As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. players received $50 apiece for playing exhibition games. Along with former NWA World Champions Bronko Nagurski, Wayne Munn, and others > Sporting Connection McDaniel graduated from MHS in 1956 and went to the University of Oklahoma, where he played both offense and defense during his three years, finishing up as a defensive player. [6][4] Though he was a problematic teenager, he was accepted to the University of Oklahoma by Bud Wilkinson. In 2019, Wahoo McDaniel was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. complications from diabetes and renal failure, Cremated, Ashes scattered in a lake in Del Rio, Texas. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. By Ryan on October 25, 2016 2000s 2002 Kidney Failure camaro_mang 5 years ago Of the tens of thousands of names that have graced this profession over the past 100 plus years, there have been stars too numerous to mention. Oops, something didn't work. McDaniel was one of the most well known legitimate Native American wresters, as opposed to the many wrestlers of various ethnic ancestry that portrayed Native American characters. Day of death: 18.04.2002 (at the age of 63) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 5' 11" (180 cm) Weight: 251 lbs (114 kg) Background in sports: Football, Ringen, Baseball Career Data Alter egos: Wahoo McDaniel Roles: Singles Wrestler Tag Team Wrestler Booker Beginning of in-ring career: 1961 End of in-ring career: 1996 It became something that lasted for quite some time.. The book really captures the brutal relationship that Wahoo and Valentine forged and took around the territories from Florida to Texas to the Mid-Atlantic area. His financial model was the wrestler Bruno Sammartino, who earned $125,000 a year. . [10][2], McDaniel and Valentine had a historical feud remembered for the sheer force of their punch/chop exchanges, both men widely known for their hard-hitting style. Location unknown. This means a lot to us, and hes well deserving for it., Former Abilene High football player David Bourland on playing against McDaniel: He was tough as a boot, and he played fullback and linebacker and he weighed about 230 or 240 pounds in high school. last year on the team. At a time when sensibilities about ethnicity were not as pronounced as they are today, McDaniel himself, news media representatives, teammates and fans readily spoke about his being on the warpath or wanting more wampum in contract disputes. WAHOO MCDANIEL? The good, the bad and the ugly are all documented here and, after doing years of research on Wahoo myself, that is really all needed to piece together the violent and complicated life of this wrestling legend. His wife, Charlie updated people regularly, using terms Lou lived his life with. In an era where sports entertainment wins out over the art of The younger McDaniel took the name as his own, using it as not only his ring name but . (Tommy Johnson) worked all his lifetime trying to get Wahoo in the (Midland High) Hall of Fame and we kept running up against brick walls. McDaniel's football career ended after the 1968 season, but it was early in his pro career that he began wrestling, and it didn't take him long to become a box office draw. '', ''But I know right from wrong,'' he said. This is a carousel. Unfortunately for Slater, McDaniels gun accidentally discharged, hitting Slater. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. He was on a waiting list to receive a kidney transplant at the time of his death. McDaniel was a two-time all-state player and led the state in rushing in 1954. This angle is particularly remembered for a follow-up interview weeks later with Flair and Valentine throwing change at McDaniel, and Valentine asking him if he needed a custom-made wheelchair for his fat body. He wrestled for a number of years, continuing to wear the full Native American head dress. There was an error deleting this problem. About Dykes: Dykes, 74 and a native of Ballinger, was already a successful coach when he came to Lee in 1980, with an extensive background in college and high school coaching. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. We have set your language to > Movies & TV [2], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 17:07, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, inaugural AFL Championship-winning season, Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling / Jim Crockett Promotions, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, "Wahoo McDaniel, 63, a Wrestler and a Folk Hero for Fans of the Early Jets", "Ric Flair, Wahoo among President George H.W. To use this feature, use a newer browser. Fiercely proud of his Chickasaw Indian heritage, he always entered the ring with his trademark feather headdress. Bush. . He was just amazing.". On this page, you find the full wrestling profile of Wahoo McDaniel, with his Career History, real name, age, height and weight, the Promotions he worked for, all the Face/Heel turns, the Championship Titles he won, his Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams and Stables, his appearance changes through the years, and more.. Edward McDaniel was born in Bernice, Oklahoma on June 19, 1938. [4][7][8], While with the Houston Oilers, McDaniel also trained with NWA Amarillo wrestling promoter Dory Funk Sr. and became a professional wrestler as a way to supplement his income[8] by the time he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 1961. from the classic era of wrestling, and more recent names ranging from Ernie Ladd to Brian My dad was a homebuilder, and whatever house we didnt sell thats the home we moved into. [12] At Slamboree on May 23, 1995, he defeated Murdoch. telling a story, this simple art stands out more and more every day. McDaniel being inducted into the Midland ISD Athletics Hall of Legends this weekend is sort of the culmination of a campaign by some in Midland to bring recognition to him for his exploits both in Midland and the rest of his career. Penny Banner, Red Bastein, Tully Blanchard, The Crusher, Don Curtis, Terry Funk, Verne because of what he saw on the other side of the rail: "When I was growing up I had very fond memories of 'Chief' in many McDaniel later went to play nine seasons in the American Football League with Houston, Denver, New York and Miami. Even though Wahoo died in 2002, he seems to be a participant in the book because Karen was right there. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Those stories, though, for his friends and family overshadowed what type of person he was when he was not on the football field or in the wrestling ring. [6] With his first wife, Monta Rae, he had two daughters, Nikki, born in June 1963 and living in Houston and Cindi, born in October 1965 and living in Azle, Texas. in pain, and can throw those stiff chops and punches againamazing everyone that's "He was absolutely a legend in his own way.". > Career Records McDaniel, known as Little Wahoo as a youngster, moved around with his family to the oil fields that beckoned his father, a welder. That was bigger than most people in those days. You will also hear about a man who had lots of demons and anger issues and what they did to his friends and family. An easygoing guy, no angel. An email has been sent to the person who requested the photo informing them that you have fulfilled their request, There is an open photo request for this memorial. McDaniel's exploits on the playing fields of Midland are sometimes overshadowed by his time playing college and professional football and as a popular professional wrestler. Slater was involved in many high-profile angles, including one in JCP where he collected NWA World Heavyweight Champion Harley Races bounty on challenger Nature Boy Ric Flair. (vitag.Init = window.vitag.Init || []).push(function(){viAPItag.display("vi_937032466")}). [4], McDaniel was born in the small town of Bernice, Louisiana in 1938. "He was just away from them, and you know how that goes when you are never home. What does it mean to be inducted into the Hall of Legends: Its just so nice because Ive got so many great memories of growing up in Midland. Publish date: May 13, 2019. . appropriate to send flowers. ". Slater was accidentally shot by colleague Wahoo McDaniel after the Native American legend pistol-whipped a fan whod drawn a knife on wrestler Tommy Rich. Unlike Strongbow (who was Italian-American), McDaniel was legitimately Native American. Karen doesnt pull the punches on what she had to deal with from the fights and heartbreak she endured living with Wahoo. But its ultimately his wrestling career that wrestling fans want to hear about and it is well covered in this book, including his long run in Jim Crocketts Mid-Atlantic Wrestling with all the in-depth stories from Greg Valentine breaking his leg, his feuds with Ric Flair, Sgt. Bishop is now the vice president of Security for the Denver Broncos. based on information from your browser. What you wont hear, since Wahoo is no longer with us, are rants about how he was the greatest and how so-and-so held him back. Apr 2: WWE WrestleMania In December 2003, Slater was accused of stabbing his girlfriend Theresa Halbert with a butchers knife. His legend began to foster itself when he played youth baseball, but it was on the football field where it started to take on a life of its own. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Crockett/WCW shows at the Philadelphia Civic Center. I know we all must go, but this is never easy. McDaniel's health started to deteriorate in the mid-1990s, [6] which led to his retirement in 1996, and he eventually lost both kidneys in 2000. quotes from Miami Herald and Wrestling Classics.com), _________________________________________________________, (If you have comments or questions, I can be reached by McDaniel was on the waiting list to receive a kidney when he died because of complications arising from renal failure, the National Football League Players Association said. 'He was colorful, and he was especially hard on the rookies. Pillman; McDaniel made the move from professional football to wrestling, after a career What does it mean to be inducted into the Hall of Legends: Its a real thrill anytime youre inducted into a hall of honor, especially in a place like Midland. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. Well-liked. He was an affable fellow away from the football field. Please try again later. There are no volunteers for this cemetery. There have been local and even national legends. Soon, the public-address announcer proclaimed, Tackle by . On May 23, 1999, in Kansas, Missouri, during the Over the Edge PPV, Owen Hart fell 78 feet into the ring and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Truman Medical Center. From the time McDaniel roamed the playing fields of Midland as a young teenager playing for a baseball team coached by George H.W. I have always missed Bob Caudle saying, I only saw McDaniel only a few times live, including at one of the first Center, pinning Dick Murdoch. In his opening game, he made 10 tackles from his middle linebacker position. Karen is just one of several wives McDaniel had over the years, and, good or bad, his family is detailed, as well as his up and down relationships with his peers. He was athletically gifted, but was also a great promoter for himself both in football and in wrestling, and also had a reputation for doing some wild things that sometimes got him in trouble. [4][7] He then played for the Denver Broncos between 1961 and 1963. It will leave you informed and maybe with a smile or a look of shock if you didnt know of the tale of Wahoo McDaniel already. Wahoo takes on Colone Debeers. His regular partners included not only pro golf legend Lee Trevino, but also baseball legend Mickey Mantle, daredevil Evel Knievel, and country singer Charley Pride. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Part one of a series of videos.This is a revised video with all graphics included. Try again later. McDaniel, known as Little Wahoo as a youngster, moved around with his family to the oil fields that beckoned his father, a welder. The new book about Wahoo McDaniel, appropriately titled Wahoo, is a rarity, as we get insight from the wife, in this case Karen McDaniel. According to the NY times, he had suffered from kidney failure. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. McDaniel then worked the 1995 Slamboree at St. Petersburg, Florida's Bayfront All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. I happened to be at the right place at the right time, and we had a great staff. Once described as the football Jets first real hero, McDaniel joined them in 1964, their first year at Shea Stadium. As I sit here at my desk wanting to cry, but holding it back, I can see To those who knew him, though, they say he touched more lives than he could count, and even a decade after his death, he is still talked about with reverence, and that he was an original, whose legend was incubated here in Midland. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. White credits much of his success to the mentoring of former MHS coach Thurman "Tugboat" Jones, and said it was because of him that McDaniel became the athlete that he was. McDaniel's feuds over a 20 plus year career included Blackjack Mulligan, Ric [9] He was also an avid golfer and hunter. McDaniel was on the waiting list to receive a kidney when he died because of complications arising from renal failure, the National Football League Players Association said. Please enter your email and password to sign in. [2][5][6] The name "Wahoo" actually came from his father Hugh, who was known as "Big Wahoo". Unfortunately, this would pale in comparison to Slaters most notorious incident out of the ring. Throughout his career, Wahoo had notable feuds with Roddy Piper, Ric Flair, Sgt. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Edward McDaniel was cremated. Now for the first time, we have listed all major Old School Wrestling Stars who are no longer with us, including their date & cause of death: R.I.P. Go, But this is never easy the vice president of Security for the next time I comment happened be! 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