Eastern Sports Association
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Founded | 1969 |
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Headquarters | Halifax, Nova Scotia |
Founder(s) | Al Zinck and Rudy Kay |
Owner(s) | Al Zinck (1969-1975) Rudy Kay (1969-1975) Bobby Kay (1975-1976) |
Parent | National Wrestling Alliance (1975-1976) |
The Eastern Sports Association, often referred to in the business simply as "the Maritimes," was a Canadian
History
The ESA, a member of the National Wrestling Alliance (1975–76), was owned by Al Zinck in partnership with Rudy Kay (1969–75) and Bobby Kay (1975-76) and promoted wrestling under the marquee name International Wrestling. In 1977, the ESA dissolved and Bobby Kay formed Trans-Canada Wrestling, and Al Zinck continued to promote International Wrestling under the name 'Maritime International Sports Ltd' with George Cannon and later Don Carson as bookers. At the end of the 1977 season, Al Zinck retired from promoting until 1984, when he reactivated International Wrestling with J. J. Dillon as booker.
They ran cards seven nights a week across Nova Scotia and
The Cormier brothers (Rudy Kay, Bobby Kay,
Future stars Rick Martel, Roddy Piper, Tony Atlas, Rocky Johnson and Terry Gordy also paid their dues here. As well, former world champions Pat O'Connor, Harley Race, Dory Funk Jr. and Lou Thesz made appearances. Jack Brisco, Terry Funk and Rick Martel defended their World titles under the banner of International Wrestling.
Championships
Title notes | Last champion(s) |
IW North American Heavyweight Championship (1969-77 & 1984) | Leo Burke |
International Tag Team Championship (represented by a trophy) (1969–76) | Jack & Jerry Brisco |
Canadian Heavyweight Championship (1977) | David Schultz |
World Tag Team Championship (1977) | Dennis Condry & Phil Hickerson |
Maritime Heavyweight Championship (1976–77) | Leo Burke |
Maritime Tag Team Championship (1976–77) | Leo Burke & Hubert Gallant |
Taped Fist Championship (1973–77) | Rudy Kay |
International Heavyweight Championship (1984) | J. J. Dillon |
Global Tag Team Championship (1984) | Samoans(Tio and Tapu) |