John Ringer

John Ringer drifted into Arizona in the Mid-1970s and took this alias as the brother to one Jack Ringer who had been a top draw a few years earlier. They were actually no relation and Ringer was not the real name for either man.

One of Ringer"s  first big feuds was with Benny Mendeblis, with whom he traded the Arizona Jr. Heavyweight title several times. Among their battles was an epic brawl at the Phoenix Madison Square Garden in 1978, which saw both men covered with blood and Ringer winning the belt from his opponent yet again, by putting his feet on the ropes as the ref counted.

In 1979, Ringer wrestled on the final card ever held at the "Garden" and commented how some fans, knowing this was  the end, actually broke up some of he floorboards, not as an act do vandalism, but to take as keepsakes from an era that was over.

By 1980, he was active for a number of promotions, including the USWA headed by David Rose, a Mexican promotion run by the Coruna familial and a short0lived effort by Chuck Hondo to present shows at St., Mary;s Gym in Phoenix.

Some of Ringer's opponents throughout this decade included Mr Wrestling (Rose), Mike Gordon, Cowboy Bob Yuma, Pedro El Grande, Jody Arnold, Mr. Murder, Ron Newstrome, Hollywood Brown, Chief Youngblood, Nano Ortega, Eddie Lopez,  Eli Hernandez, Danny Medina, Chief Crazy Horse. Louie Spicolli and The Ranger. 

A feud with another light heavyweight, Danny Snyder, ended up as long and bloody as his past feud with Mendeblis. These two likewise traded the Arizona Junior Heavyweight title a number of times and usually ended their matches covered with blood. 

One of the high points in his career came when he teamed with Superstar Billy Graham for a short Phoenix  stint. Ringer also formed a formidable tag team with the late Eddie Sullivan.

Ringer's last years of activity as a wrestler came in the early 1990s when Michael Shultz ran at Graham Central Station nightclub in Phoenix. Incredibly for an office with television, they drew over 1,000 on their cards.

After calling it quits, Ringer returned to his native New Jersey, but has since come back to Arizona again. He presently helps out with Real Deal Wrestling promotion in Phoenix.