NWA Member: Hugh Nichols Admitted to Organization: November 26, 1949 Hollywood Office: 6061 Hollywood Blvd. Phone Number: Hollywood 9-6211 (1955) On October 13, 1949, Sam Muchnick wrote a letter to Hugh Nichols at his Legion Stadium office in Hollywood, and explained that a peace accord had been reached between him and Lou Thesz in St. Louis. Also, that "many of the country's wrestling promoters" were going to meet in St. Louis on November 25-26-27 and that Nichols was "hereby invited." Nichols was told that the "National Wrestling Alliance" had been formed the year earlier by "men in six territories," and by this time, three additional people had joined. The NWA, as it was explained, was a "cooperative organization designed for mutual benefit," and so far, "it has proven successful." Members were said to be Muchnick, Pinkie George, Al Haft, Tony Stecher, George Simpson, Harry Light, Fred Kohler, Sam Avey, and Morris Sigel. Muchnick explained to Nichols that on November 25, a bout between Thesz and Orville Brown would decide an undisputed titleholder. Muchnick noted that he believed "the meeting will help the game." In another letter to NWA members, dated October 13, Muchnick said that Sam Avey called him "today" and wondered if Nichols would be eligible to join the organization. Muchnick believed he would be, saying that he was "not only a fine gentleman, but an outstanding promoter." Muchnick admited that he didn't feel qualified to invite him without asking the current membership, and wanted feedback. Early difficulties arose in Southern California in late 1949 between Nichols and Los Angeles area booker Johnny Doyle. Secretary-Treasurer Muchnick announced in his January 16, 1950 bulletin that the matter had been solved. Al Karasick, Sam Avey and Joe Malcewicz sat in on the meeting that reached a proper settlement. Muchnick used this example to say, "just an idea of what the Alliance can do for the betterment of wrestling." However, there was much more to this story, apparently, that few people outside the small circle knew. Ted Thye, an ex-wrestler and mat rival of Nichols, told a Department of Justice investigator (6/9/55) that he was in Los Angeles when Doyle and Nichols were feuding, and because he was friends with both, he helped broker the peace - much more than Karasick. Thye told the investigator "that he happened to be in Los Angeles and was told by Nichols at the Hollywood Legion that he, Nichols, had lost $30,000 fighting Doyle, and could only keep going because he was making a profit in Bakersfield and San Diego. Thye said he asked Nichols why he didn't get together with Doyle, and Nichols indicated he was agreeable. Thye said he talked with Doyle the next day, as well as with Cal Eaton, and that Doyle talked sensibly and Cal Eaton "impossible, as always." Doyle said, in effect: 'I won't go to Nichols first,' while Cal Eaton said, after hearing that Nichols was losing money: 'If a man is dead, bury him.' They said he reported to Nichols that he (Nichols) would have to call first, and Nichols indicated he might do this. "Thye said that he left town, and Karasick, who happened to be there, atended the meeting between Nichols and Doyle which he, Thye, had arranged. Thye said that Karasick wrote immediately to Muchnick, claiming credit for the peace." The Hollywood TV show that was seen nationally was a striking success for the Southern California combine. More about the TV situation in the Los Angeles area can be read here. In June 1955, when Sam Muchnick was interviewed by Stanley Disney of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division, the topic of Mr. Moto being threatened by the NWA because he was going to work for nonmember Johnny Doyle, was discussed. Apparently, it was believed that Muchnick had called the Hollywood office and might have made the threat himself. On July 3, 1955, Muchnick wrote to Disney, telling him that he checked his phone bills "and found that our office made calls to Hollywood, Calif., on Dec. 8 and Dec. 20." He explained that the "Hollywood conversations were mainly on Thesz dates and regarding Wilbur Snyder, who was being booked by the St. Louis office for Nichols office." Muchnick continued: "In one of the conversations with Nichols, I faintly recollect him mentioning Moto as going to work for Doyle and he was very much incensed about it as I could understand as Johnny had agreed to stay out of promotions there until Oct. 1955. I remember distinctly telling him that he should consult his attorney, because in my opinion, it was merely a contractual obligation." He also stated that: "At no time did I personally call Moto or did he call me." Research by Tim Hornbaker February 22, 2011 |
Hollywood Booking Office |