Episode 135 – Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers
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In this episode, I discussed the lessons I learned writing Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers: Pioneer Wrestlers of the 19th Century, Vol. 1. I also discuss Sam Muchnick establishing Ted DiBiase as a main event wrestler from 1978 to 1980.
Main Content
I learned how popular collar-and-elbow wrestling was in the 1860s and 1870s. The Civil War interupted the careers of the top collar-and-elbow wrestlers.
Cover of Scufflers, Shooters, and Workers: Pioneer Wrestlers of the 19th Century, Vol. 1 – available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook, paperback, and hardcover
People shot both Henry Moses Dufur and John McMahon.
While Harry Hill and Home Lane worked matches and organized a working group in the late 1860s and early 1870s, they had nothing on Andre Christol and Thiebaud Bauer.
The truth around Clarence Whistler’s death and what Whistler had in common with Thiebaud Bauer.
Why I included Yusuf Ismail in the first edition of the pioneer wrestlers even though he wrestled in 1898.
Update and Recommendations
Kerry Von Erich vs. Greg Valentine from the Checkerdome on February 11, 1983. Kerry was Missouri Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.
El Hijo del Vikingo may have suffered a legitimate injury on the May 2, 2026 episode of AAA Lucha Libre Worldwide.
Review
I look at Ted DiBiase’s push in St. Louis from January 1978 to July 1979 and July 1980 until October 1981.
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