WWWF at Springfield Auditorium (2/6/71)

Springfield Auditorium

Springfield, MA

February 6, 1971

Vince McMahon Sr had his guys working overtime as the night of the big Boston Garden card saw a double shot all the way out in Springfield. Pedro Morales, Ivan Koloff, Chief Jay Strongbow and The Mongols had to drive all the way from Boston to Springfield for this card. Its only a 5 match card but there's going to be some long matches. We got three preliminaries but then we have a 2 out of 3 falls women's tag match featuring the queen herself, Fabulous Moolah. Then the main event is a special six man tag team 3 out of 5 falls match as the WWWF International Tag Team Champions The Mongols team with the WWWF Heavyweight Champion "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff to take on the WWWF United States Champion Pedro Morales, Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon. We got two fake Mongolians, a fake Russian, a fake Native American, a fake Chinaman and a real Puerto Rican. Let's get to the card.

Match 1

Mike Conrad vs Pete Sanchez

We open the show with a battle of jobbers, although calling Sanchez a jobber in early 1971 might be harsh. It wasn't until later on syndicated television that Sanchez was featured primarily as enhancement talent. Conrad was the jobber here and he did the job to Sanchez for sure.

Winner: Pete Sanchez

Match 2

"Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz vs Lee Wong

6 years or so later, we'd know who'd win this match as Johnny Rodz became the gold standard for jobbers. Fortunately it was still 1971 so Rodz got the duke.

Winner: Johnny Rodz

Match 3

Tomas Marin vs Vincente Pometti

Another preliminary bout that really doesn't matter as neither of these guys were in a prominent position to challenge Ivan Koloff or Pedro Morales in a big time main event. Still, Pometti got the victory.

Winner: Vincente Pometti

Match 4

Sharon Joy and Tippy Wells vs Donna Christianello and Fabulous Moolah in a 2 out of 3 Falls match

Moolah's girls in action. Sharon and Moolah we already know but who are the other two?  Donna was another Moolah trained girl who was working as a waitress that just happened to wait a table for Waldo Von Erich. Waldo got her in touch with Moolah and her career was off and running. Tippy Wells was born Fran Gravette in Alberta, Canada and started training under Moolah in 1959. She took a break from the ring for years but returned in 1970. This was definitely a case of Moolah getting her booked. Moolah and Donna won this one.

Winners: Moolah and Christianello

Match 5

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

To put this match in perspective, imagine its Pedro vs Koloff on a Premium Live Event and the night before on Smackdown they face off in a six man tag featuring two tag teams feuding with each other. Very common now, big time news back in 1971. The heels took the lead when Beppo Mongol rolled up Strongbow and hooked the tights for the 1-2-3. The heels then took the second fall when The Mongols beat up Monsoon on the outside and he was counted out. The faces rallied as Monsoon got back in the ring and crushed Beppo Mongol with the big splash for the 1-2-3 to take the third fall. Pedro then dropped Geeto Mongol and pinned him for the 1-2-3 to tie up the match. Then a big schmozz outside the ring caused the ref to throw the match out. All that for a draw? Still, all 6 men were going to be busy in two nights at Madison Square Garden so this was definitely a sneak preview.

Winners: No one (Draw)

Just days before Madison Square Garden, Vince Sr booked a nearly useless double-shot but at least the final match must have been entertaining. Like I mentioned earlier, nowadays six man or normal tag matches featuring guys in feuds is common for go-home shows before PLE's. Pedro and Koloff have a date with destiny while the Mongols are in singles action in Madison Square Garden. However, there's one more piece of business before that show in MSG. For some reason Vince Sr thought it would be a good idea to have a double-shot on Monday. Half the crew would be in Lewiston, Maine while the main stars would be at Madison Square Garden. Why? Ask Vince. See you in Lewiston, guys.

