Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden artwork

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden

30 episodes - English - Latest episode: 24 days ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratings

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 John's longtime friend and radio producer Tim Puttre, and written by another long time friend and associate, Ritchie Garcia.
Hosts: John Arezzi & Tim Puttre
Co-Producer and Show Editor: Tim Puttre
Co-Producer, researcher and writer: Ritchie Garcia
Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC
JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE:
https://www.patreon.com/JohnArezzi
Subscribe to the show's YouTube Channel Here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ProWrestlingSpotlight
Follow John Arezzi Here:
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Order a signed and numbered copy of John Arezzi's best selling memoir "MAT MEMORIES, My Wild Ride in Pro Wrestling, Country Music and with the Mets" here: https://py.pl/1SjMeX

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Episodes

Bruno Sammartino vs. Nikolai Volkoff from March 4th - 1974

March 05, 2024 01:30 - 47 minutes

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 Jonathan and Ed Sullivan did not take place Donna Christianello & Women’s Champion the Fabulous Moolah defeated Peggy Patterson & Barbi Dahl in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match Mr. Fuji defeated Johnny Ro...

Bruno Sammartino takes on Don Leo Jonathan in his first WWWF Title Defense at MSG after winning back the title

February 10, 2024 12:00 - 39 minutes

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 Heller defeated Tony Altimore at 9:55 Jose Gonzalez & Manuel Soto defeated Pancho Valdez & Joe Turco in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match at 18:40 Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Mr. Fuji via disqualificat...

December 10th, 1973 Bruno Sammartino captures the WWWF title from Stan Stasiak

January 02, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour

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 his first appearance ever at the "new" MSG.  A historic show!  Former owner of Ring of Honor - Cary Silkin joins us to discuss the show and those memories from this era of wrestling, still near and d...

November 12th, 1973 Pedro Morales vs. Larry Hennig (Pedro's last title defense at MSG!) Andre the Giant

November 12, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour

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 that night, which would turn out to be Pedro Morales's last title defense of the WWWF title (Pedro would lose the title on December 1st 1973 in Philadelphia against Stan Stasiak). WWWF @ New York City, ...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 24 October 15th, 1973

October 15, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

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 Women’s Tag Team Champions Toni Rose & Donna Christianello at 17:07 to win the titles El Olympico fought Mike Pappas to a draw at 13:33 Manuel Soto defeated Tony Altimore at 8:07 Jose Gonzalez defeated ...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Big name who never wrestled at MSG with Cary Silken

September 21, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes

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 - Tim Puttre Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 23 August 27th 1973

August 27, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutes

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 AND PEE WEE ADAMS CHIEF JAY STRONGBOW BEAT PROFESSOR TORU TANAKA 15:01 GORILLA MONSOON BEAT GEORGE THE ANIMAL STEELE VIA COUNT OUT 12:22 PEDRO MORALES DEFEATED STAN THE MAN STASIAK 53:00 VIA A JUDGES D...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 22 July 23rd, 1973

July 27, 2023 11:00 - 46 minutes

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 HBO - featured Vince McMahon on commentary Little Boy Blue & Pee Wee Adams defeated Sonny Boy Hayes & Little Louie in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-1; fall #1: Louie's team won; fall #2: Blue's team...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 21 June 30th 1973

July 20, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes

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 HBO - featured Vince McMahon on commentary: Blackjack Lanza defeated Lee Wong via submission with the claw at 5:05 Prof. Toru Tanaka pinned El Olympico with a chop to the throat at 9:34 Gorilla Monsoon ...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 20 June 2, 1973

June 29, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour

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 wrestling at the Garden, and his career. Cary, Tim and I review the June 4th, 1973 show at the Mecca of all arenas, Madison Sq. Garden. An enjoyable look back at wrestling from the Garden! WWWF @ New Y...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 19 April 30th, 1973

May 04, 2023 11:00 - 58 minutes

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 - April 30th, 1973 WWWF @ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden - Monday April 30, 1973 (22,090) El Olympico defeated Frank Valois at 10:47 Mike McCord defeated Joe Turco a 8:10 Don Curtis defeated Jua...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 18 March 26th, 1973

March 26, 2023 21:00 - 49 minutes

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 Goliath to a 20 minute draw WWWF Tag Team Champion Mr. Fuji defeated Sonny King at 7:26 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Fred Blassie at 8:20 when referee Danny Bartfield stopped the match, d...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 17

February 26, 2023 23:59 - 1 hour

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 Mike Graham defeated Joe Turco at 5:42 Terry Funk defeated Chuck Richards (sub. for Eddie Graham) at 10:55 AWA World Champion Verne Gagne defeated Eddie Graham (sub. for Ray Stevens) at 14:35 (Graham'...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 16

