Old School Sundays: “Classy” Freddie Blassie
It’s about time we got down and dirty with the old-school in our Old School Sundays, exclusively here on WrestlersRamblings.com. Today, we pay tribute the late, great Classy Freddie Blassie.
CLASSY FREDDIE BLASSIE
While new-school fans may remember Blassie best for his time managing such pro wrestling greats as The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, “Classy” Freddie Blassie was himself a champion wrestler famous the world over as a teeth-sharpening villain of legendary proportions. A former WWA World Heavyweight Champion, Blassie was often referred to as “The Vampire” in Japan following his classic battles with the legendary Rikidozan. According to reports, the sight of Blassie’s carnage unleashed upon the Japanese hero on live TV, blood dripping off the country’s hero’s face, was so vicious that it caused some viewers to have heart attacks — with some dying. Blassie drew such heat in territories across the U.S. that police escorts to and from the arena were not uncommon. Ironically, toward the end of his career, Blassie’s antics drew the cheers of fans in Southern California (many of whom were Hispanic). They honored Blassie with a sombrero that then frequently played into angles. Blassie would later befriend eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman, teaming up for the memorable “My Breakfast with Blassie.” Fred Blassie was elected to the WWE Hall of Fame in 1994. He passed away in 2003 at the age of 85.
Included below are some great Fred Blassie moments: the first, see Blassie as a wildly-popular face taking on the Hangman; Blassie facing off against Bruno Sammartino; and finally, a tribute to Blassie shown upon his death. Enjoy.
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