One of the negative aspects involved in following or being a fan of any form of entertainment is when we lose talented performers in the very early stages of really promising careers.

One such notable example is Gino Hernandez, known by the moniker “The Handsome Halfbreed”. Hernandez made his pro wrestling debut in 1975 in the markets of San Antonio and Houston and almost immediately started rising through the ranks. In the 9th year of his rocketing rise, his life was cut short.

Joining me for this special episode of The Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History Show is Lizzy Flanagan. Lizzy is one of our young, enthusiastic historians and authors who has written a biography on the life and death of Hernandez entitles, “I Am Your Champion” published by McFarland Press and is now available.

We discuss Gino Hernandez’ debut and his rise to success including his opportuninty to work with one of South Texas biggest babyfaces of all time, Jose Lothario, his close relationship with the Blanchard Family in San Antonio and his outstanding tag team run with Tully Blanchard, his run in Houston, his relationship with the Von Erichs, his move into one of the hottest promotions at the time, World Class Championship Wrestling, his tag team with Chris Adams and more. We discuss the circumstances around his lifestyle in Dallas at the time of his death, his wife and family and yes, we dispel the rumors of Paul Boesch being his biological father.

Its all in this special bonus episode commemorating the 40th anniversary of the loss of one of pro wrestling’s brightest and biggest stars, Gino Hernandez. We hope you will take this ride back in the Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel with Lizzy Flanagan and myself as we go back to 1975 and travel forward to February 1984.

• (00:00:02) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: Bonus Episode 1
• (00:03:09) - Gino Hernandez's Death
• (00:04:47) - Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel History: The Death of Gino Hernandez
• (00:07:19) - Philadelphia wrestler Gino on his early life
• (00:14:17) - Louisiana Stars on His Stepfather's Name
• (00:14:49) - Paul Bosch On Gino's Stepfather's Death
• (00:21:36) - Gino Lewis Turns From Baby Face to Heel
• (00:26:25) - Gino Hernandez vs Jose Lothario
• (00:32:46) - Pro Wrestling's Historical Stylization
• (00:35:23) - Paul Bosch in the Hair Match
• (00:36:17) - The David Von Erich vs Gino
• (00:41:22) - Gino vs David Blanchard
• (00:42:34) - The Tully vs Geno Tag Team
• (00:45:45) - Geno Had A Farrah Fawcett Girlfriend
• (00:51:20) - Gino in WCCW
• (00:56:49) - Kevin Von Erics on Gino's Death
• (01:04:28) - Gary Hart on His Sons
• (01:04:49) - Gary Hart on Gino Hernandez's Drug Problem
• (01:09:57) - Gino Hernandez on His Book
• (01:13:58) - Remembering Gino Hernandez
• (01:14:55) - Memphis Wrestling Podcast and Pro Wrestling Time Tunnel
• (01:18:32) - 1985 Territory History Episode
• (01:20:24) - Vietnam Valentine's Day Special