As a result, fans may be aware of Classy Freddie Blassie for his appearances during WWEs Golden Era and beyond but that only scratches the surface of his career. Blassie would gain even more gold when Volkoff and Sheik defeated The US Express for the WWF Tag Team Championship at the first ever Wrestlemania. World Wrestling Entertainment WWE)). Ironically, during his WWWF stint, he was managed by another former wrestler who had recently become a manager, in the form of Captain Lou Albano. Blassie would turn heel during this period, developing a lot of the characteristics that hed become known for. Miyako Blassie, 68, says in court papers that she was shopping for groceries. Classy car for a class act | WWE first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms 10 Things Fans Should Know About Classy Freddie Blassie - TheSportster [1] It is a mostly improvised parody of the art film My Dinner with Andre and is set in a Sambo's restaurant where Kaufman and Blassie have a discussion over breakfast. That year, Blassie was forced to retire from in-ring competition, as a California by-law forbade wrestling licenses for anyone upon reaching 55 years old. He continued to outrage crowds by distracting referees so that his men could cheat and by getting in his own cheap shots when the refs weren't looking. He worked for Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation, now known as World Wrestling Entertainment. Stats: 6' 0" 220 lbs. [6] His cousin John Frank Holaus often refereed his matches. The defendants had a duty to provide reasonably safe conditions for its customers, the suit charges. Despite that, Blassie ended the year by leaving WWWF and returning to Los Angeles and the WWA. It was also during this period of his career when he dropped his babyface gimmick and became a full-fledged heel. He kept track of all of his matches during his career, including personal anecdotes. [3], Blassie's famous "pencil-neck geek" catchphrase originated early in his career while describing a fellow carnival performer who appeared in a geek show. @megantheevalium. . However, sadly, Freddie passed away before he could ever speak to his son again. comes a time when every man must fight for that he believes in. Blassie originally wrestled [2][14] Blassie also managed Muhammad Ali in his boxer vs. wrestler match in 1976 against Antonio Inoki. His first match with Blassie had actually. [22] In the demonstration of the dance, Blassie picked up Rob Petrie and twirled him over his head. In 1961, he defeated Eduoard Carpentier for the WWA World Heavyweight Championship, a title that held prominence in the pro-wrestling world, since WWA was an outlaw territory outside the realm of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). On top of that, hed take on English legend Billy Robinson, WWE Champion Superstar Billy Graham, and legendary masked heel wrestler Destroyer. He joined the Navy at the start of World War II and started wrestling under the name of Sailor Fred Blassie while stationed at Port Hueneme in California. The nastier he was in the ring, the more popular he became to fans. Blassie, well-known for exaggerating a story or two, stated that when he was wrestling Rikidozan in Japan, 100 Japanese wrestling fans dropped dead of heart attacks because the matches were so gory. [21] His book, Listen You Pencil Neck Geeks, was released on May 13, 2003. In 1964, Dick the Bruiser defeated Blassie to become champion, and Blassie headed east to work for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). Replying to. By doing this, he saved Freddie Blassies life. In 1950, he had his first challenge for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, facing championLou Theszin Kentucky. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. He grabs his balls!" [12], In 1962, Blassie had a feud with Japanese wrestling icon Rikidzan that established his reputation in Japan. Patrick Stewart In A Checkered Coat Wallpaper. His heels were always a bit more exotic and meaner than most. It was not until he moved to the West Coast that fans began supporting him. He had been in poor health for quite a while, and it was as if he wanted to wait to get his story out before he passed on. The suit, filed in federal court in White Plains, accuses the supermarket chain of negligence and recklessness and seeks more than $1 million in damages from corporate parent A&P and mat supplier G&K Services. Using his newfound skills, Blassie became a wrestler starting in the carnival circuit, debuting in 1935 but taking a break in the 1940s to fight in World War II. In one memorable instance, Blassie, playing up the heel character, would berate Brunos followers backstage with promos, calling them derogatory names such as "grease ball" and "spaghetti bender." [3][8] In 1983, Rhino Records released a 14-track album by Blassie, titled I Bite the Songs. 