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Master of the Ring: The Biography of "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers
In this modern era of "sports entertainment," World Wrestling Entertainment has been a must-see event. Legends like Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock have headlined on that stage and delivered some of the most memorable moments of the past 30 years.
But, in 1948, years before the aforementioned names were even born, a young man named Buddy (Nature Boy) Rogers got into the ring in Hollywood Legion Stadium and transformed pro wrestling forever. His flamboyant personality and under-handed tactics made him an immediate box-office sensation. He was center stage in every territory in the U.S., not only in fast-paced matches, but in backstage power plays.
By the late 1950s, he was an unparalleled superstar, but there was one honor he coveted … the National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight championship. To that point, the hostile environment of wrestling politics had stalled his push to the throne, but Rogers overcame the obstacles in his path until, finally, with the right friends in high places, he was given a title match against champion Pat O’Connor in Chicago’s Comiskey Park before a record crowd of 38,000 spectators. By the end of the night, Rogers was the new heavyweight champion of the world! After the match, he strapped on the title belt, stood in the center of the ring, and in his typically arrogant fashion, announced:
"To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen!"
Backstage assaults and injuries almost derailed his title reign, and in the midst of his historic run, Rogers suffered serious health problems, and a cloud fell over his future on the mat. In May 1963, he defended the title against Bruno Sammartino, the popular "Italian Superman," at Madison Square Garden. Since then, wrestling fans have asked countless questions about what really happened on that fabled evening. Author Hornbaker dissects the incident, as well as Buddy’s entire life, to answer those questions and clear up some of the misconceptions and lies told about Buddy. You will learn the entire "Buddy Rogers Saga" from beginning to end as Hornbaker focuses on the backstage politics, secret strategies, and different perspectives, including never-before-heard inside sources from that time-frame, including Rogers’ former manager, Bobby Davis.
Active in wrestling for more than 60 years, Buddy’s legacy is as strong today as it ever was. In 2015, WWE executive and former champion Triple H was asked who he would choose if he had the ability to wrestle anyone competitor from the past. Without hesitation, he said, "Buddy Rogers," acknowledging the masterful legend and bigger-than-life personality of the original "Nature Boy."
In this book, a detailed look at one of the most important figures in wrestling history, the truth of Buddy Rogers is told — in all of his stunning (and colorful) glory. It’s a story with boundless action, mayhem, and excitement.
But, in 1948, years before the aforementioned names were even born, a young man named Buddy (Nature Boy) Rogers got into the ring in Hollywood Legion Stadium and transformed pro wrestling forever. His flamboyant personality and under-handed tactics made him an immediate box-office sensation. He was center stage in every territory in the U.S., not only in fast-paced matches, but in backstage power plays.
By the late 1950s, he was an unparalleled superstar, but there was one honor he coveted … the National Wrestling Alliance world heavyweight championship. To that point, the hostile environment of wrestling politics had stalled his push to the throne, but Rogers overcame the obstacles in his path until, finally, with the right friends in high places, he was given a title match against champion Pat O’Connor in Chicago’s Comiskey Park before a record crowd of 38,000 spectators. By the end of the night, Rogers was the new heavyweight champion of the world! After the match, he strapped on the title belt, stood in the center of the ring, and in his typically arrogant fashion, announced:
"To a nicer guy, it couldn’t happen!"
Backstage assaults and injuries almost derailed his title reign, and in the midst of his historic run, Rogers suffered serious health problems, and a cloud fell over his future on the mat. In May 1963, he defended the title against Bruno Sammartino, the popular "Italian Superman," at Madison Square Garden. Since then, wrestling fans have asked countless questions about what really happened on that fabled evening. Author Hornbaker dissects the incident, as well as Buddy’s entire life, to answer those questions and clear up some of the misconceptions and lies told about Buddy. You will learn the entire "Buddy Rogers Saga" from beginning to end as Hornbaker focuses on the backstage politics, secret strategies, and different perspectives, including never-before-heard inside sources from that time-frame, including Rogers’ former manager, Bobby Davis.
Active in wrestling for more than 60 years, Buddy’s legacy is as strong today as it ever was. In 2015, WWE executive and former champion Triple H was asked who he would choose if he had the ability to wrestle anyone competitor from the past. Without hesitation, he said, "Buddy Rogers," acknowledging the masterful legend and bigger-than-life personality of the original "Nature Boy."
In this book, a detailed look at one of the most important figures in wrestling history, the truth of Buddy Rogers is told — in all of his stunning (and colorful) glory. It’s a story with boundless action, mayhem, and excitement.
