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Book Pro Wrestlers, Los Angeles, CA (2026)

10/24/2026

Five days before the very first Monday Night RAW — January 6th, 1993 — the WWF rolled into Corpus Christi, Texas.

No spectacle, no big setup — just a truck with the old logo on the side and a handful of wrestlers getting ready to put on a show for the people.

🎙️ Rob Moore was working overnights at KOUL 103.7 FM at the time. He walked to the Memorial Coliseum that afternoon to buy a ticket — no pass, no plan, just a fan chasing a feeling.

In the parking lot, he spotted Jerry Sags of the Nasty Boys unloading his own gear. Rob offered to help, and Sags handed him a bag without hesitation. “Thanks, man, I got it,” he said as they walked toward the hotel. No cameras. No autograph lines. Just a genuine moment between two people who loved wrestling.

That night’s lineup was stacked:
Crush vs. Skinner (sub for Papa Shango)
Lance Cassidy vs. Terry Taylor
Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Typhoon
Tito Santana vs. Repo Man
Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase & IRS) vs. The Nasty Boys
Yokozuna vs. Big Bossman
Mr. Perfect vs. Razor Ramon

Inside that small Texas arena, future legends were carving their paths — Yokozuna, Razor Ramon, Bam Bam, Mr. Perfect — all working toward the next chapter that would start with RAW just days later.

📸 These photos were taken by Rob Moore — a fan who showed up early, stayed late, and never stopped loving this sport.

Moments like this are what keep wrestling alive long after the lights go out.

That’s what Book Pro Wrestlers is built on.

— Steve Stasiak
📸 Photos by Rob Moore
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10/24/2026

WWF ROYAL RUMBLE — JANUARY 22, 1994 | A BACKSTAGE MEMORY THAT ONE FAMILY NEVER FORGOT!

“A good friend of my mother worked for a local cable company. She knew my brothers & I were wrestling fanatics and went out of her way to get us backstage passes + near front row seats. One of our favorite childhood memories.”

Those words come from Book Pro Wrestlers reader Monty Valles, who shared this wonderful photograph from the 1994 WWF Royal Rumble at the Providence Civic Center in Rhode Island.

Standing alongside Monty and his brothers are Mabel, Mo and their manager Oscar — collectively known as Men on a Mission, one of the WWF’s most recognizable acts during the New Generation era.

By January 1994, Men on a Mission had become a regular part of WWF programming, bringing their colorful outfits, hip-hop presentation and unmistakable personalities to arenas across the country. Mabel, who would later become King Mabel and eventually Viscera, was an especially imposing presence. Seeing him up close was an entirely different experience from watching him on television.

But what makes this photograph particularly special is the story of how these young fans got there.

Monty explained that a family friend recognized just how much professional wrestling meant to the boys and arranged an experience that went far beyond simply attending the Royal Rumble.

“We were able to take photos with Razor, Doink & Dink, the Smoking Gunns, Marty Jannetty, Moe & Mabel and others.”

Think about that lineup for a moment. Razor Ramon was the reigning Intercontinental Champion, Yokozuna and The Undertaker were preparing for their unforgettable Casket Match, and Bret Hart and Lex Luger would make history as the first co-winners of the Royal Rumble Match.

And while thousands of fans filled the Providence Civic Center that evening, Monty and his brothers had the opportunity to meet some of the very wrestlers they had grown up watching.

More than 32 years later, Monty still has the photograph, and more importantly, he still remembers the kindness of the woman who made that evening possible.

That’s what makes these reader contributions so valuable to us. The photograph preserves a moment in WWF history, but the story behind it tells us something just as important about the fans who lived through that era.

Our sincere thanks to Monty Valles for sharing this photograph from his family’s collection, giving us permission to publish it, and taking the time to tell us the story behind it.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/24/2026

CHARLOTTE FLAIR SHARES ENCOURAGING NEWS ABOUT HER FATHER, RIC FLAIR — AND A STORY INVOLVING THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR!

Following today’s accident involving Ric Flair, wrestling fans have been understandably concerned about the legendary Nature Boy.

Fortunately, his daughter Charlotte Flair has shared some encouraging news, reassuring everyone that her father is going to be okay.

And in true Ric Flair fashion, there’s apparently a little wrestling history involved in the story.

