Studio wrestling began on WIIC tv in the late 1950's and was hosted originally by Mark Schaffer.

In the early days the stars of the Nwa took on a number of local wrestlers.

Bill Cardille took over in the early 60's at the mic and stayed for the remainder of the run.

Many of the photos you see are not actually Pittsburgh's Studio Wrestling but these are photos of the wrestlers who did compete in Pittsburgh during the 60's & 70's.

Bruno Sammartino made his debut in 1959 and became an instant fan favorite. Bruno appeared on many of these early telecasts of Studio wrestling.

Prior to becoming champion in 1963 Bruno wrestled many of the top contenders from around the country.

Crusher Lisouski, Killer Kowalski, Buddy Rogers, Tnt Napolitean, Duke Hoffman & others were his main opponents.

In 1963 the Wwwf was formed by Vince Mc Mahon Sr.  Buddy Rogers was the first Wwwf champ, Bruno Sammartino won the title from Buddy Rogers in mid 1963.

By 1963 Pittsburgh had a solid lineup of local talent including Bruno, Johnny DeFazio, Ace Freeman, Frank Holtz, Ron Romano, Frank Durso, Jim Grabmire, Chuck Martoni & Hurricane Hunt.

The Wwwf brought in some top talent to challenge Bruno in the first few years of his championship. Gorilla Monsoon was probably Bruno's toughest competitor during this time period.

Waldo Von Erich, Dr. Bill Miller, Hans Mortier, Masked Destroyer, & Killer Kowalski also provided top competition.

Cowboy Bill Watts, Chief White Owl, Don Mc Clairty, Haystacks Calhoun, Argentina Apollo, Bobo Brazil, Edouard Carpentier, Antonio Pugliese & Spiros Arion were Bruno's early friends in the Wwwf.

Cowboy Bill Watts turned on Bruno in 1965 and had some tremendous bouts. Watts failed to take the title and moved to another territory.

By 1967 Bruno had new challengers such as Prof. Tanaka, George Steele, & Baron Scicluna all came into the area.

The year 1967 saw a number of wrestlers leave the Wwwf, by 67 Don Mc Clarity, Argentina Apollo, Chief White Owl, Chief Big Heart, Baron Gattoni, Klondike Bill, Smasher Sloan & Duke Hoffman were all gone from the territory.

The Battman & Dom Denucci were now Bruno's sidekicks as Antonio Pugliese leaves the area.

John L Sullivan started around 1967-68 and he wrestled locally in Pittsburgh until 1973 then went to the Wwwf as Johnny Valiant.

Dr. Bill Miller turned babyface and feuded with Tony Altimore for much of 1968.

By 1969 Ivan Koloff came into the area and provided stiff competition for everyone who stepped in his way.

The big news of 1969 was Gorilla Monsoon turning from heel to babyface. Monsoon & Killer Kowalski had a major feud in 1969.

Victor Rivera came into the area and was a fan favorite for his high flying style.

As the 70's began Bruno feuded with the likes of Professor Tanaka, Crusher Verdu, Ernie Ladd, KIller Kowalski, Baron Scicluna, George Steele & Ivan Koloff, finally in January of 1971 Ivan Koloff defeated Bruno for the title.

In the 1970's the Mongols showed up and were an unstoppable team. Beppo & Geeto defeated many of the top teams.

Lou Albano managed the Mongols and then a feud began with the Mongols & the team of Luke Graham & Tarzan Tyler. Graham & Tyler defeated the Mongols at the Civic Arena with a low blow on Geeto Mongol.

On tv in 1972 the team of Johnny DeFazio & Geeto Mongol defeated Tarzan Tyler & Luke Graham.  DeFazio & Geeto took on many top teams including Blackjack Mulligan & Waldo Von Erich, Professor Tanaka & Mitsu Arakawa, George Steele & Angelo Mosca & Baron Scicluna & Beast.

Larry Zbyszko started his career in 1972 and trained under Bruno for a couple of years then in 1974 went to the Wwwf and was rookie of the year.

Pedro Morales defeated Ivan Koloff for the Wwwf championship, Morales wrestled many top names such as Fred Blassie, Killer Kowalski, Don Leo Jonathan, King Curtis, George Steele & Baron Scicluna. Morales lost the title to Stan Stasiak who then lost the title back to Bruno Sammartino in 1973.

By 1974 studio wrestling left the air for good in Pittsburgh.