10 Things You Didn't Know About Paul Ellering
9. He Started Out As A Wrestler, But Retired After A Knee Injury
Ellering first broke into the wrestling business in the 1970s, training in Minneapolis with AWA owner Verne Gagne and wrestler Eddie Sharkey. He made his in-ring debut in 1978 and feuded with the likes of Jesse Ventura, Jerry Lawler, and Jimmy Valiant. He would go on to capture the Memphis-based AWA Southern Heavyweight and Southern Tag Team Championships.
Unfortunately, Ellering's wrestling career wouldn't last long. While wrestling Robert Gibson in 1981, "Precious" Paul suffered a severe knee injury that put him on the shelf for a while. Ellering would return to the ring, but in 1982 he injured his knee once again, forcing him to close the book on his time in the ring.
Ole Anderson recognized Ellering's promo ability, though, and helped him usher in the next phase of his career - managing other stars. It was as a manager that Ellering would reach his greatest heights, spending three more decades in the pro wrestling spotlight.