Big Boss Man

(1962-2004)

The sad passing of Ray Traylor, most famously known as the Big Boss Man in the WWF, has generated much eulogising, and rightfully so. I never knew the man personally, but everything I have read about him has painted the picture of a loving family man, who did a great deal for charity in his spare time. In the ring, he was a solid competitor, who had good charisma, and was equally at home in both the babyface and heel roles. He was part of some famous feuds, with his most notable being his debut feud in the WWF, versus Hulk Hogan, in 1988.

As part of a small tribute to him, I just thought I'd provide a link to my report on the WWF TV debut of the Big Boss Man, from the June 26th, 1988 edition of WWF Wrestling Challenge. Excerpt:

"From the Correctional Department, of Cobb County, Georgia, weighing 359 pounds, here is the Big Boss Man!" Debut time again, folks. And he looked every bit of 359 pounds. He was wearing his mirrored shades, blue prison officers’ shirt and black trousers and boots, and was accompanied to the ring by his manager, Slick. After defeating his hapless jobber opponent, he totally destroyed the guy post-match, handcuffing the poor guy to the top rope, and nailing him in the midsection a couple of times with his nightstick. The Bossman might not have had any vignettes building up his arrival, but this was an extremely effective debut......"

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