Non Participant
Bill Apter
Bill Apter was a fan of wrestling since the age of five. While in High School he started his own wrestling newsletter. After graduating, he went to broadcasting school. Once his schooling ran its course, Apter bought time on a New York City radio station and was given some press tickets to a wrestling show. He interviewed a few of the wrestlers, photographed them, and sent them to the publisher Wrestling Revue magazine. The pictures were published which opened the door for him to meet Stanley Weston, publisher of The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling. Stanley taught Bill everything about the wrestling publishing business.
In 1985, Bill Apter co hosted "Lords of the Ring" (a commercial video tape) with Gordon Solie. He also hosted a weekly segment on the Jim Crockett NWA shows on WTBS. In addition, he appeared on Joe Pedicino's "Pro Wrestling This Week."
Another milestone is that Bill Apter introduced Jerry Lawler to comedian Andy Kaufman. This led to the entire Kaufman/Lawler angle.
Bill Apter was editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated (and it's sister magazines) for 28 years. From there he moved onto WOW (World of Wrestling).
After the mother company of WOW went out of business, the company in England (WVIP/Highbury House) which was doing the British version of WOW, began their own publication called Power of Wrestling. That magazine had a very short run and ceased publication. A few months later Apter and the company decided to launch a new wrestling magazine with him as Senior Editor. Total Wrestling Magazine was born.
In addition to his work as an editor and photographer, Bill Apter has worked for numerous indy promotions across the country in various roles, from Commissioner to commentator to you name it!
Not only is Bill Apter and accomplished journalist but a wrestler as well. He has defended the C.O.W. ("Championship Office Wrestling") title against most of the greats in the sport.
On April 1st, 2004 I received an email that stated "British wrestling magazine Total Wrestling contacted its writers today to announce the magazine would be shutting down operations, effective immediately."
I was shocked. Not only had I had the opportunity to contribute to Total Wrestling Magazine with Indy wrestling news and info but Bill Apter had just used the Wrestling Clothesline's Top 50 Women of Indy Wrestling as a feature in the latest issue!
But any of my shock or disappointment was put aside when Bill Apter informed me that he received NO advance notice and NO previous indications that the magazine would be folding. He found out the same day everyone else did. It appears in many ways he was totally blindsided.
Bill Apter continues to make an impact in the wrestling business working for promotions such as WXW, Dory Funk's Florida Promotion, CSWF, and many others.
I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Apter earlier this year. You can check out the interview here.
I have gotten to know Bill over the past few years and he is a great guy. (Even if he can't recognize me to save his life). He has helped give this site some amazing publicity by allowing me to contribute to his magazine. He is always in a good mood and is loved by everyone in the sport of professional wrestling.
Thank you Bill for all you have done!
(Written by Brett Schwan)