10 Wrestling Book Must Reads and 5 You Dont Want To Waste Your Time On, Classy" Freddie Blassie The Legends of Wrestling, The Night Bruno Sammartino Saved Freddie Blassies Life, The Time WWE Hall of Famer DR. JERRY GRAHAM Kidnapped His Mothers Dead Body, Freddie Blassie, Lou Albano, and "The Fossil Jostle" Atrocity in 85, Roddy Piper: From The Streets to the Big Time, Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers The 1963 WWWF Title Screwjob, Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Freddie Blassie, the silver-maned wrestler with a voice from the depths of the earth who made himself a hero to mat fans in the 1950s and 60s by playing the villain, has died. Blassie died in Hartsdale, N.Y., Jeff Walton, a former wrestling publicist, told The Los Angeles Times. Freddie Blassie Wrestlers Database CAGEMATCH - The Internet Linda Lautrec and Andy Kaufman loosely scripted the film over several months late at night on the telephone. . [7] When Philbin had a late-night weekend talk show in San Diego, Blassie would routinely show up to yell at the audience, throw furniture, and threaten Philbin; the confrontations were wholly kayfabe and both of them were friends when the cameras weren't rolling. Blassie died of heart failure Monday KyleEnjoysWrestling wrote on 30.07.2019: [ 9.0] "People mostly know Blassie for his manager roles, but he was also a pro in the ring. Blassie, Murray wrote, has dedicated his life to wrapping up as much hate as one man can safely carry in a lifetime. Lanny stated that though Freddie Blassie never knew how to save his money well, he always had enough since he was never a drinker and saved a lot of money in that regard. Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Despite being a 7-year pro before his duty in World War II, Blassie was still a journeyman. He also began filing his teeth, transitioning from Sailor to The Vampire, as his spiked teeth became effective tools in biting his opponents, creating a macabre presentation and early influence on the hardcore side of pro-wrestling. 500,000+ HD Wallpapers & Freddie Blassie Wallpaper 100% Free to Use High Quality Wallpapers Personalise for all Screen & Devices. His parents repeatedly separated, only to reconcile. Frederick Kenneth Blassie (Classy Freddy Blassie, The Vampire, Sailor Fred Blassie, The Hollywood Fashion Plate, The Fashion Plate of Professional Wrestling), Miyako Morozumi (30 September1968 - 2 June2003)( his death), ? At an early age, Blassie was enamored with pro wrestling, particularly the shooters of the early era of pro wrestling in the 1930s, and would often sneak into a local gym to watch the technical masters stretch and submit their opponents. It made Japanese wrestling a commodity on the West Coast and had given Rikidozan the credibility of conquering America. [3], In 1953, he worked in the Atlanta, territory for Paul Jones (the wrestler of the 1930s, not the wrestler/manager of the 1980s). While there, he feuded with Soulman Rocky Johnson, The Sheik, and "The Golden Greek" John Tolos. When meeting someone, he would ask where they were from, and no matter their response, he would reply with, "Oh, that's God's country!". My Breakfast with Blassie - Wikipedia )[8] The movies title and premise are parodies of the 1981 art-house classic My Dinner with Andre.[23]. The Legends of Wrestling - "Classy" Freddie Blassie: Listen, You Pencil This benefactor was later revealed to be Slick. [8], In 1975, Blassie recorded voiceovers for the songs "Blassie, King of Men" and "Pencil Neck Geek", which were performed by Johnny Legend, featuring Billy Zoom on guitar, Jay Phillips on guitar, Lon Osgood on bass and Steve Clark on drums. The series began at Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City, New Jersey in 1964, with Blassie winning on a technicality, but not a pin. Frederick Kenneth Blassman[2] (February 8, 1918 June 2, 2003) was an American professional wrestler and manager, known by the ring name "Classy" Freddie Blassie. He was 85. 2018 Remaster of Andy Kaufman on The Late Show w/ David Letterman w/ "Classy" Fred Blassie on February 23rd, 1983.More remastered Andy Kaufman - https://goo.. Before The Client List: "Classy" Freddie Blassie - Last Word on Pro In 1972, ten years after his last match in Japan with Rikidozans JWA, he returned to Japan and began working for Giant Babas All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). In 1964, the legendary "Classy" Freddie Blassie was still an in-ring competitor when he took on local hero Bruno Sammartino in front of a hostile New Jersey crowd, where he cheated for a cheap countout victory over the champ. Keith Elliot Greenberg has been doing his part to preserve professional wrestling history for the past few decades. A nice man, with a lovely wife and it was great having him there to cut a wonderful promo during my show. But while his US in-ring