WWWF All-Star Wrestling (1/17/76)

WWWF All Star Wrestling
January 17, 1976
Hamburg, PA
Hamburg Fieldhouse

Its 1976 and the world is hopping mad! Just like last week, this week's edition of WWWF All-Star Wrestling is hosted by Vince McMahon Jr and Antonino Rocca after we see a brief highlight package. Vince hypes up tonight's main event which will see Bugsy McGraw take on Ivan Putski. Rocca says Putski will win. After we come back from commercial, Joe McHugh does the introductions. This hour of wrestling is promoted by Phil Zacko, supervised by the state athletic commission, the doctor at ringside is Dr. Fred Heinbach, the timekeeper is Mike Mitton, the referees are "Wee" Willie Webber & Dick Woehrle and his name is JOEEEEE McHugh.

Match 1

Sylvano Sousa vs "Superstar" Billy Graham

Graham enters the ring wearing a ridiculous fur hat & coat. He starts by posing for the crowd as a fan yells "Come on Sousa!" Rocca says Graham is "fanta-stick" as Billy clubs at Sousa in the ropes then rams his head into the buckle twice. He punches and kicks at Sousa before delivering a forearm to the back. Sousa tries to fight back but Graham kicks away. McMahon hypes up the upcoming Bugsy McGraw vs Ivan Putski showdown as Graham tosses Sousa through the ropes, but oh no! Sousa's foot is tangled up so Graham kicks at him outside before hilariously ripping off the ring mat and heaving it on top of Sylvano. Sousa crawls back into the ring where Graham whips him into the corner. Sousa runs into the bearhug and he quickly submits. Graham refuses to let go as Wizard gets in to distract the ref. Finally the ref catches Billy so he lets go. Vince goes to commercial and we break here. Standard jobber match but fun to see Graham rip the ring mat off.

Time of match: 3:34

Winner: Superstar Billy Graham by submission

Moving right along to the match.

Match 2

Bugsy McGraw (with Captain Lou Albano, The Grand Wizard and Ivan Koloff) vs Ivan Putski

Before the match, Vince questions what the hell Koloff and Albano are doing out there and Rocco doesn't like it either. Putski tells Dick Woehrle to get rid of the other two but he can't. Putski leaves but comes back with the tag team champions Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi to even the odds. Albano, Wizard and Koloff retreat to the outside as McGraw is totally irate. McGraw and Putski tie up as Bugsy is at least foot taller than Putski. Bugsy backs Putski into the corner but they tie up again and this time Ivan heaves McGraw into the other corner. Another tie up has Ivan going to the headlock and Bugsy flails around. The mic picks up Albano screaming something as Bugsy gets in a wrist-lock. Ivan almost counters it but Bugsy remains in control. Putski then uses both hands to power out of it, throwing McGraw down. McGraw regroups with Albano before attacking Putski from behind. He whips Ivan into the corner and goes to down until Putski reverses it. Bugsy then shoves Woehrle halfway across the ring and Koloff gets in, Suddenly its a pier six brawl with everyone in there as the crowd pops. The bell rings as Parisi and Cerdan beat the crap out of Albano and Koloff with Wizard standing outside. Suddenly Bobo Brazil of all people hits the ring and clears the heels out. The faces shake hands inside the ring as the heels retreat. McHugh announces the ref disqualified both men and the match is a draw. Putski grabs the mic and calls Bugsy a bum before challenging him to come back and fight. Putski calls them yellow dogs and Vince says Albano won't be coming back. If there was a Survivor Series in those days that would have been a hell of a match with Bobo, Cerdan, Parisi and Putski against Koloff, Bugsy, Billy Graham and Ernie Ladd or whatever. As it was, at least they told a story with PUtski having the presence of mind to get the tag champs to help out.

Time of match: 6:32

Winner: No one (double DQ)

After the break we're back with Vince sporting a TERRIBLE 1970's haircut interviewing Cerdan and Parisi. Cerdan says the heels are too talented to stoop that low. He calls Wizard the "weasel" and stumbles over his words. Vince asks why Koloff was there and Tony says that Albano is still mad they beat The Blackjacks. Parisi says they're gonna keep the belts for as long as they can because its for the fans. Vince hints a potential match against Bugsy and Koloff. Cerdan says they have open contracts and he wants to bust Albano wide open. Cerdan once again bitches about heels interfering and says this is the wrestling capital of the world. (Jim Crockett might disagree). Cerdan calls McGraw "quacky" as Vince brings up Jerry Blackwell and Louis Cyr as well. Cerdan says they stay in shape by playing raquetball and handball. Not exactly Celtic Warrior Workouts like today. For those crying that this was a bad promo, its 1976. Dusty Rhodes and Billy Graham were few and far between. Bruno and Backlund weren't exactly Hogan-esque on the mic either. On to the next match.

Match 3

Johnny Rivera vs Louis Cyr (with Freddie Blassie)

Yet another Canadian (to go with Koloff, Cerdan, Parisi) as Cyr takes on Rivera here. For you youngsters, Rivera would jerk a lot of curtains for Madison Square Garden shows in the 70's. Vince hypes up Ivan Koloff is up next followed by Ernie Ladd vs Pete Sanchez on last. Cyr chats with Blassie as the bell rings. Referee Wee Willie Webber tells Blassie to make like a banana and split before they lock up. Cyr throws Rivera around with hip tosses and headlocks. Rivera then locks in an arm ringer but Cyr throws him off. Cyr slams Rivera into the buckle and then does a unique move where he gets in an over the shoulder backbreaker and chokes Rivera on the rop rope. Cyr covers for 1...2...nope, Blassie says to torture him some more. Cyr drops Rivera again and covers for 1....2...nope, he pulls him up again. Cyr rakes the face of Rivera as Blassie cuts a promo to Vince and calls Cyr his Yukon champion. An uppercut drops Rivera and and pulls him up again. Rocca puts over Cyr's brute strength as Cyr bearhugs Rivera into the corner. Cyr pulls him up after another two count as the fans get bored. All of a sudden Rivera rallies with right hands but Cyr takes over with a big left. Cyr delivers a perfect gut wrench suplex and looks over to a laughing Blassie for appreciation. Cyr sends him off and delivers a big boot. Cyr does a belly to belly suplex and a shoulder breaker. Cyr covers for 1...2...3 and thankfully its over. Up close Cyr looks like a young Gorilla Monsoon from the 1960's and this match was to establish Louis as a mean old bastard. Bruno Sammartino would have his hands full if Cyr comes challenging.

