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Righteous Insanity
Bluegrass Brawlers
Bluegrass Brawlers
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As the Attitude Era drew to a close in the early 2000s, the WWE already had an eye to the future. The stars who would succeed the Rock, Stone Cold, and the Undertaker were already well on their way to the big time, and Louisville, Kentucky had a front row seat to the future.
They were all here: Cena, Orton, Batista, Lesnar. They were all on display every Wednesday night for free at Ohio Valley Wrestling. As incredible as that was, it was just another chapter in a 130 year story of a city that became the proving ground for the superstars of the future.
“Bluegrass Brawlers: The Story of Professional Wrestling in Louisville” takes you back to the very beginning when William Muldoon, America’s first professional athlete, who brought his wrestling skills to town in the 1880s. You’ll read the story of Ed “Strangler” Lewis, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, who adopted the name that made him famous wrestling in Louisville.
In the 1930s promoter Heywood Allen made weekly wrestling a weekly tradition, establishing a promotion that would feature legends like Orville Brown, Cowboy Bill Longson, Lou Thesz, and Mildred Burke. Allen opened the door for African American pioneers like Louisville native Jim Mitchell. He also brought novelty acts to town including masked men, alligators, wrestling weddings, and Ginger the wrestling bear.
In 1970 Louisville became the number two town for the Memphis Wrestling territory. For more than two decades the city thrilled to the Tuesday night showcases starring Jerry Lawler, Dutch Mantell, Bill Dundee, and dozens more. Louisville also became part of the proving ground for future stars like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, the Ultimate Warrior, the Undertaker, Kane, the Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Louisville Slugger, Jim Cornette.
Through newspaper accounts, biographies, documentaries, and personal interviews, author John Cosper compiled the story of a city, a sport, and the unique impact both had on one another. The Kindle edition of the book includes an introduction from Jim Cornette, more than 60 photos, and a final word from John Cena’s former manager, Kenny “Starmaker” Bolin. “Bluegrass Brawlers” is a must read for wrestling fans, sports fans, fans of the great city of Louisville, and anyone who can appreciate a good tall tale.
They were all here: Cena, Orton, Batista, Lesnar. They were all on display every Wednesday night for free at Ohio Valley Wrestling. As incredible as that was, it was just another chapter in a 130 year story of a city that became the proving ground for the superstars of the future.
“Bluegrass Brawlers: The Story of Professional Wrestling in Louisville” takes you back to the very beginning when William Muldoon, America’s first professional athlete, who brought his wrestling skills to town in the 1880s. You’ll read the story of Ed “Strangler” Lewis, one of the biggest stars in wrestling history, who adopted the name that made him famous wrestling in Louisville.
In the 1930s promoter Heywood Allen made weekly wrestling a weekly tradition, establishing a promotion that would feature legends like Orville Brown, Cowboy Bill Longson, Lou Thesz, and Mildred Burke. Allen opened the door for African American pioneers like Louisville native Jim Mitchell. He also brought novelty acts to town including masked men, alligators, wrestling weddings, and Ginger the wrestling bear.
In 1970 Louisville became the number two town for the Memphis Wrestling territory. For more than two decades the city thrilled to the Tuesday night showcases starring Jerry Lawler, Dutch Mantell, Bill Dundee, and dozens more. Louisville also became part of the proving ground for future stars like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Sting, the Ultimate Warrior, the Undertaker, Kane, the Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the Louisville Slugger, Jim Cornette.
Through newspaper accounts, biographies, documentaries, and personal interviews, author John Cosper compiled the story of a city, a sport, and the unique impact both had on one another. The Kindle edition of the book includes an introduction from Jim Cornette, more than 60 photos, and a final word from John Cena’s former manager, Kenny “Starmaker” Bolin. “Bluegrass Brawlers” is a must read for wrestling fans, sports fans, fans of the great city of Louisville, and anyone who can appreciate a good tall tale.
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