WALKER, JOHNNY WRESTLING POSTER (THE HAWAIIAN RUBBERMAN)

John Francis Walker (born September 10, 1934) is an American retired professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Mr. Wrestling II. He is best known for his appearances with Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling in the 1970s and early 1980s. Johnny "Rubberman" walker began wrestling in 1956 and was pretty much a journeyman heel wrestler around the Southern territories throughout throughout the late 60's and would even get NWA World Heavyweight Title shots against the likes of Lou Thesz but when he donned a mask as The Grappler in Florida in 1971 that would begin a new era of his life. The Grappler gimmick in Florida was successful as he feuded with big names like Ole Anderson, Bobby Duncum, Dick Murdoch, along with getting NWA Heavyweight Title shots against Dory Funk Jr. but there were bigger plans for him in the future. Walker had basically semi-retired in 1972 and was running a gas station outside of Atlanta when Georgia Championship Wrestling promoter Paul Jones came to him with a plan that was set in motion by booker Leo Garibaldi about becoming the new version of Mr. Wrestling with the thought that another Mr. Wrestling would be a huge addition to their roster in their war with Ann Gunkel's All-South Wrestling Alliance since they couldn't get Tim Woods because he was on top in Florida. Walker agreed and his career was reborn at the Atlanta City Auditorium on 2/2/73 where he teamed up with Pat O'Brien & Bob Orton Jr. to face Bengali, Butcher Brannigan, & Jack Evans in the 2nd match on the card but it was only 11 days before he was in a semi-main event teaming with Bob Armstrong to face Butcher Brannigan & Tank Morgan at the Macon City Auditorium and then exactly one month from his debut he defeated Sputnik Monroe to win the Georgia Heavyweight Title at the Atlanta City Auditorium. This would be the first of his 10 reigns as the Georgia Heavyweight champion. Offered here is an original promotional poster of Johnny Walker from the early part of his career when he was dubbed as a "rubberman" contortionist who was difficult to put into traditional wrestling holds.
This is an original, paper promotional poster which pictures Johnny Walker in various poses. Professionally linen backed. Clean with no creasing. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. 12" x 17 1/2." Rare, the only example we have seen.