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Texas is wrestling. The Funks in Amarillo, the Guerreros in El Paso, Austin’s Rhodes family, Dallas’ Von Erichs, the history of grappling is a part of Lone Star history, and Terrale Tempo is part of that lineage.
An incredible performer who has captivated and enthralled audiences, he’s also been a well-liked figure in the locker room. His has been a hard slog in an art form that isn’t well-respected, and that doesn’t have the kind of clear career trajectory that are laid out in many professional athletic careers.
Austin filmmaker and videographer Ray Zombie followed Tempo during his last run on the Texas circuit, before the wrestler moved to California at the beginning of the year. With interviews with friends, family, fellow wrestlers, and all-time wrestling hall-of-famer (and a trailblazer for Black wrestlers) Booker T, the pair head back to Tempo’s hometown of Levelland (pop. 13,542) to show the importance of giving back, and the power of facing challenges on your own terms.
“Terrale Tempo – Homecoming”
• YouTube (Link
This article appears in June 5 • 2020.
