Original Drawing Signed

ROCCA, Antonino (1921-77)

About this Item

One of the most popular athletes of the golden age of television was this Italian-Argentinian wrestler, who utilized his background as an acrobat to create a dazzling wrestling style that often involved aerial maneuvers -- at a time when few wrestlers' feet ever left the mat; his signature moves include the "Argentinian Backbreaker" and the "Airplane Spin"; a one-time WWF International Heavyweight Champion, he was also half of the most successful tag team of all time with Puerto Rican wrestler Miguel Pérez, which faced duos such as the Fargo Brothers, the Tolos Brothers and the Golden Grahams yet lost only one recorded match in almost 20 years. ODS, 1p, 8½" X 10 3/4", n.p., n.y. [likely ca. 1960]. Very good. Mildly edgeworn and faintly age toned; three-punched at left margin. Original pencil sketch by unknown amateur artist of Rocca in wrestling trunks affecting an action pose, inscribed large and bold by him in blue ballpoint just below center point (between his legs): "Good luck / Argentina / Rocca." Quite unusual in this form and obviously one of a kind.

Seller Inventory # 45945

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Original Drawing Signed
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Autographs
  • Athletes