PHOTO: Jack Lord, Hustler Ric Rogers, and Big Shane Anderson after receiving their Hall of Fame Awards. (Alabama Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame | Facebook.com)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
MUNFORD, Ala. — On October 1, in Munford, Alabama, a Rainsville native was honored for his career in professional wrestling by the Alabama Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Jack “The Bomber" Lord was born and raised right outside of Rainsville, and got his start in professional wrestling right here on Sand Mountain.
“I started in 1975 when I was 16-years-old,” explained Lord.
“They did a show out here at Plainview during the summer of that year, and it was all the guys that you saw get beat up on television,” said Lord, with a laugh.
“I wound up helping them set the ring up, then I was a timekeeper, and anytime they were in a certain area I would go and work,” he said.
“I really never thought I would have what it took to be an actual wrestler,” said Lord. “I mean when I was 19-years-old I was six feet four inches tall and only 156 pounds.”
After finishing school, Lord left Rainsville to enlist in the United States Army, where he served seven years. After a knee injury, he was medically discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) and after being stationed in Oklahoma, Georgia, and Germany, Lord was heading back to Rainsville to pursue his career.
“Two weeks after I got out of the Army and got settled back at home, I started training, and then in May of 1985 I started my career,” said Lord.
“My first week, I wrestled five times, and it didn’t let up my whole career,” he said. “I didn’t have a weekend off for nine years, and then it was another nine years before I had a weekend off again.”
The Bomber was inducted into the Alabama Pro Wrestler Hall of Fame with Frank "The Flame" Barnhill, Ted "Nightmare" Allen, Ric "Hustler" Rogers, and Big Shane Anderson.
The Alabama Pro Wrestler Hall of Fame is a statewide organization that honors not only wrestlers from Alabama, but also those who had a big impact on the state. The group holds a yearly event on the first of October to induct new members.
The organization is currently working with state lawmakers to have legislation passed to be officially recognized by the state and the state athletic commission. Lord is active in helping them achieve this goal.
When asked what advice he has for other people pursuing this career, Lord said, “It’s hard.”
“Nobody understands all the sacrifice that’s involved, but I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I’ve been retired for seven years, and I’m more involved now than I’ve ever been.”
“I mentor young guys and still put shows together. I do shows around Nashville, in Georgia, and may eventually get to do something around here,” said Lord.
“Wrestling isn’t just something I do, it’s what I am,” stated Lord.
