After leaving the Texas territory for Columbus, Ohio, Rogers bleached his hair, and was given the moniker "Natural Guy" by promoter Jack Pfefer. Rogers was hesitant about dropping the title, so promoter Sam Muchnick put three safeguards in place to guarantee Rogers's cooperation. Life and career Early years. The television cameras swung from a view of the ring to "Cowboy" Bob Ellis running down the aisle in street clothes and carrying a travel suitcase. Several other notable wrestlers passed away in the 90s including Andre the Giant, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, and Junkyard Dog.
The third fall featured everyone fighting inside and outside the ring. Rogers even teamed with Snuka in a few matches to battle Ray Stevens and Lou Albano. Rogers had one of the longest consistent top drawing periods of any main eventer (15 years) and the ability to draw in several different territories successfully. Many promoters felt that Rogers favored northeastern promoters over other territories. Rogers would become the first man to hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship.
[6] The contest, which was a two out of three falls match, was billed as the "Match of the Century", during which both men had gained a pinfall.
Buddy Rogers grave can be found in Pompano Beach, Florida at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens North. He participated in a few tag team matches with partner Handsome Johnny Barend where he spent almost the entire match in his corner on the ring apron while Barend did the wrestling.
However, it was announced that Rogers was retiring and Gorilla Monsoon, who had won a tournament, got the title shot that night. On June 30, 1961, Rogers took the title from Pat O'Connor in front of 38,622 fans at Comiskey Park, which set a new North American professional wrestling attendance record that stood until the David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions in 1984. Rogers’ career and style would inspire many wrestlers, most of all Ric Flair, who emulated Rogers and even battled him for the title “Nature Boy.”, Christmas night 1960, Washington DC: Nature Boy Buddy Rogers locks up Johnny Valentine. For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Rogers has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6135 Hollywood Blvd, which was dedicated on February 8, 1960. Following his departure from wrestling, Buddy Rogers worked as a casino manager at the Playboy Casino. Rogers was an all-around athlete, thriving in football, boxing, track, and swimming during his youth in Camden, New Jersey. Obituary. Finally, Ellis and Barend collided in the corner and knocked each other out. Now, NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Rogers was more in demand than ever.
However, the promotion went out of business before the event. With his arrogant attitude, undeniable showmanship, and trademark submission hold, the figure-four leglock, Rogers became the most hated wrestler in America. Buddy was enjoying a turkey sandwich at a Florida sub shop when a 6’2” 230-pound man in his late 20’s began verbally abusing two female employees. In his autobiography, Bruno Sammartino claims Rogers was no longer drawing and McMahon needed someone new, but by most accounts, Rogers’ health was an issue.