View source for Nick Bockwinkel

{{Short description|American wrestler (1934–2015)}}
{{Redirect|Nick Bock|the Russian priest|Nicholas Bock}}
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{{good article}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name          = Nick Bockwinkel
| birth_name    = Nicholas Warren Francis Bockwinkel
| birth_date    = {{Birth date|1934|12|6}}<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/>
| birth_place   = [[St. Louis]], [[Missouri]], U.S.<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/>
| death_date    = {{death date and age|2015|11|14|1934|12|6}}
| death_place   = [[Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], U.S.
| image         = Nick Bockwinkel 1973.jpg
| caption       = Bockwinkel in 1973
| alma_mater    = [[University of California, Los Angeles]]
| spouse        = {{marriage|Susan Tranchitella|June 22, 1957|July 1967|reason=div.}}<ref name="Tranchitella"/><ref name="Ancestry1"/><ref name="Ancestry2"/><br>{{marriage|Darlene Bockwinkel, née Hampp|1972}}<ref name="Hampp"/>
| children      = 2
| family        = [[Warren Bockwinkel]] (father)
| names         = Dick Warren<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="Grasso2014"/><br>Nick Bock<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="Verrier2018"/><br>Nick Bockwinkel<ref name=WWEbio/><br>Nicky Bockwinkel<ref name="Zordani34-55"/><br>Nick Warren<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><br>The Phantom<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><br>Roy Diamond<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/>
| height        = 5 ft 10 in<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/>
| weight        = 240 lb<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/>
| billed        = [[Beverly Hills, California]]<ref name="Zordani72"/><ref name="Zordani68-70"/><br>[[St. Paul, Minnesota]]<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/>
| trainer       = [[Warren Bockwinkel]]<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="MultererWiden2019"/><br />[[Lou Thesz]]<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="MultererWiden2019"/>
| debut         = 1954<ref name="Kreikenbohm"/><ref name="MurphyYoung2021"/>
| retired       = May 25, 1993
| module        = {{Infobox military person 
| embed         = yes
| embed_title   = Military service
| allegiance    = {{USA}}
| branch        = [[File:Mark of the United States Army.svg|23px]] [[United States Army]]
| serviceyears  = 1958–1960
| rank          = 
| unit          = 
| awards        = 
}}
}}

{{infobox officeholder
| office              = 5th President of the [[Cauliflower Alley Club]]
| term_start1         = 2007
| term_end1           = 2014
| predecessor1        = [[Red Bastien]]
| successor1          = [[B. Brian Blair]]
}}

'''Nicholas Warren Francis Bockwinkel''' (December 6, 1934 – November 14, 2015) was an American [[professional wrestler]]. He is best known for his appearances with the [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA) in the 1970s and 1980s.

Bockwinkel had a lengthy professional wrestling career with matches in 34 consecutive years.<ref name="Grasso2014"/> Debuting in 1954, Bockwinkel spent the first half of his career as a [[Journeyman (sports)|journeyman]] [[babyface (professional wrestling)|babyface]], wrestling primarily in California and Hawaii with stints in Texas, Georgia, and the Pacific Northwest as well as excursions to Canada and Australia.<ref name="KreikenbohmCareer"/><ref name="FunkWilliams2006"/> In 1970, he joined the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]-based AWA, where he was based for the remainder of his career. Swiftly rising to prominence as a main event [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]], Bockwinkel held the [[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] three times, then the [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] four times, before retiring in 1987.

Bockwinkel was recognized for his exceptional technical wrestling ability, mastery of in-ring [[psychology]], and even-toned, articulate [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promos]].<ref name="Meltzer2010"/><ref name="Johnson2015"/><ref name="Scherer"/><ref name="WWEObituary"/> Professional wrestling historian Tim Hornbaker described him as "the definitive heavyweight champion heel of the 1970s",<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/> while historian Scott Beekman described him as "the most successful heel champion in wrestling history".<ref name="Beekman2006"/> Bockwinkel was inducted into the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' Hall of Fame]] in 1996, the [[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]] in 2003, the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] [[WWE Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2007, the [[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]] in 2009, and the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] [[NWA Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2016.{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}

== Early life ==
Bockwinkel was born to [[Warren Bockwinkel]] – himself a professional wrestler – and Helen (née Crnkovich) Bockwinkel in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 6, 1934.<ref name="Johnson2015"/> Bockwinkel's parents divorced when he was aged five and he lived with his grandmother until he was 12, then attended a boarding school in [[Indiana]] for two years before returning to live with his father. As Bockwinkel's father moved around the country for work, he attended four separate high schools.<ref name="Zordani34-55"/> Bockwinkel was a star [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] in high school, winning an "outstanding player" trophy in 1953.<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/> He attended the [[University of Oklahoma]] on a [[American football|football]] [[Athletic scholarship|scholarship]], playing for the [[Oklahoma Sooners football|Oklahoma Sooners]] until sustaining a pair of knee injuries that ended his football career and cost him his scholarship.<ref name="Grasso2014"/><ref name="WWEObituary"/><ref name="FoxObituary"/><ref name="Freedman2018"/> Bockwinkel subsequently transferred to the [[University of California, Los Angeles]]—studying marketing—where at the suggestion of his father he began wrestling to fund his studies.<ref name="Zordani34-55"/><ref name="MurphyYoung2021"/><ref name="Johnson2015"/> After graduating from UCLA, Bockwinkel was [[Conscription in the United States|drafted]] into the [[United States Army]] in 1958; he spent two years in the Army, during which time he was stationed in [[Fort Ord]] in [[Monterey, California]].<ref name="Zordani55-60"/>

== Professional wrestling career ==

=== Training ===
Bockwinkel was trained to wrestle by his father [[Warren Bockwinkel|Warren]], a regional star in the 1940s, and [[Lou Thesz]].<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="MultererWiden2019"/> He received additional training from [[Gene Kiniski]], [[Lord Blears]], and [[Wilbur Snyder]].<ref name="Zordani34-55"/> When he was first breaking into professional wrestling, Bockwinkel served as the driver for [[Yukon Eric]], taking him to various cities throughout the [[Eastern United States|Eastern]] and [[Northeastern United States]]; he later commented that the experience, "was so smart. [...] Lots of ways to learn about this business."<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Freedman2018"/><ref name="Matysik"/>

=== Early career (1954–1961) ===
Bockwinkel debuted in 1954 in [[Los Angeles, California]].<ref name="Grasso2014"/><ref name="MurphyYoung2021"/><ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1954"/> He spent the early years of his career working in [[Southern California]] for the [[North American Wrestling Alliance]], where he occasionally teamed with his father and was sometimes billed as "Nicky Bockwinkel". In 1955, he briefly held the [[NWA International Television Championship]].<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1955"/><ref name="IntTV"/>

From June to September 1956, during his summer break from UCLA, Bockwinkel made a foray into the [[Midwestern United States]], performing in cities such as [[Chicago]], [[Milwaukee]], and [[St. Louis]].<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1956"/> From July to September 1957, he had a stint in Texas, appearing with [[Houston Wrestling]] and [[Southwest Sports]].<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1957"/>

In early 1958, upon being drafted into the United States Army, Bockwinkel relocated to [[Northern California]].<ref name="Zordani55-60"/> During his military service, he [[Side job|moonlighted]] as a wrestler, appearing sporadically for [[NWA San Francisco]] and the [[Oakland, California]]-based Ad Santel Promotions under a variety of ring names.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1958"/><ref name="Fresno"/> In April 1958, Bockwinkel (wrestling under the name "Dick Warren") and [[Ramón Torres (wrestler)|Ramón Torres]] won the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(San Francisco version)'']]. They held the titles until June 1958, when they lost to [[Hombre Montana]] and [[Tiny Mills]]. They regained the titles from Mills and Montana in July, then lost them to [[Gene Dubuque]] and [[Mike Valentino]] the following month.<ref name="SanFranTag"/><ref name="Lentz2015"/> In June and July 1959, Bockwinkel reappeared with the North American Wrestling Alliance. In late-1959 and early-1960, he made a handful of appearances in [[Indiana]] with NWA Indianapolis and the American Wrestling Alliance, where he was billed as "Nick Bock".<ref name="Verrier2018"/><ref name="Zordani55-60"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1959"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1960"/>

Bockwinkel left the Army in 1960. Throughout mid-1960, he wrestled for [[Big Time Wrestling (Detroit)|Big Time Wrestling]] in [[Detroit]]. During this time, he also appeared with All Star Wrestling in [[Omaha, Nebraska]], both as Nick Bockwinkel and under a mask as "The Phantom".<ref name="Zordani55-60"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1960"/> In late-1960, Bockwinkel returned to the North American Wrestling Alliance, where in December 1960 and January 1961 he won the [[International Television Tag Team Championship]] on two occasions: once with Lord Blears and once with [[Édouard Carpentier]]. His second reign lasted until May 1961, when he left California to join Southwest Sports in Texas.<ref name=NAWAtag/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1961"/>

=== Texas and Canada (1961–1962) ===
In May 1961, Bockwinkel left California for Texas, where he began wrestling for [[Southwest Sports]] as an "All American babyface".<ref name="Zordani60-62"/> Shortly after debuting, he won a [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] in the [[Dallas Sportatorium]]. His regular opponents included [[Angelo Poffo]], [[Corsica Joe]], [[Duke Keomuka]], [[Iron Mike DiBiase|Mike DiBiase]], and [[Waldo Von Erich]]. In June 1961, he unsuccessfully challenged Von Erich for the [[NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion]]. In July 1961, he unsuccessfully challenged visiting [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Buddy Rogers (wrestler)|Buddy Rogers]]. Bockwinkel left Texas in September 1961, wrestling a handful of matches for NWA Upstate in [[Buffalo, New York]], before relocating to Canada.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1961"/>

In November 1961, Bockwinkel began wrestling in Canada for the [[Regina, Saskatchewan]]-based [[Stampede Wrestling|Big Time Wrestling]] promotion. He occasionally teamed with [[George Scott (wrestler)|George Scott]], while his regular opponents included [[Dave Ruhl]], [[Tiny Mills]], and [[Killer Kowalski]]. In December 1961, he unsuccessfully challenged Kowalski for the [[NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Calgary version)|NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship]]. Bockwinkel left Canada in January 1962.<ref name="KreikenbohmCanada"/>

=== Hawaii and California (1962–1963) ===
In early-1962, Bockwinkel began wrestling in Hawaii for the [[Honolulu]]-based [[50th State Big Time Wrestling]] promotion, where he was named the inaugural [[NWA Pacific International Championship|NWA United States Heavyweight Champion ''(Hawaiian version)'']] on arrival. He held the title until June 1962, when he lost it to [[King Curtis Iaukea]].<ref name="KreikenbohmHawaii"/><ref name="HawaiiUS"/> During his run, he regularly teamed with [[Lord Blears]] and [[Neff Maiava]], while his rivals included villains such as Curtis, [[Buddy Austin]], and [[Tosh Togo]]. Bockwinkel left 50th State Big Time Wrestling in August 1962.<ref name="Zordani60-62"/><ref name="KreikenbohmHawaii"/>

