Chief Kit Fox was born in Oklahoma and trained by Leroy McGuirk. Thoguh saddled with thew typical "Indian Routine" he was, unlike Bearclaws Chewski, Jay Strongbow and the like, a real Native American. The obligatory tomahawk chop and bow and arrow were key moves in his arsenal, but he knew a variety of fancy holds as well. He also executed a wicked airplane spin.
Fox traveled the USA and proved to be popular in numerous venues. He also drifted into Arizona at various times, including a lengthy run in 1957-1958.
The 1957 stay saw him reach the height of his popularity in the Phoenix/Tucson area. Among his opponents were Don Arnold, Johnny James, Tokyo Joe, Ali Pasha, Dutch Schultz and El Diablo.
It was with the leering Tokyo Joe that Fox had hsi most wild bouts, which digressed into savage brawls uncharacteristic of the 1950s. World War II was slightly a decade from being over in this time span, with hostilities against the Japanese still burning in the minds of many Americans. Thus, the Oriental was an instant "top heel" and anyone who faced him was "over" with the crowd. Kit Fox was up to the task and hsi popularity skyrocketed whenever he faced the Japanese mad man. The tomahawk chops usually won out over the judo chops.
In other parts of the country over the years, this wrestler had memorable matches with Lou Thesz, The Great Bolo, Killer Kox and many others.
A car crash ended this talented wrestler's career while traveling with Chief Big Heart. He tried to make a comeback, but his injuries were too severe and he was not successful.
Kit Fox died in 1994 during heart surgery.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Assassins
Every promotion had an "Assassin" at one time or another and many Indy groups still do, but the original pair consisted of two brothers, Joey and Larry Hamilton. The latter preferred working as a single and was replaced by one Tom Renesto, who teamed with Joey for years.
These two Assassins traveled the USA, decked out in their traditional yellow and black masks, with matching body wardrobe. Though the Atlanta area would become established as their main base, they were seen from Seattle to Miami at one point or another throughout the 1960s into the 1970s.
The dastardly duo made various trips in Arizona, usually when traveling between California and Texas. Some of their appearances included main eventing in a makeshift arena converted from a closed supermarket.
The longest stay for the two Assassins came in 1966, where for something different, they actually found themselves being cheered as they faced the equally hated tag team of Gorgeous George Jr and perpetual Arizona villain, Don Arnold. After the masked men prevailed, it was business as usual, where they disavowed their newly gathered fans, any concept of fighting by the rules and again became heels.
The Assassins then feuded with Ray Gordon and Tito Montez, two of the most popular stars in Arizona at the time. In their early encoutners, the masked men increased the heat with a series of underhanded victories, but in the end the good guys won out. The heels went packing, while peace and harmony ruled...for a time. Other tag teams of equable viciousness were soon to be on their way in.
There would also be a number of other Assassins, though all avoided the patented yellow and black masks, in the decades to come. These "Assassins" also worked suspiciously, as single attractions and never a tag team, perhaps to steer clear of a lawsuit. Ernie Muhammad passed a mask around to varied wrestlers who did the routine on the undercard or televised tapings, where whoever wore the hood usually lost. In 1980, John Ringer was an Assassin for a while, wearing brown gear and a matching mask with an "A" on the front. He only did the routine for a while, before going back to being Ringer and refused to admit to ever wrestling under a hood.
"The Assassin died" Ringer would snarl when asked about the role by fans or writers, denying it was him behind the mask.
In the 1990s, Asasinos 1,2 & 3 came in for a lucha promotion running near the border that did not last long.
I am sure even now, as an "extra body" is needed on an Indy card, someone will don a mask and become an Assassin. None, however, will match the originals.
These two Assassins traveled the USA, decked out in their traditional yellow and black masks, with matching body wardrobe. Though the Atlanta area would become established as their main base, they were seen from Seattle to Miami at one point or another throughout the 1960s into the 1970s.
The dastardly duo made various trips in Arizona, usually when traveling between California and Texas. Some of their appearances included main eventing in a makeshift arena converted from a closed supermarket.
