Freddie Blassie, the silver-maned wrestler with a voice from the depths of the earth who made himself a hero to mat fans in the 1950s and 60s by playing the villain, has died. Blassie was a regular on the WWWF's "All-Star Wrestling" and "Championship Wrestling" weekly TV shows that were videotaped at small arenas in Pennsylvania and aired throughout the Northeast. Moto-1964 and w/Buddy Austin-1967); NWA America's Heavyweight championships (5); Georgia Heavyweight title; "Beat The Champ" TV Title; NWA America's Brass Knuckles Title. The professional wrestler Freddie Blassie, who became a cult figure to fans by playing the villain inside the ring during the 1950's and 1960's, died Monday. 2018 Remaster of Andy Kaufman on The Late Show w/ David Letterman w/ "Classy" Fred Blassie on February 23rd, 1983.More remastered Andy Kaufman - https://goo.. Lanny approached Blassie, who always had three girls with him, saying he "needed some relief. Blassie came into the WWWF with his own world title belt, claiming to be the Pacific World Champion, and was coming to Sammartino's "back yard" to unify the world title. He returned to the company in 1971, reaching the final of a tournament in January for the vacant WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship before losing to Pedro Morales. He married his first wife Nettie Needles while on shore leave during the war. heel's heel, outraging crowds by gleefully breaking every rule in the Freddie Blassie | Pro Wrestling | Fandom 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)). American professional wrestler and manager, Worldwide Wrestling Associates (19601968), World Wide Wrestling Federation (1964; 1971). wrestled as a dark-haired good guy until he found out that the "heels" Blassie also mastered the television interview, boasting his superiority over other wrestlers he liked to call ''pencil-neck geeks.'' [3] As an adult, Frederick was a teetotaler. Why FREDDIE BLASSIE Was So Great f/ WRESTLINGBIOS - YouTube DAVE KNOWS that Classy Freddie Blassie is a Pro Wrestling legend. Fred Blassie would meet his wife, a Japanese actress.. November 15, 1968: Fred Blassie defeated Buddy Austin in a "Stretcher" match in the Olympic Stadium.. first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms Blassie unsuccessfully campaigned along with the other managers to manage "Macho Man" Randy Savage when Savage first entered the WWF in June 1985. As a German descent American, he was often faced with questions of loyalty, despite marrying a Jewish woman. What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? He triggered heart attack-related deaths in Japan, was stabbed by angry fans 21 times and was once doused with acid! Now is Freddie Blassie - The Truth (and Somewhere In-Between) Backstage, Jilly Rizzo club owner, Frank Sinatra's bodyguard, and . Blassie, Murray wrote, has dedicated his life to wrapping up as much hate as one man can safely carry in a lifetime. [7] As the wrestlers became familiar with him, they began teaching him holds. One poll ranked him as the most hated wrestler in the United States. 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. 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. . Because of his close relationship with Vince McMahon, Sr. and his family, Blassie remained on the WWF payroll until the day he died. [8] Blassie also appeared in a segment at the Vengeance pay-per-view event in December 2001, where an "undisputed" champion would be crowned. [2][14] Blassie also managed Muhammad Ali in his boxer vs. wrestler match in 1976 against Antonio Inoki. News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. @megantheevalium. [21] His book, Listen You Pencil Neck Geeks, was released on May 13, 2003. Matches Freddie Blassie Wrestlers Database - CAGEMATCH 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. In 1973, knee problems largely forced Blassie to stop wrestling personally, though he occasionally donned the tights to tag-team with one of his heels, as he did in Madison Square Garden in June 1974, teaming with the hulking Nikolai Volkoff to face then-champ Bruno Sammartino and Chief Jay Strongbow in a tag team match (Blassie was forced to submit for the final fall by a Bruno bearhug, and the fans almost tore the Garden's roof off). [7], After the US entered World War II, Blassie enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater for 42 months. WrestlingEpicenter.com - RIP Rest in Peace Obituaries . [8] The fans consistently booed him because he was considered a "Yankee". 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. In In the segment he is interviewed by "Mean" Gene Okerlund when the two are interrupted by a little old lady in a housekeeper outfit that Blassie claims to be his own mother. In this series, we will look at some of pro wrestlings greatest and most well-known managers and/or valets, but explore their prior career as an in-ring professional wrestler. "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. