Mid-Atlantic Gateway
Sad to hear the news of the passing of Jimmy Snuka this weekend. Personal controversies not withstanding, Snuka will always be remembered as a huge star in the Mid-Atlantic area in 1979 and 1980, first as one half of the world tag team champions with Paul Orndorf, and then later his long, bloody, memorable feud with Ric Flair over the United States Championship.
One of my lasting memories of Jimmy Snuka will always be a special moment I shared with him at the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends Fanfest weekend in Charlotte in 2010 when I photographed him with the a replica of the U.S. belt he wore for Jim Crockett Promotions in 1979-1980. He lit up like a Christmas tree when he saw it and I will never forget the sparkle in his eyes as he briefly reminisced about wrestling Ric Flair and being managed by Gene Anderson.
"Good times, bruddah!" he said with a big smile on his face.
You can read my complete account of that moment here:
Jimmy Snuka Remembers the U.S. Championship Belt
Our condolences go out to Jimmy's family and friends.