Pat O’Connor:  Former NWA World Champion (and eventually part owner/booker in St. Louis and Kansas City). Remember him using the sleeper and the abdominable stretch. Pat was a total face, even to the point where he gave the “facey” interviews about thanking the fans for their support; their cheers help him in the ring, etc. Bit of a gimmick: when a heel would rough him up, his “Irish Temper” would kick in and lead to the finish. 

The Von Erich Family:  I group the boys (Kevin, David, and Kerry only) together here. No Fritz (before my time) and none of the later brothers, Mike, Chris, etc. Now, Kevin, David, and Kerry were absolutely HUGE in St. Louis. Being the “smart” that I am now, I guess there was quite and understanding between Papa Fritz and Sam Muchnick, resulting in NWA title shots and Missouri State title reigns. But the boys justified it: they were complete and total old-school faces in my time. They were young, good looking, and talented. The fans ate it up!  

Dory Funk, Jr: I have read and heard than “Dunk” had heel runs in some areas, but never to my knowledge in St. Louis. He was always the consummate professional and face. My earliest memories are of Dory as the NWA world champion. Gave great face interviews, and also (like O’Connor) had the gimmick of being scientific until his heel opponent gave him no choice and his “Texas Temper” would explode. During this time, Funk was probably in his early 30s – he always looked older due to the bald spot on his head.  

Jack Brisco:    Like Dory Funk Jr, may have had a solo heel run or two, either singly or with Jerry. But in St. Louis, Jack  was a true gentleman, with a “strong scientific background’. (Code word for “face”). Always entertaining and fun to watch as a kid. The style Jack wrestled would appeal to the readers of this site, but most of today’s fans would chant “boring” (short attention span!). Jack could go long or short, scientific or rough. Fun to watch, a true superstar (evidenced by his NWA title reigns and success in the Mid-Atlantic region). 

Dick the Bruiser:  Understand from my research that DTB was quite the heel during the 1950s and 1960s. At some point became the Steve Austin-type tweener. Badass, who would beat the hell out of his opponent, yet be a fan favorite. Loved and revered by the fans in St. Louis – faced ‘em all: Black Jack Lanza, Jack Brisco, King Kong Brody, Ric Flair, Harley Race. Got Rock like heat from the crowds in St. Louis during his time. Like the Von Erichs, I have often wondered about the relationship between DTB and Sam Muchnick – from talent exchanges between Bruiser’s WWA in Indianapolis to the fact that Bruiser almost never ever lost – at least by pinfall. As much as I love the work of DTB, he seems at time almost Hogan-esque in being over and not jobbing.  A total face in St. Louis during the day. His interviews were among the best – the parts you could understand, anyway.  

There are a number of other faces I have to leave out in the interests of time: Spike Huber, Mike George, Rock Johnson, Dewey Robertson, Sailor Art Thomas, Bobo Brazil, Gene Kiniski all performed in St. Louis during my time as faces – some appeared consistently, and some just made a few appearances. I have also omitted the “tweeners” (Harley Race) and people who turned a few times: Crusher Blackwell, Dick Murdoch, etc.  

Reading, researching, and remembering these great mat legends makes me realize how much today’s product has changed. And not for the better. Reading some of Ch-Town Rich’s information, I realized how many 45 to 60 minute matches St. Louis hosted; and most of them were two out of three fall affairs. The fan’s really got their money’s worth, in my opinion.  Next month we will take a similar look at the famous heels in St. Louis. Have a Happy Holiday, everybody! 

Next Month: 

Monster Heels