On the Mat
On the Mat | |
---|---|
TV2 (1975–1984) | |
Release | 3 July 1975 23 July 1984 | –
On the Mat was a
On the Mat characterized the "
As a member of the National Wrestling Alliance, the
Its cancellation in the early-1980s signaled the decline and eventual close of All Star Pro-Wrestling by the end of the decade. Apart from the short run of The Main Event made for TV3 in 1990, locally produced and televised professional wrestling would remain absent in New Zealand until the appearance of
Show history
Background
In the years following the
During the next decade, Rickard and da Silva were able to develop new stars such as Al Hobman,[2][3] Tony Garea, Peter Maivia,[4] and The Sheepherders.[5] They were also eventually able, along with Australia-based American promoter Jim Barnett, bring back more foreign stars to the Australasian region.[6] New Zealand was often visited by Australian wrestlers Ron Miller and Larry O'Day of World Championship Wrestling, Robert Bruce from Scotland, Canadians Gordon Nelson and George Gordienko,[7] and French wrestler André the Giant.[8]
American wrestlers became especially popular with the public during the early 1970s. One of the biggest US tours occurred in 1972 when Big Bad John,
Early history
With the influx of new talent, both from New Zealand and abroad, Steve Rickard considered creating a weekly television series, much like Britain's
Encouraged by successful wrestling shows in Australia and the US, Rickard recorded a
On the Mat debuted as a half-hour late night series on
The show became an overnight sensation, both in New Zealand and internationally, and was one of the country's highest rated shows of all time.[20] For much of its history, On the Mat was centred around a core group of native stars headlined by Wellington-based wrestlers Steve Rickard, John Da Silva and Robert Bruce[21][22][23] who became household names by the end of the 1970s.[18] Another Pacific star, King Curtis Iaukea, was the main "heel" wrestler for many years[18][21] as were Australia's Ron Miller and Larry O'Day. Other foreign wrestlers to appear on the programme included Pat Barrett, Dick Beyer, Man Mountain Link, Les Thornton, Leo Burke, Ripper Collins, Rick Martel, Tiger Jeet Singh, Ali Vizeri and Abdullah the Butcher.[24][25]
At the start of the show's off-season each year, Rickard and his wrestlers spent the three months on international tours overseas in the Middle East, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong and Hawaii.[11]
Height in popularity
On the Mat's success greatly increased attendance for live events throughout the country. Imported talent coming as far away as the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia to challenge local wrestlers, particularly ones that fans could identify with and relate to, kept viewers tuning in each week. also appeared on the show while touring the country.
Original storylines, apart from the NWA, were also featured in the show. Robert Bruce, who had originally come to New Zealand as a fan favourite, "turned heel", reformed as a "face" then returned to being a heel within the span of a few weeks. His antics gained himself and others national attention[26] and enraged crowds so much that he was actually stabbed by an irate fan.[27] Rickard's two sons were also involved in the promotion. One episode in 1980 featured a tag team match with Ricky Rickard as a participant, his brother Tony Rickard refereeing the match and their father Steve Rickard commentating. The show sometimes featured celebrity guests, most notably, radio personality Billy T. James.[12]
On 17 March 1981, Barry Holland officially took over Ernie Leonard's position as head announcer so Leonard could work full-time behind the scenes in his role as producer. Returning from a period of touring
Involvement with the NWA
An official member of the NWA since 1972, many of its top stars were featured on the programme when they visited New Zealand. As a result, NWA storylines and feuds not only became part of the show but were usually not seen by fans outside the country. This was especially true of title defences for the
Peter Maivia very nearly won the title from then reigning champion Harley Race in Western Springs Stadium in 1979,[4] winning the bout via disqualification, and there was a serious concern the estimated 10,000 fans in attendance[13] would riot if Maivia did not address the crowd to explain why the NWA did not allow title changes based on a disqualification win.[13][29] A 30-minute NWA title match between Race and Rick Martel took up an entire episode of On the Mat. After returning to the US, Race would later send a tape of this match to promoters before he entered a territory.[30]
Another controversial match occurred in 1983 when Mark Lewin seemingly won the NWA title from "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair in a best 2-of-3 falls match in Auckland. Although he scored the winning pinfall, and was given the belt, the decision was reversed by referees due to Flair having been tossed over the top rope moments before. Although this was not an illegal move in New Zealand, the bout was under NWA regulations and referees were forced to disqualify Lewin. In a post-match brawl, Lewin knocked out Flair with the belt and left the ring with it.[31] The following year, the NWA World title changed hands between Ric Flair and Harley Race in Wellington, New Zealand and Geylang, Singapore[32] though it would be several years before the NWA eventually recognised them.[33]
Cancellation
By the early 1980s, though the show was still popular, it became increasingly more difficult for Rickard to bring in top quality wrestlers from overseas. The
The high costs of running the show, in addition to a worsening economy in New Zealand, forced Rickard to cancel the show in 1984. The final episode aired on 23 July 1984, and featured Samoan Joe, Larry O'Day, Mel Fortuna, Tony Rickard and Rip Morgan.[34] He and All Star Pro-Wrestling attempted a couple of tours during the next two years but the show's cancellation eventually saw the close of his promotion.[18]
Production
The show usually aired on a
Episode format
Each episode opened with a video of the All Star Pro-Wrestlers competing in various matches as well as the show's theme song, before going to an introduction and the opening match. An episode typically featured two to three matches (and sometimes footage from a recent live event or match from overseas) as well as post-match interviews and vignettes from wrestlers regarding their upcoming matches or current storylines. Celebrity guests were often invited to the show where they were later interviewed by one of the hosts such as comedian and radio personality Billy T. James in 1980. The show typically ended after the main event (the final match on an episode) and closed similar to the opening credits.