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Hogan would return in late 1983, turning face almost immediately after and thus separating from Freddie Blassie. [spoken to the WWF wrestlers during Invasion 2001] Gentleman, there The series began at Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, with Blassie winning on a technicality, but not a pin. You can check out an almost unlimited array of WWE content on theWWE NetworkandPeacock. [6] His cousin John Frank Holaus often refereed his matches. Funeral services will be held at noon Friday at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church in Scarsdale, N.Y. Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular. At Freddie Blassies wake, a family member came up to Keith Elliot Greenberg, saying that Freddies son had read the book and was ready to make peace with his father. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [8], In 1975, Blassie recorded voiceovers for the songs "Blassie, King of Men" and "Pencil Neck Geek", which were performed by Johnny Legend, featuring Billy Zoom on guitar, Jay Phillips on guitar, Lon Osgood on bass and Steve Clark on drums. He bleached his hair and quickly became a heel's heel, outraging crowds by gleefully breaking every rule in the book. The Legends of Wrestling - "Classy" Freddie Blassie ", to a monstrous applause. [6] One of his most famous feuds took place in southern California in 1971, against Tolos. [6] Blassie lost the title to Rikidzan on March 28, 1962.[9]. He retired from competition in the late 1970s to manage a new generation of gladiators such as Hulk Hogan. Courtesy of the award-winning WWE Network.. [3], In 1952, Blassie moved to Los Angeles to work for Jules Strongbow. [2] During that same title reign, in a match against Lord James Blears a fan threw acid on his back, and he had to return immediately to the locker room to wash it off; over the course of his career, he was also stabbed 21 times and lost vision in his right eye after being struck by a thrown hard-boiled egg. Blassie claims that he made Regis Philbin into the celebrity he is today. [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. Still a motormouth, he gave interviews in which he bragged about himself and his protgs and denounced anybody he didn't like as a "pencil necked geek". Zach Eflin And Wife On Yacht Wallpaper. [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. Freddie Blassies origins are worth knowing about, especially because they involve much earlier days of the pro wrestling world -- as in, within the first half of the 20th century. Freddie Blassie, 85; Became a Cult Figure in Professional Wrestling by Back in the dressing room, Blassie realized he was in the wrong one. In January 1962, Blassie and Mr. Moto defeated Hans Hermann and Jesus Ortega for the California version of the WWA International TV Tag Team title. Blassie later challenged Morales for the WWWF Championship, but came up short. World Wrestling Entertainment WWE)). The phrase pencil neck geek is such a common bit of North American English idiom that likely few are aware that it actually comes from pro wrestling, let alone from the mouth of Freddie Blassie. Before The Client List: "Classy" Freddie Blassie - Last Word on Pro When he asked for her parents' blessing, they were hesitant because of his reputation with Rikidzan and because he was 28 years older than she. The World's Most Entertaining Car Website. 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. Blassie began portraying himself as a villain, and it worked. . G&K did not respond to calls for comment. The rematches were held at Madison Square Garden in New York, with Sammartino winning out. 'The Destroyer' Dick Beyer story archive | Slam Wrestling The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. "Classy" Freddie Blassie appeared in a live-action segment of the cartoon "Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling." Before The Client List is an extension of our ongoing series, Before They Were Famous, which looks at wrestlers before they became internationally famous. From there, he moved on to become a regular writer, contributor, and reporter for WWE. It was in the latter that he decided to embrace his villainous side, bleaching his hair blonde like Gorgeous George. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he Also featured is Bob Zmuda, who plays a nosy fan. My Breakfast with Blassie (1983) - IMDb Keith Elliot Greenberg has been doing his part to preserve professional wrestling history for the past few decades. One of Blassie's gimmicks was to file his teeth, and draw blood from his opponents by biting their foreheads. Freddie Blassie, Pro Wrestler Popular as Villain, Dies at 85 All the while, he reveled in his role as being one of professional wrestlings most despised villains. Gross tubs? WWE Confidential: The life and times of "Classy" Freddie Blassie Blassie also was seen with the comedian Andy Kaufman in ''My Breakfast With Blassie,'' a 1983 spoof of ''My Dinner With Andre.''