Larry Matysik
Larry Matysik (April 26, 1947 – November 25, 2018)[1] was an American professional wrestling commentator, promoter and author best known for his commentary on Wrestling at the Chase.
Biography
[edit | edit source]In 1963, Matysik was hired by St. Louis promoter Sam Muchnick at the age of 16 to work as a publicist and office manager. In 1970, Matysik became an announcer for his promotion.[2][3] Along with Gordon Solie and Lance Russell, Matysik was considered one of the top wrestling announcers in the country.[2] He remained Wrestling at the Chase's ringside announcer until the show went off the air in 1983.[4] He would also occasionally do commentary for the American Wrestling Association.[5]
Behind the scenes, Matysik was responsible for several aspects of the business. He served as co-booker with Pat O'Connor and was partly responsible for the company's success in the late 1970s.[5] In 1982, Matysik severed ties with the St. Louis office and started a promotion outside the control of the National Wrestling Alliance, Greater St. Louis Wrestling Enterprises.[6] Matysik was a close friend of Bruiser Brody, who created the promotion with him. Their promotion was financially successful, but issues behind-the-scenes caused problems for financiers.[5] From 1984 to 1993, Matysik worked for Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Federation.[3]
In later years, he remained active on the independent circuit and authored many books. He was also responsible for creating the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame,[7] and was personally inducted in 2007.[8] He battled a number of health issues towards the end of his life, including spinal stenosis[7] and he suffered at least three strokes.[5] He received the James C. Melby Award from the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2014 but was too ill to attend the ceremony.[9] On November 24, 2018 it was reported that he had entered hospice care,[5] and he died the following day.[3] In his obituary, Wrestling Observer Newsletter founder Dave Meltzer wrote that he "learned more about pro wrestling from him than perhaps any other individual".[7]
Awards and accomplishments
[edit | edit source]- Cauliflower Alley Club
- Posthumous Award (2019)[10]
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- James C. Melby Award (2014)[9]
- Missouri Wrestling Revival
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2010)[11]
- St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2007[8]
References
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External links
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