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?
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?