28. Baron Von Raschke

Published in WWE
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Only in Professional Wrestling could the most known German competitor not actually be German. Many wrestlers cashed in on the image of the evil Nazi that still resonated from the Second World War, but only James Raschke drew money with it, which was quite ironic considering his All American background.

Before adopting his fictional German persona, James Raschke was an Amateur wrestling champion at the University of Nebraska and served in the United States Army. As Baron Von Raschke he became a vicious rule breaker and whose evil look and vicious style terrorized fans. The Baron had a limited run in Stamford, but it isn’t impossible for the stars of the AWA to achieve recognition after Verne Gagne and Nock Bockwinkel got in. It would be hard to argue Baron Von Raschke’s inclusion into the WWE Hall, and “that’s all the people need to know”.

Should Baron Von Raschke be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 88.4%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.4%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.4%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: James Raschke (Real Name)
The Baron
Billed From: The Republic of Germany (Really From Omaha, NB)
Key Championships Held: AWA World Tag Team w/The Crusher
NWA American Heavyweight
NWA Television (2)
NWA Florida Television
NWA Georgia Heavyweight
NWA World Tag Team (Central States) w/Mad Dog Vachon
NWA World Tag Team (Mid-Atlantic) (3) (1w/Greg Valentine, 2w/Paul Jones)
WWA World Heavyweight (3)
WWA World Tag Team w/Ernie Ladd
Why they will get in: Many a non wrestling fan knows of the “evil” Baron.
Why they won't get in: His limited work with for Vince won’t help him here.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Defeared Dick the Bruiser to win his first of three WWA Heavyweight Titles (3/7/70)
2. Lost to Verne Gagne in AWA World Title attempt at Comiskey Park in Chicago (8/14/70)
3. Won the NWA Television Belt over Rick Steamboat (10/12/77)
4. Defeated Austin Idol to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title (6/8/80)
5. Won his last major title teaming with the Crusher to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship (5/6/84)