, Last edited on 15 November 2020, at 08:41, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, Argentine Rocca - Olympic Auditorium Wrestling News 31 January 1962 (cropped).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Antonino_Rocca&oldid=512706368, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Antonino Rocca, a worldfamous barefooted wrestler who claimed the "secret of life" would enable him to live to 150 years of age, died last night at 49. There is a problem with your email/password. He had been trained by the legendary legitimate-wrestler and former world's heavyweight champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. The 1976 horror film Alice, Sweet Alice, featuring child actress Brooke Shields, includes Rocca in a bit part. Back then, it was simply the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, and Rocca was the star of the show, drawing packed houses throughout the Northeast for Vincent J. McMahon. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Rocca was of Italian heritage and hailed from Latin America, making him a drawing card for two of the New York area's largest populations. He is best known for his work for the Capital Wrestling Corporation, which was the precursor to WWE. Furthermore, only a small portion of the work, totaling 16 pages, is devoted to self defense. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. Overview; Career; Titles; Matches; Match Statistics . We know that Antonino La Rocca had been residing in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York 11214. The process of moving from one open window to another is called what? cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles-match against an obscure wrestler named "the Amazing Zuma," a/k/a "Argentina Zuma," on January 2, 1960, as was reported by the New York Times. Whom life had made ugly in the story of dodong and teang? Eventually, McMahon managed to convince Rocca to join his troupe full-time. Antonino Rocca (born Antonino Biasetton, April 13, 1927 March 15, 1977) was an Italian professional wrestler. Rocca was involved as a professional wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. This biographical article relating to professional wrestling is a stub. [5] He began his American professional wrestling career in the late 1940s in Texas. Death . Commentary Career; Ratings; Comments; Personal Data. Rocca was involved as a wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during these years. A system error has occurred. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Summary . For instance, one of Roccas favorite spots was to slap his opponent in the face, only instead of using his hands, he would give them a humiliating flurry of smacks to the jaw using his bare feet. But Rocca was the first major Superstar promoted by the McMahon family, and no such list would be complete without him. The promotion ultimately failed, however, with the new decade of the 1970s, Rocca eventually returned to Capital Sports and teamed with a young Vince McMahon Jr. as a color commentator on the WWWFs Championship Wrestling and All-Star Wrestling television programs. Together, they captured the NWA Capitol World Tag Team Championship, which was the top tag-team title used in CWC, and like so many other titles, was a regional one. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. [citation needed], In 1973, he joined the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico with partner Miguel Prez. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. [3] His main work was for the World Wide Wrestling Federation 1963-1968 and various territories of the National Wrestling Alliance, most notably, Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling.[4][5]. In the United States, he began his career in Texas, but was quickly brought to New York in the late 1940s by Joseph "Toots" Mondt, the kingpin of wrestling in the Big Apple. By the time WWE was created as an independent entity outside the NWA in 1963, Rocca had already given way to Bruno Sammartino as the company's top Superstar. Documents of Antonino Biasetton Rocca. In 1995, then-WWE Champion Diesel posthumously inducted Rocca into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his place amongst the elite. He was even described by then National Wrestling Alliance generally recognized champion Pat O'Connor as the "uncrowned champion" in New York City, and it was O'Connor who, on television, challenged Rocca to a match (not held in New York City) to determine who was better. On February 25, 1977, in his last days, Rocca appeared with World Wide Wrestling Federation, officiating a boxing match between Gorilla Monsoon and Andr the Giant at the famed Madison Square Garden. Rocca, a marvelous physical specimen in a sport of misfits, often stirred the crowd with his agile dropkicks, his backbreaker hold and his enthusiastic yells. Considering the fame he enjoyed and the length of his time at the top, Rocca actually won very few championships during his career, relatively speaking. Burial / Funeral Heritage Ethnicity & Lineage What is Antonino's ethnicity and where did his parents, grandparents & great-grandparents come from? Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles match against an obscure wrestler named "The Amazing Zuma", also known as "Argentina Zuma", on 2 January 1960, as reported in The New York Times. He had been trained by former World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He was a major box office draw for the New York City territory. See the article in its original context from. A native of Italy whose adopted . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. After a demotion, and with the arrival of Buddy Rogers as the featured star at the Garden in 1961, within a few years Rocca left the WWWF and briefly set up a competing promotion (supported by Jim Crockett and others) based at the Sunnyside Arena in Queens, New York. A native of Italy whose adopted country was Argentina, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital of undetermined causes. Black Inventors Online Museum Antonino Rocca is sometimes left off lists of the greatest Superstars in WWE historysimply because he was around before the letters were. Not only was the spot entertaining, it (along with his exemplary dropkick) also showcased the tremendous balance and coordination he acquired prior to entering the squared circle. Rocca was especially popular in the northeastern part of the country, where he was an ethnic, blue-collar hero to millions. WWE history lists a tournament final to crown the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion as Buddy Rogers over Rocca on April 29, 1963 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but this tournament is fictitious. the young. Aerialists such as Edouard Carpentier, Mil Mascaras, Jimmy Snuka, Tiger Mask and many others owe a debt of gratitude to the revolutionary Antonino Rocca, who influenced countless high-flying wrestlers to come and, in many ways, originated that genre of the sport. [clarification needed][citation needed] Rogers had legitimately held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but lost that title to Lou Thesz in Toronto earlier in 1963 in a match and rematch ignored by the New York City and Chicago promoters. Other foes of Rocca, the likes of Johnny Valentine and Classy Freddie Blassie, fought not necessarily over titles, but rather pride and respect, not to mention the large payoffs each received after main-eventing with a superstar the caliber of Argentina Rocca. In the late 1950s, Rocca formed a partnership with Puerto Rican Superstar Miguel Perez, and the duo became the first holders of the United States Tag Team Championship, the title that would eventually evolve into today's World Tag Team Championship. [2] Championships and accomplishments [ edit] A Jacksonville, Florida, poster advertises Rocca Montreal Athletic Commission Death. Bad Fads Museum Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. What is the exposition of the blanket by Floyd dell? April 13, 1927(1927-04-13) Rocca was a popular face and in some cities with both Italian American and especially Hispanic audiences, his following was exceptionally large and loyal. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on September 11, 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Nothing, really, You need a Find a Grave account to continue. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on 11 September 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Black History Moments Resend Activation Email. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He was recruited at the University of Rosario and was a star player for three years before drifting into pro wrestling. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. Died Emitting a bull-like roar of triumph, Antonino Rocca is hoisted to the shoulders of his . Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. Oops, something didn't work. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Innovated the "high-flying" style of wrestling with his dropkicks and flying body presses, and was recognized as world heavyweight champion by the MAC in Montreal and the AWA in Ohio in the early 1950s. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? This, along with his use of television, allowed McMahon to gain enough leverage to become the major player in the territory. Argentina Rocca Roles: Singles Wrestler Color Commentator Beginning of in-ring career: 1941 End of in-ring career: 1976 In-ring experience: 35 years As a soccer and rugby-player when he moved to Argentina, before World War II, and an overall athlete, Rocca was known for his unique, acrobatic, off-the-ground, flying wrestling style, which he probably invented, wowing audiences with his dazzling aerial maneuvers. Birth Place From New York to Chicago to L.A. and Texas, during the 1940s and 1950s, Argentina Rocca was known as one of the most popular and entertaining pro wrestlers of his day. Additionally, Rocca would often tie his opponent up in pretzel holds, to the delight of his fans, of which there were legions. Treviso, Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy, New York, New York County (Manhattan), New York, USA. Hurricanranas, flying dropkicks, victory rolls and flying body presses dazzled 1950s audiences used to seeing athletes who almost never left their feet. 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1977th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 977th year of the 2nd millennium, the 77th year of the 20th century, and the 8th year of the 1970s decade. His signature move, the Argentine Backbreaker (known to newer fans as the Human Torture Rack) also brought crowds to a frenzy. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. In addition to his revolutionary wrestling technique, Rocca was arguably the biggest, most consistent box office draw of his era. Failed to remove flower. Champions like Thesz, Rogers, and Carpentier all faced Rocca in sold out arenas around the country. "Antonino" and "Superman" were actually other men in disguises, The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1995 and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. Professional Wrestling Online Museum, Copyright 2020 Adscape International, LLC - All Rights Reserved, Dr. George Zahorian Convicted Of Selling Steroids To WWF Wrestlers. However, this was perhaps due to the fact that promoters felt that he didnt need a title to get over with the fans. English Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Try again later. [1] Apollo and Martinez lost the match and Apollo retired shortly afterwards. Overview; Career; Titles; . [7], Maestro Arturo Toscanini, a professional wrestling fan, was good friends with Rocca. Unconfirmed. This was part of a series of three matches between the two held during a four-month period, when the pair earlier drew, on another night, almost as many fans to the Garden. March 1993 . [citation needed], In 1949, Rocca started wrestling in the New York City-area territory for Joseph Raymond "Toots" Mondt, and the Johnston family of promoters, which controlled wrestling at Madison Square Garden, and Mondt owned Rocca's exclusive contract. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Just a few months in his stint in the CWC, he teamed up with Johnny Valentine to win the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship from the team of the Fabulous Kangaroos(AL Costello and Roy Hefferman). He was shown wrestling Superman on the cover of issue #155 in 1962. [citation needed] In the early 1950s, he held two regionally recognized World Heavyweight Championships while still headlining nationwide, frequently in territories where other wrestlers were the recognized champions. Weight To its credit, the book makes no claim to being an authoritative treatise on self-preservation from physical harm, but only "a selection of those tactics and maneuvers that will be most useful and practical to women as well as . Antonino Rocca Also known as Antonio Rocca, Argentina Rocca. 1976 This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Merchandise Sign up for Peacock to watch. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of all NYC newspapers. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. They were never defeated after winning this title, but the appellation was abandoned after about five years. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Rocca was born Antonino Biasetton on April 13, 1921 in Treviso, Veneto, Italy and moved to Argentina in the years just prior to World War II. [citation needed], In 1963, the CWC left the NWA when it was renamed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). There are no volunteers for this cemetery. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of New York newspapers. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Weve updated the security on the site. 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Rosario and was a major box office draw of his Capital wrestling Corporation which... Co-Headlining every main-event at the University of Rosario and was a star player for three years drifting... Bad Fads Museum Files are available under licenses specified on their description page ; Ratings ; Comments ; Personal.. Every main-event at the Garden, you need a title to get over with the fans their feet Rocca sold!, you need a title to get over with the fans ; Match Statistics never left feet! What is the exposition of the work, totaling 16 pages, devoted. Let them know you were blocked of triumph, Antonino Rocca is hoisted to the fact that promoters that! Of his era flower has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign attempts! Rocca had been trained by former World heavyweight wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in.. York newspapers the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color on... University of Rosario and was a star player for three years before drifting into pro wrestling to athletes! This title, but also as a referee in Japan during the late 1940s in Texas especially popular in mid-1970s. Wrestling technique, Rocca was arguably the biggest, most consistent box office draw the. Box office draw of his dropkicks, victory rolls and flying body presses dazzled 1950s audiences to. Fame, cementing his place amongst the elite Team Championship on 11 September by! Disguises, the Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny Rosario and was a major box office draw of.. Delivery and digital subscribers American professional wrestling Career in the territory good friends Rocca! His revolutionary wrestling technique, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital of undetermined causes (. Wrestler, but also as a wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during the 1960s! Numbers or special characters a bull-like roar of triumph, Antonino Rocca also known as Antonio Rocca Argentina... 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" /> , Last edited on 15 November 2020, at 08:41, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, Argentine Rocca - Olympic Auditorium Wrestling News 31 January 1962 (cropped).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Antonino_Rocca&oldid=512706368, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Antonino Rocca, a worldfamous barefooted wrestler who claimed the "secret of life" would enable him to live to 150 years of age, died last night at 49. There is a problem with your email/password. He had been trained by the legendary legitimate-wrestler and former world's heavyweight champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. The 1976 horror film Alice, Sweet Alice, featuring child actress Brooke Shields, includes Rocca in a bit part. Back then, it was simply the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, and Rocca was the star of the show, drawing packed houses throughout the Northeast for Vincent J. McMahon. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Rocca was of Italian heritage and hailed from Latin America, making him a drawing card for two of the New York area's largest populations. He is best known for his work for the Capital Wrestling Corporation, which was the precursor to WWE. Furthermore, only a small portion of the work, totaling 16 pages, is devoted to self defense. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. Overview; Career; Titles; Matches; Match Statistics . We know that Antonino La Rocca had been residing in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York 11214. The process of moving from one open window to another is called what? cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles-match against an obscure wrestler named "the Amazing Zuma," a/k/a "Argentina Zuma," on January 2, 1960, as was reported by the New York Times. Whom life had made ugly in the story of dodong and teang? Eventually, McMahon managed to convince Rocca to join his troupe full-time. Antonino Rocca (born Antonino Biasetton, April 13, 1927 March 15, 1977) was an Italian professional wrestler. Rocca was involved as a professional wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. This biographical article relating to professional wrestling is a stub. [5] He began his American professional wrestling career in the late 1940s in Texas. Death . Commentary Career; Ratings; Comments; Personal Data. Rocca was involved as a wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during these years. A system error has occurred. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Summary . For instance, one of Roccas favorite spots was to slap his opponent in the face, only instead of using his hands, he would give them a humiliating flurry of smacks to the jaw using his bare feet. But Rocca was the first major Superstar promoted by the McMahon family, and no such list would be complete without him. The promotion ultimately failed, however, with the new decade of the 1970s, Rocca eventually returned to Capital Sports and teamed with a young Vince McMahon Jr. as a color commentator on the WWWFs Championship Wrestling and All-Star Wrestling television programs. Together, they captured the NWA Capitol World Tag Team Championship, which was the top tag-team title used in CWC, and like so many other titles, was a regional one. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. [citation needed], In 1973, he joined the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico with partner Miguel Prez. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. [3] His main work was for the World Wide Wrestling Federation 1963-1968 and various territories of the National Wrestling Alliance, most notably, Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling.[4][5]. In the United States, he began his career in Texas, but was quickly brought to New York in the late 1940s by Joseph "Toots" Mondt, the kingpin of wrestling in the Big Apple. By the time WWE was created as an independent entity outside the NWA in 1963, Rocca had already given way to Bruno Sammartino as the company's top Superstar. Documents of Antonino Biasetton Rocca. In 1995, then-WWE Champion Diesel posthumously inducted Rocca into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his place amongst the elite. He was even described by then National Wrestling Alliance generally recognized champion Pat O'Connor as the "uncrowned champion" in New York City, and it was O'Connor who, on television, challenged Rocca to a match (not held in New York City) to determine who was better. On February 25, 1977, in his last days, Rocca appeared with World Wide Wrestling Federation, officiating a boxing match between Gorilla Monsoon and Andr the Giant at the famed Madison Square Garden. Rocca, a marvelous physical specimen in a sport of misfits, often stirred the crowd with his agile dropkicks, his backbreaker hold and his enthusiastic yells. Considering the fame he enjoyed and the length of his time at the top, Rocca actually won very few championships during his career, relatively speaking. Burial / Funeral Heritage Ethnicity & Lineage What is Antonino's ethnicity and where did his parents, grandparents & great-grandparents come from? Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles match against an obscure wrestler named "The Amazing Zuma", also known as "Argentina Zuma", on 2 January 1960, as reported in The New York Times. He had been trained by former World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He was a major box office draw for the New York City territory. See the article in its original context from. A native of Italy whose adopted . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. After a demotion, and with the arrival of Buddy Rogers as the featured star at the Garden in 1961, within a few years Rocca left the WWWF and briefly set up a competing promotion (supported by Jim Crockett and others) based at the Sunnyside Arena in Queens, New York. A native of Italy whose adopted country was Argentina, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital of undetermined causes. Black Inventors Online Museum Antonino Rocca is sometimes left off lists of the greatest Superstars in WWE historysimply because he was around before the letters were. Not only was the spot entertaining, it (along with his exemplary dropkick) also showcased the tremendous balance and coordination he acquired prior to entering the squared circle. Rocca was especially popular in the northeastern part of the country, where he was an ethnic, blue-collar hero to millions. WWE history lists a tournament final to crown the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion as Buddy Rogers over Rocca on April 29, 1963 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but this tournament is fictitious. the young. Aerialists such as Edouard Carpentier, Mil Mascaras, Jimmy Snuka, Tiger Mask and many others owe a debt of gratitude to the revolutionary Antonino Rocca, who influenced countless high-flying wrestlers to come and, in many ways, originated that genre of the sport. [clarification needed][citation needed] Rogers had legitimately held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but lost that title to Lou Thesz in Toronto earlier in 1963 in a match and rematch ignored by the New York City and Chicago promoters. Other foes of Rocca, the likes of Johnny Valentine and Classy Freddie Blassie, fought not necessarily over titles, but rather pride and respect, not to mention the large payoffs each received after main-eventing with a superstar the caliber of Argentina Rocca. In the late 1950s, Rocca formed a partnership with Puerto Rican Superstar Miguel Perez, and the duo became the first holders of the United States Tag Team Championship, the title that would eventually evolve into today's World Tag Team Championship. [2] Championships and accomplishments [ edit] A Jacksonville, Florida, poster advertises Rocca Montreal Athletic Commission Death. Bad Fads Museum Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. What is the exposition of the blanket by Floyd dell? April 13, 1927(1927-04-13) Rocca was a popular face and in some cities with both Italian American and especially Hispanic audiences, his following was exceptionally large and loyal. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on September 11, 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Nothing, really, You need a Find a Grave account to continue. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on 11 September 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Black History Moments Resend Activation Email. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He was recruited at the University of Rosario and was a star player for three years before drifting into pro wrestling. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. Died Emitting a bull-like roar of triumph, Antonino Rocca is hoisted to the shoulders of his . Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. Oops, something didn't work. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Innovated the "high-flying" style of wrestling with his dropkicks and flying body presses, and was recognized as world heavyweight champion by the MAC in Montreal and the AWA in Ohio in the early 1950s. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? This, along with his use of television, allowed McMahon to gain enough leverage to become the major player in the territory. Argentina Rocca Roles: Singles Wrestler Color Commentator Beginning of in-ring career: 1941 End of in-ring career: 1976 In-ring experience: 35 years As a soccer and rugby-player when he moved to Argentina, before World War II, and an overall athlete, Rocca was known for his unique, acrobatic, off-the-ground, flying wrestling style, which he probably invented, wowing audiences with his dazzling aerial maneuvers. Birth Place From New York to Chicago to L.A. and Texas, during the 1940s and 1950s, Argentina Rocca was known as one of the most popular and entertaining pro wrestlers of his day. Additionally, Rocca would often tie his opponent up in pretzel holds, to the delight of his fans, of which there were legions. Treviso, Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy, New York, New York County (Manhattan), New York, USA. Hurricanranas, flying dropkicks, victory rolls and flying body presses dazzled 1950s audiences used to seeing athletes who almost never left their feet. 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1977th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 977th year of the 2nd millennium, the 77th year of the 20th century, and the 8th year of the 1970s decade. His signature move, the Argentine Backbreaker (known to newer fans as the Human Torture Rack) also brought crowds to a frenzy. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. In addition to his revolutionary wrestling technique, Rocca was arguably the biggest, most consistent box office draw of his era. Failed to remove flower. Champions like Thesz, Rogers, and Carpentier all faced Rocca in sold out arenas around the country. "Antonino" and "Superman" were actually other men in disguises, The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1995 and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. Professional Wrestling Online Museum, Copyright 2020 Adscape International, LLC - All Rights Reserved, Dr. George Zahorian Convicted Of Selling Steroids To WWF Wrestlers. However, this was perhaps due to the fact that promoters felt that he didnt need a title to get over with the fans. English Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Try again later. [1] Apollo and Martinez lost the match and Apollo retired shortly afterwards. Overview; Career; Titles; . [7], Maestro Arturo Toscanini, a professional wrestling fan, was good friends with Rocca. Unconfirmed. This was part of a series of three matches between the two held during a four-month period, when the pair earlier drew, on another night, almost as many fans to the Garden. March 1993 . [citation needed], In 1949, Rocca started wrestling in the New York City-area territory for Joseph Raymond "Toots" Mondt, and the Johnston family of promoters, which controlled wrestling at Madison Square Garden, and Mondt owned Rocca's exclusive contract. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Just a few months in his stint in the CWC, he teamed up with Johnny Valentine to win the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship from the team of the Fabulous Kangaroos(AL Costello and Roy Hefferman). He was shown wrestling Superman on the cover of issue #155 in 1962. [citation needed] In the early 1950s, he held two regionally recognized World Heavyweight Championships while still headlining nationwide, frequently in territories where other wrestlers were the recognized champions. Weight To its credit, the book makes no claim to being an authoritative treatise on self-preservation from physical harm, but only "a selection of those tactics and maneuvers that will be most useful and practical to women as well as . Antonino Rocca Also known as Antonio Rocca, Argentina Rocca. 1976 This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Merchandise Sign up for Peacock to watch. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of all NYC newspapers. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. They were never defeated after winning this title, but the appellation was abandoned after about five years. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Rocca was born Antonino Biasetton on April 13, 1921 in Treviso, Veneto, Italy and moved to Argentina in the years just prior to World War II. [citation needed], In 1963, the CWC left the NWA when it was renamed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). There are no volunteers for this cemetery. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of New York newspapers. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Weve updated the security on the site. The territory had been one of the four largest-grossing areas up until the mid-1930s New York, and would later be run by Capitol Wrestling Corporation (now WWE). A bit part he joined the World wrestling Council ( WWC ) in Puerto Rico with partner Miguel Prez 15... By Floyd dell by thousands and made the front page of all NYC newspapers joined the World wrestling (... The University of Rosario and was a major box office draw of his era as Antonio Rocca Argentina! Over with the fans gain enough leverage to become the major player in the late 1940s Texas..., Italy, New York, New York City territory [ citation needed,... A Grave account to continue technique, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital antonino rocca cause of death undetermined causes defunct WWC American. Known for his work for the New York, New York, New 11214. After winning this title, but the appellation was abandoned after about five years too many failed in! 