I have been ignorant on the history of the (W)WWF/E prior to the Hulkamania era, outside of big picture things, so I came up with the idea of using MSG shows as a guide to get a feel for the promotion in those first 22 years up until the first Mania. I decided to keep it to looking at just the main events for the most part but may come back and fill it out further one day, as I was doing towards the end as I became more familiar with the time and the names. I may even add in video links to stuff we have available. Pretty much all of this info is from the exceptional resource TheHistoryOfWWE.com. I feel like I need to check up on the attendance record as I feel it must have increased from the last one I have listed here.

1963

January 21, 1963
Buddy Rogers [NWA World Champion] def. Killer Kowalski
The final Capital Wrestling Corporation (CWC) MSG main event before they split from the NWA. Vince Sr. and Toots Mondt were hogging the World Champ Buddy Rogers, who was a big draw in the North East, so the other NWA members voted for the title to go back to Lou Thesz. Sr. and Toots saw this as the time to break away.

- On January 24, at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, one of the most famous and significant matches of all time took place. Lou Thesz defeated the original “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers to end his 573-day reign in a one-fall match to regain the NWA World Championship. The CWC decided they were to leave NWA the following day and became the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). They continued to recognise Rogers as World Champion, with the kayfabe reasoning that World Title matches should be 2/3 falls. He even defended the title that night, January 25, against Bobo Brazil.

- On February 7, two weeks after the title change/non-change, Thesz and Rogers met again at the Maple Leaf Gardens. Thesz would win in a 2/3 falls match with his first fall coming by DQ. The WWWF continued to recognise Rogers as World Champion. I cannot find information on if they just ignored the match or used the reasoning of the first fall being a DQ to explain why the title did not change hands.

February 25, 1963
Buddy Rogers [World Champion] vs. Dory Dixon
The first post-NWA MSG show. Dory Dixon was a Jamaican wrestler, who teamed with Bobo Brazil, and spent most of his career in Mexico.

- Buddy Austin & Great Scott (the future JCP booker George Scott) defeat Buddy Rogers & Johnny Barend on March 7 to end their 8-month reign and become the new NWA United States Tag Team Champions, the same name many other territories used for their tag titles and still not yet changed for the new WWWF.

March 25, 1963
Buddy Rogers [World Champion] vs. Johnny Barend
Barend challenges his former tag title partner.

- On April 6, Bobo Brazil is awarded the newly established WWWF United States Heavyweight Championship.

- Rogers had been considered by the new WWWF as their World Champion, an extension of his NWA title reign, since January 25. But with word getting around about Thesz’s 2/3 falls February 7 victory, they decided to officially establish a new WWWF World Championship. Before a match in Washington, D.C. on April 11 with Bruno Sammartino that went to a no contest, Buddy Rogers was presented with the new WWWF World Title belt. It was claimed he had won it in a fictitious tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For some reason, the WWE today considers this reign to have begun on April 25.

- At some point in April, the tag title name was changed to the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship

- On May 16, Skull Murphy & Brute Bernard defeat Austin/Scott to become the new tag champs.

May 17, 1963
Bruno Sammartino def. Buddy Rogers to become the new WWWF World Champion
Like Thesz/Rogers, another incredibly famous and historic match. Bruno defeated Rogers in under a minute to become the new WWWF World Champion. Rogers claimed he was suffering from serious heart issues at the time and was practically dragged from a hospital bed and that it why the match went so short. Most seem to accept that he was suffering from some health issues. Bruno, ever the kayfaber, always claimed that Rogers was at full health when he beat him for the title.

- On June 8, Johnny Barend beat Bobo Brazil to become the second-ever WWWF US Champ.

June 21, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Hans Mortier
No wrestler would ever mean as much to MSG as Bruno would. Having won the title there last month, here is his first MSG defence. He pinned the Dutchman Mortier, who was billed as an evil German from Nuremburg(!), like the trials (wrestling is the best).

- On July 9, after one month, Brazil regained his US Title from Barend.

July 12, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Hans Mortier in a 2/3 falls match
Bruno wins two falls straight, being put over strong.

August 2, 1963
Buddy Rogers & Johnny Barend def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Bobo Brazil [WWWF United States Champion] in a 2/3 falls match
Rogers and Barend win 2-1. I assume Barend did most of the work for his team with Rogers’ poor health.

August 23, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Killer Kowalski
Bruno submits Kowalski, Triple H’s trainer. Rogers pinned Mortier in under a minute in the match before, giving more credence to his heath issues at the time.

- On September 11, Barend regained the US Title from Brazil.

September 16, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Bobo Brazil went to a draw with Hans Mortier (sub for Buddy Rogers) & Gorilla Monsoon
Mortier subbed for Rogers and the match went to a curfew draw in the third fall.

October 21, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a double CO with Gorilla Monsoon
Non-finish to set-up a rematch.

- On October 22, Bobo Brazil defeated Johnny Barend to win the US Title for a third time in 6 months. He would now hold it for the next 3 years, 8 months.

- On November 14, Killer Kowalski & Gorilla Monsoon won the tag titles from Murphy/Bernard, ending their 6-month run.

November 18, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Gorilla Monsoon [WWWF United States Tag Team Champion] by CO
New tag champ Gorilla is counted out to protect him and set up a future blowoff.

December 16, 1963
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Dr. Jerry Graham via referee stoppage
Jerry Graham would become the founder of the Graham family with kayfabe younger brothers Eddie, Luke and “Superstar” Billy. He missed a kneedrop off the top rope, injuring his knee, causing the ref to stop the bout.

- On December 28, John Tolos (the future short-term manager of Mr. Perfect and the Beverly Brothers in 1991 WWF – Coach) and legit brother Chris beat Kowalski/Monsoon to become new tag champs.

1964

January 20, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Dr. Jerry Graham
Bruno pins Graham with a roll-up.

- On some unknown day in February, Vittorio Apollo & Don McClarity defeated the Tolos Brothers to win the tag titles.

February 17, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Giant Baba
Baba debuted in September 1960 and worked exclusively in North America from July 1961 until March 1963, becoming a big villain. Bruno submits Baba.

March 16, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Dr. Jerry Graham
After the Baba interjection, Bruno finishes his deal with Graham.

- On March 20, Dr. Jerry and his kayfabe brother Luke would win the tag titles from Apollo/McClarity, beginning a near year-long reign.

May 11, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Gorilla Monsoon
Curfew draw at the 70-minute mark.

June 6, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Gorilla Monsoon in a 2/3 falls match
After double CO in October, Bruno CO win in November and curfew draw in May, Bruno finally gets a proper win over Gorilla 2-1 after almost 50-minutes.

July 11, 1964
Freddie Blassie [Pacific Coast Champion] def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by DQ
Freddie Blassie, “the Hollywood Fashion Plate”, had his own belt and claimed to be the Pacific Champ, looking to unify with the WWWF World Title. Bruno chokes Blassie out and is DQed for it.

August 1, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Freddie Blassie [Pacific Coast Champion]
Bruno submits Blassie.

August 22, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Waldo Von Erich
Bruno goes to a curfew draw after 81 minutes with another evil German, Fritz’s kayfabe brother.

September 21, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Waldo Von Erich by CO
After the draw, Bruno wins by CO to extend us to the third and final bout.

October 19, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Waldo Von Erich
Bruno wins the blowoff.

November 16, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Gene Kiniski by CO
CO to set up the rematch.

December 14, 1964
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Gene Kiniski
Bruno submits Kiniski.

1965

January 25, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Bill Watts def. Gene Kinishi & Waldo Von Erich in a 2/3 falls match
The future Mid-South boss teams with Bruno to take on his two most recent rivals, winning the third fall by DQ.

- On February 4, Gene Kiniski & Waldo Von Erich became tag champs, ending the Tolos’ long reign.

February 22, 1965
Bill Watts def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by DQ
Watts now challenges Bruno and gets DQed when he repeatedly kicks Bruno and shoves down the ref.

March 29, 1965 (19,614, new attendance record)
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bill Watts by DQ
Bruno wins this one by DQ to set up a third bout.

- On April 8, Bill Watts & Gorilla Monsoon won the tag titles from Kiniski/Waldo.

May 17, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bill Watts [WWWF United States Tag Team Champion] in a a 2/3 falls match by referee stoppage
The match was stopped when Watts was deemed unable to continue, so this is still unresolved.

July 12, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Dr. Bill Miller by referee decision
The match was stopped due to curfew after an hour and the referee determined Bruno the winner. Can’t imagine Miller was best pleased at that.

August 2, 1965
Dr. Bill Miller def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
CO win for the challenger sets up the third bout.

- On August 5, Dr. Bill Miller and his legit brother Dan beat Watts/Monsoon for the tag straps.

August 23, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Dr. Bill Miller [WWWF United States Tag Team Champion]
Bruno wins the blowoff in under a minute.

September 27, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Tarzan Tyler
One and done defence for Bruno. Apparently, according to newspaper reports, Bruno’s belt was stolen from his car while he was having dinner in Times Square that night.

October 20, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bill Watts
Five months after their last match where Watts was deemed unable to continue, Bruno gets his proper win.

November 15, 1965
Dr. Bill Miller & Dan Miller [WWWF United States Tag Team Champions] def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Johnny Valentine
Tag champs The Miller Brothers beat Bruno and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine’s legit father Johnny, probably best known by younger fans as being in the same plane crash as Ric Flair on October 4, 1975. Not all main events had been closing MSG and this was notable for being right in the middle of the card. I don’t know if this was the strategy that would become prevalent during Hogan’s days – where his match would go on before intermission, during which they would sell tickets for the rematch at next month’s show. Bobo Brazil and Waldo Von Erich fought to a curfew draw as the last match of the night.

December 13, 1965
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Johnny Valentine def. Dr. Bill Miller & Dan Miller [WWWF United States Tag Team Champions]
Bruno & Valentine win the rematch over the tag champs, but this was not a title match.

1966

January 24, 1966
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Baron Mikel Scicluna by DQ
Scicluna was portrayed as Maltese royalty and lost to Bruno by DQ.

February 21, 1966
Johnny Valentine & Antonio Pugliese def. Dr. Bill Miller & Dan Miller to become the new WWWF United States Tag Team Champions
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Baron Mikel Scicluna
Bruno submits the Baron to retain and we get the first MSG tag title change for the WWWF.

March 28, 1966
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. King Curtis Iaukea
Iaukea is most well-known today as The Wizard (Kamala’s manager during his 1986-87 run against Hogan), and The Master in the Dungeon of Doom (SULLIVAN, MY SON!). He would become the greatest draw in Australian wrestling history in the 70s.

- On September 22, Baron Mikel Scicluna & Smasher Sloan beat Valentine/Pugliese to become tag champs.

November 7, 1966
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bulldog Brower
First MSG show in 8 months. I did a very brief search to try to find if the building was closed for maintenance but could not find anything.

- On December 8, Spiros Arion & Antontio Pugliese beat Scicluna/Sloan to win the tag titles.

December 12, 1966
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Tank Morgan in a 2/3 falls match
Bruno wins 2-0. In 1991, Morgan was killed in a drive-by shooting while walking his dog, seemingly in a case of mistaken identity.

1967

January 30, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bull Ortega
One and done defence for Bruno.

February 27, 1967
Gorilla Monsoon def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
Bruno got counted out after hitting the ring post.

March 27, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Gorilla Monsoon
Curfew draw at 40 minutes, a short one compared to their May 1964 match.

May 15, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Gorilla Monsoon
Bruno wins the blowoff by kicking off the ropes while caught in a bearhug and falling on top for the pin.

- At some point in June, Pugliese left the Fed and Arnold Skaaland was awarded his half of the tag team championship to team with Spiros Arion.

- On June 18, Ray Stevens ended Bobo’s 3 year, 8 month reign as US Champ.

June 19, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Prof. Toru Tanaka by DQ
Tanaka throws salt in Bruno’s eyes for the DQ.

- On July 10, Lou Albano & Tony Altimore, the Sicilians, beat Arion/Skaaland to begin a brief tag title reign.