January 27, 2023 17:00 - 49 minutes

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 Garden - January 15, 1973 (22,096)  Sky Low Low & Little Brutus defeated Little Beaver & Farmer Jerome in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0; fall #1: Sky & Brutus won at 8:04; fall #2: Sky & Brutus wo...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden - Episode 15

January 06, 2023 11:00 - 57 minutes

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. & Terry Funk 2 falls to 1 in 15:03 Mil Mascaras pinned The Spoiler 7:20 WWWF Heavyweight Title: Pedro Morales beat Ray Stevens 14 minutes and 10 seconds Co-Hosts: John Arezzi and Tim Puttre Written an...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 14

December 02, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes

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 Champion Pedro Morales defeated Ray Stevens at 11:58 when referee Danny Bartfield stopped the bout, ruling the challenger could not continue due to excessive bleeding AWA World Champion Verne Gagne defeate...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 13

October 17, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes

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 defeated Frenchy Lamont & Sonny Boy Hayes 2-1 18:20 Buddy Wolfe defeated Blackjack Slade 7:03 WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales & Bruno Sammartino defeated WWWF Tag Team Champions Prof. Toru Tanaka &...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden BONUS SHOW

October 02, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes

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 Tim Puttre.  Attached are photos (courtesy John Pantozzi) newspaper clippings, and even a ticket stub.   WWWF @ Shea Stadium New York September 30th, 1972 Attendance 22,508 · Little Beaver and Litt...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 12

September 03, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour

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 Black Demon · Mr. Fugi & Professor Toru Tanaka defeated Gorilla Monsoon & Manual Soto in a Best Two Out Of Three Falls WWWF Tag Team Title Match · Chief Jay Strongbow vs. The Spoiler ended in a Draw · P...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 11

August 04, 2022 16:00 - 55 minutes

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 Thomas Marin (sub. for Mike Conrad) 16:05 El Olympico defeated the Black Demon 15:05 Manuel Soto defeated Juan Caruso (sub. for Jimmy Valiant) 15:25 Women's Champion the Fabulous Moolah pinned Susan...

Mat Memories from Madison Square Garden Episode 10

July 05, 2022 22:00 - 57 minutes

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 6:43  Gorilla Monsoon defeated the Black Demon at 4:17   WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales pinned George Steele at 14:59 Chief Jay Strongbow & Sonny King defeated Ernie Ladd & WWWF Tag Team Champion ...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 9

May 24, 2022 00:30 - 1 hour

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 Champion Pedro Morales!  Also a bloody encounter between Lou Albano and Chief Jay Strongbow, and a WWWF Tag Team Title Change!  Plus - we bring on Special Guest - Mary Fries, the daughter of Pampero Fir...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 8

April 20, 2022 00:30 - 1 hour

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 Pampero Firpo, The Grand Wizard, King Curtis, Lou Albano and Pedro Morales!  Our best episode yet! The Card: WWWF New York City, NY Madison Square Garden - April 17, 1972 Attendance 15,549 Sky Low Low & Li...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 7

March 13, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour

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 absence, who faced brawler Smasher Sloan!  The Card: Jimmy Valiant went to a 20 minute draw with Joe Nova Pampero Firpo beat Ben Justice Chief Jay Strongbow and Victor Rivera beat the Russians 2 falls to ...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 6

February 22, 2022 01:30 - 1 hour

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 show - and memories of that era.  Also an update from John from his recent battle with Covid and his weird dream of Wrestling Kevin Sullivan at MSG!  The Card: Farmer Jerome and Joey Russell defeate...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 5

January 31, 2022 23:00 - 58 minutes

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 excitement of the show! Fred Blassie is also on the card. It was a lineup loaded with many big names! The Card: Pampero Firpo beat Manual Soto 8:16 King Curtis Ieukea beat Tomas Marin 3:39 Gorilla Mons...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 4

December 06, 2021 15:26 - 1 hour

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 Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE: h...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Episode 3

November 16, 2021 01:30 - 48 minutes

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 Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLING BOOK MAT MEMORIES HERE...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Show Episode 2

November 08, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour

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 writer: Ritchie Garcia Copyright 2021: Mat Memories, LLC JOIN THE PATREON PAGE FOR THIS PODCAST AND EXPERIENCE 50 YEARS OF HISTORY FROM THE ARCHIVES OF WRESTLING HISTORIAN AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE BEST SELLI...

Mat Memories From Madison Square Garden Show August 30th, 1971

November 02, 2021 02:00 - 38 minutes

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...

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