The 70's were an exciting time in Toronto with the Sheik running wild and brawling all over the gardens facing world class opponents like Andre the Giant, Thunderfoot Patterson and Abdullah The Butcher.  When Mr. Tunney stopped booking the Sheik he turned to the Crocketts for an exchange of talent and stars like Bravo and King Kong Mosca would be seen in the Mid Atlantic region while we got to see all the great stars from the Carolinas. This didn't stop the Tunney's from bringing in talent from elsewhere to fill out the cards including Backlund vs. Valentine in 1981 and appearances from all the world champs of the days including a great match in 1977 that saw Harley Race begin his second title reign by beating Terry Funk for the NWA belt.

There you have a rough overview of Maple Leaf Wrestling. In later columns we will delve into the other championships of the region such as the British Empire, Canadian Tag Team and TV Titles. We will look at some of the great cards and hometown heroes and take an in depth look at the seventies. In the later years Gorilla Monsoon would refer to Maple Leaf Garden as "the mecca of professional wrestling", it was that and much more. It's hard to believe it has been 18 years since the territory of Toronto died. In the immortal words of the great Billy Red Lyons:  Dontcha dare miss it!!!!!!

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