Former AWA Heavyweight Champion "Wicked" Nick Bockwinkel continues his conversation with the Prima-Donns. This is Part 3 of what is expected to be an 8-part series.
I used to watch Hulk Hogan some Saturdays in the 80s during college. Each time he talked, everyone's adrenaline level went up. Each time I listen to Nick Bockwinkel, I can't help but feel like my IQ goes up a couple points.
He also did ring announcing and briefly match commentary for the AWA. I have talked with Mick Karch many times as we were both members of a pro wrestling discussion board.
Nick was right about much more spectacular and violent wrestling has become, from the late 80s right up to today. I remember watching WCW during the late 90s/early 2000s, and couldn't believe the beatings some of those wrestlers were taking. Many of those hits from chairs tables, closed fists, or even baseball bats were real. Most tragic is the case of former WCW wrestler Chris Benoit who murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. Autopsy findings revealed that Chris was already in advanced stages of CTE at only 40 years old. But Nick and Bobby Heenan saw this coming even then.
He keeps mentioning how great Curt Hennig was. (This must be before his premature death.) And I realize Hennig was an AWA champ, but in the WWF he was a mid level performer at best. His Mr. Perfect gimmick never went over, and he never had the size to be realistically thought of as a threat in the WWF. Great stuff with Bockwinkel.
Yes I see he was Intercontinental Champion at WWF 2 times, but what does that mean in comparison to the actual championship? It is 2nd tier junk at best. His father Larry The Axe Hennig was more believable.
One the Best ever.
If Nick Bockwinkle didn't invent the arrogant heel, he perfected it. Amazing character, great wrestler.
Bock is great, what a talent.
I used to watch Hulk Hogan some Saturdays in the 80s during college. Each time he talked, everyone's adrenaline level went up. Each time I listen to Nick Bockwinkel, I can't help but feel like my IQ goes up a couple points.
hated nick but loved watching him AWA it all day. Best stuff ever. Rest in peace champ!
Great comments by Nick, and very true. Nothing like his heel persona in the 70s.
I grew up with Bockwinkle, Backlund and Flair as champs in the 3 Federations - what a time
I could listen to this all day, such a cool heel!
Class act! Like a fine wine and a Rolex....timeless.
if you like pure wrestling watch the awa. they also had great interviews with the legends. the awa ruled wresling in the 1960's and 1970's.
Wish could've watched the AWA during the 70s. Bockwinkle, Heenan, Stevens, Mad Dog, Baron and the guy I MARK the fuck out for Da Crusher.
the dreaded Nick Bockwinkel!!! he set the standard for being a bad guy.
He also did ring announcing and briefly match commentary for the AWA. I have talked with Mick Karch many times as we were both members of a pro wrestling discussion board.
Nick was right about much more spectacular and violent wrestling has become, from the late 80s right up to today. I remember watching WCW during the late 90s/early 2000s, and couldn't believe the beatings some of those wrestlers were taking. Many of those hits from chairs tables, closed fists, or even baseball bats were real. Most tragic is the case of former WCW wrestler Chris Benoit who murdered his wife and son before taking his own life. Autopsy findings revealed that Chris was already in advanced stages of CTE at only 40 years old. But Nick and Bobby Heenan saw this coming even then.
He keeps mentioning how great Curt Hennig was.
(This must be before his premature death.)
And I realize Hennig was an AWA champ,
but in the WWF he was a mid level performer at best. His Mr. Perfect gimmick never went over,
and he never had the size to be realistically thought of as a threat in the WWF.
Great stuff with Bockwinkel.
he had the longest run as Intercontinental champ of the 90's ..Mr Perfect was over
Yes I see he was Intercontinental Champion at WWF 2 times, but what does that mean in comparison to the actual championship?
It is 2nd tier junk at best.
His father Larry The Axe Hennig was more believable.