How a Texan Scandal and Phil Donahue Changed Pro-Wrestling Forever

The world has been rocked by the news of Phil Donahue's death. The talk show host built a career by diving into some of the most uncomfortable and controversial topics, while not going to some of the more sensational lengths that other talk show hosts went to. On one occasion, Phil Donahue dove into one of the biggest scandals to rock the world of pro wrestling, and somehow Amarillo, Texas wound up getting a name-drop.

Pro Wrestling Drug And Sex Scandals In The Early 90s

In the early 90s, pro wrestling was TV ratings gold. It was a special time with some of the biggest names in wrestling history hitting your screen every week. Hulk Hogan was a worldwide superhero. Then came the allegations. Soon, the wrestling world would be grappling with accusations ranging from drug use to sexual abuse.

Phil Donahue was one of the best, if not the best, daytime hosts at the time. His show dove into hard-hitting topics. The drug and sex scandal in pro wrestling in the early 90s was no different. Donahue welcomed a panel of guests, including Vince McMahon, to discuss the allegations. Things were kept relatively civil, given the nature of the allegations. Vince did his best song and dance to avoid admitting any wrongdoing by him or his company.

How Amarillo, Texas Entered The Greatest Scandal In Wrestling History

One of the wrestlers on Phil Donahue's show that day was Barry Orton. If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it's because the Ortons are a legendary wrestling family. Barry's career never reached the height of other Ortons, and that's partially because of what he alleged was harassment he received. This is where Amarillo, Texas enters into the history books, once again. You can watch the whole episode below.

Heads up, it gets into some pretty sensitive topics. Consider this your trigger warning.

Barry Orton was born in Amarillo, Texas. Amarillo is a town that is closely associated with some of the biggest names in wrestling history. Legends are passed around of Andre the Giant visiting and guzzling beers from 50-gallon trash cans. The Funk family entertained the area with spectacle after spectacle (my favorite story includes a painted bear). Many iconic names from wrestling's golden era cut their teeth and honed their craft in Amarillo.

Phil conducted an awesome episode of his show that day. Instead of it being a mere spectacle, wrestlers were able to face down Vince McMahon with plenty of time being given for Vince to respond. It could have turned into pure chaos, but Donahue was able to keep it reined in, even when the audience question and comment portion of the show began.

Rest in peace Phil Donahue, one of the greatest interviewers to ever do it. Whether it was interviewing pro wrestlers or discussing political theories, he always knew there was a way to have the most difficult conversations without devolving into chaos and violence.