Bockwinkel returned to California in September 1962, joining Roy Shire's [[Big Time Wrestling (San Francisco)|American Wrestling Alliance]], which had succeeded [[NWA San Francisco]]. He formed an "All American babyface" tag team with [[Wilbur Snyder]], and the duo were pushed by Shire as his top babyface tag team.<ref name="Zordani60-62"/> In November 1961, Bockwinkel and Snyder won the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(San Francisco version)'']], defeating [[Kinji Shibuya]] and [[Mitsu Arakawa]] in the [[Cow Palace]].<ref name="AWATag"/> They defended the championship against teams including [[Dan Manoukian]] and [[Ciclón Negro]] and [[Ray Stevens (wrestler)|Ray Stevens]] and [[The Sheik (wrestler)|The Sheik]] before losing to Art Nielsen and Stan Nielsen in March 1963.<ref name="AWATag"/><ref name="Zordani63-64"/> Bockwinkel left the AWA in April 1963.<ref name="Zordani63-64"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1963"/>

Bockwinkel returned to Hawaii in April 1963. In July 1963, he defeated King Curtis to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship for a second time. His reign lasted until September, when he lost to [[Don Manoukian]] in a [[two out of three falls match]].<ref name="KreikenbohmHawaii"/> During his run, Bockwinkel teamed with [[Lord James Blears]] and briefly feuded with [[Dick the Bruiser]].<ref name="Zordani63-64"/> Bockwinkel subsequently left Hawaii once again, relocating to the [[Pacific Northwest]] to wrestle for [[Pacific Northwest Wrestling]].<ref name="Zordani63-64"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1963"/>

=== Pacific Northwest Wrestling (1963–1964) ===
In late-1963, Bockwinkel left Hawaii upon being recruited by [[Don Owen (wrestling)|Don Owen]] to join his [[Portland, Oregon]]-based [[Pacific Northwest Wrestling]] promotion.<ref name="Zordani63-64"/> He quickly began a feud with [[NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion]] [[Tony Borne]]. In October 1963, Borne defeated Bockwinkel in a [[two-out-of-three falls match]] in which the loser was painted yellow. Later that month, Bockwinkel defeated Borne for the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship - his first major singles title. He lost the title to [[Mad Dog Vachon]] in November 1963.<ref name=Johnson2015/><ref name="KreikenbohmPNW"/><ref name="PNWHeavy"/><ref name="Statesman"/><ref name="HébertLaprade"/> In December 1963, Bockwinkel formed a tag team with Nick Kozak. In March 1964, Bockwinkel and Kozak defeated [[Art Michalik]] and [[Dick Beyer|The Destroyer]] for the [[NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship]]. Michalik and The Destroyer regained the titles in April, but Bockwinkel and Kozak won them a second time by defeating The Destroyer and [[Don Manoukian]] (substituting for Michalik, who was injured). After Kozak	himself suffered an injury, [[Omar Atlas|Buddy Mareno]] replaced him as Bockwinkel's partner. Bockwinkel and Mareno held the titles until June 1964, when they lost to [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]] and Tony Borne.<ref name="Zordani63-64"/><ref name="KreikenbohmPNW"/><ref name="PNWTagTeam"/> Bockwinkel left Pacific Northwest Wrestling the following month.<ref name="Zordani64-68"/>

=== Hawaii, California, and Australia (1964–1968) ===
Bockwinkel returned to Hawaii in September 1964, reforging his alliance with Lord James Blears and resuming his feud with King Curtis Iaukea.<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1964"/> In November 1964, Bockwinkel won the [[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]], defeating [[Johnny Barend]]. His reign lasted until December 1964, when he lost the title to Iaukea.<ref name="HawaiiHeavy"/> Over the following months, his opponents included Iaukea, [[Harold Fujiwara]], and [[Hard Boiled Haggerty]]. Bockwinkel left Hawaii in May 1965.<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1965"/>

In September 1965, Bockwinkel returned to the Los Angeles, California-based North American Wrestling Alliance, since renamed [[Worldwide Wrestling Associates]] (WWA). His opponents included [[Luke Graham (wrestler)|Luke Graham]], [[Pedro Morales]], [[El Mongol]], and [[Gorilla Monsoon]].<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1965"/> Bockwinkel left WWA in January 1966, briefly returning to 50th State Big Time Wrestling in Hawaii before leaving for a tour of Australia.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1966"/>

From March 1966 to June 1966, Bockwinkel wrestled in Australia with the [[World Championship Wrestling (Australia)|World Championship Wrestling]] promotion. In his first appearance, he won a "Russian Roulette" [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] in the [[Sydney Stadium]]. His regular opponents included [[Killer Kowalski]], [[Pampero Firpo]], [[Toru Tanaka]], [[Waldo Von Erich]], and [[Larry O'Dea]].<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="KreikenbohmAustralia"/>

Following his tour of Australia, Bockwinkel returned to 50th State Big Time Wrestling in Hawaii in June 1966. In August 1966, he challenged [[Johnny Barend]] for the [[NWA Hawaii United States Heavyweight Championship]], with the match ending in a time limit draw. He faced Barend once again in October, losing to him in a [[two-out-of-three falls match]]. In November 1966, Bockwinkel returned to Worldwide Wrestling Associates, where he wrestled until January 1967.<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1966"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1967"/>

Bockwinkel made a second tour of Australia with World Championship Wrestling from January to March 1967. In his first appearance, he participated in a one-night tournament, losing to The Beast in the semi-finals. His opponents during his second stint in Australia included [[Dory Funk Jr.]], [[Roy Heffernan]], and [[Rudy LaBelle]].<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="KreikenbohmAustralia"/>

Following his second tour of Australia, Bockwinkel made a handful of appearances in Hawaii before returning to [[Worldwide Wrestling Associates]] in April 1967. His regular opponents included [[Karl Gotch]], [[Hard Boiled Haggerty]], and [[Ricky Romero (wrestler)|Ricky Romero]].<ref name="Zordani64-68"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1967"/> During his time in California, he appeared in an episode of the television series ''[[The Monkees (TV series)|The Monkees]]''.<ref name="MultererWiden2019"/> Bockwinkel left WWA once more in October 1967, returning to Hawaii once more until early 1968 before moving to Texas in March 1968.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1967"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1968"/>

=== Texas and Hawaii (1968–1969) ===
In March 1968, Bockwinkel began competing for the [[West Texas]]-based [[Western States Sports]] promotion, where he was cast as a babyface. Shortly after debuting, Bockwinkel formed a tag team with [[Ricky Romero (wrestler)|Ricky Romero]], with the duo feuding with [[the Von Brauners]]. In April 1968, Bockwinkel and Romero defeated the Von Brauners for the [[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Amarillo version)|Amarillo version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship]]. Their reign lasted until May 1968, when the Von Brauners regained the titles. Over the following months, Bockwickel continued to team with Romero as well as competing as a singles wrestler against opponents such as [[Gypsy Joe Rosario]] and [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]]. In September 1968, Bockwinkel unsuccessfully challenged visiting [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Gene Kiniski]] in two [[two-out-of-three falls match]]es. Bockwinkel left Western States Sports in October 1968.<ref name="Zordani68"/><ref name="KreikenbohmNWA1968"/>

Bockwinkel returned to Hawaii once more in October 1968. In late-1968, he formed a tag team with [[Bobby Shane]].<ref name="KreikenbohmNWA1968"/> In December 1968, he held the [[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]] for a second time.<ref name="HawaiiHeavy"/> In March 1969, Bockwinkel and Shane defeated [[Ripper Collins (wrestler)|Ripper Collins]] and [[Luke Graham (wrestler)|Luke Graham]] for the [[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship]]. Their reign ended the following month when they lost to Collins and [[Buddy Austin]]. Bockwinkel continued to compete in 50th State Big Time Wrestling until leaving in November 1969 to join [[Georgia Championship Wrestling]].<ref name="Zordani68-70"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1969"/> During this stint in Hawaii, Bockwinkel was cast in an episode of the television program ''[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]''.<ref name="Rhodes2011"/>

=== Georgia Championship Wrestling (1969–1970) ===
[[Image:Nick Bockwinkel.jpg|thumb|Bockwinkel in 1970 wearing the [[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship]].]]

In November 1969, Bockwinkel began wrestling for the [[Atlanta, Georgia]]-based [[Georgia Championship Wrestling]] promotion. It was at this time that Bockwinkel "found his calling" as a heel.<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/><ref name="Hornbaker2017"/> Having previously wrestled primarily as a babyface, Bockwinkel adopted a "cocky, uppity Beverly Hills California heel" persona in Georgia,<ref name="Zordani68-70"/> aligning himself with the villainous tag team [[The Assassins (professional wrestling)|The Assassins]]. In January 1970, Bockwinkel unsuccessfully challenged visiting [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Dory Funk Jr.]];<ref name="KreikenbohmGeorgia"/> Funk later described Bockwinkel as "one of the best wrestling challengers for the belt. [...] He was very technical, and put a lot of thought into his interviews, his talk, his work in the ring, his persona."<ref name="Oliver"/>

In January 1970, Bockwinkel defeated [[Joe Scarpa]] for the [[NWA Georgia Television Championship]]. He lost the title to [[El Mongol]] in March 1970, but the title was vacated after footage showing El Mongol using an illegal karate strike was aired; Bockwinkel defeated El Mongol in a rematch later that month. Bockwinkel's second reign ended in April 1970 when he was defeated by his former ally Assassin #2; after The Assassins were suspended and Assassin #2 was stripped of the title, Bockwinkel defeated Joe Scarpa in June 1970 to win the vacant title. His third and final reign ended in August 1970 when he lost to [[Bobby Shane]].<ref name="KreikenbohmGeorgia"/><ref name="GeorgiaTV"/>
 
In April 1970, Bockwinkel defeated Assassin #2 for the [[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship]]. He held the title until July 1970, when he lost to Paul DeMarco. Bockwinkel regained the title from DeMarco later that month, with his second reign lasting until September 1970 when he lost to [[Buddy Colt]].<ref name="KreikenbohmGeorgia"/><ref name="F4WApril17"/><ref name="GeorgiaHeavy"/> Following his loss to Colt, Bockwinkel left Georgia, briefly returning to Hawaii once more before joining the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]-based [[American Wrestling Association]].<ref name="KreikenbohmGeorgia"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1970"/> Bockwinkel's appearances in Georgia were described by Jim Zordani as "[showing] the wrestling world he was more than capable of being the top heel in a promotion".<ref name="Zordani68-70"/>

=== American Wrestling Association (1970–1987) ===
==== Tag Team Champion reigns (1970–1975) ====
[[Image:Buddy Colt and Nick Bockwinkel.jpg|thumb|Bockwinkel (bottom) following a bout with [[Buddy Colt]] in 1973.]]

In December 1970, Bockwinkel began wrestling for the [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]]-based [[American Wrestling Association]] (AWA).<ref name="Kreikenbohm1970"/> Over the following months, he went on a lengthy undefeated streak (albeit while losing some matches by disqualification and count-out), with his regular opponents including [[Edouard Carpentier]], [[Kenny Jay]], and [[Paul Diamond]]. He sustained his first defeat in September 1971 when he unsuccessfully challenged [[AWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Verne Gagne]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1971"/><ref name="Zordani70-72"/>

In August 1971, Bockwinkel began teaming with [[Ray Stevens (wrestler)|Ray Stevens]].<ref name=WWEbio/> The duo became "the most hated AWA grapplers of the early 1970s";<ref name="Solomon2015"/> they ultimately wrestled over 300 matches together.<ref name="Grasso2014"/> The tag team was formed when Bockwinkel interfered in a bout between Stevens and [[Red Bastien]].<ref name="Zordani70-72"/> Bockwinkel and Stevens went on to feud with Bastien and [[The Crusher (wrestler)|The Crusher]], the then-[[AWA World Tag Team Champions]]. In January 1972, Bockwinkel and Stevens defeated Bastien and The Crusher for the titles in a [[two out of three falls match]], winning the final fall when Bockwinkel kicked Bastien in the stomach as he attempted to give Stevens an [[atomic drop]].<ref name="Zordani70-72"/><ref name="AWAWorldTag"/> They successfully defended the titles in a series of rematches with Bastien and The Crusher, as well as other challengers such as [[Billy Robinson]] and [[Dick Beyer|Dr. X]], [[The Vachon Brothers]], and Billy Robinson and [[Wahoo McDaniel]].<ref name="Zordani72"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1972"/> During 1972, Bockwinkel and Stevens also competed in [[Championship Wrestling from Florida]] - where they briefly held the [[NWA Florida Tag Team Championship]]<ref name="FloridaTagTeam"/> - and several other promotions.<ref name="Zordani72"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1972"/> Their reign as AWA World Tag Team Champions finally ended in December 1972 when they lost to the "dream team" of Billy Robinson and Verne Gagne.<ref name="AWAWorldTag"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1972"/><ref name="Zordani72-73"/>

In January 1973, Bockwinkel and Stevens regained the AWA World Tag Team Championship from Gagne and Robinson in a two out of three falls match.<ref name="AWAWorldTag"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1973"/> Over the next 18 months, they defended the titles against teams such as the Texas Outlaws ([[Dick Murdoch]] and [[Dusty Rhodes]]), The Crusher and [[Mad Dog Vachon]], and Billy Robinson and a series of partners including [[Don Muraco]], Geoff Portz, [[Ken Patera]], Red Bastien, and Wahoo McDaniel.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1973"/> Magazine ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' named Bockwinkel and Stevens its "[[PWI Tag Team of the Year|Tag Team of the Year]]" for 1973.<ref name="PWITagTeam"/> Their second reign ended in July 1974 when they lost to Billy Robinson and The Crusher in a two out of three falls match in a match with [[Greg Gagne (wrestler)|Greg Gagne]] as special guest referee.<ref name="AWAWorldTag"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1973"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1974"/><ref name="Zordani74-75"/> Following their title loss, Bockwinkel and Stevens began feuding with Greg Gagne and his partner [[Jim Brunzell]]. Claiming that there was a "conspiracy" against them, in August 1974 Bockwinkel and Stevens introduced [[Bobby Heenan]] as their [[manager (professional wrestling)|manager]] to protect their interests.<ref name="Zordani74-75"/><ref name="Shields2010"/><ref name="Lentz2018"/>

In October 1974, Bockwinkel and Stevens regained the AWA World Tag Team Championship from Robinson and The Crusher following interference from Heenan.<ref name="AWAWorldTag"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1974"/><ref name="Zordani74-75"/> In November 1974, Bockwinkel and Stevens participated in the [[International Wrestling Enterprise]] World Championship Series tournament in Japan, during which they defended their titles against The Great Kusatsu and [[Rusher Kimura]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1974"/> On January 25, 1975, an angry fan fired a gun at Heenan in Chicago's [[International Amphitheatre]] after Heenan interfered in Bockwinkel's match; neither Heenan nor Bockwinkel were hit, but several audience members at ringside were injured.<ref name="Pratt2017"/> Over the following months, Bockwinkel and Stevens defended their titles against challengers including the High Flyers (Gagne and Brunzell), Dusty Rhodes and [[Superstar Billy Graham]], and Dusty Rhodes and [[Larry Hennig]]. Their third and final reign ended in August 1975 when they were defeated by The Crusher and [[Dick the Bruiser]].<ref name="AWAWorldTag"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1975"/> The team dissolved shortly thereafter when Stevens departed the AWA, with [[Bobby Duncum Sr.|Bobby Duncum]] allying with Bockwinkel in November 1975.<ref name="Zordani75-76"/>

==== First reign as World Heavyweight Champion (1975–1980) ====
{{see also|Heenan Family}}
[[Image:Nick Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan.jpg|thumb|Bockwinkel (left) with his manager [[Bobby Heenan]] in 1979; Heenan holds Bockwinkel's [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship]].]]

In 1975, AWA co-founder and [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship|World Heavyweight Champion]] Verne Gagne proposed that he transition the title to his son, [[Greg Gagne (wrestler)|Greg Gagne]]. His business partner, [[Wally Karbo]], proposed Bockwinkel as an alternative.<ref name="Matysik"/> Bockwinkel went on to defeat Verne Gagne for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship on November 8, 1975, at the age of 40 in the [[St. Paul Civic Center]] in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]], ending Gagne's seven-year reign.<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1975"/><ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/> The match ended when Bobby Duncum interfered, enabling Bockwinkel to pin Gagne.<ref name="Zordani75-76"/>

Throughout 1976, Bockwinkel defended the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against challengers including Gagne, [[Larry Hennig]], [[Pampero Firpo]], [[Joe Blanchard]], [[Jos LeDuc]], [[Peter Maivia]], [[Art Thomas]], and The Crusher. Bockwinkel also teamed with Heenan and [[Bobby Duncum Sr.|Bobby Duncum]] to face the High Flyers and various partners in a series of [[six-man tag team match]]es. In August 1976, Bockwinkel defended the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against [[André the Giant]] in a bout at [[Comiskey Park]] in [[Chicago, Illinois]], that ended in a double disqualification.<ref name="Zordani75-76"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1976"/>

Following stints in Japan, California, and Florida, Ray Stevens returned to the AWA in late 1976. Stevens reunited with Bockwinkel and Heenan, who had by now also been joined by [[Blackjack Lanza]] (who held the AWA World Tag Team Championship with Bobby Duncum) in what was known as the "[[Heenan Family]]".<ref name="Krugman2009"/> Stevens was often overlooked by Heenan, who would ignore or interrupt him during televised interviews on ''All Star Wrestling'', angering Stevens. On the December 25, 1976, episode of ''All Star Wrestling'', Heenan was presented with a "[[List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards#Manager of the Year|Manager of the Year]]" trophy by ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' editor [[Bill Apter]]. In his acceptance speech, Heenan thanked Bockwinkel, Duncum, and Lanza (overlooking Stevens), then insulted Stevens when he attempted to congratulate him. An incensed Stevens knocked down Heenan and Bockwinkel and shattered Heenan's trophy before being beaten down by the Heenan Family. The [[angle (professional wrestling)|angle]] saw Stevens [[turn (professional wrestling)|turn]] [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] and begin feuding with the Heenan Family.<ref name="Zordani76"/><ref name="Schire2010"/>

In 1977, Bockwinkel defended the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against Stevens as well as other challengers such as Billy Robinson , The Crusher, [[Ernie Ladd]], [[Les Thornton]], [[Pedro Morales]], and [[Terry Funk]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1977"/> In 1978, he faced new challengers such as [[John Tolos]], [[Bob Armstrong]], [[Mr. Wrestling II]], [[Rocky Johnson]], [[Tommy Rich]], [[Rufus R. Jones]], and [[Angelo Mosca]], as well as old opponents such as Verne Gagne, Greg Gagne, Billy Robinson, The Crusher, and André the Giant. In December 1978, Bockwinkel and Blackjack Lanza toured Japan with [[All Japan Pro Wrestling]], competing in the annual [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1978"/><ref name="Zordani78"/>

Bockwinkel began 1979 by successfully defending his title against challengers from around the world such as [[Dino Bravo]], [[Jumbo Tsuruta]], and [[Tiger Jeet Singh]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1979"/> In March 1979, Bockwinkel faced [[WWWF Champion]] [[Bob Backlund]] in the first ever American Wrestling Association and [[World Wide Wrestling Federation]] title versus title bout, with the match ending in a double count-out.<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/><ref name="Hornbaker"/><ref name="BacklundMiller2015"/> In April 1979, Bockwinkel appeared with [[Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling]], defending his title against challengers such as [[Johnny Weaver]] and [[Paul Orndorff]]. Back in the AWA, Bockwinkel's challengers throughout the remainder of the year included [[Ricky Steamboat]], [[Bill Dundee]], [[Rick Martel]], [[Bruiser Brody]], [[Bobo Brazil]], and [[Super Destroyer Mark II]], as well as old adversaries such as Greg Gagne and The Crusher. In September 1979, Bockwinkel returned to Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling, where he faced [[NWA World Television Champion]] [[Ricky Steamboat]] in a title versus title match that ended in a disqualification (meaning the title did not change hands). In October 1979, Bockwinkel wrestled in Japan for [[International Wrestling Enterprise]] as part of its "Dynamite Series" tour; during the tour, he faced [[IWA World Heavyweight Championship (International Wrestling Enterprise)|IWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Rusher Kimura]] in a title versus title bout that ended with Bockwinkel being disqualified (meaning the title did not change hands).<ref name="Kreikenbohm1979"/><ref name="Zordani79-80"/>

Bockwinkel began 1980 with defences against opponents such as The Crusher, Mad Dog Vachon, [[Kintarō Ōki]], Wahoo McDaniel, and [[Scott Casey]]. His reign finally came to an end after 1,716 days when he was defeated by Verne Gagne in a bout in Comiskey Park on July 18, 1980, losing to Gagne's signature [[Rear naked choke#Sleeper hold|sleeper hold]].<ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Zordani79-80"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1980"/>

==== Second reign as World Heavyweight Champion (1981–1982) ====
[[image:Hulk Hogan and Nick Bockwinkel, 1982.png|thumb|Bockwinkel (left) wrestling [[Hulk Hogan]] in 1982.]]

Immediately following his loss to Gagne, Bockwinkel challenged [[World Wrestling Association (Indianapolis)|World Wrestling Association]] [[WWA World Heavyweight Championship (Indianapolis)|World Heavyweight Champion]] Dick the Bruiser in what had been marketed as a title-versus-title match; the bout ended in a draw. Over the following months, Bockwinkel faced a series of the AWA's top faces. In November and December 1980, Bockwinkel once again toured Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling; he competed in the World's Strongest Tag Determination League alongside Jim Brunzell, placing fourth.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1980"/><ref name="Zordani80-81"/>

After returning from Japan, Bockwinkel unveiled his new finishing move, the "Oriental Sleeper". Throughout early 1981, Bockwinkel received a series of title shots against Gagne, but failed to defeat him. The feud culminated in a final bout between Bockwinkel and Gagne in the [[St. Paul Civic Center]] on May 10, 1981, which Gagne once again won using his sleeper hold. Gagne retired following the match, and the AWA World Heavyweight Championship was awarded back to Bockwinkel - the number one contender - on May 19, 1981.<ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1981"/><ref name="Zordani80-81"/> This move infuriated AWA fans, solidifying Bockwinkel's status as one of the most despised wrestlers in the world.<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Freedman2018"/><ref name="Schire2010"/><ref name=Museum/><ref name="PWI"/> Throughout the remainder of 1981, Bockwinkel faced fresh challengers such as [[Tito Santana]], [[Pat Patterson (wrestler)|Pat Patterson]], [[Baron von Raschke]], and [[Adnan Al-Kaissie]]. He also defended the AWA World Heavyweight Championship in other promotions, facing opponents such as a young [[Bret Hart]] in [[Stampede Wrestling]] and [[Tony Atlas]] in [[Houston Wrestling]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1981"/><ref name="Zordani81-82"/><ref name="JohnsonOliver2013"/> In December 1981, he appeared in [[Bremen]], Germany with the [[Catch Wrestling Association]], defending the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against Austrian wrestler [[Otto Wanz]] in a bout that went to a time limit draw.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1981"/>

In January 1982, Bockwinkel made another tour of Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling as part of its "New Year Giant Series". Back in the AWA, Bockwinkel began feuding with [[Hulk Hogan]], who Verne Gagne had signed after Hogan left the World Wrestling Federation.<ref name="Kaelberer2003"/> Hogan had swiftly become the AWA's top babyface, with his popularity booming further following the release of ''[[Rocky III]]'' (in which Hogan appeared) in May 1982.<ref name="Zordani82"/> In March 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and Heenan in a non-title [[handicap match]] in the [[International Amphitheatre]] in [[Chicago, Illinois]]. Hogan went on to repeatedly challenge Bockwinkel for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, with the matches generally ending in disqualifications (meaning the title did not change hands). In April 1982, Hogan defeated Bockwinkel and was declared the new champion, only for the decisions to be overturned by AWA president Stanley Blackburn due to the use of a foreign object during the match.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1982"/><ref name="Hunter2013"/><ref name="Smallman2018"/>

During mid-1982, Bockwinkel made multiple defences of his title in other promotions, facing challengers such as Bret Hart, [[Keith Hart (wrestler)|Keith Hart]], [[Mr. Hito]], and [[David Schultz (professional wrestler)|David Schultz]] in Stampede Wrestling, [[Dick Slater]] in Houston Wrestling, and [[Bruiser Brody]] in [[Southwest Championship Wrestling]]. His second reign came to an end on August 29, 1982, when he lost to Otto Wanz in the St. Paul Civic Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.<ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1982"/> The loss - regarded as a major [[Upset (competition)|upset]] - reportedly came about after Wanz offered Verne Gagne $50,000 ({{Inflation|US|50000|1982|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) in return for a run as AWA World Heavyweight Champion,<ref name="Schire2010"/><ref name="Zordani82"/> enabling him to bill himself as a former world champion.<ref name="Greenberg2000"/>

==== Third reign as World Heavyweight Champion (1982–1984) ====
[[Image:Nick Bockwinkel, circa 1982.png|thumb|Bockwinkel, {{Circa|1982}}]]

Bockwinkel faced Otto Wanz in a series of rematches, eventually defeating him to win the AWA World Heavyweight Championship for a third time on October 9, 1982, in the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, Illinois.<ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1982"/> Two days later, Bockwinkel appeared with the [[Continental Wrestling Association]] in the [[Mid-South Coliseum]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]], where he defeated [[Jerry Lawler]] to win the [[AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship]]. Bockwinkel spent the next month as a dual champion before losing the title back to Lawler in a no disqualification [[hair versus hair match|"title versus hair" match]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1982"/><ref name="AWASouthern"/> Bockwinkel closed out 1982 with successful defences of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship against challengers such as [[Rick Martel]], [[Mike Graham (wrestler)|Mike Graham]], Tito Santana, Jim Brunzell, and Baron von Raschke.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1982"/> On December 27, 1982, the AWA World Heavyweight Championship was held up after a match between Bockwinkel and Jerry Lawler ended in controversial circumstances; Bockwinkel defeated Lawler the following month to confirm his status as champion.<ref name="Lawler2002"/>

[[File:Bockwinkel abdominal stretch on Lawler 1983.png|thumb|Bockwinkel (top) applies an [[abdominal stretch]] on [[Jerry Lawler]] (bottom), {{Circa|1983}}]]

Throughout 1983, Bockwinkel faced challengers such as Pat Patterson, Rick Martel, Baron von Raschke, Jerry Lawler, Wahoo McDaniel, and [[Brad Rheingans]]. In April 1983, Bockwinkel defended his title against Hulk Hogan once more at the [[AWA Super Sunday|Super Sunday]] [[supercard]] in the St. Paul Civic Center, which was attended by over 18,000 fans with over 4,000 more fans watching on [[closed-circuit television]] in the [[Roy Wilkins Auditorium]], with [[Lord James Blears]] as [[special guest referee]]. Hogan won the bout (and the title) by pinfall following a [[leg drop]], but subsequently AWA president Stanley Blackburn overturned the decision on the basis that Hogan had thrown Bockwinkel over the top rope (an illegal maneuver in the AWA), infuriating fans.<ref name="Sullivan2020"/><ref name="Schire2010"/><ref name="Zordani83"/><ref name="Hornbaker2018"/><ref name="AssaelMooneyham2002"/><ref name="AlvarezStorm2019"/> Behind the scenes, disputes between Hogan and Verne Gagne led Hogan to depart the AWA later that year to return to the WWF, where he was swiftly made [[WWF Champion]] and became a global star.<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Hogan2002"/><ref name="Kluck2009"/><ref name="Shoemaker2013"/> In July 1983, Bockwinkel returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling as part of its "[[Grand Champion Carnival III]]" tour, facing opponents such as [[Genichiro Tenryu]] and [[Jumbo Tsuruta]].<ref name="Kreikenbohm1983"/>

Bockwinkel began 1984 with defences against challengers such as Dino Bravo, Jerry Lawler, and Brad Rheingans.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/> He had a short feud with his former ally Blackjack Lanza, who left the Heenan Family after being berated by Bobby Heenan for losing to Greg Gagne; Bockwinkel also faced Lanza and his new partner [[Blackjack Mulligan]] in a series of tag team matches.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/><ref name="Zordani83-84B"/> In February 1984, Bockwinkel returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling as part of its "Excite Series" tour; on February 23 in the [[Kuramae Kokugikan]] in [[Tokyo]], Bockwinkel faced [[NWA International Heavyweight Champion]] Jumbo Tsuruta in a title versus title match with Terry Funk as the guest referee. The bout was won by Tsuruta, bringing Bockwinkel's third reign as champion to an end.<ref name="FunkWilliams2006"/><ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Lentz2015"/><ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/><ref name="PopeWhebbe2003"/> Similarly to Otto Wanz in 1982, Tsuruta's victory reportedly came about after All Japan Pro Wrestling owner [[Giant Baba]] paid Verne Gagne a "sizeable sum of money" for Tsuruta to have a short reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="Zordani83-84"/>

==== Tag team with Mr. Saito; feud with Larry Zbyszko (1984–1986) ====
In spring 1984, Bockwinkel unsuccessfully attempted to regain the AWA World Heavyweight Championship from Jumbo Tsuruta in a series of bouts.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/> After [[Rick Martel]] won the title from Tsuruta in May 1984, Bockwinkel was his first challenger.<ref name="LapradeHébert2013"/> In July 1984, Bockwinkel formed a tag team with [[Mr. Saito]] and began a lengthy feud with [[The Fabulous Ones]] that lasted to the end of the year.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/> In September 1984, Bockwinkel's long-time manager Bobby Heenan left the AWA to join the World Wrestling Federation, ending their decade-long association.<ref name="Zordani83-84"/> In December 1984, Bockwinkel returned to All Japan Pro Wrestling, participating in that year's World's Strongest Tag Determination League with [[Harley Race]] as his partner.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984"/>

Bockwinkel and Saito continued to team in early 1985, facing teams such as Curt Hennig and [[Larry Hennig]], [[The Road Warriors]], and The High Flyers (Greg Gagne and Jim Brunzell) before separating in April 1985 when Mr. Saito left the AWA due to legal issues.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1985"/><ref name="Zordani85"/> That same month, Bockwinkel reformed his tag team with Ray Stevens. In July 1985, the team was joined by Larry Zbyszko, with the trio feuding with Greg Gagne and [[Sgt. Slaughter]]. At the inaugural [[SuperClash (1985)|SuperClash]] [[supercard]] event on September 28, 1985, in Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois - which was attended by over 20,000 people - Bockwinkel competed on the undercard in a [[six-man tag team match]], teaming with Stevens and Zbyszko in a loss to [[Curt Hennig]], Greg Gagne, and [[Scott Hall]]. In November and December 1985, Bockwinkel once again participated in the All Japan Pro Wrestling [[World's Strongest Tag Determination League]], teaming with Curt Hennig.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1985"/>

On the December 3, 1985, episode of ''AWA on ESPN'', Zbyszko faced Greg Gagne with Bockwinkel on [[color commentary]] at ringside. The match ended in a disqualification when Zbyszko struck Gagne in the midsection with a ''[[nunchaku]]''. Following the match, Zbyszko struck Gagne in the back of the head, then hit Bockwinkel as he remonstrated with him. The angle saw the alliance between Zbyszko and Bockwinkel end, with Bockwinkel turning face for the first time since joining the AWA in 1970.<ref name="MultererWiden2019"/><ref name="Zordani85"/><ref name="Zbyszko2010"/> In January 1986, Bockwinkel challenged [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Ric Flair]] at the [[Winnipeg Arena]] in [[Winnipeg, Manitoba]]; the bout ended in a double count out. Bockwinkel faced Zbyszko in a series of increasingly violent matches throughout early 1986, including [[Texas death match]]es and [[steel cage match]]es.<ref name="Sullivan2020"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1986"/>

==== Final reign as World Heavyweight Champion (1986–1987)  ====
[[File:Nick Bockwinkel abdominal stretch Hennig.png|thumb|Bockwinkel (top) applying an [[abdominal stretch]] to [[Curt Hennig]] (bottom), {{circa|1987}}]]

In April 1986, Bockwinkel began challenging AWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Stan Hansen]]. At that month's [[WrestleRock 86]] supercard event in the [[Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome]] in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bockwinkel defeated Hansen by disqualification (meaning the title did not change hands).<ref name="Kreikenbohm1986"/> After Hansen [[No-show (professional wrestling)|no-showed]] a scheduled title defence against Bockwinkel due to a prior touring commitment with All Japan Pro Wrestling, Verne Gagne stripped him of the title and Bockwinkel was named the new champion (by forfeiture) for a fourth and final time on June 28, 1986, at the age of 52. A disgruntled Hansen defended the title belt in Japan, then upon his return to the United States ran it over with his car and mailed the fragments to Gagne.<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Solomon2015"/><ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Koch2016"/><ref name="Molinaro2002"/>

Throughout the remainder of 1986, Bockwinkel defended the title against Larry Zbyszko and other challengers such as [[Boris Zhukov]], [[Nord the Barbarian]], and Scott Hall, as well as wrestling Curt Henning to a time limit draw in an hour-long bout.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1986"/> In 1987, he faced challengers such as [[Big Van Vader|Leon White]], [[Shunji Takano|The Super Ninja]], [[Austin Idol]], and [[Colonel DeBeers]]. His fourth and final reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion ended on May 2, 1987, when he lost to Curt Hennig at [[SuperClash II]] in the [[Cow Palace]] in [[San Francisco, California]].<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/><ref name="Meltzer2004"/><ref name="Kreikenbohm1987"/> The match ended in controversial fashion due to interference by Larry Zbyszko, who handed a [[Coin wrapper|roll of coins]] to Hennig to use on Bockwinkel.<ref name="Hoops2"/><ref name="Hofstede1999"/> Verne Gagne had reportedly originally intended to reverse the decision and return the title to Bockwinkel, but decided to keep the title on Hennig due to the strong reception to him during the match and a desire to prevent Hennig from leaving the AWA for the World Wrestling Federation.<ref name="Keith2012"/>

Bockwinkel wrestled his final match for the AWA on August 2, 1987, unsuccessfully challenging Curt Hennig. In August and September 1987 he made his final appearances with All Japan Pro Wrestling as part of its "Summer Action Series II" tour. On November 16, he participated in a World Wrestling Federation [[battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] at the [[Brendan Byrne Arena]] in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey]], alongside multiple other veteran wrestlers, with former [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] [[Lou Thesz]] prevailing. Bockwinkel subsequently retired from professional wrestling, marking the end of a career that spanned four decades.<ref name="Kreikenbohm1987"/>

=== Retirement (1987–2015)===
With the American Wrestling Association declining, in 1987 Bockwinkel approached the World Wrestling Federation and was hired as a [[Road Agent (professional wrestling)|road agent]].<ref name="Grasso2014"/><ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/> He also serving as a color commentator for occasional televised events after having been introduced at an arena show by Bobby Heenan as his replacement for the night.<ref name="Sullivan2020"/><ref name="Verrier2018"/> In December 1987, he served as special guest referee for a bout between [[Randy Savage]] and [[The Honky Tonk Man]].<ref name="Shields2010"/> He was released in 1989 due to budget cuts, after which he began working in [[financial services]].<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/>

Bockwinkel made a return to the ring for one night in December 1990, facing [[Masa Saito]] in a bout for [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] held in the [[Hamamatsu Arena]] in [[Hamamatsu]], Japan.<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="KreikenbohmNJPW1990"/> He made a second return in May 1992, wrestling [[Billy Robinson]] to a time limit draw in an [[exhibition match]] for [[UWF International]] held in the [[Yokohama Arena]] in [[Yokohama]], Japan.<ref name="KreikenbohmUWF1992"/><ref name="ShannonRobinson2012"/> Bockwinkel wrestled his last ever match on May 23, 1993, for [[World Championship Wrestling]] at the [[pay-per-view]] [[Slamboree 1993: A Legends' Reunion]] (which featured multiple veteran wrestlers), going to a time limit draw with former NWA World Heavyweight Champion [[Dory Funk Jr.]]<ref name="Hornbaker2017"/><ref name="Hoops"/>

In 1994, Bockwinkel became the on-screen commissioner of World Championship Wrestling. His run as commissioner quietly ended in the summer of 1995, although he was last mentioned as commissioner on a November 1995 edition of ''[[WCW Monday Nitro]]'' when WCW attorney Nick Lambrose stripped [[Big Show|The Giant]] of the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]]. He was released by WCW in December 1995.<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="McAvennie2021"/>

In 2000, Bockwinkel and [[Yoshiaki Fujiwara]] served as commissioners for a short-lived "[[Shoot wrestling|shoot-style]]" promotion, the Japan Pro Wrestling Association.<ref name="Grasso2014"/>

On March 29, 2010, Bockwinkel made a guest appearance on [[WWE]] ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', where he was one of several "legends" at ringside for a [[lumberjack match]] between [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] and [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted Dibiase]].<ref name="Keller2010"/>

=== Legacy ===
Bockwinkel was known for his technical wrestling ability and in-ring psychology. [[Bob Backlund]] wrote in his autobiography that "Nick had a great head for the game, a wonderful sense of ring psychology, and an uncanny ability to use his intelligence and cockiness to get under the people's skin. He was a terrific representative for the AWA and was the key player in the success of the AWA for a long time." Backlund goes on to say, "He was a very intelligent, well-spoken, and cocky heel, and his in-ring skills were right up there with the very best in the business."<ref name=Backlund/> In the book ''50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot'', author [[Larry Matysik]] named Bockwinkel the 18th greatest professional wrestler, writing "he was an athlete, he could wrestle, and his psychology was second to none."<ref name="Matysik"/> Professional wrestling journalist [[Dave Meltzer]] described Bockwinkel as "a first-rate worker".<ref name="Meltzer1988"/> Fellow wrestler [[Jim Wilson (wrestler)|Jim Wilson]] described Bockwinkel as "one of wrestling's truly smooth workers with a repertoire of moves executed fluidly, believably and without a hint of pain for his opponents."<ref name="WilsonJohnson2003"/> Bockwinkel was reportedly considered by the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] as a candidate to be [[NWA World Heavyweight Champion]] in the late-1970s but withdrew his name from contention due to regarding the travelling schedule of the champion to be too arduous.<ref name="Zordani79-80"/> Richard Berger described Bockwinkel as "a poster boy for what was right about wrestling" who was "a technical maestro, capable of working smoothly and comfortably with most any opponent regardless of that man's style or limitations".<ref name="Berger2009"/>

Bockwinkel was known for his calm, charismatic, articulate promos, which distinguished him from many of his contemporaries.<ref name="Meltzer2010"/><ref name="Johnson2015"/><ref name="Scherer"/> "I used to use the four, five or six syllable words as best I could," Bockwinkel was quoted as saying in the book ''The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels''. "If I ran across one I didn't know, I had a little dictionary. I would have this little dictionary, with 70 or 80 words, that I would always be perusing. I had it with me all the time. Automatically, some of these words just starting coming to me in my interviews because I was familiar with them."<ref name=Johnson2015/><ref name="Oliver"/> Richard Berger described Bockwinkel as a "master orator" who spoke "candidly, clearly and intelligently".<ref name="Berger2009"/>  In 2008, [[Chris Jericho]] based his new villainous wrestling persona on Bockwinkel. In his autobiography ''The Best in the World'' Jericho wrote, "The WWE had recently released an AWA retrospective [[DVD]], and while watching it, I remembered how great a heel Bockwinkel was. He wore suits for all his interviews and used ten-dollar words that went over the average fans' heads, pissing them off markedly. Here was this pompous blowhard using the fancy talk and wearing the fancy suits, claiming to be the best because he was the [[AWA World Heavyweight Championship|World Champion]], which was the truth."<ref name="Jericho"/>

Bockwinkel was inducted into the [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' Hall of Fame]] in 1996 (as part of the inaugural class),<ref name="WONHOF"/> the [[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]] in 2003,<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/> the [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] [[WWE Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2007,<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Freedman2018"/> the [[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]] in 2009,<ref name="Johnson2009"/> and the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] [[NWA Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] in 2016.<ref name="Scherer2"/><ref name="NWAHOF"/> In 2007, magazine ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' gave Bockwinkel its [[PWI Stanley Weston Award|Stanley Weston Award]] (a [[lifetime achievement award]]).<ref name="PWIStanleyWeston" /> In 2009, the [[Cauliflower Alley Club]] gave Bockwinkel its Iron Mike Mazurki Award.<ref name="Cauliflower2009"/>

== Professional wrestling style and persona ==
For the first half of his career, Bockwinkel was a classic [[face (professional wrestling)|babyface]],<ref name="FunkWilliams2006"/> at one point being billed as "Young Nicky Bockwinkel, the old ladies' favorite".<ref name="Zordani56"/> In the second half of his career, he portrayed a "cocky, uppity Beverly Hills California [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]]"<ref name="Zordani68-70"/> and a "pompous blowhard".<ref name="Jericho"/> Phil Nowick described him as "a classic cheating heel who was seemingly unbeatable no matter how big of a pounding he took".<ref name="Nowick2011"/>

Bockwinkel used a variety of finishing moves over his career, including a [[piledriver (professional wrestling)|piledriver]]<ref name="Sullivan2020"/> and the "Oriental Sleeper" (a [[Rear naked choke#Sleeper hold|sleeper hold]]).<ref name="Zordani80-81"/> His other signature moves included an [[Professional wrestling holds#Armlocks|armlock]], [[Professional wrestling holds#Leglocks|leglock]], and [[shoulderbreaker]].<ref name="Napolitano1987"/>

== Other television appearances ==
In 1967, Bockwinkel appeared in the episode "[[I Was a 99-Pound Weakling]]" of the television series ''[[The Monkees (TV series)|The Monkees]]''. In 1969, he appeared in the episode "[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series, season 2)|Savage Sunday]]" of the show ''[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]''.<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/><ref name="MultererWiden2019"/><ref name="Rhodes2011"/> In 1968, Bockwinkel appeared as a contestant on the [[NBC]] [[game show]] ''[[Hollywood Squares]]'', winning a [[Pontiac Firebird]], a deluxe kitchen set, and $1,300 ({{Inflation|US|1300|1968|fmt=eq|r=-3}}) in cash.<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="Sullivan2020"/>

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Filmography
|-
! Title
! Year
! Role
! Notes
|-
| ''[[The Monkees (TV series)|The Monkees]]''
| 1967
| Shah-Ku Strong Man #1
| Television (episode: "[[I Was a 99-Pound Weakling]]")
|-
| ''[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]'' 
| 1969
| Harry
| Television (episode: "[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series, season 2)|Savage Sunday]]")
|-
| ''[[The Wrestler (1974 film)|The Wrestler]]'' 
| 1974
| Himself
| Film
|}

== Personal life ==
On June 22, 1957, Bockwinkel married Susan Tranchitella, with whom he had two daughters. The couple divorced in 1967.<ref name="Tranchitella"/> Bockwinkel remarried in 1972 to Darlene Hampp,  with the marriage lasting until his death.<ref name="Hampp"/>

In November 2007, Bockwinkel underwent [[Coronary artery bypass surgery|triple bypass]] [[Cardiac surgery|heart surgery]].<ref name="Durham2007"/>

In 2007, Bockwinkel was elected President of the [[Cauliflower Alley Club]], a non-profit [[fraternal organization]] of professional wrestlers.<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/><ref name="Napolitano2011"/> He stepped down in 2014 due to health issues, being replaced by [[B. Brian Blair]].<ref name="Johnson2015B"/>

== Death ==
Bockwinkel died from undisclosed causes on the evening of November 14, 2015, at the age of 80. Prior to his death he had been suffering from [[Alzheimer's disease]].<ref name="Bixenspan2018"/> He was survived by his wife Darlene, his two children from his first marriage, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His remains were cremated in Las Vegas and a [[memorial service|memorial]] [[Mass (Catholic Church)|mass]] was held at St. Joseph Croatian Catholic Church in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, on November 21, 2015.<ref name="Meltzer2010"/><ref name="Johnson2015"/><ref name="Fletcher2015"/>

== Championships and accomplishments ==
*'''[[50th State Big Time Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="HawaiiHeavy"/>
**[[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Hawaii Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Bobby Shane]]<ref name="HawaiiTagTeam"/>
**[[NWA Pacific International Championship|NWA United States Heavyweight Championship ''(Hawaii version)'']] ([[NWA Pacific International Championship|2 times]])<ref name="HawaiiUS"/>
*'''[[Big Time Wrestling (San Francisco)|American Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(San Francisco version)'']] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Wilbur Snyder]]<ref name="AWATag"/>
*'''[[American Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[AWA World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[AWA World Heavyweight Championship#Title history|4 times]])<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="AWAWorldHeavy"/>
**[[AWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[AWA World Tag Team Championship#Title history|3 times]]) – with [[Ray Stevens (wrestler)|Ray Stevens]]<ref name=WWEbio/><ref name="AWAWorldTag"/>
*'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
**Iron Mike Mazurki Award (2009)<ref name="Cauliflower2009"/>
*'''[[Championship Wrestling from Florida]]'''
**[[NWA Florida Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Florida Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with Ray Stevens<ref name="FloridaTagTeam"/>
*'''[[Continental Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Memphis Wrestling Southern Heavyweight Championship|1 time]])<ref name="AWASouthern"/>
*'''[[George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
** Class of 2009<ref name="Johnson2009"/>
*'''[[Georgia Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="GeorgiaHeavy"/>
**[[NWA National Television Championship|NWA Georgia Television Championship]] ([[NWA National Television Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name="GeorgiaTV"/>
*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**[[NWA Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2016)<ref name="Scherer2"/><ref name="NWAHOF"/>
*'''[[North American Wrestling Alliance]]''' / '''[[Worldwide Wrestling Associates]]'''
**[[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship|International Television Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWA International Television Tag Team Championship#title history|2 times]]) – with [[Édouard Carpentier]] (1 time) and [[Lord James Blears]] (1 time)<ref name=NAWAtag/>
**[[NWA International Television Championship]] ([[NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="IntTV"/>
*'''[[NWA San Francisco]]''' 
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(San Francisco version)'']] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version)#Title history|2 times]]) – with [[Ramón Torres (wrestler)|Ramón Torres]] (2 times)<ref name="SanFranTag"/>
*'''[[Pacific Northwest Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship#Title history|2 times]])<ref name="PNWHeavy"/>
**[[NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship#Title history|2 times]]) – with Nick Kozak (1 time) and Nick Kozak/[[Omar Atlas|Buddy Mareno]] (1 time){{efn|Buddy Mareno replaced Nick Kozak as Bockwinkel's partner during their second reign.}}<ref name="PNWTagTeam"/>
*'''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
**[[PWI Stanley Weston Award]] (2007)<ref name="PWIStanleyWeston" />
**[[PWI Tag Team of the Year]] (1973) – with Ray Stevens<ref name="PWITagTeam"/>
*'''[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum]]'''
**[[Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum#Inductees|Class of 2003]]<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010"/><ref name="PWHOF"/>
*'''[[Western States Sports]]'''
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Amarillo version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship ''(West Texas version)'']] (1 time) - with [[Ricky Romero (wrestler)|Ricky Romero]]<ref name=AmarilloTag/>
*'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'''
**[[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame|Class of 2007]])<ref name=WWEbio/>
*'''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
**[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] (Class of 1996)<ref name="WONHOF"/>
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|refs=

<ref name="AlvarezStorm2019">{{cite book|author-link1=Bryan Alvarez|first1=Bryan|last1=Alvarez|author-link2=Lance Storm|first2=Lance|last2=Storm|title=100 Things WWE Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r6Z0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT100|date=2019|publisher=[[Triumph Books]]|isbn=978-1-64125-220-1|pages=100}}</ref>

<ref name="AmarilloTag">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/w/nwa/wt-world-t.html|title=World Tag Team Title [W. Texas]|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Ancestry1">{{cite web|url=http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gss=angs-c&new=1&rank=1&gsfn=Nicholas&gsfn_x=NP_NN&gsln=Bockwinkel&gsln_x=0&msbdy=1937&cpxt=1&cp=12&MSAV=0&uidh=6gr&pcat=BMD_MARRIAGE&h=505086&recoff=8+10&db=CAMarriageRecs&indiv=1&ml_rpos=1|title=California Marriage Index 1949–1959|work=[[Ancestry.com]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Ancestry2">{{cite web|url=http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&db=ca_divorce&gss=angs-d&new=1&rank=1&gsfn=Nicholas&gsfn_x=NP_NN&gsln=Bockwinkel&gsln_x=0&msbdy=1937&cpxt=1&cp=12&MSAV=0&uidh=6gr&pcat=BMD_MARRIAGE&fh=0&h=1607068&recoff=8+10&ml_rpos=1|title=California Divorce Index 1966–1984|work=[[Ancestry.com]]}}</ref>

<ref name="AssaelMooneyham2002">{{cite book|first1=Shaun|last1=Assael|first2=Mike|last2=Mooneyham|title=Sex, Lies, and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and the World Wrestling Federation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=duPtAAAAMAAJ|year=2002|publisher=[[Crown Publishers]]|isbn=978-0-609-60690-2|page=19}}</ref>

<ref name="AWASouthern">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/shwawa.html|title=AWA Southern Heavyweight Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=2009|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="AWATag">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/n/bigtime/sf-bigtime-t.html|title=World Tag Team Title [San Francisco 1960s - 1970s]|access-date=June 22, 2021|date=May 27, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="AWAWorldHeavy">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/whtawa.html|title=AWA World Heavyweight Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=2009|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="AWAWorldTag">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttawa.html|title=AWA World Tag Team Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=2008|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name=Backlund>{{cite book|title=The All-American Kid: Lessons and Stories on Life from Wrestling Legend Bob Backlund|author-link1=Bob Backlund|first1=Bob|last1=Backlund|first2=Robert H.|last2=Miller|publisher=[[Skyhorse Publishing]]|year=2013}}</ref>

<ref name="BacklundMiller2015">{{cite book|author-link1=Bob Backlund|first=Bob|last1=Backlund|first2=Robert H.|last2=Miller|title=Backlund: From All-American Boy to Professional Wrestling's World Champion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lm2CDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT360|date=2015|publisher=[[Sports Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-61321-696-5|pages=360}}</ref>

<ref name="Beekman2006">{{cite book|first=Scott|last=Beekman|title=Ringside: A History of Professional Wrestling in America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SzAHxRZtreQC&pg=PA121|year=2006|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-0-275-98401-4|pages=121}}</ref>

<ref name="Berger2009">{{cite book|first=Richard|last=Berger|title=A Fool for Old School... Wrestling, That is|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95ZzAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA164|year=2009|publisher=[[Lulu.com]]|isbn=978-0-9812498-0-3|pages=164}}</ref>

<ref name="Bixenspan2018">{{cite web|last=Bixenspan|first=David|title=Nick Bockwinkel Obituary (FSM 127)|url=https://archive.org/details/5448773-Nick-Bockwinkel-Obituary-FSM-127/mode/2up|work=archive.org|date=December 6, 2018|access-date=March 5, 2025}}</ref>

<ref name="Cauliflower2009">{{cite web|last=Oliver|first=Greg|title=Top CAC award goes to top CAC man Nick Bockwinkel|url=http://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2009/04/16/top-cac-award-goes-to-top-cac-man-nick-bockwinkel/|work=SlamWrestling.net|date=April 16, 2009|access-date=June 23, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Durham2007">{{cite web|publisher=Greensboro Sports|url=http://www.greensborosports.com/2007/11/12/booker-t-puts-the-t-back-in-tna-nick-bockwinkel-hits-a-triple/|title=Booker T puts the "T" back in TNA, Nick Bockwinkel hits a triple|first=Andy|last=Durham|date=November 12, 2007|access-date=November 15, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name=F4WApril17>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0417-wcw-spring-stampede-1994-309086 | title=Daily pro wrestling (04/17): WCW Spring Stampede 1994 | date=April 17, 2020 | access-date=April 17, 2020 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}</ref>

<ref name="Fletcher2015">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/news/a774113/wwe-hall-of-famer-nick-bockwinkel-dies-aged-80/|title=WWE Hall of Famer and former AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel dies aged 80|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Harry|last=Fletcher|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=November 15, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="FloridaTagTeam">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/flttnwa.html|title=NWA Florida Tag Team Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=2015|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="FoxObituary">{{cite web|work=[[Fox Sports]]|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/wwe/wrestling-great-nick-bockwinkel-dead-at-80|title=Wrestling great Nick Bockwinkel dead at the age of 80|access-date=May 11, 2021|date=November 15, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="Freedman2018">{{cite book|first=Lew|last=Freedman|title=Pro Wrestling: A Comprehensive Reference Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TQ5pDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA33|date=2018|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=978-1-4408-5351-7|pages=33–35}}</ref>

<ref name="Fresno">{{cite news|work=[[The Fresno Bee]] (via WrestlingClassics.com)|url=http://www.wrestlingclassics.com/wawli/New251-260.htm|title=Villains lose tag team match|access-date=June 23, 2021|date=August 10, 1958|quote=The 300-plus-pound Montana came in as a last-minute substitution for soldier Nick Warren, who is confined to Fort Ord with a dose of poison oak. [...] Ed. note -- "Nick Warren" was the name Nick Bockwinkel used -- a variation of his and his father's name -- to keep Fort Ord authorities unaware of his moonlighting mat career. }}</ref>

<ref name="FunkWilliams2006">{{cite book|author-link1=Terry Funk|first1=Terry|last1=Funk|first2=Scott E.|last2=Williams|title=Terry Funk: More Than Just Hardcore|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hZAmyUEP_v0C&pg=PA120|year=2006|publisher=[[Sports Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-59670-159-5|pages=46, 120}}</ref>

<ref name="GeorgiaHeavy">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ghtgcw.html|title=NWA Georgia Heavyweight Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=1999|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="GeorgiaTV">{{cite web|work=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/gtvgcw.html|title=NWA Georgia Television Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=1999|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="Grasso2014">{{cite book|first=John|last=Grasso|title=Historical Dictionary of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KUsJAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA49|date=6 March 2014|publisher=[[Scarecrow Press]]|isbn=978-0-8108-7926-3|pages=49–50}}</ref>

<ref name="Greenberg2000">{{cite book|first=Keith Elliot|last=Greenberg|title=Pro Wrestling: From Carnivals to Cable TV|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsCizgeX_ngC&pg=PA38|date=2000|publisher=[[Lerner Publications]]|isbn=978-0-8225-3332-0|pages=38}}</ref>

<ref name="Hampp">{{cite web|url=https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/8721/mnmar_0201-0161/10752407|title=Minnesota, Marriage Index, 1958-2001|access-date=May 25, 2017|website=[[Ancestry.com]]}}{{subscription required}}</ref>

<ref name="HawaiiHeavy">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-h.html|title=Hawaii Heavyweight Title|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="HawaiiTagTeam">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/hi-t.html|title=NWA Hawaii Tag Team Title|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="HawaiiUS">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/hi/nwa/hi-us-h.html|title=NWA United States Heavyweight Title [Hawaii]|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="HébertLaprade">{{cite book|first1=Bertrand|last1=Hébert|first2=Pat|last2=Laprade|title=Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yGW1DgAAQBAJ&pg=PT129|date=2005|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77305-065-2|pages=129–130}}</ref>

