The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy

The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy

The Attraction Archive – Special Edition: Andre the Giant's Northwest Legacy Some wrestlers become champions. Some become legends. And then there was Andre the Giant—a once-in-a-lifetime attraction whose arrival alone was enough to fill an arena. In this special edition of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson dedicates the entire episode to the eleven-year Northwest career of one of the most recognizable figures in sports and entertainment history. From his first appearance in Portland in 1974 to his final tour in 1984, Andre wasn't simply another wrestler on the card—he was the event. Follow Andre's remarkable journey through Portland Wrestling as he dominated battle royals, headlined unforgettable cards, and shared the ring with some of the biggest names of the territorial era, including Dutch Savage, Jimmy Snuka, Buddy Rose, Roddy Piper, Jesse Ventura, Chris Taylor, Don Leo Jonathan, and the Sheepherders. Along the way, hear the fascinating stories behind the booking that made Andre a legendary attraction, the infamous Buddy Rose dressing room prank, and the unforgettable moments that left generations of Northwest fans in awe. More than a wrestling biography, this special episode explores why Andre the Giant became one of the greatest box-office attractions professional wrestling has ever known—and why, decades later, fans who saw him walk through the curtain at the Portland Sports Arena have never forgotten the experience. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historical research of Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers, author of The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers. New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

The Attraction Archive – Episode 5: Wrestling Families, Forgotten Pioneers, and Andre's Traveling Companion

Some attractions filled arenas because of championships. Others because of famous family names. And some became part of wrestling history through the unique roles they played behind the scenes. In Episode 5 of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson explores another fascinating collection of performers whose stories remind us that wrestling history is about much more than wins and losses. Discover the story of Larry Hennig, the respected veteran who teamed with his son Curt Hennig long before "Mr. Perfect" became a household name. Learn about Ricky Romero, the patriarch of a wrestling family whose legacy stretched across multiple generations. Meet Frank Valois, a veteran wrestler whose unique place in wrestling history came from serving as one of Andre the Giant's earliest traveling companions as Andre conquered territories across North America. Revisit the contributions of Paula Kay, one of the women helping reintroduce women's wrestling to Portland in the mid-1970s. And finally, remember Bobo Johnson, an often-overlooked pioneer whose story deserves a lasting place in wrestling history. From legendary wrestling families and historic pioneers to one of the most unusual connections in wrestling lore, these are the stories of the attractions who helped shape Portland Wrestling in ways both large and small. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historical research of Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers, author of The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers. New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Ringside In Rose City #40 Portland Sports Arena: May 1969

Episode 40 – Portland Sports Arena: May 1969 The Portland wrestling landscape begins to shift in May of1969. The dominant Von Steigers are nearing the end of their Northwest run, new stars are arriving, and Don Owen is searching for the spark that will carry the territory into the future. Meanwhile, controversy seems to follow everychampionship match, as disputed decisions, held-up titles, and commission rulings leave fans wondering who the real champions are. Join Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rodgers as theydive into a month filled with chaos, including the arrival of Pat Patterson and Roger "Rip" Kirby, the ongoing battles between Lonnie Mayne, Tony Borne, Buddy Marino, and Luther Lindsay, and some of the most unusual finishes Portland wrestling had seen to that point. Plus: • The final days of the Von Steigers' reign in the Northwest • Salem's wild title controversy and near-riot atmosphere • The first-ever battle royal in Longview • Pat Patterson's surprisingly brief Portland stay • Stan Stasiak's puzzling booking during a critical transition period • A look at Rocky Mountain Wrestling and Lonnie Mayne's appearances in Salt Lake City • Another trip to Hawaii, featuring Billy Robinson, Dory Dixon, Pedro Morales, Nick Bockwinkel, King Curtis, Ripper Collins, and one of the strongest rosters anywhere in wrestling in 1969 And of course, Lisa Hughes returns with another edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, where Doritos, Popeye, squirrel paws, and professional wrestling somehow end up in the same conversation. One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Fridayon Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

The Attraction Archive – Episode 4: Olympic Giants, Future Stars, and Wrestling Pioneers

The Attraction Archive – Episode 4: Olympic Giants, Future Stars, and Wrestling Pioneers Some attractions drew fans because of their size. Othersbecause of their personality. And some because they were making history right before the audience's eyes. In Episode 4 of The Attraction Archive, host Frank Culbertson explores five remarkable attractions whose careers took verydifferent paths but all left their mark on Portland Wrestling history. Discover the story of Chris Taylor, the Olympic wrestling standout whose incredible size and athletic credentials made him one of the most unique attractions of the 1970s. Follow the early career of Taylor Made Medina, better known to WWF fans as Tori, whose wrestling journey began in Portland before reaching a national audience. Learn about SandyParker, a true pioneer whose accomplishments helped break barriers in professional wrestling and whose appearance in Portland helped reintroduce women's wrestling to the territory after a twenty-year absence. Then step back into the colorful world of little-person wrestling with Cowboy Cottrelland longtime fan favorite Billy the Kid, two performers who became familiar attractions to Northwest wrestling audiences. From Olympic competition and future WWF stardom togroundbreaking achievements and unforgettable characters, these are the stories of the attractions who made Portland Wrestling a place where fans never knew what they might see next. Hosted by Frank Culbertson and based on the historicalresearch of Portland Wrestling historian Mike Rodgers, author of The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers. New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

Ringside in Rose City #39 The Northwest Almost Champions: The Men Who Challenged for the NWA World Title

Ringside in Rose City #39 The Northwest Almost Champions: The Men Who challenged for the NWA World Title One ring. One city. A thousand stories. The NWA World Heavyweight Championship was the mostprestigious prize in professional wrestling for decades. The champions areremembered. The title reigns are celebrated. But what about the men who stood across the ring from them and came within one match of changing history? This week, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rogers take adeep dive into nearly four decades of NWA World Championship matches contested throughout Don Owen's territory—from Salem in 1952 to Portland in the late 1980s. Along the way, they uncover the stories of the challengerswho made fans believe that maybe, just maybe, this would be the night the title changed hands. Featured in this episode: • The remarkable Northwest championship history of LouThesz, Pat O'Connor, Gene Kiniski, Dory Funk Jr., HarleyRace, Jack Brisco, Terry Funk, and Ric Flair • Why Luther Lindsay remains one of the most respected and important challengers in wrestling history • The incredible championship résumé of Tony Borne, Portland's ultimate gatekeeper • Don Leo Jonathan's unforgettable battles with Gene Kiniski • The sustained title pursuits of Lonnie Mayne, Dutch Savage, and Buddy Rose • The protected status of Jimmy Snuka and why he never lost to an NWA champion in the Northwest • The one and only NWA title appearance by Buddy Rogers in Don Owen's territory • The surprising story behind Roddy Piper's victory over Ric Flair • How cable television changed wrestling and transformed what it meant to be world champion Frank and Mike also explore the unique role of the territorychallenger—the local stars who never held the NWA World Championship but became legends by making fans believe they could. Plus, another edition of Card Shark sends Mike acrosswrestling history, from Seaside to Phoenix to Omaha, testing his memory of territories, arenas, wrestlers, and championship eras. The champions may have carried the belt, but the challengerscarried the dreams of the fans. This is their story. Join us at ringside. Ringside in Rose City — Wrestling, the way it should be. New episodes drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts,and YouTube. Based on the research of historian Mike Rogers and the Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers and Katie Bar the Door: The History of Portland Wrestling, available on Amazon.