Time of match: 5:48

Winner: Louis Cyr by pinfall

Vince sends us directly to the next match.

Match 4

Pete McKay vs Ivan Koloff (with Captain Lou Albano)

Ironically it was McKay who lost to Louis Cyr last week and now he gets an angry Koloff who's not too happy about getting bumrushed by Bobo Brazil earlier. Albano stands directly in front of McHugh as he does the introductions and steals his mic to yell at the fans. The bell rings as Dick Woehrle tells Albano to make like a tree and leave. Albano finally makes his exit and yells at some old man in the crowd. The former WWWF champ drops McKay as Vince mistakenly calls Koloff "Bugsy McGraw" then saves himself by saying Bugsy was on earlier. Koloff locks in the iron claw early as Vince asks Rocca if Koloff is the same man that beat Bruno 5 years earlier. Rocca says he's faster than he was five years earlier and has a new system of training that lost a bit of muscle. He asks if Bruno is the same and Rocca says Bruno is smarter than five years ago. Albano runs over and asks what about him and Rocca yells at him that he's gonna "put censorship on television". Albano cuts a promo on Rocca as Koloff backdrops McKay. Koloff tosses McKay and delivers a big forearm to the back. Ivan taunts the crowd as Vince agrees that Ivan has lost some strength. Albano yells at McMahon for that as Vince puts over Cyr, Bruno, Putski, McGraw, Graham, Ernie Ladd, Brazil in terms of strength as Ivan drops a series of elbows and knees. The crowd gets bored as Ivan puts a foot on the chest for 1...2..nope. He takes his foot off and goes upstairs. He drops a knee and covers for 1...2..3 and its over. Vince hypes up the next bout as Koloff continues to stomp away after the bell. Koloff drops another knee as we cut here. Koloff proving he's still nasty five years later.

Time of match: 5:12

Winner: Ivan Koloff by pinfall

We go right to the final match

Match 5

Pete Sanchez vs "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd

Sanchez had beaten Johnny Rodz at Madison Square Garden the month before but now he's in the ring with the 6 foot 9 giant. Ladd comes to the ring wearing a cowboy vest and hat and hands his vest to the attendant. He squishes the hat on top of the attendant's head and the crowd laughs. Ladd drops to his knees to mock Sanchez for being so short and Pete dropkicks him much to the crowd's delight. He takes over Ladd with an armdrag as it should be noted the crowd really had nothing to cheer for all night apart from the Putski match. The crowd chants "Go Pete go" as Ladd complains about tights pulling. Another armdrag on Ladd has the crowd popping and thank goodness Ladd is letting Pete get some stuff in because everything has been boring so far. Ladd taunts the irate crowd and Vince says don't turn your back on Pete. Ladd backs Sanchez in the corner but misses a big forearm. Sanchez dropkicks Ernie in the back and Ladd falls on the top rope allowing Sanchez to gets a few kicks in. Sanchez rallies with right hands and sends Ladd head first into the buckle. Sanchez goes to work with right hands as Ladd reaches into his tights for something. Ladd slips on the tape for his thumb and nails Sanchez in the throat with it. Ladd nails Sanchez in the throat again as Willie Webber continues to give Ladd shit for using the thumb. Ladd slips the tape off and rams Pete's head into the buckle. The crowd chants "Go Pete Go" as Pete rallies with left hands and nails Ladd in the ribs to drop the big guy. Sanchez stomps away at Ladd but eats a headbutt to the ribs. Ladd starts stomping away and chokes Pete on the top rope. Vince praises Pete's effort as Ladd goes to ram Sanchez's head into the buckle. Vince says next week's feature match is Dominic DeNucci vs Ivan Koloff as Sanchez blocks Ladd's attempt and rams Ernie into the buckle instead. Sanchez rallies with right hands and whips Ladd into the other corner. Sanchez charges but right into the thumbs of Ladd. Ladd slips the tape on and nails Sanchez in the throat that sends Pete through the ropes to the outside. The ref counts out Pete and Ladd takes the coward's win. McHugh announces Ladd the winner as the end credits hit. That was actually a little bit of fun to see Sanchez hold his own with Ladd and Ernie having to resort to cheating tactics to win. Better than the straight jobber matches, that's for sure.

Time of match: 6:02

Winner: Ernie Ladd by count-out

Once again it would be unfair to rate 1970's shows by today's standards but some of it was a little fun. Putski bringing in Parisi and Cerdan as backup, Albano and Rocca yelling at each other, Graham ripping the mat off and Ladd bumping for Sanchez were the highlights for sure. Have to remember this was still a territory with guys coming and going so you'd be seeing a lot of these guys around the area for months on end. The Blackjacks dropped the belts and went somewhere else the same as Cerdan and Parisi will do the same eventually. As for the show, again, it had its moments but standard mid 70's action. It was all designed to get you to go to the house shows. Unfortunately next week's show has been lost to time so we won't get to see DeNucci vs Koloff. I know, can you believe it? Oh well.

WWWF All-Star Wrestling (1/10/76)

WWWF All Star Wrestling
January 10, 1976
Hamburg, PA
Hamburg Fieldhouse

Its 1976 and the world is hopping mad! This edition of WWWF All-Star Wrestling is hosted by Vince McMahon Jr and Antonino Rocca. Vince Jr says Bobo Brazil will be in action along with the tag champs Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi. We also got Bugsy McGraw and Crusher Blackwell against Francisco Flores and a 26 year old Kevin Sullivan.....yes THAT Kevin Sullivan. Vince says they'll be right back before we get started with the first match. Joe McHugh says this hour of wrestling is promoted by Phil Zacko and sanctioned by the state athletic commission. The doctor at ringside is Dr. Fred Heinbach, the timekeeper at the bell is Mike Minton, the referees are "Wee" Willie Webber and Dick Woehrle and his name is JOEEEEEEE MCHUGH!