. "No. He lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with his wife and son. After Sheik lost the belt to Blassie's former managed wrestler Hulk Hogan, Blassie managed Sheik in various rematches around the country throughout the first half of 1984, culminating into another major televised rematch on December 28, 1984, once again in Madison Square Garden. 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. egomaniac then known as Cassius Clay. He began wrestling professionally in 1935 and it was soon after that he came up with his famous pencil neck geek insult. As a result, fans may be aware of Classy Freddie Blassie for his appearances during WWEs Golden Era and beyond but that only scratches the surface of his career. [6] He also began boxing at a local community center and won a heavyweight championship title. He was now hooked, and he decided that pro wrestling was his destiny and not his backbreaking work in the meatpacking plant. Some of the guys were businessmen, some were political types, and some others Im sure were mobsters. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. 10 Things Fans Should Know About Classy Freddie Blassie - TheSportster Freddie Blassie decided to stop being a fixture of wrestling in 1986 but was no stranger to making the odd guest appearance. ", In this particular story, Blassie won a match by count-out in Roosevelt Stadium when he kicked Sammartino in the breadbasket while the referee was distracted. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Freddie Blassie | WWE [2] He sporadically returned to make brief appearances following his retirement in 1986, mostly in produced video packages hyping the "new generation" of wrestling. If you're not from the midwest you're not allowed to have an opinion on this. Still claiming to be the West Coast Champion, entered into a feud with Bruno Sammartino to unify the titles. That year, Blassie was forced to retire from in-ring competition, as a California by-law forbade wrestling licenses for anyone upon reaching 55 years old. John Tolos: Wrestler celebrated as one of the finest ring villains This story has been shared 104,709 times. Many people close to him actually had no idea that he had children in the first place. However, later that year Blassie suffered from kidney stones and had surgery to remove them. Blassie got involved when he threw his cane into the ring, with Sheik and Volkoff using it to their advantage to gain the victory. Freddie accomplished that goal and did so in grand style, as only he could. 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. Born Fred Blassman in St. Louis, Blassie played baseball and football in high school. Keith Elliot Greenberg coauthored Legends of Wrestling: Freddie Blassie -- Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks with wrestling icon "Classy" Freddie Blassie shortly before his death in 2003. Despite that, Blassie ended the year by leaving WWWF and returning to Los Angeles and the WWA. Classy Freddie Blassie was pro wrestling's 'Fashion Plate' For Freddie Blassie, there was no question why he took on a villian's persona - he loved it. Freddie Blassie Obituary (2003) - San Diego, CA - San Diego Union-Tribune 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. For example, in the 1970s, he took on Cowboy Bill Watts, whod become a promoter and booker for Mid-South Wrestling and WCW. Andy Kaufman on Letterman w/ "Classy" Freddie Blassie 02/23/1983 The two of them had a great relationship off-camera, but because kayfabe was well and truly protected during this time in the business unless you were on the inside, you never were to know that a heel and face got along in real life. 10 Wrestlers Managed By Classy Freddie Blassie Fans Should Know About "Classy" Freddie Blassie WWE Hall of Fame Induction Speech [1994]June 9, 1994 The two spoke the same dialect of German, their parents had mutual friends, and . Vince McMahon interviews "Classy" Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff | WWE We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 February. A third-generation wrestling fan and senior writer for World Wrestling Entertainment publications, Greenberg is the author of more than thirty nonfiction children's books, and has written for The New York . Replying to. Had some great matches with Rikidozan & even back in the late 60s he was over bigtime as a heel. [8] He was often billed as "The Vampire" during this time for biting his opponents and filing his teeth during interviews and promos. [22] In the demonstration of the dance, Blassie picked up Rob Petrie and twirled him over his head. Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. In the summer of 1986, Blassie started to slowly phase himself out of the WWF and into retirement. *The 100 deaths claim was an exaggerated myth that Blassie used. Feb 27. Among the men he managed were Nikolai Volkoff,[2] The Iron Sheik,[2] Blackjack Mulligan,[2] High Chief Peter Maivia,[2] "The Crippler" Ray Stevens,[2] Adrian Adonis,[2] Jesse Ventura,[2] Dick Murdoch,[2] Swede Hanson,[2] Killer Khan,[2] George 'The Animal' Steele,[2] Professor Tanaka,[2] Mr. Fuji,[2] Ivan Koloff,[2] Tor Kamata,[2] Masa Saito,[2] Lou Albano,[2] Victor Rivera,[2] Kamala,[2] Hercules Hernandez,[2] and Hulk Hogan. On an episode of WWF Championship Wrestling, Blassie barged into the announcer booth to proclaim that he had sold half of the contracts of Sheik and Volkoff to a mysterious benefactor for a large sum of money. Hed continue being a heel, managing a number of bad guys like George The Animal Steele, Hercules, and Blackjack Mulligan. He did an advice segment on the Tuesday Night Titans TV program, made personal appearances and did radio interviews. Blassie was more than willing to let the talented Bearcat Wright take the gold and make history. As Greenberg shares it, Bruno used to have many people follow him around in the back, many of which were purported to be in the mob. 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. A child of two German immigrants, Freddie Blassie was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1918. [9] The sight of the Japanese legend covered in his own blood gave several viewers heart attacks, and some reportedly died. Vampire". In order to impress a girl, he entered a carnival show match in a shoot fight and won. In the 1950s, Fred Blassie was hands down the most hated wrestler in the southeastern territory. One of the 100 Greatest Wrestlers of the 20th Century (Inside Wrestling Presents, Summer 2000). Anyone can read what you share. He had been in poor health for quite a while, and it was as if he wanted to wait to get his story out before he passed on. He joined the Navy at the start of World War II and started wrestling initially under the name of Sailor Fred Blassie while stationed at Port Hueneme. Greenbergs memoir on Freddie Blassie was released just three weeks before he died in 2003. After the war, he continued to wrestle professionally in the Midwest. Between matches, he gave loud and boastful interviews, making him a favorite of talk shows and reportedly influencing a fellow egomaniac then known as Cassius Clay. Stay tuned to theLast Word on Pro Wrestlingfor more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. Blassie died of heart failure Monday 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)). After regaining the WWA Championship from Rikidzan on July 25, 1962, Blassie lost the title two days later to the "Masked Destroyer" Dick Beyer. Unique lists featuring pop culture, entertainment and crazy facts. Some NFL teams dont make the grade, players say, New era of football begins at Mater Dei under coach Frank McManus. 500,000+ HD Wallpapers & Freddie Blassie Wallpaper 100% Free to Use High Quality Wallpapers Personalise for all Screen & Devices. (1965 - 1968)( divorced), Nettie Needles (September 1942 - 1964)( divorced)( 3 children). [8] He teamed with Billy McDaniel as the McDaniel Brothers, but when they went east, they were known as the Blassie Brothers. He returned again in 1990 briefly to do color commentary for Prime Time in April with Vince McMahon, as an emergency fill-in after Tony Schiavone quit, playing a heel once 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. It made Japanese wrestling a commodity on the West Coast and had given Rikidozan the credibility of conquering America. I think Dick Lane was as good as Gordon Solie in his day. Freddie Blassie Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - The Internet Greenberg would add that Jerry Grahams drinking issues may have been combined with mental illness. He, Albano, and "The Grand Wizard of Wrestling" (Ernie Roth) formed the WWWF's "Evil Trinity" of heel managers. Bruno had gotten so famous that he couldnt always pick the boneheads from the rest. Jamie Greer joined LWOPW in 2015 and was the site's Managing Editor from 2016 through 2020. [8] He married a girl in California while on shore leave. After Blassie lost the WWA World Heavyweight Championship to Rikidzan in Los Angeles, the two had a rematch on live Japanese television. [3], One of Blassie's most famous proteges was The Iron Sheik. [21] His final words on WWE television were "D-Von, get the table! Around 1980, he adopted a new moniker: "Ayatollah Blassie." His eagerness to learn from 1935 to 1942 led to many of the circuits top stars sharing knowledge with Blassie, and when he returned home to the U.S. in 1946, he was determined to make an honest run as a professional wrestler. Without further ado, lets do an overview of Blassies career for fans who may not know much about him. RELATED: 10 Managers With The Best Claim To Be On A Wrestling Mount Rushmore. If they refused to drop a title, it didnt matter what the bookers thought. )[8] The movies title and premise are parodies of the 1981 art-house classic My Dinner with Andre.[23]. were too short. This helps us provide free content for you to enjoy! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Blassie originally wrestled mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. Recommended:The Night Bruno Sammartino Saved Freddie Blassies Life, Lanny Poffo, speaking to his friend Keith Elliot Greenberg on The Genius Cast, shared the story of the time he and Freddie Blassie were in Hawaii in 1968. He claimed to file his teeth to draw blood from opponents, and among his nicknames was the Vampire. After a move to the West Coast, he tried a different promotional scheme -- that of a villain. (bad guys) got better pay. [9] During this stint with the company, Blassie was managed by his future nemesis, "Captain" Lou Albano.[3]. . Hed adopt a bleach-blond look, start biting his opponents in the ring, and would often be seen filing down his teeth to better sink his teeth in his opponent. Stats: 6' 0" 220 lbs. The nastier he was in the ring, the more popular he became to fans on the other side of the ropes. "The Fashion Plate of Wrestling" Freddie Blassie calls his interviewer and the fans "pencil neck geeks" and shows why he will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers in WWE history. Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. His last name is slightly easier to pronounce than it looks. Real Name: Fred Blassie. Despite being a 7-year pro before his duty in World War II, Blassie was still a journeyman. Of course, these mobsters thought he was putting them down for real. Born: 1921. book. The evocative turn of phrase stuck and became Blassies catchphrase to the point where it inspired the name of his autobiography and a novelty single (see below). Freddie never held a true world title but he was still one of the greatest of the 50s through the 60s". [6] Afterwards he became a manager in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) and its subsequent incarnation the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Freddie Blassie, the silver-maned . [8] He worked for Jack Pfefer, who he claimed would only employ people who looked like sideshow freaks at his shows, and whose wrestlers included Tor Johnson, who made movies with director Ed Wood, and Lillian Ellison, the Fabulous Moolah. [4] In 1998, Blassie was the winner at the fourth annual Cauliflower Alley Club East Coast Banquet. [3], In 1953, he worked in the Atlanta, territory for Paul Jones (the wrestler of the 1930s, not the wrestler/manager of the 1980s). While there, he won the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship, the holder of which was generally first in line to challenge the NWA World Heavyweight Champion whenever he passed through the territory. Blassie originally wrestled mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. He was 85. Download 100+ Free Freddie Blassie Wallpaper Images & 500,000+ Wallpapers for Free. According to Greenberg, Gorgeous George, towards the end of his career, wanted to form a tag team with Blassie. September 30, 1968 - June 2, 2003 (his death), Wrestling's Living Legend Bruno Sammartino. Comedian Andy Kaufman & professional wrestler Classy Freddie Blassie eat breakfast & discuss life. By the 1970s, Blassie had relocated to the East Coast where he successfully pursued his mat career. Blassie also wanted to clarify through his final memoir that he was an absentee father as he was on the road for most of his sons life growing up. Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004. This film article about a 1980s comedy is a stub. Let me take care of him in the ring.". He started a second career as a manager in the WWWF. 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. However, sadly, Freddie passed away before he could ever speak to his son again. Notable Title Wins Include: NWA Southern Heavyweight title (14); WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight title (4); WWA World Tag Team title (2 times w/Mr. Blassie was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1994 by Shane McMahon. The nastier he was in the ring, the more popular he became to fans. [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. His ex-manager would turn out to be an enemy, representing The Iron Sheik in the match where Hulk Hogan won the WWE Championship and held it for a shade over four years. Originally from Chicago, he has called London home since 2008. Recommended:10 Wrestling Book Must Reads and 5 You Dont Want To Waste Your Time On. [3], Blassie's famous "pencil-neck geek" catchphrase originated early in his career while describing a fellow carnival performer who appeared in a geek show. The film My Breakfast With Blassie, which came out in 1983, was a spoof of My Dinner With Andre. The camera followed Blassie and Kaufman as they ate and discussed life at a local restaurant that looked like a Dennys. Freddie had been estranged from his children for the majority of their lives.

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