Great Cow Palace matches

As Northern California ring announcer from '74 until present, sitting right at ringside at the press table (literally the table touched the ring) at Cow Palace many interesting moments come to mind. Exciting moments were the Don Muraco vs. Pat Patterson chain match which drew a huge crowd as well as plenty of blood to Muraco's forehead. In the dressing room after the event promoter Shire said, "Muraco's cut pretty badly, he doesn't even know where the hell he is. He's definitely gonna need some stitches."

The 18-man Battle Royals were always to look forward to (they initially were held in November then Shire moved it to January every year). They were always a sell-out and always exciting, with great stars from all over the country.  Andre's first appearances were interesting, too. He often worked for Shire particularly in the beginning quite frequently and one of his first appearances was actually in Sacramento. I remember Hank Rennar telling me "Wait till you see this guy, Allan, there's no exaggeration on his size." He was right. The A&E special on Andre was true; he was always a great person.

I remember announcing in Stockton one night when the midgets were booked. Little Boy Blue was somewhat of a high flyer and he asked if someone could take him to pick up food; I volunteered. It seemed so unusual seeing his little feet hanging over the passenger's seat of my big Oldsmobile in 1979. Though he seemed happy, at the hamburger place people still stared at

him. But because he was a wrestler he was a star. I remember him saying though, on the way back, "Every night when I go to bed I look in the mirror and say, why me, God, why me." It was touching.

Another exciting moment when Fabulous Moolah defended her title in about '77; she took a double flip over the top rope onto the arena floor. I was impressed; she was no spring chicken even then! The crowd loved it.

Note from Allan Bolte:  SOME programs from Shire's days are available through Allan Bolte. A pack of 3 programs from Cow Palace in 1980 including the 18 man battle-royal are available, all 3 for 17.00 plus 2.50 shipping. Includes Stevens,  Dean Ho, Rocky Johnson, Peter Maivia, a bloody Sheik and more. Send $19.50 money order to:

Allan Bolte
PO Box 6145 
Albany Ca 94706.