The Wrestler Who Preceded Football Scores

Before Saturday afternoon football scores became a British television staple, millions tuned in to watch professional wrestling. Jackie Pallo was the charismatic villain who turned wrestling into prime-time entertainment.

During the 1960s and 70s, ITV gave professional wrestling a massive forty-minute slot right before the highly anticipated football results. Jackie Pallo, known as Mr TV, became a household name for his theatrical persona and ability to provoke the crowd. His matches were so popular that they helped define the golden era of British televised sports. It remains a fascinating look at how wrestling once dominated the weekend viewing habits of a nation.