Witschi's Sports Arena
North Attleboro, MA
January 2, 1970
Welcome to 1970, everyone. Its a new decade for the World Wide Wrestling Federation that's going to begin with the man who ended it as WWWF Heavyweight Champion, Bruno Sammartino NOT going to appear on tonight's wrestling card. We got 10 guys for today's show so let's get to the wrestling.
Match 1
Jean Dubois vs Joe Crugnale
For those that know, Gene Dubois is actually Dave McKigney. McKigney made his name wrestling Terrible Ted the bear in Toronto then later playing a Canadian wildman gimmick no different than The Wolfman I'll be mentioning later. He came to the states in 1969 as Gene Dubois and here he takes on Joe Crugnale. Not much is known about Joe apart from he trained "The Duke of Dorchester" Pete Dougherty. No, this isn't the same Joe Crugnale that founded Bertucci's either. Jean got the victory on this night.
Winner: Jean Dubois
Match 2
"The Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland vs "Captain" Lou Albano
Two legends in the making in the World Wide Wrestling Federation collide. Arnold was about to turn 46 in a few weeks but still was over in New York. Albano was born in Italy while his father was in med school before moving to New York. Albano played college football at Tennessee U and was roomates with future National Football League coach Sam Rutigliano. After college, Lou wanted to become a boxer and the legendary trainer Lou Duva hooked him up with promoter Willie Glizenberg. Willie then took one look at Albano and realized he'd be much better off as a wrestler. Guess who trained Albano? Skaaland himself along with Solider Barry. Albano made his name in the 1960's as one half of a tag team called The Sicilians along with Tony Altomare. Legend has it that REAL Chicago mob boss Tony Accardo told them to stop saying "mafia" in their interviews. By now, Altomare was gone and Albano was by himself against his old mentor. The two men fought to a draw in this one.
Winner: No one (Draw)
Match 3
Pete Sanchez vs Miguel Feliciano
The battle of the Latin stars as Sanchez takes on Feliciano. Miguel was yet another latin star of the 60's that was primarily enhancement talent by the 70's. Sanchez got the victory in this one.
Winner: Sanchez
Match 4
Gorilla Monsoon vs Eric The Red
One legend in the world of wrestling and one not so much. Monsoon was born Bob Marella and was a standout amateur heavyweight wrestler for Jefferson High School in Rochester, NY and Ithica College. He placed second in the NCAA Championship in 1959 and turned pro as Gino Marella, a singing Italian babyface....imagine if Prime Time era Bobby Heenan had a hold of 1960 Gino Marella footage? He made his name as Gorilla Monsoon, a complete savage from Manchuria who spoke no English (ironic) and terrorized babyfaces. Manchuria is actually in northeast China so naturally when you think northeast China you think of an Italian guy. Eric was born Ib Solvang Hansen in Denmark before immigrating to Canada. He got his start working for Frank and Jack Tunney in Toronto as a Viking based off the real Erik The Red before turning heel in 1969. Monsoon beat Eric on this card.
Winner: Gorilla Monsoon
Match 5
Professor Toru Tanaka vs Victor Rivera
Victor Rivera was a rising latino star that would be a mainstay for years to come as a face or heel. Tanaka was actually an American Hawaiian of CHINESE descent named Charles Kalani Jr but because of the way wrestling was in the 60's, he became an evil Japanese heel after serving 11 years in the US military. You have to be a proud man to be an 11 year serviceman only to be called a "dirty Jap" by the predominantly xenophobic crowds of wrestling at the time. These two fought to a no-contest to end the show.
Winner: No one (draw)
All in all with two wild brawls to end the show, this must have been fun to witness in person. Its a shame there's virtually no footage remaining from shows as old as these but they served their purpose, especially in the territory days. The following day an entire different crew (sans Albano) would be in Hubbard, Ohio for the next show. I'll see you there.
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