Media Man Australia - The Online Home of Greg Tingle

Interview: Les Thatcher, Wrestling Trainer: 30th November 2003

The following statements are from the 1WrestlingLegends.com message board.

Les discusses Ricky Steamboat, recent deaths in wrestling, a Jim Wilson's, 'Blackballed'.

I have been reading this board for sometime now and had planned only to do just that , read. However I want to just touch on a couple of things. First to the families of Joey Rossi and Larry Latham My heart goes out to you.

Joey was like a adopted son and his first time away from home he stayed with me in Charlotte. His father Len is one of the finest gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing in this business. May
both Joey and Larry rest in peace, my love to you both.

People are asking what Ricky Steamboat is doing these days, well I've been booking Ricky's appearances the past four years for autograph sessions and as of this year Ricky, Harley Race and myself have been running 3 day in ring training seminars around the country and will be the head trainers at the 2nd annual seminar at Cauliflower Alley in April 2004 (Harley & I for the second year) you can check out the beginning of our web site at www.epwt.com

Ricky was and is indeed the role model for all baby faces.

My final comment is about Jim Wilson and whats been said here. I have yet to read the book, but was in the Atlanta office when he was there in parts of 73 & 74 (I was wrestling, doing TV with Gordon Solie, and handling pr for Georgia Championship Wrestling) I have walked more miles in those shoes then the author of the book and all I have to say is that all of us early on in our careers found out that the business was political, cut throat, and a tough row to hoe.

Would I have enjoyed a pension today, you bet your a** I would, but it wasn't about to happen, and like everyone else all I had to do was walk away if I didn't like it. (I'm in my 44th year in the biz) Have I given more then I received, again you bet your a** ! But this is who I am and what I do, and I've learned to live with it. I've never had a cross word with Jim Wilson and don't hate him, but at very best he was a fair mid card worker and if Ray Gunkle talked seriously of putting the NWA strap on him then Ray wanted
him more then Barnett ever did (You'll have to read the book if you don't understand that statement).

Dottie & Don Curtis are two of my all time favorite people in this world and I can't even begin to think what
my friend Don might do if he were healthy and was in the same room as Jim, and as well as Jim may handle himself, my money is on Curtis.

I agree with Dottie's statement to the letter. Don't waste your time with this subject on this board. Enjoy talking about the things you like about the wrestling business, and those of you who don't agree with my
statements don't over run this forum with replies since I won't debate it with you. Thank you for your time and allowing me to say my piece.

Sincerely,

Les Thatcher

credit: 1Wrestling Legends.com

Links:

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Wrestling Schools: Greg Tingle's tribute

Wrestling Promotions: Greg Tingle's list

Indi Wrestling tribute

NWA Wrestling tribute

1WrestlingLegends.com

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat tribute

Australian Sports and Entertainment Portal: Wrestling Books