Fred Blassie was born and raised in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. Accounts about his early athletic career do not quite agree, but he first tried to make his mark as a boxer, despite warnings that his arms were too short. After being pounded by a longer-limbed opponent, he switched to professional wrestling. His career began in earnest after his service in the United States Navy during World War II. Blassie wrestled as a dark-haired good guy until he found out that the "heels" for the WWF.
Longtime professional wrestler and wrestling manager.
Credited with bringing a young Hulk Hogan into the World Wrestling Entertainment in late 1979.
Had a novelty hit called "Pencil Necked Geek"
One of the 100 Greatest Wrestlers of the 20th Century (Inside Wrestling Presents, Summer 2000).
Shares birthday with professional wrestlers Paul Wight , Jim Neidhart and wrestling manager "Sensational" Sheri Martel
In 1976 he managed Muhammad Ali during his shoot match
On-camera manager for World Wrestling Federation villans, 1973-1986. His departure (due to health reasons) was explained on "WWF Superstars of Wrestling" by his desire to travel around the world.
Following his 1986 on-camera retirement (he remained an executive for the WWE), still made occasional on-camera appearances since then, and his last came on "WWE Raw" in May, just a few weeks before his death (to promote his newly-released biography, "Listen, You Pencil Neck Geeks"). In that storyline, he is menaced by Eric Bischoff and his henchmen, before calling on the Dudley Brothers to "Get the tables!" (and of course, Bubba Ray and D-Von take care of Bischoff and his cronies).
Notable Title Wins Include: NWA Southern Heavyweight title (14); WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight title (4); WWA World Tag Team title (2 times w/Mr. Moto-1964 and w/Buddy Austin-1967); NWA Americas Heavyweight championships (5); Georgia Heavyweight title; "Beat The Champ" TV Title; NWA Americas Brass Knuckles Title
In the 1950s, Fred Blassie was hands down the most hated wrestler in the southeastern territory.
He claimed to be the second profesional wrestler to bleach his hair blonde, following in the footsteps of George Wagners ring persona "Gorgeous George."
Mentioned by name in R.E.M.s song "Man on the Moon".
Managed the likes of The Wolfman, The Sheik of Baghdad, Waldo von Erich, Blackjack Mulligan, Ivan Koloff, Mohammad Ali, Baron Scicluna, Crusher Blackwell, Hercules Hernandez, Baron Von Raschke, Bad News Brown, Peter Maivia, George "The Animal" Steele, The Polish Prince, Mr. Saito, Adrian Adonis, Tiger Chung Lee, Victor Rivera, Jesse Ventura, Killer Khan, Mr. Fuji, Nikolai Volkoff, The Iron Sheik, Dick Murdoch, Lou Albano, Stan Hansen and Hulk Hogan
Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004.
In January 1962, Blassie and Mr. Moto defeated Hans Hermann and Jesus Ortega for the California version of the WWA International TV Tag Team title.
Published author.
His name was commonly spelled as "Freddie Blassie", however "Freddy Blassie" was the spelling Blassie himself used when signing autographs.
WWE Hall of Famer.
[spoken to the WWF wrestlers during Invasion 2001] Gentleman, there,comes a time when every man must fight for that he believes in. Now is,the time, get up, stand up and fight.