- Two weeks later, on July 24, Arion regained the championship, this time with Bruno Sammartino as his partner. On July 29, they vacated the titles as it was determined that Bruno could not meet the demands of defending both the World and Tag Championships. The titles were discarded and there would be no tag championship in the Fed for almost two years.

July 31, 1967
Prof. Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Spiros Arion by DQ
Bruno’s current and previous rivals team-up to beat Bruno and his pal Spiros Arion by DQ.

August 21, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Spiros Arion def. Prof. Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon in a 2/3 falls match by referee decision
Bruno/Arion were awarded the third fall by the ref, leaving Bruno/Tanaka with unfinished business.

- On August 24, Brazil would become a 4-time US Champ by defeating Stevens, but would only hold it for one month.

- On September 22, The Sheik beat Brazil to win the US Title and would hold it for 14 months.

September 25, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Hans Mortier
Mortier faces Bruno over four years after their last MSG bout and they go to a 40-minute draw.

October 23, 1967
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Hans Mortier
Bruno pins Mortier by kicking off the ropes while in a full nelson and falling on top for the pin. Similar to the May finish with Monsoon, a way to make the heel look strong in defeat. Bret would use similar finishes against Piper at Mania VIII and Austin at Survivor Series 1996.

1968

January 29, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Prof. Toru Tanaka
After over 40 years of shows being run there, this was the last match at the third MSG, whose demolition would finish the next year. Bruno won the blowoff to end his deal with Tanaka.

February 19, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bull Ramos
The first show at the fourth and current MSG, eight days after the initial closure of the third one. One and done title defence.

March 11, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Virgil the Kentucky Butcher
A second one and done in a row.

May 20, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with George Steele
Bruno goes to a 50-minute curfew draw with the wild Steele.

June 22, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele
Bruno defeats Steele and the show closes with the “Big Cat” Ernie Ladd (who made his MSG debut on the previous show) beating Earl Maynard, before refusing to leave the ring until he is given a title shot. Bruno came out and both men signed for the match.

August 17, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Victor Rivera def. Prof. Toru Tanaka & Gorilla Monsoon
Ladd was gone before they could do the match with Bruno so this was run.

September 23, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Rocky Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick was Bob Orton Sr., father of Jr. and grandfather of Randy Orton. One and done.

October 21, 1968
The Sheik [WWWF United States Champion] def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
Sabu’s legit uncle The Sheik wins by countout after Bruno throws the challenger back in but could not make the count.

November 18, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. The Sheik [WWWF United States Champion] by DQ
Bruno wins by DQ after The Sheik bites his nose.

- On November 24, The Sheik’s 14-month reign as US Champ would end at the hands of Bobo Brazil.

December 9, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. The Sheik in a Texas Death match
After their previous bouts ended in CO and DQ, here is a match to ensure neither of those outcomes. Bruno takes a pen away from The Sheik and stabs him in the arm with it until he submits.

1969

- On January 20, The Sheik regained the US Title from Brazil.

January 27, 1969
Killer Kowalski & Gorilla Monsoon def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Victor Rivera in a 2/3 falls match
Kowalski against Bruno at MSG for the first time in over 5 years and he pins the champion to win the third fall and the match, setting him up as the next challenger. In the match before this, The Sheik took on Haystacks Calhoun and a wild end to the match led to a small riot where an old woman was trampled. As a result, The Sheik was banned from MSG.

- On February 10, Bobo Brazil became a 6-time US Champ by defeating The Sheik and began a 20-month reign.

February 17, 1969
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a double DQ with Killer Kowalski
Double DQ to set up a rematch.

March 7, 1969
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Killer Kowalski by CO
Another inconclusive result.

May 14, 1969
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Victor Rivera def. Killer Kowalski & Prof. Toru Tanaka in a 2/3 falls match
Rivera pinned Tanaka in the third fall. Bruno/Kowalski is still unresolved.

- Mitsu Arakawa debuted in the WWWF as the tag partner of Prof. Toru Tanaka, collectively known as the Rising Suns. They were claimed to be the WWWF International Tag Team Champions, having won a fictitious tournament in Tokyo on June 1.

June 30, 1969
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele
Bruno beats Steele one year after their last MSG bout.

October 1, 1969
Waldo Von Erich def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by DQ
Almost 5 years since the last Bruno/Waldo MSG match. This show featured the first MSG defence of the Rising Suns’ International Tag Titles.

October 27, 1969 (11,128, new attendance record)
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Waldo Von Erich
This set an attendance record for the new MSG, which shows how down business had been since they had been in the new building. As this was the 16th show in it and the record at the previous MSG was 19,614.

December 9, 1969
Victor Rivera & Tony Marino def. Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mitsu Arakawa to become the new WWWF International Tag Team Champions
Ivan Koloff def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
The man who would end Bruno’s reign in just over a year wins the match when the ref stops it due to blood loss. New International Tag Champs.

1970

January 19, 1970 (16,858, new attendance record)
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Ivan Koloff
A huge increase from the record set only two months prior.

March 9, 1970
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Krippler Karl Kovacs
One and done.

June 15, 1970 (20,819, new attendance record)
Bepo Mongol & Geto Mongol def. Victor Rivera & Tony Marino in a 2/3 falls match to become the new WWWF International Tag Team Champions
Crusher Verdu def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
The referee stopped the bout due to a cut over Bruno’s eye. Another big increase for the attendance record shows that business had really turned around. Crusher Verdu was from Barcelona and interestingly does not have a Wikipedia page. The Mongols had debuted in April and consisted of Bepo Mongol & Geto Mongol, the former being the future Nikolai Volkoff.

July 10, 1970 (20,982, new attendance record)
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Crusher Verdu
Another MSG record attendance for Crusher “no Wiki page” Verdu.

August 1, 1970
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Victor Rivera def. Bepo Mongol & Geto Mongol [WWWF International Tag Team Champions] by DQ
Bruno/Rivera beat the tag champs by DQ.

September 14, 1970
Bepo Mongol [WWWF International Tag Team Champion] def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
The future Volkoff beats Bruno by DQ.

October 23, 1970
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bepo Mongol [WWWF International Tag Team Champion] in a Texas Death match
No DQ this month as Bruno wins under Texas Death Rules.

November 16, 1970
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bulldog Brower by referee stoppage
The referee stopped the match due to a cut on Brower’s forehead.

- On December 29, Bobo Brazil vacated the US Title after a 687-day reign due to injury.

1971

- On January 7, Pedro Morales, who had debuted in the WWWF late last year, defeated Freddie Blassie in a tournament final to win the WWWF United States Championship.

January 18, 1971 (21,666, new attendance record)
Ivan Koloff def. Bruno Sammartino to become the new WWWF World Champion
Bruno’s near-8 year, 2803-day reign comes to an end in front of a new record crowd. One of the most famous matches in MSG history, with it falling to a deathly silence. New US Champ Morales made his MSG debut on the undercard.

February 8, 1971 (21,812, new attendance record)
Pedro Morales [WWWF United States Champion] def. Ivan Koloff to become the new WWWF World Champion
Another new record crowd to see if US Champ Pedro in only his second MSG match can avenge Bruno’s loss. He did, using the “heel has a submission and you kick off the ropes/buckle, falling on top for the pin” finish, making Koloff what would become a classic in the Fed – the transitional heel champion. Bruno submitted the other Mongol, Geto, underneath Pedro/Koloff.

- On February 19, Bobo Brazil, back from injury, was awarded the US Title after Pedro had vacated it upon winning the WWWF World Title. This was his seventh and final reign, with him holding the title until the then-WWF abandoned the title on March 1, 1976, according to Wiki anyway. This meant that Brazil’s combined days as United States Champion was 4,072 days, over 11 years. Bobo did not work much for the Fed during this last reign, or during the second half of the 60s really. He was a special attraction, even as long-standing US Champ, working 30-60 or so WWWF matches a year, compared to Bruno working over 200. I don’t know whether Bobo was announced as WWWF United States Champion when working in other territories.

March 15, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Blackjack Mulligan
Morales’ first MSG title defence on the first MSG show without Bruno since the WWWF name change. The one and done challenger is the father of Barry Windham, father-in-law of I.R.S. and grandfather of Bray Wyatt and Bo Dallas.

May 24, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Tarzan Tyler
Tarzan with a one and done challenger again 5 years, 8 months after he did so against Bruno. No Bruno again.

- On June 3, Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler defeated The Sheik & Dick the Bruiser in a tournament final in New Orleans to become the first WWWF World Tag Team Champions. There are now two tag titles in the territory.

- On June 18, Bruno Sammartino & Dominic DeNucci ended the Mongols’ year-long reign to become new WWWF International Tag Champs.

June 21, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Luke Graham [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
The third MSG show in a row without Bruno to allow Morales to establish himself as champion. With his title win and first three MSG defences, it has been four separate opponents and he has pinned them all. No COs, DQs or draws to extend programs. This has been about putting over the new Man.

On July 2, the Mongols won their International Tag Titles back from Bruno/DeNucci after only two weeks.

July 24, 1971 (21,912, new attendance record)
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] & Gorilla Monsoon def. Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler [WWWF World Tag Team Champions] in a 2/3 falls match
Pedro & Gorilla (who turned face back in 1969) defeat the tag champs in a non-title match with Pedro getting the third fall pin over Tyler. Bruno was back for this show, defeating Blackjack Mulligan in one minute, but this would be his only MSG match between losing the World Title and the September 2, 1972 show.

August 30, 1971
Stan Stasiak def. Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
After all those establishing shows, it is time for a proper first feud for the new champion in the form of Shawn Stasiak’s father Stan. So they go to a classic finish with the ref stopping the bout due to blood.

October 25, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Stan Stasiak in a Texas Death match
No stopping a match for blood in a Texas Death match and Pedro pins Stan the Man.

- On November 12, Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler, already the World Tag Team Champions, defeated the Mongols to also acquire the International Tag Team Titles, but they are not unified.

November 15, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Freddie Blassie [Pacific Coast Champion] by referee stoppage
Next Pedro takes on the guy whom he defeated in the US Title tournament final at the start of the year. Blassie is looking to unify his Pacific Title with the WWWF World Title, like against Bruno 8 years prior. The match was stopped due to blood.

December 6, 1971
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Freddie Blassie [Pacific Coast Champion] in a Roman Gladiator match
Pedro wins when Blassie is deemed unable to continue. I don’t know what rules where used here since it sounds like the ref stopped the bout, the rules that were used in California, where this match originated the prior year, there was no time limit, no DQ, no pinfalls, no surrender, no referee in the ring, no doctor stopping the bout and the loser was the one who was dragged completely around the ring. So I guess it was sort of like a touch-the-corners strap match, but without a strap and the dragging was to be done outside the ring? I’d be intrigued if anyone had anymore info.

- On December 6, Karl Gotch (exactly four months before defeating Antonio Inoki in the main event of the first New Japan Pro Wrestling show) & Rene Goulet(!) won the World Tag Titles from Graham/Tyler.

- On December 18, Graham/Tyler lost their other tag titles, the International, to Geto Mongol & Johnny DeFazio. These titles would be discarded at some point in 1972.

1972

January 31, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Prof. Toru Tanaka by DQ
Tanaka tries to throw salt into Pedro’s eyes but he ducks and Tanaka hits the ref and is DQed.

- On February 1, King Curtis Iaukea & Baron Mikel Scicluna become new World Tag Champs by beating Gotch/Goulet.

February 21, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Prof. Toru Tanaka
Pedro wins the rematch.

March 13, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Baron Mikel Scicluna [WWWF World Tag Team Champion]
New tag champ challenges Pedro in a one and done.

April 17, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. King Curtis Iaukea [WWWF Tag Team Champion]
The other tag champ challenges Pedro in a one and done.

May 22, 1972
Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King def. King Curits Iaukea & Baron Mikel Scicluna to become the new WWWF World Tag Team Champions
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Pampero Firpo
Who still remembers Pampero Firpo? Another one and done.

June 2, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Luke Graham
One year after their previous one and done at MSG, Pedro/Luke do it again.

July 1, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele
One and done with Steele who challenged Bruno in 1968 and 1969.

