History NWA Tri-State (1950s–1979) A former territory wrestler who was blinded in a 1950 auto accident, Leroy McGuirk eventually took over promoting a wrestling circuit covering Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi.Until 1973, "Cowboy" Bill Watts had been one of Tri-State's most popular wrestlers. As a professional wrestler, he famously feuded with WWF Champion Bruno Sammartino, but was unable to win the title. Still, cowboys were notoriously underpaid. In early 1967 he travelled to the Asian nation where he wrestled many of the top men in that country. [12] Former Sooners teammate Wahoo McDaniel (then of the Houston Oilers of the AFL), introduced him to professional wrestling for the first time, something McDaniel did in the off-season. During these periods, Watts challenged for both the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and American Wrestling Association (AWA) versions of the World Title. Keller's Analysis: In Bill Watts's book, "The Cowboy and the Cross," and in this new documentary interview, he leaves out some key details, including the liberal use of the derogatory slang word for gays, and at the very least his poor choice of wording by saying he got into business so he could discriminate. I'm associating myself with this just for money and you woke me up and made me … ", "WWE Hall of Fame to induct 'Cowboy Bill'", "Flair, Watts, Taylor to enter Tragos/Thesz Hall of Fame", Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, "Mon. Watts later went on to a position of booking power in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). In 1995, Watts briefly worked as a booker for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). He was a longtime resident of Bixby, a Tulsa suburb. While Madden takes credit for Watts getting fired, Watts himself disputes this account, saying he was not fired for the comments but quit his position out of frustration over "backstabbing" by Shaw and (unbeknownst to Shaw) had already resigned by the time Aaron got the newsletter. [14] Watts then had a try-out with the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL), but after a discussion with general manager Jim Finks, who wanted him to quit his wrestling career, Watts left the Vikings having decided he could make more money back in Oklahoma.[12]. [9] However, his junior year was marred by a near fatal car accident involving him and his mother, resulting in him going into a coma. Information about Bill Watts’s net worth in 2021 is being updated as soon as possible by infofamouspeople.com, You can also click edit to tell us what the Net Worth of the Bill Watts is Bill Watts is still Alive? With that, Cowboy Bill Watts now receives due recognition for his contributions by being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. [5] He was subsequently replaced by Ole Anderson.[6]. Bill Owen was born in 1942 in Gila Bend, Arizona to a mother who was an artist and a father who was a cowboy throughout the early 1900s. He has also been known to revamp his booking plans in order to protect the business from such fans. Your contribution is much appreciated! He introduced his son, Erik Watts, to WCW around this time, who many felt was not ready for national wrestling. He is an outspoken critic on breaking kayfabe and "smart" wrestling fans. If you see something that doesn't look right on this page, please do inform us using the form below: © 2021 Dead or Kicking / All Rights Reserved. From his first marriage, he has a son, William III (nicknamed Biff), and from his second marriage, he has three sons, Joel, Erik, Micah and a daughter, Ene. Cowboy Bill & Suzanne Watts PO Box 399 Bixby, Ok. 74008 USA Home: 918-366-3899 Cell: 918-640-8821 Email: ... Plus, we realize we were a part of something that really impacted people’s lives, and many still remember our Mid-South Sports Wrestling, and consider it one of the better promotions historically in pro-wrestling. Coronavirus Update. [citation needed]. Such an illustration is appropriate considering the book revolves around Watts' becoming a born-again Christian toward the end of his four decades as a top wrestler and promoter.Ironically, Watts … His promotion was known as Mid-South Wrestling. As for his jail time, Watts was initially held in a Colorado county jail, but feared for his safety after fellow inmates threatened him, Dayton Daily News reports. 4: Wrestled in the St. Louis area in 1968. One day he decided it was time for a career change. ", Watts served as co-host of a sports talk radio show on The Sports Animal in Tulsa, Oklahoma until late 2008. Bill Watts is on Facebook. Bill is alive and kicking and is currently 62 years old. He also made several other controversial statements pertaining to race and sexual orientation. In April 1989, after firing George Scott, WCW offered Watts the chance to book, but he declined the offer and WCW instead decided to go with a booking committee, which included Ric Flair, Kevin Sullivan, Eddie Gilbert, Jim Ross, Jim Cornette and Jim Herd. In the 1960s, this native Oklahoman competed in countless sectors of the United States and had more of his fair share of battles in Japan. 