On a recent edition of his “The Snake Pit” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts spoke about Paul Boesch being the greatest wrestling promoter of all time following a successful booking career in Houston.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On whether he viewed Dusty Rhodes as one of the boys or more of a political figure in Florida: “Dusty knew how to book Dusty, you know? And he’s a great talent. I mean, thank God he wasn’t a piece of s**t, did not know what he was doing. He knew what he’s doing, man. And he could work with just about anybody if he wanted to, and make money. I always found it easy to work with. No issues here, but you know, maybe I wasn’t in a position to cause issues.”
On Rhodes starting his own promotion in Florida: “I think it was bad timing. It just wasn’t ready for it. You know, Florida had been twisted upside down and rung wet, man, by then. Once Florida Championship Wrestling went down, it went down hard, man. You know, and they took all the TVs off of it, and that experience was gone. And you got to have television, man.”
On Paul Boesch: “The greatest promoter, man, that ever came along. He was so good to people, man. He treated you fairly, he treated you like a man. You felt like you were doing something when you were working for him, it was special. His manner and the way he treated you, he put out the utmost respect for the athletes. And he was very gracious when it comes to payoffs, too.”
Paul Boesch: The Greatest Wrestling Promoter of All Time
In the world of professional wrestling, there have been many influential figures who have shaped the industry. One name that often gets overlooked is Paul Boesch, a wrestling promoter who had a successful career in Houston. WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts recently spoke about Boesch on his podcast, “The Snake Pit,” and proclaimed him as the greatest wrestling promoter of all time. Let’s delve into the reasons why Boesch deserves this title.
One of the key qualities that set Boesch apart was his ability to treat people with respect and fairness. According to Roberts, Boesch treated wrestlers like men and made them feel valued. This level of respect and appreciation created a positive working environment for the athletes, which ultimately translated into better performances in the ring. Boesch’s manner and treatment of his talent set him apart from other promoters who may have exploited their wrestlers for personal gain.
Another aspect that contributed to Boesch’s success was his understanding of the business. He knew how to book matches and create storylines that captivated audiences. Dusty Rhodes, a legendary wrestler and promoter himself, acknowledged Boesch’s talent in this regard. Rhodes recognized that Boesch had a keen sense of what worked in the wrestling world and how to make money from it. This ability to book effectively allowed Boesch to consistently draw crowds and keep fans engaged.
However, even the most talented promoter needs the right platform to showcase their product. Boesch understood the importance of television exposure in promoting wrestling events. He recognized that without television, it would be challenging to reach a wider audience and generate significant revenue. This insight demonstrates Boesch’s business acumen and his understanding of the evolving media landscape.
Boesch’s impact on the wrestling industry extended beyond his booking skills and business savvy. He was known for his generosity when it came to payoffs. Wrestlers under his promotion felt that they were being compensated fairly for their hard work. This level of financial security allowed wrestlers to focus on their craft and deliver memorable performances. Boesch’s reputation for fair payoffs also attracted top talent to his promotion, further enhancing its success.
While Boesch’s career may not be as widely recognized as some other wrestling promoters, his contributions to the industry cannot be understated. His ability to treat wrestlers with respect, his booking expertise, understanding of the importance of television, and fair payoffs all played a significant role in his success. Boesch’s legacy serves as a reminder that being a great wrestling promoter goes beyond just putting on entertaining shows; it involves creating an environment where talent can thrive and be appreciated.
In conclusion, Paul Boesch deserves the title of the greatest wrestling promoter of all time. His impact on the industry, both in terms of his treatment of wrestlers and his business acumen, sets him apart from his peers. Boesch’s legacy serves as an inspiration for future wrestling promoters to prioritize respect, fairness, and innovation in their endeavors.