Match 1

Davey O'Hannon vs WWWF United States Heavyweight Champion Bobo Brazil

O'Hannon was a well respected wrestler in his day. He was a fan in the stands when Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers to win the WWWF title and felt it was an honor to share the same ring with him in Davey's own capacity. The 41 year old Bobo Brazil needs no introduction for his contributions to wrestling. Davey is in the gold tights and the legit 6 foot 6 Bobo is in the purple trunks. They shake hands to start and Brazil and Davey clean break at the ropes. Davey backs Bobo in the corner and once again breaks clean. Brazil gets in an armbar before locking in a headlock. Vince Jr says Davey pulled the hair and Davey tries to forearm Brazil against the ropes...but Bobo no-sells it. Brazil stops another attempt by making a fist as Rocca puts over Brazil as a great wrestler. Bobo wins a test of strength and stomps on the hands of Davey. Bobo wins another test of strength and locks in another arm-bar. O'Hannon rakes the eyes and Bobo gets mad and punches him a bunch of times before throwing him across the ring. O'Hannon begs off but Bobo backs him into the corner before clubbing him with a forearm. Bobo rams his head into the buckle three times but Davey counters with right hands. Bobo counters with a headlocked punch and an elbow to the head. Bobo gets a front headlock in the corner but the ref makes him break. O'Hannon rallies with right hands and into a headlock but Brazil sends him off the ropes. Bobo back drops Davey who retreats to the apron where Bobo slingshots him back in. Davey begs off but then goes for the blatant choke. Bobo counters with the headbutt and another toss across the ring. Bobo hits the jumping headbutt and covers for 1..2....3 and its over. Standard 1970's match with ring psychology that would make zoomers fall down and cry, but back then it told a story. Davey couldn't hang with Bobo so he resorted to cheating tactics. After the match they shake hands again, isn't that nice?

Time of match: 7:40

Winner: Bobo Brazil by pinfall

Vince goes to commercial and we return to our next bout

Match 2

Pete McKay vs Louis Cyr (with Classie Freddie Blassie)

Who are these two? Pete was a standard jobber at the time while Cyr was supposed to be the Canadian version of Ken Patera. The name "Louis Cyr" comes from the turn of the century Canadian strongman Louis Cyr. Useless information I know. Blassie is wearing the purple suit and Cyr has a nanook of the north hat. McKay throws Cyr into the ropes but Cyr takes him over with a headlock. McKay gets in a sideheadlock but Cyr drops him with a knee to the ribs. A big right sends McKay down and Cyr drops him again and again. Rocca says Cyr has a "European style" as Blassie walks over and interrupts Antonino to say Cyr is the greatest ever. Blassie in his book said wrestling Rocca was a trip because the crowd would pop for everything he did. Cyr stomps on McKay's hands then punches him in the corner. Cyr heaves McKay across the ring and Rocca praises Cyr's ability. Cyr chokes McKay on the bottom rope then whips him into the other corner. McKay reverses a whip but runs into a big boot. Cyr suplexes McKay then hits a shoulderbreaker. Cyr covers for 1...2....3 and that's it. Impressive win by Cyr who attacks McKay after the bell for some more heat much to Blassie's delight. Standard jobber match that serves its purpose. Cyr is a mean looking fella, look out Bruno!

Time of match: 4:32

Winner: Louis Cyr by pinfall

Vince sends us to commercial and when he comes back he's got Ernie Ladd with him. Vince asks him how he's going to fare against two men in a handicap match. Ladd is mad that he wanted Ivan Putski and Bobo Brazil and he got two jobbers instead. The crowd boos so Ladd tells them to shut up. He says he can beat Bobo and Putski by himself and that's the match he wanted. Vince asks what happened and Ladd says the promoter saved Bobo from embarrassment. Ladd says Putski and Bobo aren't athletes like he is and he has no regard. Ladd puts over Superstar Billy Graham, Spiros Arion and Ivan Koloff as real athletes. Ladd says in the Superbowl, give him a front four of Graham, Koloff and himself and they'd win the Superbowl. Ladd challenges McMahon to do something about him shouting in his face. Hahaha wait 22 years there Ernie. Ernie heads to the ring for his match. 

Match 3

Sylvano Sousa and Tito Torres vs "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd

Ladd starts with Sousa and extends a hand. They shake hands and Ladd backs him into the ropes then locks in a bearhug before executing a hiplock takeover. Ladd works over Sousa in the corner when Torres interferes. Ladd stacks them up in the corner and picks them both up in a double bearhug. That's impressive. Ladd snapmares both of them before scoop slamming Torres. Ladd hits the big boot on Sousa before pressing Torres onto the top rope before clubbing away with forearms. Sousa then attacks from behind and clubs away. Sousa whips Ladd into the corner and Sousa presses the attack to get a pop from the crowd until Ladd drops him with a headbutt. Ladd uses his thumb to club Sousa before nailing Torres in the throat with it. Ladd tosses Torres to the outside and kicks away at Sousa. Ladd hits Sousa in the throat with the thumb and kicks away at him. Ernie gets in a blatant choke but Torres cuts him off. Ladd chops Torres then throws him out of the ring again. Another thumb to the throat of Sousa drops him and Ladd drops the big leg. Ernie puts his hands on Sousa's shoulders and the ref counts 1...2...3 even though Ladd was just setting up for a knee drop. Whoops! Ladd stomps Sousa for more heat as McHugh gets in to announce Ernie the winner. Ladd drew a ton of money as a heel and he'd be featured prominently in New York.

Time of match: 4:48

Winner: Ernie Ladd by pinfall

When we get back from commercial, we go right to the next match.

Match 4

Baron Mikel Scicluna and Vincente Pometti vs Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi (WWWF Tag Team Champions)

What a treat. The champs had beaten The Blackjacks for the tag belts the year prior and now take on Scicluna and Pometti in a non-title match. Captain Lou Albano makes his way to ringside to shout at the champs. Both faces are in red trunks with Scicluna in the royal blue. Parisi starts with Scicluna and armdrags him twice. Cerdan tags in and locks in an armringer but Pometti kicks him off. Vince hypes up the main event after this match as Cerdan goes back to the arm-ringer. Vince asks Rocca about Bobo earlier and Rocca says he looks "veddy veddy good". Cerdan armdrags Scicluna a few more times before Parisi walks in to help Cerdan bring Mikel to the corner. Parisi tags in and picks up where Cerdan left off on the left arm. Parisi swings and misses and Scicluna scoop slams him. Mikel covers for 1..2...nope, Parisi throws him off. Cerdan tags in and Scicluna meets him with boots to the mid-section. Pometti tags in but Cerdan throws him into the corner where Parisi tags in. Parisi grabs Pometti by the beard and referee Willie Webber breaks the grip which causes Pometti some agony. Cerdan tags in and literally steps on Pometti before tagging Parisi back in. Vince asks Rocca to say something and Antonino puts over the frequent tags made by the champs. Cerdan sends Pometti into a Parisi forearm and they repeat the sequence with Cerdan. Parisi tags in and drops an elbow before making the cover. Scicluna stands there and the ref counts 1..2...3 and its over. Baron picks up Pometti and leaves as McHugh annnounces the champs as the winner. That was as boring as it gets apart from a few comedy spots with the referee but that was the standard back then. Jobber matches on TV and the big house shows at MSG, Boston Garden and the Philadelphia Spectrum.

Time of match: 6:03

Winners: Cerdan and Parisi by pinfall

Vince goes to commercial and we get back, the final match is up next

Match 5

Kevin Sullivan and Francisco Flores vs Bugsy McGraw and Jerry "Crusher" Blackwell (with The Grand Wizard and Classy Freddie Blassie)

Lot to unpack here. Sullivan was just 26 at the time while Bugsy was managed by Wizard with Blackwell the protégé of Blassie. Bugsy was one of the top heels in Florida while Blackwell would eventually be a star in the AWA. Sullivan needs no introduction as Flores was billed as the "Mexican Heavyweight Champion". Sullivan starts with Blackwell and its funny how they were both born in 1949 but Blackwell was 6 months older. Blackwell misses a big punch by "a country mile" as said by Vince but gets in a headlock. Sullivan charges twice but is shoulderblocked down twice. Sullivan does catch Blackwell with an armdrag and tags in Flores. Flores works over the left arm as McGraw can't reach him. Sullivan brings Blackwell over and makes the tag to work over the left arm. Blackwell again reaches for the tag and this time McGraw gets it. Its funny how McGraw is 6 foot 3 but towers over everyone because Sullivan and Blackwell were notoriously short. McGraw drops Sullivan twice with two shoulderblocks but a big chop by Kevin sends Bugsy flying. Blackwell tags in and drives Sullivan into the corner. Bugsy tags in and goes to work on Sullivan in the corner. McGraw whips Sullivan to the other side, puts the boots to him then does a snapmare. McGraw throws Sullivan through the ropes who drops McGraw with a shoulderblock but Sullivan's foot gets caught in the middle rope. The referee counts to 10 and apparently Sullivan was counted out. Kind of a BS ending but it kept the heels heat intact without squashing the faces.

Time of match: 5:38

Winners: Blackwell and McGraw by count-out.

We go to Vince at ringside who says next week it'll be McGraw against Ivan Putski. He asks Rocca who's gonna win and Rocca picks Putski to win. Vince says Blassie may interfere as we go to the credits. It would be unfair to judge the show by todays standards because NOBODY was working fast pace crash style in 1976 but for what it was, its still boring. Not every show was this lackluster as next week at least has a featured match. Still, with Vince Sr running the business it was still old school territory wrestling. Hopefully there will be a big event coming up soon.

WWWF at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (1/6/71)

Buffalo Memorial Auditorium

Buffalo, NY

January 6, 1971

This was a very interesting card with an important main event. The WWWF United States Championship had primarily been defended in Detroit by Bobo Brazil but the title had been declared vacant. There was a tournament to crown a new champion and the finals pit up and coming Pedro Morales against the grizzled, diabolical "Classy" Freddie Blassie. Other matches include two tag matches and Bobo himself facing the legendary Abdullah The Butcher. Let's get right to the action.

Match 1

The Love Brothers (Reginald and Hartford) vs Tony Marino and Chief White Owl

Who are these guys? The Love Brothers were an evil hippie tag team that wrestled mostly for Frank Tunney in Toronto and Buffalo so they were known in the Auditorium. George Dahmer became Chief White Owl because friendly Native Americans were always a draw. We already know Tony Marino. The Love Brothers got the duke.

Winners: The Love Brothers

Match 2

"Crazy" Luke Graham and Baron Mikel Scicluna vs Haystacks Calhoun and Dominic DeNucci

What a treat this match is, so many hall of famers. Born James Grady Johnson, the eventual Graham turned pro at 21 and got his start in the Nick Gulas territory. Popular wrestler at the time The Great Mephisto said Johnson looked like Dr. Jerry Graham and Jerry thought they'd make a great tag team. The Graham family was formed that would eventually include Wayne Coleman (Billy Graham) and Eddie Gossett (Eddie Graham). He was 30 years old now and back in New York. We all know Scicluna and DeNucci but Calhoun is an amazing story. The story goes back in 1955, legendary wrestler and promoter Orville Brown saw William Calhoun legitimately picking up cows and carrying them across the field. Orville instantly thought Calhoun would be a big attraction. Brown was right as Haystacks playing a big country hick drew a ton of money across the country. Calhoun's team got the win.

Winners: Calhoun and DeNucci

Match 3

Bobo Brazil vs Abdullah The Butcher

This would have been a main event in Detroit at the time but its a treat indeed. Abdullah's story is legendary and a brief synopsis would never do it justice. Lawrence Shreve was born in Windsor, Ontario the son of a black woman and a Blackfoot native man. He was brought into the business at 17 years old by Montreal promoter Jack Britton and he was originally called Pussycat Pickens. It wasn't until Lawrence himself came up with the character of an Arabian sadist that Abdullah The Butcher was born. His first victim was Jack's son Gino Brito who'd later be known as Louis Cerdan. Because he was such a beast in the ring, he drew a lot of money as an atrraction, hired gun, etc over the years. He was 30 years old and hitting his prime in 1971. Brazil got the victory here.

