Thanks, Brian, and you are correct! Scott George eventually ID'd this guy as Dave Simms, mystery solved!

I'm posting this pic in hopes of identifying the cat standing alongside Ray Duran, and wanna give it another try. A few folks suggested this wrestler might be Red McKim, would any fellow wrestling historians confirm, deny or shrug, "Perhaps?"

I honestly do not know, but it aired in a lot more countries than the average wrestling tv show.

A huge thank you to Elena and my bro-in-law Tony for some totally bitchin’ reading material thus Christmas! And check it out, Karl Stern, my cuñado picked me up your book!!! I AM JAZZED!

The book with no scribbling on the spine is Epica de Oro de La Lucha Libre by Esperanza Lutin.

Just plain jazzed at this moment as Steven Johnson’s newest work arrived in yesterday’s mail! From my point of view, nobody mapped out a career, delivered, and wisely navigated his post wrestling life as wisely as Jim Londos did!

@longtimefan123.bsky.social

I finally got around to watching the Mistico vs Hechicero match from Nov 29. I purposely avoided hearing more than the initial hype I stumbled upon, wanted to go in with little info as possible. Hats off to both these cats, FABULOUS match, and Hechicero’s matwork is beautiful!

Duran was a great archetype of the definition "wrestling journeyman" in that I've found multiple results where he could go over an opponent with the aura of a destruction machine, equaled with results where he put over lesser qualified workers, making them looks like superstars.

Ray Duran, one of my favorite historical journeymen ever. This 4/7/54 hype posted in The Joplin Globe in Joplin, Missouri says Duran will discover Mr. America on that eve. The results section the following day shows that Ray Duran thoroughly conquered America in sheer rudo fashion that evening!

Agreed. So many fans of ranting, so few fans of rasslin'!

Best known as Dick Medrano in Mexico, Avelino Palomo Hernandez was best known in the U.S. and Canada under the names Avelino Palomo from the late 40s until 1971, finishing his "north of Mexico" career in Calgary. Born in Mexico on 11/10/1921, he is currently the oldest known living wrestler at 103.

1992, Bell, California, Azteca Gym, El Fisico Nuclear clamps La Cavernaria on me and makes me scream "I GIVE UP!" That's Indio Ramos officiating the bout.

Another pic from Kaya's retirement card, with Triton. Born and trained in Torreon, Coa, Triton became one of L.A.'s locals in the late 70s. He was paralyzed in 2015 after a training mishap, but with his wife, daughters, physical therapists, and his motivation, he was up and walking the next year!

El Fisico Nuclear, Dan Farren and I had a wonderful time reuniting with our fellow L.A legends last night at Kayam’s retirement card! L to R - Fisico, Ramon K, Dan, Capitan Oro, and me below!

Jan 28, 1939, Visalia Times-Delta, Visalia, Calif-
"Sure as thunder that's a deer."
"Naw, it couldn't be."
----------------------
I know this is quite the dated SNL Baby-Boomer reference, but I picture Steve Martin and Bill Murray saying, completely dumbfounded, "What the hell is that?"

1998 - El Fisico Nuclear, Shootfighter Dan Farren, and the lovely Feminatrix!

1981, L.A., Ca, Hadco Plaza - As Negro (Black Ace) & Dr. Muerte (Dr. Death). The end of the match featured the first wrestling riot I ever saw, the entire dressing room ran out to tackle, trounce, and subdue fans. Riot aside, their match versus Centella Roja & Piloto Nuclear was totally boss!

"My name is Big Dick Hertz, from Dallas, Texas, and you can't do SHIT to prove wrong!"

Righton, My Fellow Motherfuckers! #HepcatsUnite

RIP Don Lastra - One of those rare cats who embraced wrestling on an equal plane with Roller Derby/Roller Games.

1989, Tijuana - Yoshihiro Asai vs Ricky Boy

Two late greats- Pete Collins and the recently departed Coloso Colosetti, both these gentlemen were very kind cats.

7-8

Another kitty photo, got to meet my godson Eric’s kitten Leeloo yesterday. She is adorable. I am a sucker for cats!