GOLD COAST, Australia - Still remembered. The legends of wrestlings history making years.
World Championship Wrestling (Australia) was broadcast every Saturday and Sunday lunchtime by the 9 Network through the 60's and 70's, with record ratings, over 300 live promotions per year and set attendance records that may never be broken.
Success was guaranteed by the action filled TV show, the continuing parade of unusual characters, superb athletes, the personalities, the best wrestlers representing almost every country in the world including Australia whose epic battles filled the stadiums throughout the land.
Stars such as Harley Race, King Curtis, Killer Kowalski, Mario Milano, Spiros Arion, Brute Bernard, Bulldog Brower, Ox Baker, Playboy Gary Hart, Killer Karl Kox, Roy Heffernan, Andre the Giant, Dory Funk, John Da Silva, Skull Murphy, The Australians Larry O'Day, Ron Miller, George Barnes, Steve Rackman, John Grey and many more. The hero's the villains who became household names, and are fondly embedded in the memories of most Australians.
The announcers and Referees famous in their own right, Mike Cleary, Ted Whitton, Jack Little, Sam Menacker, Wallaby Bob M'Masters, Ron Hanson, Mike Hunt etc.
World Championship Wrestling Australia was important enough for the National Screen and Sound Archive and the National Library to gratefully accept my donations of wrestling footage and memorabilia material. Scholars such as Dr. Barry York have researched and written about it as part of our history. The National Centre for History Education has published two features on the subject.
These memories of wrestling's glory days are revived in Ron Millers RUFF TUFF & REAL documentary and classic matches collection DVD set.
Visit www.worldchampionshipwrestling.com.au for more news.
Media Man Australia Profiles
Ron Miller
Wrestling
Wrestling Media Blog. Pro wrestling blog. WWE, WCW, WCW in Australia, ECW, NWA, interviews, promotions, news and more.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling, By ALEX MARVEZ, Scripps - 20th Feb 2008
The World Wrestling Entertainment return of Paul "Big Show" Wight was upstaged by an even bigger name.
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather confronted Wight on last Sunday's "No Way Out" pay-per-view show. The undefeated welterweight was dwarfed by the 7-foot, 400-pound Wight, but Mayweather did land some punches that legitimately bloodied Big Show's nose.
Mayweather then appeared on this week's "Monday Night Raw" (9 p.m. EST, USA Network) and accepted Wight's challenge for a March 30 bout at "Wrestlemania 24" in Orlando, Fla.
A match pitting Mayweather and Rey Mysterio against Wight and Shane McMahon (who reportedly negotiated Mayweather's WWE appearance) was originally a possibility. Mysterio, though, is believed out of "Wrestlemania" -- and what would have been a sizable payday -- because of a torn right biceps.
WWE seems likely to pit Mayweather and Big Show in a wrestler-vs.-boxer match. Incidentally, Wight was training in boxing while contemplating a career change during his 14-month WWE hiatus.
WWE owner Vince McMahon Jr.'s father also promoted the same kind of bout on a major show in 1976. In one of the most memorable matches of its time, Andre the Giant defeated boxer Chuck Wepner via countout after dumping him over the top rope.
McMahon Jr. has used boxers at previous "Wrestlemanias" in various capacities, most notably Muhammad Ali (I/guest referee), Mike Tyson (XIV/ringside enforcer) and Eric "Butterbean" Esch (XV/knocked out Mike "Bart Gunn" Polchlopek in a "Brawl for All" match).
Tyson's main-event appearance was a smashing success, boosting the "'Mania" pay-per-view buy rate and also helping to raise the profile of emerging star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Tyson counted Austin's pinfall of Sean Michaels and then KO'd the "Heartbreak Kid" with a punch afterward.
Mayweather appeared in two boxing matches last year that drew a combined 3.4 million pay-per-view orders. But Mayweather may not be able to carry such magic to "Wrestlemania," which was already expected to draw in the range of 1 million worldwide orders. WWE traditionally hasn't had much crossover appeal to boxing fans, while the promotion's mainstream image remains tainted from the fallout of last June's murder/suicide by Chris Benoit.
