November 18th in the Time Tunnel:
Happy Birthday to those who have passed on and to those great wrestlers still with us:
In Memoriam:
(none)
Happy Birthday:
(none)
RIP Memorial: We stop & remember those who have passed on this day and gave themselves to the business for us, the fans. We salute you and thank you.
Salvadore Baragiola\Ed Sharpe 11-18-2003 at the age of 83
Ed Francis 11-18-2016 at the age of 90
David Silva\Sylvano Sousa 11-18-2020 at the age of 66
Robert Anthony Pico\Bobby Lane 11-18-2022 at the age of 69
50 Year Flashback:
11-18-1975: Louis Cerdan (Gino Brito) & Tony Parisi defeated The Blackjacks (Mulligan\Lanza) to win the WWWF World Tag Team Titles at the Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Blackjacks, consisting of the rugged Blackjack Lanza (real name Jack Lanza) and the towering Blackjack Mulligan (Bob Windham), had ascended to the top of the division just months earlier. They captured the WWWF World Tag Team Titles on August 26, 1975, in Philadelphia, defeating Dominic DeNucci and Victor Rivera (who had replaced an injured Pat Barrett) in a hard-fought contest. Managed by the eccentric Captain Lou Albano, The Blackjacks embodied the heel archetype—cowboy-hat-wearing outlaws from the American Southwest who relied on brute force, illegal tactics, and psychological intimidation to dominate opponents. Their reign, lasting 84 days, was characterized by a string of successful defenses, including a notable bout against Cerdan and Parisi at Madison Square Garden on November 17, 1975, where they retained the belts in a grueling encounter. This MSG match, broadcast and preserved on video, showcased The Blackjacks’ resilience but also hinted at vulnerabilities that would be exploited the very next night.
Video: November 17th, 1975 Madison Square Garden, New York City, The Blackjacks (ch) vs Louis Cerdan & Tony Parisi for the WWWF World Tag Team Titles
On the other side of the ring stood Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi, a pair of seasoned veterans with deep roots in Canadian wrestling circuits. Tony Parisi, born Antonio Pugliese in Italy but raised in Canada, was known for his technical finesse, agility, and fan-favorite charisma. He had previously held tag team gold in other promotions and was a reliable mid-card performer in the WWWF. His partner, Louis Cerdan—actually the ring name of Canadian wrestler Gino Brito—brought a similar blend of mat-based wrestling and determination. Brito, who adopted the Cerdan moniker as a tribute to the famous boxer Marcel Cerdan, formed a natural alliance with Parisi, emphasizing speed and precision over raw power. Together, they represented the classic babyface team: hardworking immigrants chasing the American dream through the squared circle.
The build-up to the November 18 match was fueled by the WWWF’s territorial style, where house shows and TV tapings like Championship Wrestling built anticipation. Taped at the Philadelphia Arena—a historic venue known for hosting raucous crowds—the event was part of a Championship Wrestling episode that would air later, amplifying its reach. The Blackjacks entered as champions, confident after their MSG victory, but the Philadelphia fans, notorious for their passion, rallied behind the challengers, setting the stage for an upset.
The clash unfolded as a best two-out-of-three falls match, a format common in the era that allowed for extended drama and multiple momentum shifts. According to detailed accounts, the bout lasted approximately 10 minutes and 8 seconds, packed with high-stakes action. In the first fall, Tony Parisi stunned the crowd by pinning Blackjack Lanza at the 4:46 mark with a perfectly executed sunset flip, a move that highlighted Parisi’s quickness against Lanza’s brawling style. The Blackjacks, undeterred, struck back in the second fall when Mulligan delivered a devastating clothesline to Parisi at 7:12, evening the score and showcasing their power advantage.
The decisive third fall came down to a moment of opportunistic brilliance. As Mulligan charged for another clothesline, he missed his target, allowing Cerdan to capitalize with a pinpoint dropkick that secured the pin at 10:08. The Philadelphia Arena erupted as referee Dick Woehrle raised the hands of the new champions, marking the end of The Blackjacks’ reign and the beginning of Cerdan and Parisi’s 175-day title run. This victory was not just a title change but a narrative triumph, with the challengers overcoming the odds through skill and heart against the villainous duo.
The full card that night included other notable bouts, such as Ernie Ladd defeating Sylvano Sousa and Ivan Putski handling Davey O’Hannon and Pete Reeves in a handicap match, underscoring the WWWF’s stacked roster. However, the tag team title match stole the show, cementing its place in wrestling lore.
Pictured: Louis Cerdan and Tony Parisi, WWWF World Tag Team Champions
The defeat of The Blackjacks by Cerdan and Parisi on November 18, 1975, held broader implications for the WWWF. It refreshed the tag team division, preventing stagnation during a time when singles stars like Bruno Sammartino dominated headlines. Cerdan and Parisi’s reign, which ended on May 11, 1976, when they lost to The Executioners (Killer Kowalski and Big John Studd under masks), provided stability and memorable defenses. For The Blackjacks, the loss was a temporary setback; they would go on to influence future tag teams with their outlaw gimmick, while Mulligan achieved singles success as he transitioned to the Carolinas for Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling under Jim Crockett Promotions. Jim Crockett, Jr had requested Mulligan to come back after the tragic plane crash had taken the top two heels out of action, Johnny Valentine temporarily and Ric Flair for a few months. Mulligan would play an instrumental role in the coming 18 months in lighting the candle to Flair’s legendary career.
One Thing I Learned About The Blackjacks
Jack Lanza, better known as Blackjack Lanza, was a teacher and graduate of the University of Minnesota before entering professional wrestling, where he was recruited by promoter Verne Gagne while still in the classroom.
Jack Mulligan, who later adopted the Blackjack Mulligan persona, was once stabbed by an enraged fan during a 1971 match in Boston, requiring over 100 stitches to close wounds on his thigh and arm.
Thank You for Reading
I’m Tony Richards, Pro Wrestling Historian, Author and Storyteller. I share pro wrestling historical items in each issue of the Time Tunnel Pro Wrestling History Newsletter. Thanks for reading! If you enjoy my information on select events, matches and insights, please share it with folks you think might like to be a subscriber!
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