Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden

On this special episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Cary, Tim and I welcome wrestling historian - Evan Ginzburg. On June 24th, 1974 Evan attended his very first wrestling show, and we are happy to have him on this episode to talk about that night. And the card, which was a great one! WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden Monday Night June 24, 1974, 8:30 bell time (22,093; sell out) Jose Gonzalez defeated Tony Altimore at 6:15 WWWF Tag Team Champions Johnny & Jimmy Valiant defeated Dean Ho & Tony Garea in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1; fall #1 – the champions won; fall #2 – the challengers won; fall #3 – the champions won. No time given Haystacks Calhoun & Larry Zbyszko defeated Otto Von Heller & Killer Kowalski at 17:14 when Calhoun pinned Von Heller Giant Baba defeated Gorilla Monsoon via count-out at 16:34 Pedro Morales defeated Black Gordman at 4:16 WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1 – Sammartino & Strongbow won via disqualification; fall #2 – Sammartino pinned Blassie (Blassie's last wrestling match at MSG) Co-Hosts - John Arezzi and Cary Silkin Special Guest - Evan Ginzburg Moderator - Tim Puttre Writer / Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2024 Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Episode 31 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden. A very special episode with a roundtable of former Ring of Honor owner Cary Silkin, Hall of Fame Writer/Photographer George Napolitano and John Arezzi discuss a wide variety of topics from back in the day! Moderated by Tim Puttre. WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday night May 20, 1974 Bell time 8:30 pm attendance (17,103) about 4,000 fans away from a sell-out Larry Zbyszko defeated Mike Conrad at 8:35 Jose Gonzalez defeated Capt. Lou Albano at 14:20 Dean Ho defeated Tony Altimore at 13:01 Pedro Morales defeated Johnny Rodz at 10:29 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Nikolai Volkoff at 7:26 Peggy Patterson & Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah defeated Sharon Brooks & Debbie Johnson in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino pinned Killer Kowalski at 18:14 in a Texas Death Match Co - Hosts - John Arezzi and Cary Silkin Special Guest - George Napolitano Moderator - Tim Puttre Writer / Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2024 Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Episode 30 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - where we review the wild April 29th, 1974 card that featured the brawl between challenger Killer Kowalski taking on the living legend Bruno Sammartino. Co-hosts John Arezzi and Cary Silkin go into detail on the show which featured rare run ins by wrestlers to break up the battle between a bloody Sammartino and Kowalski! WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday night April 29, 1974, 8:30pm bell time (15,945) Televised on HBO - with Vince McMahon on commentary Jose Gonzalez fought Larry Zbyszko to a 20-minute time-limit draw WWWF Tag Team Champion Tony Garea defeated Mike Conrad at 17:09 Nikolai Volkoff (w/ Freddie Blassie) pinned WWWF Tag Team Champion Dean Ho at 5:22 Robert Fuller pinned Ed Sullivan at 10:39 with a jumping DDT WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino (w/ Arnold Skaaland) fought Killer Kowalski (w/ the Grand Wizard) to a no contest at 24:15 Pedro Morales pinned Mr. Fuji at 10:29 with two body slams after Fuji failed a splash off the top Chief Jay Strongbow & Andre the Giant defeated Otto Von Heller & Don Leo Jonathan in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0:   Co - Host - John Arezzi and Cary Silkin Moderator - Tim Puttre Writer / Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2024 Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Episode 20 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - where we review the April 1st, 1974 house show from the mecca of all arenas. We welcome former owner of Ring of Honor - Cary Silken as a co-host of the show beginning with this episode. Cary has a rich history - and attended most of the MSG shows in this era. He's a great storyteller and we are happy to have him with us for each episode going forward! WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday night April 1, 1974 bell time 8:30 (22,090; sell out) The scheduled Butcher Brannigan vs. Manuel Soto match did not take place Jumbo Tsuruta pinned Johnny Rodz Otto Von Heller fought Jose Gonzalez to a 20-minute time-limit draw Larry Zbyszko defeated Ed Sullivan at 7:29 WWWF