Still, Mayweather was wise to get involved with sports entertainment than another legitimate fighting genre like the mixed martial arts. After improving his boxing record to 39-0 with last December's TKO of Ricky Hatton, Mayweather spoke about wanting to get involved in the MMA ventures being started by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Mayweather, though, would need years of training in jiu-jitsu, wrestling and kickboxing to avoid being the kind of one-dimensional fighter who gets dismantled in today's MMA world.
X...X...X
Mayweather's appearance was the second consecutive major surprise on a WWE pay-per-view show, as John Cena returned from a torn pectoral muscle to win last month's "Royal Rumble." Such unadvertised happenings could help once again make WWE pay-per-views into "must-see" events -- something that had become increasingly rare as the promotion increased its show lineup.
X...X...X
"Smackdown" is getting smacked down on CW, as the WWE staple will stop airing on the network in September. "Smackdown" could land on MyNetwork, which is largely comprised of former UPN affiliates that once carried the show.
X...X...X
A Total Nonstop Action Wrestling story line took on some real-life overtones when Chris Harris -- who had trashed the promotion during scripted interviews -- recently left for WWE. He and James Storm were a quality tag team as AMW (America's Most Wanted), but Harris fizzled as a solo performer once the duo split.
Scott "Raven" Levy also has left TNA after five years with the company. On his Web site (theraveneffect.com), Levy has expressed interest in opening an Atlanta-area pro-wrestling school.
X...X...X
Nigel McGuiness vs. Austin Aries will headline Ring of Honor's "Rising Above" pay-per-view show that debuts March 7 on InDemand and other pay-per-view providers. A free 10-minute preview is available at www.rohvideos.com.
(Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro wrestling column for Scripps-Howard News Service. Contact him at alex1marv(at)aol.com.)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wrestling
Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather confronted Wight on last Sunday's "No Way Out" pay-per-view show. The undefeated welterweight was dwarfed by the 7-foot, 400-pound Wight, but Mayweather did land some punches that legitimately bloodied Big Show's nose.
Mayweather then appeared on this week's "Monday Night Raw" (9 p.m. EST, USA Network) and accepted Wight's challenge for a March 30 bout at "Wrestlemania 24" in Orlando, Fla.
A match pitting Mayweather and Rey Mysterio against Wight and Shane McMahon (who reportedly negotiated Mayweather's WWE appearance) was originally a possibility. Mysterio, though, is believed out of "Wrestlemania" -- and what would have been a sizable payday -- because of a torn right biceps.
WWE seems likely to pit Mayweather and Big Show in a wrestler-vs.-boxer match. Incidentally, Wight was training in boxing while contemplating a career change during his 14-month WWE hiatus.
WWE owner Vince McMahon Jr.'s father also promoted the same kind of bout on a major show in 1976. In one of the most memorable matches of its time, Andre the Giant defeated boxer Chuck Wepner via countout after dumping him over the top rope.
McMahon Jr. has used boxers at previous "Wrestlemanias" in various capacities, most notably Muhammad Ali (I/guest referee), Mike Tyson (XIV/ringside enforcer) and Eric "Butterbean" Esch (XV/knocked out Mike "Bart Gunn" Polchlopek in a "Brawl for All" match).
Tyson's main-event appearance was a smashing success, boosting the "'Mania" pay-per-view buy rate and also helping to raise the profile of emerging star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Tyson counted Austin's pinfall of Sean Michaels and then KO'd the "Heartbreak Kid" with a punch afterward.
Mayweather appeared in two boxing matches last year that drew a combined 3.4 million pay-per-view orders. But Mayweather may not be able to carry such magic to "Wrestlemania," which was already expected to draw in the range of 1 million worldwide orders. WWE traditionally hasn't had much crossover appeal to boxing fans, while the promotion's mainstream image remains tainted from the fallout of last June's murder/suicide by Chris Benoit.
Still, Mayweather was wise to get involved with sports entertainment than another legitimate fighting genre like the mixed martial arts. After improving his boxing record to 39-0 with last December's TKO of Ricky Hatton, Mayweather spoke about wanting to get involved in the MMA ventures being started by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Mayweather, though, would need years of training in jiu-jitsu, wrestling and kickboxing to avoid being the kind of one-dimensional fighter who gets dismantled in today's MMA world.