- On June 27, Prof. Toru Tanaka and his new, recently debuted, partner Mr. Fuji became the new World Tag Champs, defeating Strongbow/King, embarking on an 11-month reign.

July 29, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. The Spoiler
The Spoiler was Don Jardine’s gimmick under a mask, but he was maskless here as MSG had a ban on wrestlers wearing masks. He walked the top rope, a spot he would lend to a young Undertaker in mid-80s WCCW. He also would become part of the Legion of Doom stable with the Road Warriors, Jake Roberts and King Kong Bundy.

September 2, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Ernie Ladd
Bruno Sammartino def. George Steele
Morales gets the title defence Bruno did not, against Ladd. A 7th one and done defence for Pedro in a row. This was Bruno’s first MSG match in 13 months and he closed the show against Steele. The show did a huge crowd, 21,819, close to the record. Post-match, it was announced that Morales/Bruno would take place at Shea Stadium.

- On September 30, in front of 22,508 fans, at the Showdown at Shea, Pedro and Bruno went to a curfew draw at 65 minutes, announced as being 75.

October 16, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] & Bruno Sammartino def. Prof. Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji [WWWF World Tag Team Champions] in a 2/3 falls match
After their Shea Stadium match, Pedro & Bruno team up against the tag champs and win 2-0, with the second fall being by DQ.

November 27, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Ray Stevens by referee stoppage
The referee stopped the match when Stevens was deemed unable to continue.

December 18, 1972
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Ray Stevens
Pedro pinned Stevens. This show also featured Mil Mascaras’ MSG debut and the first match where a wrestler was allowed to wear a mask at MSG

1973

January 15, 1973
Bruno Sammartino def. Prof. Toru Tanaka [WWWF World Tag Team Champion]
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Moondog Mayne
Another one and done for Pedro.

February 26, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. King Curtis Iaukea
While a MSG rematch, this was another one and done really.

March 26, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Fred Blassie by referee stoppage
Same story as Iaukea, rematch, but really one and done. Blassie was deemed unable to continue.

April 30, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Don Leo Johnson by referee stoppage
Match stopped due to Johnson’s blood loss.

- On May 30, Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea end Tanaka/Fuji’s 11-month reign to become the new World Tag Champs.

June 4, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Don Leo Johnson
Pedro pins Johnson in the rematch.

June 30, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele by referee stoppage
Steele blood loss led to ref stoppage.

July 23, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele with Joe Louis as guest referee
Pedro pinned Steele. A 59-year-old Joe Louis was the guest referee. “The Bronze Bomber” was the heavyweight champion for 11 years, 10 months (1937 – 1948) and made 25 defences in that time, both records to this day. Louis fought 12 times at MSG, including his final bout, a loss to Rocky Marciano. In 1984, three years after his death, the four streets surrounding MSG, were named Joe Louis Plaza.

August 27, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Stan Stasiak by judges’ decision
Match ended after 52 minutes.

- On September 11, Tanaka/Fuji regained the tag titles by beating Calhoun/Garea.

October 15, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Stan Stasiak in a Texas Death match
Third two-match program in a row for Pedro.

November 12, 1973
Pedro Morales [WWWF World Champion] def. Larry Hennig by referee stoppage
Pedro beats Mr. Perfect’s father as the match was stopped for blood.

- On November 15, Tony Garea would regain the tag belts, with a new partner Dean Ho, beating Tanaka/Fuji.

- On December 1, in Philadelphia, Stan Stasiak pinned Pedro Morales to become the new WWWF World Champion. Stasiak was not announced as new champion to the crowd for fear of a riot.

December 10, 1973
Pedro Morales def. Larry Hennig in a Lumberjack Death match
Bruno Sammartino def. Stan Stasiak to become the new WWWF World Champion
Pedro had avenged Bruno, now Bruno avenges Pedro. Stasiak, like Koloff, is a short transitional heel champion, lasting 9 days. Bruno’s second-reign begins. Pedro goes over Hennig beneath in another two-match MSG program for him.

1974

January 14, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Stan Stasiak
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Don Leon Johnson
Bruno’s first MSG defence of reign #2. Pedro gets revenge on the match who beat him for the title.

March 4, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Otto Von Heller
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Nikolai Volkoff
Volkoff’s previous MSG appearance was as Bepo Mongol in February 1971. He had since left the territory and changed gimmicks to the evil Soviet. Curfew draw after 53 minutes.

April 1, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Larry Hennig
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Nikolai Volkoff
Bruno pins Volkoff. Pedro ends his deal with The Axe in Hennig’s final MSG appearance. Jumbo Tsuruta made his only ever MSG appearance in the opener, pinning Johnny Rodz.

April 29, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Mr. Fuji
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a no contest with Killer Kowalski
After squaring off in 1963 and 1969, Bruno/Kowalski are headlining MSG again. The match was stopped as both men were brawling around the ring and Bruno was bleeding, with both men needing to be pulled apart.

- On May 8, the kayfabe brothers Jimmy and Johnny Valiant became the new tag champs, beating Garea/Ho, and would reign for 370 days, the longest reign until Demolition in 1988-89.

May 20, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Johnny Rodz
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Killer Kowalsi in a Texas Death match
Bruno wins the blowoff. Pedro is in a lesser spot on the card here, against Rodz.

June 24, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Black Gordman
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Chief Jay Strongbow def. Freddie Blassie & Nikolai Volkoff in a 2/3 falls match
Bruno/Chief win 2-0 with Bruno pinning Blassie in the second fall in Freddie’s last match at MSG.

July 22, 1974
Pedro Morales went to a double CO with Killer Kowalski
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. John Tolos
Bruno defeats former tag champ Tolos, while Pedro and Kowalski is left unresolved.

August 26, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Nikolai Volkoff
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Chief Jay Strongbow went to a draw with Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant [WWF World Tag Team Champions]
For the second MSG out of three, Strongbow is Bruno’s partner and they go to a curfew draw with the tag champs. Pedro goes over Volkoff.

October 7, 1974
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Chief Jay Strongbow def. with Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant [WWF World Tag Team Champions] in a 2/3 falls match
Bruno/Strongbow for third show out of four. They beat the tag champs 2-1. First MSG show without Pedro since his debut there in January 1971.

November 18, 1974
Pedro Morales def. Strong Kobayashi
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a no contest with Bobby Duncum in a 2/3 falls match
Both men deemed too bloody to continue. Duncum’s son Bobby Duncum Jr. is probably most well-known for being in the West Texas Rednecks in 1999-2000 WCW or making his PPV debut at the 1998 World War 3 against Chris Jericho, when most agree the future Y2J should have been facing Goldberg.

December 16, 1974
Pedro Morales went to a draw with Killer Kowalski
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death match
Bruno wins the blowoff with Duncum. Like in July, Pedro/Kowalski is unresolved.

1975

January 20, 1975
Pedro Morales & Victor Rivers went to a draw with Killer Kowalski & Bobby Duncum
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Chief Jay Strongbow def. Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant [WWF World Tag Team Champions]
Bruno/Chief defeat the tag champs the Valiant Brothers again. Pedro continues his issue with Kowalski, who partners up with Duncum, coming down from facing Bruno.

February 17, 1975
Pedro Morales def. Butcher Vachon
Spiros Arion def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by DQ
Bruno takes on his old tag champion partner and loses by DQ after twice shoving away the ref when he was trying to break them up. Bruno had to be held back by other wrestlers post-bout. Pedro beat Mad Dog’s legit little brother.

- On March 1, Pedro Morales defeated Butcher Vachon in Springfield, MA in what would be his final match in the Fed for 5 years.

March 17, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Spiros Arion in a Texas Death match
Bruno’s old rival Blassie accompanied Arion to the ring. Bruno got the pin but Arion’s foot was actually on the bottom rope to set up a third bout. This match won PWI MOTY.

April 14, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Spiros Arion in a Greek Death match
After losing the previous match to a pinfall that should not have counted, “The Golden Greek” Arion wants a Greek Death match, which must be won by submission. Bruno wins and beats down Arion post-match. There were 26,000 people inside MSG to watch this match when including the Felt Forum theatre, where the Shamrock/Owen Lion’s Den match at SummerSlam 1998 was held.

- On May 13, Dominic DeNucci & Victor Rivera ended the Valiant Brothers’ record reign as tag champs.

May 19, 1975
Waldo Von Erich def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Like Kowalski, another returned to feud. They headlined MSG in 1964 and 1969, now 1975. Match stopped for blood.

June 16, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Waldo Von Erich
Bruno pins Waldo. Arnold Skaaland was in Bruno’s corner, while Blassie was in Waldo’s.

July 12, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with George Steele
Another returned to feud, after matches in 68, 69 and 72 for Bruno’s comeback.

- On July 19, Victor Rivera left the Fed and tag champion Dominic DeNucci chose Pat Barrett as his new partner

August 9, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] defeated George Steele
Bruno wins the blowoff.

- On August 26, The Blackjacks, Lanza & Mulligan, win the tag titles.

September 6, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] defeated Bugsy McGraw & Lou Albano in a handicap match
Seems a bit random to just have a handicap match for a one and done. Maybe they felt something different might be a draw.

October 13, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Ivan Koloff by referee stoppage
Stopped due to blood. Bruno against the man who ended his first title reign.

November 17, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Ivan Koloff by DQ with Gorilla Monsoon as guest referee
Bruno’s old foe but now good guy Gorilla as ref as we get a third match set up.

- On November 18, Tony Parisi & Louis Cerdan beat the Blackjacks to become the new tag champions.

December 15, 1975
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Ivan Koloff in a Steel Cage match
First ever MSG cage match and Bruno wins by escaping the door. Antonio Inoki and Superstar Billy Graham make their MSG debuts.

1976

January 12, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Billy Graham by CO
After debuting the previous month, Graham challenges Bruno and a CO sets up a rematch.

February 2, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Billy Graham
Bruno wins the rematch.

March 1, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Ernie Ladd
Coming up on 8 years since their planned match did not happen, loyal MSG fans finally got to see Bruno/Ladd.

March 29, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] & Tony Parisi [WWF Tag Team Champion] def. Billy Graham & Ivan Koloff in a 2/3 falls match
Bruno teams up with one half of the tag champs to defeat his two most recent multi-match challengers.

April 26, 1976
Stan Hansen def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
A very famous match with Hansen’s MSG debut and him breaking Bruno’s neck on a botched powerslam. The match got stopped for blood and won PWI MOTY.

- On May 11, the masked Executioners beat Parisi/Cerdan to win the tag titles. Executioner #1 was Killer Kowalski and #2 was Big John Studd.

May 17, 1976
Bobo Brazil, Gorilla Monsoon & Haystacks Calhoun def. Billy Graham, Ivan Koloff & Ernie Ladd
Stan Hansen def. Ivan Putski
Bruno is out injured and this is the first MSG show without the WWWF Champion on it. The two big matches are mentioned here with a 6-man tag featuring huge names and Hansen going over Ivan Putski. Putski’s legit son Scott would be hurt from a Brian Christopher dive at Ground Zero: In Your House in September 1997 and leave the Fed.

- On June 1976, at the second Showdown at Shea, in front of 32,000 fans, Andre beat Chuck Wepner in a boxer vs. wrestler match, then Bruno beat Hansen by CO, before Ali vs. Inoki in a boxer vs. wrestler match was shown on closed circuit TV as the main event.

August 7, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Stan Hansen in a Steel Cage match
Bruno returns to win the cage blowoff with Hansen. Brody’s MSG debut here.

September 4, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bruiser Brody by DQ
After debuting on the previous show, Brody challenges Bruno and a rematch blowoff is set up.

October 4, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Bruiser Brody in a Texas Death match
Bruno wins the rematch.

October 25, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Nikolai Volkoff
A one and done revisit. After beating him as Bepo Mongol in 1970 and Volkoff in 1974, Bruno does it again.

- On October 26, the Executioners were stripped of their tag titles after a third Executioner (Volkoff) was used.

November 22, 1976
Stan Stasiak def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
The man who Bruno won the title from challenges him and a Stasiak win by CO sets up a rematch.

