Dory Funk, Jr. vs. Harley Race
July 17, 1969

This was one of the first of many classic championship matches between these two legendary grapplers. Harley had been booked frequently in the area since the early 60's. During this time period, Race had downed a number of local heroes. Immediately prior to this match, Race had taken down Nick Kozak, Man Mountain Mike, and Terry Funk. Dory captured the first fall with a spinning toe hold. Race took the second fall with an atomic drop. Dory retained his title in the third fall with a reverse sunset flip. Race would finally take the title four years later in Kansas City.

Dory Funk Jr. Vs. Kurt Von Brauner
August 14, 1969

The Von Brauners were one of the greatest tag teams to ever invade Amarillo. Along with their manager Saul Weingroff, the German duo caused havoc all over the Southwest. They frequently defended their World Tag Team belts in Amarillo and had numerous victories over the Funks, and other top wrestlers in the area. Kurt had just returned to the area one week earlier and gained a victory over Karl Karlssen. There really wasn't a huge build up for this match, but the rivalry between the Funks and the Von Brauners was still fresh on the minds of the fans. Dory won the first fall by DQ when Kurt refused to break a full nelson on the ropes. Dory, still suffering the effects of the full nelson, couldn't answer the bell for the second fall and matters were even at one fall a piece. Dory took the third fall with a sunset flip to retain his belt, but he certainly had not dominated this match.

Dory Funk, Jr. vs. Lou Thesz
October 9, 1969

Absolutely incredible is the only way to describe this match up. Perhaps the greatest wrestler of all time came to Amarillo to take on Dory, Jr. in his prime. A special referee was even brought in to keep order: the incomparable heavyweight boxing champion, Joe Louis. The Sports Arena was sold out. Additionally, there were two other title matches on the card. Kurt Von Brauner and Art Neilson (aka the Super Destroyer) defeated Harley Race and Dusty Rhodes for the Western States Tag Titles and Dory Sr. retained the Western States singles belt against Rufus R. Jones.

The main event, however, was what brought out the fans. Thesz and Funk fought evenly for the first 20 minutes. Then, Dory was able to apply his spinning toe hold. Thesz struggled and finally made it to the ropes. Dory released the hold. Thesz tried to stand, but couldn't. The match was awarded to Junior at the 21:44 mark. Not a clean victory for Dory, but impressive non the less. Quick, name every wrestler that has forced Lou Thesz to submit!

NEXT MONTH:

Because there are so many great title matches that have taken place in Amarillo, Lubbock, and the rest of the territory, and we have only scratched the surface, I will continue this topic in next month's installment.