Tag Team Champions Dean Ho & Tony Garea defeated Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji via disqualification WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino pinned Nikolai Volkoff at 13:09 Gorilla Monsoon pinned Don Leo Jonathan at 14:07 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Stan Stasiak at 7:15 Pedro Morales pinned Larry Hennig at 11:04 Host - John Arezzi Co-Hosts - Tim Puttre and Cary Silken Writer / Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2024 Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Epsisode 28 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, reviewing the house show I attended at the Mecca of all arenas on March 4th, 1974. WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday Night March 4, 1974 bell time 8:30pm (22,091; sell out) The scheduled bout between Don Leo Jonathan and Ed Sullivan did not take place Donna Christianello & Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah defeated Peggy Patterson & Barbi Dahl in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match Mr. Fuji defeated Johnny Rodz at 10:14 Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Jose Gonzalez at 8:59 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Capt. Lou Albano (sub. for Stan Stasiak) via count-out at 4:35 when Albano left ringside WWWF Tag Team Champions Dean Ho & Tony Garea defeated Larry Hennig & Stan Stasiak (sub. for Mike McCord) in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1: the champions won via disqualification at 14:20; fall #2: the champions won at 8:25 Pedro Morales defeated Otto Von Heller at 7:51 WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino fought Nikolai Volkoff to a curfew draw at 53:07 Host - John Arezzi Co-Host, Producer - Tim Puttre Writer and Researcher - Ritchie Garcia JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX Copyright: 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Puttre and I review the first title defense for newly re-crowned champion, Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden. WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday night January 14, 1974 bell time 8:30 sellout crowd (22,147) Butcher Brannigan defeated Mike Pappas at 11:15 Otto Von Heller defeated Tony Altimore at 9:55 Jose Gonzalez & Manuel Soto defeated Pancho Valdez & Joe Turco in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match at 18:40 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Mr. Fuji via disqualification at 9:41 Nikolai Volkoff defeated Gorilla Monsoon at 4:00 WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino pinned Don Leo Jonathon at 17:44 WWWF Tag Team Champions Dean Ho & Tony Garea defeated Larry Hennig & Mike McCord in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match at 18:20 Pedro Morales defeated Stan Stasiak at 14:45 JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2024 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 26 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden.  A very special episode that reviews the night Bruno Sammartino re-captured the WWWF Heavyweight Title to begin his 2nd reign as champion.  Bruno beat Stan Stasiak before a delirious crowd at the sold out Garden. John Tolos also makes his first appearance ever at the "new" MSG.  A historic show!  Former owner of Ring of Honor - Cary Silkin joins us to discuss the show and those memories from this era of wrestling, still near and dear to us.   WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – December 10, 1973 (22,000) El Olympico pinned Tony Altimore at 7:15 Jose Gonzalez pinned Joe Turco at 10:35 WWWF Tag Team Champion Dean Ho defeated Pancho Valdez at 11:05 Don Leo Jonathan defeated Manuel Soto at 14:45 when the match was stopped due to blood John Tolos fought Victor Rivera to a 20-minute time-limit draw Pedro Morales defeated Larry Hennig in a lumberjack death match with the Boston Crab Bruno Sammartino pinned WWWF World Champion Stan Stasiak at 12:14 to win the title after three consecutive body slams; prior to the bout, Sammartino was escorted to the ring by Arnold Skaaland and the Grand Wizard escorted the champion WWWF Tag Team Champion Tony Garea pinned Mike McCord at 12:35 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Blackjack Lanza at 7:15  Host - John Arezzi Co-Host - Tim Puttre Special Guest - Cary Silkin Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2023   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 25 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, covering the MSG house show I attended on November 12th, 1973. Lots of stories from this night are shared by John Arezzi about his