The scene took place at Madison Square Garden, however, it was not the building we know today. This was officially the third MSG located on 8th Avenue, between 49th and 50th Streets.
Crowd favorites French-born Canadian Édouard Carpentier and Antonino Rocca were set to face the despised heel tandem of Dick the Bruiser and the unpredictable, bleached blond Dr. Jerry Graham.
DR. JERRY GRAHAM:
"I knew the timing was right, the Puerto Rican people had never seen blood on Rocca and I hit him in the eye, split his eye and they went insane.”
DR. JERRY GRAHAM:
"My partner Dick the Bruiser was picking up and throwing Puerto Ricans outside of the ring like a farmer picking potatoes! Then New York’s finest had to move in."
On November 19th, 1957, Madison Square Garden was in pandemonium. Scuffles and fights broke off into the aisles as spectators tried to move to the exits while others sought safety near the ring.
Scores of fans were arrested, and police officers and bystanders alike were hurt. The events of this evening almost led to the ban of wrestling altogether in New York!