Monday, December 27, 2021

David Crockett Makes Christmas Night Appearance on AEW Wrestling

by Dick Bourne
Mid-Atlantic Gateway

David Crockett, one of the members of the famous Crockett promotional family out of Charlotte, NC, made an appearance at the AEW Wrestling "Holiday Bash" at the fabled Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC, on December 22, 2021.

The first two hours of the Greensboro event aired live on AEW Wrestling: Dynamite on the TNT cable network. A third hour was taped and aired three nights later on AEW Wrestling: Rampage on Christmas night on TNT. Crockett's appearance was featured on that second program.

David Crockett waves after being introduced to the crowd at the Greensboro Coliseum.
He was part of the "AEW Wrestling: Rampage" program from Greensboro that aired on Christmas Night



He was recognized at ringside to a rousing ovation and later presented AEW's TNT Championship belt to the winner of the Sammy Guevara/Cody Rhodes TNT title match. After the Rampage taping ended, AEW owner/promoter Tony Khan brought David into the ring and recognized him once again. Cody Rhodes, whose father "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, was an integral part of the Crockett company both in front of and behind the camera from 1984-1988, told David he was part of the AEW family now. Fans chanted "Thank you Crocketts", but David stopped them and said all the thanks actually went to the fans.  

Tony Khan did a wonderful job in making fans aware of the history of the Crockett family, David's role in it, the history of wrestling in Greensboro, and the tremendous impact the Crockett family had on wrestling in the old Mid-Atlantic territory of the NWA, and on wrestling in general.

David Crockett's legacy in the wrestling business actually extends far beyond Jim Crockett Promotions where he was a promoter, producer, and television announcer. He also worked for Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling as an executive television producer and was responsible for making a lot of what you saw in the whacky Monday Night Wars storylines come to life on TNT and TBS.  

Ring announcer Justin Roberts read the following when recognizing David Crockett at ringside:

''... a man, who along with his family, made incredible contributions to pro-wrestling here in the Mid-Atlantic as well as around the world which are still felt today. Please welcome back to Greensboro David Crockett!"

In recent years Crockett has made several wrestling-related appearances including a rare Q&A session in 2019 with his older brother Jim Crockett, Jr. (who passed away earlier this year) for Conrad Thompson's Starrcast IV convention in Baltimore, MD. The Greensboro appearance was actually David's second such appearance for AEW, appearing at an earlier event before the pandemic and joining his old TV co-host from the 1980s Tony Schiavone to call a match on an episode of AEW Wrestling: Dark.

But the most recent Greensboro appearance for AEW was the cherry on top. In a Christmas Day text-exchange I had with David, he told me how much the night had meant to him. "I do feel part of the AEW family now," he wrote me. 

It was wonderful to see David Crockett recognized by Tony Khan and AEW, and especially for it to happen in Greensboro.

Thanks to George Pantas for the image above.

Saturday, December 25, 2021

Poster: Christmas Night in Charlotte (1975)

by Brack Beasley
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor

Imagine going back to Christmas Day, 1975. After time spent with family and friends, a big holiday dinner, and perhaps a visit from Santa. And if you lived in the Charlotte, NC area you could stroll down to the Park Center for an exciting night of Mid Atlantic Championship Wrestling. What a great way to wind up a special day.

 

This poster promotes the Christmas card at the Park Center where The Anderson Brothers, Gene and Ole, defended their NWA World Tag Team titles against fan favorites Tim Woods and Johnny Weaver.

Tiger Conway Jr. collided with Spoiler #1 (Doug Gilbert under the hood) in the semi while a rarely seen mixed tag team match had Little Tokyo and Leilani Kai versus The Haiti Kid and Vicky Williams. The undercard included Steve Keirn, Jerry Blackwell, Greg Peterson, and Joe Soto.

The horizontal layout of this poster really pops with all black print (except for the main event names in high impact red) on a two tone blue and yellow background along with the "Wrestling" oval in upper left corner. 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Gateway Notes:

Christmas night was always a "return to work" night after the 10-day Christmas break for Jim Crockett Promotions. Christmas 1975 was a challenging time for the company, reeling from the loss of their two top heels following the Wilmington plane crash in October (Ric Flair temporarily, Johnny Valentine permanently) and in a promotional war with the rival IWA. 

There were three different shows taking place on Christmas night in 1975, this one in Charlotte, plus Greenville SC (headlined by Paul Jones and newcomer Blackjack Mulligan) and Norfolk VA (headlined by Wahoo McDaniel vs. Professor Boris Malenko in a Russian Chain Match.)

For more on Christmas Night memories through many years, visit Mid-Atlantic Wrestling on Christmas Day.  

NO. 21 IN SERIES

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Masked Superstar at WRAL: Christmas Greetings!

 

 

The original Masked Superstar (Bill Eadie) is seen here at WRAL Studios, in Raleigh, NC, right around Christmastime in the late 2000s.

WRAL was the TV home of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling from 1959-1981. The studio wrestling shows were taped there.

This photo was taken by Eric Stace and is one of our favorite Christmas season images, a nostalgic look back at a great territory and one of its greatest wrestlers. 

David Chappell and I wish all of you Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Peace on Earth, and a very Merry Christmas. Hope to see you in 2018!  -Dick Bourne

Take a look back at Mid-Atlantic Christmas Night wrestling cards in the 1970s

* * * * * *

Monday, December 20, 2021

Christmas 1967: Les Thatcher's Burning Issues

As you know if you have followed the Mid-Atlantic Gateway over the years, Les Thatcher is one of our favorites, both as a broadcaster and a wrestler. The following article was written by Mike Cline at the "Mid-Atlantic Grapplin' Greats" website, one of our favorite blogs here at the Mid-Atlantic Gateway. The article was originally published there as a 4-part series. It is republished here with Mike's kind permission, and all in one single post. It documents one of the most memorable angles from 1967 for Jim Crockett Promotions, a huge Christmas night for the promotion, and one of Thatcher's biggest matches ever in the area.


* * * * * * * * * * * *


LES THATCHER'S BURNING ISSUES

By Mike Cline
Mid-Atlantic Grapplin' Greats


PART ONE - 
WHAT THE PUBLIC SAW

GEORGE BECKER and JOHNNY WEAVER were the top 'babyface' team in JIM CROCKETT PROMOTIONS for most of the 1960s.

J.C. DYKES and THE INFERNOS, on the flipside, were one of the top 'heel' teams during the late1960s.

"It was one of the highlights
of my entire career."

And, somehow, not by sheer happenings or fate, a twenty-seven year-old wrestler, who had recently been named the ROOKIE OF THE YEAR while working in the NWA Florida territory, found himself in the middle of a top JCP wrestling program that stretched over a nearly four month time frame.

This young man was LES THATCHER.

The year was 1967. It was the annual LABOR DAY WRESTLING card in CHARLOTTE, N.C., one of but a handful of shows held each year at the original CHARLOTTE COLISEUM on Independence Boulevard.

The main event that night featured BECKER and WEAVER going against THE INFERNOS, managed by J.C. DYKES. These two teams had a violent history, so the fans expected this match to be something special.

