We are back and bringing Professional Wrsstlings True Golden Era to the ring!!

 Professional Wrestling remembered!

2025 Here we go! Remembering the Classic Professional Wrestling greats!

 It's Black History Month so we remember some of the Great Black Ring Greats!

Princess Jasmine who started by watching matches was spotted by The Worlds Most Dangerous Wrestler Dick the Bruiser!  She was trained by Prince Pullins

Jasmine wrestled Stars like Ms Bunny Love, Sharon Lass, MaryJane Mull!

She stayed in great shape and was a Chicagoland Favorite! 

We lost Princess Jasmine at only 60 years old.

She is remembered here at Classic Professional Wrestling! 

New Radio Interview WBEZ NPR GOLDEN AGE OF CHICAGO PROFESSIONAL WRESTING!

 Podcast great Joe DeCault interviewed Chicago Professional Wrestling Promoter Bob Brooks, "Handsome" Johnny Starr Manager of The Fabulous Ox Baker, Ms. Bunny Love Manager of The Golden Boy Paul Christy TSW World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion, AWA,WWA,ICW, WWF, AWA & WWA Star Spike Huber! AWA Tag Team Great Greg Gagne! "Leaping" Lanny Poffo!

Part 1 is myself and "Handsome" Johnny Starr. No Official Date has been set for the second part.

A listener, none other than Chicagoan Wrestling Star Colt Cabbana asked a Chicago Professional Wrestling question, oh boy did he get an answer!

Listen in as we give alot of history, remembering the greats who Promoted, Wrestled, Refereed, Timekeepers, Ring Announcers, Arenas, TV Stations and many forgotten are remembered!

We hope you'll enjoy the interview as much as we did doing it!

Thanks to Joe, and the Chicago Professional Wrestling Stars!

Yukon Moose Cholak!

 From Moosehead Maine! Well he was also spotted at the  Calumet Beach Inn which his mother actually owned. Moose was also seen around Chicago as he was a Streets and Sanitions Supervisor.

Yes, he was pals with Promoter Bob Luce and would do commercials for Candor Electric, Als Roast Beef, and Bens Auto Sales!

A legit tough guy, Moose was a All Navy Boxing Champion in 1952! 

In his early days he was known as Golden Moose, then Yukon Moose as The Golden Boy Paul Christy took on the name. He wore a Moose head that weighed about 100 lbs! 

Bob Luce and Chicago Wrestling fans loved to meet Moose at The Stockyard Inn before the matches. Moose loved the Amphitheatre, Hammond Civic Center, Gary Lew Wallace!

Moose always welcomed his fans and signed Programs.

I had the pleasure of working with Moose for Promoter Brad Davis and he was just a good guy!

At Classic Professional Wrestling, we remember Chicagos Own, Yukon Moose Cholak!

TSW World Heavyweight Champion The Golden Boy Paul Christy!

 This past week I lost one of my lifelong friends! The Golden Boy Paul Christy and I met at the Hammond Civic Center. Actually, after talking in the parking lot as I shouted, "Hey Christy, when are they going to announce you from Hickory Hills Illinois? " Christy walked over and asked me how I knew he was from Hickory Hills now instead of Evergreen Park. I told him I followed his career closely. We hit off well. He asked me about filling in his yard where a swimming pool had been removed. I said I can do that if he could talk Professional Wrestling! Bunny Love made us lunch and dinner since we spent all day talking about, you guessed it, Professional Wrestling! From then on, we burned up miles of road between Hypnosis, Professional Wrestling, Golf, and eating good food! I managed Chris against Pitol Pez Watley, and The Macho Man Randy Savage! Because of Paul Christy I met a multitude of ring greats from Dick The Bruiser to Ox Baker, to WWF Superstars! I got my start as a EMT for the State, the became a Licensed Illinois Professional Wrestling Promoter. Christy was my World Heavyweight Champion. So many stories I can tell, and so many miles we traveled. Our roads will cross again my friend!

Manager Mark Manson!

 Mark Manson, most notably know for managing WWA Tag Teams like The Graduates with Angelo Poffo and Kenny Dillenger! Manson would be in their corner with his book of knowledge, which he would share with their opponants head if given the chance too! Of course a famous TV moment that Chicag Promoter Bob Luce concockted when Luce questioned Mark about a Voo Doo Cane! Luce demanded it be banned from ringside as spirits are affecting Wrestlers! Pepper Gomez was on the panel of guests. Both Manson and Luce broke out in smiles and laughter as the whole premise was Luces imagination becoming active! A humerous moment on WSNS TV Channel 44! Mark was a charachter and was offbeat. From Haight Ashbury District in San Francisco, Mark was a leftover from the 1960's Flower Children! In the ring as a Wrestler, Manson could hold his own. Lets remember Mark as a Manager and doing his job! At Classic Professional Wrestling, we remember!

