PUERTO RICO'S WORLD WRESTLING COUNCIL: A JOURNEY DOWN MEMORY LANE

World Wrestling Council: A Journey Down Memory Lane…

It was back in the early to mid 80’s when I became interested in wrestling.  At that time in Puerto Rico there was one promotion that dominated the territory: Capitol Sports Promotions.  They were also known as World Wrestling Council, which was affiliated to the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance).

I remember when I first started attending their wrestling shows.  They used to run every Sunday at the “Coliseo Pachin Vicens” (now Auditorium Pachin Vicens) in my hometown of Ponce, PR.  Bell time was always at 7:00 PM.  For me, an 11 year old at the time, Sunday’s became a routine.  I would get up early in the morning and wait for my uncle to come in for breakfast as he always did on Sunday mornings.  While my parents and my uncle were having breakfast, I would wash and vacuum my uncle’s car and earn the $5.00 that I needed to go to the matches later in the evening.  Yes, I needed $5.00: $3.00 for admission, $1.00 for a drink and $1.00 for a snack.

There was one particular Sunday house show that practically hooked me, and up to this point always reminds me of why I became a fan.  I had attended that night with my cousins and the main event of the night was Carlos Colon Sr. in one of the multiple grudge matches he had with none other than the monster himself, Abdullah The Butcher.  It was such a “blood bath” that some people started to leave the arena during the match as they could not stomach to see their hero Carlos Colon in such a painful state; but not me.  There was something about that match that caught my attention.  These two gladiators were giving their all to a crowd of approximate 2,500 to 3,500 fans.  Even though there was a good guy and a bad guy, for me it was more interesting that they were willing to do whatever it took to come on top at the end of the battle.  As always, Abby used his trademarked fork and, although at times Colon would take it and use it against him, Abby would find a way to get it back and keep hurting Colon.  At one point the ref had to stop the match because of how Colon was bleeding.  Abby won this battle, but the war continued throughout the years.

There was another night that I also remember and it included a match between The Invaders and some other tag team.  Up to this day, I do not recall who the other tag team was, but I remember very vividly the details of what happened after the match.  There was a run-in from the New Zealand Sheepherders (WWF Buschwakers).  They had been feuding for a while but this time, the Sheepherders were not looking for a win, they were looking to humiliate the Invaders.  They started dominating the brawl, and their manager, “El Vikingo”, brought in a roll of barbwire.  They then proceeded to tie the Invaders in the middle of the ring with the barbwire and keep beating on them.  The crowd was so fired up with what was happening that everyone started throwing rows of steel chairs into the ring area, some even making it inside the ring.  (I was reminded of this incident later in the ‘90’s while watching ECW)  

After a few more minutes of punishing them, finally the “faces” came in for the save.  Who came in?  Carlos Colon, “Super Medicos”…  I am sure there were others, but I can only recall clearly Colon and the “Medicos” because they were standing right in front of me talking about how they were going to get revenge on this pair of SOB’s.  Why were they in front of me?  Because, I had ran into the ring area, along with a whole section of the crowd to try to help.  I remember security had to escort the Sheepherders into their locker rooms and even after the night was over, there was a large group of people outside the arena waiting for the Sheepherders to come out to their cars.  This people were not there to get an autograph from them; they were waiting for them to beat them up.  That is how passionate the Puerto Rican wrestling fans have always been.

The reason these two particular matches hooked me is simple.  At the time I did not understand it but I was able to see an angle unfold, a storyline be told and  I was able to see the outcome.  Be it revenge, vengeance or resolution, it would all come to an end at their annual Aniversario (Anniversary) show.  Just like WWE has their Wrestlemania and WCW used to have Starrcade, WWC’s Anniversary shows have always been the biggest wrestling event each year in the island.  

This year marks the 35^th Anniversary for WWC in Puerto Rico.  I can tell you, for me as a fan, it brings a lot of nostalgia and countless memories of great matches, rivalries and great performers.  From international stars such as Ric Flair, Harley Race, Abdullah The Butcher, Road Warriors, The Freebirds, The Fantastics, The Sheepherders, The Von Erichs, Terry Funk, Dory Funk Jr, Giant Baba, Great Mutah, to the local legends such as Carlos Colon Sr, The Invaders, T.N.T. (Savio Vega), Jose Miguel Perez Sr, Huracan Castillo Sr, Pedro Morales, Hercules Ayala, Chicky Starr, Barrabas Sr, Miguel Perez Jr, Huracan Castillo Jr, “Super Medicos”, they have all been a part of a WWC Anniversary show at one point or another in their careers.

This year, Carlos Colon Sr will be honored during the event, as he will be retiring from active wrestling.  So far, it promises to be one of those events where any wrestling fan would like to be part of.  Many of the legends that have been part of Colon Sr’s career will be in attendance for this event.  The card is also taking shape and, as I stated on one of my last WWC reports, the heat is starting to rise.  The build up for feuds and matches continues, as the event is just a little over 4 weeks away.