Today pro wrestling lost one of its unsung heroes in Blackjack Mulligan. Known as one of the toughest competitors to ever hit the squared circle. Mulligan was considered giant in his era with his 6ft 9in and 345lbs frame and was a longtime rival of Andre The Giant. Born Robert Windham, Mulligan served in the Marines played pro football prior to jumping into sports entertainment.
Getting his start in the AWA as Big Bob Windham he soon met longtime partner Blackjack Lanza and formed the legendary Blackjacks who were managed by none other than Bobby Heenan. The duo become one of the most teams of the 1970s. They won titles in the WWWF and various NWA territories. Their all black gear with the big cowboy hats and brawling style made them iconic team in their era.
Mulligan also had lots of success as a singles wrestler feuding with the likes of Pedro Morales and Bruno Sammartino. He would go on to hold the United States title while working in Jim Crockett Promotions even captured tag team gold down there with fellow Hall of Famer Ric Flair. His career last throughout the 1980s where he went back to the now WWF and also wrestled in World Class. Blackjack even began to become a force behind the scenes as a booker and promoter in his native Texas when he and Dick Murdoch took over the Amarillo territory from the Funks.
The legacy of Blackjack Mulligan continued on through his family well after his retirement. He is the father wrestlers Kendall Windham and Four Horseman Barry Windham. Blackjack’s grandkids Bo Dallas and Bray Wyatt are current stars in the WWE. Blackjack was known as a tough man who stood tall and his image was copied by a lot outlaw wrestlers that came after him.
Written By
Keith B. Holt
Follow on Twitter @Kholtjr
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