freddie blassie wife

[3], In 1953, he worked in the Atlanta, territory for Paul Jones (the wrestler of the 1930s, not the wrestler/manager of the 1980s). Patrick Stewart In A Checkered Coat Wallpaper. mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. RELATED: 10 Performers Who Were Great As Both A Wrestler & Manager. As a German descent American, he was often faced with questions of loyalty, despite marrying a Jewish woman. Freddie Blassie managed many heels to success, including the team of The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, who would win the World Tag Team Titles from US Express thanks to Blassies delivering a strategic shot with his cane. [18][19] Blassie also appeared in the SummerSlam opening video. Following a stint in the California wrestling scene, Freddie Blassie headed southeast to the Georgia territories in the 1950s, where he would enjoy a whopping 17 reigns with the big title of the region, the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship between 1954 and 1960. [7] When Philbin had a late-night weekend talk show in San Diego, Blassie would routinely show up to yell at the audience, throw furniture, and threaten Philbin; the confrontations were wholly kayfabe and both of them were friends when the cameras weren't rolling. The professional wrestler Freddie Blassie, who became a cult figure to fans by playing the villain inside the ring during the 1950's and 1960's, died Monday. [8] The fans consistently booed him because he was considered a "Yankee". Freddie had been estranged from his children for the majority of their lives. For the first installment, we look at one of the most iconic villains in pro wrestling history as both a wrestler and a manager in Classy Freddie Blassie. Blassie retired from active wrestling in 1974, due to a California law that prohibited anyone over 55 from getting a wrestling license. Freddie Blassie Also known as Fred Blassie, Fred McDaniel Overview Career Career highlights Titles Matches Match Statistics Matchguide Feuds Promos Tournaments Tag Teams & Stables Entourage Awards Books Wrestling Games Movies Commentary Career Ratings Comments Matches Displaying items 1 to 100 of total 1631 items that match the search parameters. This story has been shared 143,593 times. Notable Title Wins Include: NWA Southern Heavyweight title (14); WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight title (4); WWA World Tag Team title (2 times w/Mr. Classy Freddie Blassie knew how to get heat and anger fans. This is in reference . This resulted in a weak relationship between the two. [3][8] In 1983, Rhino Records released a 14-track album by Blassie, titled I Bite the Songs. He was 85. He married his first wife Nettie Needles while on shore leave during the war. One that stands out was his rivalry with Bruno Sammartino in the early 1960s. "Classy" Freddie Blassie is a legendary wrestling personality, both as a wrestler and a manager. He would become a frequent foe of Morales throughout the rest of his in-ring career in WWWF. A nice man, with a lovely wife and it was great having him there to cut a wonderful promo during my show. [6] The final match of their series took place in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and set new California records for both attendance and gate. [2] In 1963, Bearcat Wright defeated him to become champion, and it was quite a statement during the fight for civil rights that an African-American had won such a title. By using this site, you agree to the legal terms set out in ourDisclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. In the late 1960s, he moved to the East Coast and the World-Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF, later the World Wresting Federation (WWF) and now World Wrestling Entertainment WWE)). He started a second career as a manager in the WWWF. In the 1950s, Fred Blassie was hands down the most hated wrestler in the southeastern territory. He finally defeated Rikidozan and won back his title at a WWA event in Los Angeles but it had served his purpose. "Classy" Freddie Blassie appeared in a live-action segment of the cartoon "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling." "Classy" Freddie Blassie also made a cameo appearance as himself, along with "Wrestling's Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino, and Ric Flair in the 1986 film Body Slam starring Dirk Benedict, "Captain" Lou Albano, and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. [10] He was so hated there that uniformed police officers were regularly brought in to protect him as he made his way to and from the ring. In 1964, Dick the Bruiser defeated Blassie to become champion, and Blassie headed east to work for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). I think Dick Lane was as good as Gordon Solie in his day. Comedian Andy Kaufman & professional wrestler Classy Freddie Blassie eat breakfast & discuss life. In 1976 he managed Muhammad Ali during his shoot match. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. Born Fred Blassman in St. Louis, Blassie played baseball and football in high school. "That's why he was 'Classy' Freddie Blassie." Vince McMahon interviews "Classy" Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff | WWE While there, he won the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship, the holder of which was generally first in line to challenge the NWA World Heavyweight Champion whenever he passed through the territory. He triggered heart attack-related deaths in Japan, was stabbed by angry fans 21 times and was once doused with acid! In the summer of 1986, Blassie started to slowly phase himself out of the WWF and into retirement. his service in the United States Navy during World War II. In that storyline, he is menaced by Eric Bischoff and his henchmen, before calling on the Dudley Brothers to "Get the tables!" Freddie Blassie decided to stop being a fixture of wrestling in 1986 but was no stranger to making the odd guest appearance. [6] His cousin John Frank Holaus often refereed his matches. Fans might recall his interviews with local announcer Dick Lane in which he would proclaim his vast superiority over a number of lesser opponents, branding them all pencil-neck geeks. Those colorful interviews helped make him a celebrity in the newly expanding medium of television. [8] His death was announced by Jim Ross, 20 minutes into that same day's episode of Raw. Still a motormouth, he gave interviews in which he bragged about himself and his protgs and denounced anybody he didn't like as a "pencil necked geek". [3] As an adult, Frederick was a teetotaler. [12], In 1962, Blassie had a feud with Japanese wrestling icon Rikidzan that established his reputation in Japan. His eagerness to learn from 1935 to 1942 led to many of the circuits top stars sharing knowledge with Blassie, and when he returned home to the U.S. in 1946, he was determined to make an honest run as a professional wrestler. him a favorite of talk shows and reportedly influencing a fellow Feb 27. The nastier he was in the ring, the more popular he became to fans. "Classy" Freddie Blassie with Keith Elliot Greenberg, NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship, WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, North American Wrestling Alliance/Worldwide Wrestling Associates/ NWA Hollywood Wrestling, WWA International Television Tag Team Championship, NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Classy Freddie Blassie was pro wrestling's 'Fashion Plate', "Before The Client List: "Classy" Freddie Blassie", "Blassie toast of Cauliflower Alley Club", "WWF WrestleMania XV Results - 3/28/99 (Stone Cold vs. His last name is slightly easier to pronounce than it looks. [3], In 1964, Blassie feuded with Bruno Sammartino and Bobo Brazil. . Accounts about his early athletic career do not quite agree, but he first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms were too short. [8] He worked for Jack Pfefer, who he claimed would only employ people who looked like sideshow freaks at his shows, and whose wrestlers included Tor Johnson, who made movies with director Ed Wood, and Lillian Ellison, the Fabulous Moolah. Accounts about his early athletic career do not quite agree, but he first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms were too short. His parents, Anna (ne Sind) and Jacob Blassman, were German immigrants who arrived in the United States prior to World War I.[3]. Returning to the WWA, Blassie began feuding with the likes of Bobo Brazil, Mil Mascaras, and others, as well as teaming with another known violent savage, Mad Dog Vachon. In reality, Blassie was a major on-screen figure in wrestling, both in competitive and managerial roles, and had a status in overall pop culture. Blassie. . Blassie also resented "Superstar" Billy Graham, at first, due to his association with Dr. Jerry Graham, who in kayfabe was Billys older brother. Blassie, Murray wrote, has dedicated his life to wrapping up as much hate as one man can safely carry in a lifetime. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. [9] During this stint with the company, Blassie was managed by his future nemesis, "Captain" Lou Albano.[3]. We have estimated A third-generation wrestling fan and senior writer for World Wrestling Entertainment publications, Greenberg is the author of more than thirty nonfiction children's books, and has written for The New York . He felt this was his chance to tell his life story before moving on. His penchant for biting opponents earned him the nickname "The Vampire". By this time, Blassie has acquired a cult following, leading to appearances in several feature films. Blassie was a regular on the WWWF's "All-Star Wrestling" and "Championship Wrestling" weekly TV shows that were videotaped at small arenas in Pennsylvania and aired throughout the Northeast. My Breakfast with Blassie is a 1983 film starring Andy Kaufman and professional wrestler "Classy" Freddie Blassie. [6] Afterwards he became a manager in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) and its subsequent incarnation the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! In 1960, he became a regular with World Wrestling Associates (WWA) in Los Angeles, a move that would cement his legacy in pro wrestling, long before he became a manager. He was 85.Mr. "The Fashion Plate of Wrestling" Freddie Blassie calls his interviewer and the fans "pencil neck geeks" and shows why he will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers in WWE history. [16] In 1999, he was shown making the opening narration of WrestleMania XV. the time, get up, stand up and fight. *Blassie also told Greenberg that women used to come up to him on the street and gawk at him because he was Gods gift to women! Blassie was a regular on the WWWF's "All-Star Wrestling" and "Championship Wrestling" weekly TV shows that were videotaped at small arenas in Pennsylvania and aired throughout the Northeast. His career began in earnest after his service in the United States Navy during World War II. But for nearly 40 years, Fred Blassie was an in-ring talent who ruled the West Coast, a multi-time World Champion, and one of the most feared villains in pro wrestling history. @megantheevalium. His matches with Freddie Blassie were legendary. Lynne Margulies, who would later become Kaufman's girlfriend, plays a role; in fact, she and Kaufman met for the first time on camera. So, how much is Freddie Blassie worth at the age of 85 years old? [8] He married a girl in California while on shore leave. [22][2] Rose Marie's character Sally Rogers brought him on at the end of the episode claiming to have discovered another new dance sensation. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he Still claiming to be the West Coast Champion, entered into a feud with Bruno Sammartino to unify the titles. This benefactor was later revealed to be Slick. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Blassie was more than willing to let the talented Bearcat Wright take the gold and make history. American professional wrestler and manager, Worldwide Wrestling Associates (19601968), World Wide Wrestling Federation (1964; 1971). His ex-manager would turn out to be an enemy, representing The Iron Sheik in the match where Hulk Hogan won the WWE Championship and held it for a shade over four years. At an early age, Blassie was enamored with pro wrestling, particularly the "shooters" of the early era of pro wrestling in the 1930s, and would often sneak into a local gym to watch the technical masters stretch and submit their opponents. As a result, fans may be aware of Classy Freddie Blassie for his appearances during WWEs Golden Era and beyond but that only scratches the surface of his career. On an episode of WWF Championship Wrestling, Blassie barged into the announcer booth to proclaim that he had sold half of the contracts of Sheik and Volkoff to a mysterious benefactor for a large sum of money. Freddie Blassie's net worth By the 1970s, Blassie had relocated to the East Coast where he successfully pursued his mat career. During this time, he went to New York City to work for promoter Jess McMahon. The Legends of Wrestling - "Classy" Freddie Blassie: Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks (Wwe S) Paperback - February 1, 2004 by Keith Elliot Greenberg (Author) 115 ratings See all formats and editions Kindle $13.99 Read with Our Free App Hardcover $18.99 13 Used from $4.06 2 New from $38.98 1 Collectible from $15.00 Paperback Heres a look at Classy Freddie Blassies wrestling career, long before he decided to take on clients and become one of the most iconic managers of the 1970s and 1980s. In 1972, ten years after his last match in Japan with Rikidozans JWA, he returned to Japan and began working for Giant Babas All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). Fred Blassie had a shocking heel turn during his stint in Georgia, which led to him becoming an extremely hated wrestler! Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Hear Keith Elliot Greenbergs share stories about "Classy" Freddie Blassie on The Genius Cast below: Over his 22-year wrestling career, Freddie Blassie had many notable feuds. Freddie Blassie. Why FREDDIE BLASSIE Was So Great f/ WRESTLINGBIOS - YouTube DAVE KNOWS that Classy Freddie Blassie is a Pro Wrestling legend. The rematches were held at Madison Square Garden in New York, with Sammartino winning out. The film My Breakfast With Blassie, which came out in 1983, was a spoof of My Dinner With Andre. The camera followed Blassie and Kaufman as they ate and discussed life at a local restaurant that looked like a Dennys. He had been in poor health for quite a while, and it was as if he wanted to wait to get his story out before he passed on. In the segment he is interviewed by "Mean" Gene Okerlund when the two are interrupted by a little old lady in a housekeeper outfit that Blassie claims to be his own mother. Given that Hogan was the top babyface in the 1980s, this iteration of The Hulkster was actually a heel and would depart in 1981 after a dispute with Vince McMahon Sr. over Hogans taking a role in Rocky III. is 6'(1.83m) . He, Albano, and "The Grand Wizard of Wrestling" (Ernie Roth) formed the WWWF's "Evil Trinity" of heel managers. Because of his close relationship with Vince McMahon, Sr. and his family, Blassie remained on the WWF payroll until the day he died. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. His father was an abusive alcoholic, prompting Frederick to stay with his grandparents whenever Jacob beat Anna.

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