Bobby Managoff was a second generation superstar and a legend of the mat.  His father, Bob
Managoff, was known as the man who wrestled Frank Gotch in the notorious Wisconsin match
that saw the latter break his leg.  That injury forced him out of a bout with Joe Stecher, which
had been on the table, but not finalized, and cost wrestling fans probably the biggest match to
date.  Bobby Jr. wrestled as an amateur in the Chicago area, and was schooled in the
professional business by his father - given all of the knowledge needed to be successful.  But
Bobby Jr. was more than just a guy living off the name of his father.  He was a talent in his
own right, and established a legacy far more defined than his dad.

Known as a speedster on the mat, Managoff was capable of presenting a match full of
science and agility, mixing and matching holds, and awing the audience with colorful
maneuvers.  He came of age in the sport at a time in which his friend Lou Thesz was also
coming into his own, and the two were budding as future world champions.  It didn't take long
for both of them to annex the crown.  Promoters could see their innate abilities, and fans
responded to their talents.  That was the combination to make money, and promoters
throughout North America wanted to capitalize on them.



Managoff's sister Kay Armen sang on the "Stop the Music" radio show.


On a tour of California in 1953, Managoff suffered a broken nose in a bout with Chris
Zaharias and was forced to pull out of many scheduled matches - including some in St. Louis.














Research by Tim Hornbaker
Bobby Managoff Wrestling History
Custom Search