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 National Arena (2/3/71)

National Arena

Washington, DC

February 3, 1971

We are just five days away from Madison Square Garden and the big showdowns between Gorilla Monsoon & Beppo Mongol along with Ivan Koloff vs Pedro Morales. Tonight Pedro will be defending the United States championship against Joe Turco while The Mongols put the tag titles on the lines against Tomas Marin and Miguel Feliciano. Bulldog Brower also faces Vincente Pometti and its almost the exact same card a a month earlier just missing a few matches.

Match 1

Lee Wong vs The Wolfman

After losing to Pedro Morales on the house show circuit, Wolfman now has to face Lee Wong in the opening match at the National Arena. Wolfman did get the win

Winner: Wolfman

Match 2

Vincente Pometti vs Ernie Lassiter

The big rematch from a month earlier saw Lassiter and Pometti tangle again. Lassiter got the win.

Winner: Lassiter

Match 3

Bull Molina vs Bulldog Brower

Another rematch from a month earlier with the same result, Brower wins

Winner: Brower

Match 4

Mike Conrad vs Jack Evans

Its the exact same card as January 7th with the exact same result. Evans wins

Winner: Evans

Match 5

Miguel Feliciano and Tomas Marin vs The Mongols (Geeto and Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Same thing as January 7th, The Mongols win.

Winners: The Mongols (still Tag Team Champions)

Match 6

"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Same as January 7th with Morales getting the win

Winner: Morales (still WWWF Champion)

That was weird to have the exact same card a month after their January 7th show in the exact same arena. You would think the results would have changed even slightly....but nope. Still, there was no internet in those days so unless you were there in January, you wouldn't have known it was the same card with the same results. Either way the crew heads to Philadelphia so I'll see you there.

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 Waterville State Armory (1/25/71)

Waterville State Armory

Waterville, ME

January 25, 1971

We are 16 days away from Madison Square Garden where WWWF US Champ Pedro Morales takes on WWWF Heavyweight Champion Ivan Koloff in a winner take all match. Until then we still have business to take care of and a small crew headed to Waterville, ME for a four match card. Ironically three of the matches featured the exact same people. Morales would be defending the US title against Geeto Mongol while Hurricane Rivera took on Beppo Mongol. The main event would be The Mongols putting up the International Tag Titles against Rivera and Morales. The fourth match would be Chief Jay Strongbow taking on Bulldog Brower. Let's get to the action.

Match 1

Beppo Mongol vs Hurricane Rivera

The opening match would also be a preview of the main event as Mongol and Rivera get it on in a singles match. Thanks to drastic cheating, Beppo Mongol got the win.

Winner: Beppo Mongol

Match 2

Geeto Mongol vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

The other half of the Mongols takes on the other half of the main event as Morales puts the US strap on the line against Geeto. The fans were happy as Pedro prevailed and kept his date with Ivan Koloff in 16 days.

Winner: Morales (still US Champion)

Match 4

Chief Jay Strongbow vs Bulldog Brower

Brower scored a huge victory on Saturday to put himself as a top contender in case Morales won the title in MSG. Strongbow needed a win to get another title shot if Morales were to fail. Bulldog kept his hot streak going with a big win over Strongbow.

Winner: Bulldog Brower

Match 5

Hurricane Rivera and Pedro Morales vs The Mongols (Geeto & Beppo) for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship in a 2 out of 3 falls match

Usually cards like this were done in the territories when there were double shots or spot shows. Only six guys were used on this show and four of them meet again. The faces took the first fall when Morales pinned Geeto but the heels took the second fall when Morales was counted out following a sneak attack on the outside by both Mongols. Geeto then pinned Rivera to win the match. After the match, Morales and Rivera cleaned house and chased the Mongols away to send the fans home happy.

Winners: The Mongols (still International Tag Team Champions)

As I mentioned earlier, cards like this were pretty common in those days when people would pull double duty on spot shows or double shots. This was the definition of a spot show but the fans probably didn't mind just outside of Augusta. The road schedule wasn't as intense as it would be under Vince Jr but back then guys would work at least half the month if not more. The Mongols were finding every which way to keep their titles but luck won't last forever. Morales was definitely in the middle of a big time push so Koloff is in big trouble come February 8th. Ironically half of the card that worked this show would be working Augusta the next day, see you then.