X...X...X
Mayweather's appearance was the second consecutive major surprise on a WWE pay-per-view show, as John Cena returned from a torn pectoral muscle to win last month's "Royal Rumble." Such unadvertised happenings could help once again make WWE pay-per-views into "must-see" events -- something that had become increasingly rare as the promotion increased its show lineup.
X...X...X
"Smackdown" is getting smacked down on CW, as the WWE staple will stop airing on the network in September. "Smackdown" could land on MyNetwork, which is largely comprised of former UPN affiliates that once carried the show.
X...X...X
A Total Nonstop Action Wrestling story line took on some real-life overtones when Chris Harris -- who had trashed the promotion during scripted interviews -- recently left for WWE. He and James Storm were a quality tag team as AMW (America's Most Wanted), but Harris fizzled as a solo performer once the duo split.
Scott "Raven" Levy also has left TNA after five years with the company. On his Web site (theraveneffect.com), Levy has expressed interest in opening an Atlanta-area pro-wrestling school.
X...X...X
Nigel McGuiness vs. Austin Aries will headline Ring of Honor's "Rising Above" pay-per-view show that debuts March 7 on InDemand and other pay-per-view providers. A free 10-minute preview is available at www.rohvideos.com.
(Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro wrestling column for Scripps-Howard News Service. Contact him at alex1marv(at)aol.com.)
Media Man Australia Profiles
Wrestling
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Wrestling-Boxing crossovers, by Ciaran Baynes, 19 February 2008 (Setanta Sports)
With Floyd Mayweather Jr's dramatic introduction to the world of wrestling this week, we decided to look at the previous crossovers between boxing and the world of sports entertainment.
With the dimensions where the action takes place more or less the same in boxing and wrestling and both involving a walk into the ring and trash-talking there is no surprise they have linked often in the past.
Here are our selection of the most memorable. Let us know your favourites below:
Related Links
* Boxing
Tyson in Wrestlemania XIV
During perhaps the most exciting time in wrestling, WWF owner Vince McMahon brought in Mike Tyson in a major publicity coup against then-rivals WCW. Tyson was a ring enforcer for the fight between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. Prior to the bout there were memorable stand-offs between Austin and Tyson and the memorable quote from the Texas Rattlesnake: "Do I think you can beat my ass. Hell no! Do I think I can beat your ass? Why Hell yeah!" Tyson ended up officiating fairly, then laid out Michaels, before finding himself on the receiving end of a Stone Cold Stunner.
Michael Buffer announcing
Buffer became known as the most famous boxing announcer in the mid-80s with his catchphrase: "Let's get ready to rumble" and a decade later when WCW were looking to give themselves an edge over the WWF, he began announcing their big fights, such as the meetings between the two most famous world champions of the preceding decade, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.
Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Big Show
This could be as good as Tyson's involvement. In his introduction to the WWE on Sunday he jumped into the ring and squared up against the 7ft giant. When the big man got down on his knees, Mayweather punched him twice busting his nose (apparently connecting for real inadvertently). A tag-team match for Wrestlemania is in the pipeline with rumours that there could also be some involvement from Mayweather's boxing opponent later in the year, Oscar de la Hoya.
Mr T-Piper: Wrestlemania II
Perhaps the worst example of the two meeting as a fake boxing fight between the two lasted way too long until Piper threw his stool across the ring and then bodyslammed Mr T.
Muhammad Ali and Gorgeous George
Ali himself admitted that his tendency to boast about how he would beat opponents ahead of the bout came from copying wrestler Gorgeous George. Many boxers have done the same in the years since, few anything like as well.
Muhammad Ali-Antonio Inoki
Ali travelled to Japan to take part in a bizarre wrestling-boxing crossover match against Japanese legend Inoki. The 15-round bout ended as a three-all draw with Ali suffering a leg injury from this.
Muhammad Ali - guest referee in Wrestlemania I
A sad site this, Ali looking slow with the onset of Parkinsons Disease is a shell of his former self as he acts as a second referee in the main event between Hulk Hogan and Mr T vs Rowdy Roddy Piper and 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndoff.
