Tribute to the Pioneers
By Shaun Apps
It’s not often that we can say legend in the wrestling game as what truly defines a legend? A wrestlers ability in the ring? Or perhaps it is how long they are in the business? Or perhaps it is their popularity. Who knows, but when I hear the word wrestling and legend, I think Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Hulk Hogan (come on, without him, there would be nothing), Terry Funk (I may not like him, but I know his place) and The Great Muta. But what about the forgotten heroes of wrestling? The true pioneers? We always over look those who had the greatest influence on the profession today, I am talking about the recently deceased Lou Thesz and Wahoo McDaniel’s.
Now, I don’t know much about either of these two pioneers, but I do know Austin uses the Lou Thesz press every now and then. Lets take a look at their history eh?
Wahoo McDaniel’s (aka Ed McDaniel) had a very promising NFL career before he made it as a pro wrestler. As a matter of fact, The Chief (his nickname) wrestled during the NFL off-season during the start of his career and was trained by another pioneer, Dory Funk, Sr. Chief left the NFL and pursued a full time career as a wrestler eventually and became a dominating baby face in territories such as NWA, AWA. McDaniel’s was renowned for a very stiff style and his extreme intensity in the ring. Sometimes fans would turn against McDaniel’s and he would play heel for the night. One thing that McDaniel’s could never put on his wrestling resume is that he never once worked fore Vince Sr. at the WWWF. Many insiders believe this is because the WWWF already had a ‘Chief’ in the territory and there wasn’t room for one more. McDaniel never once wore a World Championship belt in the NWA; he has always been considered a legend and was inducted into the WCW Hall of Fame in the early 1990’s. McDaniel ushered in such moves as tomahawk chops, which were once viewed as devastating. He retired from active competition in 1989. The Native American pioneered the way for other Native Americans like the Yungblood family and Tantanka to become pro-wrestlers.
Another true pioneer is Lou Thesz. Thesz began wrestling in the 1930’s, and racked up an amazing 936 consecutive wins between 1948 and 1955 (the guy who beat him got a hell of a rub eh?) and was the first ever-undisputed champion (move over Jericho…). His career is amazing, he invented the Lou Thesz Press (obviously) and is the most respected talent in the world, but we all seem to over look him when we discuss the word ‘legend’. He has been inducted into many Halls of Fame including WCW’s, Stampedes, RSPW and Puroresu’s. Lou’s last match was in Hamamatsu, Japan on December 26th, 1990, and was defeated by Masahiro Chono. That is the indication of a true legend, going out on your back.
I don’t expect you to go around now bringing up in smark conversations ‘Hey, did you see Angle the other night?’ and for you to reply ‘Yes, he used a Lou Thesz press, now, the origins of Lou are like this…’ I did this column so we can all understand that there is more history out there than any of us can ever image. Don’t believe me? Go here https://www.angelfire.com/al/dragonking/tlindex.html. There is more history on pro-wrestling there than you can poke a stick at.
What is a legend? It is someone who we all can honestly say had an impact on the business. What is a pioneer? Someone who made wrestling. Paved a way for not just themselves, but those to come after them. What’s the difference? A legend holds a place in someone’s heart until the next legend comes along, a pioneer belongs there forever.
Lou Thesz 1912 – 2002
Wahoo ‘Chief’ McDaniels 1938 - 2002
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