breakthrough in being able to finally sit in the front ringside seats at the Garden, and tales about that night, which would turn out to be Pedro Morales's last title defense of the WWWF title (Pedro would lose the title on December 1st 1973 in Philadelphia against Stan Stasiak). WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – November 12, 1973 (16,148) Televised on HBO – included Vince McMahon on commentary: Jose Gonzalez defeated El Olympico at 15:22 Dick Slater defeated Mike Pappas at 6:20 Iron Mike McCord fought Manuel Soto to a 20-minute time-limit draw Dean Ho defeated Pancho Valdez WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Larry Hennig at 12:45 when the match was stopped due to blood Don Leo Jonathan defeated Tony Garea at 18:45 Verne Gagne defeated WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji at 12:16 Chief Jay Strongbow & Andre the Giant defeated Blackjack Lanza & Stan Stasiak in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0 Host - John Arezzi Co Host - Tim Puttre Researcher and Writer - Ritchie Garcia JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is Episode 24 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden. On this episode, Tim Puttre and I review the house show I attended at the mecca of all arenas on October 15th, 1973 WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – October 15, 1973 (22,102) Vicki Williams & Joyce Grable defeated Women's Tag Team Champions Toni Rose & Donna Christianello at 17:07 to win the titles El Olympico fought Mike Pappas to a draw at 13:33 Manuel Soto defeated Tony Altimore at 8:07 Jose Gonzalez defeated Pancho Valdez at 10:27 Ron Fuller defeated Frank Valois at 9:02 Tony Garea defeated WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji at 3:54 Victor Rivera defeated Mike McCord at 1:35 Andre the Giant defeated Blackjack Lanza at 10:51 Dean Ho defeated WWWF Tag Team Champion Prof. Toru Tanaka at 11:30 Chief Jay Strongbow fought Don Leo Jonathan to a 20-minute time-limit draw WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned Stan Stasiak in a Texas Death Match at 7:36 Host - John Arezzi Co-Host - Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Bonus episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Tim Puttre and I welcome Cary Silken, former owner of RING OF HONOR to talk about an interesting list of wrestlers who NEVER wrestled at Madison Garden.  Lots of names that will surprise you. Host - John Arezzi Co-Host and Producer - Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 23 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, cover the August 27th, 1973 card from the Mecca of Wrestling arenas! ATTENDANCE: 18,666 MANUAL SOTO WRESTLED TO A DRAW WITH EL OLYMPICO - 20 MINUTES VICTOR RIVERA DEFEATED MR. FUGI FARMER JEROME & LITTLE LOUIE DEFEATED LITTLE BRUTUS AND PEE WEE ADAMS CHIEF JAY STRONGBOW BEAT PROFESSOR TORU TANAKA 15:01 GORILLA MONSOON BEAT GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE VIA COUNT OUT 12:22 PEDRO MORALES DEFEATED STAN THE MAN STASIAK 53:00 VIA A JUDGES DECISION!!! VINTAGE WWWF PROMO AUDIO ARE INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE! HOST: JOHN AREZZI CO-HOST: TIM PUTTRE RESEARCHER: RITCHIE GARCIA JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv Copyright 2023     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this 22nd episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I review the July 23rd, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - July 23, 1973 (20,629)  Televised on HBO - featured Vince McMahon on commentary Little Boy Blue & Pee Wee Adams defeated Sonny Boy Hayes & Little Louie in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1; fall #1: Louie's team won; fall #2: Blue's team won at 5:43; fall #3: Blue's team won Manuel Soto defeated Joe Turco at 15:05 Blackjack Lanza defeated El Olympico at 6:55 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Mike McCord at 11:16 Victor Rivera defeated Freddie Blassie via disqualification at 9:17 WWWF Tag Team Champions Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji & Prof. Toru Tanaka in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1: Tanaka pinned Garea at 13:12 with a kick to the midsection; fall #2: the challengers were disqualified for choking Haystacks; fall #3: Haystacks pinned Tanaka with a splash  WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned George Steele at 10:45 in a no holds barred match with a flying body-press; after the bout, Steele went to punch guest referee Joe Louis, but he missed and Louis took a few shots at Steele instead Host - John Arezzi Co-Host - Tim Puttre Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway Copyright 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this 21st episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I review the June 30th, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - June 30, 1973 (20,987) Televised on HBO - featured Vince McMahon on commentary: Blackjack Lanza defeated Lee Wong via submission with the claw at 5:05 Prof. Toru Tanaka pinned El Olympico with a chop to the throat at 9:34 Gorilla Monsoon defeated Lou Albano via count-out at 2:58 after Monsoon knocked Albano over the top to the floor and Albano walked backstage Victor Rivera pinned Black Gordman with a small package at 11:34 Joyce Grable & Jan Sheridan defeated Peggy Patterson & Dottie Downs in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match at 20:47; fall #1: Sheridan pinned Downs with a dropkick at 12:17; fall #2: Downs pinned Grable by grabbing the tights for leverage after Grable missed a dropkick at 6:21; fall #3: Grable pinned Patterson with a victory roll at 2:09 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated George Steele when the match was stopped due to blood at 8:16 after Morales repeatedly rammed Steele's face into the turnbuckles and punched him; after the bout, Steele attacked the champion until Morales gained the upper hand and chased Steele from ringside. Chief Jay Strongbow pinned Mr. Fuji with a double tomahawk chop to the face at 13:58 WWWF Tag Team Champion Haystacks Calhoun pinned Moondog Mayne with a splash at 6:03 Host - John Arezzi Co-Host - Tim Puttre Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway Copyright 2022: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Check out our eBay page for some very cool items – with more added each week! https://www.ebay.com/usr/matmemories Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://a.co/d/4TXWVAv     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 20 - June 4th, 1973 Special Guest Cary Silken On this 20th episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I welcome former Ring of Honor President, Cary Silken to discuss his memories of this card.  Cary also discusses his memories of wrestling at the Garden, and his career. Cary, Tim and I review the June 4th, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden – Monday June 4, 1973 (22,146) sold out  Mike McCord fought El Olympico to a 20-minute time-limit draw Blackjack Lanza defeated Manuel Soto at 9:35 Tony Garea fought Moondog Mayne to a 20-minute time-limit draw Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Freddie Blassie via count-out at 15:20 in a Return Texas Deathmatch Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah and Jan Sheridan when to a draw at 10:59 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned Don Leo Jonathan (w/ the Grand Wizard) at 12:14 with a reverse cradle as the challenger attempted a backdrop Victor Rivera defeated Great Goliath at 11:27 Gorilla Monsoon & Haystacks Calhoun defeated Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1: Monsoon & Calhoun won via disqualification; fall #2: Monsoon & Calhoun won Host - John Arezzi Co-Host - Tim Puttre Researcher - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers - Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" by emailing me: john@matmemories.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Tim and I review this HISTORIC MSG house show from April 30th 1973. Pedro Morales defends his title against Don Leo Jonathan. Andre The Giant made his 2nd ever appearance at the Mecca of all arenas, taking on Professor Tanaka. Mat Memories From Madison Sq. Garden Episode 19 - April 30th, 1973 WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - Monday April 30, 1973 (22,090) El Olympico defeated Frank Valois at 10:47 Mike McCord defeated Joe Turco a 8:10 Don Curtis defeated Juan Caruso at 10:36 Moondog Mayne defeated Manuel Soto at 5:59 WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji fought Tony Garea to a 20-minute time-limit draw Gorilla Monsoon defeated Buddy Wolfe at 14:54 Andre the Giant defeated WWWF Tag Team Champion Prof. Toru Tanaka Chief Jay Strongbow fought Freddie Blassie to a draw WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Don Leo Jonathan (w/ the Grand Wizard) at 11:38 when referee Eddie Gersh stopped the bout due to blood following a right hand punch from the champion that opened up the challenger's forehead. Host - John Arezzi Co Host - Tim Puttre Researcher/Writer - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers: Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Check out our eBay page for some very cool items – with more added each