Charlotte revealed that while speaking with his doctor, Ric offered a rather memorable explanation for his fall.

“Not my dad telling the doctor he fell bc of warrior dropping him on his head…”

She followed that with the words everyone was hoping to hear:

“(ps: he’s going to be ok)”

That brings us to this rare photograph of Ric Flair and The Ultimate Warrior, capturing Warrior lifting The Nature Boy high above his head during one of their encounters years ago.

It’s a wonderful piece of wrestling history to accompany Charlotte’s story, and perhaps a reminder that even after all these years, Ric Flair still has a few stories from the ring ready to tell.

Most importantly, we’re grateful to hear the encouraging update from Charlotte and wish Ric nothing but the very best as he recovers.

Our thoughts and best wishes remain with Ric and the entire Flair family.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

BEFORE RANDY SAVAGE MADE “SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM!” A HOUSEHOLD PHRASE, THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR WAS SELLING THEM — AND KEVIN NASH LATER HELPED SAVAGE KEEP THE DEAL!

For wrestling fans growing up in the 1990s, Randy Savage and Slim Jim went together like Hulk Hogan and Hulkamania. His outrageous television commercials became part of American pop culture, but what many fans may not realize is that Savage wasn’t the only WWF superstar hired to promote the popular snack.

The Ultimate Warrior, Bam Bam Bigelow and Diesel all appeared in Slim Jim advertising campaigns, and the story behind those commercials is nearly as entertaining as the advertisements themselves.

It actually began with comedian Sam Kinison. The advertising agency responsible for developing the famous campaign originally had Kinison in mind, but the arrangement never materialized. Instead, the agency turned to professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personalities seemed perfectly suited for the product.

The Ultimate Warrior was among the first wrestlers selected. His Slim Jim commercials were airing by the early 1990s, and he even recorded radio advertisements for the company. The 1991 promotional photograph in our collage shows Warrior holding several packages of Slim Jims, years before Savage became the face most Americans associated with the brand.

By 1993, Randy Savage had taken over as Slim Jim’s signature spokesman. His unmistakable voice, colorful outfits and explosive personality helped turn the commercials into something people actually looked forward to watching.

But when Savage departed the WWF for WCW in late 1994, the situation became considerably more interesting.

In 1995, WWF Champion Diesel, better known as Kevin Nash, filmed his own Slim Jim commercial. The company had a new champion, and Nash certainly had the size and personality to represent the product.

What happened behind the scenes is a story Nash wouldn’t publicly explain until years later.

During a 2023 episode of his Kliq This podcast, Nash revealed that after filming the commercial, he spoke directly with executives about the advertising campaign.

“They came to me, because I was the champion, and we did a Slim Jim commercial,” Nash recalled.

But rather than encourage the company to continue using him, Nash told the executives something unexpected.

“Man, I’m not the guy. This is synonymous with Randy. You should stick with Randy.”

Nash insisted that he genuinely believed Savage was the right person for the job.

And that’s where the story gets even better.

According to Nash’s podcast co-host Sean Oliver, Savage’s brother Lanny Poffo had previously explained that Randy taking the Slim Jim advertising relationship with him to WCW was one source of lingering tension between Savage and Vince McMahon.

Former WCW executive Eric Bischoff has also stated that Slim Jim’s sponsorship money helped finance Savage’s original WCW contract.

When Oliver pointed out the possible consequences of Nash encouraging the company to remain with Savage, Nash jokingly responded that he thought he was doing Macho Man a favor!

Meanwhile, Bam Bam Bigelow also appeared in Slim Jim commercials during 1995, around the same period he was preparing to headline WrestleMania XI against NFL superstar Lawrence Taylor. Bigelow’s commercial, featuring him aggressively promoting the snack, was another example of the company experimenting with WWF personalities beyond Savage.

Ultimately, none of those other wrestlers became as closely identified with Slim Jim as Randy Savage.

His famous “Snap into a Slim Jim!” delivery remained a fixture of American television advertising throughout the 1990s, continuing well into his WCW years.

