Tony Garea Then and Now

Tony Garea Then

Tony Garea, born Anthony Gareljich on September 20, 1946, in Auckland, New Zealand, is a notable figure in the world of professional wrestling. 

Tony, the son of Ivan Gareljich, a Croatian immigrant, has a diverse heritage that includes both Yugoslavian and Irish roots. 

Before making his mark in wrestling, Garea excelled in athletics as a sprinter and rugby player, showcasing his athletic prowess and competitive spirit early in life.

Garea’s transition from sports to professional wrestling began in the early 1970s. 

His background in sprinting and rugby provided him with a strong physical foundation, which he leveraged to achieve success in the ring. 

Known for his agility and stamina, Garea quickly made a name for himself in the wrestling community. 

His career included notable achievements, such as winning multiple tag team championships and becoming a respected figure in the industry. 

Tony Garea’s journey from an accomplished athlete to a wrestling star exemplifies the seamless blend of physical skill and dedication required to excel in professional sports.

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Tony Garea Wrestling Career

Tony Garea’s wrestling career was marked by notable achievements and a series of significant tag team successes. 

Trained by Wild Don Scott, Garea made his professional debut in his native New Zealand before venturing into the international wrestling scene. 

His early career saw him working in the NWA San Francisco territory, where he, alongside Pat Patterson, captured the NWA San Francisco Tag Team Championship in May 1976 by defeating Don Muraco and Invader I.

In 1972, Garea transitioned to the United States, signing with Vince McMahon, Sr.’s World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF). 

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His debut on September 20, 1972, at the Philadelphia Arena marked the beginning of his career in American wrestling. Garea’s initial success came as a babyface when he defeated Davey O’Hannon. 

By May 30, 1973, he had secured his first WWWF World Tag Team Championship, teaming with Haystacks Calhoun to defeat Mr. Fuji and Professor Toru Tanaka. 

This victory set the stage for an intense feud with Fuji and Tanaka, which was a highlight of his early WWWF career.

Garea’s partnership with Dean Ho, starting on November 14, 1973, led to another tag team championship win, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the ring. 

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Their reign was marked by a significant title defense period before eventually losing the titles to the Valiant Brothers in May 1974. 

Garea continued to establish himself in the tag team division, notably forming a successful team with Larry Zbyzsko in August 1977. 

Their efforts culminated in winning the WWWF World Tag Team Championship on November 21, 1978. 

However, their reign ended in March 1979 with the championship loss to the Valiant Brothers, who later became known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) champions.

Garea’s career saw him partnering with various wrestlers, including Rene Goulet and Rick Martel. 

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His tag team with Martel was particularly successful, capturing the WWF Tag Team Championship twice. 

Their first title win came on November 8, 1980, against the Wild Samoans, followed by a feud with The Moondogs. 

Although they briefly regained their titles on July 21, 1981, their second reign ended on October 17, 1981, when they were defeated by Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito.

As the 1980s progressed, Garea’s role in the WWF shifted as he began teaming with newer wrestlers such as Eddie Gilbert and B. Brian Blair. 

Despite his continued efforts, he was unable to replicate his previous success and gradually transitioned to a role as a jobber, assisting in elevating emerging talent. 

Garea’s wrestling career concluded in 1986, but his contributions to the tag team division and his role in shaping the WWF’s early success remain a significant part of his legacy.

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Tony Garea Wrestling Competition

• NWA San Francisco
• World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), later known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• Championship Wrestling from Florida
• All-Star Wrestling
• Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
• Georgia Championship Wrestling

Tony Garea Retirement

After leaving active competition, Tony Garea transitioned to a role as a road agent for the WWF, later WWE, where he contributed to the behind-the-scenes operations of the company until 2014. 

During his tenure, Garea made several notable appearances that highlighted his continued connection to the wrestling world. 

In June 2007, at WWE’s Vengeance: Night of Champions, he reunited with his former tag team partner Rick Martel. 

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Together, they assisted Sgt. Slaughter and Jimmy Snuka, were under attack after their match against Deuce ‘n Domino.

Garea’s involvement with WWE continued to be celebrated in various events. 

On June 11, 2008, when WWE visited Auckland, New Zealand, Garea was featured on the international V.I.P Lounge segment alongside Bushwhacker Butch. 

The segment, hosted by Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP), saw an unexpected turn when MVP mistakenly announced Garea as Bushwhacker Luke and then attacked both Butch and Garea. 

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The two managed to recover and responded with their signature Bushwhacker walk.

Garea also made appearances on WWE programming, including a March 3, 2009, WWE.com exclusive segment where he humorously posed as “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. 

Additionally, on the March 29, 2010, episode of Monday Night Raw, he appeared as a lumberjack in a match between Christian and Ted DiBiase. 

During this match, Garea engaged in a brawl with other legends who were also acting as lumberjacks, showcasing his enduring presence and influence in the wrestling world.

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Tony Garea Now

Tony Garea, currently 77 years old, is a retired professional wrestler from New Zealand, widely recognized by his ring name, Tony Garea. 

His prominence in the wrestling world is largely attributed to his notable career in the United States with the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which later became the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). 

Garea’s wrestling career flourished during the 1970s and 1980s, a period that marked some of the most memorable moments in professional wrestling history.

Garea’s contributions to wrestling are particularly significant in the tag team division. 

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His dynamic presence and skill were evident through his multiple championship reigns, including his victories with partners like Haystacks Calhoun, Dean Ho, Larry Zbyszko, and Rick Martel. 

These partnerships and his championship successes helped shape the landscape of the WWWF/WWF tag team scene during that era. 

Known for his athleticism and versatility, Garea’s matches were often celebrated for their high energy and technical proficiency.

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Following his in-ring career, Garea remained connected to the wrestling industry as a road agent for WWE until 2014. 

His legacy extends beyond his wrestling achievements, reflecting his impact on both the entertainment and behind-the-scenes aspects of professional wrestling. 

Despite retiring from active competition, Garea’s influence is still remembered and respected by fans and fellow wrestlers alike, cementing his place in wrestling history.

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