Folks who remember this bitter rivalry will recall that a central issue with THE INFERNOS was the 'loaded boot' that one of them wore. Time after time, the boot would come into play in their matches with the end result often being their opponents being kicked into oblivion, giving the masked men many victories.

GEORGE BECKER and JOHNNY WEAVER

THE INFERNOS with J.C. DYKES

BECKER and WEAVER had vowed to remedy this problem, themselves being previous victims of the boot. And, indeed, they did take action. On the night of July 1, 1967, in WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (and maybe in other towns as well), GEORGE and JOHNNY were successful in removing the boot from the foot of THE INFERNO who wore it. Each subsequent time the heroes had faced DYKES and his men, BECKER had worn the boot himself as an equalizer.

The Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte NC

The CHARLOTTE match started out as the fans had expected, which each team taking it to the other. Near the end of the first fall, referee ANGELO MARTINELLI was knocked down and shaken up, but able to make the count on the 'good guys', giving THE INFERNOS a one fall advantage.

ANGELO called for assistance. He couldn't continue. JCP employee GEORGE HARBEN went to the ring and rendered assistance to the injured MARTINELLI. After calling to the back for a replacement official, HARBEN learned that the other referees who had worked the card had already left the building.

LES THATCHER had already wrestled his match earlier and had already showered and changed to his street clothes. Seeing LES standing near the back of the arena, HARBEN signaled for THATCHER to come to the ring. After a brief discussion, LES removed his suit jacket and took over as the official for the remainder of the match.

Les Thatcher raises the hands of
George Becker and Johnny Weaver
Naturally, DYKES and THE INFERNOS protested, "He's a friend of BECKER and WEAVER. There's no way we will get a fair shake." The rantings and ravings fell on unsympathetic ears. THATCHER signaled for the bell, and the second fall began.

GEORGE and JOHNNY took fall number two, squaring the match.

The deciding fall immediately became hot and heavy. The end came quickly when one of the hooded heavies gave LES a shove. THATCHER got in the masked man's face, reminding him he was an official and was not to be touched. At this point, WEAVER 'schoolboyed' THE INFERNO, LES counted to three, and the match was over.

LES raised BECKER and WEAVER's hands in victory. GEORGE and JOHNNY left the ring, with LES closely behind them. But THATCHER was stopped by the sore losers who were claiming LES stole the match from them. A bit of a rhubard started, then suddenly THE INFERNOS grabbed the substitute referee, and J.C. DYKES incinerated THATCHER's face with a fireball.

LES hit the mat, rolling around, screaming in anguish. GEORGE and JOHNNY ran back into the ring, DYKES and THE INFERNOS ran out of the ring (their damage had been done). WEAVER wrapped a towel around THATCHER's face, and he and BECKER got LES back to the dressing room.

Weaver and Becker check on Les Thatcher after J.C. Dykes burned Les with a fireball.

Only time would tell how badly LES was injured and how long he would be out of action.


* * * * * * * * * * * * 


PART TWO - 
WHAT THE PUBLIC DIDN'T SEE

LES THATCHER related to me that those participating in the CHARLOTTE COLISEUM main event of September 4, 1967 met at the CROCKETT office on Morehead Street that same morning.

Those present included LES, GEORGE BECKER (also the booker at the time), JOHNNY WEAVER, J.C. DYKES, both of THE INFERNOS (FRANKIE CAIN and ROCKY SMITH), GEORGE HARBEN, and 'BIG' JIM CROCKETT himself.


'BIG' JIM instructed HARBEN to make sure that by the time the main event started that evening, that all referees working the show (except ANGELO MARTINELLI, who was assigned the main event) were to be out of the building. This way no one would spot any other refs hanging around, thus spoiling credibility to HARBEN's ringside plea for LES to come to the ring to officiate the remainder of the match.

CROCKETT told LES to wear his very best suit and to be visible at the back of the COLISEUM arena, so word would reach LES to come to the ring when HARBEN called for him. "If your clothes get damaged or ruined during the match, I'll pay to replace them", CROCKETT would say.



Near the end of the first fall, referee MARTINELLI would be knocked down, injured, but able to count to three in favor of THE INFERNOS.

HARBEN would go to ANGELO's aid. Determining that the official could not continue, MARTINELLI would be helped to the dressing room. With no other ref available, HARBEN (without the use of a microphone) would call out for LES to come to the ring. The fans would actually become involved in the proceedings by relaying the message back to THATCHER, who then went to the ring and received instructions from HARBEN.



THATCHER would referee the second and third falls of the match, amidst the protests of DYKES and his two men. GEORGE and JOHNNY would even the match, winning the second fall. WEAVER would 'schoolboy' one of THE INFERNOS for the third fall victory. LES would raise GEORGE and JOHNNY's hands, who would then leave the ring and start for the dressing room.

RUDY KAY

LES was to drop back a bit, so before he could leave the ring, he would be accosted by the sore losers. A little scuffle would ensue climaxing with DYKES igniting THATCHER's face with a fireball. LES would hit the mat, screaming in pain, and BECKER and WEAVER would jump back into the ring. GEORGE was to run off the 'heels' (their dastardly deed fulfilled), and WEAVER (who had conveniently worn a towel around his neck for the match) would wrap it around the burnt younster's face and help him back to the dressing room.

Once inside the dressing room, LES wouldn't even take the time to change his clothes. He would cover his head and slip out the back of the COLISEUM, where RUDY KAY would be waiting in his automobile. LES would slouch down on the floorboard of the back seat, and RUDY was to quickly drive LES home to the THATCHER apartment.

One more detail to cover---the hired ambulance drivers who would be at the COLISEUM in case they would really be needed during the evening. WEAVER was assigned the task of telling the ambulance guys that THATCHER had a 'phobia' with ambulances, and that GEORGE and JOHNNY would take LES to the hospital themselves, thus relieving the medics of participating. The medical personnel could not be involved, in order to 'protect the business'.

"That's how meticulous the program was laid out...every detail was taken care of," LES said.


* * * * * * * * * * * *

PART THREE -
SELLING THE PROGRAM

Safely back in his apartment, LES THATCHER kept a low profile for several days.

He did his own facial make-up to show the effects of the 'burning'. LES shaved off his left eyebrow, then used a coarse Turkish towel to rub up the skin around his eye to give it an irritated look. He applied what is known as 'New Skin' to the area to give his injured area a wrinkled effect, then painted the area with merbromin (household name: mercurochrome) and tinted Vicks Vapor Rub which gave an oozing appearance.

Then it was on to his bookings. For the time being, most would be in the general CHARLOTTE TV area as this was the target area for the 'burn' program. LES didn't wrestle for a couple of weeks, but instead appeared in all of his scheduled cities going into the ring, showing his burned face and explaining how the injury had occurred. (Before each appearance, 'BIG' JIM CROCKETT personally instructed LES to what degree he was to reduce the size of the 'burn', giving the illusion that the injury was heeling.)

After a week or two, every wrestling fan in the area was aware of the heated battle that had been touched off.

LES then appeared on the WBTV-CHARLOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING program hosted by BIG BILL WARD. During his interview with WARD (the interviews were always conducted in front of the ring apron), THE INFERNOS and DYKES were in the ring awaiting their match. At some point, while he was being questioned, LES was assaulted by one of the masked men (LES believes FRANKIE CAIN), who ripped at his injured face, causing THATCHER extreme pain and discomfort, thus (and pardon the pun) adding fuel to the fire. GEORGE BECKER and JOHNNY WEAVER came rushing to LES' aid, preventing even more damage.

During their tenure with JCP, J.C. DYKES often wrote a column in the weekly CHARLOTTE wrestling program which was handed out (or sold--- I can't recall which) entitled LIKES AND DISLIKES BY J.C. DYKES. During the time frame after LES was burned, a number of the DYKES articles were directed at young THATCHER for concocting such a ridiculous "lie" that J.C. had hit him with a fireball.


Later in the mid-70s, LES wrote an editorial in each issue of MID-ATLANTIC WRESTLING MAGAZINE entitled WRESTLER'S EYE VIEW. LES still uses that trademark to this day. But even before his editorials of the 1970s, LES originated that banner during this INFERNOS program. In a later-to-come 60 MINUTES POINT / COUNTERPOINT style, LES was given a rebuttal column in the programs giving his side of the 'burning" incident. (One will appear in tomorrow's wrap-up entry of this story.)

LES chases one of THE INFERNOS
during a CHARLOTTE PARK CENTER encounter.


NEXT...the final chapter...LES THATCHER GETS SATISFACTION.


* * * * * * * * * * *

PART FOUR - LES GETS SATISFACTION

There was no wrestling in CHARLOTTE, N.C. on December 18th, 1967 as JIM CROCKETT PROMOTIONS was on its CHRISTMAS break.

Therefore, the WBTV-CHARLOTTE CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING TV program which aired on Saturday, December 16th included the announcement of the annual WRESTLING card which would be held at the CHARLOTTE COLISEUM on CHRISTMAS night. This holiday card was always one of the top shows of the year and brought attention to the CHARLOTTE NEWS EMPTY STOCKING FUND, a charity to provide for the needy during the holidays. (The CHARLOTTE NEWS was, at the time, the evening newspaper of the Queen City, the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER was and still is the morning paper.)

Headlining the big holiday card was the match many had been hoping for...and none more than young LES THATCHER. The match would feature LES teaming with GEORGE BECKER and JOHNNY WEAVER opposing THE INFERNOS and, in the ring as a participant, manager J.C. DYKES in SIX MAN action.



LES went home to Ohio for a few days during his holiday break. Returning back to CHARLOTTE the day of the match, he was picked up at the airport by his good friend and wrestling 'cousin', ROGER KIRBY.

Roger Kirby
During the drive to his apartment, LES confided to KIRBY that he was nervous about the upcoming match, now just hours away. Nervous not because of his participation in the match, but rather because he feared if the crowd wasn't a good one, he would be blamed for the lower-than-expected attendance. THATCHER had worked main events while in Florida, but never in a building as large as the CHARLOTTE COLISEUM. And not on a wrestling card of this magnitude.

As it turned out, he need not have worried. Before the show started, while in the dressing room, JCP employee GEORGE HARBEN came in and said, "They're really pouring in."

At the end of the evening, the card had drawn the largest CHRISTMAS house for WRESTLING in CHARLOTTE to that time.

THE INFERNOS and DYKES await BECKER, WEAVER and THATCHER's ring entrance.

Finally, a chance for LES to even the score with the men who had injured him so badly. And here he was...teaming with the company's top twosome against a 'heel' team that drew big money wherever they worked.

Things went well for the 'good guys' that CHRISTMAS night. After splitting the first two falls, BECKER, WEAVER and THATCHER had DYKES a bloody mess when his men decided it was way too hot, even for INFERNOS. They grabbed their bludgeoned leader and headed for their dressing room, but before their getaway, one of the hooded 'heels' lost a most precious possession...his mask. Although his identity was concealed, this was the only instance I am aware that one of THE INFERNOS was unmasked while in the MID-ATLANTIC territory.



Referee SAM 'LUCKY' ROBERTS raises the hands of BECKER, WEAVER and THATCHER after DYKES and THE INFERNOS deserted the ring. Look closely at THATCHER's right hand and you'll see a just-removed INFERNO mask, quite a holiday stocking stuffer.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, December 26th


The LIKE AND DISLIKES column which appeared in the CHARLOTTE PARK CENTER wrestling program the week after the CHRISTMAS night match...

....and LES THATCHER's response in the same program.



A four-month program came to a close CHRISTMAS night of 1967. This 'feud' was a great example of how to create, build and sell a program to the fans that was both believable as well as entertaining (something sorely lacking in today's product).

And as LES has said, "It was one of the highlights of my entire career."


- Mike Cline
Mid-Atlantic Grapplin' Greats

* * * * * * *  

Credits at the end of Mike Cline's Original article:
●  My thanks to my very good friends DICK BOURNE of the MID-ATLANTIC GATEWAY and CARROLL HALL for their research assistance and to a true gentleman, LES THATCHER, for sharing his personal reflections on this wonderful look back to some great days of the wrestling business. 
●  Illustrations from wrestling programs courtesy of DICK BOURNE.  
● Photographs of LES THATCHER from his personal collection and used with his permission.

* * * * * * * 
 
Gateway Notes: Our special thanks to Mike Cline for allowing us to publish this story in its entirety here on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway. It's one of our favorites. 



Originally published on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway September 17, 2017.
Article is copyright Mike Cline/Mid-Atlantic Grapplin' Greats, and published here with permission.



Friday, December 17, 2021

Poster: Classic 1976 Feud for the U.S. Title: Mulligan vs. Jones

by Brack Beasley
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor
 

This poster promotes a card held on May 22nd, 1976 at the Starland Arena in Roanoke, VA and the U.S. Heavyweight Title was on the line in the main event.

Paul Jones was in the midst of valiantly trying to regain the U.S. belt that he had lost to Blackjack Mulligan back in March but unfortunately for Jones, this would not be the night. He would eventually manage to win the belt back from Mulligan much later in 1976, October 16th to be exact. 

The semi-main event was an excellent tag team match-up of Johnny Weaver and hometown hero Tony Atlas versus Geeto and Bolo Mongol. Preliminaries featured some interesting match-ups as well with Angelo Poffo versus Pete Sanchez, Bill Howard versus Dr. Fugiani, and Two Ton Harris versus Larry Zbyszko.

With a vertical layout, the poster has all black print on a two tone orange and yellow background along with images of Jones, Weaver, and Harris. 

The Sportsman in Roanoke would be the place to purchase advance tickets.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Gateway notes: 

  • It's hard for younger fans who might only know Paul Jones from his managerial days in the 1980s on WTBS to fully grasp how over Paul Jones was as both a U.S. Champion (the top territory title) and challenger for that title as well. Jones/Mulligan headlined many cards during the year 1976.
  • Tony Atlas (also billed occasionally in Roanoke as Tony "Atlas" White) was indeed a legend in the local area, both as a high school athlete and weight lifter. He would be given a short Mid-Atlantic title run a year and half later by booker George Scott, both winning and losing the title in his hometown Roanoke. 
  • Dr. Fujianai was the U.S. working name at the time of a young Tatsumi Fujinami, who would become a legendary wrestler in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling as IWGP champion and once defeated Ric Flair at the Tokyo Dome to win the NWA World Championship (although that win was later disputed.)
  • Brack mentions The Sportsman as the place to buy advance tickets, which was usually noted on Roanoke posters and in local TV promos.  The Sportsman was another enterprise of local wrestling promoter Pete Apostolou, located in downtown Roanoke. According to a note I received from longtime area fan (and Mid-Atlantic Mafia member) Kyle Rosser, The Sportsman was a downtown Roanoke fixture for many years featuring a restaurant/lunch counter on the first floor, a pool hall on the second floor, and a bowling alley on the third floor. Sounds like a very cool place! - DB

The Sportsman, Roanoke VA
The Place to purchase advance tickets for Mid-Atlantic Wrestling.

NO. 20 IN A SERIES

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Crockett Cup '85 Fantasy Tournament Link Page

THE JIM CROCKETT SR.
MEMORIAL CUP '85

FANTASY TOURNAMENT

by Mike Rickard
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor


FINAL BRACKETS
Original Tournament Announcement (May 2020)
Seedings and First Round Pairings Announced




SIXTH ROUND MATCH
(TOURNAMENT FINAL)

Sixth Round Match (Tournament Match #47)
     Rock-n-Roll Express vs. Oklahoma Cowboys (Briscos)
     First Fall  |  Second and Third Falls


 

FIFTH ROUND MATCHES (SEMI-FINALS)
Fifth Round: Match 1 (Tournament Match #45)
  
  Rock-n-Roll Express vs. Midnight Express
Fifth Round: Match 2 (Tournament Match #46)
  
  The Fabulous Freebirds vs. The Oklahoma Cowboys


 

FOURTH ROUND MATCHES (QUARTER FINALS)
[ Preview ]

Fourth Round: Match 1 (Tournament Match #41)
    
The Rock & Roll Express vs. Ole and Arn Anderson
Fourth Round: Match 2 (Tournament Match #42)

     Midnight Express vs. British Bulldogs
Fourth Round: Match 3 (Tournament Match #43)
    Brody/Hansen vs. The Oklahoma Cowboys
Fourth Round: Match 4 (Tournament Match #44)
    Rhodes & Murdoch vs. The Fabulous Freebirds


 

THIRD ROUND MATCHES
[ Scouting Report ] [ Brackets ]

Third Round: Match 1 (Tournament Match #33)
     The Rock & Roll Express vs. The Russians
Third Round: Match 2 (Tournament Match #34)
     Ole & Arn Anderson vs. Antonio Inoki and Seiji Sakaguchi
Third Round: Match 3 (Tournament Match #35)
     Midnight Express vs. High Flyers
Third Round: Match 4 (Tournament Match #36)
     Kevin and Mike Von Erich vs. The British Bulldogs
Third Round: Match 5 (Tournament Match #37)
     Road Warriors vs. Brody and Hansen
Third Round: Match 6 (Tournament Match #38)
     Funk Brothers vs. Oklahoma Cowboys
Third Round: match #7 (Tournament Match #39)
    Texas Outlaws vs. Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff
Third Round: match #8 (Tournament Match #40)

    Fantastics vs. Freebirds


 

SECOND ROUND MATCHES
Second Round: Matches 1 & 2 (Tournament 17 & 18)

     Mulligan/McDaniel vs. The Russians
    Rock & Roll Express vs. Maharishi/Nagasaki
Second Round: Matches 3 & 4 (Tournament 19 & 20)
    Brown/Jannetty vs. Inoki & Sakaguchi
    Ole & Arn Anderson vs. Windham/Rotunda)
Second Round: Matches 5 & 6 (Tournament 21 & 22)

    Midnight Express vs. Hart Foundation
    PYT Express vs. High Flyers
Second Round: Matches 7 & 8 (Tournament 23 & 24) 
    Rude/Barr (with Percy Pringle III) vs. Kevin and Mike Von Erich
    Fujinami/Kimura vs. British Bulldogs
Second Round: Matches 9 & 10 (Tournament 25 & 26)
    Brody/Hansen vs. Williams/DiBiase
    Road Warriros vs. Lawler/Dundee
Second Round: Matches 11 & 12 (Tournament 27 & 28)
    Piper & Orton vs. The Oklahoma Cowboys
    The Funk Brothers vs. The Younglood Brothers
Second Round: Matches 13 & 14 (Tournament 29 & 30)
    Rhodes/Murdoch vs. Adams/Hernandez
    Sheik/Volkoff vs. Steamboat/Snuka
Second Round: Matches 15 & 16 (Tournament 31 & 32)
    Fantastics vs. Fabulous Ones
    Sheepherders vs. Freebirds


 

FIRST ROUND MATCHES
First Round: Matches 1 & 2
    Hennig/Blackwell vs. Mulligan/McDaniel
    Tyler/Whatley vs. Maharishi/Nagasaki
First Round: Matches 3 & 4
    Windham/Rotunda vs. Bockwinkel/Saito
    Rougeaus vs. Inoki/Sakaguchi
First Round: Matches 5 &6
    Barbarian/Graham vs. Hart Foundation (Hart/Neidhart)
    High Flyers (Brunzell/Gagne) vs. Savage/Poffo
First Round: Matches 7 & 8:
    The Von Erich vs. Blanchard/Abdullah the Butcher
    Tenryu/Tsuruta vs. The British Bulldogs
First Round: Matches 9 & 10:
    Graham/Blair vs. DiBiase/Williams
    Valiant/McGraw vs. Lawler/Dundee
First Round: Matches 11 & 12:
    Piper/Orton vs. Patterson/Fernandez
    Rock & Roll RPMs vs. Youngblood Brothers
First Round: Matches 13 and 14:
    Dynamic Duo (Gino & Chris) vs. American Starship
    Sawyer Bros. vs. Steamboat/Snuka
First Round: Matches 15 and 16
    Batten Twins vs. Fabulous Ones
    Weaver/Houston vs. Sheepherders



Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Mid-Atlantic TV Report: November 26, 1983

 
 

Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
TV Summaries & Reviews
by David Taub
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor

This is a review of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling as it once appeared on the WWE Network (now on Peacock). Results are included for the week (Monday-Sunday of the given week) as available. Please email with any corrections, typos, results, other details at 1davidtaub@gmail.com. Follow @TaubGVWire

For links to all available summaries as well as links to the Mid-Atlantic Championship Podcast, visit our TV Summary Index.

Please note
: The WWE Network ceased operation in the United States on April 4, 2021 and programming transitioned to NBC's Peacock streaming service. The Mid-Atlantic shows returned in July of 2021. Links are provided where available.


Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
Original broadcast: 11/26/83
Taped 11/21/83 in Greenville, SC SC - Memorial Auditorium
Review is from WWE Network/NBC Peacock feed.

Note: We skip the 11/12/83 show on the Network, and history is a little muddled as to where the next few shows are taped. The broadcast and air dates are my educated guess. This show was taped prior to Starrcade, but aired after. No kayfabe breaking while in the arena (no new champions, seen or discussed, nor results given).