The longest stay for the two Assassins came in 1966, where for something different, they actually found themselves being cheered as they faced the equally hated tag team of Gorgeous George Jr and perpetual Arizona villain, Don Arnold. After the masked men prevailed, it was business as usual, where they disavowed their newly gathered fans, any concept of fighting by the rules and again became heels.
The Assassins then feuded with Ray Gordon and Tito Montez, two of the most popular stars in Arizona at the time. In their early encoutners, the masked men increased the heat with a series of underhanded victories, but in the end the good guys won out. The heels went packing, while peace and harmony ruled...for a time. Other tag teams of equable viciousness were soon to be on their way in.
There would also be a number of other Assassins, though all avoided the patented yellow and black masks, in the decades to come. These "Assassins" also worked suspiciously, as single attractions and never a tag team, perhaps to steer clear of a lawsuit. Ernie Muhammad passed a mask around to varied wrestlers who did the routine on the undercard or televised tapings, where whoever wore the hood usually lost. In 1980, John Ringer was an Assassin for a while, wearing brown gear and a matching mask with an "A" on the front. He only did the routine for a while, before going back to being Ringer and refused to admit to ever wrestling under a hood.
"The Assassin died" Ringer would snarl when asked about the role by fans or writers, denying it was him behind the mask.
In the 1990s, Asasinos 1,2 & 3 came in for a lucha promotion running near the border that did not last long.
I am sure even now, as an "extra body" is needed on an Indy card, someone will don a mask and become an Assassin. None, however, will match the originals.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Duncan McTavis
Duncan McTavis died in June of 2011 at the age of 80. I knew of him by reputation and Face Book conversations, which makes writing abotu his passing a bit hard. Though he traveled the world, this man was never the biggest of stars, yet he always did what was required and had numerous classic matches, including some brutal cage bouts with The Sheik in Canada
McTavis had a very limited Arizona run. Sent to Phoenix by Pedro Martinez out of Buffalo for what was to be the first of many exchanges with Arizona promoter Ernie Muhammad, the newcomer lasted all of two weeks, while shooting the projected trade deal in the ass.
In his second week at the Phoenix Madison Square Garden, McTavis became infuriated when two Hispanic fans threw rolled up cups of ice at him as he was leaving the ring. The wrestler turned in them, chased both up the aisle, out the door and into the street.While the other grapplers thought the whole scene was hilarious, the promoter did not and gave McTavis his notice. He was never brought back.
Decades after the fact, McTavis was still complaining about the episode on Face Book groups where he was a member.
McTavis had a very limited Arizona run. Sent to Phoenix by Pedro Martinez out of Buffalo for what was to be the first of many exchanges with Arizona promoter Ernie Muhammad, the newcomer lasted all of two weeks, while shooting the projected trade deal in the ass.
In his second week at the Phoenix Madison Square Garden, McTavis became infuriated when two Hispanic fans threw rolled up cups of ice at him as he was leaving the ring. The wrestler turned in them, chased both up the aisle, out the door and into the street.While the other grapplers thought the whole scene was hilarious, the promoter did not and gave McTavis his notice. He was never brought back.
Decades after the fact, McTavis was still complaining about the episode on Face Book groups where he was a member.
The Wrestler & The Cigar
I only smoke one cigarette at MCW shows twice a month and buy an infrequent cigar, which I figure will not kill me as opposed perhaps to those doing two packs a day. Some former smokers in the game, such as Bobby Jaggers, have quit all together. Athletes, after all, aren't supposed to do bad things, but we know how far that goes. The cigar, however, has been a traditional thing with many wrestlers for decades now. As such, I thought it might make an interesting piece.
I am enclosing a list of the cigar smokers who came through Arizona over the years, now deceased or still living, though of course some may have quit all together. The list is no complete, I am sure. It might make an interesting read. If not, oh well.
