NOW AVAILABLE: Vol V "Girl Power" women only - All the ladies matches on one DVD Byers Combs Banner Lawrence LaMonte

Now available on Ebay My Ebay auctions

Classic Wrestling Vol 5 “GIRL POWER” available on DVD

THERE IS NO WWE OR TNA FOOTAGE ON THIS DISC.  I PERSONALLY OWN THE FILMS AND MADE THE TRANSFERS.
Now available is volume 5 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. Do to many request I have created a DVD of just the Ladies matches I have. These are the same as the matches available on the other DVD's but now they have their own DVD. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert and runs almost an hour and a half.

Here is a listing of the matches that are once again available;

Classic Wrestling From Film V

1) Lindy Lawrence vs Jacque La Monte - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:30 This is a match from the syndicated series Main Event Wrestling From Hollywood.  This time the match was filmed in Arizona and is the continuation of a series of grudge matches between these battling beauties.  I’m not a huge fan of ladies matches but I can honestly say this one is a good match.  Look closely and you'll be able to see La Monte even use a power bomb.  Lots of action and fun to watch, it may change your mind too.

2) 50’s Hilites - Schlitz Library #14 – clip of; Ramona Isabella & Ethel Johnson vs Babs Wingo & Marva Scott –Sound This is a clip of a woman's tag team match featuring four of the top female black stars of the 50's and 60's. All four toured the country but were most prominent in the Detroit and Mid-Atlantic territories. Showing their popularity, this clip is from a great highlight film featuring the most popular wrestlers from the 50's. The film is a bit rough and jumps in spots but is great fun. This film was put out by the Schlitz Brewing Company and distributors would loan the films to local bars for an event.

3) Cora Combs vs June Byers - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 15:35 Here is another match from the syndicated series filmed from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. This match features two of the greatest women wrestlers of all time. Cora Combs wrestled across the globe and would hold the Woman’s World Championship. She would be elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. Her opponent here was one of the few who could be ranked higher on the all time list. Byers' held the Woman’s World Championship for many years finally losing it when she was no longer able to compete after a car accident. Byers was elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

4) Lynn O'Connor vs Lindy Lawrence - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 27:46 This match is antoher from the syndicated Hollywood series. Here we see the beautiful Lawrence take on another opponent in the feisty O'Connor. If you only know woman's wrestling from the 70's and 80's, these matches will be a great surprise. The ladies here are actual wrestlers and given the time to put on great matches.

5) Ida May (Mae) Martinez vs Terry Majors - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:39 Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. This match features two excellent women wrestlers. Ida Mae was one of the most famous wrestlers of the 50's and a fixture at Cauliflower Alley reunions for many years.

6) 50’s Hilites - Schlitz Library #14 – clip of; June Byers vs Penny Banner –Sound

This is another clip from the Schlitz highlight film. This time we get to see the great champion June Byers face off against the blonde model Penny Banner. This is just a short clip but packs a lot of action.

June Byers vs Cora Combs 1950's Wrestling From Hollywood ladies women professional wrestling Divas

This is a lower quality transfer from my 16mm film, a high quality transfer is available on Classic Wrestling From Film Vol III

Here is another match from the syndicated series filmed from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. This match features two of the greatest women wrestlers of all time. Cora Combs wrestled across the globe and would hold the Woman’s World Championship. She would be elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. Her opponent here was one of the few who could be ranked higher on the all time list. Byers' held the Woman’s World Championship for many years finally losing it when she was no longer able to compete after a car accident. Byers was elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Lindy Lawrence vs Jacque LaMonte 1950 Wrestling From Hollywood ladies women professional wrestling Divas

This is a lower quality transfer from my 16mm film, a high quality transfer is available on Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television.  Our host, Gary Goodwin, introduces this week’s main event match between two beautiful ladies; Lindy Lawrence vs Jacque LaMonte. This time the match was filmed in Arizona and is the continuation of a series of grudge matches between these battling beauties.  I’m not a huge fan of ladies matches but I can honestly say this one is a good match.  Look closely and you'll be able to see La Monte even use a power bomb.  Lots of action and fun to watch, it may change your mind too. 

Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode Wrestling From Hollywood 1950's TV wrestling match

This is a lower quality transfer from my 16mm film, a high quality transfer is available on one of my DVD's. It is available on Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II.

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television.  Our host, sports talk pioneer, Allin Slate introduces this week’s main event match.  Here we get to see wrestling legend Gorgeous George in action with the full ring entrance.  George is a pioneer of the flamboyant wrestler and for a while was one of the greatest draws in wrestling.  His opponent  is UCLA football great, actor, wrestler and humanitarian Woody Strode.  Strode made a name for himself on the gridiron at UCLA and the CFL.  He then followed with a great career on the mat as well as the Silver Screen.  This is a very enjoyable match and a great chance to see a longer match featuring these two.  Thanks to information from wrestling historian Yohe, the match itself was filmed at the Wilmington Bowl.

Ilio DiPaolo vs Hans Schmidt wrestling match from Buffalo, NY

Here is a full match from Buffalo, NY featuring Ilio DiPaolo vs Hans Schmidt.  I am looking to find an exact date for the match.

Take a look at my full blog for DVD's that I have available and take a look at some Buffalo wrestling programs from this period that I have posted.

Ali Baba vs Red Brannigan wrestling match 10/11/39

See Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II for my latest DVD available for purchase.

This is a transfer I made from my 16mm sound film called Modern Gladiators.  This match features Ali Baba (former World Heaveyweight Champion) vs Red Brannigan.  Baba won the title from Dick Shikat after Shikat's famous shoot on Danno O'Mahoney.  From Steve Yohe's Ali Baba Record Book, this match is from 10/11/1939 in Los Angeles.

Vincent Lopez vs Man Mountain Dean - Championship match from 7/24/35

See Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II  for my latest DVD available for purchase.

Vincent Lopez vs. Man Mountain Dean 7/24/1935 - SILENT - This match contains 10 minutes of action from the Finals of the International Wrestling Tournament from Los Angeles. The match was a best 2 out of 3 falls battle to crown a new Heavyweight Champion for Lou Daro's territory. Lopez had the distinction of being trained and managed by the great Ed "Strangler" Lewis.  This match is from my Classic Wrestling From Film Vol I DVD that is available for purchase.  Contact me via email if you are interested. Click here to contact me.

NOW AVAILABLE! Classic Wrestling From Film Vol IV

Now available is volume 4 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

You can purchase a copy here: My Ebay auctions.

Here is a listing of what is once again available;

Classic Wrestling From Film IV

1) Ed "Strangler" Lewis v Dick Shikat - Long Island City, NY, June 9, 1932 – Sound – 20:53

This is the best film available to showcase these two all time greats. This film has twenty minutes of highlights from the match between two multi-time World Champion wrestlers. Lews is one of the most iconic wrestlers of all time. Here he is in his early 40's but still shows he can move with the fast paced style he helped pioneer.   Shikat is one of the few wrestlers that was Lewis' legitimate challenger on the mat. Both were feared wrestlers and hookers. Shikat would throw the wrestling world into turmoil when he shot on champion Danno O'Mahoney and stole the title from the trust.

2) Ida May (Mae) Martinez vs Terry Majors - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:39

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. This match features two excellent women wrestlers. Ida Mae was one of the most famous wrestlers of the 50's.

3) Bone Bender’s Parade – short clips of various wrestling matches from the 30’s and 40’s - includes everything from Sumo and Judo matches to underwater wrestling to U.S. matches featuring Joe Savoldi, “Dirty” Dick Raines, “Sailor”Jack Adams, Fritz Kley, Man Mountain Dean an many others - Sound – 8:14

This short highlight film features wrestling styles from across the globe. You will get to see clips of some great wrestlers in singles action and battle royals. This is reminiscent of the newsreel clips people would see at the movies in the 30's and 40's.

4) 50’s Hilites - Schlitz Library #14 – clips of; Johnny Valentine vs Argentina Rocca, Dick the Bruiser vs Pepper Gomez, Rickki Starr vs The Zebra Kid, Mighty Jumbo vs The Sheik of Araby, Argentina Rocca & Miguel Perez vs Dr Jerry & Eddie Graham, Argentina Rocca, Miguel Perez & Haystack Calhoun vs Dr. Jerry & Eddie Graham & The Sheik of Araby, Sky Low Low & Billy the Kid vs Brown Panther & Red Feather, Penny Banner vs June Byer and Ramona Isbel & Apple Johnson vs Babs Wingo & Marva Scott –Sound – 29:14

This is a great highlight film featuring the most popular wrestlers from the 50's. The film is a bit rough and jumps in spots but is great fun. This film was put out by the Schlitz Brewing Company and distributors would loan the films to local bars for an event. Grab a beer, sit back and imagine yourself at your favorite bar in the 50's. Most of the matches feature wrestlers who would be responsible for constant sellout crowds at MSG. Rocca/Perez vs The Grahams would cause riots, the Bruiser and Sheik would bring the crowds to their feet in anger and the women would be a great attraction.

NOW AVAILABLE! Classic Wrestling From Film Vol III

Now available is volume 3 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

You can purchase a copy here: My Ebay auctions.

Here is a listing of what you can look forward to;

Classic Wrestling From Film III

1) Lord Leslie Carlton vs Juan Sepeda (or Zepeda) - Sound – Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) – 25:27

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. Our host, sports talk pioneer, Allin Slate introduces this week’s main event match from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. Carleton played an arrogant heel to large crowds all across the country in the 50's. While outside of the ring he was a noted artist. Sepeda was a mainstay in Southern California through the 50's. Here you can see the full match followed by a heated backstage interview.

2) Rough and Tumble – clips of; Abe Coleman vs. Lou Plummer, Jim Londos vs. Ray Steele & Man Mountain Dean vs. Howard Cantonwine – Silent – 2:44

This is a silent film showing short clips of some wrestling greats from the 30's. The film is a bit rough with spotting but this is still a great chance to see some rare action. Abe Coleman left his native New Zealand and became a star across the world with his famed “Kiwi Roll”. Jim Londos was perhaps the greatest professional wrestler of all time. A huge star for decades he is wrestling his friend and sometime policeman, Ray Steele. Both wrestlers would hold the World's Championship during their careers. Lastly we get to see an appearance by the popular Man Mountain Dean.

3) Cora Combs vs June Byers - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 15:35

Here is another match from the syndicated series filmed from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. This match features two of the greatest women wrestlers of all time. Cora Combs wrestled across the globe and would hold the Woman’s World Championship. She would be elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013. Here opponent here was one of the few who could be ranked higher on the all time list. Byers' held the Woman’s World Championship for many years finally losing it when she was no longer able to compete after a ca accident. Byers was elected to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rasslin’ Rockets - Lou Klein vs Gene Dubuque (Magnificent Maurice) – Sound – 9:01

This match features two greats from the 50's and 60's. Lou Klein rose to fame under the name Bastien with his wrestling “brother” Red. Klein then switched back to real name and rose to fame especially in the Detroit area. Dubuque would rise to even greater fame wrestling under the name The Magnificent Maurice. He would team with Handsome Johnny Barend and go on to headline Madison Square Garden and across the northeast.

5) Lynn O'Connor vs Lindy Lawrence - Wrestling From Hollywood (syndicated TV) - Sound – 27:46

The final match on the disc is again from the syndicated Hollywood series. These two battling beauties put on a fast paced and exciting match.

