25 January 1931
Another title for Johanfesson.
World middleweight champion claimant Johnfesson beat Van Geyzel at Batley Carr to win the World Light Heavyweight Championship. He won in two rounds, respectively lasting three minutes and one minute.
25 January 1934
Bankier’s New Rules
William Bankier published a new set of wrestling rules which he named Free-style. He claimed these rules were very different, and superior, to All-In rules. In the event of a draw the rules deemed that the referee should award the match on a points decision. Striking with a clenched fist and slapping with an open hand were both forbidden, as were any holds that affected an opponents breathing. Should both wrestlers remain on the canvas without action for more than one minute the referee had the right to call a halt and instruct them to resume a standing position.
25 January 1939Celebrate With Sherry
At New Brighton Tower Jack Sherry retained his World heavyweight title against Karl Reginsky. Reginsky had been the more aggressive of the two in the opening round but apparently overdid the aggression in the third round and was disqualified.
25 January 1951
Opening of Wimbledon Palais
Wrestling at the Wimbledon Palais goes back to 1951, though the history of the venue itself stretches back much further. A medieval building known as the “Gate House” was demolished in 1906 to allow building of the Wimbledon and American Roller Skating Rink, which was to become the Wimbledon Palais de Danse in 1922.Under new management in 1950 the venue began to to promote itself as a venue for popular culture, with an emphasis on concerts and, of course, wrestling. The first wrestling show was presented on 25th January, 1951. Bert Assirati topped the bill, defeating Abdul the Turk.
25 January 1954
Champion Held
Pat O’Reilly drew with Ernest Baldwin when he challenged for the British Heavyweight title at the Corn Exchange, Bedford.
25 January 1958
Riley Reigns
Ernie Riley retained the European light heavyweight title when he defeated Milo Popocopolos by two falls to one in the eight round at the New St James Hall, Newcastle.
25 January 1960
No Chops Tonight
Mike Marino and Billy Two Rivers wrestled a fifteen round draw at Leeds Town Hall with Marino’s World Mid Heavyweight title on the line.
25 January 1969
Wrestler Shot
Saturday night and in Sparkhill, Birmingham, professional wrestler Seamus Donlevy was shot at four times outside his home by a gunman who made his getaway in a Jaguar car. As well as wrestling Donlevy was also the owner of two clubs in the city at that time.
He had left one of his clubs, the Cascade in Showell Green Lane around 3 a.m. and had arrived home in Weatherbrook Road. About to open his car door when a man emerged from a passageway two doors down from his house. The man stopped at the side of the car and looked at Seamus. He took out a gun and opened fire. Seamus recalled a flash and a loud bang. The first three shots narrowly missed as Seamus quickly dived down.
The fourth bullet struck the wrestler on his forehead, escaping death by a fraction of an inch. A Jaguar car roared down the road to pick up the gunman, who fired one final shot at the doorway of his home. Donlevy told the Birmingham Evening Mail that there were desperate men intent on killing him in order to take over his clubs.
25 January 1970
Rebels With A Cause
The sixty striking wrestlers who had settled their grievance with Dale Martin promotions four days earlier met once again to discuss their next move. First decision was to agree a name for their movement, which was now to be called the Professional Wrestlers Guild. Their next decision was to apply for membership of Equity, the actors’ union. The wrestlers stated that they were not actors, but shared the actors’ ability to make people laugh, clap and jeer.
25 January 1972
This Will Sort It! But Then Again It Might Not
For some time both Mike Marino and Bill Howes had laid claim to the European Mid Heavyweight title, Marino in the south on Dale Martin shows and Howes in the north of England for the other Joint Promotion members. An eagerly anticipated unification contest was arranged to take place at the Lime Grove Baths. As this was a Norman Morrell promotion Marino was billed as British champion and Howes as European champion, with both titles at stake. As was only to be expected in wrestling the contest settled nothing with both men disqualified.
25 January 1972
Disgruntled, Discontented and Disappointed
Scots fans at the Music Hall in Aberdeen went home disappointed when Jim McKenzie narrowly failed to take the British middleweight title from Brian Maxine. Not that Maxine got away Scot free (!) as McKenzie did take the champion to a one fall apiece draw.
25 January 1978
Dynamite in Preston
In a televised contest from the Guild Hall, Preston, Dynamite Kid beat Jim Breaks by two falls to one to win the British welterweight title.
