| Tony Condello | |
| Names: | Tony Condello Tony Savoldi Tony Torpedo[1] |
| Weight: | 200lb |
| Birth Date: | August 8, 1942 |
| Birth Place: | Calabria, Italy |
| Children: | 2 |
| Trainer: | Alf Wuhr |
| Debut: | 1958 |
Tony Condello (born August 8, 1942) is an Italian-Canadian retired professional wrestler and promoter most known for founding International Wrestling Alliance in Manitoba, Canada.
Tony Condello began his career in professional wrestling in 1958. He wrestled throughout Manitoba for several years, winning tag team titles on multiple occasions as one half the duo known as "The Flying Italians" with his partner Guy Vinci.[2]
After the local wrestling club was purchased by the American Wrestling Association, Condello turned to promoting in order to pave the way for Canadian wrestlers to have a home.[2]
While booking events throughout Manitoba, Condello worked alongside many future stars, such as Edge, Christian, Ron Ritchie, Kerry Brown, & Buddy Lane.[2]
Condello's greatest success came in 1986, when he struck a deal with Eddie Sharkey's Pro Wrestling America promotion, which would include a talent exchange and dual promotion. Several stars that were included in this exchange were Ricky Rice, Derrick Dukes, The Terminators, Chris Markoff, and Buck Zumhofe, as well as stars such as "Bulldog" Bob Brown and Bruiser Brody.[2]
For over 30 years, Tony Condello had promoted an annual "Death Tour" of Inuit communities in northern Manitoba.[3]
The tour is well known for its rough conditions. Wrestlers are required to pack at least one bag of food to last them the entire tour. There are also no hotel accommodations with wrestlers having to either sleep in cars on the side of the road or at venues they perform.[3]
Condello has two daughters. Liana is a gerontologist and Sarina is the creator of a reality show on the Bravo network called Way Off Broadway. Condello himself helped coordinate fight scenes for the performances seen on the show.[4]