week! https://www.ebay.com/usr/matmemories Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX Copyright 2023 - Mat Memories, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - Monday Night March 26, 1973 Bell time 8:30 pm (22,136) SELL OUT El Olympico defeated Joe Turco at 8:14 Tony Garea defeated Frank Valois at 10:15 Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Don Curtis & Louie Tillet at 12:09 Victor Rivera fought the Giant Goliath to a 20 minute draw WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji defeated Sonny King at 7:26 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Fred Blassie at 8:20 when referee Danny Bartfield stopped the match, deeming the challenger was unable to continue due to excessive bleeding Gorilla Monsoon fought WWWF Tag Team Champion Prof. Toru Tanaka to a 20-minute time-limit draw Andre the Giant defeated Buddy Wolfe at 7:46 (Andre's MSG debut) Chief Jay Strongbow fought Moondog Mayne to a draw In this episode, Tim and I review this HISTORIC MSG house show from March 1973. It is the first time I ever get backstage, and meet Fred Blassie fo the first time, before his match vs Pedro Morales. It is also the debut at the mecca of ANDRE THE GIANT. I share all the details, including my capturing the ONLY KNOWN FOOTAGE of Andre's debut! Host - John Arezzi Co Host - Tim Puttre Researcher/Writer - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers: Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Check out our eBay page for some very cool items – with more added each week! https://www.ebay.com/usr/matmemories Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX   Copyright 2023 - Mat Memories, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden – Monday Night February 26, 1973 Bell time 8:30 pm (22,098) Plus 2 from Jan 15thshow another sellout Susan Green & Lily Thomas defeated Peggy Patterson & Paula Kaye at 18:12 in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match Tony Garea defeated Mike Conrad at 15:05 Mike Graham defeated Joe Turco at 5:42 Terry Funk defeated Chuck Richards (sub. for Eddie Graham) at 10:55 AWA World Champion Verne Gagne defeated Eddie Graham (sub. for Ray Stevens) at 14:35 (Graham's last MSG appearance) WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned King Curtis at 5:37 Victor Rivera defeated Dory Funk Sr. at 11:45 Mil Mascaras defeated Buddy Wolfe at 9:46 In this episode, Tim and I review this MSG house show, when I heard wrestling on the radio for the first time, my filming many of the matches from this show, Mil Mascaras, and other Mat Memories from 1973! Host - John Arezzi Co Host - Tim Puttre Researcher/Writer - Ritchie Garcia Patreon Executive Producers: Anthony Pires and Joseph Holloway JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Check out our eBay page for some very cool items – with more added each week! https://www.ebay.com/usr/matmemories Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX   Copyright 2023 - Mat Memories, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very special episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden! Tim Puttre and I discuss this house show I attended. Notable for John, as it was the first time he shot 8mm movies at the Garden. We share some of those films at: patreon.com/johnarezzi WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - January 15, 1973 (22,096)  Sky Low Low & Little Brutus defeated Little Beaver & Farmer Jerome in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1: Sky & Brutus won at 8:04; fall #2: Sky & Brutus won at 6:58 Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah defeated Joyce Grable at 5:45 Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon defeated Lee Wong & Ben Ortiz in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1: the Vachons won at 3:04; fall #2: the Vachons won at 3:19 Black Gordman defeated El Olympico at 8:06 Victor Rivera fought WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji to a 20-minute time-limit draw WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned Moondog Mayne at 7:09 with a flying body-press Ray Stevens defeated Sonny King at 7:35 Bruno Sammartino pinned WWWF Tag Team Champion Prof. Toru Tanaka at 11:34 Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Researcher: Ritchie Garcia JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX Copyright 2023: Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Monday December 18, 1972 (22,906) a new gate record Joe Turco beat Blackjack Slade 9:10 Tony Garea beat Bull Pometti 10:46 The Great Goliath Pinned Manuel Soto 7:00 Sonny King VS Buddy Wolf (20min limit draw) Gorilla Monsoon beat Chuck