hughes spins the wheel, and the envelope reads:“PSA January ’69.”What follows is one of the most unusual months in PortlandWrestling history.❄️ The Month the Territory FrozeThis wasn’t just bad weather.This was:• The coldest temperatures since 1919• Snow totals reaching 15+ inches across the region• Highways shut down• Entire towns cut off• And wrestling cards… canceledA massive New Year’s Day Battle Royal?Canceled.Multiple Portland, Salem, Eugene, and Corvallis shows?Canceled.And when shows did happen… crowds were sparse, travelwas dangerous, and nothing felt stable.For Don Owen—who had just invested heavily in the PortlandSports Arena—this wasn’t just inconvenient.It was financially dangerous.🥊 Chaos in the RingDespite the weather, when the bell rang… things didn’t slowdown.• The Von Steigers continue to dominate the tag scene—then lose, then regain the titles in rapid-fire fashion• Luther Lindsay & Shag Thomas emerge as a powerful team—and Battle Royal winners• Lonnie Mayne returns angry, targeting Luther, the Von Steigers… and just about everyone• Tony Borne begins his full heel turn, promising to win “any way possible”• Gene Kiniski appears in a rare non-title match• And the roster begins to feel… stale, just as major changes loom ahead🔗 The German Death MatchOne of the most bizarre stipulations in Portland history appears this month:All four wrestlers tied to ring posts by one wrist…forced to fight their way free before the match can even begin.It’s chaotic.It’s dangerous.And it’s classic territory creativity.🌺 Island Interlude – Hawaii Stays HotWhile Portland froze, Hawaii wrestling was on fire. Frank and Mike head to the islands where:• Ed Francis returns to the ring• Ripper Collins headlines major feuds• Nick Bockwinkel, Mr. Fuji, and Ray Stevens fill stacked cards• And a tragic real-life moment strikes with the passing of beloved star Jim HadySame business.Different world.🧊 Survival Over MomentumJanuary 1969 wasn’t about building momentum.It was about survival.• Wrestlers missing bookings• Promoters losing money• Fans unable to attend• And a territory trying to stay alive through forces no one could controlBut underneath it all…The seeds were being planted.Lonnie Mayne.Tony Borne.The Von Steigers.Luther Lindsay.February was coming.And with it… opportunity.This episode isn’t just about wrestling.It’s about what happens when real life collides with thebusiness—and the show somehow keeps going.Step into the storm.This is Ringside in Rose City — wrestling wrestling the way it should be.

One ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… we go ringside with one of the men who held it all together.On Episode #30 of Ringside in Rose City, Frank Culbertson and Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rogers welcome a special guest whose name may not have headlined the posters—but whose work made those posters matter:Rocky Della Serra.This is a conversation about the carpenters of professional wrestling—the dependable, skilled workers who opened the show, anchored the middle, and made the stars look like stars.And Rocky was exactly that.From Montreal to Germany…From Newfoundland to Calgary…From Vancouver to Portland during one of its hottest years ever…Rocky lived the territory system from the inside.🥊 The Carpenter RoleBefore the interview begins, Frank and Mike break down whata “carpenter” really is:• The wrestlers who set the tone early in the night• The ones who could work with anyone• The pros who didn’t outshine the main event—but made sure it deliveredBecause without them…there is no show.🎤 A Life in the TerritoriesRocky shares stories from across the wrestling world:• Breaking into the business with almost no formal training• His unforgettable first match in Montreal• Touring Germany and learning the hard way with Japanese training sessions• Newfoundland’s summer territory and the grind of the road• Calgary bookings that started with “we don’t need you”… and turned into steady work• And finally, arriving in Portland in 1980, surrounded by Piper,Martel, Buddy Rose, and the Sheepherders📖 Wrestling With a Rocky LifeThe episode also spotlights Rocky’s new book:Wrestling With a Rocky LifeA firsthand account of the territory era—told by someone wholived it night after night, town after town.🏟️ Portland 1980 – Learning From the BestRocky reflects on working in one of the greatest locker rooms in Portland history:• Watching Roddy Piper control a crowd• Working with Rick Martel—“like a night off”• Learning timing, psychology, and pacing from the best in the business• And understanding what separated good wrestlers… from great onesThis episode isn’t about championships.It’s about craftsmanship.The workers who didn’t always win…but made everything else work.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City —Wrestling wrestling the way it should be.

Ringside in Rose City #29 – Matt Farmer: The Historian’s HistorianOne ring.One city.A thousand stories.And this week… we bring in someone who’s spent a lifetime uncovering them.When Lisa Hughes punches the button, Frank Culbertsonand Mike Rogers welcome a very special guest into the Rose City ring: Matt Farmer.Historian. Researcher. Wrestler. Promoter.And one of the most respected voices in wrestling history today.📚 The Puzzle of Wrestling HistoryMatt takes us deep into the process of uncoveringwrestling’s past:• Digging through microfilm, newspapers, and archives• Piecing together forgotten spot shows and lost results• Reconstructing territories town-by-town—Tacoma, Longview, Salem, Eugene• The thrill of discovering matches featuring names like André the Giant in places you’d never expectAs Matt explains, wrestling history isn’t just research…It’s a puzzle—and every piece matters.🌎 Beyond PortlandWhile Portland Wrestling is the foundation, this episodeexpands far beyond:• The surprising reach of wrestling across small towns,islands, and international territories• Stories from places like Hawaii during WWII-era wrestling booms• How territories across North America—and beyond—were deeply connectedIt’s a reminder that wrestling’s footprint was once everywhere.🧠 Historians Talking HistoryFor the first time…Mike isn’t the only historian in the room.And as he puts it: “Tonight Matt and I can finally have a real historian conversation…”What follows is a deep, passionate exchange between twopeople who have spent decades preserving wrestling’s past—while Frank (and all of us) try to keep up.🥊 From Fan to the BusinessMatt isn’t just a historian—he’s lived the business:• Early days breaking in and learning from veterans• Behind-the-scenes roles across the industry• Becoming a driving force behind DEFY Wrestling, one of the most successful independent promotions todayThis is the rare perspective of someone who has seen wrestling from every angle.🎤 Stories You Won’t Hear Anywhere ElseThis episode delivers:· Behind-the-scenes insights on Roddy Piper’s creative genius· The truth about Buddy Rose—his brilliance, his mindset, and his legacy· The reality of how wrestlers were trained, protected, and developed· And the small, often forgotten details that made territories like Portland so special· How close Hulk Hogan was to appearing in Portland Wrestling This isn’t just an episode about wrestling history.It’s about how that history is found, preserved, andunderstood.Because without people like Matt Farmer… a lot of these stories would be gone forever.Step into the arena.This is Ringside in Rose City — Wrestling Wrestling the way it should be.