Welcome back to Maple leaf Wrestling where we remember the stars of Frank Tunney's promotion in Toronto. This month we will take an overview of the 1960's.

The 1960s were an exciting time in wrestling and  the touring world champs made Toronto and area the site of many exciting and historical matches.

In 1961 Buddy Rogers would capture the NWA World Title and defend regularly in Toronto against the local stars. In 1961 Rogers retained his title when Whipper Billy Watson was counted out after being attacked by hated rival Bulldog Brower. Rogers would also lose to future WWWF Champ Bruno Sammartino at MLG but the Italian Strongman would refuse to take the belt from an injured Rogers.

Toronto 1962

"Rogers Recovers-Just In Time"

Over 10,000 fans roared, cheered and jeered, and had themselves a ball as promoter Frank Tunney ended his mid-summer pro wrestling season last night at Maple Leaf Gardens with an outstanding card. World champion (NWA) Buddy Rogers recovers from the blind staggers in time to beat the ten count after he and the challenging Bruno Sammartino knocked each other out when they crashed head on. To the delight of the Italian fans, Bruno gave The Champ a rough time with his reverse headlock and body-slams. Bruno matched Rogers' recoveries with several nifty movements of his own. The Champ's ability to take it and come back, plus his experience, made the difference. 

On January 24 1963, Thesz would beat Rogers, but the win would be contested by promoters in the Northeast and would lead to the formation of the World Wide Wrestling Federation, who would name Rogers as their first Champ. Two weeks later at the Gardens Thesz would cleanly beat Rogers to solidify his claim to the (NWA) World title.

Toronto, Feb 7 1963

"Lou Thesz Too Much For Rogers'

It was a case of just a little too much experience for Buddy Rogers last night at Maple Leaf Gardens as he tried to regain his worlds wrestling crown from Lou Thesz. Before 11,000 fans Thesz showed why a good wrestler, admittedly past 40 years old, who has the know-how and skill can remain at the top of the heap. He retained his National Wrestling Alliance championship, which he took from Rogers two weeks ago in the same ring, by winning the third and deciding fall of a best-of-three set with the once blonde "Nature Boy." Thesz was awarded the opening fall at 7:53 when referee Tiger Tasker disqualified Rogers after the latter kicked both his opponent and the official to the mat. The Champ had Buddy in a corner and in an effort to free himself Rogers blasted with both feet while Tiger was standing behind Thesz. As Rogers fell on his back, Thesz pounced to the pin, winning with a top spread at 15:45. There was some doubt in many fans' minds about whether the final fall was legal, Thesz having pulled Rogers' feet from under the ropes, but there was no doubt that Tasker counted three and the championship belt stays around Mr., Thesz' waist.

Thesz would appear back at MLG in March and faced Sammartino in an exciting match that was noted because Sammartino was the fan favorite and Thesz, wrestling as the heel, suffered the wrath of the crowd. Sammartino would pound Thesz mercilessly and the champ would barely regain his title when he beat the referee's ten count after a mid ring collision.

London, Ontario was also the site of many great cards, including Lou Thesz vs. Johnny Valentine in 1964 with a return bout the next night at the Gardens. Thesz would appear in London often, with bouts against Watson, Siki and Brower.