In nearly 20 years, Billy Darnell accomplished many things in the wrestling business. Thankfully he was in fantastic shape, for his schedule would have squashed a lesser man! He was a top performer, and served as booker for Sam Muchnick and the Balkins of Indianapolis. Darnell recalls, “I was wrestling, promoting, and I ran a nightclub/bar until 1985. I owned my own plane and flew to all my matches. I never had time to watch my matches on television. Heck, I never had time to watch television!”

Even though he never watched TV, he was sure aware of that the people saw, and the impact it had on them. “We would look in the audience during the matches – it was full of celebrities. The Hollywood Legion Stadium – the first three rows were all celebrities. Gorgeous George would come out with his poodle hair and slick robe… or Buddy Rogers would wear his sequin robe. Fellas like Liberace would emulate what the wrestlers did, then others followed suit and it all got out of hand. Wrestlers really started a lot of the crap that we see on TV today. But, of course, not me – babyfaces never dressed that way!”

On two separate occasions Darnell and the popular Bill Melby would wear the NWA World Tag Team titles. Their partnership is one that fans remember well, as they were seen on national television, appearing for Fred Kohler’s Chicago promotion.

Even though he was quite adapt at his chosen craft, he said Antonino Rocca was the one man who he really envied. “I was good, but Rocca was a star soccer player. What a performer! I was jealous of him for years. Then we met up in New York City one day and had a meal together. He was such a nice person, all my jealousy went out the window.”