Nick Bockwinkel Speaks On The Best Decade in Pro Wrestling

June 24, 2011

Arda Ocal (@Arda_Ocal) & Jimmy Korderas (@JimmyKorderas) of R.A.W. Radio recently spoke with the legendary Nick Bockwinkel. Highlights:

Nick speaks about his early beginnings in professional wrestling including his first encounter with Lou Thesz

The art of the promo – talking calmly vs yelling in your delivery

On having a very rare AWA/WWE title match with Bob Backlund in Toronto

The pressure of either working for the last remaining big wrestling promotions of the time in the 80s – the WWF or the NWA

Which decade was it the best to be a pro wrestler?

Nick Bockwinkel on being paired with Ray Stevens and being managed with Heenan

"Ray started off around 16 years old, when he was just a kid. Ray Stevens is one of the most naturally talented wrestlers and I was extremely fortunate that I had him as my tag-team partner and I had Bobby Heenan as our manager. And you can ask just about anybody – in the business at the era – and they would all tell you that having (Ray) Stevens as a partner and (Bobby) Heenan as your manager meant you were truly blessed – and I was."

For the very candid full 30+ minutes interview, click this link http://radio.thescore.com/episodes/nick-bockwinkel-full-06202011

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.