WWWF at Westchester County Civic Center (2/10/71)

Westchester County Civic Center

White Plains, New York

February 10, 1971

We have a new WWWF Heavyweight Champion and that's Pedro Morales. Morales defeated Ivan Koloff for the strap at Madison Square Garden and the next show was held two days later in White Plains, New York. Since Morales was the reigning United States champion, that meant Bulldog Brower was next in line by default. This five match spot show began the reign of Morales so let's get to it.

Match 1

Mike Conrad vs Jack Evans

Evans had beaten Conrad seven days earlier in the National Arena so now they go one on one again. Once again Evans got the duke.

Winner: Evans

Match 2

"Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz vs Jean DuBois

Two mid carders go one on one here as Dave McKigney takes on Johnny Rodz. These two fought to a draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 3

Frenchy Lamont and Joey Russell vs Sky Low Low and Little Brutus

Another standard midget tag team match. Low Low and Brutus took this one.

Winners: Low Low and Brutus

Match 4

Vincente Pometti and The Black Demon vs Gorilla Monsoon and Tony Marino in a 2 Out of 3 Falls match

Kind of a hodge podge of a match as Marino and Monsoon take on Demon and Pometti. Monsoon and Marino win this one.

Winners: Monsoon and Marino

Match 5

Bulldog Brower vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Pedro's first title defense comes two days after taking the title from Ivan Koloff. Brower was the number 1 contender for the US title so it made sense he'd get the first crack at the unified champion. Not surprisingly, Pedro wins the match.

Winner: Pedro Morales

The Morales era had begun which would usher in a new group of fans. For eight years, Italian fans packed Madison Square Garden to see Bruno Sammartino but now it would be the Latin fans to see Pedro Morales. The babyface champion also meant they were going to need new heels to face him since he'd face the guys that Bruno faced in short order. As for the rest of the card, not something I'd pay for. The main crew would be back tomorrow in Washington DC so I'll see you there.

WWWF at Madison Square Garden (2/8/71) Incomplete

Madison Square Garden

New York City, NY

February 8, 1971

We finally made it to Madison Square Garden. Three weeks earlier "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff pulled off the miracle of beating EIGHT year champion Bruno Sammartino to become the new WWWF Heavyweight Champion. His first title defense in Madison Square Garden would be against the WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales. This is an incomplete writeup because the rest of the card is lost to time, but the main event remains. So what else was on the card? Remember last month where The Mongols fought Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon to a draw? Well tonight Monsoon goes one on one with Beppo Mongol. Bruno Sammartino in his first MSG match since dropping the belt to Koloff takes on Geeto Mongol. Blackjack Mulligan had come to New York a few weeks earlier and won all six singles matches. He takes on Tony Marino and we got a midget tag team match. Let's get to it.

Match 1

Lee Wong vs Vincente Pometti

Pometti makes his return to the Garden and this time he's got Lee Wong with him. These two didn't really have a feud or history, just a classic opening match. Pometti gets the duke.

Winner: Vincente Pometti

Match 2

Jack Evans vs Gene Dubois

Dave McKigney is back as "Gene Dubois" and he's got Jack Evans tonight. Jack Evans was a territory jobber that later became the masked Mr. X. Jack gets the win over Dubois.

Winner: Jack Evans

Match 3

Little Brutus and Sky Low Low vs Frenchy Lamont and Little Joey

Oh boy....a midget tag team match. The same guys wrestled each other in Boston two days earlier. Apparently Brutus and Low Low won this time.

Winners: Low Low and Brutus

Match 4

Tony Marino vs Blackjack Mulligan

Looks like Mr. Battman has his hands full with Blackjack Mulligan on this night. Mulligan had been undefeated since coming to New York three weeks earlier. Mulligan got the win and pretty much set himself up as one of the top heels for the WWWF at the time.

Winner: Blackjack Mulligan

Match 5

Gorilla Monsoon vs Beppo Mongol

As I mentioned earlier, these two worked the previous month in a tag match. Now one half of the International tag champs faces Monsoon one on one. Apparently the match ended in a double count-out, so much for a feud blowoff.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 6

The Wolfman vs Manuel Soto

Big rough wild man takes on the latin sensation Soto. Apparently they went a 20 minute broadway....one of the only times I'm glad I don't have to see a match. The idea of those two going 20 isn't appealing, no offense to either.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 7

Bruno Sammartino (with Arnold Skaaland) vs Geeto Mongol

One month after Bruno drops the World title to Koloff, he gets to take his frustrations out on half of the tag champs in Geeto Mongol. Bruno knocked him off in about 5 minutes.

Winner: Bruno Sammartino

Match 8

WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales vs Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Its title vs title as the main event of tonight's MSG card has the US champ Pedro taking on the world champ Koloff. Essentially the winner is the unified champion. The bell rings and the ref argues with Koloff before anything happens. Morales tries to right jab Koloff who backs off and tells the ref to watch the fists. They tie up twice and Pedro shoves him off. Koloff steps between the ropes. Morales shoulderblocks Koloff down but runs right into a backdrop. Morales nips up, scoop slams and does a headlock takeover. Morales does another one and locks it in but Koloff makes it to his feet. Morales is sent off but shoulderblocks Koloff down. Koloff responds with a kick to the mid-section to trip up Pedro. Koloff locks in a rear chinlock but Pedro gets up only to eat a snapmare by Ivan. Koloff locks in another chinlock but starts choking Pedro. The alert ref tells him to let go and Koloff gets up to taunt the crowd. Pedro gets up and backs Koloff off with a big left hand. Koloff begs off and extends a handshake but Pedro is too smart for that. Koloff wins a test of strength against Pedro but Morales starts to reverse it and monkey flips Koloff off. Koloff begs off again but gets in a side headlock. He rakes the eyes and goes for the bearhug. Morales gets a left hand in to break up the bearhug but Ivan collects himself, reapplying it. Morales somehow gets his arm underneath and scoop slams Koloff. Ivan kicks away and goes for another bearhug but Morales breaks free. Koloff unloads with right hands and shoulderblocks Pedro down. Morales tries to slam Ivan but his back gives out and Koloff lands on top for 1...2..no. Ivan misses a knee drop but scoop slams Pedro. Koloff goes for the top rope knee drop that beat Bruno but misses it. Pedro goes upstairs and hits a crossbody for 1...2...no. Koloff sends Pedro into the corner then to the other corner. He throws him into a third corner and hits a german suplex. Both men's shoulders are down for 1....2....Pedro gets his arm up....THREE! Its over! Pedro Morales is the new WWWF Heavyweight Champion. Koloff goes ballistic thinking he's won but the ref raises Pedro's arm instead. Bruno Sammartino hits the ring and raises Pedro's arm to signify the passing of the torch. The match itself was damn good for 1971 standards, it would have fit right in 10-12 years later.

