Pro Wrestling Torch reported today that Gorgeous George (Wagner) will be inducted in to the WWE Hall of Fame during Wrestlemania week events. This is overdue recognition for one of pro-wrestling's most important figures.
George revolutionized the sport with his marcelled hair and gender bending persona. Coming along with the rise of television, he transformed a sport that took itself much too seriously into sports entertainment.
Along the way he made (and lost) a fortune. He fell prey to his own demons. The saddest image in wrestling may be that of an ill, broke, and dispirited Gorgeous George sitting on a stool as his signature locks were shaved away.
It was 1962 in Los Angeles, and George had lost a "hair vs mask" match with the "Destroyer," (Dick Beyer under the mask). A few weeks later George would be dead, in a flophouse. His story faded into obscurity until the publication of a biography last year.
Now he will have his moment of triumph. I would like to believe that the burly, blond wrestler who had women scrambling to get one of his "Georgy Pins," is tossing a few to the angels applauding his long delayed moment of triumph.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment