The man with the claim to fame of being the first recognized National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Champion, Orville Brown mad his name in the state of Kansas accumulating regional championships.  Brown was pegged by the growing National Wrestling Alliance to be their first champion and embarked on unification matches with other regional promotions.  A severe car accident derailed that plan, but he would promote the Midwest Wrestling Association in the 50’s before selling it to Bob Geigel.

From the carnival era, John Pesek forewent his initial dream of boxing for the world of professional wrestling.  Pesek was not often the largest man, but his dexterity and cunning earning him the nickname of the “Tiger Man” and he would eventually become the World Champion.  Pesek was also known within the inner circle for being a true “hooker” as in he was one often called in to ensure that other wrestlers would follow the unspoken code of doing the honors.

The patriarch of the Orton clan, Bob Orton Sr. competed all across the United States winning a plethora of regional singles and tag team championships.  Credited with inventing the pedigree finishing manoeuvre, Orton had a run himself in the WWWF, (though billed as “Cowboy” Rocky Fitzpatrick) which saw him receive a World Title shot against Bruno Sammartino.

While it can not really be disputed that Mildred Burke was the biggest women’s star of the 30’s and 40’s, that mantle was shifted to June Byers in the 50’s.  Byers would become the World Champion in the 50’s defeating Mildred Burke and would become the top female in the industry until a car accident forced her to retire early in 1964.