Nick Bockwinkel Passes Away

[BringThePain834]

WWE is saddened to learn that Nick Bockwinkel, a WWE Hall of Famer and former four time AWA World Heavyweight Champion, has passed away at age 80.

Bockwinkel, known for his great in-ring skill and intelligent interviews, began his sports entertainment career in the mid-1950s after concluding his time on the University of Oklahoma football team. Bockwinkel was trained by his famous father, Warren Bockwinkel, and wrestling legend, Lou Thesz. Nick teamed with his father on many occassions, competing in Georgia, Texas and the Pacific Northwest before moving on to the where he would find the most success: the American Wrestling Association.

Bockwinkel was famously managed by WWE Hall of Famer Bobby "The Brain" Heenan during his AWA tenure, with the two drawing the ire of crowds everywhere. The self-proclaimed "Smartest Wrestler Alive" did it all during his time in AWA, with his crowning accomplishment coming when he defeated fellow WWE Hall of Famer and AWA legend Verne Gagne to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, ending Gagne's historic seven-year run with the title.

Bockwinkel would go on to accumulate many more accolades as his career went on. From his nationally televised rivalry with Larry Zbyszko on ESPN to guest starring on "Hawaii Five-O," the legend truly did it all. It was only fitting that his great career be capped off by his 2007 induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, where he will forever be enshrined as one of sports entertainments' all-time greats.

WWE extends its condolences to Bockwinkel's family, friends and fans.

He was the answer to Ric Flair in the AWA territory, and when I would watch AWA, I was always very impressed with his work both in the ring and on the mic. Very smooth and didn't need to raise his voice too often.

Sad, sad news. RIP

 

[World Class Mark]

I didn't watch a lot of AWA but when I did, he was easily one of the best things going for that company. Class act all around. Highly influential wrestler.






.

 

[FromGlasgow]

Its sad theres not many left now from that era, I only started watching him in mid 80's towards the end of his career.

 

[stingray11214]

I remember Bockwinkel very well. One of the greatest promo guys in history. He was like Moses when he spoke. You stood there in awe of his ability to work the mic and the crowd. His wrestling skills were absolutely amazing. Take a look at his hour-long war with a young Curt Hennig if you do not believe me. As someone else has said, we are losing much of the men who remember the Territories, and how good they were. How many of us wish the Territories returned.

 

[boozinjedi]

The world will be a little bit less of a better place without him in it!!
He was definitely one of the greats!

 

[ThaRegul8r]

R.I.P.

One of my five favorite wrestlers of all time (top two).

 

[SinCityBlitz]

RIP Mr. Bockwinkel.

I got to see the tail end of his career when I first got into wrestling. The AWA is majorly underrated. They had a ton of talent and put on a damn good product. I still miss them to this day.

 

[spaldoni]

I was saddened by the news of Nick Bockwinkel's death. The man was a true wrestling legend. He was an incredible ring technician and gave great promos. I always loved listening to Bockwinkel talk. He represented the world title well and was a class act all the way around.