2: Published author. Watts garnered fame under his "Cowboy" gimmick in his wrestling career, and then as a tough, no-nonsense promoter in the Mid-South United States, which grew to become the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). Tell us "why you have a crush on him" Refresh this page to see the "Crushers" increase after you "Like" or vote. Cowboy Bill Watts? Bill is alive and kicking and is currently 81 years old.Please ignore rumors and hoaxes.If you have any unfortunate news that this page should be update with, please let us know using this form. update: New UFC PPV main event; Unique tag team on biggest foreign show; New TV show to debut in August; UFC press conference notes, WWE 1,000th notes, Jericho charts", "Cowboy Bill Pro wrestling pioneer helped build a sport he now calls immoral", "Boxing/mma notebook: 'Cowboy' Bill Watts makes WWE Hall of Fame", "Cowboy Bill Watts leaves ring for cross", "What Ever Happened To . 2 Ways to Vote him Up! Thank you very much Cowboy Bill Watch. Roles: Singles Wrestler Booker Promoter. Instead of having UWF as a separate organization, Crockett sent his mid-card wrestlers to the UWF and had them quickly win their titles. Watts garnered fame under his "Cowboy" gimmick in his wrestling career, and then as a tough, no-nonsense promoter in the Mid-South United States, which grew to become the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). Bill Watts does not have the coronavirus. . Watts played as a linebacker for his high school football team, the Putnam City Pirates. During these periods, Watts challenged for both the National Wrestling Alliance and American Wrestling Associationversions of the World Title. It was a frustrating match for Perez. Bill Watts was born on May 5, 1939 and is 81 years old now. You really don't think about coming out here and talk to me more than anything else. [16], American professional wrestler and wrestling promoter, Mid-South Wrestling / Universal Wrestling Federation (1979–1987), AWA United States Heavyweight Championship, George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA Tri-State / Mid-South Wrestling Association, Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Tri-State Brass Knuckles Championship, World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Thurs. William F. "Bill" Watts Jr. (born May 5, 1939) is an American former professional wrestler and promoter. Japaneese fans still remember Watts and their national hero Shohei Baba. We haven't heard any unfortunate news about Bill Watts having the coronavirus (COVID-19). 1. In-ring experience: 24 years. Bar fights were not uncommon, as drunkards sought to prove they were tougher than the wrestlers. [citation needed] Watts was replaced by Ole Anderson. – Bill Watts spoke with WrestleZone Radio for a new interview promoting his appearance at WrestleCon. He … I really want you to know a lot of things happening. Heyman says his first true encounter with brutal anti-Semitism was an encounter with legendary booker "Cowboy" Bill Watts. [7][8] Bud Wilkinson recruited him to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he played as a guard during his sophomore and junior years. update: Major Spike announcement tomorrow, Aces & 8s identity, TNA injury updates, Hall of Fame inductions announced, WWE two PPVs this weekend, Jericho schedule, Amateur wrestling hits MSG first time ever", Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Profile, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Watts&oldid=1012904955, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2017, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 March 2021, at 23:53. Cowboy Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling had the reputation of being a tough guy’s territory, touring through hardened towns in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Watts is perhaps even more famous for being a pioneering promoter in the Mid-South area of the United States, with his base of operation being in the Shreveport, Louisiana area. English: William Frederick Watts, Jr. (born May 5, 1939), better known as "Cowboy" Bill Watts, is an American retired professional wrestler and wrestling promoter. Bill Watts was born on May 5, 1939 in Bixby, Oklahoma, USA as Willian Watts. "I'd never met Watts before," Heyman recalled with a terse lip. By that point, many had become well-respected in cowboy circles. These influences shaped his desire to be an artist and cultivated his interest in the cowboy lifestyle. Watts became Executive Vice President of World Championship Wrestling (succeeding Kip Frey) in 1992. According to his autobiography, Controversy Creates Ca$h, Eric Bischoff (who worked under Watts at the time) felt Watts would intimidate anyone he was talking to and was only interested in taking the WCW product back to 1970s standards, with poorly lit arenas and house shows in remote rural towns. Please ignore rumors and hoaxes. Texas Radio's ‘Midnight Cowboy,' Country Songwriter Bill Mack Dies of COVID-19, Family Says Frank Heinz 7/31/2020 Atlanta shootings: In about an hour, 8 people were killed at three massage parlors. This text is hidden because it is only available in German language. Then late 1967 Cowboy Bill invaded the upper Midwest. 