St. Louis #33 Page #2 

I would like to talk about the relationship between Sam Muchinck and Lou Thesz. Think about this relationship for a minute. First they started off as friends. Then Sam Muchnick runs a promotion against Tom Packs, and Lou Thesz buys out Tom Packs. So now they’re in competition with each other. Then Lou becomes partners with Sam. Evolving into a promotion where Sam would handle the office, and Lou handled the wrestling end of it. Then Sam bought out Lou. Not to mention Sam was Lou’s booking agent for the NWA. Most relationships don’t even last past the friendship part. 

I don’t remember seeing any of Lou Thesz’s matches, other than video tape. In other words I don’t remember seeing Lou wrestle on Wrestling at the Chase, I do remember seeing him on as referee. Usually as a special guest referee. Now of course I didn’t know this at the time but Lou Thesz was wrestling in Tennessee, and Mexico. This would have been about the time (1972-78) when I was watching WATC. I also did not know that Sam Muchnick would not let him wrestle in St. Louis. 

St. Louis’s perception of Lou Thesz was Heavyweight Champion of the World. I believe that Sam Muchnick was trying to protect Lou Thesz, Sam wanted the fans to remember Lou Thesz as he was. Sounds familiar don’t it. It seems that there were a lot of people there to protect Lou Thesz, and from my experience so far in life usually shows you what kind of person Lou Thesz was. 

Lou Thesz passed away on April 28, 2002. On May 18, Lou’s ashes along with red rose petals were scattered on the Meramec River. This was a small group of about 35 who attended. Bob Broeg former editor and childhood friend was there. Bill Tragos son of George Tragos was there. It had been raining a lot, and St. Louis was under flood conditions. But Charlie Thesz knew that the weather would be perfect for Lou. 

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What did it mean to have the Missouri Title on your waist?

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