Program for Wrestling Match in Bowling Green Florida

by Michael
(Pacifica, California)

Big Time Wrestling Official Souvenir Program
World's Tag Team Championship Match
Duke Keomuka and Hiro Matsuda vs Eddie Graham and Don Curtis June 16, 1963, Terry Park, Ft. Myers, Florida

Signed by Mike Padousis, Hiro Matsuda, Duke Keomuka, Don Curtis, Eddie Graham, Boris Malenko, Len Rossi, Miguel Perez

Excellent Condition

I met these folks when I was a kid. I wonder what this program might be worth. Any thoughts?

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Program for Wrestling Match in Bowling Green Florida

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May 06, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Signed Florida Wrestling Program
by: Bill

By 1963, this wrestling promotion was officially known as Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF). Eddie Graham was this promotion's biggest star, and by 1963 he was part owner. Two more partners who would buy in later were Hiro Matsuda and Duke Keomuka - the opponents that night of Graham and Don Curtis. Don Curtis was also a big star in Florida and was an associate promoter in Jacksonville, FL.

Later in the 1960's, Boris Malenko (real name Larry Simon) became the top heel in Florida.

Len Rossi was not a huge star in Florida. He had his greatest success in that state with Jesse James as the Crusaders, a babyface masked team (which was very rare for the times). Len Rossi was a major star at the time in Tennessee, and would become an even bigger star there later in the decade. He and Jackie Fargo were the Tennessee promotion's top two babyfaces.

Several heels signed your program. The heels didn't normally sign at the ring apron just before the matches like the babyfaces did, so the heels are harder to find today.

Values at retail:

Eddie Graham - $50
Don Curtis: $10
Hiro Matsuda: $20
Duke Keomuka: $30
Mike Padousis: $10
Boris Malenko: $25
Len Rossi: $10
Miguel Perez: $10

The number of collectors of vintage wrestling autographs is small, but they are serious about their hobby.

The best place to sell the program is probably eBay.

Wrestling Autographs on eBay
May 09, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Excellent information Thanks!
by: Anonymous

Bill, Thanks for this excellent information. Thoughtful and thorough and interesting. Makes me want to keep this with your letter for the memories. I grew up in Miami Beach and my family was close with the Dundee family. Chris Dundee used to get me into all the shows. I was at the matches all the time but didn't do much collecting of autographs. I used to go with my aging grandfather. He used to get so excited I thought he was going to drop dead on the spot. Thanks for your help. Best, Michael

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