25 January 1982
Magnificent Marty
At Derby’s Assembly Rooms Marty Jones defeated Alan Kilby to retain the British light heavyweight title.
26 January 1934
Another style of Pro Wrestling Came To Town
This Is Not All In. Definitely Not All In!
26 January 1949
Ring of Honour.
A group of wrestlers that included Bert Assirati, Alan Garfield and Mick McManus worked for free at the Winter Gardens, Eastbourne in a special benefit night for wrestler Ron Harrison. Harrison had been injured in a match with Len Britton in October, and was expected to be out of activity for some time and causing financial hardship to his family. All wrestlers appeared for free, with a main event between Assirati and Garfield. Others taking part included Percy Pittman, Vic Coleman, Jack Quesick, Mick McManus, David Jons, Sonny Wallis and Johnny Peters.
26 January 1952
Still Champion After A Fright
Britain’s first Lord Mountevans Heavyweight champion, Ernest Baldwin, retained his belt at the New St James Hall in Newcastle when he defeated local challenger Dave Armstrong. It was Armstrong whom Baldwin had defeated in August to be declared the inaugural champion. Armstrong started strongly and had the upper hand in the first six rounds. Fortunes changed in the seventh when Armstrong was thrown across the ring, immediately rose and was caught by a rushing Baldwin. Both men fell to the mat but it was champion Baldwin who just managed to rise before the count of ten and keep the title.
26 January, 1959
Bert is Back
Bert Assirati, now working for the independent promoters, retained the European heavyweight title by beating Eugene Stezycki at the Corn Exchange in Loughborough.
26 January 1962
Life of Riley
At the Kelvin Sports Arena in Glasgow Ernie Riley defeated Bob Sweeney to retain the British Light heavyweight title.
26 January 1972
Disappointment for Cortez and 5,000 Fans
At London’s Royal Albert Hall Jim Breaks retained his British lightweight title by knocking out Jon Cortez. Cortez took the fight to the champion and went into the lead with a single arm lift submission in the third round. Cortez dominated round four to the extent that Breaks failed to make it back to his corner at the end of the round. With Cortez dominating the fifth Breaks sidestepped a flying tackle causing challenger Cortez to fall awkwardly. Breaks took advantage with a series of arm drops over the top rope which led to Cortez submitting. Breaks maintained the initiative and when an eager Cortez rushed him he side-stepped to allow the challenger charge through the ropes and be counted out.
27 January 1945
Bert Marches On
Bert Assirati beat George Gregory at Belle Vue to add another variation of the British heavyweight title. Assirati gained the only fall required in the fourth of six ten minute rounds.
27 January 1947
Well, This Is What We Call Wrestling
When Bert Assirati defended his British heavyweight title against Robert McDonald at Madeley Street Baths in Hull the fans may well have been expecting another destructive display from champion Assirati. They were in for a surprise. The match was fought without rounds until a winner was found, best of two out of three falls. Seconds out, McDonald dashed from his corner, caught Assirati unaware, pulled his legs from beneath him, shoulders pinned and the referee counted to three. Less than ten seconds and the wrestlers took the first of the planned five minute breaks between falls. The match resumed and it took a further 21 minutes before a body press gave Assirati the equaliser. The end came just six minutes later. Both men collided as they charged across the ring, fell to the mat and were counted out. A double knock out and Assirati retained the title.
27 January 1950
Assirati Again
At Cossington Street Baths in Leicester Bert Assirati retained the British heavyweight title against Mitchell Gill.
27 January 1962
Sands Holds Cyril
In a match for the BWF (Independent) Middleweight title at the Granby Halls in Leicester champion Cyril Knowles held the title despite being held to a draw by Eric Sands.
27 January 1968
It’s All Over Now
After thirty-seven years, a link with Irslinger and Norman the Butcher, the final wrestling show took place at St James Hall, Newcastle. It was a good bill, but nothing out of the ordinary for a Norman Morrell promotion. There were no surprises in store as Jackie Pallo beat Mike Eagers, Albert Wall beat Steve Viedor, Ian Gilmore beat Terry Jowett and The Red Scorpion beat Mick McMichael. The show would go on at the City Hall.
27 January 1969
Lucky Win for Colbeck
An unfortunate end for challenger Jon Cortez allowed Alan Colbeck to keep hold of his European welterweight title at Hull’s Madeley Street Baths. The Hull crowd set themselves against their fellow Yorkshireman from the outset when Colbeck repeatedly held the London challenger in a throat hold. The champion’s aggression paid dividends in the sixth round when Colbeck took the first fall. After receiving a public warning in the seventh Colbeck gave too much attention to arguing with the referee which enabled Cortez to seize the opportunity and grab an equalising fall with a double leg nelson. Colbeck was warned for punching at the beginning of the eight. Throwing Cortez into the ropes Cortez rebounded and flung himself at Colbeck. The champion ducked, Cortez landed heavily and failed to beat the count with an injured back.
28 January 1931
Daily Mirror Calls for All In Wrestling to be Banned
Only six weeks after it’s introduction to Britain the Daily Mirror columnist P.J. Moss called for the new style of wrestling to be banned having witnessed Atholl Oakeley breaking the rib of his opponent, Gorilla Knight, at the National Sporting Club. Henry Irslinger was quoted as saying the match was not a good one as amateurs like Oakeley did not know how to put on a show, and that a professional such as himself would not have injured an opponent. Irslinger said he had written a set of rules for British wrestling which barred the brutalities seen in American rings.
28 January 1952
McManus and Smith Dead Heat
In the month that Joint Promotions was formed Dale Martin Promotions remained outside the organisation. They continued to recognise the Arena magazine champions as British title holders. At Bedford Corn Exchange Arena champion Mick McManus made a defence against Barnsley’s Carlton Smith. Over six ten minute rounds the match ended in a draw, with McManus remaining champion.
28 January 1957
No Kidding!
George Kidd moved up a weight and challenged British Empire champion Jack Dempsey for the welterweight title, having already beaten Dempsey in a non title contest a few weeks earlier. The match was over five 10 minute rounds, promoted by Dale Martin at the Assembly Hall in Sevenoaks. First blood went to the challenger in round two when Kidd circled Dempsey before striking quickly, rolling him over and pinning the champion. Things got rough in the third round, or at least Dempsey did by introducing some novel variations to the Mountevans rules. The rough tactics paid dividends and Dempsey equalised. Round four and it was Kidd on the offensive until Dempsey punched him low. Kidd responded by tossing Dempsey around the ring before catching him in a back stretch to obtain a submission and win the British Empire title.
28 January 1963
Kidd Onwards and Upwards
By 1963 George Kidd had been a world lightweight champion for 14 years, since defeating Rudy Quarez in October, 1949. In a landscape dominated by heavyweights George was one of the few to cut through and grab the attention of the public.
On 28th January, 1963 he stepped up two weight divisions to challenge Rene Ben Chemoul at the Queens Hall, Leeds, with the Frenchman’s European title at stake. Promoters were Relwyskow Green and the match was made over 15 five minute rounds.
Whilst Kidd was admired for his superlative skill, and undoubtedly favourite of the fans, Chemoul’s weight advantage inevitably made him favourite to win as he entered the ring. Fans gave Kidd a tremendous ovation as he was led into the hall by the Leeds Pipe Band, which had a close association with professional wrestling. Founded in 1960 by a group of former members of the Scottish Regimental Association of Yorkshire Pipe Band it was a self supporting organisation seeking fund raising opportunities. The cornerstone of their fund raising opportunities came when they were invited to lead Scottish wrestlers to the ring in northern England.
With the first round getting off to a slow start it was in the second that Kidd appeared the better of the two men, but there was still no sign of a score when the bell rang at the end of the second round. All changed in the third round. Kidd slowly gained the upper hand in his usual calculated style and with a shoulder press pinned Chemoul to take the opening fall.
Far from deterred the fourth round continued with Chemoul demonstrating an ability to counter any hold applied by the challenger. Kidd was putting up a game challenge but with Chemoul blocking so many of his moves he was starting to look like a man who would walk out of the ring as champion, an opinion confirmed in round five, when Chemoul pinned Kidd.
Round six and it seemed destined to become a long, fiercely contested tussle. All the more disappointing for fans as the end came surprisingly quickly. Chemoul started round six like the champion he was, his equalising fall adding more confidence and a touch of aggression. He took to punishing Kidd with a series of leg scissors, each one weakening the challenger. Then, suddenly, out of the blue Kidd was over the head of Chemoul, grabbing to roll him over and listen to referee Doug DeRelwyskow to count to three. George Kidd was the new European middleweight champion.
