Tony Rumble
Encyclopedia
Anthony David Magliaro (November 6, 1956-November 13, 1999) was an American professional wrestler
and manager
, known by the ring name "Boston Bad Boy" Tony Rumble. He competed on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic independent circuit
during the 1980s and 90s. A longtime veteran of Angelo Savoldi
's International World Class Championship Wrestling
, he also was the owner of the New England-based Century Wrestling Alliance
and an independent wrestling promoter until his death in 1999.
and Bruiser Brody during his rookie year as well as former WWF wrestlers the Tonga Kid
and "Superstar" Billy Graham during his singles career. In 1986, he briefly teamed with Rocky Raymond as The Boston Bad Boys who together faced The Midnight Rockers
in an interpromotional match with the American Wrestling Association
before feuding with "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas
as the masked "Dungeon Master" the following year.
and "Ravishing" Rick Rude as well as international stars such as Dory Funk, Jr.
, Ivan Putski
and Mr. Pogo. During the late 1980s, he would also became a successful manager to wrestlers such as former rival and IWCCW Heavyweight Champion "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas
, IWCCW Light Heavyweight Champion The Tasmaniac
and the IWCCW Tag Team Champions The Undertakers The Henchman
and The Punisher.
in 1989, Magliaro remained in IWCCW until its decline during the early 1990s until leaving to concentrate on his own promotion in early 1993. Using many of his contacts such as Kevin Sullivan
, he was able to bring in former WWF and WCW wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka
, The Iron Sheik, Harley Race
, Al Snow
, Hugh Morrus
, Public Enemy
, Scott Taylor and A-Train, as well as many longtime IWCCW veterans including Atlas, The Tasmaniac, Tommy Dreamer
, "Mr. Intensity" Erich Sbraccia, Vic Steamboat, "Surfer" Ray Odyssey
, The Pink Assassin and The Trouble Makers (formerly The Undertakers) who followed Magliaro to the newly formed promotion.
Magliaro would go on to win the CWA's heavyweight title three times before being stripped of the title by CWA President Victoria Van Ellen as a result of the CWA becoming a territory of the National Wrestling Alliance
on January 24, 1998.
(Erich Sbraccia and Knuckles Nelson
) who would win the NWA World Tag Team Championship
in a four way elimination match against Tully Blanchard
and Tom Prichard
, The Border Patrol and Team Extreme (Kit Carson and Khris Germany) during the NWA's 50th Anniversary Show in October 1998.
Magliaro would continue running NWA New England until his death following a heart attack on November 13, 1999. Following Magliaro's death, his wife Victoria Van Ellen Magliaro Rumble took over ownership of the promotion which later became NWA Cold Front. Jason Della Gatta, who both runs live events and competes in the promotion as "Jason Rumble", is claimed to be the son of Magliaro's in-ring persona however the two are not related. The company runs an annual "Tony Rumble Memorial" show. The Millennium Wrestling Federation
has featured an annual Tony Rumble Memorial Battle Royal with Todd Hanson, Bull Montana (Rumble's best friend and best man at his wedding), Ox Baker
and Rick Fuller
winning the most recent held on August 4, 2007.
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
and manager
Manager (professional wrestling)
In professional wrestling, a manager is a secondary character paired with a wrestler for a variety of reasons. The manager is often either a non-wrestler, an occasional wrestler, an older wrestler who has retired or is nearing retirement or, in some cases, a new wrestler who is breaking into the...
, known by the ring name "Boston Bad Boy" Tony Rumble. He competed on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic independent circuit
Independent circuit
In professional wrestling, the independent circuit or indy circuit refers to the many independent promotions which are much smaller than major televised promotions. They are roughly analagous to a minor league for pro wrestling, or community or regional theatre.Specific promotions on the...
during the 1980s and 90s. A longtime veteran of Angelo Savoldi
Angelo Savoldi
Angelo Savoldi is an Italian-American former professional wrestler and wrestling promoter. He is currently the world's oldest wrestler at the age of 97.-Professional wrestling career:...