<ref name="Hofstede1999">{{cite book|first=David|last=Hofstede|title=Slammin': Wrestling's Greatest Heroes and Villains|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wTfWE28MKsAC|year=1999|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-55022-370-5|page=72}}</ref>

<ref name="Hogan2002">{{cite book|author-link=Hulk Hogan|first=Hulk|last=Hogan|title=Hollywood Hulk Hogan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ctSR_k_960UC&pg=PA89|date=2002|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=978-0-7434-7556-3|pages=89–92}}</ref>

<ref name="Hoops">{{cite web|work=[[Pro Wrestling Torch]]|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_25708.shtml|title= Nostalgia Review: WCW Slamboree 1993; Vader vs. Davey Boy Smith; Hollywood Blonds vs. Dos Hombres; Nick Bockwinkel vs. Dory Funk Jr. |access-date=November 15, 2015 |date=May 26, 2008 |first=Brian|last=Hoops}}</ref>

<ref name="Hoops2">{{cite web|work=PWTorch.com|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_25499.shtml|title= Nostalgia Review: AWA Super Clash II; Bockwinkel vs Hennig; Blackwell vs. Zhukov; Midnight Rockers and more |access-date=November 15, 2015 |date=May 4, 2008 |first=Brian |last=Hoops}}</ref>

<ref name="Hornbaker">{{cite book|page=350|title=National Wrestling Alliance: The Untold Story of the Monopoly That Strangled Professional Wrestling|first=Tim|last=Hornbaker|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|year=2007|isbn=978-1550227413}}</ref>

<ref name="Hornbaker2017">{{cite book|first=Tim|last=Hornbaker|title=Legends of Pro Wrestling: 150 Years of Headlocks, Body Slams, and Piledrivers|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8G2CDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT448|date=2017|publisher=[[Sports Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-61321-875-4|chapter=Nick Bockwinkel|page=447}}</ref>

<ref name="Hornbaker2018">{{cite book|first=Tim|last=Hornbaker|title=Death of the Territories: Expansion, Betrayal and the War that Changed Pro Wrestling Forever|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XC1hDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT92|date=2018|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77305-232-8|pages=92–93}}</ref>

<ref name="Hunter2013">{{cite book|first=Matt|last=Hunter|title=Hulk Hogan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o8ZbAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA1971|year=2013|publisher=[[Infobase Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-4381-4647-8|pages=1,971}}</ref>

<ref name="IntTV">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/nwa/btc-tv.html|title="Beat the Champ" / "Wrestling Jackpot" / "Beat the Champ" Television Title|access-date=July 21, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Jericho">{{cite book|title=The Best In The World: At What I Have No Idea| author-link1=Chris Jericho| last1=Jericho|first=Chris| last2=Fornatale|first2=Peter Thomas|publisher=Gotham|year=2014|page=34}}</ref>

<ref name="Johnson2009">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=39743&p=1|title=Ricky Steamboat, Nick Bockinkel among 2009 class honored by Wrestling Museum & Institute|last=Johnson|first=Mike|publisher=[[PWInsider]]|date=June 30, 2009|access-date=November 30, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="Johnson2015">{{cite web|title=Class personified: Nick Bockwinkel dies|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2015/11/15/class-personified-nick-bockwinkel-dies/|website=SlamWrestling.net|date=November 15, 2015|access-date=May 30, 2021|first=Steve|last=Johnson}}</ref>

<ref name="Johnson2015B">{{cite web|title= Different kind of 'Killer Bees' at Cauliflower Alley |url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2015/04/15/different-kind-of-killer-bees-at-cauliflower-alley/|website=SlamWrestling.net|date=November 15, 2015|access-date=July 21, 2021|first=Steve|last=Johnson}}</ref>

<ref name="JohnsonOliver2010">{{cite book|first1=Steven|last1=Johnson|first2=Greg|last2=Oliver|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H-6DoPuiRkEC&pg=PA71|date=2010|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-55490-284-2|pages=68–71}}</ref>

<ref name="JohnsonOliver2013">{{cite book|first1=Steven|last1=Johnson|first2=Greg|last2=Oliver|first3=Mike|last3=Mooneyham|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: Heroes and Icons|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0wxLpfRhZqcC&pg=PT142|date=2013|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77090-269-5|pages=143}}</ref>

<ref name="Kaelberer2003">{{cite book|first=Angie Peterson|last=Kaelberer|title=Hulk Hogan: Pro Wrestler Terry Bollea|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cSO0pEBwe3MC&pg=PA47|date=2003|publisher=[[Capstone Publishers]]|isbn=978-0-7368-2140-7|pages=19}}</ref>

<ref name="Keith2012">{{cite book|first=Scott|last=Keith|title=Dungeon of Death: Chris Benoit and the Hart Family Curse|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6Ta9jS48ACwC&pg=PT176|date=2012|publisher=[[Kensington Books]]|isbn=978-0-8065-3562-3|pages=176–177}}</ref>

<ref name="Keller2010">{{cite web|work=[[Pro Wrestling Torch]]|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_40275.shtml|title=WWE Raw Results 3/29: Keller's live ongoing coverage of WrestleMania 26 fallout, Shawn Michaels's retirement and farewell|access-date=November 15, 2015 |date=March 29, 2010|author-link=Wade Keller|first=Wade|last=Keller}}</ref>

<ref name="Kluck2009">{{cite book|first=Ted|last=Kluck|title=Headlocks and Dropkicks: A Butt-Kicking Ride Through the World of Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z5JxDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA60|date=2009|publisher=[[ABC-Clio]]|isbn=978-0-313-35482-3|pages=60}}</ref>

<ref name="Koch2016">{{cite book|first=Natalie|last=Koch|title=Critical Geographies of Sport: Space, Power and Sport in Global Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bjolDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA215|date=2016|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]]|isbn=978-1-317-40430-9|pages=215}}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263 |title=Nick Bockwinkel |access-date=May 30, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1954">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1954 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1954 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1955">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1955 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1955 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1956">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1956 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1956 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1957">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1957 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1957 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1958">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1958 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1958 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1959">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1959 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1959 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1960">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1960 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1960 |access-date=June 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1961">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1961 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1961 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1963">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1963 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1963 |access-date=April 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1964">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1964 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1964 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1965">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1965 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1965 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1966">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1966 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1966 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1967">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1967 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1967 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1968">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1968 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1968 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1969">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1969 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1969 |access-date=June 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1970">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1970 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1970 |access-date=May 10, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1971">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1971 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1971 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1972">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1972 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1972 |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1973">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1973 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1973 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1974">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1974 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1974 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1975">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1975 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1975 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1976">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1976 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1976 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1977">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1977 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1977 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1978">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1978 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1978 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1979">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1979 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1979 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1980">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1980 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1980 |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1981">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1981 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1981 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1982">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1982 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1982 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1983">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1983 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1983 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1984">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1984 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1984 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1985">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1985 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1985 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1986">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1986 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1986 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Kreikenbohm1987">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1987 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - 1987 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmAustralia">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&view=&page=4&gimmick=&year=&promotion=635 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - World Championship Wrestling |access-date=April 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmCanada">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&promotion=115 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - Stampede Wrestling |access-date=April 28, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmCareer">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&promotion=115 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - career |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmGeorgia">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&promotion=66 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - Georgia Championship Wrestling |access-date=May 10, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmHawaii">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&promotion=483&s=100 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - Mid-Pacific Promotions |access-date=April 29, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmNJPW1990">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1990&promotion=7 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - New Japan Pro Wrestling - 1990 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmNWA1968">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1968&promotion=9 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - National Wrestling Alliance - 1968 |access-date=May 20, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmPNW">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&promotion=408 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - matches - Pacific Northwest Wrestling |access-date=May 5, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="KreikenbohmUWF1992">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1263&page=4&year=1992&promotion=56 |title=Nick Bockwinkel - Union of Professional Wrestling Force International - 1992 |access-date=July 6, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Krugman2009">{{cite book|first=Michael|last=Krugman|title=Andre the Giant: A Legendary Life|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u8RNM7QmEqkC&pg=PA81|date=2009|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=978-1-4391-8813-2|pages=81|quote=..the Heenan Family, an ever-shifting stable of heels that began in the AWA with Bockwinkel, Stevens, Bobby Duncum, and Blackjack Lanza.}}</ref>

<ref name="LapradeHébert2013">{{cite book|first1=Pat|last1=Laprade|first2=Bertrand|last2=Hébert|title=Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ey8bluWM_m4C&pg=PA1965|date=2013|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77090-296-1|pages=1,965}}</ref>

<ref name="Lawler2002">{{cite book|author-link=Jerry Lawler|first=Jerry|last=Lawler|title=It's Good to Be the King...Sometimes|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qv83yXvjPOkC&pg=PA199|date=2002|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=978-0-7434-7557-0|pages=199}}</ref>

<ref name="Lentz2015">{{cite book|first=Harris M.|last=Lentz III|title=Biographical Dictionary of Professional Wrestling|edition=2|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QjGSCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA20|date=2015|publisher=[[McFarland and Company]]|isbn=978-1-4766-0505-0|pages=43}}</ref>

<ref name="Lentz2018">{{cite book|first=Harris M.|last=Lentz III|title=Obituaries in the Performing Arts, 2017|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FspZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT191|date=2018|publisher=[[McFarland and Company]]|isbn=978-1-4766-7032-4|pages=191}}</ref>

<ref name="Matysik">{{cite book|title=50 Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time: The Definitive Shoot|last=Matysik|first=Larry|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|chapter=Nick Bockwinkel|year=2013}}</ref>

<ref name="McAvennie2021">{{cite book|first=Michael|last=McAvennie|title=Austin 3:16: 316 Facts & Stories about Stone Cold Steve Austin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ReANEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT76|date=2021|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77305-723-1|pages=76}}</ref>

<ref name="Meltzer1988">{{cite book|author-link=Dave Meltzer|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|title=The Wrestling Observer's Who's who in Pro Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-rFZAAAAYAAJ|year=1988|publisher=[[Wrestling Observer]]}}</ref>

<ref name="Meltzer2004">{{cite book|author-link=Dave Meltzer |first=Dave|last=Meltzer|title=Tributes II: Remembering More of the World's Greatest Professional Wrestlers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=00XoU40tLO8C&pg=PA58|year=2004|publisher=[[Sports Publishing]]|isbn=978-1-58261-817-3|pages=58}}</ref>

<ref name="Meltzer2010">{{cite web|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/news/all-time-great-nick-bockwinkel-passes-away-201736 |title=All-time great Nick Bockwinkel passes away |access-date=November 15, 2015 |date=March 29, 2010 |author-link=Dave Meltzer |first=Dave |last=Meltzer}}</ref>

<ref name="Molinaro2002">{{cite book|first=John F.|last=Molinaro|title=Top 100 Pro Wrestlers of All Time|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JN_ZAAAAMAAJ|year=2002|publisher=Winding Stair Press|isbn=978-1-55366-305-8|page=105}}</ref>

