Vintage Wrestlers: Buddy Rogers vs. Killer Kowalski [Videos]

Buddy Rogers vs Killer Kowalski

NWA Chicago

February 22, 1963

Chicago Coliseum

Commentary: Bob Elson

Second Fall

Third Fall and In-Ring Promo

Buddy Rogers: "Well, I'll admit it was a little rugged, but like I've always told everyone, in and out of the wrestling business: When it gets too tough for everyone else, it's just right for Buddy Rogers. That's why I'm champ today."

Buddy Rogers: "Well listen, I'll put the title on all over the world, I don't care where it's at. I want to let these people know once and for all that my motto is not to run from 'em, if I do any running, it'll be straight at 'em."

WWF Interview Archive: Victory’s Corner — Before Piper’s Pit (1983–1984) [Videos]

Vince McMahon appearing on Victory's Corner

From November 1983 through January 1984, Robert Debord hosted a short-lived interview segment known as Victory’s Corner (later simplified to Victory Corner). Filmed at live WWF events and featured across the company’s television programming, the segment emerged during a pivotal transitional period in the promotion’s evolution.

Following Rogers’ Corner—the interview platform created by Vince McMahon and hosted by former WWWF Champion Buddy Rogers—Victory’s Corner served as a bridge between the old guard and the emerging, personality-driven format that would soon define WWF television with the arrival of Piper’s Pit and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.

Despite its brief run, Victory’s Corner holds historical significance for featuring the only known sit-down televised interview with controversial reigning WWF Champion The Iron Sheik, which aired in January 1984. As such, these segments offer a rare glimpse into the WWF’s early experimentation with interview-driven storytelling at the dawn of its national expansion, featuring appearances by Vince McMahon, Gorilla Monsoon, and a newly arrived championship contender, Hulk Hogan—who would soon come to define the Golden Age.

Gorilla Monsoon

December 1983

Vince McMahon

December 1983

World Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion

The Iron Sheik

with Manager and Mentor Ayatollah Blassie

January 1984

Hulk Hogan

January 1984

"Rowdy" Roddy Piper

January 1984

Vintage Wrestlers: Pat O’Connor vs. Buddy Rogers [Videos]

Friday, June 30, 1961 – N.W.A. World Heavyweight Championship – Comiskey Park, Chicago

The course of professional wrestling shifted after this match. Billed as a Champion vs. Champion showdown, the coveted N.W.A. World Heavyweight Title, proudly held by Pat O’Connor, was on the line. Contested under the traditional best two-out-of-three falls rules, the bout blended O’Connor’s technical mastery with Rogers’ flair for theatrics. When Rogers emerged victorious, it marked far more than a title change. It was a symbolic passing of the torch from the disciplined, grappling-focused style of the past to a new era where charisma, showmanship, and performance stood alongside athletic skill as the cornerstones of professional wrestling. At the conclusion of the match, Rogers twisted the knife with trademark arrogance and flair, declaring, "To a nicer guy, it couldn't happen."

N.W.A. World Heavyweight Championship Match

Champion vs Champion

World Heavyweight Champion Pat O'Connor

versus

US Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers

WRESTLERS' SOUND-OFF

with

Manager Red Berry

and

The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan)

Second Fall

Third and Final Fall

🏆 WWE Championship History (1963–1997): The Golden Era of Wrestling

🏆 WWE Championship History (1963–1997): The Golden Era of Wrestling

Since 1963, holding the top championship title in the WWE has been a sign of respect and a representation of the wrestling organization. In addition, the holder of the top championship title received the biggest payday and was often seen in the wrestling card's main event. Although there have been "transition champions,*" for the most part the holder of the top title meant a long-term life change for the title holder, as it meant being the highest-paid wrestler in the company.

1. Buddy Rogers, 2. Bruno Sammartino, 3. Ivan Koloff,* 4. Pedro Morales, 5. Stan Stasiak,* 6. Superstar Billy Graham, 7. Bob Backlund, 8. The Iron Sheik,* 9. Hulk Hogan, 10. Andre the Giant*

11. Randy Savage, 12. Ultimate Warrior, 13. Sgt. Slaughter, 14. The Undertaker, 15. Ric Flair, 16. Bret Hart, 17. Yokozuna, 18. Diesel, 19. Shawn Michaels, 20. Sycho Sid 

The Baltimore Sun's Top 50 Wrestling Stars

The Baltimore Sun's Kevin Eck has written a list of the Top 50 wrestling stars on his blog, Ring Posts. While the list can be debated, it seems to be more comprehensive compared to WWE's list officially released in December for their DVD, Top 50 Superstars of All Time.

The Baltimore Sun's Top 50 Wrestling Stars are as follows:

1. Hulk Hogan – The biggest star in the history of the industry and an iconic figure in pop culture, the 12-time world champion’s name has become synonymous with pro wrestling.
2. Lou Thesz
3. Bruno Sammartino
4. Ric Flair – The words “world champion” and “Ric Flair” have been synonymous ever since he won the first of his 16 world titles in 1981. “The Nature Boy” is perhaps the industry’s most complete performer when it comes to combining showmanship, microphone skills and in-ring ability. Flair, who still mixes it up in the ring on occasion, has wrestled in five decades.
5. Andre the Giant – Billed at 7 feet 4 and anywhere from 400 to 500 pounds, he truly was a larger than life figure and one of the most famous wrestlers and top gate attractions of all time.

World Wrestling Entertainment releases DVD listing Top 50 "Superstars" of All Time

The list of 50 superstars follows:

1. Shawn Michaels
2. The Undertaker
3. Steve Austin
4. Bret Hart
5. The Rock
6. Harley Race
7. Ricky Steamboat
8. Andre the Giant
9. Rey Mysterio
10. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper
11. Eddie Guerrero
12. Triple H
13. Gorgeous George
14. "Macho Man" Randy Savage
15. "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig