Witschi's Sports Arena
North Attleboro, MA
January 16, 1970
As it was learned yesterday, it was going to be WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino defending the title against "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff this Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Also Killer Kowalski and Waldo Von Erich would get a shot at the tag team champions Tony Marino and Victor Rivera. What about the rest of the card? Let's find out with today's show.
Match 1
"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs Angelo Savoldi
"Nobleman" Turco was another guy playing a lunatic but he had a handlebar mustache years before the Iron Sheik and usually shouted Italian obscenities at the irate crowd. Wrestling's version of Methuselah steps in the ring again at this special show to face Turco. For those that don't know, Savoldi was born Mario Fornini and Italy but moved to the US when he was five years old. He dropped out of school during the great depression to work as a metal cutter before joining his brother Lou in professional wrestling. His big break came in 1937 when legendary New York wrestler Joe Savoldi needed a partner so they turned Mario into "Angelo Savoldi" his storyline brother. Thirty four years later after a storied career in the territories he was still active at age 55 against Turco tonight. Its Italy vs Italy in this one with Savoldi getting the duke.
Winner: Savoldi
Match 2
Joe Crugnale vs Johnny Rodz
Rodz wins this one, not much to say.
Winner: Rodz
Match 3
Pete Sanchez vs Jean Dubois
Not sure why these two went at it but Sanchez gets the win.
Winner: Sanchez
Match 4
Red Demon vs Gorilla Monsoon
This was the fallout from yesterday in Washington, DC. "Kripper" Karl Kovacs sent his henchman to face Monsoon in North Attleboro. Monsoon got the win.
Winner: Monsoon
Match 5
Victor Rivera vs Waldo Von Erich
These two had a date this Monday night in the tag team match but they go one on one here. They brawl to a no-contest.
Winner: No one (draw)
Match 6
Tony Angelo and "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs Battman and WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino
For those that don't know, Tony Angelo was a heel wrestler in the 1950's and 60's that became a heel manager, mainly managing Ivan Koloff. "Battman" was Tony Marino's alter ego and even though he retired the gimmick full time, every now and then he brought it out for a reason. This match was a good reason. Bruno and Battman win.
Winners: Battman and Bruno
Kind of a nothing card just days before Madison Square Garden but it did have a preview of this Monday night with Bruno and Koloff. Madison Square Garden just happens to be up next. I'll see you there.
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