The Glory Days - Wrestling on the Pier

Wrestling took place on the Pier on Mondays in the sixties and then on Tuesdays in the seventies. A 300-yard walk was necessary right to the very far end of the Pier to reach the variously named ballroom, or in the wrestling world, Pier Pavilion. Wrestling presentations were weekly from the beginning or end of June through to the start of September.

The Pavilion was rather square and perfectly flat. The ring was in the centre, with room for two rows of seats ringside in front of the stage. The directors chairs were not especially comfortable but this seemed fair enough in the holiday environment.

There were two raised levels.  Four rows of seats were placed on the stage itself and afforded great views at ring height.  And there was also a balcony at the rear of the hall, over the entrance, and only along the width of the Pavilion.  Only unknowing visitors would fork out for these over-priced seats too high and too far from the action.

All the great names appeared on the Pier.  Mick McManus featured in the most electric atmosphere one night, right, when the Pavilion was completely sold out. McManus and Pallo sharing top billing was a rare event, and tellingly this was not overlooked by casual and avid fans alike.  Pallo drew with Johnny Kwango, and McManus was satisfyingly disqualified against Masambula.  Nobody complained.
For more, much more, go to www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk

The good thing about the venue for serial autograph hunters was that the wrestlers were trapped at the end of the pier and had to funnel through the turnstiles where they could be ambushed.[This was one of several Hastings venues.]