The Inter-Island League: Attempts at Unification in Canarian Wrestling (1946-1959)
According to Ayala, Antonio (1977), the Inter-Island League in Canarian wrestling represented one of the main initiatives to create a unified competition between teams from different islands, especially Gran Canaria and Tenerife. The first major attempt took place in 1946, followed by another in 1959, both marked by strong public enthusiasm and significant organizational challenges due to insular rivalries and the absence of a common set of rules [1].
First Attempt: The 1946 League
In 1946, the Wrestling Federation led by José Miranda Junco managed to organize an inter-island league with representative teams from both islands. Las Palmas was represented by “Los Guanches” and “Ajódar”, while Tenerife fielded “Pérez Abreu” and “Tinguaro”. According to the source, this event was unprecedented in its success, generating widespread interest in Canarian wrestling across the archipelago [1].
“Los Guanches” from Arucas, led by Manuel Marrero (Pollo de Buen Lugar) and José Araña (Pollo de Arucas), were crowned champions. The event featured prominent wrestlers such as “Cubanito”, “Artillero”, “Camurria”, “Pollo de San Andrés”, “Pollo de Tegueste”, “Pollo de Tacoronte”, and “Ramayo”, who became popular figures on both islands [1].
However, soon after, issues arose regarding player transfers and the lack of a robust organizational structure. The “Ajódar” team from Guía, by signing Marrero and Araña, significantly weakened “Los Guanches”, leading to tensions, federation sanctions, the resignation of Miranda Junco, and the interruption of the league [1].
Second Attempt: The 1959 League
In 1959, the federations of Tenerife and Las Palmas, led by Luis Doreste Silva and Félix Álvaro Acuña Dorta, attempted to revive the inter-island league. The teams “Maninidra” and “Vencedor” represented Las Palmas, while “Hespérides” and “Rosario” represented Tenerife. The schedule was designed to alternate matches between both islands, following a national competition model [1].
The first match took place in Telde, where “Maninidra” defeated “Rosario” 12-9 in a highly sportsmanlike atmosphere. However, in La Laguna, “Vencedor” left the arena in protest against a referee’s decision, reigniting rivalries and leading to the suspension of the league after only two rounds [1].
Ayala notes that, despite the efforts and enthusiasm of fans, the lack of a unified technical regulation and tensions between federations hindered the establishment of a true inter-island competition. These league attempts, according to the author, highlight both the potential and organizational obstacles of Canarian wrestling during this period [1].