Buddy Rogers' title reign

Buddy Rogers was the ultimate heel -- probably the best of all time,
as far as can be determined. People really hated the guy, and wanted to
see him beaten.

Rogers had strong wrestling skills, and terrific showmanship. The strut, the
figure-4 legvine (submission hold), the arrogance. He was very cowardly when fan favorites were coming after him, and often didn't want to defend the world title
against the challengers with momentum. However, when the match ultimately came,
he would prevail.

Rogers won the NWA world title in Comisky Park, Chicago in June 1961; lost it in
January 1963 to Lou Thesz in Toronto, Canada. However, eastern promoters
(Vince McMahon Sr.) didn't recognize the title change, and Worldwide Wrestling
Federation President (new organization ath the time) "returned" the belt to Rogers
on Washington, DC television.

While NWA champion, Rogers teamed with Handsome Johnny Barend to win the
U.S. Tagteam titles.

When Rogers won the NWA title, in his first interview, in the ring after he defeated
Pat O'Conner, his comment was "To a nicer guy this couldn't have happened." And the fans booed.