Picking the 10 greatest wrestlers of all time - Phantom of the Ring

Wrestling Digest, Dec, 2003

4. BUDDY ROGERS

Every bleached blond heel with a big mouth owes Rogers a debt of gratitude, for he paved the wag He began life as Herman "Dutch" Rhode, was renamed Buddy Rogers by Morris Siegel in Houston, and became "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers at the hands of Jack Pfeffer in Ohio. Rogers' charisma was incredible for a heel; even those who came to see him get his were awed by his performances. Rogers was known for a lively interview style, which set the tone for heels to come, and an arrogant strut, which he used whenever he felt he had the upper hand. His strut was later copied by Ric Flair, who also borrowed Rogers' "Nature Boy" nickname and finishing hold, the Figure-Four Leg Lock.

3. JIM LONDOS

The first matinee idol to grace the ring, London was responsible for luring women fans to the arena. Before his arrival on the scene, wrestling was a male domain. Known as "the Golden Greek," his perfectly proportioned and tanned physique graced a number of beefcake calendars specifically aimed at the female fan. His drawing power kept the game alive during the Depression, and his reputation was such that when he came out of retirement in the '50s, he was still able to draw large crowds, mainly because he kept himself in the pink of condition. He even headlined a card in Australia in 1959. (This from a man who began wrestling in 1916!)

2. GORGEOUS GEORGE

George should be remembered as the man who sold as many television sets as Milton Berle. He began life as George Wagner, journeyman wrestler. Looking for a gimmick, he let his hair grow, dyed it blonde, and wore a robe to the ring to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance," all the while being announced as "the Toast of the Coast, the Human Orchid." Women ought each other for the "Georgie pins" (gold-plated bobby pins) he threw into the audience after taking them from his hair. George made an estimated $3 million during his career, but a combination of bad marriages, bad investments, and the bad case of alcoholism left him broke at his death from a heart attack in 1963. But at his peak, from 1947-1955, he dominated the box office and television ratings. He was the right man at the right lime in the right place for the right media.

1. LOU THESZ

Could it be anyone else? Thesz was the six-time NWA world champion at a time when the belt meant something. Thesz's only gimmick was his wrestling ability, and he helped legitimize the sport in the eyes of many, from-ardent fans to college wrestlers, who entered the game because of his influence. His almost seven-year reign as NWA champion in the '50s was all the more impressive when we consider the amount of travel involved. As with Rikidozan, a victory over Lou Thesz meant credibility for the victor. Several wrestlers told me wrestling Thesz was a career highlight. After his retirement he served the game well as a good-will ambassador at a time when wrestling needed all the good will it could get His work for the Cauliflower Alley Club is still remembered fondly.

As for the Rock, it's way to early to tell. Current indications are that he will abandon wrestling for a successful career in the movies, but in the short time he's been in the ring he certainly has made a big splash. We fans can only wait and watch.