And perhaps the most interesting part of this entire story is that Kevin Nash, one of the WWF’s biggest stars at the time, recognized just how valuable Savage had become to the brand and personally encouraged the company to keep him.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS: RIC FLAIR RUSHED TO TAMPA HOSPITAL FOLLOWING FALL OUTSIDE RESTAURANT

Wrestling legend Ric Flair was transported to a Tampa, Florida, hospital Friday afternoon after suffering a fall outside Wagamama restaurant, according to a breaking report from TMZ Sports.

The incident reportedly happened earlier today, with emergency medical personnel responding to the scene.

According to TMZ, the 16-time World Champion had been spending time at Wagamama when he got up from the bar, leaving his phone and drink behind, and walked across the street. While outside, Flair reportedly fell, striking his face.

Sources told TMZ that Flair suffered cuts to his head and around his eye, with significant bleeding reported. There are also concerns that he may have suffered a concussion. Emergency responders treated Flair at the scene before transporting him by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

The frightening incident comes just hours after Flair publicly revealed that he was dealing with a blood clot in his leg, forcing him to cancel a scheduled appearance in Seattle. Flair explained that doctors had restricted his travel and that he was preparing to undergo a medical procedure.

At this time, there has been no confirmed update on Flair’s condition following the fall.

For generations of wrestling fans, Ric Flair has been one of the most recognizable and beloved personalities in the history of our business. Today, championships, rivalries and everything that made the Nature Boy a legend take a back seat to something much more important — his health.

Everyone here at Book Pro Wrestlers sends our very best to Ric Flair and his family. We encourage our wrestling community to keep the Nature Boy in your thoughts and prayers as we hope for positive news and a full recovery.

We’ll share additional information as it becomes available.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

MARC IZARD LEFT US SOMETHING I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD — AND TODAY, I FOUND IT.

Earlier this year, the wrestling world came together in hopes of finding Marc Izard, a 43-year-old wrestling fan from the United Kingdom who had traveled to Las Vegas for WrestleMania 42.

Marc disappeared during WrestleMania weekend, and his story quickly spread throughout the wrestling community. Fans, wrestlers, and friends shared his photograph, hoping someone could help bring him home. Even WWE star Natalya, who had met Marc just days earlier, helped spread the word.

Tragically, Marc never made it home. He passed away on April 18, leaving behind family, friends, and a wrestling community that had desperately hoped for a different outcome.

Most of you probably remember that story.

But today, while going through old messages sent to Book Pro Wrestlers, I discovered something that made Marc’s passing much more personal.

Five emails. All from Marc Izard. All containing photographs he had personally sent me to share with our readers.

I knew Marc followed our page and was part of our community. But until today, I hadn’t realized just how much of his remarkable collection he had shared with us.

Looking through these photographs, you’d be hard-pressed to find a wrestler Marc hadn’t met. From the biggest names professional wrestling has ever produced to younger talent still working their way up, Marc spent years meeting the people who made this business special to him.

But as I continued looking through his pictures, something else really stood out.

So many of the wrestlers standing beside Marc are no longer with us.

Dusty Rhodes. Virgil. Scott Hall. Vader and many, many others.

There they are, smiling alongside a fan who traveled to meet them, shake their hands, and capture a moment he could carry with him for the rest of his life.

And now, heartbreakingly, Marc is gone too.

That’s what makes this collection so special.

These photographs tell the story of someone who genuinely loved professional wrestling. Marc didn’t just watch it on television. He traveled for it, spent his time and money supporting it, and built a lifetime of memories with the people who entertained him.

Some of those wrestlers became legends. Others never reached that level of fame. But Marc made time for them all.

And somewhere along the way, he decided to share a piece of that lifetime with Book Pro Wrestlers.

When Marc sent those five emails back in January, he was doing something our readers have done for years. He was sharing his memories so other wrestling fans could enjoy them too.

He had no way of knowing what would happen just a few months later.

And I certainly never imagined that I’d be opening those emails today, knowing the man who sent them was no longer with us.

One of the things I’ve always loved most about Book Pro Wrestlers is the people behind the photographs. The fans who attended those shows, waited outside arenas, traveled across the country, and took the time to preserve moments that might otherwise have been forgotten.

Marc was one of those people.

Today, we’re honored to begin sharing photographs from his personal collection. Not simply because of the famous wrestlers pictured alongside him, but because of the man who took the time to collect them and generously share them with us.

