The Ox Baker riot occurred on January 31, 1974, at the Cleveland Arena during a wrestling match involving Johnny Powers and Ernie Ladd. The crowd of 4,000 fans became enraged when Ox Baker, a villainous wrestler, interfered in the match and repeatedly attacked the popular Ernie Ladd with his "Heart Punch" after Powers turned on Ladd. This unexpected and brutal assault, which continued even after the bell rang, incited the audience to riot. Fans began throwing chairs and other objects into the ri