Match 1
Non-Title: Rufus R. Jones [Mid-Atlantic Champion] d. Tom Lentz

Stu Schwartz is the referee for the hour. We are past Starrcade, and Bob Caudle promises a special feature later. Rufus wins with a headbutt.

-Pre-taped Interview w/Tony Schiavone: Wahoo McDaniel & Jimmy Valiant
We are in front of the blue NWA set. Wahoo is dealing with the Assassins. He can find a partner, and out comes Jimmy Valiant, holding an American flag. The Network edit music drowns out most of what Valiant says. He does some rhymes. A kiss for Tony.

[VIDEO] We go to a music video, mostly of Valiant in Memphis, but with some Mid-Atlantic scenes thrown in.

[Break]

Match 2
Wahoo McDaniel d. Ben Alexander

Caudle puts over how tough Wahoo is. A Starrcade feature is coming up. A chop wins it for Wahoo.
A new type of bumper, with a new font that we saw at Starrcade.

[Break]

Match 3
Dick Slater d. Barry Hart

There are audio problems, that sound like an original part of the tape. Slater just punishes Hart throughout the match, winning with a face first suplex. 

 

LOCAL PROMO SPOT -Int. w/Bob Caudle: Scott McGhee
This is in lieu of local interviews. Scott says he has an accent. Ain’t that true. The lights on the set are not in full force. Not only can you barely understand McGhee, you can barely see him. 

[Break]

[CLIP] Dory Funk Jr. vs. Assassin 1
Caudle, now holding two microphones, throws to a clip of what appears to be Dory Funk Jr. vs. Assassin #1. Assassin #2 and Paul Jones interfere and triple team Funk, who is busted open. Caudle says that is why we won’t see Dory Funk right now. Not sure where or when this footage came from.

[Break] 

-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Paul Jones and The Assassin
Jones talks smack about Dory Funk Jr., saying he isn’t coming back. Assassin #1 warns people not to put their hands on Paul Jones.

[Break]

Match 4
Bob Orton d. Rick McCord

Some mat wrestling by Orton. Caudle promises a special Starrcade feature coming up. A “We Want Flair” chant erupts. A fan is so enthusiastic, he literally knocks off his own cowboy hat. Impressive muscle moves by Orton, wearing orange trunks! A driving power slam secures the pin.

LOCAL PROMO SPOT
-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Tom Lentz
This is in lieu of local promos. Lentz says he is a former football player. He respects all the wrestlers in Mid-Atlantic. But he has no fear. Quite a boring interview.

[Break]

Match 5
Mark Youngblood & Angelo Mosca d. Magic Dragon & Bill Howard

Most of the match is Youngblood getting worked on, and making the hot tag. Mosca takes over, and tags back out to Youngblood. Mark Lewin is now trying to get into the ring. Gary Hart pulls him away. Mosca finishes Dragon with a boot to the chest and an elbow drop. 

-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Wahoo McDaniel & Tommy Rich & Rufus R. Jones & Angelo Mosca
Wahoo is glad to have Tommy back. Tommy is smiling and playing to the crowd.  Wahoo is glad to have help against the like of The Assassins. Tommy said Wahoo helped him develop a killer instinct. Rufus feels good to be Mid-Atlantic champion. He won’t back down from Dick Slater. Angelo says his son has changed everything for him. He wants revenge on Lewin for spiking his son. Blood is thicker than water.

It appears there is a break, but in the Network version, we go to the credit roll. It appears the promised Starrcade feature was cut by the WWE.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

Results for the week, 11/14/83-11/27/83
(source: Clawmaster’s Archive via Sports and Wrestling blog posted by David Baker; “Wrestling” newsletter by Joe Shedlock)

Mon., 11/14/83 Greenville, SC; Memorial Auditorium
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr. in a cage match
Wahoo McDaniel & Roddy Piper beat Greg Valentine & Dick Slater
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Bugsy McGraw & Johnny Weaver
Vinnie Valentino beat Gene Anderson
Terry Gibbs beat Magic Dragon
John Bonello beat Bill Howard

Tue., 11/15/83 Columbia, SC; Township Auditorium
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr. in a steel cage match
Wahoo McDaniel & Jay Youngblood vs. Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco
Plus 3 other matches

Tue., 11/15/83 Warrenton, NC; John Graham Middle School
The Assassins & Paul Jones vs. Rufus R. Jones, Bugsy McGraw & Dory Funk, Jr.
Kabuki vs. Roddy Piper
Johnny Weaver vs. Magic Dragon
Tom Lentz vs. Brett Hart
Jerry Grey vs. Keith Larson

Wed., 11/16/83 Spartanburg, SC; Memorial Auditorium (TV)
Wahoo McDaniel beat Gary Royal
Dick Slater & Bob Orton, Jr. beat John Bonello & Steve Muslin
Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco beat Brett Hart & Rick McCord
King Cobra beat Magic Dragon
Angelo Mosca beat Tom Lentz

Thu., 11/17/83 Sumter, SC; Exhibition Center County of Sumter (ECCOS)
Brickhouse Brown beat John Bonello
Angelo Mosca beat Tom Lentz
Steve Muslin beat Gene Anderson
Assassin #2 beat Johnny Weaver
Dory Funk, Jr. beat Assassin #1
Dory Funk, Jr. beat Paul Jones by DQ
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr. in a lumberjack match

Thu., 11/17/83 Fredericksburg, VA; Stafford High School
Wahoo McDaniel & Roddy Piper vs. Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco
Jay Youngblood vs. Dick Slater
Magic Dragon vs. Terry Gibbs
Scott McGhee vs. Bill Howard
The Ninja vs. Vinnie Valentino

Fri., 11/18/83 Charleston, SC; County Hall
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr. in a steel cage match
Greg Valentine beat Ricky Steamboat
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Johnny Weaver & Rick McGraw
Angelo Mosca beat Gene Anderson
Brickhouse Brown beat Jerry Grey

Fri., 11/18/83 Colonial Heights, VA; High School
Roddy Piper & Wahoo McDaniel vs. Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco
Dick Slater vs. Jay Youngblood
Bill Howard vs. Vinnie Valentino
The Ninja vs. Terry Gibbs
Magic Dragon vs. Scott McGhee

Sat., 11/19/83 Hendersonville, NC; West Henderson High School
Rufus R. Jones, Charlie Brown & Ricky Steamboat vs. The Assassins & Paul Jones
Mark Lewin vs. Mark Youngblood
Kevin Sullivan vs. Keith Larson
Tom Lentz vs. Brett Hart
Jerry Grey vs. John Bonello

Sat. 11/19/83 Front Royal, VA
Ric Flair & Wahoo McDaniel beat Dick Slater & Bob Orton, Jr.
Terry Gibbs beat Magic Dragon
Scott McGhee beat Mark Fleming
Vinnie Valentino beat Bill Howard

Sat., 11/19/83 Charlotte, NC; Charlotte Coliseum
Brett Hart beat Jerry Grey
Kelly Kiniski beat Scott McGhee
Bob Orton, Jr. beat Johnny Weaver
The Assassins beat Keith Larson & Rick McCord
Jimmy Valiant beat Great Kabuki
Greg Valentine beat Mark Youngblood (sub for Roddy Piper)
Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood beat Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco in a no DQ match