O'Connor 6:17 El Olympico & Victor Rivera Beat Dory Funk Sr. & Terry Funk 2 falls to 1 in 15:03 Mil Mascaras pinned The Spoiler 7:20 WWWF Heavyweight Title: Pedro Morales beat Ray Stevens 14 minutes and 10 seconds Co-Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Written and researched by Ritchie Garcia JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX   Copyright 2022: Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden Monday November 27, 1972 (18,183) El Olympico defeated Joe Turco 9:24 Eddie Graham defeated Blackjack Slade 10:14 Black Gordman defeated Sonny King via submission 6:25 Victor Rivera fought the Spoiler to a 20-minute time-limit draw WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Ray Stevens at 11:58 when referee Danny Bartfield stopped the bout, ruling the challenger could not continue due to excessive bleeding AWA World Champion Verne Gagne defeated Buddy Wolfe via submission with the sleeper 13:51 Tony Garea defeated Chuck O'Connor 11:54 WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji fought Gorilla Monsoon & Chief Jay Strongbow to a 20-minute curfew draw Co-Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Written and researched by Ritchie Garcia JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX   Copyright 2022: Alexander Media Services, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 13 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of October 16th, 1972. WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - October 16, 1972 Attendance 15,423 The Black Demon defeated Joe Turco - 6 minutes Little Beaver & Little Louie defeated Frenchy Lamont & Sonny Boy Hayes 2-1 18:20 Buddy Wolfe defeated Blackjack Slade 7:03 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales & Bruno Sammartino defeated WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #2: the challengers won via disqualification 17:34 The Spoiler fought Sonny King to a draw 20 Minutes Ray Stevens defeated El Olympico 7:45 Toni Rose & Donna Christianello defeated Vicki Williams & Joyce Grable in 6:05 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Chuck O'Conner 3:39 Host: John Arezzi Producer and Co-Host: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Join our Patreon Community for historic content dating back to the early 70s! patreon.com/johnarezzi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is the special bonus edition of MAT MEMORIES FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, featuring the September 30th, 1972 SHOWDOWN AT SHEA - the much herald match between Bruno Sammartino and WWWF Champion Pedro Morales.   I recap the event, events leading up to it, and the disappointment with the show with Tim Puttre.  Attached are photos (courtesy John Pantozzi) newspaper clippings, and even a ticket stub.   WWWF @ Shea Stadium New York September 30th, 1972 Attendance 22,508 · Little Beaver and Little Louie defeated Pee Wee Adams and Sonny Boy Hayes (8:25) · El Olympico defeated Chuck O'Connor (5:15) via DQ · Jack Brisco defeated Mr. Fuji (14:07) · Gorilla Monsoon defeated Ernie Ladd (20:00) Via referee's decision · Sonny King and Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Capt. Lou Albano and The Spoiler (4:28) · NWA World Women's Champion The Fabulous Moolah defeated Debbie Johnson (7:27) · WWWF Heavyweight Champion Pedro Morales drew Bruno Sammartino (75:05) Producer: Tim Puttre  Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 12 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of September 2nd, 1972. Saturday September 2nd, 1972 Attendance 21,819 sell-out · Chuck O'Conner defeated Joe Nova · El Olympico defeated Joe Turco (13:51) · Sonny King defeated The Black Demon · Mr. Fugi & Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Manual Soto in a Best Two Out Of Three Falls WWWF Tag Team Title Match · Chief Jay Strongbow vs. The Spoiler ended in a Draw · Pedro Morales (c) defeated Ernie Ladd to retain the WWWF Title (15:50) · Bruno Sammartino defeated George The Animal Steele (12:29) Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 11 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of July 29th, 1972. WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - July 29, 1972 (announced as 17,398) This was a Saturday Night Show @ MSG Bell time 8:30pm  Chuck O'Connor defeated Thomas Marin (sub. for Mike Conrad) 16:05 El Olympico defeated the Black Demon 15:05 Manuel Soto defeated Juan Caruso (sub. for Jimmy Valiant) 15:25 Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah pinned Susan Green at 5:44 George Steele defeated Gorilla Monsoon via count-out after Monsoon was knocked down on the apron COR 11:14 Paul Jones defeated Jerry Brisco 13:59 WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji fought Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King to a 60-minute draw -11pm Curfew WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned the Spoiler with a crossbody off the top after a backdrop. 