There were not many African American wrestlers who ascended to a high position on the card forty years ago, thus making the accomplishments of Sonny King that much more impressive.  King cut his teeth in the vibrant Detroit territory, and would later head east to New York where he teamed with Chief Jay Strong bow to capture the tag team titles in the WWF.  A legitimate fighter, King had size and strength and was very capable in an interview, which he was able to utilize as a manager later in his career.  He may not be remembered as much as he should be; which is sad as he really was the complete package in the ring and out.

The Minnesota based American Wrestling Association was still a very relevant promotion in the early 1980’s and winning that company’s World Championship meant something.  Many were shocked when a relatively unknown Austrian named Otto Wanz became their World Champion in 1982.

(Noriyo Tateno & Itsuki Yamazaki)

It is not argued that there were not athletic women in wrestling before the Jumping Bomb Angels; there most certainly was.  However, this was this female Japanese duo that became showcase moves that were not seen on American television before; by either men or women!  They were able to get over with the WWF audience despite not speaking English, nor being bombshells; they got over on their stellar ring work.  They were definitely pioneers in their field.  Had women’s wrestling evolved into more athletic contests instead of the “Diva’s” division, the work of Noriyo Tateno and Itsuki Yamazaki would be celebrated in the WWE today.

A capable Canadian wrestler who competed in numerous territories, Billy “Red” Lyons became best known to Canadian audiences as the host of Maple Leaf Wrestling.  He worked behind the scenes for the WWF, and was a decent broadcaster.  Any Canadian wrestling fan growing up in the Greater Toronto Area remembers Lyon’s “Don’t You Dare Miss It” catch phrase inviting fans to the local cards.  Fans of his wouldn’t miss watching his induction either.