This Month in NWA History: “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers

*At various points during the NWA World’s Championship reign of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, he lost the title in disputed fashion. Both Bobo Brazil* (Above Left) *and Bruno Sammartino* (Above Right) *refused to accept the belt due to Rogers’ injuries. Killer Kowalski* (Above Center) *was recognized as champion in certain areas of the U.S. by not by the NWA itself.*

Buddy Rogers Wins the NWA World’s Heavyweight Title
June 30, 1961

Talk about trendsetters in professional wrestling, and “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers could well be at the top of the list!

Rogers inspired generations of grapplers to replicate his flashy look, controversial personality and in-ring acumen — down to adopting his “Nature Boy” moniker. He also set the standard for what a pro wrestling star should be during the television era!

On June 30, 1961, Rogers challenged champion Pat O’Connor for the National Wrestling Alliance World’s Heavyweight title at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. “The Nature Boy” claimed the title in a then-standard two-out-of-three falls match in front of a record-shattering 38,622 fans.

The attendance record remained until the 1984 David Von Erich Memorial Parade of Champions. There Kerry Von Erich defeated Rogers’ “Nature Boy” namesake Ric Flair for the NWA World’s title.

Rogers reigned atop the NWA until January 24, 1963. In Toronto, he dropped the belt to Lou Thesz in a match so controversial due to its combatants’ very real dislike for one-another, promoters feared it might not happen.

The outcome laid the groundwork for an historic shift in pro wrestling. Angered by the title change, several northeastern territories where Rogers was an immense draw seceded from the NWA, leading to the emergence of a new, rival organization.

Shortly after, disgruntled promoters declared the original "Nature Boy” the first World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE) World Champion. The promotion’s establishment dates to January 24, 1963 — the very day Rogers lost the NWA title.

For nearly 30 years, Rogers remained the only wrestler to hold both belts…until Flair replicated the feat in 1992. Now a total of four men have achieved this feat, including Rogers, Flair, AJ Styles and reigning WWE champion Cody Rhodes.