|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Often imitated but never duplicated, the Original Nature Boy is best known
for his part in the formation of the WWWF under Toodts Mondt and Vince
McMahon Sr in 1963. Before that he was the NWA World Heavyweight Champion
having defeated Pat O'Connor and faced down the toughest challengers of
the day including the Great Boris Malenko, Bobo Brazil and the Sheik. When
Rogers lost to Thesz in a disputed match in 1963, the NWA Title was seemingly
split as the WWWF recognized Rogers as champion while the NWA took Lou
THesz.
Rogers was to wrestle yet another Nature Boy in Buddy Landell in 1992 and was in training at the age of 70 when he suffered a heart attack and passed away. Rogers though lives on so much in the lives of those he influenced. Ric Flair is perhaps the greatest example of the flamboyant style that characterized the leading man of the NWA and the WWWF. Rogers' blached blonde hair, rugged good looks and figure-4 made him aheadliner wherever he went and without doubt the Nature Boy belongs right here among the other legends at the UWOW Hall of Fame! |
| * | * |
Rogers was the flamboyant big draw in the WWF for only a period and was
managed at the time by a young Fabulous Moolah. Six months in to the WWWF's
existance Rogers fell to Bruno Sammartino who went on to be the biggest
draw the WWWF had. Rogers moved south to challenge Ric Flair in the Battle
of the Nature Boys in 1979 and Rogers actually lost the match via his own
move, the figure-4 and returned as a heel manager to Jimmy Snuka among
others. Rogers rejoined the WWF to host one of the earliest interview segments
called Rogers' Corner before securing the contract of Jimmy Snuka from
Captain Lou Albano who was said to be "screwing" Snuka over financially.
Snuka became an instant fan favourite and Rogers was right here at his
side for the brutal bouts with the Crippler Ray Stevens and others.