career ended (while still working for WWWF), he remained employed by WWWF and became a manager instead. [18][19] Blassie also appeared in the SummerSlam opening video. According to Walton, Blassies biggest achievement came Aug. 27, 1971, when he met and defeated Canadian wrestler Golden Greek John Tolos at the Coliseum before 25,000 wrestling fans. Following a stint in the California wrestling scene, Freddie Blassie headed southeast to the Georgia territories in the 1950s, where he would enjoy a whopping 17 reigns with the big title of the region, the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship between 1954 and 1960. Blassie unsuccessfully campaigned along with the other managers to manage "Macho Man" Randy Savage when Savage first entered the WWF in June 1985. Anyone can read what you share. Hed adopt a bleach-blond look, start biting his opponents in the ring, and would often be seen filing down his teeth to better sink his teeth in his opponent. (1965 - 1968)( divorced), Nettie Needles (September 1942 - 1964)( divorced)( 3 children). In January 1962, Blassie and Mr. Moto defeated Hans Hermann and Jesus Ortega for the California version of the WWA International TV Tag Team title. Freddie Blassie - Biography - IMDb heel's heel, outraging crowds by gleefully breaking every rule in the Free Freddie Blassie Wallpaper Downloads, [100+] Freddie Blassie Danny Djeljosevic is a writer based in San Diego, CA. He also bleached his hair at this time, as many of the other stars of the era did, such as Gorgeous George, Johnny Valentine, and "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. As a result he has wrought something of a revolution in the unmanly art of exhibition wrestling.. ", "Heres some money," Blassie would say. Those colorful interviews helped make him a celebrity in the newly expanding medium of television. WWE Confidential presents a feature on the life and times of the fashion plate of professional wrestling, "Classy" Freddie Blassie. Freddie Blassie Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family Some of the guys were businessmen, some were political types, and some others Im sure were mobsters. Classy Freddie Blassie was pro wrestling's 'Fashion Plate' Freddie Blassie, Pro Wrestler Popular as Villain, Dies at 85 Feb 27. Greenberg would add that Jerry Grahams drinking issues may have been combined with mental illness. In 1960, he became a regular with World Wrestling Associates (WWA) in Los Angeles, a move that would cement his legacy in pro wrestling, long before he became a manager. Why FREDDIE BLASSIE Was So Great f/ WRESTLINGBIOS - YouTube DAVE KNOWS that Classy Freddie Blassie is a Pro Wrestling legend. While there, he won the NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship, the holder of which was generally first in line to challenge the NWA World Heavyweight Champion whenever he passed through the territory. Take Linda McMahon, for instance. With Andy Kaufman, Freddie Blassie, Laurie Burton, Linda Hirsch. Had some great matches with Rikidozan & even back in the late 60s he was over bigtime as a heel. Blassie continued to manage Sheik and Volkoff even after they lost the tag team titles. Born: 1921. [6] Blassie described this performer as "having a neck like a stack of dimes and a real pencil-neck geek". On an episode of WWF Championship Wrestling, Blassie barged into the announcer booth to proclaim that he had sold half of the contracts of Sheik and Volkoff to a mysterious benefactor for a large sum of money. After the war, he continued to wrestle professionally in the Midwest. [2] In 1963, Bearcat Wright defeated him to become champion, and it was quite a statement during the fight for civil rights that an African-American had won such a title. G&K did not respond to calls for comment. As much as governing body politics held back minorities, the wrestlers themselves had even more power. This story has been shared 143,593 times. He heard Blassie say that and whipped out a gun saying, "Ill kill that sonuvabitch! He was 85. He hated his father for it. He began wrestling professionally in 1935 and it was soon after that he came up with his famous pencil neck geek insult. [9], In 1968, Blassie returned to Japan and was reunited with Miyako. Federation (WWWF, later the World Wresting Federation (WWF) and now Sadly, the gimmick was a bomb, and Blassie jumped around territories, including working in New York City for Jess McMahon (grandfather of Vince McMahon Jr.). News on all your favorite celebs, reality TV, and movies. Towards the end of Freddie Blassies life, he began to realize that it all may be coming to an end soon. [3][8][9], In 1960, Blassie returned to Strongbow's promotion in Los Angeles, where he was a big star for Worldwide Wrestling Associates (WWA) of southern California, drawing many fans to the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Between