- On December 7, in Philadelphia, Chief Jay Strongbow & Billy White Wolf (the future Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey in the AWA and General Adnan in 1990-92 WWF) won a three-team tournament over Volkoff/Kamata and The Executioners to become new tag champs.

December 20, 1976
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Stan Stasiak in a Sicilian Stretcher match
Apparently similar to modern stretcher matches, you had to incapacitate your opponent enough to get them on a stretcher outside the ring. I have read on the WrestlingClassics board that Stasiak immediately jumped off the stretcher and walked to the dressing room.

1977

January 17, 1977
Ken Patera def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by CO
Patera’s MSG debut, beating Bruno by CO after using a chair to set up a rematch. Larry Zbyszko was introduced to the crowd as Bruno’s protégé and that he’d be wrestling at MG next month. Pat Patterson’s MSG debut.

February 7, 1977
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Ken Patera in a Texas Death match
Draw after the ref was knocked out.

March 7, 1977
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Ken Patera by stoppage from guest referee Gorilla Monsoon
Guest ref Gorilla stops it due to blood, leaving Bruno/Patera still unresolved.

March 28, 1977
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Baron Von Raschke by DQ
Bruno’s old rival Blassie accompanied Von Raschke to the ring.

April 25, 1977
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Baron Von Raschke
Bruno wins the rematch

- On April 30, Superstar Billy Graham beats Bruno in Baltimore to become the new WWWF Champion in a match that won PWI MOTY.

May 16, 1977
Bruno Sammartino def. George Steele by referee stoppage
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] def. Gorilla Monsoon
Graham beats a legend in Gorilla in his first MSG defence, establishing him as more than a standard transitional heel champion. Bruno beat old rival Steele underneath.

June 27, 1977
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] went to a double DQ with Bruno Sammartino
Graham defends against Bruno and a rematch is set up.

August 1, 1977
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] went to a draw with Bruno Sammartino due to stoppage by guest referee Gorilla Monsoon
Gorilla stops it due to both being so bloody.

- At some point during August, an injury to Billy White Wolf, caused by Ken Patera, led to him and Chief Jay Strongbow vacating the tag titles.

August 29, 1977
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] def. Ivan Putski by CO
Bruno Sammartino def. Ken Patera in a Texas Death match
Graham defends by CO while the Bruno/Patera deal gets its blowoff in a Texas Death rematch.

September 26, 1977
Dusty Rhodes def. Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] by CO
Big Dust’s first MSG main event, setting up a rematch.

- On September 27, Tanaka/Fuji became three-time tag champs by beating Zbyszko/Garea in a tournament final to win the vacant titles.

October 24, 1977
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] def. Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Death match
Superstar wins the Texas Death rematch over Rhodes.

November 21, 1977
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] def. Peter Maivia by CO
Rocky’s maternal grandfather main eventing the Garden but loses by CO to Superstar.

December 19, 1977
Mil Mascaras with Bob Backlund def. Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Mil Mascaras in a MSG main and Bob Backlund is in his corner. The match is stopped due to Graham’s blood loss.

1978

January 23, 1978
Billy Graham [WWWF World Champion] def. Mil Mascaras with Bob Backlund by DQ
Graham wins after Backlund prevents him attempting to pin with his feet on the ropes and they end up brawling.

- On January 25, 1978 in the Orange Bowl in Miami, at a show called The SuperBowl of Wrestling, WWWF Champion Billy Graham and NWA Champion Harley Race went to a draw in a 2/3 falls match at 1 fall apiece when the hour time limit expired.

February 20, 1978
Bob Backlund def. Billy Graham to become the new WWWF Champion
Backlund beats Graham to become the new champion in a match that won the PWI MOTY, the fourth year in a row for the Fed. Considering the reigns around it, Graham could maybe still be considered a transition champion, even though he held the belt for a year. I have read that the plan was always for the belt to go to Backlund and even though Graham did great business, it did not matter.

- On March 14, Dominic DeNucci & Dino Bravo ended Fuji/Tanaka’s near 6-month reign to become new tag champs.

March 20, 1978
Billy Graham def. Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Graham wins the rematch by stoppage due to cuts over Backlund’s eye to set up a cage blowoff.

April 24, 1978
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Billy Graham in a Steel Cage match
Backlund wins the third match to establish himself fully as the new top guy.

May 22, 1978
Billy Graham went to a double CO with Gorilla Monsoon
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Ken Patera
One and done defence for Backlund against Patera. Graham goes to a double CO with the first man to challenge him at MSG in his title reign.

June 26, 1978
Lumberjack Eric & Lumberjack Pierre def. Dominic DeNucci & Dino Bravo to become the new WWWF World Tag Team Champions
Andre the Giant & Ivan Putski/Dusty Rhodes def. Billy Graham & Luke Graham in a 2/3 falls match
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Spiros Arion
Backlund beats Bruno’s old friend then rival Arion in a one and done. Former champ Graham loses in a tag where Putski was deemed unable to continue after the second fall and Andre brought out Dusty. The Yukon Lumberjacks were Eric & Pierre. Eric was Scott Irwin, the legit brother of “Wild” Bill Irwin (the future Goon), who he would team with as The Long Riders. Lumberjack Eric/Scott Irwin died of a brain tumor at only 35 in September 1987.

July 24, 1978
Billy Graham def. Dusty Rhodes by DQ
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. George Steele
Steele again headlines MSG as heel challenger after doing the same for Bruno multiple times and Pedro. The Dusty/Graham program from the end of last year continues.

August 28, 1978
Dusty Rhodes def. Billy Graham in a No DQ Bullrope match
Ivan Koloff def. Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Backlund faces another of Bruno’s old rivals in Koloff, with a rematch set up. Dusty wins the blowoff with Graham in a bullrope match.

September 25, 1978
Billy Graham def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Ivan Koloff
Backlund wins the blowoff with Koloff while former champ beats Strongbow underneath.

October 23, 1978
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Ernie Ladd
Bruno Sammartino def. Billy Graham by referee stoppage
Backlund continues to take on Bruno’s former rivals, this time Ladd. Bruno returns for his first MSG match in 14 months to take on the man who took his title and who he failed to reclaim it from. Bruno seemed to have Graham pinned but uncovered at 2 to continue the punishment, before the ref stopped it due to blood.

November 20, 1978
Billy Graham went to a double DQ with Dino Bravo
Peter Maivia def. Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] by CO
The High Chief beats Backlund by CO to set up a rematch, while Graham/Bravo goes to a double DQ.

- On November 21, Larry Zbyszko & Tony Garea beat the Yukon Lumberjacks to end their 5-month reign and become the new tag champs.

December 18, 1978
Antonio Inoki [WWWF Martial Arts Champion] def. Texas Red
Harley Race [NWA World Champion] def. Tony Garea [WWWF Tag Team Champion]
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] went to a double CO with Peter Maivia
A serious triple threat of matches that all took place in a row. Inoki, in his first MSG match since his debut 3 years before, defends his Martial Arts title (awarded before the match). Then NWA Champ Harley Race defends his title over WWWF Tag Champ Garea, before Backlund and Maivia remains unresolved.

1979

January 22, 1979
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Peter Maivia in a Steel Cage match
Backlund’s first three-match program as champion (his three-match program with Graham included him winning the title) and he wins the cage match blowoff.. Piper’s MSG debut.

- On February 13, upon joining, Ted DiBiase is awarded the WWWF North American Championship.

February 19, 1979
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Greg Valentine
Greg Valentine’s first MSG match in 4 years as he and Backlund go to a draw after one hour.

- On March 6, the kayfabe Valiant Brothers, “Gentleman” Jerry and “Luscious” Johnny, beat Zbyszko/Garea to win the tag titles. Johnny had previously held the title with “Handsome” Jimmy in a record-setting reign from May 1974 to May 1975.

March 26, 1979
Bruno Sammartino def. Ivan Koloff by CO
Bob Backlund [WWWF World Champion] def. Greg Valentine in a No Time Limit match
With no time limit, Backlund beats Greg in 31 mins. Bruno’s first MSG match in 5 months against his old rival. Prior to the Bruno match, Ted DiBiase was introduced to the crowd as the WWWF North American Champion and that he would wrestle on the next MSG show.

- The name change from WWWF to WWF occurred between these two shows.

April 30, 1979
Harley Race [NWA World Champion] def. Steve Travis
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Bulldog Brower
After challenging Bruno in one and done matches in 1966 and 1970, Bulldog Brower has another one and done shot at the title. Race defends the NWA Title at MSG again.

June 4, 1979
Hussein Arab wins 20-man, $10,000, #1 contender Battle Royal
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Hussein Arab
Hussein Arab is the future Iron Sheik and he wins the first-ever MSG battle royal earlier in the night to earn a title shot before losing to Backlund. Tito’s MSG debut

- On June 19, Pat Patterson defeated Ted DiBiase to become the new WWF North American Champion.

July 2, 1979
Pat Patterson [WWF North American Champion] def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
New NA Champ Patterson beats Backlund when the match is stopped due to Backlund’s blood loss.

July 30, 1979
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a double standing CO with Pat Patterson [WWF North American Champion]
Another inconclusive finish as Patterson hit Backlund with brass knucks and Skaaland hit Patterson with the title belt.

August 27, 1979
Pat Patterson [WWF North American Champion] def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by CO
A third inconclusive finish as Patterson used the knucks again and beat the count.

- On September 1, Pat Patterson, the current WWF North American Champion, becomes the new WWF Intercontinental Champion, when it was claimed he had won a fictitious tournament held in Rio to unify the North American and fictitious South American Titles. Rio is where the fictitious tournament to determine the first-ever WWWF World Champion was said to have been held in 1963.

September 24, 1979
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Pat Patterson [WWF Intercontinental Champion] in a Steel Cage match
In their fourth MSG main in a row, Backlund wins the cage blowoff.

October 22, 1979
Tito Santana & Ivan Putski def. Jerry Valiant & Johnny Valiant to become the new WWWF World Tag Team Champions
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Swede Hanson
Bruno Sammartino def. Greg Valentine by referee stoppage
Backlund defends against Hanson, whose had been beating opponents on TV so badly they were being taken out on stretchers. Bruno’s first MSG match in 7 months, with Valentine’s blood stopping the match. Tito & Putski end the Valiant Brothers’ near 8-month reign.

November 19, 1979
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a draw with Bobby Duncum
After challenging Bruno in late 1974, he is challenging Backlund 5 years later.

- On November 30, Antonio Inoki pinned Bob Backlund in Tokushima, Japan to become the WWF World Champion. At the time, Inoki also held the NWF Championship, a title that was founded in 1970 for the New York-based National Wrestling Federation. Inoki had held it since June 26, 1975.

- On December 6, Inoki and Backlund fought to a no contest. Backlund scored a pinfall after Tiger Jeet Singh interference, but kayfabe WWF President Hisashi Shima overruled the decision. Inoki vacated the title and the WWF does not recognise this reign today, although I feel like they have in the past referred to Inoki as a WWF World Champion.

December 17, 1979
Antonio Inoki [Japanese Heavyweight Champion] def. Hussein Arab
Harley Race [NWA World Champion] def. Dusty Rhodes by referee stoppage
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Bobby Duncum in a Texas Death match
Inoki was not referred to as the WWF Martial Arts Champion or NWF Champion, but simply Japanese Heavyweight Champion before he defeated the future Iron Sheik. Harley/Dusty for the NWA Title was stopped due to Rhodes’ blood getting in his eyes and causing him to fall out of the ring. Backlund did not come out with the title and was not announced as champion to the crowd, with Hisashi Shima was shown in possession of the belt, but Vince Jr. referred to him as champion on commentary. Hogan’s MSG debut was also here, against DiBiase in Ted’s last MSG match for 8 years.

1980

January 21, 1980
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a draw with Ken Patera
After challenging Bruno in 1977 and Backlund in 1978, Patera is back again to go for the big belt.

February 18, 1980
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Ken Patera via CO
Another inconclusive finish to continue their feud.

March 24, 1980
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Sika
Larry Zbyszko def. Bruno Sammartino by DQ
Sika of The Wild Samoans, who debuted in October 1979, challenges Backlund. Bruno returns to MSG after 5 months for his headed feud with former protégé Larry Z.