20:44 Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 10 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of July 1st, 1972.   The Card: WWWF New York City, NY Attendance: 19,512 Madison Square Garden - July 1st, 1972 Mike Graham defeated Juan Caruso at 5:19 Fred Curry defeated Joe Nova at 6:43  Gorilla Monsoon defeated the Black Demon at 4:17   WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned George Steele at 14:59 Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Ernie Ladd & WWWF Tag Team Champion Prof. Toru Tanaka in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1: Strongbow & King won; fall #2: Ladd & Tanaka won; fall #3: Strongbow & King won via disqualification Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah defeated Vicki Williams (first women's match in New York history) Terry & Dory Funk Sr. defeated Don Curtis & Eddie Graham 30 minutes 11pm curfew Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 9 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of May 22nd, 1972.   This show featured the Main Event between the Wild Bull of the Pampus, the 8th wonder of the World (before Andre The Giant was called it) PAMPERO FIRPO against WWWF Champion Pedro Morales!  Also a bloody encounter between Lou Albano and Chief Jay Strongbow, and a WWWF Tag Team Title Change!  Plus - we bring on Special Guest - Mary Fries, the daughter of Pampero Firpo! The Card: WWWF New York City, NY Madison Square Garden - May 22nd, 1972 Attendance 19,367 Tony Kontellis beat Black Demon via DQ at 10:24 Professor Tanaka vs. Manual Soto 1:02 Don Curtis defeated Smasher Sloan 17:20 Eddie Graham beat Jimmy Valiant 10:45 Ernie Ladd pinned Rene Goulet 12:05 Chief Jay Strongbow bloodied Lou Albano and won via Albano leaving the ring 3:15 Chief Jay Strongbow (wrestled twice as he substituted for Gorilla Monsoon) and Sonny King won the WWWF tag titles from King Curtis and Baron Scicluna 2 falls to 0 in 14:50  WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned Pampero Firpo after coming off the top at 15:21 Producer: Tim Puttre  Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 8 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of April 19th, 1972. This show featured a wild main event between WWWF Champion Pedro Morales, who defended his title against the crazy KING CURTIS! The show features rare audio with Pampero Firpo, The Grand Wizard, King Curtis, Lou Albano and Pedro Morales!  Our best episode yet! The Card: WWWF New York City, NY Madison Square Garden - April 17, 1972 Attendance 15,549 Sky Low Low & Little Brutus defeated the Tahiti Kid & Sonny Boy Hayes 2 falls to 1 at 14:57 Manuel Soto defeated the Black Demon @9:25 Don Curtis defeated Mike Padiousis at 10:21 Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Rene Goulet at 5:44 Sonny King defeated Smasher Sloan at 4:45 Ernie Ladd pinned Jimmy Valiant at 5:58 Pampero Firpo defeated Chief Jay Strongbow via count-out at 6:25 Victor Rivera fought Prof. Toru Tanaka to a 20-minute draw WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned King Curtis after coming off the top at 7:05 Attendance 18,301 Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Become a member of our Patreon community for rare audio, video, 8mm films from WWWF MSG Events, photo sets, vintage magazines and more! patreon.com/johnarezzi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 7 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of March 13th, 1972. A show that had a co-main event with Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Baron Mikel Scicluna, and the RETURN of Bruno Sammartino after a several month absence, who faced brawler Smasher Sloan!  The Card: Jimmy Valiant went to a 20 minute draw with Joe Nova Pampero Firpo beat Ben Justice Chief Jay Strongbow and Victor Rivera beat the Russians 2 falls to 0 Professor Tanaka beat Rene Goulet in 7:45 Ernie Ladd went to a draw against Sonny King King Curtis defeated Gorilla Monsoon when the match was stopped due to a cut on Monsoon's head. Bruno Sammartino beat Smasher Sloan with the backbreaker 5:29 Pedro Morales defeated Baron Scicluna in 11:34 Attendance 18,301  Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Join Our Patreon for hundreds of vintage wrestling content! patreon.com/johnarezzi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is episode 6 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of February 21st, 1972.   