Time of match: 23:18

Winner: Morales by pinfall (new WWWF unified Heavyweight Champion)

Well that looked like a fun card, too bad only one match is still in existence. Big changes were going on as Bruno dropped the belt to Koloff who dropped it to Pedro. Morales was going to be the next star in  New York and this was his coming out party. Now Vince Sr had a dilemma because Pedro would be facing the same guys Bruno had so Vince had to import or elevate new heels for Pedro to compete against at the Garden. Definite a rematch with Koloff would be one of them but otherwise it was more of the same. Still, this was wrestling history of Pedro winning the championship.

WWWF at the Boston Garden (2/6/71)

Boston Garden

Boston, Massachusetts

February 6, 1971

We are two days away from Madison Square Garden and the showdown between WWWF US Champion Pedro Morales and the WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff. Until then, we have a big match card for the Boston Garden. We got a midget tag team match, Chief Jay Strongbow takes on one half of the International tag team champions Geeto Mongol in singles action with the other half, Beppo, taking on Bruno Sammartino. Ivan Koloff will be defending the title against Jean Dubois and Blackjack Mulligan puts his hot streak on the line against Manuel Soto. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Little Joey and Frenchy Lamont vs Little Brutus and Sky Low Low in a 2 out of 3 Falls match

Good lord, they're starting the show with a midget tag team match. Who are Joey and Frenchy? Joey Russell was a midget wrestler in the late 60's and early 70's and Frenchy Lamont was probably the strongest midget of all time. He legit picked up the near 400 pound Gorilla Monsoon and carried him around on his shoulders according to Jesse "The Body" Ventura. Low Low pinned Joey to win the first fall, Lamont pinned Low Low to tie the match up. Joey pinned Brutus to win the match.

Winners: Joey and Lamont by pinfall

Match 2

Geeto Mongol vs Chief Jay Strongbow

For months now, Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon had been chasing the Tag Champs the Mongols so today in Boston, Chief takes on Geeto one on one. Apparently these two did a 20 minute broadway draw.

Time of match: 20:00

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 3

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

A rematch from the last Madison Square Garden show as Wolfman once again challenges Morales for the title. Morales finished him off rather quickly.

Time of match: 4:08

Winner: Morales by pinfall (Still US Champion)

Match 4

Jean Dubois vs Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Just two days away from Madison Square Garden, Koloff defends the strap against Dubois in the Boston Garden. Koloff made short work of Dubois and finished him with the backbreaker.

Time of match: 3:40

Winner: Koloff by submission (still WWWF Champion)

Match 5

Beppo Mongol vs Bruno Sammartino in a Texas Death Match

Bruno makes his return to the Boston Garden taking on half of the tag champs in Beppo Mongol in a special Texas Death Match. Bruno took a chair and whacked Beppo in the head with it then covered for the three count to win the match.

Time of match: 5:20

Winner: Sammartino by pinfall

Match 6

Tony Marino vs Bulldog Brower

If you're wondering why the main event matches were put on first, The Mongols, Bruno, Koloff and Strongbow were performing in Springfield, Massachusetts for the second half of the double shot later that night. As for this match, Brower got the victory when he put his feet on the ropes.

Time of match: 8:40

Winner: Brower by pinfall

Match 7

"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs The Black Demon

Shockingly Demon defeated the Nobleman. I have no idea why or how.

Time of match: 6:10

Winner: Demon by pinfall

Match 8

Blackjack Mulligan vs Manuel Soto

Mulligan had been on a hot streak since coming into the territory and was pretty much situating himself as the number one contender to Pedro Morales regardless if he was successful in MSG or not. Mulligan needed just 5 minutes to slap the iron claw on Soto and make him give up to end the day.

Time of match: 5:10

Winner: Mulligan by submission

Booking this show not only just two days away from the Madison Square Garden showdown but as the first half of a double shot is peculiar. If that wasn't bad enough, there was a house show booked in Lewiston, Maine the day of the MSG show as well. This show definitely would have been fun to see but they were too close to MSG to have anything truly drastic happen. It did put over Mulligan as a future contender and Bruno wasn't taking kindly to the Mongols. Later that night the crew made it to Springfield for the second half of the double shot. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Witchi's Sports Arena (2/5/71)

Witchi's Sports Arena

North Attleboro, MA

February 5, 1971

We are just three days away from Madison Square Garden with the card all set. Gorilla Monsoon takes on Beppo Mongol with Bruno Sammartino coming back to the Garden to face Geeto Mongol. Then, the US Champion Pedro Morales takes on WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff. Today's main event sees the Mongols defend the International Tag Team Tittles against Chief Jay Strongbow and Monsoon. Its only a four match card so let's get to it.

Match 1

Lee Wong vs Vincente Pometti

The Argentinian bull takes on the perennial jobber in the opening contest. These two were scheduled to jerk the curtain at MSG in three days. Not surprisingly, Pometti got the victory.

Winner: Pometti

Match 2

Tomas Marin vs Mike Conrad

The babyface jobber to the stars faces the heel jobber to the stars. Someone had to win and it was Marin on this date.

Winner: Marin

Match 3

Manuel Soto vs Jean Dubois

Dave McKigney is back as Jean Dubois as he takes on the latin star Manuel Soto in this one. Soto got the duke this time.

Winner: Soto

Match 5

Gorilla Monsoon and Chief Jay Strongbow vs The Mongols (Geeto & Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match

With Monsoon and Beppo Mongol having a date at MSG, the obligatory 2 out of 3 Falls match to main event North Attleboro has Gorilla teaming with Chief Jay again. This one ended in a draw

Winner: No one (Draw)

Kind of a nothing card but the territory had two big shows the following day, both in Massachusetts. Fans had to see the bottom of the barrel in this one but the good news is they didn't have to go very far for the following day's doubleheader. They had three jobber matches and the main event tag match. The following day had two shows in one day with a matinee at the Boston Garden and a nightcap at the Springfield Auditorium. Least the Boston area gets their big house show even if its just before MSG. See you all in the Boston Garden tomorrow.

