Championship Wrestling from Florida Archives

Pedro Morales Death

By Ryan on February 12, 2019 / 2010s, 2019 / 2 Comments

Pedro Morales Death – Parkinson’s Disease 1942-2019 (Age 76) WWE has confirmed the death of Pedro Morales. He was 76. Pedro Morales had a storied career in the wrestling world, dating all the way back to 1959. Morales most notably spent time with the WWE (then, WWWF) from 1970-1975, before returning again in the early 80s. Morales was the first “triple crown” winner with the company – successfully capturing heavyweight, intercontinental, and tag team gold. In between his WWE runs, Pedro Morales bounced around the territories, including runs with the AWA and Championship Wrestling from Florida. Morales was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 1995. According to The New York Times, Pedro Morales had been battling Parkinson’s disease. Several other notable wrestling stars have passed in 2019 including King Kong Bundy and on-screen personality Mean Gene Okerlund. Our condolences to the friends and family of Pedro Morales.

Jack Brisco Death

By Mike Rickard on May 29, 2018 / 2010, 2010s, Surgery Complications / 1 Comment

Jack Brisco Death – Surgery Complications 1941-2010 (Age 68) Jack Brisco distinguished himself in amateur and professional wrestling, becoming the first Native American to win the NCAA Wrestling National Championship as well as the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Championship. Brisco teamed with brother Jerry in various promotions. The pair were also part-owners of Georgia Championship Wrestling. Jack Brisco accomplished much in the wrestling industry; retiring as the business was going national. Brisco died in 2010 following complications from heart surgery. He was 68 years old. Amateur Wrestling’s First Native American NCAA Champion Jack Brisco was born Freddie Joe Brisco on September 21, 1941, just months before America entered the Second World War. The Blackwell, Oklahoma native proved a capable amateur wrestler in high school, winning two state wrestling titles. Brisco was an accomplished football player as well and was offered a football scholarship at the University of Oklahoma.

Paul Jones Death

By Ryan on May 24, 2018 / 2010s, 2018, Undisclosed Causes / Leave a comment

Paul Jones Death – Undisclosed Causes 1942-2018 (Age 75) Paul Jones, real name Paul Frederik, has died at age 75. Fans who grew up on 80s wrestling likely remember Paul Jones for his role as a heel manager. With Jim Crockett Promotions, Jones led Paul Jones’ Army. The stable featured a who’s who of clientele including Rick Rude, Ivan Koloff, The Masked Superstar (Ax from Demolition), Superstar Billy Graham, The Powers of Pain, and many more. But prior to the explosion of professional wrestling in the 80s, Jones saw huge success inside the ring, both in singles and tag team competition, working as “Number One” Paul Jones. A Star in the Territories Paul Jones began his wrestling career in ’61 under the tutelage of Paul Boesch. By the late 60s, Jones found himself working in the south and Mid-Atlantic regions, wrestling for Jim Crockett Promotions. In tag team competition, Jones

Eddie Graham Death

By Mike Rickard on March 11, 2018 / 1980s, 1985, Suicide / 1 Comment

Eddie Graham Death – Suicide 1930-1985 (Age 55) Eddie Graham broke into fame when he became the storyline brother of wrestler Dr. Jerry Graham. From there, Eddie saved his money until he was able to buy into Championship Wrestling from Florida, one of the National Wrestling Alliance’s premier territories. Eddie became known as a shrewd businessman and clever booker, with a much-admired mind for the business. However, personal demons took down what could have been an even greater career. After a sudden business misfortune, Graham took his own life on January 21, 1985 at the age of 55. How the YMCA Led to Graham’s Career Edward Gossett was born on January 15, 1930 in Dayton, Tennessee. Gossett was born blind in one eye, but that would hardly slow down his career. Eddie came from a troubled home and sold newspapers while living in Chattanooga. The newspaper provided YMCA gym memberships

Ox Baker Death

By Mike Rickard on November 22, 2017 / 2010s, 2014, Heart Attack / Leave a comment

Ox Baker Death – Heart Attack 1934-2014 (Age 80) In-ring deaths do happen, albeit infrequently. However, one wrestler credited with killing two opponents in the ring is Ox Baker, an imposing man whose finisher the heart punch, earned him notoriety throughout his career. Given Baker’s size and appearance, he didn’t need it, but that didn’t stop promoters from billing him as a man with a lethal finisher. Baker terrorized the territories and even inspired fans to riot. He proved to be multi-talented, working not only as a wrestler, but an actor, trainer, and cook. The Imposing Iowan Douglas A. Baker was born on April 19, 1934 in Missouri, but grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. Baker excelled at high school athletics but was kicked out of school for reasons unknown. After two years’ service in the military, he trained under wrestling legend Pat O’Connor (amongst others) before debuting in 1962. At 6-foot-5,

Gordon Solie Death

By Mike Rickard on October 21, 2017 / 2000, 2000s, Cancer / Leave a comment

Gordon Solie Death – Throat Cancer 1929-2000 (Age 71) Still considered by many as the greatest wrestling announcer of all time, Gordon Solie became a legendary figure wherever he worked, including notable tenures in Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling. Nicknamed “The Walter Cronkite of Professional Wrestling” because of his world class talent and demeanor, Solie added sophistication and prestige to any match he called. From Snow to the Sunshine State Minnesota native Gordon Solie’s career in wrestling dates back to the fabulous 50’s when he worked as a ring announcer in Tampa, Florida for five dollars a night. By 1960, he was calling the action in the ring, working for Championship Wrestling from Florida. Solie took his job seriously, projecting an air of professionalism as he called the matches like any other sport. Wrestling lore has it Solie had wrestlers place him in holds so he could understand