WWWF at Jaffa Shrine Center (1/23/71)

Jaffa Shrine Center

Altoona, PA

January 23, 1971

The big news around the country was who was tapped to face Ivan Koloff at Madison Square Garden on February 8th. None other than the US Champion Pedro Morales would be facing Koloff in a champion vs champion, title vs title showdown. Talk about a monster match, but until then we still have business in Altoona PA. We got a pretty stacked card with former champion Bruno Sammartino taking on George "The Animal Steele", The tag champs The Mongols defend against US Champ Pedro Morales and Gorilla Monsoon, Ivan Koloff defends the Heavyweight crown against Chief Jay Strongbow and Bulldog Brower takes on Manuel Soto in a big contenders match. This is the opposite of North Attleboro so let's get to the action.

Match 1

"Jumpin" Johnny DeFazio vs Baron Mikel Scicluna

The Junior Heavyweight champion takes on the evil Baron from the Isle of Malta to open the show. DeFazio's title is not on the line as Baron is 6'3 and 250 pounds. The difference might have been the difference in the match as Baron CHEATS to pull out a victory! What a heel.

Winner: Scicluna by pinfall

Match 2

Dominic DeNucci vs Jos LeDuc

The insane LeDuc takes on DeNucci in a big grudge match for no apparent reason. DeNucci's tactics seemed to have angered LeDuc more than usual because LeDuc got himself disqualified for excessive violence. 

Winner: DeNucci by disqualification

Match 3

Manuel Soto vs Bulldog Brower

This match has big implications depending on who walks out of Madison Square Garden the Heavyweight Champion. If Morales pulls it off, Brower needs a win to get a title shot. If Koloff wins, Soto would move closer to another shot. Well Bulldog may be cheering for Pedro on the 8th because he won this match.

Winner: Brower by pinfall

Match 4

Bruno Sammartino vs George "The Animal" Steele

In match number 700 of 7,000 between the two of them, once again this has big implications depending on who walks out of MSG the champion. Bruno somehow didn't get a rematch and Pedro Morales was tabbed as the next one in line so he needs a big win. If Morales were to win, Steele would want a crack at him like he had chances against Bruno. Well the bad news was both men beat each other to a pulp and the ref threw the match out.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 5

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

Now this was a monster match. Monsoon and Chief Jay Strongbow had been chasing The Mongols the whole month of January and now Monsoon is with the US Champ and number 1 contender. The Mongols struck first when Geeto clobbered Monsoon from behind allowing Beppo to the get the pin. The faces rallied when Pedro Morales beat Beppo almost unconscious and pinned him to even the fall. Then it was a pier six brawl and the ref threw the match out, ending it in a draw. Usually that was pretty normal but it was telegraphed as Morales would have two titles with a potential third had he won. That was uncommon at the time.

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

Match 6

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

Finally some real competition for Koloff who had been facing the lower card faces in the days following his win over Bruno. Strongbow had momentum on his side but Koloff had a date with Morales in 16 days. Fans went home happy as even though Koloff won the match, Strongbow chased him out of the arena with the champ running for his life.

Winner: Koloff by pinfall (still WWWF Champion)

That was a MSG worthy card and it was held in Altoona, PA. The news of Morales being tapped to face Koloff rather than a rematch with Bruno was shocking since Pedro was US Champion at the time. Still, Pedro was more than worthy of a title shot and we got 16 days to hype up the showdown. The Mongols got lucky against Pedro and Monsoon but luck doesn't last forever. The win by Brower over Soto meant Morales had to keep his eye on him if he walked out the champ and Koloff has to worry about Bruno if Morales fails. Things were heating up around here and the group would now travel to Maine for the next show, see you there.