WWWF at Little Palestra Gymnasium (2/1/71)

Little Palestra Gymnasium

Allentown, PA

February 1, 1971

Its a new month and we are one week away from Madison Square Garden's big showdown between WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales taking on WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff. Both of them will be defending their belts tonight as Morales once again faces The Wolfman while Koloff takes on Chief Jay Strongbow. The WWWF International Tag Team Champions The Mongols also take on Gorilla Monsoon and Manuel Soto. Without further adieu, let's get to the action.

Match 1

Jean Dubois vs Blackjack Mulligan

This match stems from the six man tag the previous day where these two were on opposite teams. Now they face each other one on one. Mulligan continues his hot streak by getting the victory

Winner: Mulligan

Match 2

Tony Marino vs Bulldog Brower

Marino needed a win to stay in contention as a future opponent for Ivan Koloff while Brower needed a win to get back in contention just in case Morales won the world title. Brower got the win.

Winner: Brower

Match 3

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Wolfman has been chasing Morales for a solid month to try to get the US title away from him and also keep him from facing Koloff at MSG. Well he fails again as Morales wins.

Winner: Morales (Still US Champion)

Match 4

Gorilla Monsoon & Manuel Soto vs The Mongols (Geeto & Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Monsoon had a one on one contest with Beppo Mongol coming up at MSG but here he tries to win the tag titles with Soto. The Mongols won the contest 2 falls to 1

Winners: The Mongols (still Tag Team Champions)

Match 5

Chief Jay Strongbow vs "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Koloff had pretty much dispatched every babyface on the roster with the exception of Morales since he took the belt from Bruno Sammartino. Bruno didn't get a rematch so Koloff has been defending against everyone else. Strongbow was game but Koloff won by a count-out to retain the title.

Winner: Koloff by count-out (still WWWF Champion)

With MSG a week away Vince Sr had to put on good cards without spoiling the main event for MSG. Having everyone wrestle each other in house shows leading up to MSG was fine since before cable and the internet, not very many people knew what happened in Allentown, PA if they were living in Boston or NYC. Giving MSG quality cards in the territory was common at the time and this felt like a big show with all the titles on the line. Obviously none of those titles were going to change this close to the big show but at least they were defended. Tomorrow the WWWF comes to Scranton, PA so I'll see everyone there.

WWWF at Philadelphia Arena (1/31/71)

Philadelphia Arena

Philadelphia, PA

January 31, 1971

We're just eight days away from the showdown at Madison Square Garden between WWWF US Champion Pedro Morales and WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff. Both of them will be putting their belts on the line tonight in a special house show for the Philadelphia faithful. Morales faces his nemesis The Wolfman who is under strict orders from Ivan Koloff not to let Morales make it to New York. Meanwhile Morales countered by sending Gorilla Monsoon after Koloff in the main event tonight. With these ramifications that could potentially change history, let's get to the action.

Match 1

"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs Angelo Savoldi

These two met a year ago in North Attleboro so tonight was the big re-match. Turco got the victory.

Winner: Turco

Match 2

Vincente Pometti vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Strongbow scored a big win the day before against Bulldog Brower and needed another one if he wanted another shot at Ivan Koloff if Koloff were to get by Monsoon tonight and Morales on the 8th. Pometti was looking just to play spoiler but it didn't work, Strongbow won.

Winner: Strongbow

Match 3

Tony Marino vs Manuel Soto

Two popular babyfaces going one on one just to fill out the card was a rarity. To keep them both in their spots, the bout ended in a 20 minute draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 4

Gene Dubois, Geeto Mongol & Beppo Mongol vs Blackjack Mulligan, Bulldog Brower and The Black Demon

What the hell is THIS? An all-heel six man tag match was even rarer than the babyface match the previous bout. No idea why Vince Sr booked this match but its definitely interesting. To keep everyone's heat, the bout ended in a draw.

Winners: No one (Draw)

Match 5

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

The rematch from Madison Square Garden last month had a special kick to it as Koloff sent Wolfman to specifically stop Morales from getting to MSG. Unfortunately for Koloff, Wolfman failed and Morales got the duke

 Th

Winner: Morales (still US Champion)

Match 6

Gorilla Monsoon vs "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Koloff looked nervous as he got in the ring as his henchman Wolfman failed to knock off Morales. Pedro in retaliation sent Gorilla Monsoon after Koloff just eight days before their showdown in MSG. Koloff barely escaped with the win when Monsoon was counted out. Morales came to the ring and chased away Koloff to end the show.

Winner: Koloff by count-out (still WWWF Champion)

Very interesting card with an all-heel 6 man tag, a babyface showdown and both main titles on the line. Vince Sr was saving the home run show for the Garden but this would have been a fun card to see if video footage of it existed. Koloff and Morales were on a collision course and Monsoon had a date with the Mongols. It was also nice to see Savoldi again nearing the end of his career. The crew travels to Allentown, PA for their next show. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Sunnyside Garden Arena (1/30/71)

Sunnyside Garden Arena

Queens, NY

January 30, 1971

We're back in Queens for a special house show nine days before Madison Square Garden. In a match that had been going around the circuit, the main event would be WWWF US Champion Pedro Morales and Gorilla Monsoon taking on the WWWF International Tag Team Champions The Mongols. Bulldog Brower takes on Chief Jay Strongbow and Blackjack Mulligan faces Tony Marino. Nine days out from Madison Square Garden, let's get to the action.

Match 1

The Black Demon vs Manuel Soto

Demon and Soto have had a tough time getting victories lately so putting them together makes sense that something has to give. Soto gets the win by DQ

Winner: Soto by DQ

Match 2

Jean Dubois vs The Wolfman

These two match up again and they are no stranger to each other. The bout ended in a 20 minute draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 3

Blackjack Mulligan vs Tony Marino

Big match for Mulligan here as he was gaining steam with a string of victories setting himself up for a future title shot if Pedro Morales were to knock off Ivan Koloff. Marino fought hard but Mulligan got the victory.

Winner: Mulligan

Match 4

Bulldog Brower vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Just like Mulligan, Brower needed a big win to put himself in a position for a future title shot if Morales were to win the title. Unfortunately for Brower, Strongbow got the duke.