Our deepest condolences remain with Marc’s family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

Marc spent years collecting photographs so he could remember the wrestlers he loved. Today, through the photographs he left with us, we have an opportunity to remember Marc.

Rest in peace, Marc Izard.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

WHEN THE WWF TEAMED UP WITH MOUNTAIN DEW — THE MOUNTAINS OF MIGHT, 1988!

Randy Savage, the Ultimate Warrior, Hercules, and the stars of the World Wrestling Federation were everywhere in the late 1980s. On television, in toy stores, on magazine covers, and even in the soft drink aisle at your local supermarket.

In 1988, Mountain Dew joined forces with the WWF, bringing together one of America’s most recognizable soft drinks and a wrestling promotion enjoying an extraordinary period of mainstream popularity.

The result was advertising and promotional material that captured everything about the WWF during that era: larger-than-life personalities, bright colors, outrageous characters, and a marketing machine that knew exactly how to reach its audience.

Mountain Dew became the Official Soft Drink of the World Wrestling Federation, and the partnership extended directly into one of the company’s most popular television programs, Saturday Night’s Main Event on NBC.

Viewers were treated to the “Mountain Dew Slam of the Night,” a sponsored segment showcasing some of the most impressive action from WWF superstars.

On October 29, 1988, the Ultimate Warrior was featured. Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake received the spotlight on November 26, and Demolition was featured during the January 7, 1989 broadcast.

But the relationship wasn’t limited to television.

Mountain Dew brought the WWF into grocery stores, convenience stores, and promotional displays through advertising campaigns featuring some of wrestling’s most recognizable faces.

One of those campaigns was called “Team Up With the Mountains of Might.”

And the photographs accompanying this article offer a terrific look at what that promotion was all about.

There was Hercules, one of the WWF’s most physically imposing competitors, wearing his trademark chains and holding six cans of Mountain Dew in a colorful cardboard display. The combination of his intimidating appearance, the WWF logo, and Mountain Dew’s familiar green-and-red packaging made for a memorable piece of advertising.

Another promotional photograph brought together Hercules, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, the Ultimate Warrior, and Tito Santana beneath the Mountains of Might banner.

Savage was the reigning WWF Champion following his victory at WrestleMania IV. The Ultimate Warrior had exploded onto the national scene and captured the Intercontinental Championship from the H***y Tonk Man at SummerSlam. Hercules was an established WWF powerhouse, while Santana represented the established talent appearing regularly on the company’s television programming.

Mountain Dew also ran its “Slam Down a Dew” sweepstakes, using WWF imagery and the excitement surrounding professional wrestling to encourage fans to participate.

It was the kind of national advertising exposure that would have been difficult to imagine for a wrestling promotion just a few years earlier.

During the territory days, wrestling promotions depended heavily on local television stations, newspaper advertising, and regional sponsors to sell tickets. By the late 1980s, Vince McMahon’s WWF had developed into a national entertainment property that major consumer brands wanted to be associated with.

Mountain Dew wasn’t advertising a wrestling event in a particular city. It was using professional wrestlers to help sell a product to consumers across the country.

For the kids who grew up during this period, the connection was natural. These were the same wrestlers they watched on Saturday mornings, followed on Saturday Night’s Main Event, collected as LJN action figures, and read about in WWF Magazine.

Now those familiar faces were showing up in advertisements for something they could buy at the corner store.

There was something distinctly 1980s about the entire campaign, too. The enormous gold lettering, the bright blue backgrounds, the old WWF logo, the colorful Mountain Dew cans, and the wrestlers posing as though they were promoting the main event at Madison Square Garden.

Even Hercules holding six cans of soda looked like he was preparing to challenge somebody for a championship.

And while television commercials and sponsorship segments came and went, the cardboard displays, magazine advertisements, and promotional photographs became collectibles in their own right.

Today, surviving examples offer a fascinating look at a time when the WWF was expanding its influence far beyond the wrestling ring.

These weren’t simply advertisements for Mountain Dew. They were examples of how successfully professional wrestling had entered American popular culture by the end of the decade.

For fans who grew up in the 1980s, the WWF wasn’t something you watched for a couple of hours each week. It was on your television, in your toy box, on the magazine rack, and, thanks to Mountain Dew, even in the soft drink aisle.

A terrific collection of advertising from a very nostalgic time for many of us.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

“With the sad passing of Mo from men on a mission it got me thinking back to having the honour of sharing a little bit in their tag team title win in 1994.

Both Mo and Mabel were great with the fans.

I spent a while chatting with Mabel the morning of the WWF event as i staying at the same hotel and went to that evenings show.

Back at the hotel I congratulated him on men on a mission winning the belts and he asked would i and a friend like to see the belt.

No only was he kind enough to show me the tag belt he even let me wear it.

A memory of a lifetime and both Mable and Mo were true gentlemen gone too soon.”

- Chris Ferguson, Book Pro Wrestlers reader

10/23/2026

Sheri Martel stayed at my house once. She was always the friendly mother type, and would cook for kids. Be there for everybody. She was a great friend that should still be here with us.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

10/23/2026

THE NIGHT THE UNDERTAKER ROSE — WWF ROYAL RUMBLE 1994

January 22, 1994 — Providence Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island. This remarkable ringside photograph captures the smoke-filled atmosphere inside the arena on the night The Undertaker was seemingly destroyed by Yokozuna, only to promise his resurrection in one of the most unforgettable moments in Royal Rumble history.

Our friends at New England Pro Wrestling Classics have shared this incredible photograph, giving us a rare look at what fans inside the building experienced that night.

The Undertaker had challenged WWF Champion Yokozuna in a Casket Match, with Paul Bearer and his mysterious urn at ringside. Yokozuna, accompanied by Mr. Fuji and Jim Cornette, had already established himself as one of the most dominant forces in the company. But even the massive champion couldn’t seem to keep The Deadman down.

Then the situation became almost unbelievable.

One by one, Yokozuna’s allies began appearing. Crush, The Great Kabuki, Genichiro Tenryu, Bam Bam Bigelow, Adam Bomb, Jeff Jarrett, The Headshrinkers, and Diesel all became involved in the attack.

The Undertaker fought back against seemingly impossible odds, repeatedly rising to his feet as the numbers continued to grow.

It took practically an army to bring him down.

The turning point came when Yokozuna struck The Undertaker with Paul Bearer’s urn. Green smoke began pouring from the mysterious object, symbolizing the loss of the supernatural power that had made The Undertaker appear nearly indestructible.

With his enemies overwhelming him, The Undertaker was finally placed inside the casket. The lid was slammed shut, and Yokozuna retained the WWF Championship.

But the story wasn’t finished.

As the casket was wheeled toward the entrance, smoke began pouring from it. The arena lights went dark, The Undertaker’s unmistakable gong sounded, and his image appeared on the giant video screen.

From inside the casket, The Deadman delivered an ominous message, promising that the world would witness his rebirth.

“For I will not rest in peace.”

Moments later, the image on the screen appeared to explode, and a figure representing The Undertaker’s spirit began ascending high above the arena.

For the thousands of fans inside the Providence Civic Center, it was unlike anything they had witnessed at a WWF event.

And that’s what makes this photograph so special.

Television viewers saw the carefully produced spectacle, complete with camera angles, special effects, and commentary. But this image gives us something different: a view from inside the building, through the eyes of someone who was actually there.

The smoke, the lighting, the crowd, and that enormous Royal Rumble banner hanging overhead. It’s a glimpse of what the audience experienced as one of wrestling’s most extraordinary characters seemingly disappeared before their eyes.

The Undertaker would remain absent from WWF television for months, eventually returning at SummerSlam 1994 in another unforgettable storyline involving Ted DiBiase’s counterfeit Undertaker.

That January night in Providence became an important chapter in the mythology of The Deadman, establishing that even apparent death couldn’t bring his story to an end.

And while Bret Hart and Lex Luger would later make history as the first co-winners of the Royal Rumble, The Undertaker’s disappearance remains one of the defining images of that event.

Our sincere thanks to New England Pro Wrestling Classics for preserving and sharing this outstanding piece of wrestling history. Their page is a wonderful destination for photographs, memories, and stories from the rich history of professional wrestling throughout New England.

We encourage our readers to visit New England Pro Wrestling Classics on Facebook, follow their page, and support the work they’re doing to keep these memories alive.

— Steve Stasiak, Book Pro Wrestlers

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