Tag: Paul Jones

WOL: Dave Meltzer on Paul Jones’ death, more on Bruno

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back today with tons to talk about including the deaths of Bruno Sammartino and Paul Jones, our weekly interview with Dave Meltzer talking the latest stories in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Brock Lesnar’s title reign, the Superstar Shakeup, Bryan’s challenge to team with Filthy to face the greatest tag team of all time, and so much more. 

Bryan opens the show talking about Paul Jones, who passed away yesterday. Mike and Bryan argue his legacy as a heel manager in the 1980s. They also catch up on the Superstar Shakeup, going over both rosters.

Dave Meltzer joins the show and talks about Paul Jones and more about Bruno Sammartino, his health prior to his death, the Superstar Shakeup, John Cena/Nikki Bella breakup and more.

The third segment has Bryan talking about his big announcement on yesterday’s Filthy Four Daily. There’s also more talk on Bruno, the Superstar Shakeup, Brock Lesnar and his title reign and CM Punk

Timestamps:

  • Start – 2:24: Intro
  • 2:24 – 11:46: Paul Jones, Superstar Shakeup
  • 11:46 – 23:25: Dave Meltzer
  • 23:25 – 37:10: More texts
  • 37:10 – end: Closing moments

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April 24, 2018 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: The death of Bruno Sammartino

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

On the stage known as pro wrestling, Bruno Sammartino was the ultimate hero. In a world of black and white, both in how things were often viewed and the television sets he appeared on when he first became a legend, he was the ethnic John Wayne for two generations in the Northeast, where he will always be the most beloved wrestling star of them all.

Off the stage, some would say he was the ultimate hero, but I don’t think he would think that moniker would fit. He was always in amazement, as when he thought he was leaving pro wrestling in 1981 (he did come back from 1985 to 1987, but wished he never did), he figured after a few years, everyone would forget him. In a business that picks and chooses its history, Sammartino was remembered strongly by fans that grew up with him, but his ties to the newer generation were minimal. 

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Paul Jones passes away at 75

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: Mid-Atlantic Gateway

On a day in which we learned of the passing of Bruno Sammartino, news broke Wednesday that another notable wrestler had passed away at some point this week: “No. 1” Paul Jones.

He was 75 years old. As of this writing, no cause of death, nor the actual date, is known. Dick Bourne of Mid-Atlantic Gateway said he passed near his home in Atlanta, GA.

Born Paul Frederik, Jones debuted in 1961 and began working throughout the southern U.S., Japan, and the Pacific Northwest in the early stages of his career. He eventually landed in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling where he spent the majority of his career, feuding with the top stars like Ivan Koloff, Ric Flair, The Andersons, Jack Brisco, and Terry Funk. In Mid-Atlantic, he won several tag team and singles titles and over his career, he held more than 20 championships.

He eventually became a manager in addition to some wrestling, backing the “Paul Jones Army”, a heel faction that included Koloff, The Powers of Pain, “Superstar” Billy Graham, and more. After some years on the indies, he retired in 1991 and opened up an auto body shop.