Winner: Strongbow

Match 5

Gorilla Monsoon and WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales vs The Mongols (Geeto and Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match

This was going around the circuit but even smart fans at the time knew what was going to happen since Morales didn't need two belts with a potential third coming up. Monsoon made Beppo submit to win the first fall but Beppo pinned Monsoon to even it up. Finally the Mongols were disqualified to give the victory to the faces, but the champs retain. Morales said after the match in Spanish the equivalent to "we'll get em next time."

Winners: Morales and Monsoon by DQ (Mongols retain)

Things were shaping up for Madison Square Garden with Monsoon getting his hands on the Mongols and Morales having a date with Koloff. The pecking order in the WWWF was being established even though guys came and went because that was the nature of the business back then. Strongbow knocking off Brower elevated Mulligan up the ladder so that might have been an important victory by the Chief. All in all it was a standard show and not the worst thing to happen. The WWWF ends the month in Philadelphia so I'll see you there.

WWWF at Zembo Shrine Center (1/29/71)

Zembo Shrine Center

Harrisburg, PA

January 29, 1971

Its Friday night and Vince Mcmahon Sr has booked a double shot. While half the crew is in North Attleboro the other half are here at the Zembo Mosque for WWWF action. This card was actually the big draw as the main event features a sneak preview of Madison Square Garden in 10 days. WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff teams with the International Tag Team Champions The Mongols to take on number 1 contender Pedro Morales, Gorilla Monsoon and Chief Jay Strongbow in a special six man tag  3 out of 5 falls match. Other matches include "Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland taking on Blackjack Mulligan, "Popeye" Chuck Richards taking on Gene Dubois and The Black Demon taking on Hurricane Rivera. Let's get to the matches

Match 1

"Popeye" Chuck Richards vs Gene Dubois

Interesting opening match as Chris Candido's grandfather takes on Ontario promoter Dave McKigney.  Dubois got the win....wow, no opening match draw?

Winner: Dubois

Match 2

Hurricane Rivera vs The Black Demon

Demon had been a punching bag all month but in essence so has Rivera. Something has to give, right? Wrong! They fought to a 20 minute draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 3

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland vs Blackjack Mulligan

Mulligan was quickly gaining steam with big victories to set himself up for future matches so it made sense to put him with the crafty veteran Skaaland. Mulligan got the win to further move up the ladder.

Winner: Mulligan

Match 4

WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales, Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon vs WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff and WWWF International Tag Team Champions The Mongols (Geeto & Beppo) in a 3 out of 5 falls match

Talk about a tag match that would be a PLE main event today. You got the world champ and the tag champs against the number one contenders for both titles. Koloff and Morales had a date with destiny ten days later while Monsoon would be facing Geeto. Not much is known about the match apart from it ended in a no-contest. Probably were tied two falls apiece before a pier six brawl erupted with both teams being counted out or disqualified. Good way to keep everyone's heat intact. Still, having Koloff and Morales face each other before the big Garden show should have done a lot of business.

Winners: No one (Draw)

The show has been lost to time at it was a spot show long before the era of recorded television, house shows, ppvs, etc....but that main event with all the talent and the stories going in would have been a MSG main event any time. The Mongols wouldn't be defending the straps at MSG but Koloff and Morales would be going mano e mano. The ramifications were huge as Koloff really didn't have many credible contenders apart from maybe Gorilla Monsoon while if Morales won, he had plenty of heels to chose from as opponents. As for this show, if only it was recorded. Now the next show was taking place the exact same day in North Attleboro, I'll see you there.

WWWF at National Arena (1/28/71)

National Arena

Washington, DC

January 28, 1971

We're eleven days away from Madison Square Garden but in the old days long before PPV and Cable TV, some house shows were more important than others. Vince McMahon Sr always had an affinity for Washington, DC hence the name Capitol Wrestling. We got a huge eight match card featuring Pedro Morales and Gorilla Monsoon going after the tag belts from The Mongols. Jean DuBois gets a shot at the Heavyweight crown when he faces Ivan Koloff and Blackjack Mulligan is back facing Lee Wong. Vince wanted the home run show in the nation's capital so let's get to it.

Match 1

Miguel Feliciano vs The Wolfman

Wolfman needed a big win to get his heat back after losing to Pedro in the Garden so he has to start at the bottom. Taking on local Baltimore jobber Feliciano was step one in getting back on track. Wolfman did win the match.

Winner: Wolfman

Match 2

Lee Wong vs Blackjack Mulligan

Needing a fresh heel, Vince Sr brought in Blackjack Mulligan to do some damage in the territory. He faces Lee Wong in the second match of the night and wins it. He's starting to gain steam for sure.

Winner: Mulligan

Match 3

"Popeye" Chuck Richards vs Manuel Soto

Interesting battle here as both of them have taken some losses lately so one of them has to win, right? Well it turns out Soto won this one.

Winner: Soto

Match 4

"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Another big battle as both of them have lost some high profile matches. Strongbow needed a win to get back in the hunt for Koloff and Turco just had to establish himself again. Unfortunately for Joe, Strongbow got the duke.

Winner: Strongbow

Match 5

Jean Dubois vs "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Somehow, someway Dave McKigney got himself a WWWF Heavyweight title shot against Koloff. As I mentioned before, the big showdown with Pedro was less than two weeks away so it made sense for Koloff to beat up on the curtain jerkers on the spot show circuit to save the heavy hitters for future MSG shows. As expected, Koloff beats McKigney.

Winner: Koloff (Still WWWF Champion)

Match 6

Bulldog Brower vs Tomas Marin

Bulldog was very irate after failing to win the US title from Pedro Morales so he asked for an open challenge, anyone will do. Tomas Marin stepped up to the plate only to be dispatched by the angry Bulldog.

Winner: Bulldog

Match 7

Vincente Pometti vs Ernie Lassiter

The big rematch from three weeks earlier in the same arena as Pometti looks to avenge his loss to Ernie. Unfortunately for him, Ernie won again.

Winner: Lassiter

Match 8

WWWF US Champion Pedro Morales & Gorilla Monsoon vs The Mongols (Geeto & Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

Kind of telegraphing who wins this match because Pedro didn't need two belts. Ironically The Mongols would be split up for singles competition at MSG. The actual details of this match has been lost to time but as per norm, the bout ended in a draw. Don't know how the fans were sent home happy, maybe the faces cleaned house of the heels at the end.