Memorable episodes
Episode | Date | Rating | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
On the Mat Debut | 3 July 1975[15] | N/A | The first ever On the Mat episode. |
Harley Race NWA World Title defence | 1979 | N/A | NWA World Heavyweight Championship .
|
On the Mat with Billy T. James | 29 July 1980 | N/A | New Zealand comedian and actor Billy T. James was a celebrity guest and later interviewed by host Ernie Leonard. |
Peter Maivia Tribute Show | 6 July 1982 | N/A | Tribute in memory of Peter Maivia.[28] |
Ric Flair NWA World Title defence | 3 March 1983 | N/A | NWA World Heavyweight Championship but is reversed via referee decision.[31]
|
On-air personalities
Champions
NWA British Empire/Commonwealth Championship
Wrestler: | Defeated: | Date: | Place: | Event: | Notes: |
John Da Silva
|
Bulldog Brower | 1975 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Robert Bruce | John Da Silva | 1975 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
John Da Silva | Robert Bruce | 1976 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Don Muraco | John Da Silva | 1977 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
King Curtis Iaukea | Don Muraco | 1977 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Rick Martel | King Curtis Iaukea | 26 May 1977 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3][35] |
Ali Vaziri | Rick Martel | 1977 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Tommy Seigler | Ali Vaziri | 1977 | N/A | N/A | The championship is vacated when Seigler leaves New Zealand in 1978.[36] |
Les Thornton | N/A | January 1978 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Chris Markoff | Les Thornton | 1978 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Ron Miller | Chris Markoff | 1978 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Jack Claybourne | Ron Miller | April 1978 | Australia | N/A | [3] |
Toru Tanaka
|
Jack Claybourne | 13 June 1978 | Christchurch, NZ | N/A | [3][37] |
Steve Rickard | Toru Tanaka | 22 June 1978 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Toru Tanaka | Steve Rickard | 20 July 1978 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Toru Tanaka | 17 August 1978 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3][38] |
Mad Dog Martin | Steve Rickard | 28 September 1978 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Leo Burke | Mad Dog Martin | 1979 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Rick Martel | Leo Burke | 19 March 1979 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3][35][39] |
Ripper Collins | Rick Martel | 28 May 1979 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Peter Maivia | Ripper Collins | 20 August 1979 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3][40] |
Mr. Fuji | Peter Maivia | 3 September 1979 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3][41] |
Rick Martel | Mr. Fuji | N/A | N/A | N/A | The championship is vacated when Martel leaves New Zealand in 1980.[3][35] |
Ron Miller | N/A | May 1980 | Australia | N/A | Won in a tournament.[3] |
Larry O'Day | Ron Miller | 14 July 1980 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Ron Miller | Larry O'Day | 28 July 1980 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Ron Miller | 29 October 1980 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Jos LeDuc | Steve Rickard | 23 April 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Mark Lewin | Jos LeDuc | 30 April 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Jos LeDuc | Mark Lewin | 9 July 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Jos LeDuc | 13 August 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Butcher Brannigan | Steve Rickard | 17 September 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Butcher Brannigan | 24 September 1981 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Baron Karl Von Krupp | Steve Rickard | 3 June 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Baron Karl Von Krupp | 1 July 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Ox Baker | Steve Rickard | 9 September 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Al Perez | Ox Baker | September 1982 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
King Kamata | Al Perez | 7 October 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Al Perez | King Kamata | October 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | [3] |
Pat O'Connor | Al Perez | 4 November 1982 | Auckland, NZ | N/A | Title is later vacated.[3] |
Butcher Brannigan | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] | |
