Episode 127 – Tragic Accident

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In this episode, I discuss Charlie Olson accidentally killing a wrestler in the ring during January 1911. I also review a WWA All-Star Wrestling Show from Indianapolis on May 4, 1974.

Update

In the past week, Chuck Norris died at 86 and Dennis Condrey died at 74.

I can’t remember the last time I saw someone flip the middle finger in real life but I see it about 3-5 times on every wrestling show every week.

Main Content

I have found the biggest challenge in researching early professional wrestling is separating fact from fiction.  Even when wrestlers competed in legitimate matches, they often inflated outcomes, built up apocryphal folklore around their victories, and made up fanciful tales to explain away their losses.

St. Louis-based light heavyweight Charley Olson was a skilled wrestler, who killed one wrestler, maybe two, during his career.  While these deaths would later be used by Olson and his promoters to portray him as a vicious wrestler, at least one of the deaths was an accident.

During January 1911, Olson was traveling through the southwestern United States under the assumed name of Tom Mays. Olson met Joe McCray, who was a champion in Colorado and was wrestling under an assumed name also, Stanley Lake.  McCray was having a difficult time finding opponents in Colorado.

Olson and McCray wrestled on January 28, 1911 in Amarillo, Texas.  The men had an even contest for the first ten minutes but Olson was the more skilled wrestler.

Olson decided to turn the hold into a full-Nelson by slipping his other arm under McCray’s arm and bring his hands together behind McCray’s neck.  This hold can put immense pressure on the neck.  After less than a minute, a loud snap was heard.  Olson’s face went white and he immediately released his hold.

These stories did enhance Olson’s reputation as a dangerous wrestler, which would help sell more tickets and encourage betting on his matches.  Always remember the exaggeration of these tales is meant to spur interest and make more money in future matches.  Few athletic events used exaggerated promotion as effectively as professional wrestling.

Special thanks to Kemlyn Munn of Nouveau-Baritsu, who made me aware of these stories and led to me researching the incidents.

Review

WWA All-Star Wrestling from Indianapolis on May 4, 1974

Luis Martinez vs. Bobby Van – Luis Martinez looks pretty good for 50, soon-to-be 51. It would be worse in the 1980s, but Bruiser’s promotion relied on a lot of older wrestlers.

Cowboy Parker vs. Prince Pullins – Pullins is 40, while Parker is in his early 20s. Parker looks like Ed Wiskowski but is Ray Elmore. Parker wins a surprise fall.

Main Event: Dick the Bruiser and Bruno Sammartino vs. Ernie Ladd and Baron Von Rashke – All four competitors are huge stars in professional wrestling. The youngest competitor is Von Rashke at 34. The Bruiser is 45, Bruno is 39, and “Big Cat” is 36. Sammy Menacker, the announcer, who is 60, referees the match. Even though Menacker was a huge name in wrestling, he was Gorgeous George’s nemesis in the 1949 film, Alias the Champ. While Heenan is a weasely manager, he is 30 and wrestled fairly regularly.

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