320 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2020
17 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 5, 2021
Mr. Hornbaker does a masterful job creating a narrative around the life of Buddy Rogers. In a book that is thoroughly researched, Mr. Hornbaker peels back the layers of myth surrounding Rogers' life and creates a portrait of a man that was vastly skilled in his profession but also troubled by his need to control. He creates a profile that makes Rogers' impact tangible. This is a must-read for wrestling fans.
February 14, 2021
The author does a great job hyping what a great worker Buddy was, and how influential his style was on professional wrestling as it transitioned into sports entertainment.
The match results were exhaustively researched, but I would have preferred to read all these results in an addendum to the book instead of seeing them incorporated into the narrative.
Definitely recommended for serious pro wrestling fans.
The match results were exhaustively researched, but I would have preferred to read all these results in an addendum to the book instead of seeing them incorporated into the narrative.
Definitely recommended for serious pro wrestling fans.
April 8, 2021
Wonderfully researched and beautifully fleshed out, Hornbaker has delivered the definitive tome on the legendary Buddy Rogers. A absolute treat for historians!
September 4, 2021
Wonderful Trip Through The Career of the Greatest of All Time
Tim Hornbaker's biography of Buddy Rogers exudes the confidence of the former World Champion himself while not shying away from the "Nature Boy's" insecurities.
A thrilling tale with twists and turns, Hornbaker's bullet-proof research pokes holes in long-held myths and fables and provides the most factual account of the life of the greatest professional wrestler of all time.
Tim Hornbaker's biography of Buddy Rogers exudes the confidence of the former World Champion himself while not shying away from the "Nature Boy's" insecurities.
A thrilling tale with twists and turns, Hornbaker's bullet-proof research pokes holes in long-held myths and fables and provides the most factual account of the life of the greatest professional wrestler of all time.
April 7, 2021
Honestly an incredible piece of work. So well researched, so well written. Just unbelievably informative. Inspired me to watch a bunch of old footage and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Would give this 100 stars if I could.
March 20, 2021
Very well written. Great research and gave me an insight into what wrestling used to be
June 29, 2021
“To a nicer guy it couldn’t happen!”
Buddy Rogers uttered these famous words 60 years ago tomorrow, after defeating Pat O’Connor to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Their 2 out of 3 falls encounter took place at Comiskey Park in Chicago on June 30, 1961. Billed as the “Match of the Century”, it attracted a crowd in excess of 38,000 fans, which was a North American pro wrestling attendance record that would stand for a quarter century. The record crowd also made the night a profitable one, with a gate of $148,000, also a pro wrestling record at the time. Adjusted for inflation, that would equal just over $1.3 million in 2021.
Being crowned NWA Champion was an iconic moment in the career of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, a career filled with memorable moments. To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of this historic match, the Literary Squared Circle blog is taking a look back at the life and career of the legendary “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers by reviewing the new book, Master of the Ring: The Biography of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers by Tim Hornbaker (Crowbar Press, 2020).
Though technically released in 2020 (during the last two weeks of the year), I consider Master of the Ring to be the best wrestling book I have read in 2021. Author Tim Hornbaker presents the definitive look back at the career of wrestling’s original “Nature Boy”. From his professional wrestling debut as Herman Rhode (his birth name) in July 1942 to his final match 41 years later as Buddy Rogers (he legally changed his name), his career retrospective is meticulously detailed, year-by-year, territory-by-territory, opponent-by-opponent, championship-by-championship.
Following his reign as NWA Champion, in 1963, Buddy Rogers was named the inaugural World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion, allegedly having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Master of the Ring delves into the controversy surrounding Rogers jump from the NWA to the WWWF, as well as the circumstances which led to him dropping the WWWF title to Bruno Sammartino less than one month after being crowned champion.
An interesting bit of trivia: Rogers was the first wrestler to hold both the NWA and the WWWF (later WWF, now WWE) World Heavyweight Championships. He has since been joined by Ric Flair (who succeeded Rogers as wrestling’s “Nature Boy”) and AJ Styles.
From the standpoint of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers’ career, Master of the Ring presents an incomparable, thorough, and complete overview. His in-ring innovations are detailed, along with those in the business that he inspired. His behind-the-scenes dealings with promoters are examined, as are his backstage friendships and feuds with fellow wrestlers.
However, from a personal standpoint, though his marriages and divorces are recounted, as are his ventures and investments outside of professional wrestling, I didn’t feel that I “got to know” Herman Rhode/Buddy Rogers, the person. In The Eighth Wonder of the World (see Literary Squared Circle #1), my favorite book of 2020, it not only thoroughly documented André the Giant’s career, but I felt like I got to know André Roussimoff as a person. I didn’t get the same feeling about Buddy Rogers in Master of the Ring.
Whatever the book may lack as far as insights into Rogers as an individual, it more than makes up for in information regarding Rogers as a wrestler. Master of the Ring: The Biography of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers is a brilliant book. The copious endnotes at the end of each chapter, show the vast amount of research that Tim Hornbaker did to bring this project to fruition. There are also many fascinating photos and documents included throughout the book.
I highly recommend Master of the Ring to anyone interested in Buddy Rogers specifically, or professional wrestling history in general. It is not a light read, but it is definitely well-worth your time. Hornbaker debunks many legends surrounding Rogers career, only to show that fact is often much more interesting than fiction.
5 Stars out of 5
Buddy Rogers uttered these famous words 60 years ago tomorrow, after defeating Pat O’Connor to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Their 2 out of 3 falls encounter took place at Comiskey Park in Chicago on June 30, 1961. Billed as the “Match of the Century”, it attracted a crowd in excess of 38,000 fans, which was a North American pro wrestling attendance record that would stand for a quarter century. The record crowd also made the night a profitable one, with a gate of $148,000, also a pro wrestling record at the time. Adjusted for inflation, that would equal just over $1.3 million in 2021.
Being crowned NWA Champion was an iconic moment in the career of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, a career filled with memorable moments. To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of this historic match, the Literary Squared Circle blog is taking a look back at the life and career of the legendary “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers by reviewing the new book, Master of the Ring: The Biography of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers by Tim Hornbaker (Crowbar Press, 2020).
Though technically released in 2020 (during the last two weeks of the year), I consider Master of the Ring to be the best wrestling book I have read in 2021. Author Tim Hornbaker presents the definitive look back at the career of wrestling’s original “Nature Boy”. From his professional wrestling debut as Herman Rhode (his birth name) in July 1942 to his final match 41 years later as Buddy Rogers (he legally changed his name), his career retrospective is meticulously detailed, year-by-year, territory-by-territory, opponent-by-opponent, championship-by-championship.
Following his reign as NWA Champion, in 1963, Buddy Rogers was named the inaugural World Wide Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion, allegedly having won a fictional tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Master of the Ring delves into the controversy surrounding Rogers jump from the NWA to the WWWF, as well as the circumstances which led to him dropping the WWWF title to Bruno Sammartino less than one month after being crowned champion.
An interesting bit of trivia: Rogers was the first wrestler to hold both the NWA and the WWWF (later WWF, now WWE) World Heavyweight Championships. He has since been joined by Ric Flair (who succeeded Rogers as wrestling’s “Nature Boy”) and AJ Styles.
From the standpoint of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers’ career, Master of the Ring presents an incomparable, thorough, and complete overview. His in-ring innovations are detailed, along with those in the business that he inspired. His behind-the-scenes dealings with promoters are examined, as are his backstage friendships and feuds with fellow wrestlers.
However, from a personal standpoint, though his marriages and divorces are recounted, as are his ventures and investments outside of professional wrestling, I didn’t feel that I “got to know” Herman Rhode/Buddy Rogers, the person. In The Eighth Wonder of the World (see Literary Squared Circle #1), my favorite book of 2020, it not only thoroughly documented André the Giant’s career, but I felt like I got to know André Roussimoff as a person. I didn’t get the same feeling about Buddy Rogers in Master of the Ring.
Whatever the book may lack as far as insights into Rogers as an individual, it more than makes up for in information regarding Rogers as a wrestler. Master of the Ring: The Biography of “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers is a brilliant book. The copious endnotes at the end of each chapter, show the vast amount of research that Tim Hornbaker did to bring this project to fruition. There are also many fascinating photos and documents included throughout the book.
I highly recommend Master of the Ring to anyone interested in Buddy Rogers specifically, or professional wrestling history in general. It is not a light read, but it is definitely well-worth your time. Hornbaker debunks many legends surrounding Rogers career, only to show that fact is often much more interesting than fiction.
5 Stars out of 5
May 11, 2025
Solid research, documented with footnotes after each chapter (where you can remember what they're about!), Master of the Ring is a very necessary biography of one of the greatest showmen in the history of sports, Buddy "Nature Boy" Rogers.
Buddy Rogers transitioned pro wrestling from era when skilled but uncharismatic collegiate/Olympic style pro wrestlers were most respected (and awarded championship honors by shortsighted promoters) to the era of wrestling as character and story-driven mass entertainment. Hornbaker focuses on the behind-the-scenes politics of the forever feuding regional bookers and promoters, and how Rogers worked the system by going over their heads, directly his relationship with the fans in the arena and those watching on television.
While a pivotal story point is how Rogers was relieved of the NWA World Championship because his (relentless, literally life-endangering) work schedule didn't include enough dates in smaller markets, I do wish Hornbaker had given us more about what Buddy did accomplish on the East Coast during his reign as champ. Basically he single-handedly sold TV wrestling and live shows to the baby boomer generation in the short period of the 1960's before the Beatles landed in the U.S. During his reign as champion, with his bleached blond hair, confident strut, sarcastic taunts, and smirky smile, Buddy Rogers portrayed a rebellious adult who kids could get behind. I sometimes wonder if future President Donald Trump was in our crowd watching Rogers on Channel 5 in New York, or at matches in Sunnyside, Queens and Madison Square Garden. (Wrestling was quite a craze in our local parish, and the nuns didn't quite understand that we were pulling our punches just like our heroes.)
Kayfabe (that's wrestling-speak for what dramaturgs call "suspension of disbelief") was no longer unmentionable by the time this book was written, so Hornbaker can detail how championship title changes are orchestrated, feuds scripted, and how stars like Rogers actually script and orchestrate the action sequences within each match, even in the ring. Rogers also found time to train young performers, organize casts of characters, and negotiate deals. Buddy Rogers was, in other words, a super-hyphenate.
Hornbaker's sources are excellent, including the late Bobby Davis, Rogers' most successful manager during his prime, and thus we get the final word on the champion's secret battle with heart disease. A couple of Rogers' most important ring confrontations lasted less than a minute in that time, but none of us privileged to attend those bouts in Madison Square Garden left feeling shortchanged.
Buddy Rogers transitioned pro wrestling from era when skilled but uncharismatic collegiate/Olympic style pro wrestlers were most respected (and awarded championship honors by shortsighted promoters) to the era of wrestling as character and story-driven mass entertainment. Hornbaker focuses on the behind-the-scenes politics of the forever feuding regional bookers and promoters, and how Rogers worked the system by going over their heads, directly his relationship with the fans in the arena and those watching on television.
While a pivotal story point is how Rogers was relieved of the NWA World Championship because his (relentless, literally life-endangering) work schedule didn't include enough dates in smaller markets, I do wish Hornbaker had given us more about what Buddy did accomplish on the East Coast during his reign as champ. Basically he single-handedly sold TV wrestling and live shows to the baby boomer generation in the short period of the 1960's before the Beatles landed in the U.S. During his reign as champion, with his bleached blond hair, confident strut, sarcastic taunts, and smirky smile, Buddy Rogers portrayed a rebellious adult who kids could get behind. I sometimes wonder if future President Donald Trump was in our crowd watching Rogers on Channel 5 in New York, or at matches in Sunnyside, Queens and Madison Square Garden. (Wrestling was quite a craze in our local parish, and the nuns didn't quite understand that we were pulling our punches just like our heroes.)
Kayfabe (that's wrestling-speak for what dramaturgs call "suspension of disbelief") was no longer unmentionable by the time this book was written, so Hornbaker can detail how championship title changes are orchestrated, feuds scripted, and how stars like Rogers actually script and orchestrate the action sequences within each match, even in the ring. Rogers also found time to train young performers, organize casts of characters, and negotiate deals. Buddy Rogers was, in other words, a super-hyphenate.
Hornbaker's sources are excellent, including the late Bobby Davis, Rogers' most successful manager during his prime, and thus we get the final word on the champion's secret battle with heart disease. A couple of Rogers' most important ring confrontations lasted less than a minute in that time, but none of us privileged to attend those bouts in Madison Square Garden left feeling shortchanged.
September 12, 2021
Really brings Rogers to life. Excellent overview of the business, back office scheming, championship turnovers, $ payoffs. The highly detailed endnotes are Phd-worthy.
Loved all the info on Pfefer, and Columbus and Al Haft.
Notes
12 … prohibition, near beer
17 … lifeguard, beach bum
23 … from Gob to Grappler
31 … 1st victory against Jack Vansky
50 … Tiger Jack Moore, Bummy Rogers
73 ... Pfefer: Tor better than the other Angels
138 ... Louis typically wrangled with the heel
232 ... Miller/Gotch fracas
299 ... Bob Greene: "Coolest person of the 20th century"
Loved all the info on Pfefer, and Columbus and Al Haft.
Notes
12 … prohibition, near beer
17 … lifeguard, beach bum
23 … from Gob to Grappler
31 … 1st victory against Jack Vansky
50 … Tiger Jack Moore, Bummy Rogers
73 ... Pfefer: Tor better than the other Angels
138 ... Louis typically wrangled with the heel
232 ... Miller/Gotch fracas
299 ... Bob Greene: "Coolest person of the 20th century"
December 9, 2022
It is a very interesting history lesson of the politics of the wrestling business. Like his NWA and Capital Wrestling books I have read it twice already as if I'm studying for some pro-wrestling history quiz that I know will never come!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews