Portland Wrestling

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #7 – Wrestling's Hidden Architects

🎙️ The Attraction Archive #7 – Wrestling's Hidden Architects Some wrestlers became legends because of what they did inside the ring. Others changed wrestling history because of the people they influenced. In Episode #7 of The Attraction Archive, Frank Culbertson explores another remarkable collection of Portland Wrestling personalities whose impact reached far beyond their win-loss records. From the patriarch of one of wrestling's most famous families to the scout who helped shape the future of Portland Wrestling, these are the stories behind some of the sport's most influential figures. Long before Randy Savage became "Macho Man" and Lanny Poffo became "The Genius," there was Angelo Poffo. Discover the remarkable story of a wrestling veteran whose Portland appearances were separated by an astonishing 26 years—a gap that may be the longest ever between appearances in the same territory. It's a fascinating look at a family whose wrestling legacy spans generations. Some of wrestling's biggest stars may never have arrived in Portland without Red Bastien. Mike Rogers shares why Red's recommendations helped bring names like Buddy Rose and possibly Roddy Piper to the Northwest, forever changing the direction of Portland Wrestling. Add in Red's unforgettable stories, legendary laugh, and a memorable series of 5:00 a.m. phone calls to Mike, and you'll understand why Red was one of wrestling's most beloved ambassadors. Two accomplished women whose careers connected Portland to the national wrestling scene. From Liz Chase's early days alongside Princess Victoria and Wendi Richter to Judy Martin's championship success as one-half of the Glamour Girls, this episode explores how even brief Portland appearances became part of much larger wrestling careers. No... not that Butch Cassidy. Meet the little person wrestler whose reputation for being incredibly tough led to unforgettable matches with Jim Cornette years later. Sometimes the best wrestling stories are the ones that sound almost too unbelievable to be true. A 31-year wrestling career... A one-week World Championship reign... And another reminder that wrestling history is filled with performers whose stories deserve to be remembered just as much as the biggest stars. The Attraction Archive isn't just about famous names. It's about discovering the forgotten connections, remarkable careers, and fascinating personalities that helped make Portland Wrestling unlike any other territory. Because sometimes... The most interesting stories belong to the people you thought you'd never heard of. 🎙️ New episodes of The Attraction Archive drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📚 Based on the research of historian Mike Rogers and The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers, available now on Amazon.

Ringside In Rose City #41 Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame: The First 11 Years

Episode 41 – Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame: The First 11 Years Some wrestlers became world champions. Others became household names. And some quietly built the foundation of Pacific Northwest wrestling one match at a time. In this special episode, Frank Culbertson and historian Mike Rodgers open the Ring Around the Northwest Hall of Fame vault and revisit the first eleven Hall of Fame classes, exploring the wrestlers, promoters, announcers, and personalities whose impact shaped Portland and Vancouver wrestling for generations. Along the way, you'll hear stories about: • Why Gorgeous George changed professional wrestling forever • The incredible careers of Ripper Collins, Sandy Barr, The Skull, Steve Doll, Rick Martel, Bearcat Wright, and many more • How Hall of Fame selections were made—and why championships weren't the only measure of greatness • Forgotten stars whose contributions deserve to be remembered • Behind-the-scenes stories from Mike's 30 years publishing Ring Around the Northwest Plus, Lisa Hughes presents another Hall of Fame edition of Kayfabe Curveballs, where Mike somehow finds himself answering questions about Bat Masterson, Annie Oakley, Cowboy Lang, and Hall of Fames that have absolutely nothing to do with wrestling. And yes... before anyone asks... we made sure to spend time talking about Steve Doll. We know one of our favorite listeners, Jody Day, is always standing by to defend Steve's honor, and we're pretty sure she'd have driven to the studio if we'd skipped him. Consider this episode officially Jody-approved! One ring. One city. A thousand stories. New episodes of Ringside in Rose City drop every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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.