Sun. 11/20/83 Kitchener, Ontario
Ric Flair & Angelo Mosca beat Dick Slater & Bob Orton, Jr. by DQ
Charlie Brown beat Great Kabuki
Leo Burke beat Johnny Weaver
Billy Red Lyons beat The Destroyer
Kelly Kiniski beat Tim Gerrard
Nick DeCarlo beat Kurt Von Hess

Mon., 11/21/83 Greenville, SC; Memorial Auditorium (TV)
Dick Slater beat Roddy Piper in a taped fist match
Greg Valentine beat Ricky Steamboat
The Assassins beat Jay Youngblood & Rufus R. Jones
Tommy Rich beat Magic Dragon
Tommy Rich beat Jerry Grey(2:46) via pinfall
Rufus R. Jones beat Bill Howard(3:23)
Dick Slater beat John Bonello(2:59)
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Vinnie Valentino & Rick McCord(5:04) by submission
Bob Orton, Jr. beat Brett Hart(4:38) via pinfall
Wahoo McDaniel beat Tom Lentz(4:22) via pinfall
Plus other matches including Mark Lewin, Kevin Sullivan, Scott McGhee, Mark Youngblood, Angelo Mosca, Bugsy McGraw, Ric Flair and others

Mon., 11/21/83 Kingston, ON
Kelly Kiniski beat Tim Gerrard
Nick DeCarlo beat Kurt Von Hess
The Destroyer draw Billy Red Lyons
Johnny Weaver beat Leo Burke by DQ
Jimmy Valiant beat Great Kabuki

Tue., 11/22/83 Goldsboro, NC
John Bonello beat Magic Dragon
Bill Howard beat Vinnie Valentino
Kelly Kiniski beat Terry Gibbs
Rufus R. Jones & Mark Youngblood beat Paul Jones & The Assassin
Charlie Brown & Angelo Mosca beat Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin

Wed., 11/23/83 Winston-Salem, NC; Memorial Coliseum

Thu., 11/24/83 Greensboro, NC; Greensboro Coliseum
Starrcade ‘83

The Assassins beat Rufus R. Jones & Bugsy McGraw (8:12) via pinfall
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Scott McGhee & Johnny Weaver (6:42) via pinfall
Abdullah the Butcher beat Carlos Colon (4:29) via pinfall
Dick Slater & Bob Orton, Jr. beat Wahoo McDaniel & Mark Youngblood (14:46) via pinfall
Charlie Brown beat Great Kabuki (10:35) via pinfall to win NWA Mid Atlantic Television Title in a no DQ, no time limit mask vs. title match
Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood beat Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco (12:59) via pinfall to NWA World Tag Title
Non-United States Heavyweight championship: Roddy Piper beat Greg Valentine [ch.] (16:08) in a dog collar match
Ric Flair beat Harley Race (23:49) via pinfall to win NWA World Title in a steel cage match with Gene Kiniski as special referee

Monday, December 13, 2021

Chief Wahoo McDaniel: Missing in Action

PART FOUR
by David Chappell

Mid-Atlantic Gateway

Catch up on what you missed earlier:
PART ONE  |  PART TWO  |  PART THREE

And now the final chapter of the saga of Wahoo McDaniel missing in action in Charlotte:

PART FOUR - THE FINAL CHAPTER

Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling fans were on the edge of their seats as Greg Valentine was pressed to weigh in on the reasons for Wahoo McDaniel showing up late to the Charlotte Park Center in a bloody, bruised and battered condition. An unrepentant Valentine explained:

"Listen, I don’t know why Wahoo showed up late. Maybe he went to some bar and got drunk and got beat up by a bunch of guys. I don’t know why, I don’t know why he had blood all over him. But I’ve heard we’ve been accused of beating up Wahoo McDaniel at some package store, or some Safeway store or whatever. Well that’s ridiculous! It’s ridiculous and it’s absurd!"

Safeway Supermarket
Unconvinced, David Crockett turned everyone's attention back to the film clip from the infamous night in Charlotte. Crockett said, "Well, we’re gonna hear from Wahoo right now." As the film played again, the fans could hear the Charlotte ring announcer say, "The referee’s decision for this match is a no contest, a no decision match," to a loud chorus of boos.

At this juncture everyone would finally hear from the Indian Chief himself, Wahoo McDaniel! Wahoo bellowed, "Let me tell you something, when I was on my way to the match I stopped at the store and both of ‘em jumped on me! I tell you one thing, I’ll get ‘em both! Nobody’s ever done this to me and got by with it, I promise you!"

Bob Caudle then pronounced, "And that’s what Wahoo said happened." A grinning Valentine scoffed, "Yeah, I heard him and that doesn’t make any difference because let me tell you something...Wahoo McDaniel, you are lying, you are lying through your teeth! You were over at some bar out there getting drunk, and you got beat up by about five or six bums and that’s why you got there late!"

The Hammer continued to roll, "And you’re tryin’ to accuse it on the Nature Boy and myself well let me tell you something Wahoo McDaniel…I don’t need Ric Flair to beat you up! I can beat you up by myself anywhere, anytime in a street, in a bar, in any arena! I don’t need Ric Flair and Ric Flair doesn’t need me to beat you up…we can handle you by ourselves!"

As the Bionic Elbow strutted out of the television studio, the perturbed Crockett shouted at Greg, "I hope you try it, I definitely hope you try it!" Caudle concurred, "I do too David, because I think this is something that we’ve seen the beginning, but certainly not the end of this." Crockett concluded the segment, "That’s right, we’re gonna see Wahoo…he’s got two of them, he’s gonna get them singly now."

This explosive TV segment served to begin the transition of Wahoo McDaniel moving out of his 1976 epic singles program with Ric Flair to one with the newcomer Greg Valentine that would dominate much of the following year, including the memorable TV match where Valentine broke Wahoo's leg in September of 1977.

Bob Caudle was certainly prophetic when he commented that this episode was only the beginning and not the end of Wahoo's issues with Flair and more particularly with Valentine. And who would have ever thought that a dust-up at a Safeway store would usher in one of the greatest feuds in Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling history?  Wahoo's disappearance in Charlotte and the reason why unlocked the key to much of what we were to see between McDaniel and Valentine for many years and great matches later!

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Catch up on what you missed earlier:
PART ONE  |  PART TWO  |  PART THREE
* * * * * * * * * * * * 


Originally published December of 2017 on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway

Friday, December 10, 2021

Poster: Early Wahoo/Flair Face-Off in 1974 Tag Team Action

by Brack Beasley
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor

Let's go back to the Twin City of Winston-Salem, NC with this poster promoting a card held on Friday October 18th, 1974. It was one of the earlier matches with Ric Flair and Wahoo McDaniel as opponents, albeit in tag team action. 


 

The Nature Boy's partner in the main event was the Super Destroyer (Don Jardine) and the Big Chief would team with Sonny King. 

The semi-main event was a big six man tag affair featuring Rip Hawk, Art Nelson, and Chuck O'Connor (future Big John Studd) against Paul Jones, Swede Hanson, and Johnny Weaver while preliminaries consisted of three singles match-ups that included Abe Jacobs, Cowboy Parker, and Bob Bruggers. Bruggers was a former teammate of Wahoo on the NFL expansion Miami Dolphins of the late 1960s. 