Dick Murdoch
Dusty Rhodes
Buddy Rogers
Lou Thesz
Argentina Rocca
Jesse Ventura
Cruisher
Ivan Putski
Bobby Heenan
Mike Gordon
Bobby Jaggers
Chris Colt
Ron Dupree
Johnny Mann
Don Fargo
Ray Sevens
Strangler Lewis
Sgt, Shultz
Stinky The Garbage Man
Ron Pritchard
Tony Marino
Jerry Graham
Frank Shields
Flama Azul
Toro Bravo 1&2
Bull Montana
Rick Renaldo
Bobo Brazil
Jimmy Valentine
Paul Harvey
Jimmy Kent
Jan Madrid
Killer Brooks
Buddy Dixon
Kangaroo Bob Karson
Farmer Jones
Bobby Davis
The Mighty Jumbo
Eddie Graham
Phil Melby
Rod Fenton
King Milo
El Circulo
Many more went with more economical cigarette smoking. Some living now have quit while others are still at it. A few died from cancer. The ones who went with cigarettes over cigars included Bambi Ball, Arizona Red, Sadie & Sheri, Eddie Sullivan, John Ringer, David Rose, Kurt Von Steiger, Blackjack Mulligan, Kay Noble, Bob Yuma, Tito Montez, Freddie Gomez, Hercules Stevenson, Rip Tyler, Mrs. Wrestling, Super Dee, Tony Hernandez, Nano Ortega, Barry Bernsten, Mr Murder, Marilyn Bender, CC Starr, Chuck Hondo, The Detroit Mauler, Rick Rude, The Cherokees, Mr. Southern Comfort, Ali Bey, Cerberus
and some others. I know a few years back CC Starr was going as far as to use one of those nicotine patches. I hope it worked for him.
In the other hand, extreme anti-smokers included Fabulous Moolah, Jody Arnold, Lanny Poffo and Chris Kole. Poffo went as far as to write a kid's book speaking out against smoking a few years back.
I am enclosing a list of the cigar smokers who came through Arizona over the years, now deceased or still living, though of course some may have quit all together. The list is no complete, I am sure. It might make an interesting read. If not, oh well.
Dick Murdoch
Dusty Rhodes
Buddy Rogers
Lou Thesz
Argentina Rocca
Jesse Ventura
Cruisher
Ivan Putski
Bobby Heenan
Mike Gordon
Bobby Jaggers
Chris Colt
Ron Dupree
Johnny Mann
Don Fargo
Ray Sevens
Strangler Lewis
Sgt, Shultz
Stinky The Garbage Man
Ron Pritchard
Tony Marino
Jerry Graham
Frank Shields
Flama Azul
Toro Bravo 1&2
Bull Montana
Rick Renaldo
Bobo Brazil
Jimmy Valentine
Paul Harvey
Jimmy Kent
Jan Madrid
Killer Brooks
Buddy Dixon
Kangaroo Bob Karson
Farmer Jones
Bobby Davis
The Mighty Jumbo
Eddie Graham
Phil Melby
Rod Fenton
King Milo
El Circulo
Many more went with more economical cigarette smoking. Some living now have quit while others are still at it. A few died from cancer. The ones who went with cigarettes over cigars included Bambi Ball, Arizona Red, Sadie & Sheri, Eddie Sullivan, John Ringer, David Rose, Kurt Von Steiger, Blackjack Mulligan, Kay Noble, Bob Yuma, Tito Montez, Freddie Gomez, Hercules Stevenson, Rip Tyler, Mrs. Wrestling, Super Dee, Tony Hernandez, Nano Ortega, Barry Bernsten, Mr Murder, Marilyn Bender, CC Starr, Chuck Hondo, The Detroit Mauler, Rick Rude, The Cherokees, Mr. Southern Comfort, Ali Bey, Cerberus
and some others. I know a few years back CC Starr was going as far as to use one of those nicotine patches. I hope it worked for him.
In the other hand, extreme anti-smokers included Fabulous Moolah, Jody Arnold, Lanny Poffo and Chris Kole. Poffo went as far as to write a kid's book speaking out against smoking a few years back.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
My Story
People have asked why I mention myself so little on this blog page, being I worked Arizona mainly as manager role in 1978, stating right after the Garden closed, until 1998 when we moved to Ohio. Honestly, it is because of boredom. I spent years thanks to my bridging wrestling and writing, with a dandy little arrangement for putting msyelf over in print. As an associate editor to varied magazines, a newspaper writer, contributor to some sheets I deemed less controversial and on the net, I was constantly putting myself over to the point of my technique becoming an inside personal joke by writing about myself under my real name, about myself under my ring name. Ar rimes I even answered my articles under another alias, said I sucked and as my character became "offended" and essentially threatened to kick my own ass. Then I sat back and watched the fans who were not smart to what was going on, say what a dick I was. I was a"literary family" of one under a number of names.
