Classie Freddie Blassie

[Guest bravesfan]

An article from percypringle.com

 

FREDDIE BLASSIE

 

A Wrestler’s Wrestler – A Manager’s Manager

 

Although my first memory of Fred Blassie center around photos of him sharpening his teeth with a file in the pages of WRESTLING REVUE when I was a teenager. His name was written in the archives of our industry the year I was born, 1954. It was during that year that Freddie Blassie won The Southern Heavyweight Championship for the first time.

 

It is a given that Freddie was the epitome of class. He walked it, he talked it, he looked it, and he even smelled of it. I will always remember the first time I met him. I had just started on the road with The Undertaker in The WWF. I was walking down the back hallway at a television taping, and I could see his shimmering white hair coming a mile away. As our eyes I met, I extended my hand and said, “Mr. Blassie, it certainly is a pleasure to meet you.” He gave me that famous grin, and with that familiar deep voice he startled me by knowing my name. “Well, I’ll be damned. If it isn’t Percy Pringle, how in the hell are ‘ya kid?”

 

We were friends from that moment on. I had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with Freddie during the next several years. Along with The Undertaker, we would make many personal appearances together. I loved to hear his stories, and he was always eager to tell me all that I wanted to hear. But he never ceased to amaze me, because he would always tell me a Percy Pringle story. “I always loved your work.” He told me so many times. That of course was the biggest compliment that a legend such as Freddie could give me.

 

Freddie’s health has been failing him the past couple of years. I knew that he was seriously ill as the calendar changed from May to June. So, it wasn’t a total surprise to me when I heard his suffering came to an end this evening. It wasn’t another sad ending of a young athlete involving drugs, alcohol, or fast living. It’s a celebration of a long life. A life that has touched countless millions of fans around the world. A path that I am proud to say crossed my own walkway. Because of Fred Blassie, I am indeed a better man.

 

Go rest high on that mountain, my brother.

Your work on earth is done.

 

Until next time,

[Mecha Mummy 0]

When JR and King started talking in their serious voices, I could immediately tell someone died, and I had a feeling I unfortunately knew who it was... and yup, it was Blassie. Despite his ailing health, I didn't really see it coming. I mean, his book just came out, he was on Raw a couple weeks ago... It's sad...

 

But at the same time, I'm glad he, at least, lived a long happy life. Rest in Peace, Hollywood Fashion Plate...

[Guest TheZsaszHorsemen]

What a great tribute from Percy Pringle.

 

Freddy Blassie got to live a rich, full life, hopefully eternity is 1/10th as good as you had here, Classy.

[Guest snuffbox]

All wannabe bookers should be mandated to study the John Tolos-Fred Blassie fued.

 

His appearance on Dick Van Dyke's show should be required viewing.

 

And Blassie's managerial run provided many memories for anyone who followed 80s WWF.

 

The pre-Wrestlemania promos set the stage for incredible aura for all the shows and his 90s/2000s wwe apearances endured him to a new generation of fan.

 

My thanks for the memories.

 

Classy.

[Guest RenegadeX28]

It really sucks to see quite the legend pass away.

 

One of the last things I heard him say...........Dvon.....get the tables......

 

RIP