1. Bronko Lubich appeared as both a wrestler and manager in Texas during the early 1960s, most notably as the manager and cornerman of then NWA United States Heavyweight Champion Angelo Poffo from 1961 to 1964, and was often known to use his cane as a foreign object to help his men score victories.
Bronko Lubich spent his last year as an active wrestler in Texas teaming with Chris Markoff where the two feuded with Mr Wrestling and George Scott, and Johnny Valentine and Wahoo McDaniel.
Bronko Lubich is remembered by modern wrestling fans as one of its most visible referees, especially after WCCW began airing on televised events, and was involved in several major angles and storylines in the promotion.
Bronko Lubich was the official for many high-profile matches including the long-running feud between The Freebirds vs the Von Erich family.
Bronko Lubich was recognizable by his distinctive "slow counts" when a wrestler attempted a pinfall.
Bronko Lubich was considered a highly respected official by wrestlers in the territory, according to interviews with former WCCW mainstays Scott Casey and Bill Mercer, and advised fellow wrestlers on both their professional careers and financial matters.
Bronko Lubich was born Branko Sandor Lupsity in Battonya, Hungary on December 25,1925.
Bronko Lubich's father moved to Canada in 1926 and was eventually able to save enough money to bring his family over by boat to Montreal where they settled in December 1937.
Bronko Lubich excelled in the sport and was selected to represent Canada in the 1948 Olympic Games, but he did not compete, having broken his arm while in another competition prior to the Olympics.
Bronko Lubich was initially trained by DiMitre and made his professional debut in 1948.
At 6-foot, 175 pounds, he spent his early career as a lightweight wrestler under the name Bronko Lubich and began teaming with Angelo Poffo by the late 1950s.
When Snyder attempted a pinfall, Bronko Lubich entered the ring and knocked out Snyder with his cane and revived the referee in time for Poffo to score a pinfall instead.
In 1961, Bronko Lubich made his debut in the Dallas area as the manager of Angelo Poffo.
Bronko Lubich would continue teaming with Bogni in the Carolinas, Florida and Stampede Wrestling up until the early 1970s.
Bronko Lubich was later quoted in the book Friday Night in the Coliseum describing life as a professional wrestler:.
Bronko Lubich managed many of the top "heels" in the area including Bobby Duncum, Sr.
Bronko Lubich began refereeing for the promotion and, in 1973, refereed the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match between Jack Brisco and Harley Race in Houston.
Bronko Lubich would go on to referee matches in The Sportatorium, the North Side and Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth as well as weekly appearances at venues in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and Houston.
Bronko Lubich was diagnosed with cancer in 1997 and died in 2004.
Bronko Lubich died at his home on August 11,2007 and buried at Restland Memorial Park.
Bronko Lubich is survived by his three daughters, Kathy, Maria and Melonie.