02/06/2026
Mario Milano was one of the most recognisable and beloved stars of Australian professional wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a household name through the hugely popular television programme World Championship Wrestling. Born Mario Bulfone in Trieste, Italy, he later moved to Venezuela before beginning a wrestling career that eventually took him around the world. When promoter Jim Barnett brought him to Australia in 1967 for what was initially planned as a short tour, Milano quickly captured the imagination of fans and soon became the promotion’s biggest attraction. His tall frame, charismatic presence and reputation as one of wrestling’s great “good guys” made him an instant favourite with audiences across the country.
Throughout the golden era of Australian wrestling, Milano was a central figure in the ring and on television. He won the IWA World Heavyweight Championship on four occasions and held numerous tag team titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful performers in the history of the promotion. At a time when World Championship Wrestling attracted large audiences every weekend, Milano battled famous rivals including Killer Kowalski, Abdullah The Butcher, Gorilla Monsoon and King Curtis Iaukea. His popularity extended beyond wrestling itself, particularly among Australia’s growing migrant communities, many of whom saw him as a proud representation of their own backgrounds. Alongside fellow stars such as Spiros Arion, he became an icon of an era when wrestling was one of the nation’s most talked-about television attractions.
Even as the popularity of wrestling began to decline in Australia during the 1970s, Mario Milano remained a respected and admired figure. He chose to make Australia his permanent home, raising a family and continuing to be associated with the sport long after his full-time career ended. Many fans still remember him as the face of Australian wrestling’s golden age, a performer whose combination of athletic ability, charm and genuine connection with the public helped define an unforgettable chapter in sporting entertainment. His legacy endures as one of the greatest stars ever produced by Australian World Championship Wrestling.