- On April 12, The Wild Samoans, Afa & Sika, end Tito/Putski’s near 6-month reign to win the tag titles.

April 21, 1980
Ken Patera def. Pat Patterson to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Afa [WWF Tag Team Champion]
Bruno Sammartino def. Larry Zbyszko by CO
Patera becomes the second ever IC champ by beating Pat. Backlund defends against the other Samoan. Bruno/Larry is again inconclusive.

May 19, 1980
Larry Zbyszko won a 16-Man, $15,000, #1 contender Battle Royal
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Ken Patera [WWF Intercontinental Champion] in a Texas Death match
Larry Z wins a #1 contender battle royal. Backlund wins the Patera blowoff in a famous Texas Death match that won the first Observer MOTY.

June 16, 1980
Ken Patera [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Pat Patterson
Larry Zbyszko def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Backlund/Larry is stopped due to blood while Patera defends against Patterson.

- On August 9, the third and final Showdown at Shea (first in 1972, second in 1976, now in 1980) took place with Bruno defeating Larry Z in a cage match that won PWI MOTY. Backlund & Pedro Morales beat the Wild Samoans in two straight falls to become the new World Tag Team Champions. Other matches included Andre vs. Hogan (where Hogan slammed Andre 6 and a half years before Mania III), Inoki defending his NWF Title against Larry Sharpe and Tatsumi Fujinami defending the WWF Jr. Heavyweight Title against Chavo Guerrero (the future Chavo Guerrero Sr.).

- On August 10, Backlund/Pedro vacated the tag titles due to Backlund being World Champion and unable to fulfil the duties of both title defences.

- On September 9, The Wild Samoans won a tournament final over Rene Goulet(!) & Tony Garea to regain the tag titles.

September 22, 1980
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Harley Race [NWA World Champion] by DQ
WWF Champion vs. NWA Champion at MSG, ending when Race pulled the ref into Backlund as he was caught in a sleeper. Neither this match (matches from Showdown at Shea were aired instead) or the closing Andre/Hogan matches were aired on the MSG network. Pedro’s first MSG match since February 1975.

October 20, 1980
Ken Patera [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a double DQ with Pedro Morales
Sgt. Slaughter def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by DQ
Slaughter/Backlund and Patera/Morales get set up for rematches.

- On November 8, Rick Martel & Tony Garea beat the Wild Samoans to become the new World Tag Team Champions. This was Garea’s fourth reign with a fourth different partner – Haystacks Calhoun, Dean Ho, Larry Zybszko and now Rick Martel.

December 8, 1980
Pedro Morales def. Ken Patera to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion with Pat Patterson as guest referee
Bruno Sammartino def. Sgt. Slaughter by CO
Pedro wins the IC title from Patera with first holder Patterson as guest ref. No Backlund so Bruno/Slaughter is the main. John Lennon was shot this night, a 40-minute walk away from MSG.

December 29, 1980
Pat Patterson def. Ken Patera by DQ
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Killer Khan
Patera and guest ref for his IC Title loss Patterson face off again at MSG. Backlund beats Khan in a one and done. Morales defended his newly won IC against the Hangman, who I can’t seem to find info on his identity.

1981

February 16, 1981
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Sgt. Slaughter by DQ
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a draw with Stan Hansen by referee stoppage
Backlund takes on another old Bruno rival Hansen. Morales beats Sarge by disqualification.

March 16, 1981
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Moondog King
Stan Hansen def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by CO
Backlund/Hansen gets set up for a third match. Prior to the match, Patterson entered the ring and used the house mic to issue a challenge to Slaughter.

- On March 17, The Moondogs (Rex & King) defeated Martel/Garea to become the new tag champs. Moondog Rex was Randy Colley, who would portray Demolition Smash for a few weeks before he was replaced by Barry Darsow due to fans chanting “Moondog” during their matches. The Moondog gimmick had been portrayed in the Fed in 1973 by Moondog Mayne, who died in a car crash in August 1978.

April 6, 1981
Pat Patterson went to a double DQ with Sgt. Slaughter
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Stan Hansen in a Steel Cage match
Backlund wins the cage blowoff and Patterson/Slaugter sets up a famous rematch.

- On April 13, Killer Khan was credited with breaking Andre’s ankle during their match that night, when it actually occurred when Andre got out of bed. He continued to work the rest of the month before taking almost 2 months off.

May 4, 1981
Angelo Mosca def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by DQ
Pat Patterson def. Sgt. Slaugher in an Alley Fight
Former CFL player Mosca’s MSG debut, setting up a rematch with Backlund. Patterson/Slaughter have their famous Alley Fight that won the Observer MOTY.

- On May 1, Moondog King, after being unable to enter the US from Canada, was replaced by Moondog Spot. Spot was previously Larry Lantham, partner of the future Honky Tonk Man in the Blond Bombers in Memphis, who had the famous Tupelo Concession Stand Brawl against Lawler/Dundee in June 1979.

June 8, 1981
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Sgt. Slaughter by DQ
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Angelo Mosca with Pat Patterson as guest referee
Backlund wins the rematch with Patterson as guest ref. After an inconclusive match in Feb, Pedro/Slaughter have another here. Hennig and Muraco’s MSG debuts.

- On June 20, Don Muraco beat Pedro Morales to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion at the Philadelphia Spectrum.

July 20, 1981
Pat Patterson def. Angelo Mosca
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Pedro Morales
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. George Steele
Stemming from the title match loss for Mosca with Patterson as ref, we get those two facing off. Muraco/Pedro have a time-limit draw rematch after the title change in Philly. Steele is again a MSG World Title challenger.

- On July 21, Martel/Garea win back their tag titles from the Moondogs.

August 24, 1981
Pedro Morales def. Angelo Mosca
Andre the Giant def. Killer Khan in a Texas Death match with Pat Patterson & Gorilla Monsoon as guest referees
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion]
WWF Champ and IC Champ go to a 60-minute draw. Andre avenges his broken ankle against Khan in a Texas Death match that won PWI MOTY. Mosca has now faced Backlund, Backlund, Patterson and Pedro on back-to-back MSG shows and he is starting to feel like the most high-profile wrestler from 1980-onwards that I had never heard of.

September 21, 1981
Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito co-won a $10,000, 20-man battle royal by last eliminating Rick Martel [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] in a Texas Death match
Backlund defeats Muraco in the blowoff. Fuji and Saito get set up to win the tag titles.

- On October 13, after 3 reigns with Tanaka, Fuji wins the tag titles for a fourth time with a new partner in Mr. Saito, defeating Martel/Garea in Allentown, PA.

October 19, 1981
Pat Patterson def. Angelo Mosca
Pedro Morales def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by referee stoppage
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a NC with Greg Valentine
Valentine was airplane spinning Backlund and knocked down the ref, before falling over himself in a daze. Backlund scored the pin, but the confused and dazed ref awarded the match to Valentine as they both wore black tights. The NY State Athletic Commission announced it a no decision and the title would be held up pending further investigation. Muraco won the title from Pedro in June and their MSG match in July went to a draw, with them having an inconclusive finish again.

November 23, 1981
Dusty Rhodes def. Angelo Mosca
Pedro Morales def. Don Muraco in a Texas Death match to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Greg Valentine
In New York, this was considered to be Backlund winning the vacant title after it was held up the previous month, but everywhere he had continued to be announced as champion and defended the title. Pedro wins the blowoff with Muraco to regain the IC Title. Another big-time match for Mosca, against Dusty, and another loss and that was basically it for him in the States. It is now more understandable why I have not heard of him, with such a short, but impressive, run.

1982

January 18, 1982
Greg Valentine def. Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by DQ
Adrian Adonis def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by referee stoppage
Backlund/Adonis gets set up for a rematch. Valentine moves down from World Title challenging to IC and a rematch is set up. Ventura’s MSG debut.

February 15, 1982
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Greg Valentine in a Brass Knuckles Alley Fight with Ivan Putski as guest referee
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Adrian Adonis in a Texas Death match with Ivan Putski as a guest referee
Ivan Putski as guest ref for both title matches must have had a story behind it but I don’t know what it is. Pedro and Backlund win their gimmick blowoff matches.

March 14, 1982
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Adrian Adonis
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Jesse Ventura
Adonis drops down to IC challenger and Backlund beats Jesse.

April 26, 1982
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion], Andre the Giant & Ivan Putski def. Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito [WWF Tag Team Champions] & Greg Valentine
Jimmy Snuka def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by DQ
Snuka beats Backlund by DQ in his MSG debut to set up a rematch. The 6-man closed the show with the faces winning 2-0, the first via DQ. Bob Orton Jr.’s MSG debut.

June 5, 1982
Andre the Giant went to a double CO with Blackjack Mulligan
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Mr. Fuji [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Jimmy Snuka def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by CO
Snuka wins again to set up the cage blowoff. IC Champ vs. Tag Champ. Andre/Blackjack closed the show.

June 28, 1982
Chief Jay Strongbow & Jules Strongbow def. Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito to become the new WWF World Tag Team Champions
Bob Orton Jr. def. Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by DQ
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Jimmy Snuka in a Steel Cage match
Backlund wins the cage blowoff which was PWI MOTY. Orton Jr. beats IC Champ Pedro by DQ. Kayfabe brother Jay and Jules end Fuji/Saito’s 8-month reign.

- On July 13, after only 2 weeks, Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito win the tag titles back from the Strongbows.

August 2, 1982
Andre the Giant def. Blackjack Mulligan in a Texas Death match
Jimmy Snuka def. Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Bob Orton Jr.
Andre beats Blackjack, while Snuka drops down from World to IC challenger status and Backlund defeats Orton Jr.

August 30, 1982
Tiger Mask [WWF Jr. Heavyweight Champion] def. Dynamite Kid
Andre the Giant, Chief Jay Strongbow & Jules Strongbow def. Blackjack Mulligan & Mr Fuji & Mr. Saito [WWF Tag Team Champions]
Bob Orton Jr. def. Pat Patterson by CO
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a double DQ with Jimmy Snuka
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Buddy Rose
Backlund defends against Buddy Rose in a one and done. Pedro/Snuka have a second inconclusive match. After failing to win the World Title, Orton Jr. beats Patterson by countout. The Andre/Mulligan and tag title feuds intertwine. Tiger Mask and Dynamite Kid have their MSG debuts with a famous match.

October 4, 1982
Andre the Giant def. Bob Orton Jr.
Chief Jay Strongbow & Jules Strongbow def. Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito [WWF Tag Team Champions] in a 2/3 falls match
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Buddy Rose
Billy Graham def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by DQ
The man who Backlund won his title from is back to have another go and wins by DQ to set up a rematch. Rose does the now standard drop down from World to IC challenger status and they set up a rematch. The Strongbows beat the tag champs, but the winning fall is by DQ, so they do not win the tag titles. Andre beats Orton Jr.

- On October 26, the Strongbows win back the tag titles from Fuji/Saito.

November 22, 1982
Ray Stevens def. Chief Jay Strongbow [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Buddy Rose
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a double DQ with Billy Graham
Backlund and Graham set up a third match. Morales wins the blowoff with Rose. Ray Stevens’s first MSG match since January 1973, almost a decade, defeating tag champ Strongbow.

December 28, 1982
Jimmy Snuka def. Ray Stevens
Chief Jay Strongbow & Jules Strongbow [WWF Tag Team Champions] def. Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito in a Texas Death match
Pedro Morales [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a double DQ with Don Muraco
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Billy Graham
Backlund wins the blowoff with Graham. Morales/Muraco begins up again. The big tag title program is blown off in a Texas Death match. Snuka with Buddy Rogers in his corner beats Stevens with Freddie Blassie and Lou Albano

1983

January 22, 1983
Ray Stevens def. Jules Strongbow [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Jimmy Snuka def. Buddy Rose
Don Muraco def. Pedro Morales to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Big John Studd
Backlund with a one and done win over Studd. Muraco regains the IC Title from Morales, ending his 14-month reign. Snuka beats Rose who was recently challenging for the World and IC Titles. Stevens beats the other tag champion after beating Jay two months back.