's International World Class Championship Wrestling
International World Class Championship Wrestling
International World Class Championship Wrestling was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was promoted by Angelo Savoldi and his sons Mario, Tom, and Joseph Savoldi....
, he also was the owner of the New England-based Century Wrestling Alliance
Century Wrestling Alliance
The Century Wrestling Alliance, formerly known as NWA Cold Front and NWA New England, is a New England-based American independent wrestling promotion located in Boston, Massachusetts...
and an independent wrestling promoter until his death in 1999.
Early career
Although having little prior training, Magliaro was one of the earliest wrestlers to compete for then International Championship Wrestling in 1984. As "Tony Rummell", he would face Abdullah the ButcherAbdullah the Butcher
Lawrence Robert "Larry" Shreve best known as Abdullah the Butcher, and also at times The Madman from the Sudan, is a semi-retired Canadian professional wrestler known as one of the most brutal or "hardcore" professional wrestlers of all-time...
and Bruiser Brody during his rookie year as well as former WWF wrestlers the Tonga Kid
Sam Fatu
Samuel Larry Anoa'i Fatu is a professional wrestler best known under the name of The Tonga Kid, or Tama.-Professional wrestling career:...
and "Superstar" Billy Graham during his singles career. In 1986, he briefly teamed with Rocky Raymond as The Boston Bad Boys who together faced The Midnight Rockers
The Rockers
The Rockers were a professional wrestling tag team consisting of Shawn Michaels and Marty Jannetty that teamed from 1985 to 1992. The team worked for Central States Wrestling, the American Wrestling Association, Continental Wrestling Federation, Continental Wrestling Association and the World...
in an interpromotional match with the American Wrestling Association
American Wrestling Association
The American Wrestling Association was an American professional wrestling promotion based in Minneapolis, Minnesota that ran from 1960 to 1991. It was owned and founded by Verne Gagne and Wally Karbo...
before feuding with "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas
Tony Atlas
Anthony White better known by his ring name "Tony Atlas" is an American bodybuilder, powerlifter, and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport. He is also known by his bodybuilding title, "Mr...
as the masked "Dungeon Master" the following year.
Behind the scenes
In 1988, Magliaro began working as a booker, as well as producer for the weekly ICW, which later became IWCCW, television show. He later went on to host the popular "Rumble Seat" segment whose guests included former WWF wrestlers The Honky Tonk ManThe Honky Tonk Man
Roy Wayne Farris , better known by his ring name The Honky Tonk Man, is an American professional wrestler. A 1975 graduate from University of Memphis with a B.S. degree in Education. Coached high school football 2 seasons at Munford High School in Munford, Tennessee...
and "Ravishing" Rick Rude as well as international stars such as Dory Funk, Jr.
Dory Funk, Jr.
Dory Ernest Funk Jr. known professionally as Dory Funk, Jr. is a professional wrestler and wrestling trainer. He is the son of Dory Funk Sr. and brother of Terry Funk. He is credited with the invention of the Texas cloverleaf submission hold and runs the Funking Conservatory, a professional...
, Ivan Putski
Ivan Putski
Józef Bednarski , is a Polish former professional wrestler and bodybuilder. He is known by the ring name Ivan Putski and was given the nicknames "The Polish Hammer" and "Polish Power"....
and Mr. Pogo. During the late 1980s, he would also became a successful manager to wrestlers such as former rival and IWCCW Heavyweight Champion "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas
Tony Atlas
Anthony White better known by his ring name "Tony Atlas" is an American bodybuilder, powerlifter, and professional wrestler who has held multiple titles and championships in each sport. He is also known by his bodybuilding title, "Mr...
