Era #1 – The CCW Years (1950–1979)

March 17, 1950

CCW TV #11

📍 Ottawa Auditorium
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Broadcast Format: Black & White Film
Distribution: Shown in theatres across Ontario

Match Results

Main Event

2 out of 3 Falls Match

Verne Gagne
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)

def.

Conrad Williams
(Auckland, New Zealand)

Result: Gagne wins 2–1
Time: 55:19

Match Summary

In a physically demanding contest, Verne Gagne earned his first victory in Canadian Championship Wrestling, defeating the powerful and aggressive Conrad Williams in a two-out-of-three falls match.

Williams relied heavily on brute force and striking ability, repeatedly using his strength to wear Gagne down over the course of the match.

Throughout the broadcast, Edmond Vincent emphasized the danger of Williams’ offense, noting in particular:

Decisive Fall

As the match reached its final stages, Williams attempted to finish Gagne with a powerful left-hand strike.

Gagne avoided the blow, using Williams’ momentum against him—

Rolling him up for the pinfall to secure the victory.

Storyline Developments

⭐ Verne Gagne Breakthrough

• First victory in CCW
• Wins a long, grueling 2/3 falls match
• Defeats a dangerous and physically dominant opponent

👉 Establishes Gagne as:
A legitimate contender

⚠ Conrad Williams Established

• Despite the loss, presented as:
  • Dangerous
  • Physically imposing
  • Strike-heavy

👉 Remains a threat moving forward

🎙 Commentary Influence

• Edmond Vincent actively highlighted:
  • Williams’ striking ability
  • The danger of his offense
• Reinforced the idea that: 👉 Gagne survived something significant

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