A card that featured the return match between WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defending his title against Professor Tanaka.    Lots of vintage wrestling talk from this show - and memories of that era.  Also an update from John from his recent battle with Covid and his weird dream of Wrestling Kevin Sullivan at MSG!  The Card: Farmer Jerome and Joey Russell defeated Frenchy Lamont & Sky Low Low 2 falls to 1 17:32 Pampero Firpo defeated Rene Goulet 4:55 Victor Rivera beat Juan Caruso 5:08 Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Manual Soto 6:14 King Curtis defeated Gorilla Monsoon on a COR 7:16 Pedro Morales defeated Professor Toru Tanaka to retain the WWWF title 9:59 Sonny King defeated Jimmy Valiant 14:19 Chief Jay Strongbow beat Stan Stasiak 8:09 Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Producer: Tim Puttre  Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2022: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is the January 31st, 2022 episode of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF of January 31st, 1972. A card that featured WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defending his title against Professor Tanaka.  Debuts by Pampero Firpo and Ernie Ladd added to the excitement of the show! Fred Blassie is also on the card. It was a lineup loaded with many big names! The Card: Pampero Firpo beat Manual Soto 8:16 King Curtis Ieukea beat Tomas Marin 3:39 Gorilla Monsoon and Sonny King beat Ernie Ladd and Jimmy Valiant 15:20 Victor Rivera beat Stan Stasiak 12:14 Chief Jay Strongbow beat Freddie Blassie by DQ 10:35 Karl Gotch and Rene Goulet defended their WWWF Tag Titles beating The Rugged Russians 2 falls to 1 in 18:46 Pedro Morales beat Professor Tanaka by DQ in 18;21 Producer: Tim Puttre Writer/Researcher: Ritchie Garcia Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Copyright 2022: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here:  https://py.pl/1SjMeX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 4th episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the December 6th, 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Fred Blassie. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This third episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the November 15th, 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Fred Blassie. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This second episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the October 25th 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Stan The Man Stasiak in a return match. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://py.pl/1SjMeX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From August 30th, 1971 through the summer of 1977 Pro Wrestling Historian and Author John Arezzi attended EVERY show at the famed arena, Madison Square Garden, often called the Mecca of pro wrestling. From his beginnings as a 14 year old wrestling fan, shooting photos and 8mm film footage at the matches, He then became the President of the Fred Blassie Fan Club. John eventually evolved to one of the very few credentialed photographers allowed backstage and given ringside press access. On this podcast (which will be released 50 years to the day of each Madison Sq. Garden wrestling show he attended), Arezzi shares his Mat Memories of that event. From the matches, to the backstage atmosphere, John looks back in time in this truly unique show. The show is co-hosted by John's longtime friend and radio producer Tim Puttre, and written by another long time friend and associate, Ritchie Garcia. This first episode takes you back to John Arezzi's very first time he went to a live wrestling show, on August 30th, 1971. The card featured a bloody main event between WWWF Champion, Pedro Morales, who fought Stan Stasiak. Also on the card were Dory Funk, Sr. and his young son Terry Funk, facing off against The Fabulous Kangaroos. Other notable performers included Gorilla Monsoon, who teamed up with Chief Jay Strongbow to face WWWF tag team title holders, Tarzan Tyler and Crazy Luke Graham, managed by Lou Albano. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, Researcher and Writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight Follow John Arezzi Here: https://twitter.com/johnarezzi https://instagram.com/johnarezzi https://www.facebook.com/groups/prowrestlingspotlight https://www.facebook.com/JohnArezzisMatMemories Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://py.pl/1SjMeX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices