On the Mat

Message Bookmarked

Bookmark Removed

Recently a TV show flashed a few scenes from some classic NZ viewing "on the mat" which was basically a local version of the bigger, flasher WWF wrestling franchise. I've been searching for more information and images- anyone out there from NZ got any tales to tell? Anyone else have better luck searching than I did? I did pull up this little gem of info on the host though:

Steve Rickard

Pioneer of New Zealand's pro wrestling scene, promoter of shows and host of NZ wrestling TV show ' On the Mat' for many years. Was involved with most of the major international tours of NZ in those times. Though a near extinct territory now, in years past Wellington was once a great territory. Our reporter recalled his childhood and remembers watching his favorite NZ wrestler Prince Mavia (Yes, The Rock's dad ) on Rickard's shows. Steve Rickard is still around today, not active in pro wrestling anymore. Reportedly, he was run down by a car while outside walking his dog one night. Allegedly, by enemies made in the pro wrestling business, although this has not been verified by NZ Police or by Rickard himself.

Is there an NZ wrestling mafia then? Does anyone have any international wrestling stories to share? surely someone wrestled at highschool...

Also while you may or may not be out there searching the web, can someone tell me if they come across anything about Chances, that fabulous Australian drama from the eighties. Thank youse all very much

― Menelaus Darcy (Menelaus Darcy), Tuesday, 22 June 2004 13:41 (twenty-one years ago)

on the mat is OTM

― ken c (ken c), Tuesday, 22 June 2004 20:30 (twenty-one years ago)

There's a Chances DVD out in Australia.

― (I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and) Whittle Away My Almanac (Autumn Almanac), Tuesday, 22 June 2004 22:26 (twenty-one years ago)

Wow.

― the music mole (colin s barrow), Tuesday, 22 June 2004 22:27 (twenty-one years ago)

I remember watching 'On the Mat' on Saturday afternoons - Steve Rickard was co-host with Ernie Leonard & they called the matches from the side of the ring. I can really only remember this big wrestler with a really wrinkled forehead called King Curtis who was pretty cool. There was also an American wrestler whose name I can't recall, who went on to the WWF, (or its 80s equivalent) I think. If I can dredge up any more from my memory, I'll let you know!

― Bill E (bill_e), Tuesday, 22 June 2004 22:33 (twenty-one years ago)

You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.