In [2][14] Blassie also managed Muhammad Ali in his boxer vs. wrestler match in 1976 against Antonio Inoki. [6] He also began boxing at a local community center and won a heavyweight championship title. [8] He was often billed as "The Vampire" during this time for biting his opponents and filing his teeth during interviews and promos. Recommended:10 Wrestling Book Must Reads and 5 You Dont Want To Waste Your Time On. This story has been shared 104,709 times. Born Fred Blassman in St. Louis, Blassie played baseball and football in high school. "That's why he was 'Classy' Freddie Blassie." As a result he has wrought something of a revolution in the unmanly art of exhibition wrestling.. We've received your submission. Blassie got involved when he threw his cane into the ring, with Sheik and Volkoff using it to their advantage to gain the victory. [17] In 2000, Blassie made an appearance at the Royal Rumble as a judge in the Miss Rumble 2000 Swimsuit contest, which was won by Mae Young. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! However, he became increasingly interested in wrestling. He was 85.Mr. In 1964, Dick the Bruiser defeated Blassie to become champion, and Blassie headed east to work for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). Im not implying that Bruno would ever have any dealings with the mafia on his own. Download 100+ Free Freddie Blassie Wallpaper Images & 500,000+ Wallpapers for Free. Blassie worked for the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment, which presented him with its lifetime achievement award in 1996. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. One poll ranked him as the most hated wrestler in the United States. Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. In addition to his pro wrestling notoriety, Classy Freddie Blassie also has some amusing notability in wider pop culture. As a wrestling manager, wore shirts and trousers of the exact same color, sometimes with a matching jacket. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he Linda's dual role (as director and actress) was scripted as an irritating fan who requests Andy's autograph after he washes his hands. [3][8][9], In 1960, Blassie returned to Strongbow's promotion in Los Angeles, where he was a big star for Worldwide Wrestling Associates (WWA) of southern California, drawing many fans to the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. Many people close to him actually had no idea that he had children in the first place. Miyako Blassie, 68, says in court papers that she was shopping for groceries. And more wrestling fans definite need to know about the. [3] Blassie, Lou Albano, and The Grand Wizard were named "The Three Wise Men of the East", as the top three heel managers in the company. However, Blassie said he would toss his drink in the sand if he didnt drink it, so Lanny took the offer. [7], After the US entered World War II, Blassie enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater for 42 months. 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. One of the men was Jilly Rizzo, Frank Sinatras number one sidekick and the owner of his own saloon. 10 Wrestlers Managed By Classy Freddie Blassie Fans Should Know About His career began in earnest after his service in the United States Navy during World War II. Backstage, Jilly Rizzo club owner, Frank Sinatra's bodyguard, and . The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Using his newfound skills, Blassie became a wrestler starting in the carnival circuit, debuting in 1935 but taking a break in the 1940s to fight in World War II. According to Walton, Blassies biggest achievement came Aug. 27, 1971, when he met and defeated Canadian wrestler Golden Greek John Tolos at the Coliseum before 25,000 wrestling fans. He continued to outrage crowds by distracting referees so that his men could cheat and by getting in his own cheap shots when the refs weren't looking. Blassie appeared alongside Slick to co-manage Sheik and Volkoff for a few television appearances before finally bowing out in November 1986, with Albano, the final member of the Three Wise Men, retiring a few weeks later. 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)). "When hed go to a town, the most powerful Italians would latch themselves onto him and decided they were his protectors, whether Bruno liked it or not. Blassie would gain even more gold when Volkoff and Sheik defeated The US Express for the WWF Tag Team Championship at the first ever Wrestlemania. [spoken to the WWF wrestlers during Invasion 2001] Gentleman, there Blassie originally wrestled mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. He was 85. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. . The Legends of Wrestling - "Classy" Freddie Blassie The nastier he was in the ring, the more popular he became to fans. Hed also engage in big title feuds with serious GOATs like Japans Rikidozan and Americas Lou Thesz, both of whom are considered among the most influential wrestlers of all time. Freddie Blassie, Pro Wrestler Popular as Villain, Dies at 85 After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. Sadly, the gimmick was a bomb, and Blassie jumped around territories, including working in New York City for Jess McMahon (grandfather of Vince McMahon Jr.). Blassie is survived by his wife, Miyako, and three children. You hit a guy in the neck. [6] In later years, Blassie also appeared on The Mike Douglas Show when Philbin was a guest host. