1. Early Life and Career Beginnings
Philip Thompson Robley's journey into professional wrestling began with an early background in amateur wrestling before transitioning to the professional circuit.
1.1. Birth and Amateur Wrestling Background
Philip Thompson Robley was born on January 19, 1945, in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Although some sources suggest his birth year may have been 1942, the 1945 date is widely accepted. Prior to his professional wrestling career, Robley had a background in amateur wrestling, which he developed during his time serving in the United States Marine Corps. This foundation in amateur wrestling provided him with a strong physical and technical base for his future endeavors in the squared circle.
1.2. Professional Debut and Initial Activities
Robley made his professional wrestling debut in 1966 in the NWA Tri-State territory, which encompassed areas like Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. During his initial years, he competed under the ring name Phil Robley. In 1968, he wrestled in Florida, and by 1970, he debuted in Nova Scotia, Canada, working for the Eastern Sports Association. His international exposure began early, as he made his first tour to Japan Pro-Wrestling in February 1970, indicating his early reach beyond the American circuit.
2. Peak Career in NWA Tri-State / Mid-South Wrestling
Buck Robley's most significant period of activity and influence occurred within the NWA Tri-State territory, which later transformed into Mid-South Wrestling, where he became a prominent figure both in front of and behind the cameras.
2.1. Transition to Manager and Role as Booker
In 1971, Robley suffered an injury in a car accident, leading to a temporary shift in his career where he transitioned to a managerial role. Despite the injury, he continued to be involved in the wrestling business, evolving into a wrestler-manager, often portraying a heel character. During this period, he changed his ring name to Buck Robley. Beyond his in-ring and managerial duties, Robley also took on the crucial role of a booker within the Tri-State territory. In this capacity, he was instrumental in nurturing young talents, notably mentoring both Stan Hansen and Bruiser Brody, who would go on to become major names in professional wrestling. He also managed other wrestlers such as Bob Sweetan, Lorenzo Parente, and Bobby Hart.
2.2. Championship Achievements and In-Ring Persona
Robley became a household name in the NWA Tri-State territory, which officially changed its name to Mid-South Wrestling in 1979. He achieved significant championship success, often partnering with Bill Watts. In 1976, he teamed with Bob Slaughter to capture the NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version), engaging in rivalries with formidable teams like Dick Murdoch and Ted DiBiase. In 1978, he defeated Doug "Gashouse" Gilbert to win the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship.
When Bill Watts established the new Mid-South Wrestling Association (MSWA) in 1979, Robley became a trusted aide to Watts both inside and outside the ring. He transitioned to a babyface position, and on November 12, 1979, he teamed with Watts to become the second Mid-South Tag Team Champions by defeating Mike George and Bob Sweetan. He secured the Mid-South Tag Team Championship again on April 6, 1980, this time alongside Junkyard Dog, by defeating Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy. His booking prowess during this period was highly effective, contributing significantly to the early prosperity of MSWA.
Robley developed a distinctive in-ring persona, earning the nickname "Yellow Belly" due to his perceived cowardly tactics during matches. To counter this, he famously wore a yellow T-shirt that boldly proclaimed, "DON'T CALL ME YELLOW" or "NOBODY CALLS ME YELLOW," a phrase that played on the American slang term for "coward." This iconic shirt was designed by future wrestling commentator Jim Ross.
2.3. NWA World Heavyweight Championship Challenge
A notable moment in Robley's career came in January 1978 when he challenged Harley Race for the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He faced Race in consecutive matches in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Quincy, Illinois, demonstrating his standing as a credible contender for the sport's highest honor at the time.
3. International and Later Career Activities
Following his prime years in the Mid-South territory, Buck Robley extended his career with international tours and appearances in various other promotions, eventually concluding his active wrestling career in the late 1980s.
3.1. All Japan Pro Wrestling Tours and Business Management
From 1981 to 1982, Robley undertook two tours with All Japan Pro Wrestling. His first appearance in October 1981 was during the 'Giant Series'. At this time, the wrestling war between All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling was intensifying. Speculation arose that Robley was involved in the dramatic appearance of Stan Hansen in the final match of the '81 World's Strongest Tag League, following Hansen's defection from New Japan.
During his time in Japan, Robley continued to work closely with Bruiser Brody, serving as his manager and accompanying him to the ring for matches. Beyond the on-screen role, Robley genuinely managed Brody's business affairs, including arranging his bookings in All Japan and Puerto Rico. All Japan treated Robley with considerable respect; during his participation in the 10th Champion Carnival in April 1982, he achieved draws against major international stars such as Bill Robinson, Alex Smirnoff, and Mongolian Stomper, an indication of his elevated status beyond a typical mid-card foreign wrestler. He remained in Japan for the 'Grand Champion Series' that followed the Carnival, continuing his role as Brody's manager and playing a part in the storyline involving a falling out between Brody and Jimmy Snuka.
3.2. Other Promotions and Final Matches
Buck Robley departed Mid-South Wrestling in 1982. Throughout the early to mid-1980s, he actively competed in other prominent wrestling promotions. In 1983, he wrestled for Southeastern Championship Wrestling in Alabama, where he notably won the NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Southeastern version) two times, being the last person to hold that title. In 1984, he appeared in Championship Wrestling from Florida. From 1985 onwards, Robley, alongside Bruiser Brody, became involved in the management of Texas All-Star Wrestling in San Antonio. His final matches took place in 1988 for Southern Championship Wrestling in Georgia, where he also held the position of a booker. After his retirement from active competition, Robley resided in Bossier City, Louisiana.
4. Signature Moves
Buck Robley was known for a few characteristic wrestling techniques that he frequently employed in his matches, often becoming his trademarks.
- Punching Forearm: A striking move delivered with his right forearm. He often wore a supporter on his forearm, which was rumored to be loaded with a foreign object, making the move technically illegal but highly effective and distinctive as his trademark offense.
- Elbow drop
- Diving Knee Drop
5. Championships and Accomplishments
Throughout his professional wrestling career, Buck Robley achieved several championship titles across various promotions.
| Promotion | Championship | Reigns | Partner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central States Wrestling | NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship | 1 | |
| Central States Wrestling | NWA Central States Television Championship | 1 | |
| Central States Wrestling | NWA World Tag Team Championship (Central States version) | 1 | Jerry Blackwell |
| Central States Wrestling | NWA World Tag Team Championship (Central States version) | 1 | The Blue Yankee |
| Southeastern Championship Wrestling | NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Southeastern version) | 2 | |
| Eastern Sports Association | ESA International Tag Team Championship | 1 | Eric Pomeroy |
| NWA Tri-State / Mid-South Wrestling Association | Mid-South Tag Team Championship | 2 | Bill Watts (1), Junkyard Dog (1) |
| NWA Tri-State / Mid-South Wrestling Association | NWA Louisiana Tag Team Championship | 2 | Bill Watts (2) |
| NWA Tri-State / Mid-South Wrestling Association | NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Tri-State version) | 2 | Bill Watts (1), Bob Slaughter (1) |
| Western States Sports | NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship | 1 | |
| Western States Sports | NWA Western States Tag Team Championship | 1 | Hank James |
| Southeastern Championship Wrestling | NWA Alabama Heavyweight Championship | 1 |
6. Death
Philip Thompson Robley passed away on May 28, 2013, at the age of 68, in Little Rock, Arkansas. His death was attributed to congestive heart failure and cancer, following a period of illness.
7. Legacy and Reception
Buck Robley left a significant and enduring legacy in the professional wrestling industry, recognized for his multifaceted contributions both as an in-ring performer and a crucial behind-the-scenes operator.
7.1. Contributions as a Booker and Manager
Robley's impact extended far beyond his wrestling matches. He is widely regarded as one of professional wrestling's "brightest minds," particularly for his astute abilities as a booker. His strategic booking decisions were pivotal in the early development and prosperity of Mid-South Wrestling, a territory that would become one of the most successful and influential promotions of its era under Bill Watts.
Furthermore, his role as a business manager for key wrestlers, especially Bruiser Brody, was crucial. Robley effectively handled Brody's bookings, including securing lucrative tours for him in major international promotions like All Japan Pro Wrestling and in territories such as Puerto Rico. This managerial foresight not only benefited Brody's career but also highlighted Robley's comprehensive understanding of the wrestling business beyond the ring.
7.2. Overall Evaluation and Influence
Buck Robley's overall footprint in professional wrestling is characterized by his versatility and intellectual contribution. While he was a respected competitor, his strategic mind for booking and managing set him apart. His ability to adapt from a heel manager to a babyface wrestler, and his success in shaping storylines, demonstrated his deep understanding of fan psychology and narrative development. His influence on up-and-coming wrestlers like Stan Hansen and Bruiser Brody, coupled with his pivotal role in one of wrestling's most important territories, solidified his place as a significant figure in wrestling history. He was treated with the highest regard in major promotions like All Japan, indicating his respected status beyond just his in-ring skills.