WWWF at Witchi's Sports Arena (1/15/71)

Witchi's Sports Arena

North Attleboro, MA

January 15, 1971

The WWWF roster was split into two on January 15th as they had this show in North Attleboro and another show with the other half in Pittsburgh. Maybe there was a show scheduled for the night before but it got postponed due to snow or whatever. Either way we're back in North Attleboro just three days before the Monday night show at Madison Square Garden. Pedro Morales has a date with The Wolfman at MSG but he's facing him tonight as a preview. The Mongols also have a date with Gorilla Monsoon and Chief Jay Strongbow at the Garden but here they take on Strongbow and Manuel Soto. Let's get to the card.

Match 1

Tony Marino vs Vincente Pometti

As per norm the Argentinian opens the show against the former Battman. Also as per norm they battled to a 20 minute time limit draw. Wouldn't that be boring for the first match to go the distance every single card?

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

The Black Demon vs "Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland

The human punching bag Demon gets fed to Arnold Skaaland three days before MSG. Skaaland gets the victory,  big surprise.

Winner: Skaaland

Match 3

Pete Sanchez vs Bulldog Brower

Brower was currently the number three heel behind The Wolfman and Ivan Koloff so he needed a big win against Sanchez if he wanted to keep pace with the others. Sanchez needed a win to put himself on the same level as Pedro Morales. Unfortunately for Sanchez, Brower got the win.

Winner: Brower

Match 4

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Three days before MSG, Morales defends against the same man he'll be facing in the Garden. Wolfman got himself disqualified by beating the daylights out of Pedro outside the ring. For a wild man, that was a brilliant move by Wolfman to soften Pedro up for the Garden by sacrificing this match.

Winner: Morales by DQ (still US Champion)

Match 5

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

The main event of the card saw Strongbow bringing Manuel Soto to help him take the titles from the evil Mongols. As per norm, the first fall went to the faces, the second fall went to the heels and all four men brawled to earn the double-disqualification to end the match. The Mongols retain the titles.

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

North Attleboro had some rudimentary cards every week it seemed but fans didn't seem to mind. They were clearly building toward MSG but Vince Sr had all these house shows to drum up interest. Having Pedro & Wolfman and Strongbow vs The Mongols bring their matches around the territory but settling it at MSG was pretty standard. Up next is the other card that happened on this day.

WWWF at Hammonton Elementary School (1/13/71)

Hammonton Elementary School

Hammonton, New Jersey

January 13, 1971

We are just five days away from the big showdown at Madison Square Garden between Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff. The International tag team champions The Mongols will be defending the straps at the Garden and Pedro Morales faces The Wolfman. Meanwhile Gorilla Monsoon was a busy man as he himself promoted this show 35 minutes from his hometown. Monsoon not only was the promoter but he'd be facing The Black Demon on the card. The Mongols would be defending the titles against Chief Jay Strongbow and Arnold Skaaland and in a sneak preview of MSG, Pedro Morales would be defending the US title against The Wolfman. Let's get to the matches.

Match 1

Tomas Marin vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

These two had been going around the territory opening each show with a 20 minute draw so Monsoon figured to have them knock each other around for another 20 minutes in an elementary school. Well that's exactly what happened as the match ended in a 20 minute draw.

Winner: No one (draw)

Match 2

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland and Chief Jay Strongbow vs The Mongols (Geeto and Beppo) in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship

Five days before Monsoon and Strongbow get their shot at the Mongols, Strongbow teams with Skaaland to try to take the titles, logically that would be very awkward if the faces were to win. Well, as usual the bout ended in a draw at 1 fall apiece.

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

Match 3

Gorilla Monsoon vs The Black Demon

The hometown hero Monsoon takes on the human punching bag Black Demon. Not surprisingly, Monsoon got the duke much to the fans delight.

Winner: Gorilla Monsoon

Match 4

The Wolfman vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

The final match on the card showcased Pedro defending the strap against his opponent in five days. The fans went home happy as Morales got the duke to keep the title.