Winners: No one (Draw)

Eight match cards are usually reserved for the big shows but remember this was 1971 and the "big" shows were still house shows. Basically Boston, Philadelphia, DC and New York were the core areas so Vince Sr usually had the home run shows booked for there. Koloff continues his run with the world title but Morales his hot on his trail. Blackjack Mulligan looked to put himself in a good position with Bulldog and Wolfman lurking around. The Mongols still had a stranglehold on the tag belts so things were done with purpose on this night. Well the crew was about to get busy because Vince Sr booked a double shot for the next day. Half the crew would go to North Attleboro while the other half went to Harrisburg, PA. That's where we'll pick up next time.

WWWF at Augusta State Armory (1/26/71)

Augusta State Armory

Augusta, ME

January 26, 1971

One day after a small crew worked the Waterville State Armory, 3 of them joined the rest a few miles south for a spot show at the Augusta State Armory. This was a pretty stacked card as we are just 13 days away from the big title vs title showdown with US Champion Pedro Morales and Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff. Unfortunately for Morales, Bulldog Brower had beaten Chief Jay Strongbow the night before and would get a US title shot. Blackjack Mulligan was in town and he'd be taking on Hurricane Rivera. We had a double main event as The Mongols were scheduled to put the Tag Team belts on the line against Tony Marino and Chief Jay Strongbow but Geeto had gotten hurt the day before in Waterville. "Nobleman" Joe Turco would take Geeto's place with the belts no longer on the line. The champ himself Ivan Koloff would be teaming with punching back The Black Demon to face Gorilla Monsoon and Manuel Soto. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Gene DuBois vs The Wolfman

Battle of the Canadians (sort of) to start the show as Dave McKigney (DuBois) taking on the Wolfman. As per norm, they fought to a 20 minute draw. Again, doesn't this get old after a while?

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

Bulldog Brower vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Bulldog had earned his title shot due to a hot streak in the month of January. Beating Strongbow the night before cemented his status as number one contender. "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff gave Bulldog strict orders to take Morales out so he never made it to MSG. Bulldog did his best to beat up Morales and sure enough, Bulldog got himself disqualified for excessive violence. The crowd was not happy as now the question was would Morales make it to the Garden?

Winner: Morales by DQ (still US Champion)

Match 3

Hurricane Rivera vs Blackjack Mulligan

The big rematch from Madison Square Garden from eight days earlier has Rivera angry and wanting revenge for the humiliating defeat. Unfortunately for him, Mulligan got the win again.

Winner: Mulligan

Match 4

Chief Jay Strongbow and Tony Marino vs Beppo Mongol and "Nobleman" Joe Turco

This was supposed to be a tag title match but Geeto was injured doing double duty the night before so Turco takes his place. With the straps not on the line, Marino and Strongbow got the win.

Winners: Strongbow and Marino

Match 5

Gorilla Monsoon and Manuel Soto vs WWWF Heavyweight Champion "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff and The Black Demon

The main event features the champ teaming with the human punching bag against Soto and Monsoon. Koloff was enough to off-set Demon because they won when Soto was counted out.

Winners: Koloff and Demon by count-out

A rare W for The Black Demon although the card was kind of pointless apart from Brower beating up Morales. Geeto Mongol getting hurt telegraphed the makeshift team of Turco & Beppo were gonna lose and the other matches were just kind of there, especially the main event. Still, thirteen days out from Madison Square Garden meant Morales and Koloff are going to face all-comers to keep their belts for their showdown. The next big card would be Thursday night in Washington, DC with an EIGHT match card. Vince Sr was throwing out the home run show at National Arena. See you then

WWWF at Witchi's Sports Arena (1/22/71)

 

Witchi's Sports Arena

North Attleboro, MA

January 22, 1971

The new era continues with Ivan Koloff was your new WWWF Heavyweight champion. The next Madison Square Garden show was just 17 days away and on Saturday it would be announced who Koloff's opponent would be. Until then, Manuel Soto gets the title shot tonight against the champ. Other matches include Pedro Morales once again defending the United States title against The Black Demon, Bulldog Brower takes on Jean Dubois and Bull Pometti takes on Tomas Morin. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Carlos Parades vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

The king of the curtain jerkers Joe Turco gets Parades in this one. As per norm, the match is a 20 minute draw.....how unusual.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

Jean DuBois vs Bulldog Brower

With Koloff as champion, Bulldog pretty much loses a future WWWF title shot by default since heels didn't face each other. But Pedro Morales as the US champion so Bulldog set his sights on him instead. He needed a win against DuBois to move up the ladder.....and he got it. Bulldog won the match.

Winner: Brower

Match 3

Mike Conrad vs Tony Marino

The punching bag Conrad takes on Battman in this one. Marino had lost his WWWF title match with Ivan Koloff and needed a win to get back in contention. Naturally he defeated Conrad in this one.

Winner: Marino

Match 4

Tomas Marin vs Vincente Pometti

Kind of a lackluster matchup consider neither of these guys have a big grudge or anything but the whole show is pretty much a hodge podge as it is. Pometti gets the win.

Winner: Pometti

Match 5

The Black Demon vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Don't know why they continue to run Demon vs Morales when Morales has won every time, especially with Bulldog Brower and Nobleman Joe Turco around. Morales beat Demon again to retain the title.

Winner: Morales (Still US Champion)

Match 6

Manuel Soto vs Ivan Koloff for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Last night Koloff defended against Tony Marino and now he gets Manuel Soto. Vince Sr was saving his big opponent for Madison Square Garden which would be announced the following day. Until then the rising star Soto gets his shot. Unfortunately for Soto, Koloff got the win.

Winner: Koloff (still WWWF Champion)

Apart from the final two matches (and the US title match was done to death anyway) the card was totally lackluster. Running the same venue every week eventually gets old and it looked like Vince Sr didn't even try. With Koloff as the champion, that meant the babyfaces were becoming the contenders now and having Soto and Marino as stop gaps before the big opponent is announced makes sense. We'll just have to find out tomorrow who Koloff will be facing on February 8th. As for this card, meh....they had to give North Attleboro something. See you tomorrow.

WWWF at Madison Square Garden (1/18/71) Incomplete

Madison Square Garden

New York City, New York

January 18, 1971

We finally made it to MSG after a month of hype. Unfortunately only one match on this card remains but its the most important one, perhaps one of the most important in wrestling history. On May 17, 1963 Bruno Sammartino defeated Buddy Rogers to become the WWWF Heavyweight Champion and hadn't lost since. Tonight, Bruno put the title on the line against "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff who had been on a hot streak since the year began. Other matches include Pedro Morales putting the US title on the line against The Wolfman, The Mongols put the WWWF International Tag Team titles on the line against Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon after Chief chased them all month, and Toronto's own Gene Dubois goes at it with "Nobleman" Joe Turco. After a whole month of hype, let's get to the card.

