By 1942 Top Class Wrestling had been Showing at KINGS HALL BELLE VUE MANCHESTER for a Dozen Years under Lady Promoter KATHLEEN LOOK and was a very
Popular and fast-becoming Iconic Venue!
But BELLE VUE had a 'Rival' Arena in MANCHESTER-which put on some Great Shows
during the War Years-ARDWICK STADIUM!!
Dubbed the 'BLOOD TUB' for the Copious amounts of Claret that were almost 'Obligatory'
in every Show-Punters were Treated to Regular and Frequent Events including a BILL........
wait for it.....on NEW YEAR'S DAY 1943!!
Up and Coming Wrestlers like BILLY JOYCE were often present on Weekly Rosters!!
ARDWICK STADIUM-and BELLE VUE afforded a Beleaguered and War-Weary Public the
Chance to 'Escape' the Worries of a War Torn Nation!
So while the GERMAN 6TH ARMY and 4TH PANZERARMEE were Freezing to Death in
the Hell of STALINGRAD-Wrestling Fans were shouting,cheering and booing in another
BLOOD TUB at ARDWICK STADIUM MANCHESTER!!
Below some very Rare ARDWICK HANDBILLS!
MAIN MASK
The New Years Day event started at 3:30 pm.Considering that New Years Day did not become a Public Holiday in England until 1975 how many ardent fans left work early to attend? Possibly the crowd was mainly servicemen on leave anticipating a bloodbath!