The Caped Crusaders! Battman and Robin!

 Pittsburg and Cleveland fans in 1966 were very lucky indeed. They got to see Battman and Robin in the ring! While they never seemed to tag together, just having them in the arena brought fans in droves! No misspelling, it was Battman! Even gaining the respect of Bruno Sammartino, the Dynamic Duo were an exciting tag team to have around!

At Classic Professional Wrestling, we remember!

Heather Feather! Big Time Wrestling & I Like to hurt People!

 A young woman, weighing over 300 lbs who was picked on as a child and teen, turned her size into stregth and popularity! Heather feather spent her life fighting her opponants of all types, including a Wrestling Bear in the ring! Fans got a behind the scenes look at a woman,a Professional Wrestler, and a heroine to many young girls who wanted to be like Heather! Heather wrestled a man, a bear, and a business that never fully appreciated her. She wrestled in Detroit and Ohio.  Captain Ed George of Big Time Wrestling fame, would joke with me about my search for this star.Heather raised her daughters, and never gained the fame and financial reward she should have in this Promoters eyes.  I recently found out of her passing some years back. Heather Feather is remem

berd as a big woman in many weighs beyond weight, at Classic Professional Wrestling!

Pictures courtesy of I Like to hurt people.

Classic Professional Wrestling Radio Show!

 Chicagoland Professional Wrestling Promoter Bob Brooks and The Queen of the Ring Ms. Melissa broght the ring greats back in the spotlight via the internet and radio Worldwide!

Our first guest was Pretty Boy Doug Sommers, and onto The Fabulous Ox Baker, Blackjack Mulligan, AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel, Masked Men of the Mat The Assassins, Dr X,The Interns, The Friars, and stars such as High Flyer Greg Gagne, Jake The Snake Roberts, The Million Dollar Man Ted Debiase, The Russian Bear Ivan Koloff, Paul Butcher Vachon,Walter Palmers Daughter, Doctor Jerry Graham jr, Handsome Johnny Starr, Chief Bobby Bald Eagle, Beautiful Bobby Harmon, Handsome Jimmy Valiant, Leaping Lanny Poffo, Kevin Von Erich, Flying Fred Curry, Bobby Nelsons Family, NWA Heavyweight Champion Handsome Harley Race, Captain Ed George,Dick the Bruisers Son-n-Law Scott Romer, AWA Announcer Great Ken Resnick, David Mclaine, Women Stars Sunny The California Girl GLOW, Little Egypt, Bob Luce's wife Sharon Lass, Timekeeper Joe Mauriello, and so many more!

This ssite and our radio show remembered the greats!

September 1, 1972 Chicago Soldiers Field Steel Cage Match!!

 Yes! My favorite match of all time and what a bloody mess! Dick The Bruiser and The Crusher had enough of Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan and The Blackjacks Mulligan and Lanza! Now, locked inside a 12' high Steel Cage, with nowhere to run,nowhere to hide,escape would only come by climbi g over. Ahh, thats not it, the Special Guest Receree is none other than Heavyweight Boxing Champion Jersey Joe Wolcott! The fans were on tbeir feet! The bloody Blackjacks and a vomiting Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan whos white ring garb was now blood red!

Blackjack Mulligan agreed to a exclusive interview with yours truly Chicagoland Tri State Wrestling Promotions Promoter Bob Brooks and Ms Melissa The Queen of the Ring! Mulligan shared about how cold it was due to fall Chicago Winds arriving early and coming through the renovation in the fields wall. Mulligan said it was a brutal match! Bob Luce at his best!

Remember "The Wrestling Housewife" !

 Her name was Shirley Strimple out of Joplin Missouri. A gorgeous Blonde Bombshell that could take on greats like Lorraine Johnson, Penny Banner, and Mary Jane Mull.Married to Roy McClarity who Promoted and trained Professional Wrestlers, Shirley did it all. Balancing home,marriage, family,working out, and Professional Wrestling! 

At Classic Professional Wrestling we remember!

Classic Professional Wrestling Radio Studios!

