No, along with Verne Gagne, Bockwinkel was one of the standard bearers of Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA), holding its World title 4 times and winning 3 tag titles with Ray "The Crippler" Stevens before Stevens jumped to the then-World Wrestling Federation in the early 80's. Like Gagne and some of his contemporaries, including Ric Flair, Bockwinkel also played college football until a knee injury ended his gridiron career at Oklahoma.
A heel (villain) much of his career, managed by Bobby Heenan before Heenan followed Stevens to the WWF, Bockwinkel became a beloved fan favorite at the end of his career, entering into a splendid feud with the late Curt Hennig in the mid-80's, including an hour-long draw that aired on ESPN.
But did you know that before becoming World champ, Bockwinkel made his first non-wrestling appearance on a game show? Yep. Bockwinkel was a contestant on the evening edition of Hollywood Squares with Peter Marshall in 1968:
Now, let's scope out Bockwinkel in a familiar milieu, as he prepares to face Hulk Hogan in 1983 for the AWA title. Gene Okerlund conducts a pre-match interview.....
Edit, 1/3/24: We had to delete the Hollywood Squares footage as it was removed from YouTube.
Bockwinkel would resurface in WCW in the late 90's for a time as a figurehead commissioner, but didn't last very long, probably because of the shenanigans at the time.
Rest in peace, Nick. Hennig & Stevens are waiting for you.......
Bockwinkel would resurface in WCW in the late 90's for a time as a figurehead commissioner, but didn't last very long, probably because of the shenanigans at the time.
Rest in peace, Nick. Hennig & Stevens are waiting for you.......
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