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Paul BowserAmerican professional wrestling promoter
Date of Birth: 28.05.1886
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- The Early Years: From Farm to Fighting Ring
- Wrestling Star and School Founder
- Boston Bound: Triumph and Dominance
- Promoting Wrestling's Greatest Stars
- AWA and Ed Don George
- Advertisement Wars and Alliances
- Pension and Legacy
The Early Years: From Farm to Fighting Ring
Paul Forbes Bowser was born on May 28, 1886, on a farm in western Pennsylvania. After attending Beaver College, he pursued a career in professional wrestling, touring with the Pollock Brothers Circus. In 1912, he settled in Newark, Ohio, where he began promoting wrestling matches and often officiated as a referee.
Wrestling Star and School Founder
In 1913, Bowser married Cora Livingstone, a female wrestling champion. That same year, he established a wrestling school in Newark. His wrestling prowess was evident in his victory over Joe Turner in 1916, crowning him as the World Middleweight Champion.
Boston Bound: Triumph and Dominance
In 1922, Bowser relocated to Boston, where he embarked on an advertising campaign that led to the bankruptcy of a rival promoter. He successfully defeated Turner once again for the World Middleweight Championship in 1922 and retired from wrestling one year later.
Promoting Wrestling's Greatest Stars
As a promoter, Bowser initially aligned with notable wrestlers such as Billy Sandow and Ed "Strangler" Lewis. In 1928, he took charge of Gus Sonnenberg, an NFL player who became a sensation in professional wrestling. Sonnenberg won the World Heavyweight Championship in 1929, defeating "Strangler" Lewis.
AWA and Ed Don George
Bowser founded the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1930 and promoted Ed Don George, an up-and-coming wrestler who soon found himself in major matches. George defeated Sonnenberg in 1930 but lost the championship to "Strangler" Lewis in 1931.
Advertisement Wars and Alliances
During the advertising wars of the 1930s, Toots Mondt and Ray Fabiani attempted to challenge Bowser's dominance in Boston. However, after a truce between Bowser and Jack Curley, Bowser began supporting Jim Browning, who defeated "Strangler" Lewis in New York.
Pension and Legacy
In 1960, Bowser hired Johnny Doyle to manage his Boston office. When Doyle left to form a partnership with Jim Barnett, Bowser announced his retirement, effective after a match at the Boston Garden on July 15, 1960. Tragically, days before his official departure, Bowser suffered a heart attack and passed away on July 17, 1960, after surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.