Classic Professional Wrestling Radio is on the air! Like the great Mr. NED FROM Bozo Circus, we hit the airwaves. This particular show was elevated in heated discussion when our guest 1/2 AWA Tag Team Champions Greg Gagne and I discussed the State of Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. While Greg took the stance that they were more like tax collectors and we took the position a little differently. Yes, we paid tax to them, however they provided Referees,timekeeper,Ring announcer,medical. All requests for Cage Matches, Chain Matches, Riot Glove, Strap, and Battle Royals had to have their approval. The State required Promoters and Wrestlers to be licensed, as well as officials. Fans did not realize that if Wrestlers were disqualified,or put their hands on a referee, or threatened them, they could be fined and have their licensed suspended or revoked!
Greg and I go back years, and respect each other as Professionals. This show was very interesting for our listeners around the world!
Honestly, all of the Officials Nick, Frank, Pat were were swell. The referees,timekeepers,Ring announcers were the best!
At Classic Professional Wrestling Radio we remember!

Rembering Chicago Professional Wrestling Promoter Bob Luce!

Chicago's Very Own TV Professional Wrestling Promoter Bob Luce who passed away on February 8th, 2007. Bob was outrageous and way ahead of his time! Bob could sell a used car to a used car salesman. Bob loved Professional Wrestling and it showed every time he talked.
"Pretty Boy" Bobby Heenan once said Bob could make coffee nervous!
He was friends with Dick The Bruiser, Yukon Moose Cholak,< and Wilbur Snyder. In one instance AWA World Heavyweight Champion Verne Gagne hollered at Bob and Bob was upset and shaking. That didn't last because The World's Most Dangerous Wrestler Dick The Bruiser heard and told Gagne to never treat him like that or he would find out why!
Sharon Lass, Bobs wife wrestled professionally and a star herself.
He created the Chicago Wrestling Hall of Fame at the Chicago International Amphitheatre Mezzanine Level Southwest Corner. Bob brought all the ring greats on his show on WSNS TV Channel 44. Serious at times and bringing humor into it as well. Manager Mark Manson who managed The Graduates,with his Book of Knowledge. Manson had a VooDoo Cane,with Pepper Gomez on the set. Bob and Manson lost their composure and broke out laughing.

At Classic Professional Wrestling we remember Chicago's Very Own TV Professional Wrestling Promoter Bob Luce!

Classic Professional Wrestling remembers the ring greats. We hope to see everyone in Las Vegas April 27-29th 2020 at The Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion! Seeing friends from the business, Professional Wrestling Stars, ring announcers,timekeepers,announcers,and writers! Good fun,memories,and fun! See you there! TSW Tri State Wrestling Promotions Chicago! Promoter Bob Brooks!

Loss of a St. Louis Professional Wrestling TV Commentator and friend!!

We have lost a friend today! Larry Matysik who's name was synonymous with St. Louis Professional Wrestling and KPLR Channel 11 has passed away.
Larry called the matches from Channel 11 Studios under legendary Promoter Sam Muchnick. He was the Voice of St. Louis Professional Wrestling. Interviewing such Legends as The Worlds Most Dangerous Wrestler Dick The Bruiser, King Kong Brody, The Clawmaster Baron Von Raschke, and The Von Erich's. Of course Champions like Harley Race, Ric Flair, and Lou Thesz as well.
Larry stayed active and you could find him at the Broadway Athletic Club, SICW, and around the Metro East Area of Southwestern Illinois.
He always had time for fans, and loved to talk about the business with Promoters such as myself, who he would share the ins and outs of Professional Wrestling.
I think most importantly, Larry was respected by all of the boys and fans.
I learned from Larry, and will keep that with me through time.
Ballistic Brent Myers, WWE and Independent, always respected Larry as well, and enjoyed his stories.
Larry's health was failing over the past few years, but in even in a wheelchair, Larry was in on the action at SICW Cards.

Larry will be missed by those in the business, and fans alike.
RIP

Remembering Manager Great JC Dykes!

Although remembered more for his ring work in the Southern States, JC Dykes will be remembered in Professional Wrestling wherever we travel. He is most noted for being the Manager of one of the toughest Masked Tag Teams in history, The Infernoes! He knew the ring and what his team was doing!
Dykes was colorful, however he was reserved outside of the ring.
The following is an excerpt from Mike Mooney

ham's article:
in an interview earlier this year in ” Whatever Happened To?” newsletter, said the car accident that claimed the lives of Hester, Lopez and Bass led to the turnaround in his life. He related the following account:

“On the night of the accident, I decided to ride back from Memphis with Pat Malone. I remember patting the top of Sam’s (Bass) car before we left and saying, `Drive carefully.’ As we came into Jackson (Tenn.), word came over the CB that a drunk was on the road. At the Little Piney River bridge, near Dickson, the traffic had come to a dead stop. We could see a huge fire across the bridge and people on the CB were talking about a wreck.

