In Knoxville on January 11, 1911, George Hackenschmidt, one of the biggest name in
professional wrestling, appeared and boasted that he could beat Albert Mandino
three times in an hour.  The "Russian Lion" was successful in taking two falls, but
failed in scoring a third, and lost the match.




The Associated Press, on January 4, 1963, reported that Jackie Fargo, "a wrestling
referee from Nashville," had been taken and treated at a Chattanooga hospital after
being attacked by a tag team - which was "too realistic," according to the article.  
"Fargo suffered a black eye and neck and shoulder injuries."

The Kingsport Times-News of Kingsport, TN did a feature on pro wrestling in its
February 17, 1963 edition.  It stated that Herb Larson was a 16 year veteran of
wrestling, beginning his career when he was 16.  He stated that most wrestlers didn't
reach their peak until 36 years of age.  He had interest in a candy plant in Madison.  
The local promoter was Mickey Baarns.


Baarns, the longtime promoter in Tennessee, owned Mickey's Martinique at 1768 Ft.
Henry Drive, near Brooks Circle, in Kingsport.  The establishment was open 24 hours
and Mickey was always willing to talk wrestling.  He was a former amateur champion in
Canada at 128 pounds in 1938.  Baarns was born in Canada on October 5, 1918
and died on February 3, 1996 in Los Angeles.

Longtime wrestler Bill Canny (William F. Canny) lived at 1632 Fairfield Avenue and
died at Holston Valley Community Hospital on July 8, 1966 in Kingsport, TN.  He was
a native of Kansas City and won the Golden Gloves middleweight championship at
19.  He was also a professional boxer and his obituary stated that he boxed Maxie
Stribling and Maxie Rosenbloom.  He married Angela Davarlos of Mexico.  He had
three sons and one daughter.  His brother was Ray Canny.












Research by Tim Hornbaker
Tennessee Wrestling Territory