Winner: Morales (still WWWF US Champion)

Short but sweet as it was just a four match card. Still, Monsoon was able to book a WWWF show five days away from a possible sellout at Madison Square Garden in a little town in New Jersey close to where he lived. It served its purpose as in those days without cable, internet and streaming the citizens of Hammonton weren't likely to make the trek to MSG so to have Pedro beat Wolfman there was good enough for them. The WWWF roster was going to be very busy Friday as they got TWO shows booked on the 15th, god help us.

WWWF at Scranton Catholic Youth Center (1/12/71)

Catholic Youth Center

Scranton, PA

January 12, 1971

We are six days out from the big showdown at Madison Square Garden between Bruno Sammartino and Ivan Koloff. Also on that card, The Wolfman takes on Pedro Morales for the US title and the tag champs The Mongols defend against Chief Jay Strongbow and Gorilla Monsoon. Tonight The Wolfman takes on Arnold Skaaland, Pedro defends against The Black Demon and The Mongols take on Monsoon & Strongbow a week early. Let's get to the matches.

Match 1

Tomas Marin vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

Turco needed a big win to keep his heat while The Wolfman and Ivan Koloff were rising to the top of the card. In his way is Tomas Marin. Well, they fought to a 20 minute time limit draw.

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 2

"Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland vs The Wolfman

Wolfman had a date with Pedro Morales locked in but Arnold Skaaland was a big test for the wild man six days out. Wolfman ended up getting the duke over the Golden Boy.

Winner: Wolfman

Match 3

Pete Sanchez vs "Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz

A battle of the jobbers so something has to give. Fortunately for Sanchez, Rodz got himself disqualified.

Winner: Sanchez by disqualification

Match 4

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

Morales was the new US champion and one of his first title defenses was going to be against Demon just six days before MSG. Naturally, Morales won it.

Winner: Morales

Match 5

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

The main event for the evening is a preview of the tag team title match coming up at MSG. The Mongols defend against Monsoon and Strongbow in Scranton. The first fall went to the challengers and the second fall went to the Mongols. Then one minute into the third fall Monsoon and Beppo knocked each other out to render the match a draw. The Mongols were still the champs.

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

Another standard house show but it served its purpose. The Mongols against Strongbow & Monsoon was a good main event and they'd lock up again in just six days. The Wolfman and Pedro Morales were due to go one on one and they both won their matches tonight. Joe Turco got a big win as well, he might be a future opponent for a top face as well. All in all at least it didn't look like a bad show.

WWWF at the Boston Garden (1/9/71)

Boston Garden

Boston, MA

January 9, 1971

One day after the Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns in the Boston Garden, the WWWF came to town. We got a stacked card on this one compared to the house shows in Buffalo and North Attleboro recently. Ivan Koloff is on a collision course with Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden but he's got Chief Jay Strongbow here. Bruno himself has a tune up against Beppo Mongol while Pedro Morales defends the US title against The Black Demon. Its a 9 match card so fans were going to get their money's worth.

Match 1

"Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz vs "Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland

Skaaland gets the unpredictable one in the match top open the show. As per norm, Skaaland got the victory.

Winner: Skaaland

Match 2

Mike Conrad vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

Speaking of jobbers, here's Conrad going up against everyone's most hated Italian. Apparently Conrad got himself disqualified so Turco gets the duke.

Winner: Turco by disqualification

Match 3

Vincente Pometti vs Tony Marino

The Argentinian is no fan of Battman so he wants to take his frustrations out on Tony Marino. Unfortunately for the Bull, Marino got the pinfall victory.

Winner: Marino by pinfall

Match 4

Manuel Soto vs The Wolfman

The rising star faces the Canadian wildman. Wolfman gets a BIG victory to launch himself up there with Ivan Koloff as opponents for Bruno Sammartino.

Winner: The Wolfman

Match 5

Hurricane Rivera vs Geeto Mongol

The Hurricane (no, not THAT one) takes on one half of the tag team champions in Geeto Mongol. Geeto got the win.