More or less, I have done this for so long I have grown tired of it and would rather give others a spotlight on this blog.
Though born in Ohio, I grew up in Arizona and started in Phoenix in 1979. From 1979 to 1985 I was Mad Dog Marcial Bovee. The name was derived from bullfighter Marcial Lalanda and porn actress Lesllie Bovee. In 1985 after an elaborate series of events too complex to go into here, I became The Time Traveler, which a bot derived from Dr Who or Quantum Leap as some think, but from a line in an obscure horror film called The Keep. "I am a traveler." While I still do traveler in seem places, I am managing under my own name in MCW (http://www.mcwpro.com) on Ohio, after another series of circumstances too complex to go into.
In the California/Arizona area I worked as a manager for limited deals to long term (12 years with The Lumberjacks) for many people. People I worked with as manager include Bert Prentiss (Christopher Henderson in AZ, in a co-manager role before we turned on each other.), Billy Graham, Eddie Sullivan, Rip Tyler, David Rose, John Ringer, Maniac Mike Gordon, Sgt. Schultz, Eruption, Rick Davidson, Enigma, The Black Mamba, Section 8, Thrillseeker Terry Zeller, Special Forces, Mr. Cock A Doodle Doo, Tim Patterson, The Beast and many more.
I also wrestled when needed, but never considered myself much of a wrestler. A manager, yes. A wrestler, no. While the role required me to brag like I thought myself the best wretsler since Milo, behind the scenes even I owned up to this saying,. "As a wrestler...I'm a very good manager."
Though I have lived in Ohio for a number do years and have no desire to live in Phoenix again, I do think of the wrestling there.
Many of the people I knew before, during or after starting have died. Eddie Sullivan, Rip Tyler, Barry Bernsten, Mr Murder, Chris Colt, Ron Dupree, Rudy Navarro, Tona Tomah, Victoria Vulcan, Louie Spicolli, Lou Thesz, Stephen De Leon, Tec 9, Mike Gordon and others are gone. The bulk of the people I stayed with and many who started after me are retired. I feel like I am one of the last of my kind.
Memories? Oh, I have them.
Scars? I have them too.
Yet I am still active.
The best may be yet to come. It may even include a return to Arizona some day, but only briefly. Not to live.
Enough, however, on me.
More or less, I have done this for so long I have grown tired of it and would rather give others a spotlight on this blog.
Though born in Ohio, I grew up in Arizona and started in Phoenix in 1979. From 1979 to 1985 I was Mad Dog Marcial Bovee. The name was derived from bullfighter Marcial Lalanda and porn actress Lesllie Bovee. In 1985 after an elaborate series of events too complex to go into here, I became The Time Traveler, which a bot derived from Dr Who or Quantum Leap as some think, but from a line in an obscure horror film called The Keep. "I am a traveler." While I still do traveler in seem places, I am managing under my own name in MCW (http://www.mcwpro.com) on Ohio, after another series of circumstances too complex to go into.
In the California/Arizona area I worked as a manager for limited deals to long term (12 years with The Lumberjacks) for many people. People I worked with as manager include Bert Prentiss (Christopher Henderson in AZ, in a co-manager role before we turned on each other.), Billy Graham, Eddie Sullivan, Rip Tyler, David Rose, John Ringer, Maniac Mike Gordon, Sgt. Schultz, Eruption, Rick Davidson, Enigma, The Black Mamba, Section 8, Thrillseeker Terry Zeller, Special Forces, Mr. Cock A Doodle Doo, Tim Patterson, The Beast and many more.
I also wrestled when needed, but never considered myself much of a wrestler. A manager, yes. A wrestler, no. While the role required me to brag like I thought myself the best wretsler since Milo, behind the scenes even I owned up to this saying,. "As a wrestler...I'm a very good manager."
