Classic Matches History Wrestlers Results Collectibles

Classic Matches

February 14, 1968: Jim Hady vs. Big Bill Miller

Photos courtesy of George Beppu.

On February 14, 1968, promotor Ed Francis presented a professional wrestling card at the Honolulu Civic Auditorium which featured a Hawaiian Championship match and four supporting matches. In the opening match, Karl Gotch and Angelo Poffo fought to a draw.

In another match, Curtis Iaukea defeated Rocky Hunter. In a tag team match Johhny Barend and Ripper Collins defeated Ken Hollis and Jackie Carson.

Missing Link vs Killer Kowalski
The Missing Link tries to hold onto his devastating Bear Hug.
The Missing Link tries to hold onto his devastating Bear Hug.
Killer Kowalski tries struggles to escape from the Bear Hug.
Killer Kowalski tries struggles to escape from the Bear Hug.
February 14, 1968

In the semifinal match, The Missing Link defeated Killer Kowalski via a disqualification when Angelo Poffo came to the aid of Kowalski.

The Missing Link delivers a vicious Head Butt.
The Missing Link delivers a vicious Head Butt.
Kowalski attempts to give Firpo the boot.
Kowalski attempts to give Firpo the boot.
Firpo confronts Collins
Pampero Firpo, AKA The Missing Link, runs Ripper Collins out of the ring between matches.
Pampero Firpo, AKA The Missing Link, runs Ripper Collins out of the ring between matches.

After the match a promo was filmed for tv for the upcoming Hawaiian tag team title match to be held the next week between Jim Hady and the Missing Link vs. Johnny Barend and Ripper Collins. As Promotor Ed Francis was interviewing Hady and the Link at ringside, Ripper Collins enter the ring to confront Hady and the Link and was quickly chased away to the locker rooms.

Jim Hady vs Bill Miller
Jim Hady hooks Bill Miller's leg and attempts to apply a reverse Abdominal Stretch.
Jim Hady hooks Bill Miller's leg and attempts to apply a reverse Abdominal Stretch.
Hady works on one of Miller's leg while the referee tries to untangle the other.
Hady works on one of Miller's leg while the referee tries to untangle the other.

The main event featured Jim Hady putting his Hawaiian Championship title on the line against Big Bill Miller, who stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 330 pounds. Hady retained his title by defeating Miller in two out of three falls.

Hady and referee Pete Peterson both watch as Bill Miller bounces around helplessly all tangled in the ropes.
Hady and referee Pete Peterson both watch as Bill Miller bounces around helplessly all tangled in the ropes.
Big Bill Miller comes crashing down from Jim Hady's backdrop.
Big Bill Miller comes crashing down from Jim Hady's backdrop.
Jim Hady applies the Sleeper Hold onto a weary Bill Miller outside the ring.
Jim Hady applies the Sleeper Hold onto a weary Bill Miller outside the ring.
February 14, 1968
Classic Matches History Wrestlers Results Collectibles