It is mentioned that the X-Men received new suits following their graduation from Xavier's school, like they did in The Uncanny X-Men #39 from December 1967.
While on the phone, Iceman mentions a fight against the mutant Sunfire which is a shoutout to the events of The Uncanny X-Men #64 from January 1970.
The breakout Blob, Mastermind, Toad and Unus did in the lost episode "Lockdown" is mentioned although no reference to Mesmero is made.
Although Beast looks feline in his blue furry mutation, in this series he is describes as having an "ape-like" appearance.
This episode loosely adapts the events of Amazing Adventures #11 from March 1972 in which Beast radically changes from his original appearance into a furry beast.