3: Came up with the idea for the Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) to use face paint. Watts is a Republican, and in an ROH shoot interview with Jim Cornette, filmed in 2006, he criticised Bill Clinton and the Democrats numerous times. Tidbits. Having inherited the God-given talent, it was only natural he would strive to become an artist who chronicles the lives and works of the contemporary cowboy. After losing over half a million dollars, Watts sold the UWF to NWA Mid-Atlantic's Jim Crockett Promotions, who kept many of their stars, such as Sting. Cowboy Bill Watts. Glen Campbell, ‘Rhinestone Cowboy’ Singer Who Fused Country and Pop, Dead at 81 Singer-guitarist and TV host who achieved crossover success succumbs to Alzheimer’s disease As a result Bill … Hit the "Tweet" button at the top ↑ 2. When he was hired by WCW, Watts had explained the situation to Turner president Bill Shaw, apparently to his satisfaction. He is a producer and director, known for UWF Power Pro Wrestling (1984), WCW Halloween Havoc (1992) and … But the story former Mid-South announcer Jim Ross recalled most easily didn’t take place in a dank saloon in the backwoods of … He is 81 years old and is a Taurus. If you have any unfortunate news that this page should be update with, please let us know using this form . Wrestling style: Allrounder. Bill Watts is straight. Bill Watts was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA on Friday, May 5, 1939 (Silent Generation). As a professional wrestler, he famously feuded with WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino, but was unable to win away the belt. Watts felt Maddox stood up for what he believed in and acted accordingly. Scroll down and check out his short and medium hairstyles. He spares no detail as he explores the oil crunch that killed his company and the problems that killed his marriage. Bill Watts ranks , and ranks among all celebrities on the Top Celebrity Crushes list. "The first time I met him was when he became the head of WCW. The book chronicles his upbringing, his career as first a wrestler, then a promoter, along with events in his personal life. If you have any unfortunate news that this page should be update with, please let us know using this form . In the 1960s, he wrestled in many areas, such as San Francisco, Chicago, St. Louis, and even Japan for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW). wrestling sometime that you just do for money. He wore a mask and went by the name Dr. Scarlet. Please ignore rumors and hoaxes. He has been in two celebrity relationships. William F. Watts Jr. (born May 5, 1939) is an American retired professional wrestler, promoter and former American football player. The cover of "Cowboy Bill Watts' autobiography "The Cowboy and the Cross couldn't be more fitting.A bloodied Watts is shown being assisted to the locker room by two referees in a manner that evokes a biblical image of Jesus Christ being taken down from a cross. [12], Through McDaniel's friendship with defensive coach Bob Griffin, Watts played for the Indianapolis Warriors of the United Football League, while also being able to wrestle for NWA Indianapolis. We weren't two minutes into our conversation when he asked me where my beanie was [referring in an offensive way to a yarmulke]. [17] In March 2006, Watts released his autobiography The Cowboy and the Cross: The Bill Watts Story: Rebellion, Wrestling and Redemption through ECW Press. Join Facebook to connect with Bill Watts and others you may know. [15] On April 4, 2009, Watts was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2009.[16][3]. Nicknames: "Bruiser" "Cowboy" Signature moves: Oklahoma Stampede. The coup de grace came by Watts hoisting Perez to his shoulder, carry him across the ring, then driving him into the mat. He was soon wrestling regular in such cities as Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Davenport and Omaha. The circumstances of Watts' departure in 1993 are controversial. The book also details his becoming a born-again Christian. . Dr. Scarlet. He also said, "All men are equal, but some men are more talented than others, and worth more. Celebrities and Notable People Who Have Had Coronavirus. Bill Watts, "Cowboy" Bill Watts, Watts, Bill: Star Sign: Taurus # Fact; 1: WWE Hall of Famer. Bill Watts Doctor Scarlett a.k.a. William F. Watts Jr. (born May 5, 1939)[1] is an American retired professional wrestler, promoter and former American football player. [13] Watts turned professional in 1961 and joined the Oilers, but did not last long there, and according to a shoot interview, he left after knocking out a coach. Prior to 1992, he had given an interview to a wrestling newsletter. In 1992, Watts was the Executive Vice President of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) but after clashes with management over a number of issues, as well as feeling pressure from Hank Aaron over a racially insensitive interview, he resigned. [10] When he came out, he had lost a significant amount of weight,[11] and had to put it back on, despite the coaches at the time preferring their players to be small and quick, which Watts had struggled with before the accident. End of in-ring career: 1986. Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. Watts was famous under his "Cowboy" gimmick in his wrestling career, and then as a tough, no-nonsense promoter in the Mid-South United States, which grew to become the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF). William F. “Bill” Watts Jr. is an American former professional wrestler and promoter. Professional wrestling had consumed nearly every waking moment of Bill Watts' adult life. 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