Ricky Rickard | Butcher Brannigan | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Larry O'Day | Rick Rickard | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Larry O'Day | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Zar Mongol
|
Steve Rickard | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
Steve Rickard | Zar Mongol | 1983 | N/A | N/A | [3] |
NWA Australasian Tag Team Championship
Team: | Defeated: | Date: | Place: | Event: | Notes: |
Steve Rickard and Mark Lewin | N/A | 8 October 1981 | N/A | Awarded titles.[36][42] | |
King Kamaka and Baron Von Krupp | Steve Rickard and Mark Lewin | 6 May 1982 | Auckland, NZ | [36][43] | |
Steve Rickard and Mark Lewin | King Kamaka and Baron Von Krupp | 27 May 1982 | Auckland, NZ | [36][42] | |
King Kamaka and Ox Baker | Steve Rickard and Mark Lewin | 19 August 1982 | Auckland, NZ | [36] | |
Mark Lewin and Al Perez | King Kamaka and Ox Baker | 30 September 1982 | Auckland, NZ | [36] | |
King Kamaka and General Hiro | Mark Lewin and Al Perez | 21 October 1982 | Auckland, NZ | [36][44] | |
Larry O'Day and Ripper Collins | King Kamaka and General Hiro | 1983 | N/A | [36] | |
Mark and Chris Youngblood | Larry O'Day and Ripper Collins | 1984 | N/A | [36] |
Commentators
Commentators | Dates |
---|---|
Ernie Leonard and Steve Rickard | 1975–1980 |
Barry Holland and Steve Rickard | 17 March 1981 – c. 1984 |
Ring announcers
Ring Announcer | Dates |
---|---|
Burt Durn | 1975-c. 1984 |
Revival with The Main Event
In 1990, Steve Rickard proposed a new wrestling programme under a similar format and, supported by Isambard Productions, secured a deal with the newly established
Airing on a slightly earlier timeslot than WWF Superstars, it was technically not in head-to-head competition, however its attempt to emulate the sports entertainment aspect of the WWF failed to impress neither the critics nor fans. Gus Forearm, a columnist for the Sunday News, wrote "Okay, it is filmed in New Zealand – but it lacks any of the gloss and zap we've become used to, thanks to TVNZ's Superstars of Wrestling show and many of the NWA wrestlers on the show simply don't rate on the Forearm scale of skill".[13]
The hiring of John Dybvig, a former US basketball coach and commentator, was the main "heel" announcer who portrayed a
A WWF tour of Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland had drawn over 15,000 people and it was expected that the costs of filming such a high-cost show could be offset by profits made from the gate takings at the ASB Stadium but attendance was much less than expected. In the end, The Main Event was unable to compete with the WWF for ratings and was cancelled after 11 episodes.[13]
Like the final years of "On the Mat", Siva Afi was the main star of the programme. Returning from a brief stint in the WWF, it was his first major appearance in the country since 1978.
Legacy
Over 20 years after its cancellation, On the Mat has remained the longest-running weekly sports series in New Zealand's history. It has since achieved a
It was not until the emergence of the country's three major promotions,
In early-2010, two episodes were chosen to be shown on
See also
- List of professional wrestling television series
- Professional wrestling in New Zealand
- IPW Ignition
- Off the Ropes
References
- ISBN 0-9757770-0-9
- ^ ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au "New Zealand Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ ISBN 0-7434-9033-9
- ISBN 0-8283-2045-4
- ISBN 0-87972-324-6
- ^ a b c "British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ISBN 1-4165-4112-8
- ^ Cameron, Dave (November 1972). "Americans add flavor to New Zealand". Wrestling Revue. Puroresu Dojo. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ a b Gough, Shanan; Adam Simpson (2 March 2010). "Background". Television: On the Mat. NZ On Screen. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
- ^ The Dominion Post.
- ^ a b c d e Byers, Ryan (9 March 2010). "Into the Indies 03.09.10: NWA On the Mat". Columns. 411mania.com. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Gough, Shanan (12 June 2010). "The Globalisation of Professional Wrestling and its affect on the New Zealand Wrestling Scene" (PDF). TheSellNetwork.com. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ a b Bickerstaff, Tim (19 February 1999). "Pro Wrestling – Believe It Or Not". Xtrasite.co.nz. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-9597553-4-3.
- ^ "WRESTLING ON TV2". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. No. 33882. The Press. 30 June 1975.