At long last Volume II of Classic Wrestling From Film is available

                                 

At long last, volume 2 of my collection of rare and previously unreleased matches from the Golden Era of Professional Wrestling has made it to DVD. These matches were transferred from 16mm films that I own, not from WWE or TNA sources. Some haven't been seen since the live matches. There is good news and bad news with this disc. First the bad news. Some of the films are silent. They were originally filmed that way so there is no commentary on those matches. Also, while the video is very good quality, it isn't Hi-Def. The transfers are from 16mm film so they show the scratches and wear from the source prints. The films were cleaned and lubricated before transfer but I am only able to work with the prints as I found them. Some are probably the only copies in existence and would have been used by TV stations in the 50's. With all that said, I don't think you will be disappointed with the quality.

Now for the good news. The films were transferred using an Elmo TRV-16 transfer projector allowing for a flickerless transfer and then digitally cleaned. This disc will contain almost an hour and a half of rare Professional Wrestling action. Many of the matches have never been available before and those that have been available are difficult to come across. The DVD will be burned on to a quality disc such as a Verbatim or Taiyo Yuden. The DVD has custom menus and chapters so you can navigate to any match. The DVD will be shipped in a slim case with a cover and match listing insert.

The DVD is currently available on EBAY

My auctions on EBAY
  
Now for the matches that have once again been made available;

Classic Wrestling From Film II

1) Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode -- Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 26:15

Based out of Los Angeles, this syndicated program traveled around the country via Kinescopes in the early days of television. Our host, sports talk pioneer, Allin Slate introduces this week’s main event match from the Hollywood Legion Stadium. Here we get to see wrestling legend Gorgeous George in action with the full ring entrance. George is a pioneer of the flamboyant wrestler and for a while was one of the greatest draws in wrestling. His opponent is USC football great, actor, wrestler and humanitarian, Woody Strode. Strode made a name for himself on the gridiron and followed with a great career on the mat as well as the Silver Screen. This is a very enjoyable match and a great chance to see a longer match featuring these two.

2) Wrestling Thrills - Karol Krauser vs Chief Bamba Tabu (also known as Yaqui Joe), Olga Baranoff vs. Hanka Kavetzka, Four Man battle Royal; Bobby Bruns, John Melas, Prince Emir Jo Jo and Tabu –Silent - 8:56

This is a silent film with matches from the early 40’s from cards put on by the legendary, and much hated, outlaw promoter Jack Pfeffer. Pfeffer blew the lid off wrestling’s secrets in the 30’s and spent the rest of his career battling with other promoters. They are all edited matches with endings for each. The first match shows hardcore wasn’t invented in Memphis, WWF or ECW, they were already swinging chairs in the 40’s. The last match is a chance to see wrestling great Bobby Bruns in action. Bruns would hold World Titles and go on to book the St Louis and Buffalo Territories to great heights.

3) Lindy Lawrence vs Jacque La Monte - Wrestling From Hollywood (Syndicated TV) - Sound – 24:30

This is another match from the syndicated series. This time the match was filmed in Arizona and is the continuation of a series of grudge matches between these battling beauties. I’m not a huge fan of ladies matches but I can honestly say this one is a good match. Look closely and you'll be able to see La Monte even use a power bomb. Lots of action and fun to watch, it may change your mind too.

4) Championship Wrestling From the Hollywood Legion Stadium (Syndicated TV) - Fred Blassie & Warren Bockwinkel vs. Joe Pazandak & Mr. Moto – Sound - 15:31

Incomplete film has about the last 5 min of the match, then commentary by Jules Strongbow and commercials to the end of the show. The commentary by Strongbow hypes the upcoming World Series of Wrestling and a later one recaps the match and the wrestlers involved. The commercials are pretty interesting and seem to be valium and speed under fancy names, just what the 50’s housewife needed.

5) Mat Masters – Don Evans vs. Jim Corbett & Primo Carnera vs. Laverne Baxter – Sound – 9:33

This film features action from the 50’s of the popular Don Evans and Laverne Baxter who was a roughhouser who had been wrestling since the 30’s. You also get the chance to see the former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Primo Carnera. Carnera gained the title with the backing of a descent jab and some “connected” managers.