February 18, 1983
Big John Studd def. Jules Strongbow [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Ray Stevens def. Chief Jay Strongbow [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Rocky Johnson def. Billy Graham
Andre the Giant & Jimmy Snuka def. Afa & Sika
Pedro Morales def. Buddy Rose
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion by DQ]
New IC Champ beats Backlund by DQ to set up a rematch. Pedro, off losing the IC, gets a win over Rose. Andre/Snuka beat the future tag champs. Graham is on the way down after challenging Backlund so loses to Rock’s dad. Ray Stevens beats Chief Jay again and Big John Stuff beats the other Tag Champ.

- On March 8, the Wild Samoans win the tag titles for a third time by beating the Strongbows.

March 20, 1983
Andre the Giant, Rocky Johnson & Jimmy Snuka def. Afa & Sika [WWF World Tag Team Champions] & Big John Studd in a 3/5 falls match
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] in a Texas Death match
Backlund wins the Texas Death blowoff with Muraco. The faces win the 3/5 falls 6-man 3-0 in under 10 minutes – way to bury the heels.

April 25, 1983
Andre the Giant def. Big John Studd by CO
Jimmy Snuka def. Billy Graham
Rocky Johnson def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Ivan Koloff
After challenging Backlund in 1978, former champion Koloff has another go. Rock’s dad sets up a rematch with the first “The Rock” by beating him by countout. Snuka beats Superstar and Andre beats Studd by countout.

May 23, 1983
Dusty Rhodes def. Samula
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a curfew draw with Rocky Johnson
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Sgt. Slaughter by DQ
After Slaughter beat Backlund by DQ in October 1980, we finally get the rematch, with Backlund winning by DQ this time. Muraco and Johnson go to a curfew draw while Muraco was caught in a sleeper. Because the match was stopped at this point, the fans initially thought Rocky had won the title. Dusty Rhodes defeats Samula, who is Afa’s son and Sika’s nephew, the future Samu of the Samoan SWAT Team and the Headshrinkers. He was brought in as a third Samoan to cover for the injured Sika in March.

June 17, 1983
Andre the Giant def. Big John Studd
Rocky Johnson, Jimmy Snuka & Ivan Putski def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] & Afa & Sika [WWF Tag Team Champions] in a 2/3 falls match
Sgt. Slaughter def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by CO
Slaughter/Backlund continues to be unresolved and never would be. As does Muraco/Johnson. Andre beats Studd by bodyslam when they would run a bodyslam match at the same venue in just under two years at Mania I. Maybe Studd had put on weight by then.

July 30, 1983
Andre the Giant, Dusty Rhodes & Ivan Putski def. Afa & Sika [WWF World Tag Team Champions] & Samula
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a double DQ with Jimmy Snuka
George Steele def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by DQ
George Steele is again a MSG heel challenger. Coming out of the 6-man, Muraco/Snuka is inconclusive. The three Samoans all together here. Tito’s MSG after a 3-year absence here.

August 27, 1983
Andre the Giant, Rocky Johnson, Ivan Putski & Tito Santana def. Big John Studd, Sgt. Slaughter, Sika [WWF World Tag Team Champion] & Samula (sub for Afa) in a 3/5 falls match
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Jimmy Snuka by CO
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. George Steele
Backlund beats Steele while Muraco/Snuka is still inconclusive to set up a famous cage match blowoff. The faces win the 8-man tag 3 falls to 1 in under 13 mins.

October 17, 1983
Sgt. Slaughter def. Ivan Putski by DQ
Rocky Johnson def. Sika [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Andre the Giant def. Afa [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Jimmy Snuka in a Steel Cage match
Masked Superstar def. Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] by CO
The famous cage match with the post-match dive that inspired Foley. Tommy Dreamer and Bubba Ray Dudley were also in attendance. The Masked Superstar is the future Ax, who beat Backlund by countout in his MSG debut to set up a rematch. Andre beat Afa, while Rocky Johnson beat the other tag champ to set him up for his title win.

- On November 15, the recently teaming Rocky Johnson & Tony Atlas (Soul Patrol) end the Wild Samoans’ 8-month reign in Allentown, PA to win the tag titles. But this was a taped match, to be aired on December 10, so the Samoans were still announced as champions on shows before then.

November 21, 1983
Pat Patterson def. Ivan Koloff
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Iron Mike Sharpe
Tony Atlas def. Big John Studd by CO
Afa & Sika [WWF World Tag Team Champions] def. Rocky Johnson & S.D. Jones
Iron Sheik def. Tony Garea
Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] def. Masked Superstar
Backlund beats future Ax to close the show. The former Hussein Arab returns to MSG after almost 4 years and beats Garea. The Wild Samoans are still billed as tag champs and beat Johnson/Jones, rather than Atlas so Jones can do the job. Atlas gets a nice countout win over Studd instead. Muraco beats Sharpe and played the face in the match. Patterson beats Koloff by countout in a battle of the legends.

December 26, 1983
Afa, Sika & Samula def. Rocky Johnson & Tony Atlas [WWF World Tag Team Champions] & S.D. Jones in a 2/3 falls match
Jimmy Snuka & Arnold Skaaland (sub for Buddy Rogers) def. Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] & Lou Albano
Sgt. Slaughter def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Masked Superstar went to a double DQ with Ivan Putski
Iron Sheik def. Bob Backlund by corner submission to become the new WWF World Champion
Sheiky Baby wins the title after Skaaland throws in the towel while Backlund is trapped in the Camel Clutch. Masked Superstar goes to double DQ with Putski after his coming down from his World Title challenge. Slaughter beats Chief Jay. The Snuka/Muraco feud continues in a tag and Jones is the fall guy again in the Samoans/Soul Patrol feud.

- On December 27, Hulk Hogan returns in St Louis, MO after almost 3 years aware.

1984

January 23, 1984
Paul Orndorff with Roddy Piper def. Salvatore Bellomo
Masked Superstar def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Sgt. Slaughter def. Ivan Putski by CO
Andre the Giant & Rocky Johnson & Tony Atlas [WWF World Tag Team Champions] def. Afa, Sika & Samula
Don Muraco [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a double DQ with Tito Santana
Hulk Hogan (sub for Bob Backlund) def. Iron Sheik to become the new WWF World Champion
Hogan replaces Backlund and wins the title in just over 5 minutes, with Sheik being just another heel transition champion. Andre pours champagne over Hogan’s head backstage and the Hulkamania era has begun. Orndorff makes his MSG debut here and Piper, in his first MSG appearance in 5 years, is in his corner. Muraco/Santana sets up rematches.

- On February 11, Tito Santana ended Don Muraco’s near 13-month reign in Boston, MA to become the new WWF Intercontinental Champion.

February 20, 1984
Iron Sheik def. Eddie Gilbert
Andre the Giant def. Masked Superstar
Roddy Piper & David Schultz def. Invader #1 & Invader #2
Rocky Johnson & Tony Atlas [WWF World Tag Team Champion] & Ivan Putski def. Sgt. Slaughter, Mr. Fuji & Tiger Chung Lee
Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Don Muraco
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] def. Paul Orndorff
Hogan makes his first MSG defence against Orndorff and no Backlund to make way for the new champion. Tito makes his first MSG defence in a rematch against Muraco. Slaughter teams with foreigners but Fuji yells at him leading to Fuji getting pinned. Post-match, Slaughter shakes his opponents hands and waves a US flag handed to him from the crowd. Just after this, his face turn would happen on TV with him chasing off Iron Sheik and leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Schultz makes his MSG debut teaming with Piper and one of their opponents, Invader #1 Jose Gonzalez, would murder Bruiser Brody in just over 4 years. Andre beats Masked Superstar and he would not return to MSG until February 1987 as Ax. Sheik gets a win over Eddie Gilbert after dropping the title.

March 25, 1984
Iron Sheik def. Ivan Putski
Rocky Johnson & Tony Atlas [WWF World Tag Team Champion] went to a double DQ with Afa & Sika
Sgt. Slaughter def. Mr. Fuji & Tiger Lee Chung in a handicap match
Roddy Piper & David Schultz def. Andre the Giant & Jimmy Snuka by DQ
Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Paul Orndorff
Bob Backlund went to a double CO with Greg Valentine
No Hogan, who was in St Louis, MO and then LA the two nights before – the national expansion is in full throttle. Backlund closes the show against old rival Valentine. Orndorff does the drop down from World Title to IC. Piper busted Andre’s head open with a weapon, sending him to the back, but Snuka wanted to carry on as a handicap before Andre came back out and cleared the ring. Slaughter the foreigners who wronged him last month on the way to his face turn, where he will take on Iron Sheik who beat Putski here. Akira Maeda is on the undercard here, having left New Japan in the February and worked with WWF throughout March and May. Here, he won a tournament final to be crowned the WWF International Champion to take back to the shoot-style UWF that he and others founded in the April. I had no idea Hulkamania WWF had such a direct connection to those early shoot-style feds in Japan.

- On March 28, they filmed the Piper’s Pit segment where Piper hit Snuka over the head with a coconut. This was aired locally in St. Louis on April 1 to build up matches there in May but not shown until June nationally.

- On April 17, Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch (The North-South Connection) beat Soul Patrol, ending their 5-month reign, to become the new tag champs.

April 23, 1984
Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. J.J. Dillon (sub for Afa)
Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff & David Schultz def. Rocky Johnson, Tony Atlas & Ivan Putski
Iron Sheik def. Sgt. Slaughter by DQ
Bob Backlund def. Greg Valentine
No Hogan again, who is doing the national expansion and will be a special attraction at MSG this year. Backlund/Valentine closes the show again, with Backlund winning. Slaughter got DQed for repeatedly hitting Sheik in the head with his boot. Tito’s substitute IC Title opponent is J.J. fuckin’ Dillon. Piper used brass knucks to pin Putski.

May 21, 1984
The Fabulous Moolah [WWF Women’s Champion] def. Wendi Richter by DQ
Afa, Sika & Samula def. Bobo Brazil (sub for Tony Atlas), Rocky Johnson & S.D. Jones
Roddy Piper def. Ivan Putski by DQ
Jimmy Snuka def. Greg Valentine by DQ
Paul Orndorff def. Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Sgt. Slaughter went to a double DQ with Iron Sheik
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] def. David Schultz
Seriously stacked show. Hogan is back after 3 months and after taking on Orndorff, he is now facing Schultz and Piper is clearly in his future. Slaughter and Sheik is inconclusive again to set up the famous Boot Camp match. Tito/Orndorff is again inconclusive. Snuka/Valentine and Piper/Putski are won by DQ by the formers. Legend Bobo Brazil subs for Atlas against the Samoans. With a DQ finish, Moolah/Richter is set up for a very famous rematch. Ventura returns after 2 years away, beats Bellomo and calls out Hogan.

June 16, 1984
Bob Orton Jr. def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch [WWF World Tag Team Champions] def. Afa & Sika
Andre the Giant def. David Schultz
Greg Valentine def. Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Sgt. Slaughter def. Iron Sheik in a Boot Camp match
No Hogan for the third out of four shows – he was working Studd in Florida that night, fronting the national expansion. The famous Boot Camp match with Slaughter beating Sheik closed the show. Tito/Valentine was set up for rematches down the line and his next MSG opponent Orton Jr. got a win over Strongbow. After losing to Hulk, Schultz lost to Andre. The North-South Connection beat the now face Samoans to retain their tag titles. Mad Dog Vachon also returned to MSG after 10 years away on this show, beating Steve Lombardi (the future Kim Chee, Brooklyn Brawler, MVP and Abe “Knuckleball” Schwartz) in his MSG debut.