matches, he gave loud and boastful interviews, making him a favorite of talk shows and reportedly influencing a fellow egomaniac then known as Cassius Clay. He retired from competition in the late 1970's to manage a new generation of wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan and Jesse Ventura, the future governor of Minnesota. for the WWF. He came up with it back in his carnival days, when describing a literal carnival geek -- as in, a performer who bites the heads off of chickens -- who had a slender neck. At 85 years old, Freddie Blassie height The professional wrestler Freddie Blassie, who became a cult figure to fans by playing the villain inside the ring during the 1950's and 1960's, died Monday. For a brief period of time after World War Two, he was billed as "Sailor" Freddie Blassie in matches, a gimmick that did not prove successful. Between matches, he gave loud and boastful interviews, making "Typical Italian stunt! For example, in the 1970s, he took on Cowboy Bill Watts, whod become a promoter and booker for Mid-South Wrestling and WCW. The Life and Times of Classy Freddie Blassie Quiz Of course, these mobsters thought he was putting them down for real. "Bruno always had a huge entourage hanging around him," Greenberg wrote in "Classy" Freddie Blassie The Legends of Wrestling. When the wife of WWEs Chairman and CEOhad heard about this, she accosted Blassie saying, "I didnt even realize you had any kids!". That revolution -- making the villain the hero -- put fans in the seats and money in Blassies pocket. Blassie was a regular on the WWWF's "All-Star Wrestling" and "Championship Wrestling" weekly TV shows that were videotaped at small arenas in Pennsylvania and aired throughout the Northeast. My wife joined Toastmasters International in October of last year. He returned to AJPW again in 1973, but the following year in 1974, he jumped to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) for his final tour of Japan. He won the World Wrestling Association world heavyweight championship from the Frenchman douard Carpentier at the Los Angeles Sports Arena in 1961. If you're not from the midwest you're not allowed to have an opinion on this. Blassie, whose late hubby [inset] was known for his gravel-voiced put-down pencil-neck geek, claims to have suffered excruciating pain in the January 2011 tumble, which broke her right wrist, and permanent scarring from a cut eyebrow. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. [8] He married a girl in California while on shore leave. His last name is slightly easier to pronounce than it looks. mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. (1965 - 1968) ( divorced), Nettie Needles (September 1942 - 1964) ( divorced) ( 3 children) Freddie Blassie Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. (1965 - 1968)( divorced), Nettie Needles (September 1942 - 1964)( divorced)( 3 children). Blassie held various regional titles, Walton said, including the WWA World Title on five separate occasions, the Americas Heavyweight Title nine times and tag team belts with various partners over the years. One of the men was Jilly Rizzo, Frank Sinatras number one sidekick and the owner of his own saloon. [6] On July 7, Blassie successfully defended his title against the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz. However, Blassie said he would toss his drink in the sand if he didnt drink it, so Lanny took the offer. Freddie accomplished that goal and did so in grand style, as only he could. His penchant for biting opponents earned him the nickname "The Vampire". According to Dave Meltzer, "legitimately there were three [deaths] in Japan from elderly men watching a match with Togo in Japan, and it became this myth that [Freddie Blassie] exaggerated.". Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004. Freddie Blassies income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. 'The Destroyer' Dick Beyer story archive | Slam Wrestling In this series, we will look at some of pro wrestlings greatest and most well-known managers and/or valets, but explore their prior career as an in-ring professional wrestler. She . KyleEnjoysWrestling wrote on 30.07.2019: [ 9.0] "People mostly know Blassie for his manager roles, but he was also a pro in the ring. Fans might recall his interviews with local announcer Dick Lane in which he would proclaim his vast superiority over a number of lesser opponents, branding them all pencil-neck geeks. Those colorful interviews helped make him a celebrity in the newly expanding medium of television. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Vampire". Blassie wrestled as a dark-haired good guy until he found out that the "heels" (bad guys) got better pay. "That's why he was 'Classy' Freddie Blassie." Some NFL teams dont make the grade, players say, New era of football begins at Mater Dei under coach Frank McManus. [8] He teamed with Billy McDaniel as the McDaniel Brothers, but when they went east, they were known as the Blassie Brothers. (and of course, Bubba Ray and D-Von take care of Bischoff and his cronies). Vince McMahon interviews "Classy" Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff | WWE Without further ado, lets do an overview of Blassies career for fans who may not know much about him. [6] His knees were also in terrible condition, which also contributed to his retirement. "No. From there, he moved on to become a regular writer, contributor, and reporter for WWE. By this time, Blassie has acquired a cult following, leading to appearances in several feature films. Around 1980, he adopted a new moniker: "Ayatollah Blassie. What did Disney actually lose from its Florida battle with DeSantis? Fred McDaniel "Ayatollah" Blassie The Vampire The Hollywood Fashion Plate Height 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight 220 lbs (100 kg) Born February 8, 1918 Birth Place St. Louis, Missouri Died June 2, 2003 (aged 85) Death Place Hartsdale, New York Trainer Billy Longson Everett Marshall Warren Bockwinkle Billy Hanson Debut 1935 Retired 1986 We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 8 February. [8] His final wrestling appearance was May 12, 2003 in Philadelphia on Raw, three weeks before his death. He won the WWA World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship from French star Edouard Carpentier at the L.A. Sports Arena in 1961. Frederick was an only child. Professional Wrestling Online Museum - Spotlight on Freddie Blassie [6] Blassie lost the title to Rikidzan on March 28, 1962.[9]. [13][6][dubious discuss], While touring Japan in 1965, and by this point divorced, Blassie met the woman who would eventually become his third wife, Miyako Morozumi, at a train station. Blassie originally wrestled mainly in the Southeast and West Coast, winning many titles in both. My Breakfast with Blassie (1983) - IMDb Lanny said that if a wrestler had a bottle of cologne in their bag, or even rubbing alcohol, Jerry Graham would take it out and drink it. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. Classy Freddie Blassie knew how to get heat and anger fans. The two of them had a great relationship off-camera, but because kayfabe was well and truly protected during this time in the business unless you were on the inside, you never were to know that a heel and face got along in real life. At an early age, Blassie was enamored with pro wrestling, particularly the "shooters" of the early era of pro wrestling in the 1930s, and would often sneak into a local gym to watch the technical masters stretch and submit their opponents. [10] He had main event-level feuds against stars such as The Destroyer. "The Fashion Plate of Wrestling" Freddie Blassie calls his interviewer and the fans "pencil neck geeks" and shows why he will always be remembered as one of the greatest managers in WWE history. One of the 100 Greatest Wrestlers of the 20th Century (Inside Wrestling Presents, Summer 2000). A third-generation wrestling fan and senior writer for World Wrestling Entertainment publications, Greenberg is the author of more than thirty nonfiction children's books, and has written for The New York . He is from USA. switched to professional wrestling. Lanny approached Blassie, who always had three girls with him, saying he "needed some relief. Returning to the WWA, Blassie began feuding with the likes of Bobo Brazil, Mil Mascaras, and others, as well as teaming with another known violent savage, Mad Dog Vachon. [4] Blassie began portraying himself as a villain, and it worked. 3 Saving Freddie Blassie Thanks To Kayfabe. Freddie Blassie retired as an active wrestler in 1974 in part because of the difficulty of securing a wrestling license . My Breakfast with Blassie is a 1983 film starring Andy Kaufman and professional wrestler "Classy" Freddie Blassie.[1]. He liked to use a variety of names but had trouble gaining the affection of fans who gravitated toward the likes of Lou Thesz and Gorgeous George. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Three injured in shooting outside Bronx funeral home, Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, US home prices just did something they haven't done since 2012, How a retired detective snared his seventh 'Torso Killer' confession, It's insane that NYers can use but not buy pepper spray for self-defense: Change this now, Celeb-loved jewelry brand Dorsey drops dazzling new styles, White Lotus actor jokes about being hit on following shows success, Is this the couple behind the Worst Art Job Listing Ever?, Undertaker transforms coffin into barbecue grill, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. Blassie claims that he made Regis Philbin into the celebrity he is today.
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