- ^ "Points of Viewing". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. No. 33885. Press. 3 July 1975. Retrieved 14 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f Venter, Nick (15 February 2006). "Pro-Wrestling's NZ Golden Age". Wrestling Columns. OnlineWorldofWrestling.com. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ISBN 1-57806-021-4
- ^ a b Samways, Ana (25 September 2009). "Sideswipe: New Kiwi wrestling show". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b c d e Ward, Nick (1 July 2010). "Kiwi grapple and grunt show has all the right stuff". Stuff. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Wrestling with make-up". Capital Times. 30 June 2010.
- ^ a b Livingston, Aaron (4 April 2009). "IPW Hits Armageddon". Pro Wrestling. Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ISBN 1-893680-03-7
- ^ ISBN 1-4357-2653-7
- ^ Ihaka, James (2 March 2009). "Wrestler, acting agent Bruce dies aged 65". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Ihaka, James (3 March 2009). "Robert Bruce: 'Bad guy' of wrestling spent his life helping others". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ a b "'Laughing Killer' They All Loved". THE NEW WAWLI (Wrestling As We Liked It) PAPERS No. 211-2001. WrestlingClassics.com. 3 July 1982. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ Auckland Star, 28 February 1979, p. 31.
- ^ a b Meltzer, Dave; Stephen Ackroyd (15 February 2010). "MON. UPDATE: TNA move to Monday, UFC deal; Awesome high flyers match signed; Great TV commercial". Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online. F4Wonline.com. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ a b Cawthon, Graham. "JCP 1983". Jim Crockett Promotions/WCW: Ring Results. TheHistoryofWWE.com. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ^ "National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 5 June 2010. Retrieved 12 June 2010.
- ISBN 1-55022-741-6
- ^ "Crazy capers in What's Up, Doc?". New Straits Times. 23 July 1984.
- ^ a b c "SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Rick Martel". SLAM! Wrestling Bios. SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
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: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e f g h i "Australasian Tag Team Title (New Zealand)". The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo. Wrestling-Titles.com. 2003. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Gamble, Ron (3 June 2003). "Official 411 Wrestling Almanac For June (Part 1)". 411Mania. Archived from the original on 24 June 2003. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Martinez, Ryan (17 August 2008). "This Day In History: Shane Douglas And The Dudley Boyz Win Gold At Hardcore Heaven And More". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Woodward, Buck (19 March 2010). "This Day In History: WCW's Last Nitro Before The Buyout, The First And Last WCW Uncensored Events And More". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the originalon 17 March 2006. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Martinez, Ryan (3 September 2009). "This Day In History: NWA At The Omni, WCCW Star Wars, Cadillac Tournament, Battle Of Los Angeles And More". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ a b "Mark Lewin". Bios. Oklafan.com. Archived from the original on 26 December 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Martinez, Ryan (6 May 2010). "This Day In History: Kerry Von Erich Wins The NWA Title, Zbyszko And Kowalski Win World Titles, Insurrextion And More". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- ^ Woodward, Buck (21 October 2009). "This Day In History: Bret Hart Signs A 20-Year Contract With The WWF, All Japan's First Show, Final Tag Reign For Los Guerreros Ends And More". PWInsider.com. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
- Television New Zealand (2010). "'My favourite moment is...' (part 4)". TVNZ.co.nz. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ "Oscar Kightley: Pacific Storyteller Hits The Bigtime". Pacific Magazine. 31 (4). PacificBasin Communications: 84. July–August 2006.
- ^ Steve Ogilvie; Dion McCracken; Kirsty Quested; Matt Sparnon; Simon Sweetman; Leigh Leighton; Troy Rawhiti-Forbes (11 September 2008). "Gimme Five: Unforgiven, Punk vs. Orton & Memories Galore!". Gimme Five. NZPWI.co.nz. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ Elliott, Brian (10 October 2007). "SLAM! Wrestling: PWI artist aims to be a top draw". SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - Television New Zealand (1 June 2010). "Notable shows from the past 50 years". News. Throng.co.nz. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- ^ Rattue, Chris (6 March 2009). "Chris Rattue: NZ's 10 favourite wrestlers". The New Zealand Herald.
- ^ Anderson, Scott (13 June 2010). "On The Mat on NZ On Screen!". NZPWI.co.nz. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
- Scoop.co.nz. 9 April 2010. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
Further reading
- Dybvig, John and Ray Lillis. Microphones Up My Nose. 1st ed. Auckland: Random House, 1993. ISBN 1-86941-186-2
- Mancer, John. Steve Rickard's Life On the Mat. 1st ed. Auckland: Rugby Press, 1979. ISBN 978-0-9597553-4-3
External links
- On the Mat at NZ On Screen
- On the Mat at IMDb