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Freddie Blassie Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - The Internet Freddie Blassie | WWE As much as governing body politics held back minorities, the wrestlers themselves had even more power. Freddie Blassie Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - The Internet After Blassie lost the WWA World Heavyweight Championship to Rikidzan in Los Angeles, the two had a rematch on live Japanese television. [3] As an adult, Frederick was a teetotaler. During his time on the West Coast, he was a frequent guest and/or interruption on a local show hosted by Regis Philben, and Blassies appearances thanks to his massive appeal as a wrestling draw helped push Philben into a national celebrity. Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. is 6'(1.83m) . However, sadly, Freddie passed away before he could ever speak to his son again. In it, Blassie is picked up at the Washington, D.C., airport by a limo full of young women, escorted around the nation's capital, gives his opinions and confronts tourists. Blassie would turn heel during this period, developing a lot of the characteristics that hed become known for. Danny Djeljosevic is a writer based in San Diego, CA. wrestled as a dark-haired good guy until he found out that the "heels" His penchant for biting opponents earned him the nickname "The Vampire". [9] However, they eventually consented and Miyako returned with Blassie to the United States; they were married on September 30, 1968. [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. Before The Client List: "Classy" Freddie Blassie - Last Word on Pro Who Is Freddie Blassie's Wife? Originally from Chicago, he has called London home since 2008. After a move to the West Coast, he tried a different promotional scheme -- that of a villain. Take Linda McMahon, for instance. Over the course of his in-ring career, Classy Freddie Blassie would wrestle a number of legends, many of whom have either become legendary wrestlers or became famous in the following decades for non-competitive roles. In 1976 he managed Muhammad Ali during his shoot match. Vampire". 10 Backstage Stories About Bruno Sammartino WWE Fans Should Know Blassie continued to manage Sheik and Volkoff even after they lost the tag team titles. He was 85. Blassie held various regional titles, Walton said, including the WWA World Title on five separate occasions, the Americas Heavyweight Title nine times and tag team belts with various partners over the years. One poll ranked him as the most hated wrestler in the United It was not until he moved to the West Coast that fans began supporting him. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. (1965 - 1968)( divorced), Nettie Needles (September 1942 - 1964)( divorced)( 3 children). [3], Upon Blassie's return from the war, he was billed as "Sailor" Fred Blassie to capitalize on the wave of war-time patriotism sweeping the country, but that gimmick was unsuccessful. Blassie was more than willing to let the talented Bearcat Wright take the gold and make history. He also reportedly excelled as a boxer. "Everything had to be the best with him," Miyako told WWE.com. The suit, filed in federal court in White Plains, accuses the supermarket chain of negligence and recklessness and seeks more than $1 million in damages from corporate parent A&P and mat supplier G&K Services. [21] The segment featured Blassie, his wife, and Raw co-General Manager Eric Bischoff, who was about to allow 3 Minute Warning to attack him, until Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Dudley Boyz stepped in. It was also during this period of his career when he dropped his babyface gimmick and became a full-fledged heel. He retired from competition in the late 1970's to manage a new generation of wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura, the future governor of Minnesota. [3], One of Blassie's most famous proteges was The Iron Sheik. Blassie, who became a cult figure outside the ring and starred with comedian Andy Kaufman in My Breakfast With Blassie, died of heart failure June 2 in Hartsdale, N.Y., according to Jeff Walton, a onetime wrestling publicist in Los Angeles who knew Blassie well. Blassie also mastered the television interview, boasting his superiority over other wrestlers he liked to call ''pencil-neck geeks.'' "Classy" Freddie Blassie WWE Hall of Fame Induction Speech [1994]June 9, 1994 "Classy" Freddie Blassie is a legendary wrestling personality, both as a wrestler and a manager. The two spoke the same dialect of German, their parents had mutual friends, and . Freddie Blassie - IMDb 500,000+ HD Wallpapers & Freddie Blassie Wallpaper 100% Free to Use High Quality Wallpapers Personalise for all Screen & Devices. Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahons Venomous 25-Year Feud, Bob Backlund Humble Beginnings to Championship Gold, World Wrestling Association: WWA Indianapolis Wrestling Territory, Rise and Sad Demise of The Midnight Express, Greatest Challenge Yet for Pro Wrestling Stories Author Jim Phillips, Adrian Street The British Brawler Who Wore Sequins, Ric Flair and Terry Funk: A Feud to Remember, Lou Thesz The Side Business Hustles of a Champion Wrestler, Velvet McIntyre | WWEs Original Irish Lass Kicker, Big Time Wrestling in San Francisco | Wrestling Territories, Wrestlers Who Shouldnt Have Followed Fathers Footsteps, Jack Donovan Deal One of Wrestlings Most Heinous Attacks. Federation (WWWF, later the World Wresting Federation (WWF) and now This benefactor was later revealed to be Slick. him a favorite of talk shows and reportedly influencing a fellow switched to professional wrestling. Linda Lautrec and Andy Kaufman loosely scripted the film over several months late at night on the telephone. [8] In 2001, Blassie appeared in a special July 16, 2001 Raw is War segment for the Invasion storyline, wherein he exhorted a gathering of WWF wrestlers to stand tall against The Alliance and later got mocked by Alliance leaders Shane and Stephanie McMahon. As a German descent American, he was often faced with questions of loyalty, despite marrying a Jewish woman. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! Freddie Blassie's net worth [21] His book, Listen You Pencil Neck Geeks, was released on May 13, 2003. His wife is Miyako Morozumi (30 September 1968 - 2 June 2003) ( his death), ? When the wife of WWEs Chairman and CEOhad heard about this, she accosted Blassie saying, "I didnt even realize you had any kids!". He came up with it back in his carnival days, when describing a literal carnival geek -- as in, a performer who bites the heads off of chickens -- who had a slender neck. Gross tubs? On a mid-July 2001 episode of Raw, the Invasion storyline was in full swing, and Blassie was brought in to motivate the WWE in the face of their ongoing war with the WCW/ECW Alliance. But while his US in-ring career ended (while still working for WWWF), he remained employed by WWWF and became a manager instead. Poffo, at first, played it small and declined. Anyone can read what you share. [3], In 1964, Blassie feuded with Bruno Sammartino and Bobo Brazil. (Use code PWS for a nice surprise). He graduated from McKinley High School and began work at a meatpacking plant. At 85 years old, Freddie Blassie height My Breakfast with Blassie (1983) - IMDb [7], His career continued as he was hired by more established promoters, including Tom Packs in St. Louis and George Simpson in Kansas City. The series began at Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, with Blassie winning on a technicality, but not a pin. Vince McMahon interviews "Classy" Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff This is in reference . In March of 1962, Blassie lost the WWA World title to Rikidozan, and for the next four months, Blassie competed in Japan, determined to regain his title from the Japanese wrestling innovator. His career began in earnest after his service in the United States Navy during World War II. [8] He teamed with Billy McDaniel as the McDaniel Brothers, but when they went east, they were known as the Blassie Brothers. "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. He's also written for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, WrestleZone, The Windsor Star, and other publications. heel's heel, outraging crowds by gleefully breaking every rule in the [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. Blassie began portraying himself as a villain, and it worked. [4] In 1998, Blassie was the winner at the fourth annual Cauliflower Alley Club East Coast Banquet. [3], In 1952, Blassie moved to Los Angeles to work for Jules Strongbow. He even managed Muhammad Ali going into his legendary match with Antonio Inoki. The closest I ever saw him to loosing the mask was against Cowboy Bob Ellis, I believe in the mid 60's. I can still remember old Dick Lane calling the action. He has written several wrestling biographies including Freddie Blassies The Legends of Wrestling, Ric Flairs To Be The Man, "Superstar" Billy Grahams Tangled Ropes,and the unreleased biography of The Iron Sheik which, despite being chockful of stories that would be sure to make your jaw drop, will never see the light of day. In 1950, he had his first challenge for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, facing championLou Theszin Kentucky. 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. Blassie died of heart failure Monday the late 1960s, he moved to the East Coast and the World-Wide Wrestling Lanny approached Blassie, who always had three girls with him, saying he "needed some relief. "Typical Italian stunt! He is a member of famous Actor with the age 85 years old group. [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. 3 Saving Freddie Blassie Thanks To Kayfabe. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. Ironically, during his WWWF stint, he was managed by another former wrestler who had recently become a manager, in the form of Captain Lou Albano. He became less the focal point of WWA, and soon began working more NWA territories, as he spread his wings into enemy territory. 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. 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. 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 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)). Patrick Stewart In A Checkered Coat Wallpaper. Blassie would eventually come to be known as a manager (see below) in WWE, but in the 1960s and 1970s, he actually wrestled for the promotion, back then known as the World Wide Wrestling Federation.
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