The poster has an attractive horizontal design with black print on a pink background and the date, the four main eventers, and the "Wrestling" splash really stands out in high impact red. It's neat to see how Southern Poster laid out the tag teams side by side instead of over and under with a vertical "Versus" in between. The six great images of the Mid Atlantic stars of the day help complete this classic.

NO. 19 IN A SERIES

Thursday, December 09, 2021

WLOS Asheville TV: The Terrible Andersons

From the "Vintage TV & Wrestling Nostalgia" Blog
by Dick Bourne
Mid-Atlantic Gateway

Carroll Hall posted these newspaper ads from 1974 on his "Vintage TV & Wrestling Nostalgia" blog several months back, but we somehow missed them at the time.

Graphics for the second weekly taping of
"Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling"
hosted by Les Thatcher
I love the reference in the second ad to "the terrible Andersons." Right around this time, the Andersons were feuding primarily with Sandy Scott who was taking various different partners to challenge the Minnesota Wrecking Crew including Bearcat Wright, Bob Bruggers, Danny Miller, Jerry Brisco, and occasionally his brother George Scott (who was booking the territory at the time and not wrestling full-time.)

I love seeing these ads. Growing up, WLOS-13 out of Asheville, NC, was one of the two stations I was able to watch Mid-Atlantic Wrestling on. I grew up in east Tennessee but was fortunate that our cable company carried this station back before cable ops were prohibited from carrying out-of-market stations.


MID-ATLANTIC WRESTLING ON WLOS 
During the time period reflected in these ads, WLOS carried a second, separate version of the "Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling" show hosted by Les Thatcher. Just like the primary show hosted by Bob Caudle, it was taped at the studios of WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC.

Les Thatcher and Bob Caudle
Hosts for the two separate hours of "Mid-Atlantic
Championship Wrestling" in 1974
The Thatcher show had huge ratings in the Asheville market, sometimes garnering a 60-share in the Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville TV market. This meant that 60% of the televisions that were on during that hour in that market were tuned to "Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling." These were huge numbers for any program at any time in any era.

In October of 1975, that second hour of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling was replaced by a new program called "Wide World Wrestling" that was hosted by longtime Atlanta announcer Ed Capral. This gave that second JCP show a distinct name and identity.

Thatcher also hosted the localized promotional spots that were inserted into the programs in each market that promoted the arena house shows.
 
 Originally published August 17, 2017 on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway.

There are two more of these WLOS-13 ads on the page on Carroll's blog. Visit this link for the others:
http://vintagetvwrestlingnostalgia.blogspot.com/2017/03/wlos-13-ashevillenc-in-1974.html

For more on these shows and where they were taped, check out our Studio Wrestling feature on WRAL-5 on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway.


http://midatlanticwrestling.net/yearbooks.htm

Wednesday, December 08, 2021

Mid-Atlantic TV Report: November 12, 1982

 
 

Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
TV Summaries & Reviews
by David Taub
Mid-Atlantic Gateway Contributor

This is a review of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling as it once appeared on the WWE Network (now on Peacock). Results are included for the week (Monday-Sunday of the given week) as available. Please email with any corrections, typos, results, other details at 1davidtaub@gmail.com. Follow @TaubGVWire

For links to all available summaries as well as links to the Mid-Atlantic Championship Podcast, visit our TV Summary Index.

Please note
: The WWE Network ceased operation in the United States on April 4, 2021 and programming transitioned to NBC's Peacock streaming service. The Mid-Atlantic shows returned in July of 2021. Links are provided where available.


Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling
Original broadcast: 11/12/83
Taped 11/02/83 in Greenwood, SC - Greenwood Civic Center
Review is from WWE Network/NBC Peacock feed.

Match 1
Charlie Brown & Wahoo McDaniel d. Tom Lentz & Kelly Kiniski

Gary Hart joins Bob Caudle on commentary. Stu Schwartz is the referee for the hour. Hart is ashamed of Caudle for going along with the Charlie Brown rouse. Hart notes that Valiant’s 90 days are up on November 26, right after Starrcade. Brown whips Lentz right into a Wahoo chop for the pin.

-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Gary Hart and Charlie Brown
Hart, holding the TV title belt, challenges Brown to a match at Starrcade ’83. Kabuki’s TV title versus Brown’s mask. Lots of Hart trash talk. He gets a slap to end the segment.

-Comment from Jim Crockett Jr.
Crockett, from his office, with a computer in the background, announces NWA President Bob Geigel granted Harley Race’s petition for a special referee in the steel cage, no DQ title match versus Flair. It is Pat O’Connor.

Back to Caudle. Because of ticket demand, Starrcade ’83 will be seen in your area on giant color screen through closed circuit. He runs through the card: Race vs. Flair, Valentine vs. Piper, Carlos Colon vs. Abdullah the Butcher, Bugsy McGraw & Rufus R. Jones vs. The Assassins, Mark Lewin & Kevin Sullivan vs. Scott McGhee & Johnny Weaver, South American champion Victor Jovica vs. Crusher Ayala, Dusty Rhodes will be there. 

[Break]

-Ric Flair workout
Ric Flair is working out in the ring, with Caudle and Ricky Steamboat commentating at ringside. First up is work with Scott McGhee. Takedowns, switches, let them up. Flair starts with the spinning toe hold, and Dory Funk Jr. breaks it up. It’s his turn.
Flair and Funk work some shoulder tackles, hip tosses, reversals. Flair is about to lock on the Figure Four and lets up.
Angelo Mosca’s turn. Angelo with a body slam and lets Flair up. Another Figure Four, and we’re done. Mosca is up and shakes and hugs Flair. Steamboat notes Flair went against three different styles.
Flair speaks with Caudle, as some fans are at ringside in Starrcade ’83 shirts that look homemade. Flair says Starrcade ’83 will be the biggest night of his life. The four ladies and one man give Flair some gifts and a cake.

[Break]

Match 2
Mark Lewin & Kevin Sullivan (w/Gary Hart) d. Scott McGhee & Terry Gibbs

We go to an inset interview with Jack Brisco, talking about Race vs. Flair. Rufus R. Jones joins Caudle. He puts over Starrcade ’83. He likes Flair’s chances. Sullivan back suplexes Gibbs, while he tags out to Lewin. Two stomps later, Lewin makes the pin.

LOCAL PROMO SPOT
-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Gary Hart, Kevin Sullivan, Mark Lewin and Great Kabuki
This is in lieu of local promos. Hart talks about Kabuki ending Charlie Brown at Starrcade ’83. Sullivan and Lewin are acting like goofs. Sullivan tells a lame joke, as the light goes out. Hart is perturbed. So is Lewin who starts choking his partner. Hart breaks it up and continues his promo. 

[Break]

Match 3
Non-United States Heavyweight championship: Greg Valentine [ch.] d. John Bonello

I must say, I think Valentine had the best robes in wrestling, even better than Flair. Caudle talks about the upcoming dog collar match. Jim Crockett Jr. booked it, despite vowing not to sanction it because of fan demand. The versatile Hammer uses the unnamed Camel Clutch to gain the submission.