, IWCCW Light Heavyweight Champion The Tasmaniac
Tazz
Peter Senerchia is a retired American professional wrestler and current color commentator best known by his ring name Tazz, originally Tazmaniac and later shortened to simply Taz...
and the IWCCW Tag Team Champions The Undertakers The Henchman
Val Puccio
Valentino "Val" Puccio was a professional wrestler.-Wrestling career:Trained by Johnny Rodz, Puccio began his wrestling career in 1989 and worked for various northeast U.S. independent promotions for virtually his entire career. He frequently teamed with his brother, Tony...
and The Punisher.
Century Wrestling Alliance
Although establishing Century Wrestling AllianceCentury Wrestling Alliance
The Century Wrestling Alliance, formerly known as NWA Cold Front and NWA New England, is a New England-based American independent wrestling promotion located in Boston, Massachusetts...
in 1989, Magliaro remained in IWCCW until its decline during the early 1990s until leaving to concentrate on his own promotion in early 1993. Using many of his contacts such as Kevin Sullivan
Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)
Kevin Francis Sullivan is an American professional wrestler and booker, perhaps best known for his role in WCW as "The Taskmaster" and his leading of the "Dungeon of Doom".-Early career:...
, he was able to bring in former WWF and WCW wrestlers such as Jimmy Snuka
Jimmy Snuka
James William "Jimmy" Reiher is a semi-retired Fijian professional wrestler and actor, better known by his ring name Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka. Originally from the Fiji Islands, Snuka wrestled for several promotions in the 1970s and 1980s. Snuka is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having been a...
, The Iron Sheik, Harley Race
Harley Race
Harley Leland Race is a retired American professional wrestler and current promoter and trainer. During his career as a wrestler, he held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship 7 times...
, Al Snow
Al Snow
Allen Ray Sarven is an American professional wrestler and actor better known by his ring name of Al Snow. He is best known for his work in Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment and currently works for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as a road agent.-Early career:Sarven...
, Hugh Morrus
Bill DeMott
William Charles "Bill" DeMott II is an American professional wrestler, best known for his appearances with World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment as Hugh Morrus and Bill DeMott respectively and as Crash The Terminator in Extreme Championship Wrestling and Japan...
, Public Enemy
The Public Enemy (professional wrestling)
The Public Enemy was a professional wrestling tag team consisting of Rocco Rock and Johnny Grunge. The duo competed in many promotions, including Extreme Championship Wrestling , World Championship Wrestling , National Wrestling Alliance , and the World Wrestling Federation...
, Scott Taylor and A-Train, as well as many longtime IWCCW veterans including Atlas, The Tasmaniac, Tommy Dreamer
Tommy Dreamer
Thomas James "Tom" Laughlin is an American professional wrestler better known by his ring name Tommy Dreamer. He is currently working for various promotions on the independent circuit. He is best known for his time spent with Extreme Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment...
, "Mr. Intensity" Erich Sbraccia, Vic Steamboat, "Surfer" Ray Odyssey
Ray Odyssey
Ray Samalonis is an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Surfer" Ray Odyssey, who competes primarily in Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic independent promotions...
, The Pink Assassin and The Trouble Makers (formerly The Undertakers) who followed Magliaro to the newly formed promotion.
Magliaro would go on to win the CWA's heavyweight title three times before being stripped of the title by CWA President Victoria Van Ellen as a result of the CWA becoming a territory of the National Wrestling Alliance
National Wrestling Alliance
The National Wrestling Alliance is a wrestling promotion company and sanctions various NWA championships in the United States. The NWA has been in operation since 1948...
on January 24, 1998.
Later years
Representing NWA New England, Magliaro appeared with The BrotherhoodThe Brotherhood (professional wrestling)
The Brotherhood was a professional wrestling faction in Century Wrestling Alliance / NWA New England. The faction was managed by NWA New England's owner Tony Rumble and consisted of Knuckles Nelson as its main member...
