PAGE OF FAME: Baron Mikel Scicluna

WWWF tag champion Baron Scicluna

Baron Mikel Scicluna
Real name: Mike Scicluna
Billed from Malta, which may actually be legit. Began wrestling in the early 1950s. Made his Maple Leaf Gardens debut in 1957, wrestling as Mike Valentino. Used that name in Toronto through 1965. Then went to work for Vince McMahon in the northeast U.S., becoming Baron Mikel Scicluna.
Twice wrestled Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF title at Madison Square Garden in 1966. Won the Washington, DC-based U.S. tag team title with Smasher Sloan in 1966, defeating Johnny Valentine and Tony Parisi (wrestling as Antonio Pugliese).
In 1968, Scicluna -- under that name -- wrestled Whipper Billy Watson in a Maple Leaf Gardens main event. Later that year, Scicluna became a world champion in Australia, defeating Spiros Arion. He again challenged Sammartino for the WWWF title at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1969.

Scicluna won the WWWF tag title with King Curtis Iaukea in 1972, defeating Karl Gotch and Rene Goulet. Wrestled Pedro Morales for the WWWF title in a 1972 Madison Square Garden main event. Made his final Maple Leaf Gardens appearance at the end of 1974 and continued to wrestle as a prelim guy until his retirement in the early 1980s.
Known for using a hidden roll of coins to knock out opponents. Stood about 6'3" and was billed at 265 pounds. Became a truck driver for a newspaper after his retirement. Came back to perform in the WWF old-timers battle royal in 1987.
"The giant Maltese was kicked in the throat by Emile Dupree several years ago, damaging his windpipe and reducing the power of his voice to a whisper. He's recently completed his 20th year as a world class wrestler and in another couple of months, he'll pass his 4,000th match. To show for all this, he has a lovely home in Toronto, a beautiful wife, and a son who will soon be 14. Although his tactics are dubious -- some say they're downright dirty -- Scicluna is respected for his ring savvy." (From WRESTLING SPORTS STARS OF 1973)

Prominent Titles:

WWWF U.S. tag champion, with Smasher Sloan, 1966
IWA World champion (Australia), 1968
IWA World tag champion (Australia), with Ciclon Negro, 1968
WWWF tag champion, with King Curtis Iaukea, 1972