Nick Bockwinkel

Nick made his entrance into the world of professional wrestling at age 16, taking on the man that was one half of his trainers, Lou Thesz. The other man that helped him so much was his father, Warren Bockwinkel, who was a tremendous star in the 40's thru the 60's.

The amazing career of Nick Bockwinkel was gifted with many championships all over the world. The early part of his career was spent doing tag teams with his dad. His first major title was in Georgia, when he beat the Assassin #1 for the NWA Georgia Title. It wasn't long after that he went to the AWA, where he teamed with Ray Stevens, along with manager Bobby Heenan, and was tag team champ three times.

In 1975, Nick won the first of four AWA World Championships by beating Verne Gagne, who had held the title for seven years. He also feuded with Billy Robinson, Dick The Bruiser, The Crusher and Mr. Saito, just to name a few. His final title reign was lost to Curt Hennig in 1987. It was during that same year that he decided to retire from wrestling and settle in Las Vegas.

In 1993, at Slamboree--A Legends’ Reunion, he once again put on the tights and boots and gave Dory Funk Jr. one of the most remembered matches in his professional career. They wrestled to a time limit draw and gave the rest of the card a hard time to follow for the night.

Nick speaking to Joyce Paustian and a fan during the Monday afternoon meet and greet session in the reception room at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas.

Nick has been associated with wrestling for over a half of a century and has been a road agent for many groups at various times. His knowledge is so superb that he probably has forgotten more wrestling holds than the average wrestler nowadays could ever do.

He is currently the President of the Cauliflower Alley Club, taking the reigns from Red Bastien, who retired a couple of years ago after a seven-year run. Nick has been instrumental in making changes in the club and continues to improve its status.

Nick was honored by the WWE and is in their Hall of Fame for the class of 2007. He had been honored by the CAC a number of times, and, this year, he will be inducted into the Class of 2009 at the George Tragos / Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Museum in Waterloo, Iowa.

Like myself, Nick has undergone a heart bypass, but it never slowed him down or changed his outlook on the business that he was a part of for over 40 years.

My hat is off to the eloquent, vociferous, pugilistic 70 + year veteran of the mat wars. He was my hero growing up and still is to this day. Thank you, sir, for putting an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling and also for leading the way to many of the upstarts in this business.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers

2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee
2007 TCCW Hall of Fame Honoree