Classic Wrestling From Film II

  I've just about finished the second DVD of wrestling film transfers.  I'm a bit of a stickler for quality and I'm almost satisfied with the DVD.  These are all films I personally own and transferred using an Elmo TRV-16.  This allows for a flickerless picture that was then digitally cleaned and enhanced.  Featured on this disc will be a match between the incomparable Gorgeous George and the all-around incredible athlete and person Woody Strode.  Also featured will be wrestling greats Bobby Bruns, Karol Krauser, June Byers, Primo Carnera, LaVerne Baxter, Don Evan, Cora Combs and many more. 

Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode 1950 's wrestling match from 16mm film

Edit: The transfer work is done and the DVD is now available.  You can find the information here Classic Wrestling From Film Vol II

I've finally been able to upgrade my transfer system for the films I have.  I was able to acquire an Elmo TransVideo 16 transfer projector and a new computer.  I can now begin to transfer my 16mm film directly into my computer and can start issuing more classic wrestling DVD's.  Here is a clip of the Gorgeous George vs Woody Strode match that I have on film.

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 11/16/1962 Ilio DiPaolo Bruno Sammartino Fritz von Erich

This is the last of my Buffalo, NY Official Wrestling Magazines. This program is for the matches from November 16, 1962.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Ilio DiPaolo and Bearcat Wright.  This program also features some nice pictures of Bruno Sammartino including one of Bruno and Ilio in the ring together.  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.

 

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 1/19/1962 Ilio DiPaolo Little Beaver Dan Miller

This program is for the matches from January 19, 1962.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Little Beaver, Black Panther, The Sheik, Sky Low Low and Dan Miller.  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.  I will be posting the rest of my programs over the upcoming days.

 

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 10/20/1961 Ilio DiPaolo The Sheik The Crusher Bearcat Wright

   This program is for the matches from October 20, 1961.  The Official Wrestling Magazine  features short write ups on Ilio DiPaolo and Chris & John Tolos, .  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.  I will be posting the rest of my programs over the upcoming days.

Championship analysis of the 9/1/1961 Buffalo, NY wrestling card

     I've had a chance to search for the championships won by the wrestlers on the September 1, 1961 card in Buffalo, NY.  It is an extraordinary list of wrestlers and I was surprised by the total I found.  Except for the midgets, every wrestler held a championship at least twice during their career.  I included individual and tag-team titles from across the US, Canada, Japan and Australia in the list.  There were many wrestlers that ended up holding tag-team titles together but each of those reigns were only counted once.  The wrestlers below ended up winning championships on a total of 215 seperate occasions.  I'd say that is a pretty impressive total.


     Below is the list of wrestlers and the championships they won.  I've also included any others names they might have wrestled under.  Much of the data came from Online World of Wrestling and Wrestling-Titles.com.  If you have any additions or changes, please let me know.


Ilio DiPaolo
(1) time NWA (Calgary) Canadian Tag Team Champion (w/Tex McKenzie)
(5) time NWA (Toronto) Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (w/Whipper Billy Watson (4) & w/Billy "Red" Lyons (1))
(1) time MWA Ohio Heavyweight title
(1) time MWA Ohio Tag Team titles (w/Lord Athol Layton)
(1) time AWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title Tournament (w/Joe Scarpello)

Tara (Taro) Keomuka (aka/Taro Myaki (Miyake) & Prof. Hiro)
(3) time NWA (Toronto) International Tag Team Champion (as Professor Hiro) (w/Fred Atkins)
(2) time NWA (Texas) World Tag Team titles (w/Duke Keomuka)
(1) time AWA Canadian Open Tag Team Title Champion (w/Mitsu Arakawa)
(1) time NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Champion (w/Tony Borne)
(1) time NWA (Florida) United States Tag Team Champion (w/Tojo Yamamoto)

Doc Gallagher
(2) time (Vancouver) Northwest Tag Team (w/Ivan Komeroff(1) & w/George Gallagher(1))
(1) time NWA (Mid Atlantic) Southern Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(2) time NWA (Minneapolis) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Mid America) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Toronto) Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(2) time MWA Ohio Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(2) time AWA (Indiana) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Ohio) United States Tag Team Champion (w/Mike Gallagher)

