Old School Wrestling Videos

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Stan Hansen vs David Sammartino 3/11/86

This was from Verne Gagne's AWA promotion. World Champion Stan Hansen defends against the son of the Living Legend...David Sammartino. Hansen was a very effective big man. His work ethic and credibility were top notch. Look for his dropkick and the feared Lariat!

Stan Hansen Bootleg Card

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Bob Backlund vs Adrian Adonis 1/18/82

This was from the World Wide Wrestling Federation. WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund defends against Adrian Adonis. Bob is seen with 9 years behind him at age 32. At the time Adonis (age 27) was considered to be one of the top young talents in the business with stand out technical skills and bump taking ability. Watch how these two gel.

Bob Backlund Bootleg Card

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Ric Flair vs Carlos Colon 1/6/83

This was from the World Wrestling Council based out of Puerto Rico. A unification match for the WWC and NWA 'World Titles'. Carlos Colon was an island legend and one of the owners of Capitol Sports. Ric Flair is seen on tour as traveling NWA World Champion. The crowd heat is off the charts.

The result seen here was used as a creative device for WWC to crown Colon the Universal Champion. The formula provided him more legitimacy in the eyes of the Caribbean market and stands as a championship lineage gimmick that's still used to this day. Historically significant.

Ric Flair Bootleg Card

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Antonio Inoki vs Ken Patera 9/3/80

This was from New Japan Pro Wrestling at the famed Budokan Hall. Antonio Inoki defends his NWF World title against Ken Patera. This is a good sampling of KP's work which mixed a power arsenal with audible taunts, crowd gesturing and surprisingly good bumping skills. Inoki plays his standard native hero role and from start to finish controls the emotions of the crowd.

Ken Patera is said to be the first American to both clean/jerk and clean/press 500 lbs. At his peak he perfected the role of an arrogant strongman heel and worked at or near the top in territories throughout the late 70's to early 80's. After his arrest in '85 and return from incarceration in '87 he never quite returned to form.

Ken Patera Bootleg Card

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Harley Race vs Dusty Rhodes 6/21/81

This was from Georgia Championship Wrestling at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia. NWA World Champion Harley Race defends against Dusty Rhodes. At the time Dusty would travel the circuit as a touring attraction and often used the accolade of being a 'Former World Champion' to enhance his appeal. Harley was tired of the intense schedule and the NWA Committee was looking for a new 'go to guy' to play the World Champion gig. After this switch Dusty worked 3 months in the king spot until it was finally decided that a young guy from the Carolina region was the right man for the job.

Dusty Rhodes Bootleg Card

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Carlos Colon vs Tully Blanchard 8/83

This was from the World Wrestling Council based out of Puerto Rico. Island legend Carlos Colon takes on the touring 'Super Brat' Tully Blanchard. TB was a phenomenal all around performer: exemplary in the ring, a solid promo man, knew how to project his persona and connect with the audience. He compensated for his lack of size with a strong work ethic, effective bumping, stooging/selling skills and the poise of a master ring general. I have seldom seen a 'poor' Tully Blanchard match. Here he plays his niche of a crafty yet cowardly heel....a formula he would use successfully in the US for the reminder of the decade.

Tully Blanchard Bootleg Card

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Colonel Buck Robley vs One Man Gang 9/15/82

This was from Bill Watts Mid South Wrestling under a Lumberjack Match format. Look at some of the talent surrounding the ring: Paul Orndorff, Mr. Wrestling II, JYD, Iron Mike Sharpe, Dick Murdoch, Killer Khan...an eclectic group of stars from the early 80's. A young One Man Gang shows promise while Buck Robley (who was working a tenure as BW's booker) essentially places himself in an against all odds underdog position. Watch for the Watts staple 'clean finish' in a match that reminds of the definitive power of the pencil.

One Man Gang Legends Originals Card

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Rick Martel & Tony Garea vs Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito 1981

This was from the World Wide Wrestling Federation at Madison Square Garden. World Tag Champions Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito defend against popular former Champions Rick Martel & Tony Garea. A good example of old school booking back at a time when recurring tag programs helped to sell what was once the prime source of revenue. Listen as young pre-owner stage Vince provides commentary while his future right hand man Pat Patterson serves as special referee.

Tony Garea Bootleg Card

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Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka vs Jerry Lawler & Bill Dundee 6/4/79

This was from Jerry Jarrett's Memphis based promotion. A short clip from action at the Mid South Coliseum. Champions Fuji & Tanaka defend against a pair of local Memphis legends. Watch for post match promo work by Jerry Lawler and Bill Dundee as they sell the return match while Lance Russell plays straight man.

Professor Toru Tanaka Bootleg Card

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Black Gordman & Great Goliath vs Andre The Giant 3/22/74

This was from the Los Angeles NWA affiliate ran by the LeBells (Judo Gene & Mike). It was formatted as a handicap match with Andre working his standard friendly giant comedy routine. It's a notable squash because Gordman and Goliath were normally booked in the area as a championship caliber team. Listen to how the announcers lay it on extra thick with the 'undefeated record', 'no man can even score a two count' and '8th wonder of the world' talk.

Back in the day having a shot at programming Andre was a golden opportunity to make some very serious cash. There were different variations on the theme but what smart money minded bookers around the world all had in common was a focus on milking ATG's aura for all that it was worth. LEGENDSonline players now have that same opportunity...with some unique challenges thrown into the equation.

Black Gordman Bootleg Card