Winner: Brazil

Match 4

Tony Parisi vs Waldo Von Erich

This is an interesting contest for sure. Anthony Pugliese started wrestling in Detroit at the age of 20 but made his name working with Gino Brito aka Louis Cerdan. In 1966 he came to the WWWF as the kayfabe cousin of Bruno Sammartino and was a fan favorite in New York ever since. Waldo we all know and he got the victory here

Winner: Von Erich

Match 5

"Classy" Freddie Blassie vs Pedro Morales for the vacant WWWF United States Championship

Long story short, Bobo Brazil was the US Champion up until December 1970 when he suffered an injury and had to vacate the title.....which begs the question why he was working against Abdullah earlier. Anyway a tournament was held to crown a new champ and the finals pit Blassie against Pedro. Blassie is one of the greatest heels the wrestling business has ever seen. He started wrestling as a teenager in the late 30's before spending 3 1/2 years in the Navy during World War 2. When Gorgeous George became one of the first wrestling "characters", Blassie took it upon himself to come up with his own. Essentially the great grandfather of ECW, Blassie was a vicious heel that would consistently cause riots, get stabbed, shot at, threatened....and he loved every minute of it. He'd call fans anything he could think of to draw reactions, even going so far to say "To hell with you white trash, I want to to say hi to all my negro friends" in the pre-civil rights deep south. Blassie claims he found bullet holes in his car later that night after pulling over to take a leak. Pedro started wrestling when he was just 17 in New York after immigrating from Puerto Rico when he was in his early teens. He actually was apart of the initial World Wide Wrestling Federation roster when Vince McMahon Sr broke off from the NWA to form his own promotion. He was 21 years old in 1963 and worked with a lot of the talent that was there at the time including Captain Lou Albano. He started to hit his stride in the WWA in the late 60's He came back to the WWWF in 1970 as a tag team partner for Gorilla Monsoon and proved to be popular in New York.  Pedro would win this match and the title.

Winner: Pedro Morales (New US Champion)

Pretty amazing show on paper, too bad it was lost to time. We got a new US Champion in Morales and a rare appearance by Abdullah The Butcher. Still, all eyes were on Bruno Sammartino vs Ivan Koloff coming up at Madison Square Garden 12 days from here. Ivan couldn't possibly dethrone the nearly 8 year run of Bruno could he??? As for now, Pedro is now the number 2 babyface behind Bruno.

WWWF at Sunnyside Garden Arena (2/9/63)

Sunnyside Garden Arena

Queens, NY

February 9, 1963

After Vince McMahon held joint promotion events in Chicago and Toronto with other NWA promoters, the next event would be held in Queens. Tonight, Magnificent Maurice and "Handsome" Johnny Barend take on Bobo Brazil and Miguel Perez Sr. "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Dory Dixon and youngster Pedro Morales takes on Karl Steif. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Cowboy Reed vs Tommy O'Toole

Isn't this a treat. Cowboy Reed is none other than Buddy Colt, the future NWA North American Champion, survivor of the 1975 plane crash that killed Bobby Shane and future commentator/part owner of Championship Wrestling From Florida. The 27 year old defeated Tommy in this match.

Winner: Reed

Match 2

"Wild" Red Berry vs Frank Valois

Another treat with the legendary "Wild" Red Berry. To compare him to today, he was essentially that generation's Bobby Heenan. A small, chickenshit heel that relied on bombastic behavior to draw heat. By 1963 he was 57 years old and primarily managing tag teams like The Fabulous Kangaroos and a young 26 year old Gorilla Monsoon. Berry still defeated Valois with some old school tactics.

Winner: Berry

Match 3

Skull Murphy and Karl Von Hess vs "Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland and Gene Kiniski

For those that don't know, Karl Von Hess was an evil German sympathizer gimmick but portrayed by legitimate US Navy Seal Frank Faketty. Faketty was trained by Joe Dusek and was inspired in 1955 to take an evil nazi gimmick, which was perfect for New York and Capitol Wrestling. Kiniski and Skaaland win this one.

Winners: Skaaland and Kiniski

Match 4

Karl Steif vs Pedro Morales

Karl Steif was born Clyde Steeves and wrestled primarily in the 1950's and 60's as The Preacher although he had a ton of gimmicks. The young Morales won this one.

Winner: Pedro Morales

Match 5

Bobo Brazil and Miguel Perez Jr vs Magnificent Maurice and "Handsome" Johnny Barend

This stems from the recent TV taping where Maurice and Barend jumped Bobo Brazil during his match against Buddy Rogers and Rogers had recently defeated Perez. The faces get their revenge and beat Rogers' crew.

Winners: Brazil and Perez

Match 6

Dory Dixon vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship

Dixon gets the title shot on this spot show against the Nature Boy. Rogers came out on top to retain the title.

Winner: Rogers (Still world heavyweight champion)

WWWF at Baltimore Civic Center (2/6/63)

Baltimore Civic Center

Baltimore, MD

February 6, 1963

Yesterday's TV taping set up today's card perfectly. The Shadow not only takes on Frank Valois, but he has a date with Killer Kowalski as well. Magnificent Maurice and "Handsome" Johnny Barend take on Jolly Charlie and former world champ Gene Kiniski. Then in the main event, "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers defends the Heavyweight championship against Bobo Brazil again. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

The Shadow vs Frank Valois

Shadow was scheduled to face Valois anyway but he challenged the sadistic Killer Kowalski later in the show. Shadow wins here with Kowalski at ring side scouting him.

Winner: Shadow

Match 2

Tommy O'Toole vs "Killer" Buddy Austin

Tommy O'Toole was a veteran wrestler going back to the 1930's but was nearing the end of the line in 1963. Austin made quick work of him here.

Winner: Austin

Match 3

Jolly Charlie and Gene Kiniski vs Magnificent Maurice and "Handsome" Johnny Barend

The former AWA champ teams with Charlie to take on Buddy Rogers' boys. Barend and Maurice win this one.

Winners: Barend and Maurice

Match 4

The Shadow vs Killer Kowalski

This turned out to be a wild brawl where they fought all the way into the stands, knocking fans over and almost causing a riot. The match was thrown out.

Winner: No one (No contest)

Match 5

Bobo Brazil vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship

Here it is, the big rematch ordered by Toots Mondt under protest from Vince McMahon. Bobo had the upper hand but was thrown out of the ring. All of a sudden Magnificent Maurice and Johnny Barend hit the ring to beat him down with the ref's back turned. All of a sudden, Gene Kiniski and Jolly Charlie ran out to beat them down into the ring. The ref saw all six men brawling and threw the match out. Brazil, Charlie and Kiniski chased off the heels and stood tall to end the show.

Winner: No one (No Contest, Rogers retains)

Talk about a wild end to a show with back to back brawls, but at least it was entertaining. Buddy Rogers remains the champion and it doesn't look like he has any contenders left after dispatching Bruno Sammartino and coming out with the title against Bobo Brazil. The next couple of days the stars of New York would be competing in other territories but the next New York show would be at the Sunnyside Gardens on February 9th. I'll see yall there.

WWWF at Harbor Yard Arena (2/5/63)

 

Arena at Harbor Yard

Bridgeport, CT

February 5, 1963

In a span of four days, world heavyweight champ "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers survived a Texas Death Match against Bobo Brazil and a 2 out of 3 falls match with Bruno Sammartino. Who's going to be Buddy's opponent at the next big Madison Square Garden show on February 25th? Let's find out. 

