RIP Nick Bockwinkel

[BostonBob]

Crap - another wrestling great has left us.

from wrestlinginc.com:

According to the Cauliflower Alley Club, legendary pro wrestler Nick Bockwinkel has died at the age of 80.

Cauliflower Alley released the following statement:

"It is with a heavy heart the Cauliflower Alley Club announces that The Greatest AWA World Champion of all time and former CAC President Nicholas "Nick" Bockwinkel passed away Saturday night at approx. 8:40 pm due to health issues. We will have more on this later Sunday afternoon. The Cauliflower Alley Club, it's members, and all of Nicks fans & friends send their condolences to Darlene & the Bockwinkel family at this time.

The Bockwinkel family ask for everyone to respect their privacy at this time."


Bockwinkel is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame, as well as a former AWA World Heavyweight Champion. Bockwinkel was also a part of a legendary tag team with Ray Stevens. In 2003, Bockwinkel was also inducted into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Little is known about the circumstances surrounding the death at this time. Wrestling Inc will keep you updated on any additional information that surfaces. We express our condolences to Nick's family.

Click to read more...

 

[GarbageGoal]

Weird. My brother and I were talking about him right around that time last night (came up because the Observer had mentioned he had health issues.

RIP

 

[Loosie]

RIP Mr. Bockwinkel.

Never saw him wrestle but knew the name. Not to sound too cold, another legend has left us, but at least this one got to an older age.

I'm guessing we'll see some sort of acknowledgment on RAW, maybe not a ten-bell salute but at least a mention of his passing.

 

[Engebretson]

Bockwinkel was a huge name here in Minnesota in the old AWA. Very saddening to see that he's passed.

Condolences to the family and congratulations on a great life, Mr. Bockwinkel.

 

[Unholy Diver]

An underrated legend, played the cool I'm better than you and smarter than you heel as well as anyone.

He's back together with Verne now

 

[reckoning]

This is sad news. When I first started watching wrestling as a kid, it was the AWA with Bockwinkel as their champion. So to me, he was always the definition of a world champion. The way he carried the belt, the way he talked and conducted himself. Everything he said and did seemed important. Only Flair played the heel champion role better.

I honestly think Chris Jericho's heel run from around 2009-2011 had to be inspired by Bockwinkel. The way he dressed and spoke in interviews, as well as his whole demeanor was very similar to Nick's.

The decision to pair Nick with Bobby Heenan was brilliant. Totally different personalities, but they meshed together perfectly. I can't think of a better wrestler/manager combo.

Nick almost certainly would've been considered a possible NWA Champion in the 70s, and would've made a great one, but stayed in the AWA as the lighter travel schedule allowed him to spend more time with his family.

I'm happy he lived a long life. Thanks for the memories.

 

[OmniSens]

RIP.. Another Legend leaves us.

 

[Guardian17]

Growing up in Winnipeg, we were in the AWA territory.

Absolutely loved Nick Bockwinkle.

Anyone who grew up watching AWA Wrestling knows how awesome he was.

RIP Nick.

 

[BostonBob]

On another site I belong to somebody posted some classic Bockwinkel videos - so here you go:



















And here's one where he is a contestant on The Hollywood Squares:

 

[JackSlater]

I've long thought of Bockwinkel as the rich man's HHH. Great wrestler.

 

[GarbageGoal]

I honestly think Chris Jericho's heel run from around 2009-2011 had to be inspired by Bockwinkel. The way he dressed and spoke in interviews, as well as his whole demeanor was very similar to Nick's.

Yup. Jericho mentioned on one of his podcasts how he loved Bockwinkel's used of words and added it to that character.

 

[GarbageGoal]

Two of the best talkers ever go toe to toe. And you'll see where Jericho got "pusillanimous cretins" from.