Big Time Wrestling Souvenir Program
Body Press – Official US Wrestling Magazine
Cobo Arena - Detroit, Michigan
June 23, 1973
This is an original June 23, 1973 issue of BODY PRESS – Official U.S. Wrestling Magazine, published as the official event program for Big Time Wrestling at Detroit's historic Cobo Convention Arena.
This colorful orange-and-black issue features legendary professional wrestler Johnny Valentine prominently on the front cover, accompanied by several photographs and the headline:
“WILL HE EVER TAKE THE TITLE FROM THE SHEIK?”
The program was issued for the Saturday, June 23, 1973 wrestling card presented by promoter Francis Fleser and World Wide Sports, featuring 10 scheduled bouts beginning at 8:00 PM.
DOUBLE MAIN EVENT
Super Tag Team Match
Big-Time 15-Round Boxing Match
Additional Matches
The original printed match card remains completely unmarked, with no winners, losers, or other results entered.
This issue contains numerous original photographs and articles documenting the personalities and storylines of Detroit's Big Time Wrestling promotion during the early 1970s.
Features include:
“The Sheik: The Houdini of the Mat” — Dave Burzynski
An illustrated examination of The Sheik's notorious wrestling style, his use of fire and foreign objects, and his ongoing rivalries with Johnny Valentine, Bobo Brazil, and other challengers.
“Killer Brooks” — Terry Sullivan
An illustrated interview with the controversial wrestler, featuring photographs of Brooks in action and discussing his rivalries with Bobo Brazil, Tony Marino, and The Stomper.
“What Is Pampero Firpo?” — Burt Davis
An extensive illustrated profile of the Argentine wrestling star, accompanied by several photographs.
“What Is George Steele Trying to Say?”
A humorous photographic contest featuring George “The Animal” Steele. The original contest entry section remains blank and uncompleted.
“I'm Bored Stiff ... I Want to See Some Action Around Here” — Dr. Jerry Graham
An illustrated feature on the outspoken wrestler and his challenges to the competition.
“The Fans Are Right Behind Fred Curry” — Sid Sachs
An illustrated article discussing Flying Fred Curry's popularity and his campaign against The Sheik and other Detroit wrestling villains.
“So You Want Blood! — In This Corner” — Sid Sachs
A dramatic two-page photographic feature showing the bloody and violent side of professional wrestling, with photographs of The Sheik, Dory Funk Jr., Bobo Brazil, Tony Marino, Killer Brooks, and other stars.
The back cover features period television listings for Big Time Wrestling broadcasts across several states, along with an advertisement offering 8 x 10 photographs of popular wrestlers, including The Sheik, Bobo Brazil, Johnny Valentine, Chief Jay Strongbow, George Steele, Pampero Firpo, and many others.
Good vintage condition overall.
The program retains its original colorful front and back covers, interior articles, photographs, and complete printed event card.
The front cover bears ownership stamps from Gerald Evans of Detroit, Michigan, the original collector from whose collection this program originated.
Unlike many surviving wrestling programs that were used to record match results, the June 23, 1973 scorecard is completely unmarked. The George Steele contest entry is likewise uncompleted.
There is minor cover and edge wear, light corner creasing, some spine/staple wear, and general age-related handling. The interior pages appear generally clean, with little or no handwritten notation.
Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.
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