Professional wrestling has always been defined not just by its icons, but also by the journeymen who gave credibility to territories across the globe. One such figure was Joseph Novo, an American wrestler who worked under several names—including Joe Nova, Butcher Brannigan, and Crusher Brannigan—throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Novo’s career spanned the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), Championship Wrestling from Florida, Stampede Wrestling, World Class Championship Wrestling, and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the UK. His reputation was that of a solid mid-carder and tag team specialist who added grit and legitimacy to whichever roster he joined.
Early Life and Debut (1970–1971)
Joseph Novo was born on September 3, 1948, in the United States. While little is documented about his early life, he entered professional wrestling in 1970, breaking into the regional circuits that were still operating under the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) umbrella. Novo gained his first international exposure in 1972, when he briefly worked for the Japan Wrestling Association, an opportunity that exposed him to Japanese audiences who respected his rugged, heel-oriented style.
World Wide Wrestling Federation (1971–1972): Joe Nova
Novo made his first major stateside impression in 1971, debuting in the WWWF under the name Joe Nova. At this stage, he was primarily a jobber-to-the-stars, working to establish and build more prominent names. He shared the ring with men like Gorilla Monsoon, Jimmy Valiant, and Chuck O’Connor (who later became Big John Studd). Though he rarely won, the experience allowed Novo to work Madison Square Garden–aligned cards and earn his reputation as a reliable hand.
Championship Wrestling from Florida (1972–1973)
In 1972, Novo transitioned to Championship Wrestling from Florida, run by Eddie Graham. Here, still wrestling as Joe Nova, he found himself matched against names like Bob Orton Jr., Tony Garea, and Frank Hester. While still positioned as a mid-card heel, Florida gave him more storyline exposure and showcased his physical brawling style that would define his later persona as Butcher Brannigan.
World Class Championship Wrestling (1973): Butcher Brannigan Emerges
By 1973, Novo headed to Texas to work for Fritz Von Erich’s World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW). Reinventing himself as Butcher Brannigan, he began establishing his career as a believable heel brawler. His most notable moment came when he scored a rare victory over Khosrow Vaziri, who would later achieve international stardom as The Iron Sheik.
This period was important for Novo: the Butcher Brannigan identity stuck and would carry him for much of the next decade.
Return to the WWWF (1973–1975): Butcher Nova/Brannigan
Novo returned to the WWWF in the mid-1970s, now billed as Butcher Brannigan or Butcher Nova. This time, he was more established and credible as a heel, allowing him to feud with Spiros Arion. He even wrestled at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 1975, losing to the legendary Édouard Carpentier. By late 1975, however, he left the promotion to continue his globe-trotting career.
Stampede Wrestling (1975–1976)
In late 1975, Novo traveled to Canada to wrestle for Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling. On December 12, 1975, he reached the finals of a tournament for the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship, losing to Frankie Laine. Though he didn’t secure the belt, appearing in a finals bout in Calgary gave him credibility as a main-event heel within the Stampede territory.
Interestingly, during this time, Novo also dabbled in acting. In 1976, he appeared in the television series Starsky and Hutch (Season 1, Episode 2: Texas Longhorn) credited as “The Wrestler,” reflecting the cross-promotional nature of wrestling talent at the time.
Return to WCCW (1977)
Novo returned to Texas in 1977, reprising his Butcher Brannigan persona. This time, he was used against babyfaces such as Ivan Putski and Scott Casey. Though he left later that year, his appearances reinforced his image as a traveling heel who could be inserted into feuds to bolster local stars.
World Championship Wrestling in Australia (1977–1978): Peak Years
Novo’s greatest success arguably came in Australia under Jim Barnett’s World Championship Wrestling promotion. Wrestling fans in Australia were treated to some of his best work as he captured multiple versions of the NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team Championship:
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With Bugsy McGraw: defeated Rick Martel and Larry O’Dea.
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With Killer Karl Krupp, Les Roberts, and Ox Baker: held the belts on several occasions.
Highlights include:
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Winning a tournament in Papua New Guinea (August 1978) with Les Roberts to claim vacant tag titles.
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Regaining the belts with Ox Baker by defeating Larry O’Dea and Mario Milano in October 1978.
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Dropping the titles to Andre the Giant and Ron Miller, becoming the final champions before the promotion folded in December 1978.
This period showcased Novo as a legitimate international tag team force, mixing with names like Andre the Giant, Rick Martel, and Mario Milano.
NWA Hollywood and Georgia (1978–1982)
Following Australia, Novo worked in NWA Hollywood Wrestling between 1978 and 1980, often wrestling under the name Buck Branngian. He then joined Georgia Championship Wrestling (1979–1982), appearing on TBS broadcasts. In Georgia, he often worked in the undercard but wrestled in front of a national television audience, boosting his profile.
He also made appearances for Championship Wrestling from Florida in 1980 (primarily as enhancement talent) and later for Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling in 1982.
New Zealand and UK Tours (1981–1983): British Empire Champion
Novo continued his international career with notable stops:
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September 17, 1981: defeated Steve Rickard to win the NWA British Empire/Commonwealth Championshipin New Zealand.
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1982: wrestled in England for Joint Promotions as Crusher Brannigan, mixing with European stars like Giant Haystacks, Big Daddy, and others.
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1983: once again captured the NWA (New Zealand) British Empire/Commonwealth Championship, cementing his legacy in the Australasian circuit.
Later Career and Retirement
By the mid-1980s, Novo slowed down his schedule. He had spent nearly 15 years wrestling worldwide, from Madison Square Garden to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, and the UK. His bruiser persona as Butcher/Crusher Brannigan left a strong impression on fans of that era, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where his tag team reigns are still remembered.
He retired quietly from wrestling in the early 1980s, having been one of the quintessential territory journeymen.
Death
Joseph Novo passed away just days after his 61st birthday on September 6, 2009, from complications due to kidney failure and heart disease. Though not a household name, his international footprint and contributions to multiple territories left a legacy respected by fans of classic wrestling.
Championships and Accomplishments
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NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team Championship (4 times) – with Bugsy McGraw, Killer Karl Krupp, Les Roberts, and Ox Baker
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NWA British Empire/Commonwealth Championship (2 times, New Zealand)
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Stampede Wrestling – Tournament finalist for the North American Heavyweight Championship (1975)
Legacy
Joseph Novo, under his various ring names, embodied the spirit of the territory era: a rugged, believable heel who could draw heat anywhere he went. His career touched nearly every major NWA territory, and he found special success in Australia and New Zealand. While he may not have achieved global superstardom, his work helped elevate countless babyfaces, and he left his mark as a reliable and well-traveled professional wrestler.