Match 1

Gene Dubois vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

Good to see ol Dave McKigney again as Gene Dubois and on this night he takes on the Italian wildman Joe Turco. Gene Dubois got the victory.

Winner: Gene Dubois

Match 2

Vincente "Bull" Pometti vs The Black Demon

We all know both these guys so no sense going over that again. Pometti won this match.

Winner: Vincente Pometti

Match 3

Mike Conrad vs Manuel Soto

Conrad was a standard jobber at the time while Soto was a rising star in New York. Soto won this match.

Winner: Manuel Soto

Match 4

Blackjack Mulligan vs Hurricane Rivera

For those that don't know, Blackjack was born Robert Windham and played college football for Texas Western, now known as UTEP. He actually went to training camp with the New York Jets in the fall of 1966 but washed out. Wahoo McDaniel, who was on the Miami Dolphins in 66, convinced Mulligan to become a wrestler. He was trained by Joe Blanchard (Tully's father, Tessa's grandfather) and worked for Verne Gagne in Minnesota as a big rough cowboy. Ironically he was inspired by Bobby Duncum who was two years younger than Blackjack. We all know who Rivera is so no sense introducing him. Blackjack got the win here.

Winner: Blackjack Mulligan

Match 5 

Tony Marino vs Bulldog Brower

We all know the legendary heel Brower is and how Marino was The Battman. Brower got the win here.

Winner: Bulldog Brower

Match 6

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Pedro defends the strap against the lunatic Wolfman. Pedro had won the US strap 12 days before this night. Apparently Pedro won this match and kept the title.

Winner: Pedro Morales (still US Champion)

Match 7

Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon vs The Mongols (Geeto and Beppo) in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship

The Mongols and Monsoon we know but Chief Jay Strongbow was actually an Italian man named Joe Scarpa who began his career in 1947 after being trained by Chief Don Eagle. He came to New York in 1970 under the Strongbow name and became a fan favorite. In this match we had a fake Native American team with a fake Chinaman facing two fake Mongolians. Apparently the bout ended in a draw. 

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

Match 8

"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

Finally we get to the main event. We all know their backstories but storyline wise, Koloff had been beating everyone in sight so Ivan gets a crack at the title. The bell rings and they circle before a tieup goes nowhere. Koloff drops Bruno with a shoulderblock but Koloff eats a back body drop. Bruno covers for just a 1 count. Sammartino armdrags Ivan then executes a single leg takedown. Koloff flips Bruno but Bruno takes him down by the leg again. Ivan gets to his feet but eats another arm-drag. Ivan gets to his feet for a test of strength and Koloff wins it. Koloff goes to the standing surfboard and Bruno counters into one of his own. Ivan breaks free and Bruno gets in a side headlock. Bruno is whipped off into a hiptoss by Koloff but the count only gets 1. Shoulderblock by Koloff drops Bruno but Sammartino counters with a drop toe-hold. He rams Ivan's knee into the mat but Koloff gets up and takes control with forearms and kicks. Ivan rams Bruno into the buckle and delivers a series of forearms in the corner. Ivan kicks away at Bruno and Bruno finally makes his comeback. He punches and kicks at Ivan before sending him into the ropes for a big powerslam. Bruno covers for 1...2...no. Bruno gets in a chinlock but Ivan makes it to the ropes. Bruno rocks Ivan with right hands and another cover gets 1. Another chinlock has Ivan down and he covers for 1.....2..nope. Ivan then rallies with right hands and accidentally clocks the ref. Bruno sends Ivan into the corner but a charge eats knee.  Ivan scoop slams Bruno and goes upstairs. He drops a knee from off the top and covers for 1....2....3! That's it! The 8 year reign of Bruno is over! Anyone who was at the Garden that night said the building went completely silent when the bell ring and Koloff was announced the winner. This was the 1971 version of Undertaker's streak ending as the unstoppable champion had finally been stopped. Koloff becomes just the third WWWF champion since 1962

Time of match: 14:55

Winner: Ivan Koloff

The rest of the card pales in comparison to the monumental defeat of Bruno. Ivan Koloff was the new WWWF Champion and fans wondered who was going to beat Koloff. It would have been fun to have seen the Mongols face Monsoon and Strongbow and a younger Dave McKigney away from Toronto. For the first time since 1963, Bruno was NOT the champion. The 8 year reign is a record that will probably never be broken. Here's to a new era in New York.

WWWF at Madison Square Garden (1/19/70)

Madison Square Garden

New York City, NY

January 19, 1970

Here we go, its the showdown people wanted. "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff takes on Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship. Tony Marino and Victor Rivera put the WWWF International Tag Team titles on the line against Waldo Von Erich and Killer Kowalski. The rising star Mario Milano goes after the mad Hungarian Willie Farkas. "Krippler" Karl Kovacs puts his hot streak on the line against Jean Dubois and we got some midgets too! Let's get right to the action.

Match 1

Cowboy Bradley and Little Beaver vs Little Brutus and Sky Low Low in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

Oh great, midgets! Who are they? Cowboy Bradley was a Texas midget who began wrestling in 1954 at the age of 19. Little Beaver was Canadian Lionel Giroux who started wrestling in 1949 at the age of 15. He and Sky Low Low are often considered on the Mount Rushmore for midget wrestlers. Speaking of Low Low, he was a legit badass. Marcel Gauthier was working as a mechanic for the Canadian Royal Airforce during World War 2 and started wrestling as an attraction after the war. He was 41 years old at the time of this match and he'd be around well into the 80's including being one of the standouts on the Tuesday Night Titans broadcast of Butcher Vachon's wedding.  Little Brutus aka Jean Jacques Girard not only was a successful wrestler but he became a trainer as well. He trained Little Beaver's brother Claude aka Tiger Jackson and Dink The Clown. Bradley and Beaver won the match.

Winners: Bradley and Beaver

Match 2

Jack Vansky vs Eric The Red

Jack Vansky was a long time ring veteran who worked for the NWA in the 1940's and 50's before becoming a mainstay of WWWF in the 1960's. By now he was 41 years old and had to go up against Eric The Red. Red won the match.