<ref name="MultererWiden2019">{{cite book|first1=Chris|last1=Multerer|first2=Larry|last2=Widen|title=Job Man: My Life in Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c_uwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT25|date=2019|publisher=[[Wisconsin Historical Society Press]]|isbn=978-0-87020-926-0|pages=25–26}}</ref>

<ref name="MurphyYoung2021">{{cite book|first1=Dan|last1=Murphy|first2=Brian|last2=Young|title=The Wrestlers' Wrestlers: The Masters of the Craft of Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=--ENEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT364|date=2021|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77305-687-6|pages=364}}</ref>

<ref name="Museum">{{cite web|publisher=Professional Wrestling Online Museum|first=Steve|last=Slagle|url=http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/nickbockwinkel2.html|access-date=November 15, 2015|title=Nick Bockwinkel|archive-date=February 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213144526/http://www.wrestlingmuseum.com/pages/wrestlers/nickbockwinkel2.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="Napolitano1987">{{cite book|author-link=George Napolitano|first=George|last=Napolitano|title=Wrestling: The Greatest Stars|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XKwHavTiZKQC|date=1987|publisher=[[Random House]]|isbn=978-0-517-64466-9|page=15}}</ref>

<ref name="Napolitano2011">{{cite book|author-link=George Napolitano|first=George|last=Napolitano|title=Hot Shots and High Spots: George Napolitano's Amazing Pictorial History of Wrestling's Greatest Stars|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fGOFu7tMlGkC&pg=PA302|date=2011|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77090-064-6|pages=302}}</ref>

<ref name="NAWAtag">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/s/nwa/int-tv-t.html|title=International Television Tag Team Title|access-date=June 22, 2021|date=December 10, 2019}}</ref>

<ref name="Nowick2011">{{cite book|first=Phil|last=Nowick|title=Wrestling with Life: Stories of My Life Immersed in the Sport of Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EQ-oraj-9-AC&pg=PA15|date=2011|publisher=[[AuthorHouse]]|isbn=978-1-4567-5818-9|pages=15}}</ref>

<ref name="NWAHOF">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/nwa/hof.html|title=National Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame|access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="Oliver">{{cite book|title=The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Heels|first=Greg|last=Oliver|pages=68–9|publisher=ECW Press|isbn=978-1554902842|year=2007}}</ref>

<ref name="PNWHeavy">{{cite web|website=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://www.solie.org/titlehistories/pnwhtnwa.html|title=NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title history|access-date=July 21, 2021|date=2016|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="PNWTagTeam">{{cite web|website=[[Solie.org]]|url=https://solie.org/titlehistories/pnwttnwa.html|title=NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title history|access-date=June 3, 2021|date=2017|first1=Royal|last1=Duncan|first2=Gary|last2=Will}}</ref>

<ref name="PopeWhebbe2003">{{cite book|first1=Kristian|last1=Pope|first2=Ray|last2=Whebbe|title=The Encyclopedia of Professional Wrestling: 100 Years of History, Headlines & Hitmakers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hLJZAAAAYAAJ|year=2003|publisher=[[Krause Publications]]|isbn=978-0-87349-625-4|page=241}}</ref>

<ref name="Pratt2017">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-bobby-heenan-chicago-shooting-column-20171016-story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424232418/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-bobby-heenan-chicago-shooting-column-20171016-story.html|title=Column: Remembering the time a fan shot at Bobby 'The Brain' Heenan
|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|last=Pratt|first=Greg|date=October 16, 2017|access-date=August 25, 2021|archive-date=April 24, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="PWHOF">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/hof/pwhof.html|title=The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum|access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="PWI">{{cite journal|page=87|date=March 1996|publisher=London Publishing Co.|journal=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|title=Achievement Awards: Past Winners|issn=1043-7576}}</ref>

<ref name="PWIStanleyWeston">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=77 |title=Stanley Weston Award |access-date=July 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="PWITagTeam">{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=97&nr=81 |title=Tag team of the year |access-date=July 22, 2021 |first=Philip |last=Kreikenbohm |website=Cagematch.net }}</ref>

<ref name="Rhodes2011">{{cite book|first=Karen|last=Rhodes|title=Booking Hawaii Five-O: An Episode Guide and Critical History of the 1968-1980 Television Detective Series|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_FruSwC9UjwC&pg=PA59|date=2011|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]|isbn=978-0-7864-8666-3|pages=59}}</ref>

<ref name="SanFranTag">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/n/nwa/sf-nwa-t.html|title=National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title [1950s San Francisco]|access-date=June 22, 2021|date=November 26, 2018}}</ref>

<ref name="Scherer">{{cite web|title=Legendary AWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel Passes Away|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/97841/legendary-awa-champion-nick-bockwinkel-passes-away.html|work=PWInsider.com|date=November 11, 2015|access-date=November 11, 2015|first=Dave|last=Scherer}}</ref>

<ref name="Scherer2">{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/101201/nwa-announces-2016-hall-of-fame-class.html|title=NWA announces 2016 Hall of Fame class|work=[[Pro Wrestling Insider]]|access-date=April 8, 2016|author-link=Dave Scherer|first=Dave|last=Scherer|date=April 8, 2016}}</ref>

<ref name="Schire2010">{{cite book|first=George|last=Schire|title=Minnesota's Golden Age of Wrestling: From Verne Gagne to the Road Warriors|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8PjMDAUwSAC|year=2010|publisher=[[Minnesota Historical Society]]|isbn=978-0-87351-620-4}}</ref>

<ref name="ShannonRobinson2012">{{cite book|first1=Jake|last1=Shannon|author-link2=Billy Robinson|first2=Billy|last2=Robinson|title=Physical Chess: My Life in Catch-As-Catch-Can Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kru8jBa9a3YC&pg=PT99|date=2012|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-77090-215-2|pages=99|quote=I did an exhibition match with Nick Bockwinkel. I was in no shape to do it, and neither was Nick, but we went over and did it on one of the big UWFi fight cards.}}</ref>

<ref name="Shields2010">{{cite book|first=Brian|last=Shields|title=Main Event: WWE in the Raging 80s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ktv7Nj2C9QUC&pg=PA63|date=2010|publisher=[[Simon & Schuster]]|isbn=978-1-4516-0467-2|pages=28, 63}}</ref>

<ref name="Shoemaker2013">{{cite book|first=David|last=Shoemaker|title=The Squared Circle: Life, Death, and Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=chLof3We7nYC&pg=PA102|date=2013|publisher=[[Penguin Group]]|isbn=978-1-101-60974-3|pages=117}}</ref>

<ref name="Smallman2018">{{cite book|first=Jim|last=Smallman|title=I'm Sorry, I Love You: A History of Professional Wrestling|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MA5ZDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT104|date=2018|publisher=[[Headline Publishing Group]]|isbn=978-1-4722-5421-4|pages=104}}</ref>

<ref name="Solomon2015">{{cite book|first=Brian|last=Solomon|title=Pro Wrestling FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Entertaining Spectacle|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A5DqCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT240|date=2015|publisher=[[Backbeat Books]]|isbn=978-1-61713-627-6|pages=240, 293}}</ref>

<ref name="Statesman">{{cite news|title=Kosak, Vacon listed on Wednesday lineup|url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/80337229/|work=[[Statesman Journal]] (via [[Heritage Microfilm, Inc.#NewspaperArchive|NewspaperArchive.com]])|location=[[Salem, Oregon]]|date=October 22, 1963|access-date=5 June 2019|page=10|quote=Nick Bockwinkle [sic] and Tough Tony Borne collide in it, and the loser gets painted yellow by the winner.}}</ref>

<ref name="Sullivan2020">{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia of Sports Entertainment|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YwHnDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT1|date=2020|publisher=[[DK (publisher)|DK]]|isbn=978-0-241-48805-8|pages=23|first=Kevin|last=Sullivan|display-authors=etal}}</ref>

<ref name="Tranchitella">{{cite web|title=California, County Marriages, 1850–1952 Transcription: Nicholas Warren Bockwinkel|publisher=[[Findmypast]]|url=http://search.findmypast.com/record?id=r_22288109609%2f1|access-date=November 16, 2015}}{{subscription required}}</ref>

<ref name="Verrier2018">{{cite book|first=Steven|last=Verrier|title=Gene Kiniski: Canadian Wrestling Legend|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5X2CDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT198|date=2018|publisher=[[McFarland and Company]]|isbn=978-1-4766-3427-2|pages=79, 198}}</ref>

<ref name="WilsonJohnson2003">{{cite book|first2=Weldon T.|last2=Johnson|author-link1=Jim Wilson (wrestler)|first1=Jim|last1=Wilson|title=Chokehold: Pro Wrestling's Real Mayhem Outside the Ring|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=epCYZj7Li-AC&pg=PA192|date=2003|publisher=[[Xlibris]]|isbn=978-1-4628-1172-4|pages=192}}</ref>

<ref name="WONHOF">{{cite web|work=Wrestling-Titles.com|url=https://www.wrestling-titles.com/hof/won.html|title=Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|access-date=July 22, 2021}}</ref>

<ref name="WWEbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/nickbockwinkel|title=Nick Bockwinkel|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com|access-date=March 30, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="WWEObituary">{{cite web|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com|url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/nick-bockwinkel-passes-away|title=WWE Hall of Famer Nick Bockwinkel passes away|access-date=May 11, 2021|date=November 15, 2015}}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani34-55">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa26.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1934 to 1955] |access-date=May 11, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani56">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa8.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1956] |access-date=July 22, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani55-60">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa26-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1955 to 1960] |access-date=June 22, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani60-62">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa27.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1960 to 1962] |access-date=May 11, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani63-64">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa27-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1963 to 1964] |access-date=May 19, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani64-68">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa28.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1964 to 1968] |access-date=May 19, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani68">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa28-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1968] |access-date=May 20, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani68-70">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa29.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1968 to 1970] |access-date=May 11, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani70-72">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa29-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1970 to 1972] |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani72">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa30.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1972] |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani72-73">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa30-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1972 to 1973] |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani74-75">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa32-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1974 to 1975] |access-date=July 7, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani75-76">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa33.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1975 to 1976] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani76">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa33-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1976] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani78">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa35-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1978] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani79-80">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa36-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1979 to 1980] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani80-81">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa38.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1980 to 1981] |access-date=July 13, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani81-82">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa39.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1981 to 1982] |access-date=July 14, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani82">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa39-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1982] |access-date=July 14, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani83">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa40.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1983] |access-date=July 18, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani83-84">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa41-2.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1983 to 1984] |access-date=July 19, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani83-84B">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa41.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1983 to 1984] |access-date=August 6, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zordani85">{{cite web |url=https://www.kayfabememories.com/Regions/awa/awa42.htm |title=Regional Territories: AWA [1985] |access-date=July 18, 2021 |first=Jim |last=Zordani |website=KayfabeMemories.com }}</ref>

<ref name="Zbyszko2010">{{cite book|author-link=Larry Zbyszko|first=Larry|last=Zbyszko|title=Adventures in Larryland!|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9oi6NlcvsOkC&pg=PT117|date=2010|publisher=[[ECW Press]]|isbn=978-1-55490-322-1|pages=117}}</ref>
}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{IMDb name|0090723|Nick Bockwinkel}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bockwinkel, Nick}}
[[Category:1934 births]]
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