Mike Gallagher
(1) time NWA (Mid Atlantic) Southern Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(2) time NWA (Minneapolis) World Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Mid America) World Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Toronto) Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(2) time MWA Ohio Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(2) time AWA (Indiana) World Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)
(1) time NWA (Ohio) United States Tag Team Champion (w/Doc Gallagher)

Dick Beyer (aka/ The Destroyer & Dr. X)
(1) time AWA World Heavyweight Champion
(2) time WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time WWA (Los Angeles) International TV Tag Team Champion (w/Dan Manoukian)
(2) time NWA Pacific Norhwest Heavyweight Champion
(3) time NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Champion (w/Art Michalik)
(2) time WWA (Los Angeles) World Tag Team Champion (w/Hard Boiled Haggerty)
(1) time AWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team Champion (w/Billy "Red" Lyons)
(1) time AJPW (All Japan) All Asia Tag Team Champion (w/Billy "Red" Lyons)
(1) time NWA (Texas) World Tag Team Champion (w/ The Golden Terror)
(1) time NWA (Hawaii) North American Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Hawaii) United States Heavyweight Champion
(3) time PWF (Japan) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time (Montreal) International Heavyweight Champion

Bearcat Wright
(1) time MWA Ohio Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Vancouver) Pacific Coast Tag Team (w/Whipper Billy Watson)
(1) time WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time WWA (Los Angeles) International Televison Tag Team Champion (w/Mr. Moto)
(1) time NWA (Vancouver) Canadian Tag Team Champion (w/Enrique Torres)
(2) time NWA Hawaii Tag Team Champion (w/Luther Lindsay(1) & w/Sam Steamboat(1))
(2) time NWA Pacfic Northwest Tag Team Champion (w/Shag Thomas(1) & w/Billy White Wolf(1))
(1) time IWA (Australia) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mark Lewin)
(2) time IWA (Australia) World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time AWA (San Francisco) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (San Francisco) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time Arizona Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA Florida Tag Team Champion (w/Bobby Shane)
(1) time NWA Florida Brass Knuckles Champion

Sato Keomuka (aka Kenji Shibuya)
(2) time NWA (Mid Atlantic) Southern Tag Team Champion (w/Mr. Moto)
(1) tme NWA Texas Tag Team Champion (w/Duke Keomuka)
(1) time NWA (Minneapolis) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mitsu Arakawa)
(1) time NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion
(2) time MWA (Ohio) Tag Team Champion (as Sato Keomuka) (w/Duke Keomuka)
(3) time AWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team Champion (w/Mitsu Arakawa(1), w/Great Sasaki(1) &  w/Masa Saito(1))
(1) time Stampede International Tag Team Champion (w/Mitsu Arakawa)
(4) time NWA (Vancouver) Canadian Tag Team Champion (w/Mitsu Arakawa(1), w/Sweet Daddy Siki(1), w/Don Leo Jonathan(1) & w/John Quinn(1))
(3) time AWA (San Francisco) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Amarillo) North American Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Los Angeles) Americas Heavyweight Champion
(4) time NWA (Los Angeles) Beat the Champ Television Champion
(4) time NWA (Los Angeles) Americas Tag Team Champion (w/Masa Saito(3) & w/Goliath(1))
(2) time NWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team Champion (w/Great Mephisto(1) & w/Masa Saito(1))
(1) time NWA (Vancouver) Pacific Coast Heavyweight Champion

Billy "Red" Lyons
(1) time NWA (Georgia) International Tag Team Champion (w/Ray Gunkel)
(1) time NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (w/Ilio DiPaolo)
(1) time NWA (Toronto) International Tag Team Champion (w/Billy Watson)
(1) time AWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team Champion (w/The Destroyer)
(1) time JWA All Asia Tag Team Champion (w/The Destroyer)
(1) time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion
(2) time NWA (Texas) American Tag Team Champion (w/Fritz Von Erich(1) & w/Red Bastien(1))
(2) time NWA (Tri State) United States Tag Team Champion (w/Bill Watts(1) & w/Tom Jones(1))
(1) time NWA Mississippi Tag Team Champion (w/Tom Jones )
(1) time NWA (Texas) American Heavyweight Champion
(3) time (Toronto) International Tag Team Champion (w/Dewey Robertson)

Dick "The Bruiser" Afflis
(5) time NWA (Detroit) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Omaha) World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Chicago) World Tag Team Champion (w/Gene Kiniski)
(5) time AWA World Tag Team Champion (w/Crusher Lisowsk)
(2) time AWA (Indiana) World Tag Team Champion (w/Wilbur Snyder)
(1) time WWA (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight Champion
(12) time WWA (Indianapolis) World Heavyweight Champion
(14) time WWA (Indianapolis) World Tag Team Champion  w/Wilbur Snyder(3) w/The Crusher(6) w/Bill Miller(1) w/Bruno Sammartino(1) w/Spike Huber(1) w/Jeff Van Kamp(1) w/Bobby Colt(1)
(1) time AWA World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Ohio) United States Tag Team Champion w/Wilbur Snyder
(1) time NWA (Japan) International Tag Team Champion w/The Crusher
(1) time NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion

Hans Herman
(1) time NWA (San Francisco) Pacific Coast Tag Team Champion (w/Killer Kowalski)
(1) time NWA (Los Angeles) World Tag Team Champion (w/Hans Schmidt)
(1) time NWA (Minneapolis) World Tag Team titles (w/Fritz von Erich)
(1) time NWA (San Francisco) World Tag Team Champion (w/Art Nelson)
(1) time WWA (Los Angeles) International Television Tag Team Champion (w/Jesse Ortega)


Wladek "Tarzan" Kowalski (aka "Killer")
(1) time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA Texas Tag Team Champion (won the Tag Team Championship by himself)
(1) time NWA (San Francisco) Pacific Coast Tag Team Champion (w/Hans Herman)
(1) time NWA (Central States) Heart of America Heavyweight Champion
(12) time AWA (Montreal) International Heavyweight Champion
(1) time ACC (Boston) World Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA Central States Tag Team Champion (w/Bulldog Austin)
(2) time NWA (Vancouver) Pacific Coast Tag Team Champion (w/Ox Anderson(1) & w/Gene Kiniski(1))
(2) time NWA (Calgary) Canadian Heavyweight
(2) time Stampede International Tag Team Champion (w/Jim Wright)
(1) time WWWF United States Tag Team titles w/Gorilla Monsoon
(5) time IWA (Australia) World Heavyweight Champion
(3) time IWA (Australia) World Tag Team Champion (w/Skull Murphy(2) & w/Mark Lewin(1))
(1) time NWA (Hawaii) United States Heavyweight Champion
(1) time Iowa Tag Team Champion (w/Ripper Daniels)
(1) time NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Champion
(1) time NWA (Los Angeles) Americas Heavyweight Champion
(1) time NWA (Los Angeles) Americas Tag Team Champion (w/Kenji Shibuya)
(1) time NWA (Florida) Southern Heavyweight Champion
(1) time WWWF Tag Team Champion (as the Executioners) (w/John Studd)

"The Crusher" Reggie Lisowski
(4) time NWA (Chicago) World Tag Team Champion (w/Art Neilson(1) & w/Stan Lisowski(3))
(2) time NWA (Georgia) World Tag Team Champion (w/Art Neilson(1) & Stan Lisowski(1))
(2) time NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Champion (w/Stan Lisowski)
(2) time NWA (Minneapolis) World Tag Team Champion (w/Stan Lisowski)
(1) time NWA (Omaha) World Heavyweight Champion
(3) time AWA World Heavyweight Champion
(9) time AWA World Tag Team Champion (w/Dick The Bruiser(5), w/Verne Gagne(1), w/Red Bastien(1), w/Billy Robinson(1) & w/Baron von Raschke(1))
(6) time WWA (Indianapolis) World Tag Team Champion (w/Dick The Bruiser)
(1) time NWA (Japan) International Tag Team Champion (w/Dick The Bruiser)

Miguel Perez
(1) time NWA (Capitol) World Tag Team titles w/Antonino Rocca
(3) time WWC North American Tag Team titles w/Carlos Colon(2) w/Antonino Rocca(1)
(4) time WWC Puerto Rican Heavyweight Champion

Francois Valois
(1) time NWA Texas Tag Team Champion (w/Andre Bollet)
(1) time All Japan Tag Team Champion (w/Dan Miller)

Buffalo, NY wrestling program 9/1/1961 Ilio DiPaolo Bruiser Crusher Destroyer

     Here is the second Buffalo, NY program from my collection.  It is for the matches from September 1, 1961 and is an amazing collection of all time great wrestlers.  There are also short write-ups about Ilio DiPaolo, Mike & Doc Gallagher, Sato Keomuka, Dick "The Destroyer" Beyer, Billy "Red" Lyons and Miguel Perez.  Click on the pictures to see a larger view of the page.

     This card is a who's who of wrestling champions and I'll go through just a few right now.  There are three men who held the AWA Heavyweight Championship;  The Crusher, Dick The Bruiser and Dick Beyer (who won the belt wearing a mask as Dr. X).  Dick The Bruiser and The Crusher held the AWA Tag Team Championship. Killer Kowalski held the WWWF Tag Team Championship (along with many titles across the country) and Miguel Perez held the Capital Tag Team Championship (which Vince McMahon would turn into the WWWF) with Argentina Rocca.   Dick Beyer (under the mask as The Destoyer) & Bearcat Wright both held WWA Los Angeles Heavyweight Championship.  Those are a few just off the top of my head. I'm going to do more research and will be making a more in depth post about all the championships held by the wrestlers on this card.  When you add in DiPaolo, The Gallaghers, Lyons, the Keomukas and Herman it looks like a staggering amount of Championships that were accumulated by the wrestlers here.

Buffalo, NY wrestling program March 1959 Ilio DiPaolo Bobo Brazil

     Buffalo, NY was once one of the major territories in professional wrestling.  All of the major stars came through the area owned by wrestling great Ed Don George and later Pedro Martinez.  I have a few programs from the late 50's and early 60's that I will be scanning in and posting here on this blog.  Greats such as Ilio Dipaolo, Bruno Sammartino, Whipper Watson, Doc & Mike Gallagher, Bill, Ed & Don Miller, Bobo Brazil, Dick Beyer (The Destroyer) and Billy "Red" Lyons will be featured.


     The first program is for the matches from March 6, 1959.  The program also features short write ups on Ilio DiPaolo, Bobo Brazil, Jim "The Bull" Wright and Chief Chewacki (aka Lenny "Bull" Montana & Luca Brasi from the Godfather).  I hope you enjoy this look back at Buffalo's wrestling past.  You can click on the pages to bring up a larger picture.  I will be posting the rest of my programs over the upcoming days.

 

 

Vic Hill vs Jack Gacek

Vic Hill vs Jack Gacek
I'm just moving these films back to the top of the blog. If you're interested in the early days of wrestling I just recently posted the contents of Fall Guys The Barnums of Bounce to this blog.
This is a transfer I made from my 16mm sound film called Modern Gladiators. The film itself was issued in 1940 but I think the match would date from the late 1930's.

Browning, Londos, Savoldi, Dean, Kashey, Reilly

This is a short set of clips that I transfered from a silent 16mm film I have. It has clips of a "Jumpin'" Joe Savoldi vs Man Mountain Dean, Jim Londos vs Jim Browning (I believe this is the match where Londos unifies his title with Browning's NY version) and finally Abe "King Kong" Kashey vs Pat "Rough-House" Reilly. They are very short clips but still rather interesting.