Baron von Raschke, 86, became the oldest man to compete in a professional wrestling match Saturday, October 10, when he made an unexpected return to the ring at Dreamwave Wrestling’s Trick or Treat event in LaSalle, Illinois.
Von Raschke, who had not wrestled since 1996, won Sidney Bakabella’s Halloween Ball Gauntlet Extravaganza at the Kaycee Club. The former American Wrestling Association (AWA) star entered the match at No. 10 and used his signature claw hold to eliminate Bakabella and Jordan Kross for the victory.
According to Fightful, von Raschke surpassed the previous men’s record held by Kendo Nagasaki, who competed at age 84 in November 2025. Mae Young holds the overall record, having wrestled at age 87 on the November 15, 2010, episode of WWE Raw.
Von Raschke was originally scheduled only to sign autographs at the event. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, Bakabella suggested including the veteran wrestler in the gauntlet match and eventually persuaded him to participate.
Alvarez reported that those involved did not realize the historical significance of the match at the time. He said von Raschke enjoyed the experience and appeared delighted to be back in the ring.
The match also included Channing Thomas, Kody Lane, Xander Pryde, Gaige Carter, Anna Ray, Matt Hatter, and Dan the Dad.
Born James Raschke, the former amateur wrestler began his professional career in 1966 after training under Verne Gagne. He became a prominent figure in the AWA during the 1970s and 1980s, winning the promotion’s World Tag Team Championship with Paul Jones.
Von Raschke also competed for Jim Crockett Promotions and appeared in the World Wrestling Federation, where he briefly managed the Powers of Pain in 1988. Known for his German military officer persona, claw hold, and catchphrase, “That is all the people need to know,” he remained a recognizable figure long after his retirement.