Wrestling Show Aids Archbishop’s Fund

The Boston Globe – April 7, 1958

Four wrestling matches have been carded to assist the Archbishop Cushing charity fund tonight at Boston Arena.

Steve “Crusher” Casey, who has offered his purse to the fund, meets Bearcat Wright in the two-out-of-three-fall feature match.

Chris and John Tolas oppose Arnold Skaaland and Pat O’Connor. Emil Dupre faces Prof. Ray Shires and Irish Danny MacShane faces Bill Dwyer.

Villains Victorious

Argus Leader – January 8, 1953

Shrieking Crowd Sees Mat Circus

A surprisingly interested throng of wrestling fans squealed and hooted at Sioux Falls’ first 1953 wrestling party in the Coliseum annex last night.  But few folks had as much fun as the performers themselves.

All seemed to enjoy themselves during the two-hour mat circus.  All, that is, except Billy Parks, who had to be helped from the ring after an abrupt ending to the feature bout with The Mighty Atlas.  Atlas, billed as the world’s strongest man, put the ex-Canadian hockey star out of commission with a vice-like full-nelson, which cut the main attraction to 19 minutes and 10 seconds.

Wrestling Card

The Montreal Gazette – August 11, 1958

A return team match between Killer Kowalski, Don Leo Jonathan and Argentina Rocca, Edouard Carpentier will highlight tonight’s wrestling at Delormier Stadium.  Mr. Moto and Pat O’Conner will square off for the semi-final bout.

Manuel Cortez will meet Sandor Kovacs in the opener.  Completing the card are Paul Baillargeon vs. Chet Wallick, Claude Dessary vs. Joe Killer Christie and Mr. Hito vs. Johnny Rougeau.

Yukon Loses Last 2 Falls To O’Connor

Utica Observer-Dispatch – September 12, 1957
By Bob Wilbur

Clinton – Yukon Eric won the first fall, but Pat O’Connor rallied to take the next two to gain a popular decision over Yukon in last night’s wrestling feature at the Arena.

Only 750 fans turned out for the card which also saw Fritz Von Erich of Germany and Joe Blanchard of Vancouver winning their bouts.  As a result of last night’s victory, Von Erich plans to challenge O’Connor.

Negro Girls To Rassle Here

Lincoln Evening Journal – January 25, 1955

Babs Wingo

Negro girl rasslers make their first appearance in Lincoln Thursday night when Kathleen Wimbley tangles with Babs Wingo at the Fairgrounds in a preliminary to the tag team championship bout.

Chargers’ Ladd Debut March 26

Chicago Defender – March 19-25, 1966

Ernie Ladd, giant Negro defensive tackle in pro football, will make his Chicago debut in wrestling March 26 when he meets Bulldog Plechas in the Amphitheatre, 43^rd and Halstead Sts.

Mat Program At Hartford

Sunday Herald – January 19, 1958

The rasslers will return to Hartford on Tuesday, when Sam Gulino stages another of his shows at Foot Guard Hall featuring “name” grapplers.

A Million Groans, A Million Dollars

Associated Press – May 2, 1963
By Charles Chamberlain

CHICAGO — No Matter how you look at professional wrestling – if you look at all – there’s big money in human beings making pretzels out of each other.

“A million groans, a million dollars,” says Fred Kohler.

Gagne Beats McClarity In ‘Sleeper’ Bout

Chicago Tribune – August 7, 1954
By Frank Mastro

Verne Gagne beat Roy McClarity in their wrestling match in International Amphitheater last night, but not before the underdog, McClarity, had put Gagne away once with Verne’s patented sleeper hold. A capacity crowd of 9,891 paid a gross gate of $26,310.

O’Connor Wins Feature Armory Wrestling Bout

Lakeland Ledger – February 20, 1961

Pat O’Connor retained his grappling title here Saturday night by defeating Jack Wentworth in successive falls at the Armory.

O’Connor won the first fall when Wentworth was disqualified for refusing to break a strangle hold.  O’Connor then swiftly pinned Wentworth with a submission hold in the second fall to win the match.