“The drunk had hit the bridge, taking out about 40 feet of the concrete railing, and was sitting on the road with no lights. Sam hit the car and a big truck, which Sam had just passed, plowed into them both.

“When reports came over the radio that three wrestlers were involved, I walked down to the bridge and could see wrestling uniforms and boots scattered all over the road. Then I recognized their suitcases and knew it was my men."

JC turned to alcohol until the Lord came into his life and replaced his way of life.

He was in Prison Ministries, saved his marriage, and turned his life around.

JC is no longer with us, but at Classicprofessionalwrestling.BlogSpot.com WE REMEMBER!

Classic Professional Wrestling Radio Returns this Fall 2018!!

Its a fact! Promoter Bob Brooks returns to the Professional Wrestling Airwaves and do we have a line up of Ring Greats for you!
From the Cobo  (The Sheik)Era, Big Time Wrestling's own Captain Ed George!
From The AWA, 1/2 of The High Flyers, Greg Gagne!
From the WCW (World Championship Wrestling) Assassin # 1 (From The Assassins)!
From Memphis and Mid South Wrestling Superstar Bill Dundee!
From Parts Unknown, The Interns!
So many more in the Wings awaiting their chance to be on the show that gives Professional Wrestling Fans the Real Deal! No Wiki anything here!!
Stay tuned and of course check us out on face book for exciting updates!
Talk to everyone soon!
Promoter Bob Brooks!

The Masked Marvel!

No,not the comic strip hero! This is slightly controversial as I try to give you what we in Professional Wrestling can deem as accurate.
Originally, in 1915 a new arrival appeared in the ring,with a Mask to hide his identity. Why? Was he a criminal? Maybe a hard working tradesman moonlighting? My good friend Dr. X, probably one of the best known Masked Men of the Mat, touched on him,giving him credit as a early Masked Competitor.
Around WWII a newer Masked Marvel was gracing the ring
The difference? This version wore a White Mask vs the dark mask of early days.
From parts unknown,and coming in and leaving the arena in his Mask,left only more questions!
My sources  agree that he was a Doctor of Psychiactrics,however no solid proof.
Many early TV shows would have Professional Wrestling on TV in the background mentioning his name.
Even in the Blues Brothers movie The Masked Marvel is remembered in the flophouse manager scene as he watches Professional Wresting!
In Canada a dark masked The Masked Marvel appeared!
So who was that Masked Man? (SORRY COULDNT RESIST).
Maybe we just aren't supposed to know,after all, he wore a mask!

o

Promoter Bob Brooks, Scar and Manager Extraordinaire Meet and Greet!

Hey CPW fans, if you are in or near Central Illinois Saturday June 23rd, come out to the fair in Mclean Illinois!
CPW Promoter and Radio Host Bob Brooks,along with The Monster Scar and Manager Extraordinaire Donovan Taylor who manages Champions will be signing autographs and have photos,memorabilia for purchase!
We all know "Mr. Wilson" oops,Donovan Taylor loves to boast about his Tag Team Champions will be bragging no doubt!
So come out and meet us in person andhave fun at the fair!
I look forward to meeting CPW fans and we will talk Professional Wrestling!

The Valiant Brothers,managed by Pretty Boy Bobby Heenan!
This week we lost Luscious Johnny Valiant. Underated without a doubt.
He was rough and tough, and when the mic was on, he could throw insults and one liners rapid fire!
So add Handsome Jimmy and Bobby Heenan, across from Dick The Bruiser and The Crusher,or Bruno,or Sailor Art Thomas, wow!
New York City Daddy! Yes,NYC but Sacramento, Chicago,Indianapolis loved to hate The Valiant Brothers.  Theey were dirty, cheated,and got loud, and they filled the seats with fans.
Gentleman Jerry worked Canada, also was Santa Claus at the Mall during Christmas. Jimmy is still active and appears at CAC Cauliflower Alley Club.
I stay in touch with Jimmy, a longtime friend who is a Hall of Famer,no,not WWE, but Chicago Wrestling Hall of  Fame. Promoter Bob Luce directed it in the SE Corner of the Chicago International Amphitheatre 42nd and Halsted Streets.
At CPW we remember!