Back To The Territories #06 | Baron Von Raschke | Indianapolis

Often overlooked due to the proximity to Verne Gagne’s AWA, Dick the Bruiser’s WWA saw huge talent pass through in the 1960s and 70s. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, WWA saw Bruiser hook up with his tag team “cousin” Crusher, a young manager named Bobby Hennan break-in, a famous angle with football pro-Alex Karras, and more that you probably didn’t attribute to Bruiser’s WWA. Join host Jim Cornette and one of the stars of Bruiser’s territory, Baron Von Raschke, as we dig deep into the life and times of William Afflis, know to us all as Dick the Bruiser, and his WWA. Dick called the shots along with partner Wilbur Snyder and crowned himself the territory’s champion. Are you gonna argue with the toughest wrestler ever about his booking decisions?! Fire up the Delorean again and head back to another time and place as we speed back to Indiana years ago! 00:00 The Rise of Dick the Bruiser 01:52 Dick the Bruiser's Wrestling Career 02:43 Bruiser's Legendary Matches and Feuds 03:21 The Bruiser's Infamous Incidents 04:12 The Legacy of Dick the Bruiser 05:08 Introduction to Back to the Territories 05:31 Interview with Baron Von Raschke 05:58 Dick the Bruiser as a Boss 06:59 Wilbur Snyder's Role and Personality 10:43 The Formation of the WWA 13:47 The Talent and Matches of the WWA 15:46 Baron Von Raschke's Early Career 20:07 Bobby Heenan's Influence 22:52 The WWA's TV and Live Events 38:51 Expansion into Detroit 48:09 The Legendary Cowboy Bob Ellis 49:46 Bob Ellis's Hairpiece and Bleeding Stories 51:08 The Infamous Horse Story 53:05 Favorite Wrestling Partners and Matches 53:28 The Bruiser and Crusher Era 57:14 The Decline of Indianapolis Wrestling 59:27 Memorable Wrestling Characters and Stories 01:05:39 The End of an Era 01:07:44 Reflecting on Wrestling Legends 01:26:02 Bobby Heenan's Impact 01:32:19 Final Thoughts on Indianapolis Wrestling