28 January 1964
Walsh Wins
Norman Walsh retained the British Mid Heavyweight title against challenger Farmer John Allan at the Victoria Hall, Nottingham.
28 January 1964
A Wrestling Victory
A proposal put forward at the Kingston Town Council in Surrey to withdraw the licence for wrestling at the Coronation Hall was defeated.
29 January 1947
Title Match In First Streatham Baths Show
British middleweight champion Jack Dale defended his title against Len Ring when Dale Martin Promotions staged the first professional wrestling show at Streatham Baths. In a match over six ten minute rounds local champion Dale defeated Ring by two falls to one in round five. A cup was presented to the winner by the Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth.
29 January 1947
Nothing To Do With Us
The recently formed Wrestling Board of Control issued a statement that British Ring Sports. promoters of the World Championship Tournament to be held at Harringay on 18th February and 4th March, were not members of the B.W.B.C. and they were not associated with the event.
29 January 1952
Cypriot Win! Yes, It Surprised Us Too
In Dundee Chris Londos beat Alan Colbeck by two falls to one to win the European Welterweight title, a worthy winner according to the Dundee Reporter.
29 January 1960
Billy Remains King
Billy Joyce defended the British heavyweight title against Geoff Portz in Leicester.
29 January 1962
Not A Bad Night Out, Except for Pallo
In Leeds Alan Colbeck beat Jackie Pallo, who was disqualified, to retain the European welterweight title. Billy Two Rivers beat Dai Sullivan The Mask stopped L’Ange Blanc (unmasked as Francisco Pino Farino), Albert Wall beat Jose Arroyo, Enrique “Pepe” Marquess and Bernard Murray beat Alan Dennison/Francis Sullivan.
29 January 1962
Taylor Made Belt
Eric Taylor retained the British heavy middleweight title against Bert Royal in York.
29 January 1970
No Way Mick
Alan Colbeck retained the European welterweight title against challenger Mick McManus at the DeMontfort Hall, Leicester. The referee declared a No Contest after Colbeck had been injured.
29 January 1973
Bartelli Belts Bruno
Big Bruno Elrington left his good manners at home when he wrestled Count Bartelli at the King’s Hall Derby with Bartelli’s Commonwealth Heavyweight title at stake. Elrington, rule bending from the very beginning, climaxed with kicking a downed Bartelli in the fourth round and disqualification of the challenger. The crowd were far from happy with Big Bruno and a protective cordon escorted a still protesting Bruno back to the dressing room.
29 January 1973
One, two, three, four
It took just four seconds, including the count of three for Marty Jones to score a pinfall over Abe Ginsberg. The heavier and more experienced Ginsberg came back to win by two falls to one in the sixth round.
30 January 1904
Hack!
Hackenschmidt beat Madrali in 40 seconds at Olympia
30 January 1936
Modrich Empire Champion
In Wolverhampton George Modrich beat George Gregory in a match for the Empire Heavyweight title.
30 January 1964
Dempsey Outguns McManus
Jack Dempsey retained the British welterweight title against challenger Mick McManus at Dunstable.
30 January 1979
Not So Iron Iron Man
In a televised match from the Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Marty Jones defeated Iron Man Steve Logan by two falls to one to retain the British light heavyweight title.
30 January 1988
Jumping Jim Ain’t Jumping
Marty Jones retained the World Mid Heavyweight title against Jumping Jim Moser at the Victoria Hall in Hanley.
31 January 1931
Wrestling At The Tower
All-In Wrestling made it’s first appearance at Blackpool Tower, just six weeks after the new style had been introduced to Britain. A wrestling match between Billy Riley and Charlie Sherman of Gloucester was added on to the usual boxing programme. Riley defeated Sherman by two falls to nil.
31 January 1951
Birth of C.B.
Charles Blake Cochran was a theatrical agent whose significance for wrestling was as a promoter of George Hackenschmidt. Born on 25th September 1872; died on 31st January 1951.
31 January 1964
Diamond Jack
Liverpool Stadium managing director John Moores presented Jack Pye with a pair of diamond studded gold cufflinks to mark his retirement from wrestling.
31 January 1978
Tony St Clair Wins
In Wolverhampton Tony St Clair stopped Mal Kirk at the Civic Hall to retain the British heavyweight title.
31 January 1981
Kincaid Wins KK Challenge
At the Corn Exchange, Norwich, Johnny Kincaid retained the European heavyweight title against challenger Killer John Kowlaski.
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Wrestling Heritage 