(Erich Sbraccia and Knuckles Nelson
Knuckles Nelson
Knuckles Nelson is a retired American professional wrestler, promoter and trainer who wrestled throughout the North American independent circuit during the 1990s and 2000s. He competed in several regional promotions such as the Century Wrestling Alliance, the National Wrestling Alliance and the...
) who would win the NWA World Tag Team Championship
NWA World Tag Team Championship
The National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Championship is the professional wrestling world tag team championship within the NWA framework.-History:...
in a four way elimination match against Tully Blanchard
Tully Blanchard
Tully Arthur Blanchard is a semi-retired second generation American professional wrestler. He is best known as an original member of the Four Horsemen....
and Tom Prichard
Tom Prichard
Thomas Prichard is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, working in their developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling as a trainer using his ring name Tom Prichard...
, The Border Patrol and Team Extreme (Kit Carson and Khris Germany) during the NWA's 50th Anniversary Show in October 1998.
Magliaro would continue running NWA New England until his death following a heart attack on November 13, 1999. Following Magliaro's death, his wife Victoria Van Ellen Magliaro Rumble took over ownership of the promotion which later became NWA Cold Front. Jason Della Gatta, who both runs live events and competes in the promotion as "Jason Rumble", is claimed to be the son of Magliaro's in-ring persona however the two are not related. The company runs an annual "Tony Rumble Memorial" show. The Millennium Wrestling Federation
Millennium Wrestling Federation
The Millennium Wrestling Federation is a New England independent professional wrestling promotion based in Melrose, Massachusetts. Founded in January 2001 by promoters Dan Mirade & Neil Manolian, the MWF is one of the top promotions in the Northeastern United States along with Chaotic Wrestling,...
has featured an annual Tony Rumble Memorial Battle Royal with Todd Hanson, Bull Montana (Rumble's best friend and best man at his wedding), Ox Baker
Ox Baker
Douglas A. Baker better known professionally as Ox Baker, is an American former professional wrestler and actor, and was feared for his dreaded finishing move, the Heart Punch, sometimes called the "Hurt Punch", after Baker's famous catchphrase "I love to hurt people!" He has appeared in several...
and Rick Fuller
Rick Fuller
Richard Fuller is an American professional wrestler. He is best known for his appearances World Championship Wrestling. He would later be featured in several video games including WCW Nitro and WCW/NWO Thunder....
winning the most recent held on August 4, 2007.
Championships and accomplishments
- Century Wrestling AllianceCentury Wrestling AllianceThe Century Wrestling Alliance, formerly known as NWA Cold Front and NWA New England, is a New England-based American independent wrestling promotion located in Boston, Massachusetts...
- CWA Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
- International Championship Wrestling (New England)International World Class Championship WrestlingInternational World Class Championship Wrestling was an independent professional wrestling promotion based in Boston, Massachusetts. It was promoted by Angelo Savoldi and his sons Mario, Tom, and Joseph Savoldi....
- ICW Tag Team ChampionshipIWCCW Tag Team ChampionshipThe ICW / IWCCW Tag-Team Championship was the top tag-team championship of International World Class Championship Wrestling between 1984 and 1995 where IWCCW closed down operations...
(1 time) - with Moondog SpikeMoondog SpikeBill Smithson was a professional wrestler who wrestled as Moondog Spike during the early 1990s with Moondog Spot from 1991 to 1992 and Moondog Cujo from 1992 to 1993 as part of the Moondogs.-Career:...
- Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
- PWI ranked him # 257 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 1994
External links
- Manufacturing an anti-hero, Greg Garber, April 2, 1999, ESPNESPNEntertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
- Interview with Chris “Crowbar” Ford, Alex Marvez, wrestlingobserver.com
- Deceased Superstars: Tony Rumble
- Online World of Wrestling: Tony Rumble
- NWANE's 2006 Tony Rumble Memorial by Keith Hayes
- Sheldon Goldberg on Wrestling: Remembering Rumble