We start today's program with "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers coming out with "Handsome" Johnny Barend and Magnificent Maurice in tow. Rogers gloats about how he has no contenders left and nobody is in the same league as he is. He praises Vince McMahon Sr for knowing he was the true champion and denounces Toots Mondt as a stooge for Bruno. All of a sudden Bobo Brazil, Arnold Skaaland and Tony Martinelli walk out. Arnold says he has a message from Toots Mondt that not only will Rogers face Bobo in a rematch in the main event, but Maurice and Barend faces himself and Martinelli RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW! Rogers spazzes out saying its a conspiracy and Vince will take care of this. Rogers leaves but Maurice and Barend stay in the ring. The main event is in question but Rogers doesn't have enough time to reverse the tag match, its on.

Match 1

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland and Tony Martinelli vs "Handsome" Johnny Barend and Magnificent Maurice

Its two out of three falls as Skaaland and Martinelli take on Rogers' crew. Unfortunately for Skaaland, Maurice and Barend win the match in two straight falls.

Winners: Maurice and Barend

Maurice and Barend continue to attack the faces after the match but Dory Dixon and Bobo Brazil run out to chase them away. In the back, Buddy Rogers is on a payphone trying to get Vince McMahon to cancel the main event. Buddy cracks a smile to imply something went his way. On to the next match.

Match 2

Killer Kowalski vs Frank Martinez in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Frank was a standard jobber of the time period and Kowalski mauls him in two straight falls to win the match.

Winner: Kowalski

After the match, Kowalski gets on the mic and says that Buddy may be the world champion, but he's the most dangerous man in Capitol Wrestling. He says if anyone wants a piece of him, come see him in the back later. We cut to Bobo Brazil in the back preparing for his match against Dory Dixon when Buddy walks in with Maurice and Johnny in tow. Buddy says Vince McMahon says the match is OFF and Dory is up next so he better get to the ring. Brazil says we'll see about that as he leaves the room. Dory stares down the trio as they leave. Uh oh, Brazil's title shot is off and Dixon has to face a mystery opponent. Who will it be?

Match 3

Dory Dixon vs Gordo Chihuahua

Dixon gets in the ring and out walks Gordo Chihuahua. Who's that you ask? A prominent "rudo" in Mexico in the 1950's and 60's. Dixon wins the match when Gordo gets disqualified for excessive biting. After the match, Dixon is helped to the back. Once again, Buddy Rogers has sent a goon to do his dirty work.

Winner: Dixon

We cut to Kowalski changing in the back when The Shadow walks up to him. He says he's got a match with El Capitan today and Frank Valois tomorrow and is going to stretch the daylights out of them. Kowalski says that's great but what's that got to do with him. Shadow says after he's done with El Capitan and Valois, he's doing the same to Kowalski tomorrow in Baltimore as well. Onto the next match.

Match 4

Ted Lewin vs "Killer" Buddy Austin

The future author takes on the bad boy from Georgia. Austin wins the match.

Winner: Austin

Dory Dixon is being treated for his bites with Arnold Skaaland and Tony Martinelli also brandishing ice packs. Bobo Brazil walks in and says the bad news is Toots Mondt can't overrule Vince's decision not to have Bobo in a rematch today. He does say he has a match against Frank Valois later and has a surprise for Buddy at the end though. On to the next match.

Match 5

El Capitan vs The Shadow

The Shadow challenged Killer Kowalski to a match tomorrow in Baltimore but he gets El Capitan in this show. Kowalski himself walks out with his arms folded to watch the match. The Shadow wins and Kowalski just shakes his head and walks away. Tomorrow is going to be a big battle.

Winner: The Shadow

Back to the babyface locker-room where Bobo is preparing for his match when Rogers, Maurice and Barend walk in. Buddy demands to know what the surprise is for later and Bobo says he doesn't have to tell him anything. He does say that since Vince didn't say anything about tomorrow, Toots ordered a tag match in Baltimore between Johnny & Maurice against Jolly Charlie and Gene Kiniski. The heels leave complaining as Bobo heads tot he ring.

Match 6

Bobo Brazil vs Frank Valois

Brazil comes out to face Valois alone and the match goes off for a while. Suddenly Buddy Rogers, Maurice and Johnny come out to attack Bobo to earn the DQ. Dory Dixon, Arnold Skaaland and Tony Martinelli come out to help Bobo.

Winner: Brazil

Brazil tells the others to leave Buddy but "get rid of the garbage". Tony, Arnold and Dory get Maurice and Johnny out of there as Valois leaves as well. Bobo gets on the mic and declares that while Vince may have blocked the title shot today, Toots Mondt booked the rematch TOMORROW in Baltimore. Buddy complains but Bobo says he's not done yet. Buddy has to defend the title today, just not against him.....against MIGUEL PEREZ JR!

Match 7

Miguel Perez Jr vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship

Latin superstar Perez hits the ring and attacks Rogers at the bell. After Rogers gets beat on for most of the match, Rogers gets the fluke pin to win the match. After the bell, Bobo chases Buddy away. Brazil and Perez shake hands and raise each other's arms to end the show.

Winner: Rogers (Still world heavyweight champion)

That was a wild show that not only was exciting television but set up tomorrow's show in Baltimore. It looks like we have a dueling promoter's war between Vince McMahon and Toots Mondt. Either way Bobo Brazil gets his title shot tomorrow while Maurice and Johnny are facing former champ Kiniski and Charlie. The Shadow takes on Killer Kowalski as well. I'll see you all in Baltimore.

WWWF at Pittsburgh Civic Arena (2/4/63)

Pittsburgh Civic Arena

Pittsburgh, PA

February 4, 1963

After Heavyweight champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers defeated Bobo Brazil in a Texas Death Match, former NWA Champion Eduoard Carpentier delivered a message from Toots Mondt that Rogers will face Bruno Sammartino in Bruno's hometown of Pittsburgh. Tonight's the night as Bruno faces Buddy in a 2 out of 3 falls match. Let's get to our first match.....but wait. All of a sudden Buddy himself comes to the ring with a special announcement. He says he's going to make an example out of Bruno later tonight but first he's got a warm up match for the crowd as a sneak preview.

