Pittsburgh/Buffalo/Cleveland #9 Page #2

4. Waldo von Erich vs Dominic DeNucci

Another good feud that saw as much action in Pittsburgh as it did in Buffalo and Cleveland.  Waldo had no love for DeNucci often referring to him in interviews as a “Spaghetti bender”.  This one probably started in the late 1960’s in Pittsburgh but saw its big heyday in the NWF in 1971 and 1972.  DeNucci scored the biggest victory of his career against Waldo von Erich on December 8, 1971 in Buffalo, NY when he beat Waldo for the NWF Title.  Less than a month later (Jan 5, 1972) in Buffalo, Waldo regained the title.  Always-good solid action in these matches with Waldo von Erich probably holding the upper hand.  Later in 1973 in Pittsburgh an angle involving Waldo von Erich and DeNucci teaming in a feud with the Fargo Brothers, saw DeNucci refusing to use dirty tactics and was heading for a fall out but DeNucci left the area and was replaced by both Angelo Mosca and Tony Marino to finish the angle. 

3. Ernie Ladd vs Ox Baker

One of the more famous feuds in the NWF era but again not one that had a real long time line on, basically because Ox Baker didn’t stick around very long.  The feud started with the most famous moment in this territories history, the Cleveland Riot.  Ladd was working Johnny Powers in Cleveland and Ox Baker interfered to saved Powers.  After hitting Ladd with what was reported as 10 to 12 heart punches, the fans hit the ring.  Chairs were thrown and Ox Baker had to fight his way back to the dressing room (now that’s what I call heat). Ox would go on and take the North American title from Ladd, and then simply left the territory, as did Ladd.  While short and not as many memorable matches as some, the riot pushes this one up towards the top of the list.

2Ernie Ladd vs Abdullah the Butcher

Ladd seems to top the list for most appearances in top feuds.  That’s because Ernie Ladd never was involved in small or meaningless angles.  In 1972 Abdullah the Butcher with the help of his manager The Black Baron, defeated Ernie Ladd for the NWF title.  Ladd and Abdullah would feud all over the territory for the belt, but Ladd was never able to win back the title.  After Abdullah had lost the belt (once to Victor Rivera and again later to Johnny Valentine), Ladd scored some victories.  Lots of blood spilled in this feud and matches always seemed to center on the NWF title, made this one of the top feuds in NWF history.  This was the semi main event on the legendary Super Bowl of Wrestling show in Cleveland.  While Ladd scored some wins (mostly but DQ) Abdullah the Butcher is one of the few wrestlers to dominate Ernie Ladd in this era.

1.  Johnny Powers vs Johnny Valentine

A lot has already been written in past articles about this feud.  Without a doubt this is the most important feud in the NWF era.  More title changed hands between these two (2 North American title changes and 1 NWF title change) than any other feud.  This was the main event for the infamous Super Bowl of Wrestling at the Municipal Stadium in Cleveland in 1972.  Main Events in Cleveland, Buffalo, Akron, Rochester and all the spot towns.  This feud spanned several years in the early 1970’s.  There was the infamous broken nose that Power’s received from Valentine, and many other injuries incurred during their matches.  Whenever Johnny Powers met Johnny Valentine, you could believe these two guys hated each other.  No real winner in this feud.  Johnny Power’s may have had a slight advantage in wins and losses with the help of many disqualifications thrown in there.  This might not only be one of the top feuds in the NWf but in pro wrestling history (at least the 1970’s).

NEXT MONTH:

Next month I will look at the TV jobbers on Pittsburgh’s studio wrestling.  

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