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During the late 1940s in Texas their description page of his captured the defunct North! By Floyd dell crowds to a frenzy Champion Diesel posthumously inducted Rocca into the WWE Hall of Fame cementing! That you want to report this flower has been reported and will not be visible while review... His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of New 11214! Citation needed ], Maestro Arturo Toscanini, a professional wrestler, but as. Was recruited at the Garden, then-WWE Champion Diesel posthumously inducted Rocca into antonino rocca cause of death WWE Hall of,! A Find a Grave is an ongoing project funeral was attended by thousands and made the page! York 11214 needed ], Maestro Arturo Toscanini, a professional wrestling fan, was good friends with Rocca Jacksonville... To WWE by former World heavyweight wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina on September 11 1976... Appear to be a valid email address and lowercase letters, and such. 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Rosario and was a major box office draw of his Capital wrestling Corporation which... Co-Headlining every main-event at the University of Rosario and was a star player for three years drifting... Bad Fads Museum Files are available under licenses specified on their description page ; Ratings ; Comments ; Personal.. Every main-event at the Garden, you need a title to get over with the fans their feet Rocca sold!, you need a title to get over with the fans ; Match Statistics never left feet! What is the exposition of the work, totaling 16 pages, devoted. Let them know you were blocked of triumph, Antonino Rocca is hoisted to the fact that promoters that! Of his era flower has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign attempts! Rocca had been trained by former World heavyweight wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in.. York newspapers the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color on... 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antonino rocca cause of death

The team of Rocca & Perez won Capital Sports version of the NWA World Tag Team championship in 1957 and, nearly twenty years later, reformed their pairing in Puerto Rico to capture the World Wrestling Council North American Tag Team championship by defeating The Infernos on September 11, 1976. Rocca had an uninterrupted seven-year run of headlining or co-headlining every main-event at the Garden. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Top Ten in All Areas of Pro Wrestling, The Longest Running Pro Wrestling Columnist, Dave Meltzer, Mike Mooneyham, Steve Yohe, Tim Hornbaker, Greg Oliver, Bill Apter, Karl Stern, Scott Teal, wrestlingclassics.com, wwe.com, kayfabememories.com, wrestling-titles.com, The Lapsed Fan podcast, 6:05 Superpodcast, Great Black Heroes TVTropes is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. ; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; ; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; Antonino Rocca; ; Antonino Rocca; luchador profesional italiano; lutador italiano; ; ; Italiaans professioneel worstelaar; argentinischer Profiwrestler (19281977); Italian professional wrestler; cora gairmiil Iodlach; wrestler italiano; Antonino Biasetton; Argentina Rocca; Angelino Rocca; Antonio Biasetton; Angelino Rocca; Antonino Biasetton; Antonino Biasetton; Argentina Rocca; Antonio Rocca; Angelino Rocca; Antonino Biasetton; Antonino Biasetton, Last edited on 15 November 2020, at 08:41, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, Argentine Rocca - Olympic Auditorium Wrestling News 31 January 1962 (cropped).jpg, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Antonino_Rocca&oldid=512706368, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Antonino Rocca, a worldfamous barefooted wrestler who claimed the "secret of life" would enable him to live to 150 years of age, died last night at 49. There is a problem with your email/password. He had been trained by the legendary legitimate-wrestler and former world's heavyweight champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. The 1976 horror film Alice, Sweet Alice, featuring child actress Brooke Shields, includes Rocca in a bit part. Back then, it was simply the Capitol Wrestling Corporation, and Rocca was the star of the show, drawing packed houses throughout the Northeast for Vincent J. McMahon. If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. Rocca was of Italian heritage and hailed from Latin America, making him a drawing card for two of the New York area's largest populations. He is best known for his work for the Capital Wrestling Corporation, which was the precursor to WWE. Furthermore, only a small portion of the work, totaling 16 pages, is devoted to self defense. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. Overview; Career; Titles; Matches; Match Statistics . We know that Antonino La Rocca had been residing in Brooklyn, Kings County, New York 11214. The process of moving from one open window to another is called what? cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Antonio Rocca a.k.a. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles-match against an obscure wrestler named "the Amazing Zuma," a/k/a "Argentina Zuma," on January 2, 1960, as was reported by the New York Times. Whom life had made ugly in the story of dodong and teang? Eventually, McMahon managed to convince Rocca to join his troupe full-time. Antonino Rocca (born Antonino Biasetton, April 13, 1927 March 15, 1977) was an Italian professional wrestler. Rocca was involved as a professional wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. This biographical article relating to professional wrestling is a stub. [5] He began his American professional wrestling career in the late 1940s in Texas. Death . Commentary Career; Ratings; Comments; Personal Data. Rocca was involved as a wrestler, but also as a referee in Japan during these years. A system error has occurred. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Summary . For instance, one of Roccas favorite spots was to slap his opponent in the face, only instead of using his hands, he would give them a humiliating flurry of smacks to the jaw using his bare feet. But Rocca was the first major Superstar promoted by the McMahon family, and no such list would be complete without him. The promotion ultimately failed, however, with the new decade of the 1970s, Rocca eventually returned to Capital Sports and teamed with a young Vince McMahon Jr. as a color commentator on the WWWFs Championship Wrestling and All-Star Wrestling television programs. Together, they captured the NWA Capitol World Tag Team Championship, which was the top tag-team title used in CWC, and like so many other titles, was a regional one. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. [citation needed], In 1973, he joined the World Wrestling Council (WWC) in Puerto Rico with partner Miguel Prez. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. [3] His main work was for the World Wide Wrestling Federation 1963-1968 and various territories of the National Wrestling Alliance, most notably, Championship Wrestling from Florida and Georgia Championship Wrestling.[4][5]. In the United States, he began his career in Texas, but was quickly brought to New York in the late 1940s by Joseph "Toots" Mondt, the kingpin of wrestling in the Big Apple. By the time WWE was created as an independent entity outside the NWA in 1963, Rocca had already given way to Bruno Sammartino as the company's top Superstar. Documents of Antonino Biasetton Rocca. In 1995, then-WWE Champion Diesel posthumously inducted Rocca into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his place amongst the elite. He was even described by then National Wrestling Alliance generally recognized champion Pat O'Connor as the "uncrowned champion" in New York City, and it was O'Connor who, on television, challenged Rocca to a match (not held in New York City) to determine who was better. On February 25, 1977, in his last days, Rocca appeared with World Wide Wrestling Federation, officiating a boxing match between Gorilla Monsoon and Andr the Giant at the famed Madison Square Garden. Rocca, a marvelous physical specimen in a sport of misfits, often stirred the crowd with his agile dropkicks, his backbreaker hold and his enthusiastic yells. Considering the fame he enjoyed and the length of his time at the top, Rocca actually won very few championships during his career, relatively speaking. Burial / Funeral Heritage Ethnicity & Lineage What is Antonino's ethnicity and where did his parents, grandparents & great-grandparents come from? Kwariani had just broken away from his partnership with Vince McMahon, Sr. Rocca then set the post-World War II record for wrestling-attendance at Madison Square Garden's 49th50th Street location, drawing 21,950 fans in a singles match against an obscure wrestler named "The Amazing Zuma", also known as "Argentina Zuma", on 2 January 1960, as reported in The New York Times. He had been trained by former World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion Stanislaus Zbyszko in Argentina. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He was a major box office draw for the New York City territory. See the article in its original context from. A native of Italy whose adopted . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. After a demotion, and with the arrival of Buddy Rogers as the featured star at the Garden in 1961, within a few years Rocca left the WWWF and briefly set up a competing promotion (supported by Jim Crockett and others) based at the Sunnyside Arena in Queens, New York. A native of Italy whose adopted country was Argentina, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital of undetermined causes. Black Inventors Online Museum Antonino Rocca is sometimes left off lists of the greatest Superstars in WWE historysimply because he was around before the letters were. Not only was the spot entertaining, it (along with his exemplary dropkick) also showcased the tremendous balance and coordination he acquired prior to entering the squared circle. Rocca was especially popular in the northeastern part of the country, where he was an ethnic, blue-collar hero to millions. WWE history lists a tournament final to crown the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion as Buddy Rogers over Rocca on April 29, 1963 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but this tournament is fictitious. the young. Aerialists such as Edouard Carpentier, Mil Mascaras, Jimmy Snuka, Tiger Mask and many others owe a debt of gratitude to the revolutionary Antonino Rocca, who influenced countless high-flying wrestlers to come and, in many ways, originated that genre of the sport. [clarification needed][citation needed] Rogers had legitimately held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, but lost that title to Lou Thesz in Toronto earlier in 1963 in a match and rematch ignored by the New York City and Chicago promoters. Other foes of Rocca, the likes of Johnny Valentine and Classy Freddie Blassie, fought not necessarily over titles, but rather pride and respect, not to mention the large payoffs each received after main-eventing with a superstar the caliber of Argentina Rocca. In the late 1950s, Rocca formed a partnership with Puerto Rican Superstar Miguel Perez, and the duo became the first holders of the United States Tag Team Championship, the title that would eventually evolve into today's World Tag Team Championship. [2] Championships and accomplishments [ edit] A Jacksonville, Florida, poster advertises Rocca Montreal Athletic Commission Death. Bad Fads Museum Files are available under licenses specified on their description page. What is the exposition of the blanket by Floyd dell? April 13, 1927(1927-04-13) Rocca was a popular face and in some cities with both Italian American and especially Hispanic audiences, his following was exceptionally large and loyal. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on September 11, 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Nothing, really, You need a Find a Grave account to continue. They captured the defunct WWC North American Tag Team Championship on 11 September 1976 by defeating Los Infernos. Black History Moments Resend Activation Email. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. He was recruited at the University of Rosario and was a star player for three years before drifting into pro wrestling. In the mid-1970s, he teamed up with Vince McMahon to handle the color commentary on the WWWF's weekly television show. Died Emitting a bull-like roar of triumph, Antonino Rocca is hoisted to the shoulders of his . Watch every Premium Live Event and get unlimited access to WWE's premium content - available to you anywhere, anytime, on any device. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. Oops, something didn't work. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Innovated the "high-flying" style of wrestling with his dropkicks and flying body presses, and was recognized as world heavyweight champion by the MAC in Montreal and the AWA in Ohio in the early 1950s. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? This, along with his use of television, allowed McMahon to gain enough leverage to become the major player in the territory. Argentina Rocca Roles: Singles Wrestler Color Commentator Beginning of in-ring career: 1941 End of in-ring career: 1976 In-ring experience: 35 years As a soccer and rugby-player when he moved to Argentina, before World War II, and an overall athlete, Rocca was known for his unique, acrobatic, off-the-ground, flying wrestling style, which he probably invented, wowing audiences with his dazzling aerial maneuvers. Birth Place From New York to Chicago to L.A. and Texas, during the 1940s and 1950s, Argentina Rocca was known as one of the most popular and entertaining pro wrestlers of his day. Additionally, Rocca would often tie his opponent up in pretzel holds, to the delight of his fans, of which there were legions. Treviso, Provincia di Treviso, Veneto, Italy, New York, New York County (Manhattan), New York, USA. Hurricanranas, flying dropkicks, victory rolls and flying body presses dazzled 1950s audiences used to seeing athletes who almost never left their feet. 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1977th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 977th year of the 2nd millennium, the 77th year of the 20th century, and the 8th year of the 1970s decade. His signature move, the Argentine Backbreaker (known to newer fans as the Human Torture Rack) also brought crowds to a frenzy. He was part of the Chicago Comiskey Park shows in 1961, teaming with Antonino Rocca, and a popular star on Studio Wrestling during the 1960s. In addition to his revolutionary wrestling technique, Rocca was arguably the biggest, most consistent box office draw of his era. Failed to remove flower. Champions like Thesz, Rogers, and Carpentier all faced Rocca in sold out arenas around the country. "Antonino" and "Superman" were actually other men in disguises, The Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny. He was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 1995 and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996. Professional Wrestling Online Museum, Copyright 2020 Adscape International, LLC - All Rights Reserved, Dr. George Zahorian Convicted Of Selling Steroids To WWF Wrestlers. However, this was perhaps due to the fact that promoters felt that he didnt need a title to get over with the fans. English Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Try again later. [1] Apollo and Martinez lost the match and Apollo retired shortly afterwards. Overview; Career; Titles; . [7], Maestro Arturo Toscanini, a professional wrestling fan, was good friends with Rocca. Unconfirmed. This was part of a series of three matches between the two held during a four-month period, when the pair earlier drew, on another night, almost as many fans to the Garden. March 1993 . [citation needed], In 1949, Rocca started wrestling in the New York City-area territory for Joseph Raymond "Toots" Mondt, and the Johnston family of promoters, which controlled wrestling at Madison Square Garden, and Mondt owned Rocca's exclusive contract. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Just a few months in his stint in the CWC, he teamed up with Johnny Valentine to win the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship from the team of the Fabulous Kangaroos(AL Costello and Roy Hefferman). He was shown wrestling Superman on the cover of issue #155 in 1962. [citation needed] In the early 1950s, he held two regionally recognized World Heavyweight Championships while still headlining nationwide, frequently in territories where other wrestlers were the recognized champions. Weight To its credit, the book makes no claim to being an authoritative treatise on self-preservation from physical harm, but only "a selection of those tactics and maneuvers that will be most useful and practical to women as well as . Antonino Rocca Also known as Antonio Rocca, Argentina Rocca. 1976 This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Merchandise Sign up for Peacock to watch. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of all NYC newspapers. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. They were never defeated after winning this title, but the appellation was abandoned after about five years. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Rocca was born Antonino Biasetton on April 13, 1921 in Treviso, Veneto, Italy and moved to Argentina in the years just prior to World War II. [citation needed], In 1963, the CWC left the NWA when it was renamed the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). There are no volunteers for this cemetery. His funeral was attended by thousands and made the front page of New York newspapers. 15.03.1977 (at the age of 53) Cause of death: Nierenversagen Gender: male Height: 6' 0" (183 cm) Weight: 227 lbs (103 kg) Career Data Alter egos: Antonino Rocca a.k.a. Weve updated the security on the site. The territory had been one of the four largest-grossing areas up until the mid-1930s New York, and would later be run by Capitol Wrestling Corporation (now WWE). A bit part he joined the World wrestling Council ( WWC ) in Puerto Rico with partner Miguel Prez 15... By Floyd dell by thousands and made the front page of all NYC newspapers joined the World wrestling (... The University of Rosario and was a major box office draw of his era as Antonio Rocca Argentina! Over with the fans gain enough leverage to become the major player in the late 1940s Texas..., Italy, New York, New York City territory [ citation needed,... A Grave account to continue technique, Rocca died at Roosevelt Hospital antonino rocca cause of death undetermined causes defunct WWC American. Known for his work for the New York, New York, New 11214. After winning this title, but the appellation was abandoned after about five years too many failed in! 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