"Shooting from the Hip with Cowboy Bill Watts: Tales of a Wrestling Trailblazer"
Listen now
Description
The shoot interview with "Cowboy" Bill Watts offers a deep dive into the illustrious career of this wrestling legend, spanning his early days as a college football athlete to becoming a pioneering figure in the wrestling world. Starting at the University of Oklahoma under a football scholarship, Watts transitioned into professional wrestling influenced by the likes of Wahoo McDaniel and Dale Lewis. Quickly making a mark with his sheer strength and charisma, he recounted pivotal early matches and detailed the rigorous learning curve he faced in the sport. Watts's career is notable for his transition from wrestler to promoter, where he left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. As a promoter for Mid-South Wrestling, he was known for his innovative approaches to wrestling promotion and talent management, shaping the careers of many future stars. His shoot interview is peppered with personal anecdotes, showcasing his relationships with other wrestling greats and his philosophy on wrestling as a form of entertainment. This comprehensive interview not only highlights Watts’s contributions to wrestling but also his reflections on the evolution of the sport, offering insights into the complexities of wrestling business, promotional challenges, and his vision for wrestling entertainment. Background and Introduction to Pro Wrestling: Bill Watts discusses his early experiences with football at the University of Oklahoma, his transition to weightlifting, and his unexpected move into professional wrestling due to the influence of peers already in the sport (00:01-04:20).Early Wrestling Career: Watts talks about his initial foray into professional wrestling, including his first matches and the learning curve involved in the sport. He details interactions with key figures like Wahoo McDaniel and Dale Lewis who helped him enter wrestling (04:21-10:12).Development as a Wrestler: Describes his progression as a wrestler, including pivotal moments and matches that helped establish his reputation in the wrestling world. Watts also shares anecdotes about his experiences with various promoters and territories (10:13-19:34).Promotional Work and Business Aspects: Watts reflects on his transition from wrestler to promoter, discussing the challenges and successes he faced, including the establishment of Mid-South Wrestling. He touches on the business aspects of wrestling, including managing talent and promotional strategies (19:35-29:17).Legacy and Reflections: Watts offers insights into the changes in wrestling over the years, his philosophies on wrestling as entertainment, and personal anecdotes about relationships and influences throughout his career in the wrestling industry (29:18-1:53:46).
More Episodes
Dive into the life and legacy of wrestling legend Tony Atlas in "Atlas Unbound: The Tony Atlas Story." This gripping episode takes you through the highs and lows of Atlas's remarkable journey—from his humble beginnings to becoming a WWE Hall of Famer. Hear firsthand about the trials and triumphs...
Published 10/25/24
Published 10/25/24
Dive deep into the golden era of wrestling with "Ringside Revelations: The Tully Blanchard Chronicles," a podcast that brings you up close with one of wrestling's most iconic figures. Join us as Tully Blanchard himself recounts his legendary career, from his explosive beginnings to the heights of...
Published 10/25/24