This is a tough one: RIP Nick Bockwinkel

[UKWildcat]

Damn. Growing up with Memphis "Rasslin", HE was our World Champ!

 

RIP champ

[goc]

A link would have been a good idea for the OP http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/rip-nick-bockwinkel/

[UKWildcat]

Sorry, no ones perfect

[conker8]

Another legend gone.

RIP Bock.

[BigBadMick]

Especially sad to hear this with the huge rise in his stock over the last few years.

 

RIP.

[Stiva]

2015 has really sucked

[JerryvonKramer]

 

Just seen this. Terrible news.

[Mad Dog]

Well shit.

[BruiserBrody]

I was only 5 when he retired, but I learned to hate him from my Grandparents who loved their wrasslin. Grandma stopped watching because of all the cheating Nick would do.

 

Jules Strongbow has told me countless times what a good teacher and mentor Bock made for a rookie breaking in the AWA.

[GOTNW]

........fuck.

[victory]

Damn 2015 has been tough for wrestler deaths.Truly one of the best.RIP Bock.

[Matt D]

I am glad that Bock was able to do things like the WCW President role and president of the Cauliflower Alley Club. I thought it was unfortunate that his decline came even as the AWA set was coming out a few years ago, as like a far more secure in himself Buddy Rose, he didn't really get to see another generation learn to appreciate his work. I'm not sure how much that would have mattered to him, but it would have mattered to me to have a chance to let him know.

 

He's my #1, the perfect middle ground between bumping, selling, targetted offense, and that damn smile of vicious glee that made you think he was enjoying himself in wrestling the match even more than you were enjoying watching him, which was saying a lot. He's the person I'm consistently most excited about whenever a new match or promo appears.

[SlingshotSuplex]

What a great career. Like many, I first saw him when he was past 50. For all his many accomplishments I might add he's probably the best worker of that age I've seen and certainly among US talent. He's become one of my upper-tier favorites since I've made wrestling's past my top priority.

[khawk20]

RIP to one of my two favourites of all time.

 

Such a classy man. Back about a decade ago (maybe a little more even), I sent a tape of some of Bock's matches to a friend that lived in Vegas to give to Nick at one of the CAC weekends that he was going to. Nick actually took the time to videotape a personalized thank you note to me after he got the tape from my friend, on the spot, in the middle of everything else he was involved with at the CAC.

 

Extremely classy to do something like that and it confirmed that his style and class wasn't just an act, it was a real thing.

 

RIP Champ.

[Superstar Sleeze]

Bock & Verne in the same year, so sad. I think it is about time I watched Nick Bockwinkel vs Wahoo McDaniel. Thanks Mr. Bockwinkel for all the smiles and happiness, 30 years after the fact. Proving you are not evanescent and will be always held up as a paragon of excellence in the greatest form of entertainment that ever graced this Earth, professional wrestling.

[Ricky Jackson]

Amazing performer. He could do it all. RIP

[Zoo Enthusiast]

Growing up in AWA country, he is always someone my dad, grandfather, and others would talk about. My dad likes to brag about spending a night in the tavern with Nick, Curt, and others. As I got old enough to see him and appreciate him, I was immediately smitten with his work and style. One of the true all-timers. RIP.

[s1rweeze]

Growing up in Minnesota, this guy was always larger than life to me. Funny story, my parents ended up in the same square-dancing group as him and his wife, and talked about what a great guy he was. That didn't seem real to me because he was so great at being an arrogant jerk on TV. Amazing performer, an all-time great and a personal favorite. RIP

[DR Ackermann]

He became one of my all-time favorites in recent years. As great a heel as he was, he seemed to be an even greater person and class act in real life and came across as genuinely thoughtful and caring, and just an all around awesome person. RIP

[JimArg]

Great wrestler but also a great character, he had excellent matches and promos. All time great. RIP

[Death From Above]

I am not the guy to talk about Bockwinkel or the AWA as neither is really my area of expertise. But David Bixenspan put this angle out there on twitter today in tribute and it's a really great one if you've never seen it. This promo is prime pro wrestling:

 

[Johnny Sorrow]

I'm thankful I got to see Bock live a couple of times at some Pro Wrestling USA shows back in the day. He was fucking awesome.

[Smack2k]

Damn, I am not online for a day or two, log back on and find out my favorite wrestler of all time is gone...

 

Sad day indeed....RIP Bock...I didnt know you, but you made a huge impression on me on what an educated champion should be!!

[Ship Canal]

A sad day indeed.

This magnificent youtube playlist collects a ton of Bock's finest promo's, I've been watching them all night.

Enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-kTxIPnril2t3C6x6AyNxeu-g9uS8G2h

[The Chief]

Bockwinkel is one of those rare guys that's so easy to "get" no matter what your age is or what your tastes in wrestling are. All time great and a legendary performer. RIP Bock.