Time of match: 9:25

Winner: Eric The Red

Match 3

Willie Farkas vs Mario Milano

The mad Hungarian goes one on one with rising star Mario Milano. Mikano pinned Farkas to win the match.

Time of match: 10:20

Winner: Milano by pinfall

Match 4

Professor Toru Tanaka vs "Cowboy" Bob Ellis

"Cowboy" Bob Ellis was a 40 year old veteran of the ring who was known for inventing the bulldog. He was also former NWA tag champs with Johnny Valentine and frequent opponent of "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in his heyday. Now he's on the downside of his career but he still beats Tanaka in this one.

Time of match: 3:00

Winner: Ellis by pinfall

Match 5

Jean Dubois vs "Krippler" Karl Kovacs

Kovacs wanted Bruno badly but it would be Ivan Koloff's turn on this night. Kovacs had to settle on beating Dubois here.

Time of match: 4:25

Winner: Kovacs by pinfall

Match 6

"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd vs Gorilla Monsoon

Two big men going at it with the 6 foot 9 Ladd taking on the 400 pound Monsoon. This went the time limit draw.

Time of match: 20:00

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 7

Waldo Von Erich and Killer Kowalski vs Tony Marino and Victor Rivera for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match.

The heels have been on a roll lately but Marino and Rivera retain.

Winners: Marino and Rivera (still Tag Team Champions)

Match 8

"Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

The one we've been waiting for. Koloff got the title shot over Karl Kovacs against Bruno at the Garden. Bruno wins it with a german suplex.

Time of match: 18:37

Winner: Sammartino by pinfall (still Heavyweight Champion)

Bruno is still the champ after all of that. Now with Ivan Koloff dispatched, the clear number one contender is "Krippler" Karl Kovacs. Karl should be making his presence felt very shortly. Tony Marino and Victor Rivera are still the tag team champions as well so they may have new contenders soon. Tomorrow night we head to Portland, Maine at the Expo Building. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Witschi's Sports Arena (1/16/70)

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.

WWWF at Philadelphia Arena (1/10/70)

 

Philadelphia Arena

Philadelphia, PA

January 10, 1970

Things are heating up in the cold month of January in 1970. "Krippler" Karl Kovacs is rising up the ranks and so is Mario Milano. These two might have a clash, but who's going to face Bruno Sammartino in 9 days at Madison Square Garden. Tonight in Philly might have some answers. Let's get to our first match.

Match 1

Eric The Red vs Johnny Rodz

Eric started out as a house of fire but Rodz managed to quel the uprising. These two ended up going the time limit.

Time of match: 20:00

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

Willie Farkas vs Professor Toru Tanaka

The mad Hungarian was on a bit of a losing streak going into this match with Tanaka. The streak continued as Tanaka won this one.

Winner: Tanaka

Match 3

Mario Milano vs "Captain" Lou Albano

Milano had been on a hot streak lately and he faces fellow Italian Louis Albano. Milano punched and kicked and slammed Lou so badly that Lou ran away to take the count-out loss.

Winner: Milano by count-out

Match 4

Jean Dubois vs "Krippler" Karl Kovacs

These two had faced off the day before but Dubois gets a rematch here in Philly. Unfortunately for him, Kovacs still gets the duke.

Winner: Kovacs

Match 5

Killer Kowalski vs Victor Rivera

These two had been at each other's throats for days now and they go one on one again. This time Kowalski wins it.

Winner: Kowalski

Match 6

"Big Cat" Ernie Ladd and Waldo Von Erich vs Gorilla Monsoon and WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino

Once again, even in kayfabe the heel pairing makes no sense. Why would Ernie Ladd ally himself with a nazi? Ladd specifically worked heel because he was tired of the happy go lucky smiling stereotypical black babyfaces. Ladd correctly pointed out the fans would cheer them in the ring then not allow them to eat at their restaurants. He said "they'd call me the n word when I was a villain but as long as they put money in my pocket to do it, so be it." Not to mention at a legit 6 foot 9, Ladd was not one to be messed with. For those that don't know, he had a pro-football career with the San Diego Chargers, winning the AFL title in 1963. A knee injury forced Ladd to retire in 1969 from football so he took up pro wrestling. Still, on paper this looks like a hell of a match. The two teams fought to a draw.

Winners: No one (Draw)

Once again Mario Milano and Karl Kovacs continue their hot streak but Ernie Ladd is in town with Waldo Von Erich by his side. Ivan Koloff is also on the prowl gunning for Bruno so within the next nine days, Sammartino will have his challenger at the Garden. Victor Rivera and Tony Marino will also defend the tag belts at the Garden as well. After four days off, the WWWF is back in action on the 15th in Washington DC at the National arena. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Witschi's Sports Arena (1/9/70)

Witschi's Sports Arena

North Attleboro, Massachusetts

January 9, 1970

We're back in North Attleboro for this week's show at the Witschi's Sports Arena. Krippler Karl Kovacs is on a hot streak but so is Mario Milano. Milano takes on Johnny Rodz while Kovacs tangles with Gene Dubois. In the main event, one half of the tag champs Victor Rivera takes on Professor Toru Tanaka. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland vs Eric The Red

Skaaland rebounds from his loss to Krippler Kovacs by beating Eric in the opening contest here.

Winner: Skaaland

Match 2

"Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz vs Mario Milano

Milano is on a hot streak but runs into the unpredictable one here in North Attleboro. Milano gets the duke.

Winner: Milano

Match 3

"Krippler" Karl Kovacs vs Gene Dubois

The unofficial number one contender to Bruno Sammartino is the Krippler. He makes a statement by beating Gene Dubois here that Bruno is on his radar.

Winner: Kovacs

Match 4

Willie Farkas vs Gorilla Monsoon

The mad Hungarian goes after the brute from Manchuria. Only difference is Farkas really is from Hungary. Monsoon gets the win.