Match 1

Frank Pickens vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers

Rogers brings out local jobber Frank Pickens for a tune-up match to begin the night. Rogers beats him in record time and Pickens has to be stretchered out. Rogers grabs the mic and says that's what's going to happen to Bruno later tonight.

Winner: Rogers

Match 2

TNT Napolitan vs Johnny DeFazio

 Johnny DeFazio was a local star in Pittsburgh mostly known for Studio Wrestling in Pennsylvania. He gets the win over TNT here with a dropkick.

Time of match: 9:51

Winner: DeFazio by pinfall

Match 3

Gene Kiniski vs Buddy Austin

If you think Vince McMahon Jr was notorious for taking other promotions' champions and jobbing them out, he learned it from his father. For whatever reason Vince Sr was booking former world champion Kiniski as a jobber. Austin won this one.

Time of match: 9:49

Winner: Austin

Match 4

Jim Grabmire vs Ace Freeman

Jim Grabmire was a veteran working for Jim Crockett Sr at the time but was on loan to face Ace on this card. Freeman takes it with an inside cradle.

Time of match: 11:34

Winner: Freeman by pinfall

Match 5

Chico Santana and Pee Wee Lopez vs Marcel Sinard and Tiny Bell in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Oh boy, midget tag team wrestling. Tiny Bell was mostly know for AWA and WWA matches while Marcel was another from the French Canadian midget camp. Pee Wee was a Detroit/AWA mainstay and remember when Jesse Ventura used to call Tito Santana "Chico"? He was referencing midget wrestler Chico Santana all those years. Santana and Lopez got the duke.

Winners: Santana and Lopez

Match 6

Bobo Brazil vs Killer Kowalski

After failing to win the heavyweight title, Brazil took on the Killer just four days later. In the storyline, Brazil was weak because of the grueling Texas Death Match and Kowalski rendered him unconcious, causing the ref to stop the match.

Winner: Kowalski by stoppage

Match 7

Skull Murphy vs "Sailor" Art Thomas

Skull Murphy was Canadian born John Joseph Murphy who was one half of a heel tag team with Brute Bernard in the 1960's. Thomas made him submit to the bearhug.

Time of match: 12:33

Winner: Thomas by submission

Match 8

Bruno Sammartino vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Under the orders of Toots Mondt, Bruno gets his long awaited title shot against the champion. Buddy got the advantage 11:39 into the match when he landed a running knee to the head and got the three count to take the first fall. Then 6:59 into the second fall, Bruno made Buddy submit to the bearhug. For some inane reason, Bruno thought he had won the title and started celebrating on the apron. Buddy ran up and knocked him into the steel barricade where Bruno was counted out to end the match. Fans were LIVID but Buddy was still the champion.

Time of match: 18:58

Winner: Rogers 2 falls to 1 (still World Heavyweight Champion)

After surviving a Texas Death Match just four days earlier, Buddy just beat Bruno Sammartino in his home town 2 falls to 1. Who's gonna stop Buddy now, Edouard Carpentier? Logically Gene Kiniski should get a title shot but he's being jobbed out for some inane reason. Its going to be interesting tomorrow on television what happens next. I'll see you in Bridgeport, CT for the next TV taping.

WWWF at Cleveland Arena (1/31/63)

Cleveland Arena

Cleveland, Ohio

January 31, 1963

Tonight's the night where Bobo Brazil gets his world heavyweight title shot against "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in a Texas Death Match. The best part is Rogers has no backup as Handsome Johnny and Magnificent Maurice are in Washington. Also on the card, Eduoard Carpentier takes on Killer Kowalski, Buddy Austin takes on Gene Kiniski and Swede Hanson makes an appearance as well. Let's get to the action

Match 1

Swede Hanson vs George Strickland

Swede Hanson was born Robert Hanson in New Jersey and spurned Wake Forest University in order to work as a mechanic to support his mother. He was an accomplished amateur boxer going 61-3 in New Jersey until Willie Gilzenberg wanted to try him out as a wrestler, making his NWA debut in 1957. Strickland was the trainer of Dr. Sam Shepard, the inventor of the mandible claw. Hanson got the victory here.

Winner: Hanson

Match 2

TNT Napolitan vs Ace Freeman

Napolitan was a veteran of Florida wrestling while Freeman was a Pennsylvania/Ohio local. Freeman got the win here.

Winner: Freeman

Match 3

Miguel Perez Sr and Pete Sanchez vs The Canadian Wrecking Crew (Chris and John Tolos)

Sanchez was a local Pittsburgh star and was a frequent tag partner of Manuel Soto in the late 60's and 70's. Miguel Perez Sr was one of the first Puerto Rican superstars, forming a very popular tag team with Antonino Rocca, winning the NWA tag team championships. "The Golden Greek" John Tolos was one of the top heels of the 1960's and 70's in California and his brother Chris was his frequent tag team partner. Chris was John's older brother and were one of the top heel tag teams of the day. The Tolos brothers win this one.

Winners: Canadian Wrecking Crew

Match 4

Buddy Austin vs "Sailor" Art Thomas

The bad boy Buddy takes on fan favorite Thomas. Buddy got himself disqualified to give Art the victory.

Winner: Thomas by disqualification

Match 5

Killer Kowalski vs Eduoard Carpentier

The former NWA champion takes on the sadistic Kowalski in a big grudge match. Carpentier got the victory.

Winner: Carpentier

Match 6

Bobo Brazil vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Texas Death Match

After Rogers and his crew terrorized Brazil and his crew, Bobo gets Buddy one on one. Rogers won the match to retain the title. As he stood in the ring celebrating, Eduoard Carpentier came out to deliver a message. He congratulated Buddy on his victory and oh by the way....according to Toots Mondt, you face Bruno Sammartino for the title in the Pittsburgh Civic Arena in four days. Rogers is irate but is still the champ.

Winner: Rogers (still Heavyweight Champion)

Rogers closes the door with Brazil but Bruno Sammartino gets his title shot after all. Toots Mondt has been lobbying for Bruno to get his match, and now he gets it. Carpentier beating Kowalski puts him in a future position against Buddy as well. We'll see you in Pittsburgh for the big showdown.

WWWF at WIIC Studios (1/25/63)

WIIC Studios

Pittsburgh, PA

January 25, 1963

It was a landmark day in the world of professional wrestling. The night before in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens, Lou Thesz defeated NWA World Champion "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers to win the title. One of the biggest opponents of this title change was Capitol Wrestling Corporation owner Vince McMahon Sr. Buddy Rogers was making him a ton of money when he came to the northeast and Vince was against the decision to put the belt on Thesz. Rather than take it lying down, Vince decided to break off from the National Wrestling Alliance. Today, the World Wide Wrestling Federation was born and it still recognized "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers as its world champion. One of the top contenders to the strap was a young Italian named Bruno Sammartino. Vince McMahon took to WIIC Studios after the break off to announce they were standing alone. Still, some of the boys weren't taking kindly and would take it out on the "traitors" such as Bruno Sammartino, Arnold Skaaland and Gorilla Monsoon. Let's get to the matches.

Match 1

Killer Kowalski vs Eduoard Carpentier

Born Edward Spulnuk, the future "Killer" took a bunch of different names when he first started wrestling such as Walter Kowalski, Tarzan Kowalski and Hercules Kowalski. Then he got his nickname "Killer" in 1952. For those that don't know, Kowalski was the New Jack/Abdullah the butcher of the 50's, 60's and 70's. He got his reputation after dropping a knee on Yukon Eric (not Scott Irwin) that caused Eric's badly cauliflowered ear to simply fall off. While visiting Eric in the hospital, reporters saw him laughing with Eric at how silly Eric looked with the bandage on his head. To not break kayfabe, the reporters wrote Kowalski laughed AT him instead to cement his reputation as a bad guy. In 1958 in the Boston Garden, Kowalski accidentally kicked guest referee Jack Dempsey, the ex boxing champion, so hard he needed to be hospitalized. Once again it was an accident but the papers reported it to be on purpose to keep Kowalski as a villain. By this point he was 36 years old and still a big nasty heel. Eduoard Carpentier was born Eduoard Weiczorkiewicz (good luck spelling that correctly) in Roanne, France and was a legit part of the French Resistence during World War 2. You know the heel WWE group La Resistance? Carpentier was in the real one. He made his wrestling debut in 1956 in Montreal taking the name Eduoard Carpentier after boxer Georges Carpentier. Many claim he defeated NWA Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz on June 14, 1957 but a lot of people claim he didn't. Whether or not he was recognized as champion depended on the territory but in 1963, he was here to take on Kowalski. They fought to a time limit draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

After the match, Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers comes out with Johnny Barend and Magnificent Maurice in tow. Rogers gets on the microphone and says he's the real world champion and his buddies Johnny and Maurice say to hell with the fans and the National Wrestling Alliance. If anyone's got a problem with him as champion, come say so. Right on cue Bobo Brazil, Dory Dixon and Art Thomas walk out to cheers from the crowd. Thomas says they're sick of Rogers and his stooges trying to hurt people legitimately and they're going to stop him. They challenge the trio to a six man tag match later which the heels accept. Bobo then says if Rogers was a real man, he'd face him right here, right now. Rogers says bring it.

Match 2

Bobo Brazil vs "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers for the Heavyweight Championship

Bobo was born Houston Harris and his father died when he was 7. He actually played baseball for The House of David (don't ask) before being discovered by Joe Savoldi. After he was trained, Savoldi wanted to call him BuBu Brasil a South American star with a cape but the guy who printed the advertising poster printed "Bobo Brazil" and the name stuck. Bobo pretty much broke segregation in the wrestling south as white promoters wanted him to work with their top white stars in the 1950's. By now he was 38 years old and he had a tall task ahead of him. Born Herman Rohde Jr, the future "Nature Boy" was born to German parents although he served in the US Navy during World War 2. He began his career in 1939 for the Hanley brothers and started to really make his name in Ohio for Jack Pfefer. He was called "Natural Guy" Buddy Rogers and was managed by Slave Girl Moolah who we all know as Fabulous Moolah. He started his run as the Nature Boy in the 1940's with a rivalry with Lou Thesz. Rogers became NWA Champion in 1961 as a braggadocios, bleach blonded heel compared to the clean cut Pat O'Connor. As mentioned earlier, Rogers was due to drop the title to Thesz on January 24, 1963 but Vince Sr didn't want to recognize it. With no internet or cable television in those days, Vince just kept Rogers as "heavyweight champion" in the northeast. He defeated Brazil to keep the strap.

 

Winner: Rogers (Still Heavyweight Champion)

All of a sudden Bruno Sammartino walks out for an interview. He asks where Toots Mondt gets off putting him on the same card with Buddy Rogers. He says Rogers better stay away from him or else he'll knock his block off. On to the match.

Match 3

Bill Scholl vs Bruno Sammartino

Who is Bill Scholl? Nobody knows although he was an opponent of Dr. Sam Sheppard. Bruno wins the match.

Winner: Bruno

After the match Bruno walks to the back but out walks the trio of Magnificent Maurice, Johnny Barend and Buddy Rogers. Bruno and Buddy give each other the stank eye as Bruno walks off and the trio get in the ring to a chorus of boos. On to the main event.

Match 4

"Sailor" Art Thomas, Dory Dixon and Bobo Brazil vs "Handsome" Johnny Barend, Magnificent Maurice and Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers

Rogers barely kept his title against Brazil earlier but now its six man action. So who are the other four guys? "Sailor" Art Thomas was a merchant marine before making his wrestling debut in 1943. Remember Sgt Craig Pittman? Think that only 50 years earlier. By now he was a fan favorite usually teaming with Brazil. Dory Dixon was born in Jamaica and was actually a physical education teacher before making his debut in 1955. Him and Brazil were frequent tag team partners as well. "Handsome" Johnny Barend was one of Capitol Wrestling's original heels even before the NWA split and was tag team champions with Magnificent Maurice. Maurice was born Eugene Dubuque and made his wrestling debut in 1947. He was one of the flamboyant heels not unlike Gorgeous George. Maurice and Barend were tag team champs in both Capitol Wrestling and the AWA. Apparently Rogers and his crew won this match.

Winners: Rogers, Barend and Maurice

After the match is over. Rogers gets on the mic and says he's here to stay. If anyone's got a problem with him, they'll have to get through Handsome Johnny and Magnificent Maurice first. He tells Toots Mondt and Vince McMahon that they wanted him as champion, now they're stuck with him. They leave to a chorus of boos. That was quite a first show for the newly named World Wide Wrestling Federation. Its clear that Buddy Rogers thinks he runs the show but he's going to make a lot of people angry along the way. The next TV show is on the 29th in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I'll see you there.