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68. Spiros Arion

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68.  Spiros Arion

By the time Spiros Arion made his return to the then World Wide Wrestling Federation in the mid 70’s, he was already a star of international proportions.  The Greek born grappler had already been a star in Europe, but was already one of the biggest stars in Australia.  Arion came close to duplicating that status in the United States.

The bulk of his career took place in Australia where he was an instant hit with the Greek population there.  Arion actually was popular with Aussies of all kind and a case could be made that he was the top wrestler there for a decade.  He held the top championship of the major Australian promotions on nine different occasions often defending the territory against other wrestlers who would “invade”.

Spiros Arion would have his most known run when he returned to the WWWF (he competed there in the late 60’s) as a protégé of Bruno Sammartino.  He turned on Bruno and the two tore the house down at MSG.  He was a great heel in America and had he competed in the U.S. more than Australia, his profile would be significantly higher than it is today.


Should Spiros Arion be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 85.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.9%

The Bullet Points

  • Other Aliases: Andres Labrakis (Real Name)
    The Golden Greek
  • Billed From: Athens, Greece
  • Key Championships Held: IWA World Heavyweight (Australia) (6)
    IWA World Tag Team (Australia) (2) 1w/Mario Milano, 1w/Mark Lewin
    NWA Austra-Asian Champion (3)
    NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team w/Mark Lewin
    WWF United States Tag Team (3) 1w/Tony Parisi, 1w/Arnold Skaaland, 1w/Bruno Sammartino
  • Why they will get in: He was a capable performer with a good run in the WWF
  • Why they won't get in: That run happened a long time ago and was forgotten by many.
  • Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.  Wins the first of many IWA Heavyweight Titles against Killer Kowalski (8/6/65)
    2.  Wins his first title in America winning the WWF United States Tag Title with Tony Parisi (12/8/66)
    3.  Becomes the first NWA Austra-Asian Champion (4/28/72)
    4.  Pins Chief Jay Strongbow and would continue to dominate the feud on House Shows across the country (2/22/75)
    5.  Match of the Year in a Title Shot against Bruno Sammartino (3/17/75)

Should Spiros Arion be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 85.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.9%

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Last modified on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 04:42
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