Winner: Geeto Mongol

Match 6

Gorilla Monsoon vs Bulldog Brower

Monsoon has had it up to HERE with the likes of Brower so he gets him in the ring one on one. The bout ended in a draw

Winner: No one (Draw)

Match 7

Chief Jay Strongbow vs Ivan Koloff

Koloff has a date with Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title but first he's got to deal with Chief Jay Strongbow. Koloff maintained his hot streak with a big victory.

Winner: Koloff

Match 8

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

This was originally scheduled to be Morales against Crusher Verdu but Crusher couldn't make it so Demon took his place. Pedro gets the win to keep his title.

Winner: Morales (still US Champion)

Match 9

Beppo Mongol vs Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship

The other half of the tag team champions, Beppo Mongol gets a shot at Bruno in the main event of the evening. Bruno gets the win over the future Nikolai.

Winner: Bruno (still WWWF Heavyweight Champion)

A nine match card with a lot of action, too bad its been lost to time. You still had the main players in the right spots. Wolfman needed to be a strong number 2 heel so beating Soto made sense. Needed to keep Koloff strong and beating Strongbow accomplishes that. Morales and Bruno kept their belts for now and it was all heading to MSG. Would have been nice to see something from this show but oh well.

WWWF at National Arena (1/7/71)

National Arena

Washington, DC

January 7, 1971

Pretty stacked card for this house show in the heart of Washington DC, the original McMahon territory. The Black Demon was scheduled to face Gorilla Monsoon but instead faces Ivan Koloff. Bulldog Brower takes on Bull Molina and The Wolfman locks up with Lee Wong. Also in the main event, Pedro Morales faces "Classy" Freddie Blassie in the finals to crown a new WWWF United States Champion. Lots going on so let's get to it.

Match 1

Miguel Feliciano and Tomas Marin vs The Mongols (Geeto and Beppo) in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the WWWF International Tag Team Championship

We start the show with a tag title match. Marin and Feliciano were real Latin stars while the other two were about as Mongolian as John Cena. The Mongols won both falls to win the match.

Winners: The Mongols

Match 2

Mike Conrad vs Jack Evans

Now this is a battle of futility, two jobbers facing each other. Imagine Barry Horrowitz vs Duane Gill in 1991. Jack Evans won the match.

Winner: Evans

Match 3

Carlos Peredes vs Manuel Soto

A battle of the latin stars but who is Carlos? Another enhancement talent that's been lost to time. Soto beats Peredes in this one.

Winner: Soto

Match 4

Bull Molina vs Bulldog Brower

Its the legendary Bulldog Brower! Bulldog was born Richard T Gland who served in the US Marines and became a powerlifter. Bulldog Brower was a big rough heel who frequently challenged Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title in the 60's. He could always draw so he's here in WWWF. Molina was....you guessed it, an enhancement talent. Bulldog got the duke.

Winner: Brower

Match 5

"Nobleman" Joe Turco vs Pedro Morales for the WWWF United States Championship

Literally the day before Morales had defeated "Classy" Freddie Blassie to win the vacant US Championship in Buffalo. This was Pedro's first title defense against the insane Nobleman. Pedro got the victory.

Winner: Pedro

Match 6

The Wolfman vs Lee Wong

The Wolfman was born Vilmos Farkas in Hungary before fleeing to Canada in 1958. There he met Stu Hart and became a mainstay for Stampede Wrestling and Frank (Jack's brother) Tunney's Maple Leaf Wrestling. He came up with The Wolfman gimmick in Hawaii under Ed Francis and brought it to New York in 1970. He's been "The Wolfman" in WWWF ever since. Who was Lee Wong? Lee Wong was a territorial heel in the 1960's and the legendary Stu Saks of Pro Wrestling Illustrated said he was the worst wrestler he'd ever seen. Well Stu might be on to something because The Wolfman won the match.

Winner: Wolfman

Match 7

Vincente Pometti vs Ernie Lassiter

Lassiter was a mid-carder working for Vince Sr in 1966 and Pometti was a big Argentinian that was nicknamed "bull" for rough-house tactics. Lassiter won this match by pinning Pometti

Winner: Lassiter by pinfall

Match 8

"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs The Black Demon

The final match was supposed to be Gorilla Monsoon against Demon but he couldn't make it so they subbed Koloff in. So now it's the rematch from North Attleboro the week before. Just like the week before, Koloff wins.

Winner: Koloff

Kind of a nothing happening card except for two key matches. Morales keeping up his hot streak as the new US Champion and Koloff keeping his win streak going heading into Madison Square Garden in 11 days for a shot at Bruno Sammartino. I bet that fans in the National Arena were entertained, its too bad this show and many others have been lost to time.

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

Witchi's Sports Arena

North Attleboro, MA

January 1, 1971

Happy New Year everyone! Its a new year for the World Wide Wrestling Federation and to kick the year off, we have a special show at the Witchi's Sports Arena in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. We got Arnold Skaaland, The Mongols and Joe Turco on the card. Let's kick the year off in style.....and 5 to 1 odds that half the card is hung over.

Match 1

Sandokan vs "Golden Boy" Arnold Skaaland

We kick the year off with the pride of Peru, Sandokan against the Golden Boy. Skaaland we all know but who was his opponent? Sandokan was born Luis Salazar Arenas and was the future promoter of GXLL in Mexico. Skaaland got the win.

Winner: Skaaland

Match 2

"Popeye" Chuck Richards vs Hurricane Rivera

Now this would have been a treat. Popeye Chuck was a badass wrestler in the 50's and 60's and is best known for being the grandfather of Chris "Skip" Candido. Hurricane Rivera was a veteran in Puerto Rico and Mexico. His real name is Jose Rivera which is why years later Jose Luis Rivera worked as Jose Luis or Mac so fans wouldn't get confused. It didn't work because when Hurricane died in October 2022, people thought it was Jose Luis. Richards got the win.

Winner: Richards

Match 3

The Black Demon vs "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff

Demon is actually Tony Nero. He wrestled mostly under this real name Anthony Aurelio but by now he was 47 years old and working as The Black Demon. The beauty of working in the days before cable and internet is you could go from territory to territory under different names and no one knew the wiser.  Koloff was due to face Bruno in a few weeks and he got the win here.

Winner: Ivan Koloff

Match 4

Tomas Marin vs "Nobleman" Joe Turco

Who is Tomas Marin? Tomas was a star in Puerto Rico who could have passed for a Wild Samoan with a big afro and bushy mustache.  Turco got the win here

Winner: Joe Turco

Match 5

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

Lot of legends in this main event match. The WWE Tag Team titles as we know it hadn't been invented yet, The Mongols were the International Tag Team Champions at the time. Soto was a Puerto Rican star who was a fan favorite in New York since the late 60's. The Mongols were supposedly Mongolian when clearly neither of them were. Geeto Mongol was born Newton Tattrie in Nova Scotia and became a mainstay of Stampede Wrestling. That's where he met a young 20 year old Yugoslavian/Croatian named Josip Peruzovic in 1967. After training Josip, he was renamed Beppo Mongol and formed a tag team with Geeto. On June 15, 1970 the Mongols defeated Tony Marino and Victor Rivera to win the tag straps. So we got a fake Chinaman and two fake Mongolians.....wrestling everyone. Apparently the bout ended in a draw. By the way, if you ever see Beppo Mongol and thinks he looks familiar, its because he eventually became Nikolai Volkoff.

Winners: No one (Mongols retain)

Sounds like an interesting card for a local house show. North Attleboro is nowhere near the Boston Garden so a five match card seems pretty standard. The show did have a purpose with the tag belts on the line and building Ivan Koloff as Bruno Sammartino's next opponent at Madison Square Garden. Wrestling in those days was more "you gotta be there" than it is today and its unfortunate that so many matches and shows from the 70's have been lost to time. Still, we got MSG coming up so we got something to look forward to.