Episode 138 – Memorial? I’m Not Dead Yet

In this St. Louis-centric episode, I discuss Jim Londos wrestling Dan Kolov (Koloff) on one of the early John Contos-Tom Packs cards in 1923. I also discuss WWF trying to capitalize on St. Louis history in 1986.

News and Updates

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Ludwig Kaiser allegedly slaps and pushes a neighbor to the floor

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Main Content

Jim Londos wrestling Dan Kolov (Koloff) in St. Louis during February 1923 on one of John Contos’ early cards. Contos left St. Louis to manage Dan Kolov leaving the promotion to his nephew Tom Packs.

Kolov won the first fall in only seven minutes. It took Londos almost two hours to win the next two falls. Tom Packs built the St. Louis promotion around Jim Londos.

Reviews and Recommendations

Harley Race vs. Terry Funk – NWA Title Change in February 1977

When I looked up this match to find out how long it was, I saw that Harley won the Sam Muchnick Memorial Tournament in St. Louis, MO on August 29, 1986

Opening Round

Harley Race defeated B. Brian Blair

Don Muraco vs. Greg Valentine ended in double disqualification

Adrian Adonis defeated King Tonga

Junkyard Dog defeated Hercules

Brutus Beefcake defeated Lanny Poffo

Pedro Morales defeated Dory Funk, Jr.

Billy Jack Haynes defeated Jimmy Jack Funk

Ricky Steamboat defeated Jim Brunzell

Second Round

Junkyard Dog defeated Adrian Adonis

Brutus Beefcake defeated Pedro Morales

Ricky Steamboat defeated Billy Jack Haynes

Harley received a bye from Valentine-Muraco DDQ

Semi-Finals

Harley Race defeated Junkyard Dog

Ricky Steamboat defeated Brutus Beefcake

Finals

Harley Race defeated Ricky Steamboat

Harley, with the deepest St. Louis ties, wins the tournament. Only one problem though. Sam Muchnick was still alive in 1986. Sam did not die until December 30, 1998 at 93 years of age.

When I looked at the local advertising, it said 1st Annual Sam Muchnick Superstars Elimination Tournament, so maybe they weren’t as clueless as we often suspect.

Also, Hogan versus Orndorff headlined the card, so the poor fans had to sit through 15 matches and a fair amount of bad wrestling on this night. It was better than being out in the St. Louis heat.

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