When Frank "Golden Voice" Freeman stood center ring and announced the name Ernie Ladd, the fans erupted into a thunderous ovation. It was the spring of 1977 and Ladd was making his Miami Beach debut. His reputation as a tremendous wrestler had preceded him and the fans were well aware that he was a true superstar. Ladd was a giant among men. Employing a taped thumb that often found it's way to his opponent's throats as well as a foot-to-the face finisher that was years ahead of it's time, he was a fourteen-year wrestling veteran who'd been a top attraction everywhere he'd wrestled. Thirty-nine year old Ernie Ladd was set to debut in a top position with one of the most successful wrestling promotions in the country, and he was going to take full advantage of the opportunity.

Ladd had wrestled briefly in the Florida territory in the mid 1960s, staying only a few weeks. He returned to Florida in 1975, wrestling for Eddie Einhorn's ill-fated IWA promotion that was attempting to go national. But, for all intents and purposes, this was Ernie Ladd's first serious run in Florida. Ladd entered the state with outstanding athletic credentials. He played football at Wallace High School in his hometown of Orange, Texas and was coached by Willy Ray Smith, the father of NFL legend Bubba Smith. He enrolled at Grambling University, where he played for Eddie Robinson, the winningest coach in college history. He began his eight-year career in the AFL with the San Diego Chargers in 1961, playing with the team until 1965. Ladd also played with the Houston Oilers during the 1966 season, and then with the Kansas City Chiefs for two years beginning in 1967. Ladd played in three AFL championship games, was named All-AFL twice, and never missed a game during his pro football career.

"The Big Cat," earning that nickname because of his exceptional size and remarkable agility, began his in-ring career in 1963, wrestling during football's off-season for several years. By 1970, Ladd was wrestling full-time. He had been a headliner in many territories, usually holding titles wherever he appeared. Ladd was a former NWF Heavyweight champion, NWF North American champion, Americas champion (Los Angeles version), WWA World Tag Team champion, Texas Heavyweight champion, and a WWC North American Heavyweight champion. Ladd was a well-traveled veteran who had faced a "who's who" of top wrestling talent such as Bruno Sammartino, John Tolos, Dick the Bruiser, Lou Thesz, The Sheik, Johnny Powers, and Fritz and Waldo Von Erich. Short of a World Title, there wasn't much that Ernie Ladd hadn't accomplished.

The weekly wrestling programs trumpeted the arrival of Ladd weeks in advance. Ladd was entering into the Florida mat wars with one goal in mind--the annihilation of Ox Baker! "This Baker is a bad dude," said Ladd. "I got my reasons why I don't like the man, and why I don't like anybody he hangs around with. He better understand right now that he is gonna have to settle with the Big Cat!" A story would come to light on Championship Wrestling From Florida regarding a "cowardly" attack on Ladd, perpetrated by Baker, that sent him to the hospital.  More...