[Break] 

-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Bob Orton & Dick Slater; Greg Valentine
Caudle reminds us that Starrcade ’83 is available in a location near us. Not mentioned here, but he is no longer Bob Orton Jr., just Bob Orton. I believe he cut a promo (probably on World Wide Wrestling) that he was way better than his father. Orton is excited for Starrcade. He and Slater will be there. Slater says Starrcade will be the biggest day wrestling has ever seen. In comes Valentine. Valentine says he’s a man, and will always honor his contract. Treat me like an animal, and that’s how I’ll act. He’ll hurt Piper.

[Break]

Match 4
The Assassins (w/Paul Jones) NC Rick McCord & Keith Larson

The Assassins are dominating. The crowd pops, because Charlie Brown and Wahoo McDaniel stroll to ringside. The Assassins step outside. There is a challenge, and the Assassins accept.

Match 5
Charlie Brown & Wahoo McDaniel NC The Assassins (w/Paul Jones)

We have an impromptu match.  That’s a wild Indian we have in the ring right now, Caudle says. Caudle thinks Paul Jones put something in Assassin 1’s mask. A headbutt, and Wahoo is weakened. The masked team takes over. Wahoo fights his way back, but an A1 headbutt sends him back down. Wahoo is busted open. He fights back and tags out to Charlie Brown. House of Fire. Sleeper on A1. But A2 knees him from behind. A four-man brawl in the ring. Wahoo is ripping at A1’s mask. Wahoo chases after Paul Jones. More A1 mask ripping. He is grabbed by Paul Jones and the heels take a powder. No result announced. 


LOCAL PROMO SPOT
Bob Caudle hypes Starrcade ’83. This is in lieu of local promos. 

[Break]

Match 6
Rick Steamboat & Jay Youngblood d. Ben Alexander & Golden Boy Grey

Steamboat delivers an insert promo about Race vs. Flair. Steamboat hits the flying bodypress on both Alexander & Grey, pinning both men. 

-Int. w/Bob Caudle: Ric Flair; Jay Youngblood & Rick Steamboat; Roddy Piper
Flair is wearing the homemade Starrcade ’83 shirt. Caudle promotes Starrcade in your area, with a giant color-screen TV, and slow motion. Flair says they are all ready. David Crockett comes in. He says Pat O’Connor has a conflict of interest. He owns a restaurant and a ranch with Harley Race. So, there will another special referee. Steamboat hypes Starrcade. Steamboat wants to make this area a Fort Knox with all the gold. Piper is revved up. He unzips his jacket to reveal his dog collar.

Network edit music cuts off any Caudle sign off.
A better directed show, because Toby Jenkins is back.
 

* * * * * *

Results for the week, 11/07/83-11/13/83
(source: Clawmaster’s Archive via Sports and Wrestling blog posted by David Baker; “Wrestling” newsletter by Joe Shedlock)

Mon., 11/07/83 Greenville, SC; Memorial Auditorium
Great Kabuki beat Charlie Brown
The Assassins beat Dory Funk, Jr. & Rufus R. Jones
Mark Youngblood beat Kelly Kiniski
Keith Larson & Rick McCord beat Jerry Grey & Gary Royal
Brett Hart beat Tom Lentz

Tue., 11/8/83 Raleigh, NC; Dorton Arena
Brett Hart beat Bill Howard
Vinnie Valentino beat John Bonello
Angelo Mosca beat Tom Lentz
Mark Lewin & Kevin Sullivan beat Terry Gibbs & Johnny Weaver
Ric Flair & Wahoo McDaniel beat Bob Orton, Jr. & Kevin Sullivan in a cage match

Tue., 11/08/83 Walterboro, SC; Colleton County Recreation Center
Greg Valentine vs. Ricky Steamboat
Dory Funk, Jr., Charlie Brown & Bugsy McGraw vs. The Assassins & Paul Jones
Great Kabuki vs. Rufus R. Jones
Magic Dragon vs. Scott McGee
Mark Youngblood vs. Kelly Kiniski

Wed., 11/09/83 Spartanburg, SC; Memorial Auditorium (TV)
Charlie Brown & Wahoo McDaniel beat Tom Lentz & Kelly Kiniski
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Scott McGee & Terry Gibbs
Greg Valentine beat John Bonello
The Assassins double DQ Charlie Brown & Wahoo McDaniel  
Ricky Steamboat & Jay Youngblood beat Ben Alexander & Jerry Grey
Dick Slater & Bob Orton, Jr. beat Terry Gibbs & Brett Hart
Angelo Mosca beat Bill Howard
Kevin Sullivan & Mark Lewin beat Scott McGee & Rick McCord
Great Kabuki beat John Bonello
Mark Youngblood beat Gary Royal

Thu., 11/10/83 Kenansville, NC; Memorial Auditorium
Great Kabuki vs. Roddy Piper
The Assassins & Paul Jones vs. Charlie Brown, Dory Funk, Jr. & Bugsy McGraw
Jerry Gray vs. Rick McCord
Magic Dragon vs. Chavo Guerrero
Brickhouse Brown vs. Gary Royal

Fri., 11/11/83 Charleston, SC; County Hall
The Assassins & Paul Jones beat Charlie Brown, Dory Funk, Jr. & Bugsy McGraw
Rufus R. Jones beat Great Kabuki
Vinnie Valentino beat Bill Howard
John Bonello beat Jerry Grey
Terry Gibbs beat Magic Dragon

Fri., 11/11/83 Richmond, VA; Richmond Coliseum
Johnny Weaver beat Gary Royal
Scott McGhee beat Gene Anderson
Kevin Sullivan beat Keith Larson
Angelo Mosca beat Kelly Kiniski
Ricky Steamboat beat Mark Lewin
Dick Slater & Greg Valentine beat Roddy Piper & Wahoo McDaniel
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr.

Sat., 11/12/83 Hampton, VA; Hampton Coliseum
Ric Flair beat Bob Orton, Jr.
Roddy Piper beat Dick Slater in a taped fist match
Plus other matches

Sun., 11/13/83 Asheville, NC; Civic Center
John Bonello beat Tom Lentz
Vinnie Valentino beat Keith Larson
Magic Dragon beat Bret Hart
Brickhouse Brown beat Gene Anderson
Mark Lewin & Kevin Sullivan beat Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood
Ricky Steamboat beat Great Kabuki
Ric Flair & Wahoo McDaniel beat Bob Orton, Jr. & Dick Slater in a steel cage match

Sun., 11/13/83 Toronto, ON; Maple Leaf Gardens
Bob Marcus beat Tim Gerrard (7:21)
Nick DeCarlo beat Scrap Iron Sheppard (9:41)
Leo Burke beat Herb Gallant (8:28)
The Destroyer & Kurt Von Hess beat Johnny Weaver & Billy Red Lyons (14:17)
Angelo Mosca & Charlie Brown beat Leo Burke & The Destroyer (subs for Jack Brisco & Jerry Brisco) (11:32)
Blackjack Mulligan double countout with Masked Superstar (14:56)
Roddy Piper beat Greg Valentine (18:40) by DQ