Episode 1: DEBUT EDITION - 1977 IN THE WWWF (Guest Co-Host John McAdam)

IT'S THE DEBUT EDITION OF THE REGIONAL RASSLIN' PODCAST where we Talk the Territories! Special Guest Co-Host John McAdam joins host Ray Russell to discuss 1977 in the WWWF in this 2-Part topic. This week as we set the stage for 1977 in the WWWF, we go back to 1976 and discuss a variety of topics from Chief Jay Strongbow's return to the company, Bruno Sammartino's final year of challengers, Superstar Graham's first run in NY, Stan Hansen breaking the neck of Bruno and how it played a major roll in Sammartino looking to drop the title, The Executioners Tag Title reign and being stripped of the belts, the epic "Tag Title Tournament" that brough John McAdam a delayed Christmas present, the return of former champion Stan Stasiak, Antonino Rocca on commentary, TV formats, a young Bruiser Brody, and old Carlos Rocha, newcomers Bob Backlund & Ken Patera, President Willie Gilzeberg, Referees of the 1970s. We'll also look at "outside" talent brought in for showcase matches at MSG like Pat Patterson, Verne & Greg Gagne, Gino Hernandez, and DUSTY RHODES! Plus, were there really THREE Executioners or was it all an "Optical Illusion" as the good Captain would have you believe?!? And it doesn't end there, as we look at an end of an era... We dive into the final challengers of Bruno Sammartino's time as Champion in the early part of 1977. We discuss Bruno vs. Brody, Stasiak, Ken Patera at MSG, Baron Von Raschke, & more! All of that, and so much more! New fans to this era, we think you'll really learn some things and enjoy the discussion. Longtime fans who know this era, we hope you'll enjoy this nostalgic trip back in time and maybe learn something new... I know we did! Credit to Soundcloud User: https://soundcloud.com/user927185080 for pieces of soundbites used from the Executioners Tag Title angle. Available everywhere your Podcast Streaming needs are met. Visit our Podcast Network https://wrestlecopia.com Follow us on Twitter @RasslinGrenade Follow and LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE - https://www.facebook.com/RasslinGrenade Subscribe to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/RasslinGrenade Please Subscribe to our Patreon to help pay the bills, https://www.patreon.com/wrestlecopia Includes a $5 “All Access” Tier featuring our Patreon Exclusive Watch-Along Series, our insanely detailed show notes (for the Grenade, Monday Warfare & Regional Rasslin), Early Show Releases, REMASTERED editions of the early Grenade episodes including NEW content that was originally edited out! PLUS, monthly DIGITAL DOWNLOADS for your viewing and reading pleasure! Listen at your leisure and pick back up later if need be! REGIONAL RASSLIN' PODCAST EPISODE #001 1977 IN THE WWWF - PART 1 This week as we set the stage for 1977 in the WWWF, we go back to 1976 and discuss a variety of topics from Chief Jay Strongbow's return to the company, Bruno Sammartino's challengers, Superstar Graham's first run in NY, Stan Hansen breaking the neck of Bruno and how it played a major roll in Sammartino looking to drop the title, The Executioners Tag Title reign and being stripped of the belts, the epic "Tag Title Tournament" that brough John McAdam a delayed Christmas present, the return of former champion Stan Stasiak, Antonino Rocca on commentary, TV formats, a young Bruiser Brody, and old Carlos Rocha, newcomers Bob Backlund & Ken Patera, President Willie Gilzeberg, Referees of the 1970s. We'll also look at "outside" talent brought in for showcase matches at MSG like Pat Patterson, Verne & Greg Gagne, Gino Hernandez, and DUSTY RHODES! Plus, were there really THREE Executioners or was it all an "Optical Illusion" as the good Captain would have you believe?!? And it doesn't end there, as we look at an end of an era... We dive into the final challengers of Bruno Sammartino's time as Champion in the early part of 1977. We discuss Bruno vs. Brody, Stasiak, Ken Patera at MSG, Baron Von Raschke, & more! All of that, and so much more! New fans to this era, we think you'll really learn some things and enjoy the discussion. Longtime fans who know this era, we hope you'll enjoy this nostalgic trip back in time and maybe learn something new... I know we did! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★