In the early seventies Alan Garfield would often pop up to replace an indisposed wrestler. It seemed like he couldn't be doing with the commitment of a month's bookings but knew there would be last-minute work somewhere most nights if he wanted it. He was great value.
The best substitution I can recall was in 1972 when Rocky Wall was wrestling seemingly eight nights a week, taking his title nationwide on an intense basis. He was billed to wrestle in the main event at the White Rock against the West African Zulu warrior from Guyana, Prince Kumali. Only in wrestling could the promoters manage to mangle three geographical inaccuracies into one; but we lapped that up.
Anyway, the West Indian with the Clark Gable look was unavailable so Dale Martin needed to find a replacement in the main event. We duly got a main eventer in Steve Logan. I shall leave aside that the match was a one-sided squib with Albert dwarfing Logan, giving nothing and Logan losing 0-2, unusual in itself. The outcome was correct but we were left disappointed at the mismatch and not seeing the British champion in more challenging action.
Nonetheless, Steve Logan remains the most high-profile substitute I have seen.
And I am wondering if any other Members recall other big names subbing?
All sorts of scams took place in the late eighties early nineties including blatantly false advertising
Anglo Italian gives an example of good management. I'll offer the opposite. Klondyke Bill substituted by an uninspiring, unknown heavy.
To make matters worse the reason given was that Kkondyke was not appearing was that he had been suspended by that mythical Board of Control.
Could the situation be made even worse?
Yes, of course.
A larger than life Klondyke Bill was even present and got into the ring. Maybe the plan was for him to speak. He didn't get a chance.
I wonder if this happened anywhere else?
You hit the nail on the head there, Ron.
Promoters had to make sure the punters didn't complain at being short-changed by a substitute. Any sub, but certainly an inferior one.
So in my Logan scenario, no complaints, he was a bill-topper.
And in yours, they cleverly made the sub go over.
Nagasaki was once a no-show at the same White Rock Pavilion. A rather hard act to substitute. I can't recall the precise details but do remember several easels set up in the foyer, announcing his absence, basically saying if you want a refund, ask before entering the arena. Very fair. (Though I also remember that the easels sneakily didn't state the name of the sub to allow an informed decision...)
I don't recall anyone in particular disappointing me , I can clearly remember changes being announced , but nothing that upset me. Probably saw Kendo a hundred times and I don't remember him doing a no show.
The only super sub that sticks in my mind and I think I have told the story. Shirley's opponent could not make it one night at Belle Vue and I suspect it was after Max took over. The way I remember it , they kept stalling and said that they had sent out for a local boy , and I do believe they were in dire trouble. I may be wrong but I think Shirley came on last with Pete Curry who was local. At that time I don't think he did much with Joint , but we know Max changed things and brought all sorts in that I had never seen such as the Undertakers.
Anyway , Peter and Shirley had a sporting bout , no big splash , a bit like Shirley's Youtube bout with Elijah. Shirley allowed Pete to fold him up for a winning pin to rapturous applause. Shirley clapped him and raised his hand and I have to say , the fans cheered the place down.
If I have it right and then we all went home.
I've just come across the poster!
As a patron of independent shows there were so any substitutes there must have been occasions when I was pleased to see the unannounced guest. On the Joint side subs were a rarity and I can't remember any great surprises.
Two substitutes worthy of mention, both well known at the time, and certainly more well known to most fans than the wrestler they replaced.
These were both on independent bills, which is significant. One was introduced as Beau Jack, and was Jack Rowlands. The other was Pete Curry. The significance is that this was at a time both were working for Joint, and with the rules at the time may well have been the reason they had not been advertised.
I remember saying before, that when Les Kellett was the resident referee at Newcastle in the 1950's, if a wrestler was not available, Les would go on the mic and say "X" is not here so you can have "Y" wrestling twice tonight or I will step in if you prefer.
We always preferred to see Les do a good job .