Though I have lived in Ohio for a number do years and have no desire to live in Phoenix again, I do think of the wrestling there.
Many of the people I knew before, during or after starting have died. Eddie Sullivan, Rip Tyler, Barry Bernsten, Mr Murder, Chris Colt, Ron Dupree, Rudy Navarro, Tona Tomah, Victoria Vulcan, Louie Spicolli, Lou Thesz, Stephen De Leon, Tec 9, Mike Gordon and others are gone. The bulk of the people I stayed with and many who started after me are retired. I feel like I am one of the last of my kind.
Memories? Oh, I have them.
Scars? I have them too.
Yet I am still active.
The best may be yet to come. It may even include a return to Arizona some day, but only briefly. Not to live.
Enough, however, on me.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ciclon Negro
During the 1960s and 1970s, Ciclon Negro made varied appearances in Arizona, though he was never a regular there like he was in Texas.
One of his greatest matches, though a losing one, came when he faced Dory Funk Sr in a Texas Death match at the Travel Lopsided Theater (later Celebrity Theater) in Phoenix. The match went countless falls as the two men slammed each other with everything in sight. Both ended up bloody and exhausted, but in the end, Funk prevailed. After being pinned for the final time, Ciclon was unable to answer a ten count, stayed down and faced defeat.
In the years to follow, Ciclon returned for varied promoters, to see action at the large Fairgrounds Coliseum and the Immaculate Heart Gym in Phoenix, as well as varied Tucson venues. In most of these encounters, Ciclon faced another constant Amarillo rival in the form of Ricky Romero. He also continued his feud with the Funks by facing Dory Funk Jr in a number of matches.
While Ciclon Negro received a major push in Texas and built up an alarming number of wins, he was not so lucky in Arizona. In this state, he usually ended up losing or going to a draw with the people he faced. Though he didn't get his hands raised often, the fans still hated him with a passion.
One of his greatest matches, though a losing one, came when he faced Dory Funk Sr in a Texas Death match at the Travel Lopsided Theater (later Celebrity Theater) in Phoenix. The match went countless falls as the two men slammed each other with everything in sight. Both ended up bloody and exhausted, but in the end, Funk prevailed. After being pinned for the final time, Ciclon was unable to answer a ten count, stayed down and faced defeat.
In the years to follow, Ciclon returned for varied promoters, to see action at the large Fairgrounds Coliseum and the Immaculate Heart Gym in Phoenix, as well as varied Tucson venues. In most of these encounters, Ciclon faced another constant Amarillo rival in the form of Ricky Romero. He also continued his feud with the Funks by facing Dory Funk Jr in a number of matches.
While Ciclon Negro received a major push in Texas and built up an alarming number of wins, he was not so lucky in Arizona. In this state, he usually ended up losing or going to a draw with the people he faced. Though he didn't get his hands raised often, the fans still hated him with a passion.
Eddie Sullivan vs The Tornado
His toughest opponent, however, would understandably have been a tornado.
Sullivan would tell the story, but somehow manage to downplay his own heroics within. The fact of the matter was he saved many lives single-handed.
When he was away from his Arizona base, wrestling in Pensacola, Florida, a tornado truck and included the trailer court where he was living within its path. Rather than ducking for cover, Sullivan left his own safety behind and started pulling people from the rubble of other demolished dwellings, including a little girl.
"The wind was still so strong it actually lifted and twirled me over like I was a pinwheel," Sullivan recalled. He also admitted he should have been afraid as that would have been common sense, but was acting on the pure passion of the moment, upon seeing others in danger.
The incident would have made a good film, In fact, the life of Eddie Sullivan would make a good film in its own right.
"I faced Terry Funk for the NWA World Title in Mobile, Alabama," was usually Eddie's answer when asked about his toughest opponent.
On the other hand, I would contend Eddie's toughest or certainly most dangerous opponent would have been that twister in Pensacola. Where he did not win that night in Mobile he was always talking about against Funk, he certainly prevailed against Mother Nature in his Floridian adventure.
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