Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden
by John Arezzi/Ritchie Garcia/Tim Puttre
From August 30th, 1971 through the summer of 1977 Pro Wrestling Historian and Author John Arezzi attended EVERY show at the famed arena, Madison Square Garden, often called the Mecca of pro wrestling. From his beginnings as a 14 year old wrestling fan, shooting photos and 8mm film footage at the matches, He then became the President of the Fred Blassie Fan Club. John eventually evolved to one of the very few credentialed photographers allowed backstage and given ringside press access. On this podcast (which will be released 50 years to the day of each Madison Sq. Garden wrestling show he attended), Arezzi shares his Mat Memories of that event. From the matches, to the backstage atmosphere, John looks back in time in this truly unique show. The show is co-hosted by the former owner of RING OF HONOR - Cary Silkin, and John's longtime friend and radio producer Tim Puttre. The show is researched and written by another long time friend and associate, Ritchie Garcia. <s
Episodes
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June 24th, 1974 Blassie, Bruno, Baba and more. With Evan Ginzburg and Cary Silkin
On this special episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Cary, Tim and I welcome wrestling historian - Evan Ginzburg. On June 24th, 1974 Evan attended his very first wrestling show, and we are happy to have him on this episode to talk about that night. And the card, which was a great...
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May 20th 1974 Bruno vs. Kowalski Rematch!
Here is Episode 31 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden. A very special episode with a roundtable of former Ring of Honor owner Cary Silkin, Hall of Fame Writer/Photographer George Napolitano and John Arezzi discuss a wide variety of topics from back in the day! Moderated by Tim Puttre.…
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April 29th 1974 Killer Kowalski battles Bruno Sammartino in a classic bloody brawl at MSG!
Here is Episode 30 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - where we review the wild April 29th, 1974 card that featured the brawl between challenger Killer Kowalski taking on the living legend Bruno Sammartino. Co-hosts John Arezzi and Cary Silkin go into detail on the show which featured…
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April 1st 1974 WWWF Madison Square Garden Show Vokloff vs Bruno!
Here is Episode 29 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - where we review the April 1st, 1974 house show from the mecca of all arenas. We welcome former owner of Ring of Honor - Cary Silkin as a co-host of the show beginning with this episode. Cary has a rich history - and attended most of...
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Bruno Sammartino vs. Nikolai Volkoff from March 4th - 1974
Here is Epsisode 28 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, reviewing the house show I attended at the Mecca of all arenas on March 4th, 1974. WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday Night March 4, 1974 bell time 8:30pm (22,091; sell out) The scheduled bout between Don Leo...
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Bruno Sammartino takes on Don Leo Jonathan in his first WWWF Title Defense at MSG after winning back the title
Tim Puttre and I review the first title defense for newly re-crowned champion, Bruno Sammartino at Madison Square Garden. WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – Monday night January 14, 1974 bell time 8:30 sellout crowd (22,147) Butcher Brannigan defeated Mike Pappas at 11:15 Otto Von...
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December 10th, 1973 Bruno Sammartino captures the WWWF title from Stan Stasiak
Here is episode 26 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden. A very special episode that reviews the night Bruno Sammartino re-captured the WWWF Heavyweight Title to begin his 2nd reign as champion. Bruno beat Stan Stasiak before a delirious crowd at the sold out Garden. John Tolos also makes…
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November 12th, 1973 Pedro Morales vs. Larry Hennig (Pedro's last title defense at MSG!) Andre the Giant
Here is episode 25 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, covering the MSG house show I attended on November 12th, 1973. Lots of stories from this night are shared by John Arezzi about his breakthrough in being able to finally sit in the front ringside seats at the Garden, and tales about…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 24 October 15th, 1973
Here is Episode 24 of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden. On this episode, Tim Puttre and I review the house show I attended at the mecca of all arenas on October 15th, 1973 WWWF @ New York City, NY – Madison Square Garden – October 15, 1973 (22,102) Vicki Williams & Joyce Grable defeated...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Big name who never wrestled at MSG with Cary Silken
On this Bonus episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Tim Puttre and I welcome Cary Silken, former owner of RING OF HONOR to talk about an interesting list of wrestlers who NEVER wrestled at Madison Garden. Lots of names that will surprise you. Host - John Arezzi Co-Host and Producer…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 23 August 27th 1973
Here is episode 23 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, cover the August 27th, 1973 card from the Mecca of Wrestling arenas! ATTENDANCE: 18,666 MANUAL SOTO WRESTLED TO A DRAW WITH EL OLYMPICO - 20 MINUTES VICTOR RIVERA DEFEATED MR. FUGI FARMER JEROME & LITTLE LOUIE DEFEATED LITTLE BRUTUS…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 22 July 23rd, 1973
On this 22nd episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I review the July 23rd, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - July 23, 1973 (20,629) Televised on…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 21 June 30th 1973
On this 21st episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I review the June 30th, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - June 30, 1973 (20,987) Televised on…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 20 June 2, 1973
Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 20 - June 4th, 1973 Special Guest Cary Silken On this 20th episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden, Tim and I welcome former Ring of Honor President, Cary Silken to discuss his memories of this card. Cary also discusses his memories of...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 19 April 30th, 1973
On this episode, Tim and I review this HISTORIC MSG house show from April 30th 1973. Pedro Morales defends his title against Don Leo Jonathan. Andre The Giant made his 2nd ever appearance at the Mecca of all arenas, taking on Professor Tanaka. Mat Memories From Madison Sq. Garden Episode 19…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 18 March 26th, 1973
WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - Monday Night March 26, 1973 Bell time 8:30 pm (22,136) SELL OUT El Olympico defeated Joe Turco at 8:14 Tony Garea defeated Frank Valois at 10:15 Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Don Curtis & Louie Tillet at 12:09 Victor Rivera fought the Giant...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 17
WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden – Monday Night February 26, 1973 Bell time 8:30 pm (22,098) Plus 2 from Jan 15thshow another sellout Susan Green & Lily Thomas defeated Peggy Patterson & Paula Kaye at 18:12 in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match Tony Garea defeated Mike Conrad at 15:05...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 16
A very special episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden! Tim Puttre and I discuss this house show I attended. Notable for John, as it was the first time he shot 8mm movies at the Garden. We share some of those films at: patreon.com/johnarezzi WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 15
Monday December 18, 1972 (22,906) a new gate record Joe Turco beat Blackjack Slade 9:10 Tony Garea beat Bull Pometti 10:46 The Great Goliath Pinned Manuel Soto 7:00 Sonny King VS Buddy Wolf (20min limit draw) Gorilla Monsoon beat Chuck O'Connor 6:17 El Olympico & Victor Rivera Beat Dory Funk Sr.…
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 14
WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden Monday November 27, 1972 (18,183) El Olympico defeated Joe Turco 9:24 Eddie Graham defeated Blackjack Slade 10:14 Black Gordman defeated Sonny King via submission 6:25 Victor Rivera fought the Spoiler to a 20-minute time-limit draw WWWF World...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 13
Here is episode 13 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of October 16th, 1972. WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - October 16, 1972 Attendance 15,423 The Black Demon defeated Joe Turco - 6 minutes Little Beaver & Little Louie...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden BONUS SHOW
Here is the special bonus edition of MAT MEMORIES FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, featuring the September 30th, 1972 SHOWDOWN AT SHEA - the much herald match between Bruno Sammartino and WWWF Champion Pedro Morales. I recap the event, events leading up to it, and the disappointment with the show with...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 12
Here is episode 12 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of September 2nd, 1972. Saturday September 2nd, 1972 Attendance 21,819 sell-out · Chuck O'Conner defeated Joe Nova · El Olympico defeated Joe Turco (13:51) · Sonny King defeated The...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 11
Here is episode 11 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of July 29th, 1972. WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - July 29, 1972 (announced as 17,398) This was a Saturday Night Show @ MSG Bell time 8:30pm Chuck O'Connor defeated...
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Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 10
Here is episode 10 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Square Garden WWWF card of July 1st, 1972. The Card: WWWF New York City, NY Attendance: 19,512 Madison Square Garden - July 1st, 1972 Mike Graham defeated Juan Caruso at 5:19 Fred Curry defeated Joe Nova at...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 9
Here is episode 9 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of May 22nd, 1972. This show featured the Main Event between the Wild Bull of the Pampus, the 8th wonder of the World (before Andre The Giant was called it) PAMPERO FIRPO against WWWF...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 8
Here is episode 8 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of April 19th, 1972. This show featured a wild main event between WWWF Champion Pedro Morales, who defended his title against the crazy KING CURTIS! The show features rare audio with…
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 7
Here is episode 7 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of March 13th, 1972. A show that had a co-main event with Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Baron Mikel Scicluna, and the RETURN of Bruno Sammartino after a several month...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 6
Here is episode 6 of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF card of February 21st, 1972. A card that featured the return match between WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defending his title against Professor Tanaka. Lots of vintage wrestling talk from this…
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 5
Here is the January 31st, 2022 episode of Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden, which reviews the Madison Sq. Garden WWWF of January 31st, 1972. A card that featured WWWF Champion Pedro Morales defending his title against Professor Tanaka. Debuts by Pampero Firpo and Ernie Ladd added to the...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 4
This 4th episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the December 6th, 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Fred Blassie. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia…
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 3
This third episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the November 15th, 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Fred Blassie. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Show Episode 2
This second episode of Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden covers the October 25th 1971 card featuring Pedro Morales defending his WWWF title against Stan The Man Stasiak in a return match. Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre Co-Producer, researcher and...
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Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Show August 30th, 1971
From August 30th, 1971 through the summer of 1977 Pro Wrestling Historian and Author John Arezzi attended EVERY show at the famed arena, Madison Square Garden, often called the Mecca of pro wrestling. From his beginnings as a 14 year old wrestling fan, shooting photos and 8mm film footage at the...
About this show
From August 30th, 1971 through the summer of 1977 Pro Wrestling Historian and Author John Arezzi attended EVERY show at the famed arena, Madison Square Garden, often called the Mecca of pro wrestling.
From his beginnings as a 14 year old wrestling fan, shooting photos and 8mm film footage at the matches, He then became the President of the Fred Blassie Fan Club. John eventually evolved to one of the very few credentialed photographers allowed backstage and given ringside press access.
On this podcast (which will be released 50 years to the day of each Madison Sq. Garden wrestling show he attended), Arezzi shares his Mat Memories of that event. From the matches, to the backstage atmosphere, John looks back in time in this truly unique show. The show is co-hosted by the former owner of RING OF HONOR - Cary Silkin, and John's longtime friend and radio producer Tim Puttre. The show is researched and written by another long time friend and associate, Ritchie Garcia.
<s
Hosted by
John Arezzi/Ritchie Garcia/Tim Puttre