Classic Matches History Wrestlers Results Collectibles

Classic Matches

September 26, 1973: Giant Tag Thriller

Photos by George Beppu.

On this date Ed FRANCIS presented a wrestling card at the Honolulu International Center; In the first two matches Tosh Togo defeated Johnny Powers and the match between Billy Francis and Sandor Kovacs ended in a draw.

Tosh Togo cranks up the pressure on Johnny Powers
Tosh Togo cranks up the pressure on Johnny Powers' leg.

In the first championship match of the night Neff Maiava and Sam Stemboat defeated the team of Ripper Collins and Ed Francis to retain their Hawaiian tag titles.

Ripper Collins
Once bitter enemies, Ripper Collins teams with Ed Francis to take on Maiava and Steamboat.
Neff Maiava and Sam Steamboat
Neff Maiava and a kneeling Sam Steamboat talk strategy in their corner.

In the next championship match Billy Robinson retained his North American title by defeating Nick Bockwinkel.

Billy Robinson, North American Champion
Billy Robinson, North American Champion.
Bockwinkel with arm lock on Robinson
Nick Bockwinkel has Billy Robinson in an arm lock.
Billy Robinson retains belt
Billy Robinson retains his North American Title.

In the main event Ken Patera and Red Bastein ( substituting for THE CRUSHER) defeated the team of Ivan Koloff and Billy Superstar Graham.

Red Bastien about to Atomic Drop Ivan Koloff.
Red Bastien about to Atomic Drop Ivan Koloff.
Sept 26, 1973
Patera counters Koloff's front face lock
Ken Patera counters Koloff's Front Face Lock by lifting the Russian off his feet.
Graham rescues Koloff
Billy Graham rescues Ivan Koloff from Ken Patera's brutal Bear Hug.
Sept 26, 1973
Classic Matches History Wrestlers Results Collectibles