Non Participant
Fred Richards Rubenstein
Pro wrestling became part of Fred Rubenstein's interests on a fateful night that I was "channel surfing" on an old black and white television in his early teens. He was fascinated when he saw Haystacks Calhoun giving a corner splash to Buddy Rogers and his manager, Bobby Davis. This was a show taped at Vince McMahon, Sr.'s Capitol Arena in Washington, D.C. when they were still part of the NWA. They did it so well in those days (circa 1962) that he never suspected it was not real. Soon after, Fred submitted his first column (handwritten) to the old Ring Magazine. Rubenstein was floored when the late Nat Loubet published it.
Before the U.S. Air Force shipped him overseas, Fred was stationed in Texas. Rubenstein was still writing for The Ring as a sidebar and to make a few bucks to supplement his military payday. One night in 1968, Rubenstein was at one of Don "Lawman" Slatton's shows at the San Angelo, TX coliseum. Don's brother Dale was the only ref. Dale took a hard bump on the concrete and could not continue. Dory Funk, Sr. (who promoted in Amarillo) was there and ordered Rubenstein to "get his New York ass in the ring" and referee. The match was between his son, Dory, Jr . ("Dunk") and Thunderbolt Paterson.
Fred was working with Rick O'Brien when he promoted the old NWA New York in the mid-nineties. Rubenstein was the ref that came with Rick's ring (co-owned by Biggie Biggs) . Fred then met the late Dennis Coralluzzo at a Soul City Wrestling show in Norristown, PA. Dennis hired Rubenstein and Rick's ring and his first NWA show was in glorious Yardville, NJ , at that place that always had a backed-up toilet in the men's room. Dennis and Rubenstein became friends and the history began. Rubenstein would eventually come to "own" the NWA name in the NY and NJ area.
Rubenstein's relationship with the NWA continued when he received a message from Bill Behrens in which he forwarded contact information for Billy Firehawk. Billy was running in New Jersey and was interested in a working relationship with the NWA. As New Jersey was Fred's territory, he reached out to Billy and began working with him. At that time, his sole relationship was allowing him to use the brand name and refereeing at his events.
Rubenstein never wanted to start his own promotion. He had neither the time nor the interest. He simply let Billy use the brand name and Richard's did the refereeing.
While Rubenstein never made pro wrestling his livelihood (even though he made over 12 tours in Japan for Zero-One and became infamous as heel ref Mr. Fred over there). The pay for referees stateside is just not enough to live on. Fred did it because he chose to do it and he never regretted the decision
In a quote from one of Fred's two 10 Questions With interviews with WrestlingClothesline.com "I have interacted with my fair share of scoundrels, scumbags and outright crooks. On the other hand, I have met and enjoy friendships with some truly magnificent, intelligent and compassionate people; the proprietor of this website being one of them. Mike Kehner, Steve Corino, Yoshi Nakamura, Howard Brody, Donnie Bucci, Marc Coralluzzo, Rick O'Brien, Bob Trobich, Jeff and Jerry Jarrett, Dave Marquez, Rick Otazu, Doc and Robin Diamond, Tony Wolfe, Chris Park, Matt Striker, Sonjay Dutt, Bob and Sarge Magee, Kathy Fitzpatrick, Derek Gordon, John Shane, Duke Sado and so very many more. These are friendships that are meaningful and genuine. They have and will continue to thrive long after I put my ref shirt on for the last time. This is what makes it all worth it. Lord knows it isn't done for the millions of dollars!"
At the NWA Annual Meeting on 10-9-08 a new Board of Directors was elected: That Board continues to have Fred Rubenstein on it (as it has for many years).
I have known Fred Rubenstein for as long as I can remember. He is one
of very few people in the pro wrestling world that I am proud to call
my friend. Over the past few years, Fred has respectfully removed his
name from nomination to be inducted into our Hall of Fame. This year,
I made it easier for him. I never gave him the choice or the opportunity
to do so. For all Fred has done for the wrestling business, for all the
people in the business he has touched in some way or another, and for
all he has done for me and this website, I am thrilled to see Fred Rubenstein
inducted into the WrestlingClothesline.com Indy Wrestling Hall of Fame
Class of 2008.
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(written by Brett Schwan)
