Superstars of Wrestling (American TV series)

This article is about the nationally-syndicated U.S wrestling program. For the 1970s Canadian syndicated television program, see Superstars of Wrestling (Canadian TV series). For the World Wrestling Federation program that aired during this period, see WWF Superstars of Wrestling. For the most recent WWF television series, see WWE Superstars.
Superstars of Wrestling
Also known asSaturday Night Superstars
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byJoe Pedicino
Presented byJoe Pedicino (1985–1992)
Boni Blackstone (1986–1992)
Gordon Solie (1986–1987)
Rhubarb Jones (1987)
Regular guests:
Bill Apter (1986–1988)
Paul E. Dangerously (1987–1988)
Gary Hart (1986–1987)
Michael Hayes (1986–1987)
Opening theme"Holding Out for a Hero" by Bonnie Tyler
Country of originUnited States
No. of seasons6
Original release
NetworkWATL (1985)
Syndicated (1986 - 1992)
ReleaseMay 1986 (1986-05) –
August 1992 (1992-08)
Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

Superstars of Wrestling is a nationally syndicated professional wrestling television program that aired throughout the United States from 1986 to 1992.[1] Created and produced by Joe Pedicino, the series broadcast eight hours of wrestling from around the country and was the first to provide national coverage of both the National Wrestling Alliance and international promotions.[2] It was also the earliest U.S. television show to regularly broadcast Japanese puroresu and joshi wrestling as part of the Fuji Television Network's efforts to develop a market in the American television industry.[3]

The series was initially hosted by Pedicino who was later joined by Boni Blackstone[4][5][6] and Gordon Solie.[7][8][9] Pedicino and Solie hosted a popular segment on the show, "Pro Wrestling This Week", which discussed the then current news from the "Big Three" (AWA, NWA and the WWF) as well as regional territories. Bill Apter, editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, has also credited Pedicino for considerably raising his profile among wrestling fans due to his weekly segment.[10][11] The magazine's yearly awards ceremony was shown on Superstars of Wrestling in 1987 and 1988.[12]

  1. ^ Sneed, Mitch (September 16, 1993). "Fayette resident talks tough on the air - Blackstone reaches top as WWF personality". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  2. ^ Westcott, Brian (2009). "Gordon Solie". PWHF.org. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 2009-04-03.
  3. ^ King, Bill (July 5, 1986). "Live from Japan on Channel 36...". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
  4. ^ Letawsky, Craig (November 14, 2002). "Ask 411 11.14.02: No Limit Soldiers, Barry O, Super Liger, Savinovich". Columns. 411mania.com. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2015.
  5. ^ Byers, Ryan (November 19, 2008). "Ask 411 11.19.08: The Macho/Taker Edition". Columns. 411mania.com.
  6. ^ Symkus, Ed and Vinnie Carolan. Wrestle Radio U.S.A.: Grapplers Speak. Toronto: ECW Press, 2004. (pg. 35, 81, 134, 148, 201, 204) ISBN 1-55022-646-0
  7. ^ Allyn, Robert. Gordon Solie ... Something Left Behind. Altamonte Springs, Florida: Florida Media, Inc., 2005. (pg. 220) ISBN 0-9763062-1-2
  8. ^ Hartley, Jeremy; Earl Oliver (1998). "Gordon Solie Interview". Interviews. Solie.org.
  9. ^ Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2004). "Gordon Solie". Hall of Famers. PWHF.org. Archived from the original on 2009-04-03.
  10. ^ Total Wrestling (July 14, 2003). "Interview - Bill Apter". Interviews. MediaMan.com.au.
  11. ^ Apter, Bill; Andy Sternman (June 27, 2007). "Ask Apter -- "About Pro Wrestling This Week..."". Newsline. 1wrestling.com.[dead link‍]
  12. ^ Apter, Bill; Solie, Gordon; Pedicino, Joe (January 3, 1987). "Pro Wrestling This Week". Superstars of Wrestling. Atlanta, Georgia. Syndicated. WATL.