Winner: Monsoon

Match 5

Victor Rivera vs Professor Toru Tanaka

One half of the tag team champions gets in a wild brawl with the evil Tanaka. Both men are disqualified as its absolute mayhem in the arena. Second week in a row these two battle to a draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Kind of a nothing spot show but it does put one thing over. Karl Kovacs is hot on Bruno Sammartino's tail but Mario Milano might stand in his way. Still, the big Madison Square Garden Show is on the 19th and Bruno's opponent hasn't been decided yet. It might not be Karl Kovacs but he's definitely on the radar now. The next show is tomorrow night in Philadelphia at the Arena. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Uline Arena (1/8/70)

Uline Arena

Washington, DC

January 8, 1970

Yes, I know I said we'd be in Salisbury, Maryland on the seventh but the show got postponed due to bad weather. Instead, the day after the crew traveled to Washington, DC for the big show. Have to remember, up until the mid 70's, Washington DC was just as important as Madison Square Garden. WWWF Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino defends against the upstart Hungarian Willie Farkas. Victor Rivera teams with Gorilla Monsoon against the dastardly duo of Waldo Von Erich and Killer Kowalski. Johnny Rodz takes on Pete Sanchez and Boris Yeltsin might make an appearance. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland vs "Krippler" Karl Kovacs

Back in the late 60's and early 70's, heels would face and most likely defeat Arnold Skaaland before getting their title shot against Bruno. During the Pedro Morales reign, it was usually Gorilla Monsoon in the role. Well on this night, Kovacs defeated Skaaland to become number 1 contender.

Winner: Kovacs

Match 2

Pete Sanchez vs "Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz in a 2 out of 3 falls match

For those that don't know, Johnny Rodriguez became Johnny Rodz in 1964 at the age of 23 and became a mainstay in New York starting in 1965. If Sky Low Low is on the Mt Rushmore of midget legends, Johnny Rodz is up there for jobbers. However, Rodz won the match 2 falls to zip.

Winner: Rodz

Match 3

Eric The Red vs Mario Milano in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Another two out of 3 falls match featuring Milano against the evil Eric. Milano won it 2 falls to nada.

Winner: Milano

Match 4

Willie Farkas vs Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

The mad hungarian takes on Bruno for the crown here in the main event in the nation's capital. Farkas fought hard but Bruno wins it with the backbreaker.

Winner: Bruno by submission (still WWWF Heavyweight Champion)

Match 5

Gene Dubois vs Professor Toru Tanaka

The evil Japanese heel (who's actually Chinese) takes on Gene Dubois in this one. This time he did NOT trip and fall, beating Dubois to win the match.

Winner: Tanaka

Match 6

Killer Kowalski and Waldo Von Erich vs Victor Rivera and Gorilla Monsoon

To end the show we have the evil heels take on the fan favorite Monsoon and one half of the tag champs, Rivera. It was mayhem with chairs and chainsaws with the ref throwing the match out with the arena being torn apart. That's one way to end the show.

Winners: No one (Draw)

Just as with every show that's been lost to time, this would have been interesting to see live. Bruno vs pre-Wolfman Farkas and a younger, more mobile Monsoon against an equally younger Kowalski would have been interesting. Karl Kovacs was definitely going to be facing Bruno at one point or another after taking out Skaaland. Just a question of when they're gonna clash. Tomorrow the crew travels to North Attleboro, Massachusetts for another show at the Witschi's Sports Arena. I'll see you there.

WWWF at Lewiston Armory (1/6/70)

Lewiston Armory

Lewiston, Maine

January 6, 1970

Three days after the showdown in Hubbard, the WWF travels all the way to Lewiston, Maine for a five match card. The champ Bruno Sammartino is NOT appearing and neither is Tony Marino. Who's here? We got Killer Kowalski, Gene Dubois, Pete Sanchez and more! Sounds meh but let's see.

Match 1

Pete Sanchez vs Eric The Red

Its the dastardly Eric The Red and he takes on latin sensation Pete Sanchez in the first bout. This one went the 20 minute distance.

Time of match: 20:00

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

Willie Farkas vs Karl Kovacs

Who the hell are these two? Willie Farkas is actually The Wolfman before he became The Wolfman. Farkas moved from Hungary to Ontario before being trained in Calgary. Kovacs was actually Stanley Kowalski, one half of Murder Incorporated in the AWA. Since the internet and cable TV didn't exist in 1970, he took the name "Krippler" Karl Kovacs in New York and nobody knew it was Kowalski. Kovacs got the duke here.

Time of match: 8:10

Winner: Kovacs by pinfall

Match 3

Waldo Von Erich and "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs Gorilla Monsoon and Gene Dubois in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Now these four we know. Koloff was born Oreal Perras in Montreal before being raised on a dairy farm in Ontario. He made his debut as the evil Irishman Red McNulty in 1965 and also as Jim Parris but hit his stride in 1967 when he became the Soviet Union supporting Ukranian Ivan Koloff. Bret Hart once wrote in his book he met Ivan many years later and said "Hey you're Jim Parris" and Ivan had to tell him to keep it down so no one heard him. Ivan came to New York in 1969 managed by Captain Lou Albano and instantly became a top contender to Bruno Sammartino. Waldo was born Walter Sieber in Toronto and actually went to the same gym as Geeto Mongol, Mikel Scicluna and Dave McKigney as a teenager. When he started wrestling in 1950 for Stampede, he became Waldo Von Sieber an Evil german nazi. When he met Fritz Von Erich in the late 50's, who himself had renamed himself from Jack Adkisson, Waldo changed his name to Waldo Von Erich and formed a team with Fritz who terrorized the territories. He was 36 years old by this time and could still draw heat even though Fritz went on to fame in his native Texas. Von Erich pinned Dubois to win the first fall and both teams were disqualified in the second fall to give the victory to Koloff & Von Erich.

Winners: Koloff and Von Erich

Match 4

Professor Toru Tanaka vs Mario Milano

Who's Milano? Born Mario Bulfone, he immigrated as a youth from Italy to Venezuela and started wrestling at 18 as Black Diablo. Then he started working under his real name until he came to Tennessee in 1962, being renamed Mario Milano. He did have success in Memphis, becoming tag team champs with "Fabulous" Jackie Fargo. He made a better name for himself in Australia but came to New York in 1970. Apparently Milano won when Tanaka tripped and fell out of the ring, getting counted out.

Winner: Milano by count-out

Match 5

Killer Kowalski vs Victor Rivera

One half of the tag champs takes on the devious Killer Kowalski in the final match. Both of them fought to a mayhem filled double count-out. Interesting way to end a show but that's the way it goes sometimes.

Winner: No one (draw)

Kind of a nothing show with no Bruno and only half of the tag team champions. Still, they were establishing Mario Milano, Victor Rivera and Gorilla Monsoon as babyfaces and mission accomplished. Bruno would be facing Kovacs, Waldo or one of the other evil heels coming up in Madison Square Garden soon. The next show would be tomorrow night in Salisbury, Maryland at the Civic Center. I'll see you there.