July 23, 1984
Bob Backlund def. Butcher Vachon (sub for B. Brian Blair)
Iron Sheik def. Tony Garea
Antonio Inoki [WWF Martial Arts Champion] def. Charlie Fulton
Antonio Inoki won a 20-man battle royal
Paul Orndorff def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdock [WWF World Tag Team Champions] def. Sgt. Slaughter & Terry Daniels
Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a time-limit draw with Bob Orton Jr.
Wendi Richter with Cyndi Lauper def. Fabulous Moolah with Lou Albano to become the new WWF Women’s Champion
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] def. Greg Valentine
Richter/Moolah with Lauper’s involvement aired on MTV as The Brawl to End It All, drawing a 9.0 rating, with Richter’s ending Moolah’s long reign, recognised as almost 28 years. Hogan defended against Valentine who had just beat the IC Champ by countout. Tito and Orton Jr. went to a 20-minute time limit draw. Terry “no Wiki page” Daniels, who worked in the Fed from March to August 1984, did the job in the North-South/Sarge match. After putting over Orton Jr. the previous month, Strongbow puts over Orndorff here. After losing to Slaughter, Sheik beats Garea on the undercard. Inoki won a quick match on the undercard and a battle royal to close the show. This would be Backlund’s last MSG match for over 8 years.

August 25, 1984
Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch [WWF World Tag Team Champions] def. Afa & Sika by DQ
Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts with David Wolff def. Butcher Vachon, Ron Shaw & Pete Doherty
Ken Patera def. Pat Patterson
Tito Santana [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Greg Valentine
Roddy Piper def. Jimmy Snuka by CO
No Hogan, as he was working the first ever WWF show at the Omni this night and then the Met Center in AWA territory the night after. Piper/Snuka was the main event with Piper winning by countout and then driving a chair three times into Snuka’s neck, with him being stretchered backstage. Tito gets a pin over Valentine, but Greg’s leg was on the rope. Old rivalry with Patera/Patterson is brought back here in Patera’s first MSG match in 4 years. Kamala made his MSG debut in the opener, beating Chief Jay. This was the Freebirds’ only MSG appearance as they were in the Fed for under two months due to their attitude seeing them turfed out. They were accompanied by Lauper’s manager here and she even came out to celebrate with them post-match on their TV debut taped at the Philly Spectrum. With the Rock ‘n’ Wrestling connection taking off, them being linked in with Lauper, the potential for them to be recording singles and the like, this is a pretty big “what if?” in wrestling history.

September 22, 1984
Nikolai Volkoff def. Chief Jay Strongbow
Sgt. Slaughter, Afa & Sika def. Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch [WWF World Tag Team Champions] & Lou Albano
Big John Studd (sub for Jesse Ventura) def. Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] by CO
Heenan’s surprise debut with Studd, who was sub for Jesse due to the blood clot in his lung that would severely limit his in-ring activity from now on. Studd won by CO to set up a rematch. Slaughter and the Samoans beat the tag champs and Albano. Volkoff returned on July 31 after 5 years away and this was his return to MSG, beating Strongbow. Beefcake made his MSG debut in the opener.

- On September 24, Greg Valentine ended Tito’s 7-month reign as IC Champ, with it airing on October 13.

October 22, 1984
Afa went to a draw with Dick Murdoch [WWF World Tag Team Champion]
Sika def. Adrian Adonis [WW World Tag Team Champion]
Ken Patera def. Rocky Johnson
Greg Valentine [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Tito Santana by DQ
Nikolai Volkoff def. Sgt. Slaughter by CO
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] def. Big John Studd
After losing the first match by CO, the stip here was that Hogan could lose the belt by CO, but he defeated Studd. Slaughter/Volkoff was being set up here with an inconclusive first match but Slaughter left in early December. Valentine retained his title by DQ in a rematch with Tito. Patera beats Rock’s dad and the Samoans beat the tag champs in singles matches.

November 26, 1984
Angelo Mosca def. Mr. Fuji
David Schultz def. Rocky Johnson
David Sammartino with Bruno Sammartino def. Ken Patera by DQ
Greg Valentine [WWF Intercontinental Champion] went to a curfew draw with Tito Santana
Roddy Piper with Bob Orton Jr. went to a double DQ with Tonga Kid with Jimmy Snuka
No Hogan. The main event was Piper vs. a Snuka surrogate the Tonga Kid with Snuka in his corner. Tonga Kid was the future Tama of the Islanders and Samoan Savage of the Samoan SWAT Team and had only turned 19 the month prior. You also had Valentine/Tito again, closing out the show. This also featured Bruno’s return to MSG after 4 years to be in his son’s corner against old rival Patera, which you could even argue was the main draw and gave them confidence to run Piper/Tonga. My unknown boy Mosca came back here after 3 years away in his final MSG match to beat Fuji. Barry Windham also made his MSG debut here.

December 28, 1984
The Cobra def. Black Tiger to win the vacant WWF Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch [WWF Tag Team Champions] went to a double CO with Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco
Antonio Inoki [WWF Martial Arts Champion] def. David Schultz
Roddy Piper & Bob Orton, Jr. went to a double DQ with Jimmy Snuka & Tonga Kid
Cyndi Lauper award ceremony
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] def. Iron Sheik
11 months after winning the title against him, Hogan beats Sheik again. Featured a very famous segment where the WWF is congratulating Cyndi Lauper for her achievement in promoting women’s wrestling and she gives the Fed a gold record, thanking Hogan, Richter and the fans. She also thanks Captain Lou, longtime heel, who gets a mixed reaction. Piper and Orton come out and Piper smashes the record over Albano’s head before kicking away Lauper who dived at his feet. When David Wolff goes to defend her, he gets a bodyslam, before Hogan runs in for the save. Earlier, Piper/Orton went to a double DQ with Snuka/Tonga. Schultz slapped ABC reporter John Stossel backstage here, after he asked if wrestling was fake, and this would end up being Schultz’s last MSG appearance losing to Inoki in his own final MSG match. The Cobra was George Takano and Black Tiger was famous British wrestler Mark “Rollerball” Rocco. The tag title match here between the North-South Connection and the Brisco Bros has often been held up as one of the best WWF matches of the 80s. This show was also JYD’s MSG debut.

1985

January 21, 1985
Andre the Giant def. Ken Patera by DQ
Tito Santana def. Greg Valentine [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Roddy Piper & Bob Orton, Jr. def. Jimmy Snuka & Junkyard Dog (sub for Tonga Kid) in a Texas Tornado match
Hogan was in Hartford this same night. Orton pinned JYD after Piper tripped him from the apron. Tito’s flying forearm sent Valentine to the floor to get him a countout win. Andre beat Patera by DQ after Heenan attacked him with knucks. Muraco beat Swede Hanson in his MSG return to the ring after a repackaging with Fuji. Pedro Morales, after almost 2 years away, was introduced to the crowd before the Muraco match. This show also featured Rita Marie as ref of Mulligan/Spot and claimed as first ever female ref, in addition to the MSG debuts of Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart, in back-to-back singles.

- On the same night, in Hartford, CT, The US Express of Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo ended The North-South Connection’s 9-month reign to become the new tag champs. It was this same night that FCW promoter Eddie Graham committed suicide.

February 18, 1985
Leilani Kai with The Fabulous Moolah def. Wendi Richter with Cyndi Lauper to become the new WWF Women’s Champion
Jimmy Snuka def. Bob Orton, Jr.
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] with Cyndi Lauper def. Roddy Piper
Hogan/Piper was aired as The War to Settle the Score and drew a 9.1 rating on MTV. Lauper was in Hogan’s corner and Mr. T was in the crowd. Orton, Jr., who injured his arm in his loss to Snuka and had it in a sling, was in Piper’s corner but was replaced by Orndorff half-way through due to the injury. The match ended with Piper and Orndorff about to attack Piper before Mr. T interfered and we got a four-way standoff and officials filling the ring and pulling everyone apart to build to Mania I. In the Women’s Title match, Moolah attacked Lauper outside the ring and then nailed Richter when she came over for the save, helping Kai win the title. Hillbilly Jim’s MSG debut was here as well and one week later he would break his leg slipping on a wet patch outside the ring when in Hogan’s corner.

March 17, 1985
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff def. Bret Hart & George Wells
Andre the Giant, Jimmy Snuka & Junkyard Dog def. Big John Studd, Ken Patera & Jesse Ventura
Greg Valentine [WWF Intercontinental Champion] def. Tito Santana in a lumberjack match
With Mania on the horizon and essentially a special MSG show in between the regular monthly ones, this show does not feature Hogan, Piper or Orndorff and they still drew almost 19k. Valentine pins Santana to close the show and Snuka pinned Patera in the 6-man. Sheik/Volkoff get a win ahead of their tag title match at Mania.

March 31, 1985
David Sammartino with Bruno Sammartino def. Brutus Beefcake with Johnny Valiant
Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff def. Barry Windham & Mike Rotundo to become the new WWF World Tag Team Champions]
Junkyard Dog def. Greg Valentine [WWF Intercontinental Champion] by CO
Andre the Giant def. Big John Studd in a $15,000 Bodyslam match
Wendi Richter with Cyndi Lauper def. Leilani Kai with The Fabulous Moolah to become the new WWF Women’s Champion
Hulk Hogan [WWF World Champion] & Mr. T with Jimmy Snuka def. Roddy Piper & Paul Orndorff with Bob Orton, Jr. with Pat Patterson as referee & Muhammad Ali as guest referee outside the ring
This is the first WrestleMania and Hogan/T beat Piper/Orndorff in the main after Orton’s cast attack goes wrong. Richter with Lauper wins back the Women’s Title. Andre slams Studd a couple of years after he first did. JYD beats Valentine but does win the IC Title. Sheik/Volkoff become new tag champs. Bruno is in his son’s corner on the big show.

I'll be back with some comments in a bit, but feel free to add any of your own or point out any errors on my part. Hopefully this ends up being useful for someone other than myself.

This is going to be an invaluable resource. I've only combed through it real quick because I'm trying to do 5 things at once. But I've already come across a few neat little tidbits like the Hans Mortier character and Baba working exclusively in North America for almost two years. I had no idea.

Already in love. Now just even more so.

Strobe, fuck UT, YOU'RE my soul mate

Jun 3, 2020 0:48:50 GMT 🤯 said:

Already in love. Now just even more so.

Strobe, fuck UT, YOU'RE my soul mate

You’re dead to me bitch

No Hogan main events against Backlund in 1980, interesting. Plus I think the 9/22/80 Hogan/Andre match popped up on a DVD in recent years. Great work Strobe ,!

- The number of main event matches stopped due to blood loss fits right in with how jacked up many old school wrestlers' heads look.

- I love the gimmick match names: Greek Death (for Spiros Arion), Roman Gladiator, Sicilian Stretcher.

- Because of growing up with the Hulkamania era and its overall lack of violence/edge, on TV/PPV at least, I used to have the impression that the hardcore turn of the 90s was brand new. Like everything, you realise nothing is new, and guys were smashing each other with chairs, stabbing each other with pens and using barbed wire way, way, way back in the day. They just typically did it in matches that made serious money unlike plenty of wrestlers from the 90s onwards.

- The number of legit and kayfabe brothers in wrestling is pretty damn high.

- George Steele headlined MSG against Bruno in 1968 and 1969; Pedro in 1972 and 1973; Bruno again in 1975; then Backlund in 1978, 1981 and 1983. Very impressive.

- Waldo Von Erich is someone who you don't hear much about. 3-match singles run with Bruno in 1964; 2-match singles run with him in 1969; 2-match singles run with him in 1975. 7 singles MSG main events over a 9-year period. Big-time stuff.

- I had no idea Volkoff was headlining MSG against Bruno as Beto Mongol in 1970 and then 1974 and 1976 as Nikolai Volkoff.

- Pedro did not seem to work as many programs/rematches at MSG as Bruno and Backlund. Plenty of one and dones and not a single three-in-a-row. Though there were less three-in-a-row programs than I was expecting for everyone, considering how people always talk about them as Vince Sr's predictable standard.

- It is cool to see Fuji's history. Becoming a tag champ with Tanaka (who was headlining with Bruno in 1967) in 1972 and them being a prominent team in 1972-73. Them returning and having another good run in 1977-78. Then Fuji having another prominent run as tag champ with Mr. Saito in 1981-82. For fans from back then, he would've had real cred as a manager in the tag division especially with Demolition and Powers of Pain.

- I also did not know that Backlund took on Iron Sheik (as Hussein Arab) for the title at MSG 4 and a half years before their title switch.

- Has anyone heard of Angelo Mosca before?

- It is always interesting to see how titles were used in the past. In the Hulkamania era where they built a huge roster and ran A, B and C shows, you would keep the World, IC and Tag Champs separate and in their own deals and any of them could headline shows. If you gave someone the IC Title, the last thing you'd do is have them lose to the World Champ. In the past, you would often win a title (US Tag, World Tag, NA, IC, depending on the era) just before, during or just after a run against the World Champ. Holding any title made you a legit contender for the top prize.

- There are some seriously long matches there between workers who do not have the rep to make you think they could be bareable to sit through. Bruno/Gorilla going 40, 50 and 70 minutes. Bruno/Steele going 50. Bruno/Pedro going 65. Pedro/Stasiak going 50. Bruno/Volkoff going 50. Backlund going 60 with Muraco.

- What was up with those two random 3/5 falls tags, a 6-man in March 1983 and an 8-man in August 1983, that went 10 and 13 mins respectively?

- There are some big historical things missing from this as I don't have accurate enough dates. Toots Mondt leaving in the late 60s. WWWF rejoining the NWA in 1971. Vince Jr. founded Titan Sports on Feb 21, 1980 but then it seems like he officially bought out and took over from his father in 1982. Then they left the NWA again in 1983. Does anyone have any reasonably accurate dates rather than just years for these?

Jun 3, 2020 1:53:19 GMT Strobe said:

- Has anyone heard of Angelo Mosca before?

Yeah. He was a Canadian Football League star back in the day who got into wrestling as football players often did back then. I know him mainly in a roundabout way. His son, Angelo Jr, had a run in Crockett around 83-84. Angelo Jr. was supposedly terrible. But they'd trot out Angelo Sr. to give him the rub in that Bruno/David Sammartino sort of way. 

Favorite thread of the week. High bar for the month. Loving every Strobe post.

Had no idea Pedro won the WWWF Championship in only his 2nd MSG match. Old school WW(W)F sure liked doing the super babyface push outta nowhere.

I did know about Nikolai Volkoff's 70s career as a Mongol and Bruno opponent, though not the exact years.

I get a kick out of the no Wikipedia page guys like poor Crusher Verdu and Terry Daniels.

Those insanely long 70s WWWF matches sound brutal.

Those silly 3/5 Falls matches intrigued me for some weird reason when I first of their existence. I remember seeing one with Andre and The Samoans at some point. An old Coliseum Home Video, maybe?

As for Bobo Brazil and the US Title, I was always under the impression that was the main championship in The Sheik's Michigan-based territory, which he and Bobo traded back and forth for years. I have no idea if this particular version of the US Championship is a WWWF exclusive or Bobo & The Sheik occasionally brought their championship and feud to MSG. My guess is the latter.

Jun 3, 2020 1:24:00 GMT Shootist said:

No Hogan main events against Backlund in 1980, interesting.

2/7 Worcester, MA
3/8 Landover, MD
3/11 Portland, ME
4/8 Middlesex, NJ
4/12 Philadelphia, PA
5/10 Philadelphia, PA
5/30 Takamatsu, Kagawa (in the MSG Series)
7/4 Glens Falls, NY
7/5 Springfield, MA
7/8 Allentown, PA
12/1 Nagoya, Aichi (in the MSG Tag League; Backlund/Inoki vs. Hogan/Hansen)
12/10 Osaka, Osaka (MSG Tag League Final; Backlund/Inoki vs. Hogan/Hansen)
12/19 ?

Quite fun that the three Japanese matches are on MSG labelled events.

I had assumed for the most part that if you did this same thing through Boston Garden or Philly Spectrum shows that the gist would be similar, perhaps with certain feuds offset a bit. But even just this (Backlund/Hogan at Philly Spectrum in 1980) and a quick look at 1981 Boston Garden showed me they got Bruno/Hansen essentially in parallel to Backlund/Hansen at MSG, three match series ending with a cage match, and it seems like they got a proper Backlund/Slaughter blowoff as well.

Jun 3, 2020 1:53:19 GMT Strobe said:

- The number of main event matches stopped due to blood loss fits right in with how jacked up many old school wrestlers' heads look.

- I love the gimmick match names: Greek Death (for Spiros Arion), Roman Gladiator, Sicilian Stretcher.

- Because of growing up with the Hulkamania era and its overall lack of violence/edge, on TV/PPV at least, I used to have the impression that the hardcore turn of the 90s was brand new. Like everything, you realise nothing is new, and guys were smashing each other with chairs, stabbing each other with pens and using barbed wire way, way, way back in the day. They just typically did it in matches that made serious money unlike plenty of wrestlers from the 90s onwards.

- The number of legit and kayfabe brothers in wrestling is pretty damn high.

- George Steele headlined MSG against Bruno in 1968 and 1969; Pedro in 1972 and 1973; Bruno again in 1975; then Backlund in 1978, 1981 and 1983. Very impressive.

- Waldo Von Erich is someone who you don't hear much about. 3-match singles run with Bruno in 1964; 2-match singles run with him in 1969; 2-match singles run with him in 1975. 7 singles MSG main events over a 9-year period. Big-time stuff.

- I had no idea Volkoff was headlining MSG against Bruno as Beto Mongol in 1970 and then 1974 and 1976 as Nikolai Volkoff.

- Pedro did not seem to work as many programs/rematches at MSG as Bruno and Backlund. Plenty of one and dones and not a single three-in-a-row. Though there were less three-in-a-row programs than I was expecting for everyone, considering how people always talk about them as Vince Sr's predictable standard.

- It is cool to see Fuji's history. Becoming a tag champ with Tanaka (who was headlining with Bruno in 1967) in 1972 and them being a prominent team in 1972-73. Them returning and having another good run in 1977-78. Then Fuji having another prominent run as tag champ with Mr. Saito in 1981-82. For fans from back then, he would've had real cred as a manager in the tag division especially with Demolition and Powers of Pain.

- I also did not know that Backlund took on Iron Sheik (as Hussein Arab) for the title at MSG 4 and a half years before their title switch.

- Has anyone heard of Angelo Mosca before?

- It is always interesting to see how titles were used in the past. In the Hulkamania era where they built a huge roster and ran A, B and C shows, you would keep the World, IC and Tag Champs separate and in their own deals and any of them could headline shows. If you gave someone the IC Title, the last thing you'd do is have them lose to the World Champ. In the past, you would often win a title (US Tag, World Tag, NA, IC, depending on the era) just before, during or just after a run against the World Champ. Holding any title made you a legit contender for the top prize.

- There are some seriously long matches there between workers who do not have the rep to make you think they could be bareable to sit through. Bruno/Gorilla going 40, 50 and 70 minutes. Bruno/Steele going 50. Bruno/Pedro going 65. Pedro/Stasiak going 50. Bruno/Volkoff going 50. Backlund going 60 with Muraco.

- What was up with those two random 3/5 falls tags, a 6-man in March 1983 and an 8-man in August 1983, that went 10 and 13 mins respectively?

- There are some big historical things missing from this as I don't have accurate enough dates. Toots Mondt leaving in the late 60s. WWWF rejoining the NWA in 1971. Vince Jr. founded Titan Sports on Feb 21, 1980 but then it seems like he officially bought out and took over from his father in 1982. Then they left the NWA again in 1983. Does anyone have any reasonably accurate dates rather than just years for these?

Both Angelo Mosca and Waldo Von Erich were big names and favorites of my dad. Waldo was one of the top heels in Stampede from the early 60's to around the mid 70's I think. Angelo was a terror on defense for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats who beat our Saskatchewan Roughriders  in the 1972 Grey Cup.

If the WWF had continued doing the Hall of Fame beyond 1996, before it ruled the entire world, then I feel Ivan Koloff (crazy that they didn't put him in the last 15 years anyway), Waldo Von Erich, Spiros Arion, Prof. Toru Tanaka and Ken Patera would have been inducted. Probably Johnny Barend, Victor Rivera and Tony Garea as well.

I also just found out that Prof. Toru Tanaka (Bruno World Title MSG challenger in 1967 and 1968; Pedro World Title MSG challenger in 1972; first Intl Tag Champ with Arakawa as the Rising Suns in 1969; World Tag Champ with Fuji in 1972-73 and 1977-78) was motherfucking Sub Zero in The Running Man! He is announced as Professor Sub Zero after all!



And it is Charlie's Mum from Always Sunny that picks him. I love watching stuff again and seeing people you now recognise from seeing them in something more recent.  Tanaka was already 37 when he first met Bruno at MSG and was 57 when filming The Running Man.

He actually did work 5 WWF house show matches in November 1984 in California and then a singular final match in his career in July 1986 against Cousin Luke in California for the WWF. Just some nice little paydays close to where he was living. Now I want to hear someone tell me that they thought about bringing him in for a 1988 run as Sub Zero! Ventura worked on that film, could've been in his ear. Even just as a manager, heading a mercenary stable, given the guy would've been 3 years older than Taker today in 1988. I can picture Powers of Pain in this role, rather than as Road Warrior rip offs.

March 11, 1968
Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] def. Virgil the Kentucky Butcher

Virgil the Kentucky Butcher is an interesting character. In reality he's a Canadian named John Quinn who main evented MSG against Bruno as you see here and would later became one of the few North Americans to have an extended run in the UK during the 70s & 80s (a young Kamala is among the handful of others). Quinn was a huge heel on the other side of the pond due to his anti-Brit gimmick. My man Big Daddy's 2nd most famous match came against Quinn at (I think) Wembley Arena. They drew 10,000 to see Daddy defeat Quinn in under 2 minutes.

Akira Maeda is on the undercard here, having left New Japan in the February and worked with WWF throughout March and May. Here, he won a tournament final to be crowned the WWF International Champion to take back to the shoot-style UWF that he and others founded in the April. I had no idea Hulkamania WWF had such a direct connection to those early shoot-style feds in Japan.

Nor did I. Over the past few years I've discovered there was far more crossover between early Hulkamania WWF and Japan than I had previously thought. 

February 17, 1975
Spiros Arion def. Bruno Sammartino [WWWF World Champion] by DQ
Bruno takes on his old tag champion partner and loses by DQ

June 26, 1978
Backlund beats Bruno’s old friend then rival Arion in a one and done.

Many years ago I read an article by an old school wrestling fan (think it was local newspaper columnist and one time WWF, WCW, ROH employee Kevin Eck) explaining when he first started questioning the reality of wrestling. Spiros Arion played a major role in the shattering of kayfabe.

That '78 match with Backlund was likely soon after Arion's big heel turn on Chief Jay Strongbow. The writer in question thought Arion turning heel on Strongbow was the most dastardly deed he had ever seen. Arion famously turned on The Chief in a tag match and would later destroy Strongbow's sacred headdress in an angle WWF would recycle with IRS & Tatanka in 1994. Anyway, not long after Arion's big turn on Strongbow, the writer stumbled upon an old wrestling magazine article about Arion's 1975 turn on Bruno in a tag match which followed the exact same template as the later Strongbow turn. The writer in question thought there was something fishy about that and began to have doubts about just how real wrestling was.

I prefer to think Arion was simply the Curt Hennig of the 70s.

Bob Backlund [WWF World Champion] went to a NC with Greg Valentine
Valentine was airplane spinning Backlund and knocked down the ref, before falling over himself in a daze. Backlund scored the pin, but the confused and dazed ref awarded the match to Valentine as they both wore black tights.

This is some fabulous sports entertainment b.s. Love it. 

I'm still getting caught up on all the amazing content in this thread, but felt an urge to take a pause and ponder aloud...

Imagine if after Bruno & Pedro the (W)WWF had pivoted from its face champion booking model to a heel champion booking model -- with faces as transitional champs.

Superstar Billy Graham running rampant as a heel champ the likes of which no one's ever really seen before. Maybe a transitional reign for Dusty Rhodes or stick with Bob Backlund before putting the strap on Superstar's spiritual successor Jesse Ventura? Or hell... if the timing works, forget the transitional champs. Have Superstar Billy Graham become so over he is organically turned face by the fans. Then Ventura comes in as a bigger, better, badder, brasher version of Graham to take the title. Continue with this as your mold of champion by going straight from heel Ventura to face Hogan for the birth of Hulkamania.