12 Most Historic Wrestling Moments That Happened In Las Vegas
6. "The Greatest" Is Born When Muhammad Ali Meets A Legend
The birth of Muhammad Ali's bombastic and charismatic public persona may not be a wrestling-centric moment but was in fact rooted in wrestling. Often declaring himself "The Greatest", Ali made use of wrestling tropes throughout his career as he cut promo-like interviews on countless opponents and naysayers. However, the champion boxer's gift of gab was more of a learned skill than an innate one.
Early in his career - fresh off of winning an Olympic gold medal and still known as Cassius Clay - Ali had a chance meeting with one of wrestling's most iconic performers, the great "Gorgeous" George. The two were both in Las Vegas on the same weekend in June of 1961 for marquee bouts - Ali against Duke Sabedong and George facing off with Freddie Blassie. At a radio station together to promote the bouts, Ali marveled at George's over-the-top bragging that drew not only the ire of wrestling fans but also their money in record ticket sales.
Interestingly, years later when Ali fought Antonio Inoki in a disappointing spectacle, he was cornered and managed by Blassie - crediting the "Classy" one with inspiring his charismatic caricature during that time. But it was actually "Gorgeous" George that set him on the path toward becoming the "G.O.A.T." outside of the boxing ring and helped shape the popular culture icon he became.