Evander Holyfield-Matt Hardy
After failing to win in his three previous world title tilts and losing to former middleweight champion James Toney, The Real Deal needed a morale boost before he challenged Sultan Ibragimov for the WBO heavyweight title last year and he got it in this ridiculous 'bout' with Matt Hardy who he dropped three times in the first round before telling the referee to stop the bout in the second and then knocking out MVP for good measure as well.
Danny Williams-Alex Shane
Williams was in the crowd watching 'The Showstealer' at a British wrestling event when Shane got on the mic and abused the Brixton fighter and a brawl ensued.
Lewis carries flag British Bulldog
We're scraping the barrel now. Lennox Lewis led the British Bulldog Davey-Boy Smith for his inter-continental fight with Bret Hart at Wembley in 1992.
Let us know your favourites or any we have missed.
Profiles
Boxing
Wrestling
Setanta Sports
With the dimensions where the action takes place more or less the same in boxing and wrestling and both involving a walk into the ring and trash-talking there is no surprise they have linked often in the past.
Here are our selection of the most memorable. Let us know your favourites below:
Related Links
* Boxing
Tyson in Wrestlemania XIV
During perhaps the most exciting time in wrestling, WWF owner Vince McMahon brought in Mike Tyson in a major publicity coup against then-rivals WCW. Tyson was a ring enforcer for the fight between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels. Prior to the bout there were memorable stand-offs between Austin and Tyson and the memorable quote from the Texas Rattlesnake: "Do I think you can beat my ass. Hell no! Do I think I can beat your ass? Why Hell yeah!" Tyson ended up officiating fairly, then laid out Michaels, before finding himself on the receiving end of a Stone Cold Stunner.
Michael Buffer announcing
Buffer became known as the most famous boxing announcer in the mid-80s with his catchphrase: "Let's get ready to rumble" and a decade later when WCW were looking to give themselves an edge over the WWF, he began announcing their big fights, such as the meetings between the two most famous world champions of the preceding decade, Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan.
Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Big Show
This could be as good as Tyson's involvement. In his introduction to the WWE on Sunday he jumped into the ring and squared up against the 7ft giant. When the big man got down on his knees, Mayweather punched him twice busting his nose (apparently connecting for real inadvertently). A tag-team match for Wrestlemania is in the pipeline with rumours that there could also be some involvement from Mayweather's boxing opponent later in the year, Oscar de la Hoya.
Mr T-Piper: Wrestlemania II
Perhaps the worst example of the two meeting as a fake boxing fight between the two lasted way too long until Piper threw his stool across the ring and then bodyslammed Mr T.
Muhammad Ali and Gorgeous George
Ali himself admitted that his tendency to boast about how he would beat opponents ahead of the bout came from copying wrestler Gorgeous George. Many boxers have done the same in the years since, few anything like as well.
Muhammad Ali-Antonio Inoki
Ali travelled to Japan to take part in a bizarre wrestling-boxing crossover match against Japanese legend Inoki. The 15-round bout ended as a three-all draw with Ali suffering a leg injury from this.
Muhammad Ali - guest referee in Wrestlemania I
A sad site this, Ali looking slow with the onset of Parkinsons Disease is a shell of his former self as he acts as a second referee in the main event between Hulk Hogan and Mr T vs Rowdy Roddy Piper and 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndoff.
Evander Holyfield-Matt Hardy
After failing to win in his three previous world title tilts and losing to former middleweight champion James Toney, The Real Deal needed a morale boost before he challenged Sultan Ibragimov for the WBO heavyweight title last year and he got it in this ridiculous 'bout' with Matt Hardy who he dropped three times in the first round before telling the referee to stop the bout in the second and then knocking out MVP for good measure as well.
Danny Williams-Alex Shane
Williams was in the crowd watching 'The Showstealer' at a British wrestling event when Shane got on the mic and abused the Brixton fighter and a brawl ensued.
Lewis carries flag British Bulldog
We're scraping the barrel now. Lennox Lewis led the British Bulldog Davey-Boy Smith for his inter-continental fight with Bret Hart at Wembley in 1992.
Let us know your favourites or any we have missed.
Profiles
Boxing
Wrestling
Setanta Sports
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday, February 01, 2008
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