Series on John Ringley Continues

This week's pro wrestling column in @PostandCourier
READ: https://t.co/Gtzb8q7MMe pic.twitter.com/gtMayQuDOG

— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) December 2, 2024

Great Mooneyham Piece on John Ringley

"If I had anything I needed a grown person’s opinion on, I would go to Mr. Crockett. I always referred to him as ‘Mr. Crockett’ — I could never call him ‘Jim.’ We had kind of a camaraderie. He was a great man.”- John Ringleyhttps://t.co/8alq8GkjTV

— Mike Mooneyham (@ByMikeMooneyham) November 25, 2024

Mooneyham Reviews "United States Championship" (2015)

Another special thanks to Mike Mooneyham for his great 2015 review of "United States Championship", our book on the history of the Jim Crockett Promotions version of the U.S. title and the five belts that represented it. The review was posted on the Charleston Post & Courier website.

The book is available via links in the Mid-Atlantic Gateway Book Store or go directly to Amazon.com.


Bourne strikes gold with new book on U.S. wrestling title
Oct 25 2015
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier

Dick Bourne has done it again.

Bourne, who runs the popular Mid-Atlantic Gateway site, has followed up his “Ten Pounds of Gold” and “Big Gold” books with an informative and entertaining volume on “Jim Crockett Promotions’ United States Heavyweight Championship.”

The book, which takes a comprehensive look at one of pro wrestling’s most revered titles, just might be Bourne’s best effort yet.

A lifelong follower of Mid-Atlantic wrestling, Bourne explores the five classic U.S. title belts that were worn by some of the profession’s greatest performers over a 13-year period.

Just the images — more than 100 photographs of both the champs and the belts — are worth the price of admission....

Read the full review on postandcourier.com >>>

(Cont.)

Just the images — more than 100 photographs of both the champs and the belts — are worth the price of admission.

Examined are every title change, the stories behind the angles, and even every scratch and dent on the various championship belts and replicas.

“The book focuses on two main areas,” notes Bourne. “First, it looks at the five different physical belts that represented the Crockett championship from 1975 until 1988 (when the company was sold to Ted Turner.) Secondly, it chronicles the long title history of the championship, exploring every title change and tournament during those years, and all of the exciting angles and storylines.”

Bourne’s fascination with the territory — and the title — prompted him to write the book.

“The United States title was the main title for Crockett Promotions in the 1970s and 1980s, and was my favorite championship as a young fan of Mid-Atlantic wrestling. I also loved the belts. But what makes it relevant today is how it is the sole survivor from the territory days. This is the only championship from that great era to still be recognized today.”

While there were other regional U.S. championships under the NWA banner, the version recognized by the Charlotte-based Crockett Promotions was the biggest and most widely recognized of them all, and it served as the historical foundation for the U.S. championship recognized by WWE today.

“The WWE U.S. title traces its lineage all the way back to the beginning of Crockett’s U.S. title in 1975 — exactly 40 years ago this year,” says Bourne. “When you factor in that over 60 percent of the guys that held it are WWE Hall of Famers today, it makes the title — and its history — very relevant to fans today.

Credit for the formation of the Crockett U.S. title goes to George Scott, a longtime main-eventer-turned-booker who helped transform the Mid-Atlantic area from a tag-team territory to one built around singles competition.

With Scott bringing in some of the top talent in the country during the mid-’70s, he wanted a singles title that would be seen as the biggest prize in the territory and a nationally recognized one as well.

To that end, Scott brought in former NWA world champion Harley Race and billed him as the U.S. heavyweight champion, having defeated longtime Mid-Atlantic favorite Johnny Weaver in a phantom title change in Florida.

Johnny Valentine, at the time the territory’s most recognized national name and the Mid-Atlantic heavyweight champion, was tabbed as Race’s first challenger on July 3, 1975, at the Greensboro Coliseum. Valentine would defeat Race in a classic encounter, and the Crockett version of the U.S. heavyweight championship would begin its remarkable journey.

Twenty-one different men held the Crockett U.S. championship. Thirteen of them are current members of the WWE Hall of Fame.

The illustrious list of titleholders includes Terry Funk, Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Mr. Wrestling (Tim Woods), Wahoo McDaniel, Roddy Piper, Paul Jones, Blackjack Mulligan, Magnum T.A.,Tully Blanchard and Lex Luger.

Flair would hold the record for longest combined reigns with five over 651 days, closely followed by Mulligan’s 541 days (four reigns) and Greg Valentine’s 541 days (three reigns).

Longest U.S. title reign would go to Nikita Koloff, who held the belt 329 days, from Aug. 16, 1986, to July 11, 1987.

Shortest? That dubious distinction would go to “No. 1” Paul Jones with a six-day run in 1976.

The belt continues to evoke memories, as Bourne discovered when he showed “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka a replica of the U.S. belt he won from Flair in 1979. 

“Bruddah, this is old days!” Snuka said with a huge grin on his face. “Good times! Me and the Nature Boy!”

Bourne says Snuka likely hadn’t thought about the belt in 30 years, but the memories seemed to be flooding back.

“Mr. Gene Anderson, bruddah! Good times!” exclaimed Snuka, referring to his manaher at the time.

“I think he was surprised to see this because I’m guessing that most fans want to talk about his time in the WWF,” says Bourne. “But the sight of that distinctive-looking center plate on the belt from his Mid-Atlantic wrestling days definitely connected with him. He seemed almost nostalgic. He posed for a photo holding the belt, a genuinely happy smile on his face. ‘Very nice, bruddah,’ he said as he handed the belt back to me. ‘Very nice.’”

The book, says Bourne, was a learning experience.

“I thought I had a good memory on most of the title history, but it was amazing all the little details I had forgotten over the years. It was fun to piece that all together again.

“As a young fan, I didn’t realize that there were many other United States championships recognized in other territories. I wanted to put the Crockett U.S. title in context with the rest of those titles. It was very interesting researching those titles and looking at their histories for comparative purposes. I summarize the other titles in the book.

“I also didn’t realize how many times the Crockett title was defended outside the Mid-Atlantic territory, particularly in Georgia. During the 1970s both Ric Flair and Blackjack Mulligan were booked on a number of occasions out of other offices with the belt. Promoter Paul Boesch recognized the title in Houston on several occasions in 1984 and 1988.”

There isn’t much about Mid-Atlantic wrestling titles that Bourne, a longtime resident of Mount Airy, N.C., doesn’t know.

“Dick Bourne is the Indiana Jones of belt archaeology,” wrote Mike Johnson of PWInsider.

A mystery Bourne admits he didn’t solve: “What happened to the original belt (1975-1980 version)? Where is it today? Greg Valentine claims to have once had possession of it, which makes sense because he was the last person to hold it. But when I contacted him, he claimed to longer have it and couldn’t recall what happened to it. I still hope to find that original belt one day, it’s a holy grail for me.”

Oct 25 2015
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier

Originally published October 2015

Book Review Flashback: Mooneyham Reviews "United States Championship

A look back at a very nice review Mike Mooneyham wrote for the Charleston Post & Courier.

Bourne strikes gold with new book on U.S. wrestling title
Oct 25 2015 1:00 pm
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier

Dick Bourne has done it again.

Bourne, who runs the popular Mid-Atlantic Gateway site, has followed up his “Ten Pounds of Gold” and “Big Gold” books with an informative and entertaining volume on “Jim Crockett Promotions’ United States Heavyweight Championship.”

The book, which takes a comprehensive look at one of pro wrestling’s most revered titles, just might be Bourne’s best effort yet.

A lifelong follower of Mid-Atlantic wrestling, Bourne explores the five classic U.S. title belts that were worn by some of the profession’s greatest performers over a 13-year period.

Just the images — more than 100 photographs of both the champs and the belts — are worth the price of admission....

Read the full review on postandcourier.com >>>

Mike Mooneyham Reviews "The Mid-Atlantic Championship"

Mike Mooneyham has written a nice review of our new book on the history of the Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, posted at on the Charleston Post & Courier website. Mike and I recently had a chance to talk about the book, too, part of that interview included in Mike's article.

We appreciate Mike's many years of support for the Mid-Atlantic Gateway.

New Mid-Atlantic wrestling book good as gold
By Mike Mooneyham, Special to The Post and Courier

Dick Bourne has come up with another winner with his latest book, “The Mid-Atlantic Championship,” an offering that chronicles the history of one of pro wrestling’s most revered regional titles.

Originally introduced in 1970 by Jim Crockett Sr. and called the Eastern heavyweight title, the name was changed to the Mid-Atlantic heavyweight title in late 1973.
The new name reflected a transition from a territory that had been dominated by tag teams for more than a decade to one that put the emphasis on a singles championship. It would become a prestigious belt that would be worn by some of the top wrestlers in the business.

That illustrious list of titleholders would include the likes of Ric Flair, Ricky Steamboat, Johnny Valentine, Wahoo McDaniel, Roddy Piper, Ole Anderson, Dory Funk Jr., Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, Greg Valentine, Ivan Koloff, Paul Jones, Rip Hawk, Ray Stevens, Ronnie Garvin, and others.

Bourne chronicles the history of the title through its eventual retirement in 1986. He details more than 60 title changes across a 16-year period and includes photographs along with posters and newspaper clippings.

Naturally Bourne holds the Mid-Atlantic title in high regard......

Read the complete review and interview here:
New Mid-Atlantic wrestling book good as gold

By Mike Mooneyham Special to The Post and Courier 

"Final Bell" Remembers Legends of the Mat

by Dick Bourne

Mid-Atlantic Gateway

I've enjoyed Mike Mooneyham's wrestling columns in the Charleston Post & Courier since I first discovered them on this new thing called the Internet in the 1990s. Mike instinctively knows how to connect with both casual and hardcore fans, exploring the modern but also mining the historical, often in a very nostalgic way, which has always appealed to me directly.

Part of what I liked about many of his columns was that much of his subject matter came from the same territory I had grown up in. It was clear we both had a love and deep appreciation for Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. So whenever a legend from our area passed away, I anticipated the column that would soon follow where Mike would perfectly frame the life, career, and death of these legendary wrestlers.

Mike collects many of those tributes, not only on the stars from our area, but from the wide world of pro-wrestling, and presents them in this amazing volume published by Evening Post Books.

"Final Bell" presents over 35 of Mike's columns going back decades, and is divided into various sections thematically: "Champions" such as Jack Brisco, Bruno Sammartino, and Randy Savage; "Originals" like Wahoo McDaniel, Fred Blassie, and Johnny Valentine; "Braintrust" featuring Jim Barnett, Lance Russell, and the longtime local promoter from his hometown of Charleston, Henry Marcus.

And of course, there is a large section on "Mid-Atlantic Mainstays and Stars" including such legends as Rip Hawk and Swede Hansen, George and Sandy Scott, Tim Woods, and Johnny Weaver.

And so many others.

I had read many of these articles before, but I had missed many, too. I was captivated by the material new to me, and enjoyed reliving the others. Throughout I was moved to laugh and cry, and as with most of what Mike writes, I continued my education in the history of professional wrestling.

For more information and to order your copy of this impressive collection of essays, visit "Final Bell" at Evening Post Books.

* * * * * * * *

From the publisher:

Best-selling author Mike Mooneyham is back with a collection of his previous columns that remember some of pro-wrestling’s finest movers and shakers. From their rise to fame to the end of their days, Final Bell: Legends of the Mat Remembered pays tribute to fallen wrestlers such as Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper and the Fabulous Moolah. The book also includes quotes from the industry’s favorite wrestling professionals like JJ Dillon, Jerry Brisco and Jim Cornette. Showcasing two forewords by industry pros Les Thatcher and Jim Ross, this book is a must-have for all dedicated wrestling fans!

Mike Mooneyham began covering pro-wrestling in the mid-1960s for a number of national wrestling publications. He was a writer, editor and columnist with The Post and Courier in Charleston, SC, for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2016 but continuing to write his popular Sunday wrestling column, which he started in 1989, making it the longest-running pro wrestling column in the country. In 2002, he co-authored the New York Times best-selling book, Sex, Lies and Headlocks: The Real Story of Vince McMahon and World Wrestling Entertainment. Mooneyham is a member of several halls of fame, including the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa; the South Carolina Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame; the Lowcountry Wrestling Hall of Fame; and the Mid-Atlantic Legends Hall of Heroes. He received the James C. Melby Award, the industry’s top writing award, in 2009.

New Book by Mike Mooneyham Now Available

We are excited about a new collection of essays from one of the best wrestling writers we are fortune to have today. The book is available now from Evening Post Books, and while we haven't had a chance to see it just yet, we look forward to reviewing it shortly.

As a collection of essays previously published, we're sure we've read some of these before, but can't wait to explore them again, and read material that might have slipped past us. And it's nice to have this material in one volume.

From the Evening Post Books site:

Best-selling author Mike Mooneyham is back with a collection of his previous columns that remember some of pro-wrestling’s finest movers and shakers. From their rise to fame to the end of their days, Final Bell: Legends of the Mat Remembered pays tribute to fallen wrestlers such as Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper and the Fabulous Moolah. 

The book also includes quotes from the industry’s favorite wrestling professionals like J. J. Dillon, Jerry Brisco and Jim Cornette. 

Showcasing two forewords by industry pros Les Thatcher and Jim Ross, this book is a must-have for all dedicated wrestling fans!

The book is available now. Click here for more information.

Mooneyham Memorializes Slater, Jonathan

Mike Mooneyham

As always, Mike Mooneyham puts the lives and careers of wrestling legends in such great perspective. His recent column in the Charleston Post and Courier deals with the recent deaths of pro wrestlers Dick Slater and Don Leo Jonathan.

Follow the link below to read Mike's excellent piece on both.

Especially poignant to us at the Gateway is the material on Slater, who was an important part of the championship scene here in the 1980s, and had memorable feuds with Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, and others.

Pro wrestling says goodbye to Dick Slater, Don Leo Jonathan
By Mike Mooneyham 
Special to The Post and Courier, Oct 20, 2018

Two wrestlers from two different generations. Top stars with different styles who both made their mark on the profession.

The wrestling community said goodbye last week to Dick Slater and Don Leo Jonathan.

From the 1950s through the ’70s, Jonathan was a box-office attraction across the globe, earning a well-deserved reputation as being one of the greatest big men to ever grace a wrestling ring.

Aptly given the nickname “Mr. Unpredictable” by longtime promoter Jim Barnett, Slater boasted a different type of reputation, that of a gun-slinging, tough-as-nails competitor whose slew of titles in a variety of territories validated his standing in the business.

The passing of both represent another page turned in the final chapter of pro wrestling’s revered and fondly remembered territorial system, a time when wrestlers lived out of a suitcase and spent more than 300 days a year on the road.

It was a profession that was much different than it is today.........

--> Read the full article on the Charleston Post & Courier website.


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

Don't miss David Chappell's 3-part interview Dick Slater from 2010 that will run throughout this coming week on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway:

"I was close to both Briscos for years. Terry Funk is a great friend. Greg Valentine is another. All the guys that are in my era and that worked with me, that you know, that when I got in the ring with these people it was something to see. All them guys are all part of my life. And all them guys helped me through the years…for many years. And I can’t really single out just one or two people easily, because there are so many people that I owe a lot to. Really…I owe everything to everybody."

- Dick Slater

Interview with the Mid-Atlantic Gateway, 2010

Mooneyham: Mid-Atlantic Legends Return to Charleston

It was one of the early fan conventions in the Mid-Atlantic area, before Fanfest or Legend Reunion. And the names there were some from the foundation of the classic era in Mid-Atlantic Wrestling:

Johnny Valentine, Rip Hawk, Swede Hansen, Sandy Scott, Tim Woods, Thunderbolt Patterson, Ole Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Burrhead Jones, and many others.

Mike Mooneyham looks back this week at "The Legends Return to County Hall", a "Low Country Wrestling" reunion for the ages.


The Night The Legends Returned to County Hall
by Mike Mooneyham
Charleston Post & Courier

For years it was a gathering place for locals to enjoy entertainment acts ranging from Tommy Dorsey and Elvis Presley to James Brown, Bob Dylan and Herman’s Hermits. The Charleston landmark also served as host to dances, graduations, sporting events, and even welcomed such American icons as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Oprah Winfrey and the Harlem Globetrotters.

For wrestling fans, however, it was the place to be on Friday nights when longtime promoter Henry Marcus would bring some of the biggest names in the business to town.....

---> Read the entire article on the Post & Courier Website

Order your copy of "Reunion at County Hall" by Andy McDaniel on Amazon.com
Black & White Version   |   Color Version

Read the review by Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post & Courier

Wrestling Book Takes a Look at County Hall 

Mooneyham: Fame and fortune came at a high cost for 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair

Fame and fortune came at a high cost for 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair
by Mike Mooneyham 
Charleston Post & Courier

Charelston Post & Courier / Provided by ESPN Films

Few professional wrestlers and sports entertainers in the modern era have enjoyed more mainstream appeal than Ric Flair. An icon in the wrestling business for several decades, Flair made a career out of generating excitement and dazzling crowds with his impeccable athletic ability and in-ring skills. His charisma and rapport with his fans endeared him to a devoted following from coast to coast.

It was Flair’s out-of-the-ring exploits, though, that earned him a reputation as the “limousine-ridin’, jet-flyin’, kiss-stealin’, wheelin’-dealin’ son of a gun.” It wasn’t just a wrestling catchphrase. Flair walked the walk, talked the talk and truly lived the life he boastfully advertised.

But it came with a heavy price.....

Read the entire article at the Post & Courier website:
http://www.postandcourier.com/sports/fame-and-fortune-came-at-a-high-cost-for-nature/article_60634c6c-c633-11e7-bc1b-0f5449775f4b.html

Nice to Catch Up with Good Friends

 

It was nice to have the opportunity to catch up with my good buddy Mike Mooneyham when he and Ruth were recently in my neighborhood. Great lunch talking wrestling and solving the world's problems at Little Richard's BBQ in Mount Airy, NC.

Mike's wrestling columns at the Charleston Post & Courier are always "must reads"!

Mooneyham: Wrestling Promoter Elliott Murnick Carried On Rich Family Legacy

Wrestling promoter Elliott Murnick carried on rich family legacy
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier
June 24, 2017

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Excerpts from an article that memorializes the life of Elliot Murnick and also serves as a first class education in pro wrestling history in the Mid-Atlantic area:

Elliott Murnick, whose Mid-Atlantic Wrestling promotional roots dated back to the 1950s, passed away in his sleep Monday morning at his home in Raleigh. His age was listed as 75, but to those who knew him, Elliott seemed timeless.
. . . . . . 
David Crockett, 71, was a second-generation bookend to Elliott Murnick. Sons of powerful promoters who were business partners and friends going back to the ‘50s, the two continued their fathers’ legacy in the wrestling business. The team consisted of David, with brothers Jim Jr. and Jackie Crockett, and sister Frances Crockett Ringley, who was the first woman general manager of a professional baseball team (Charlotte Orioles). And Elliott and Carl Murnick, who took over after their father’s death and continued to be heavily involved with Crockett Promotions and some of that company’s biggest events.

>>>  Read the full article on the Charleston Post & Courier

Mooneyham: Pro Wrestling Great Harley Race Facing Uphill Battle

Pro wrestling great Harley Race facing uphill battle
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier
June 10, 2017

He is widely known as “The Greatest Wrestler on God’s Green Earth.” While that point might elicit some debate among pro wrestling scholars, there’s little argument that Harley Race truly is one of the toughest men to ever grace the squared circle.

And he’ll need every ounce of that legendary toughness to overcome his latest setback.

The 74-year-old Race recently broke both legs in a fall at his home in Troy, Missouri. His left leg was shattered in several places, including the fibula and tibia along with a spiral break of the left ankle, and he needed four blood transfusions during emergency surgery. Not so surprisingly, Race had to be convinced to go to a local hospital.

After all, the eight-time NWA world champion has survived his share of injuries over the years, including hip and knee replacements, multiple abdominal surgeries and vertebrae fused together, and a metal rod for a forearm.     .....

>> Read entire article on the Charleston Post & Courier website.

Mooneyham Reviews "Four Horsemen"

Check out Mike Mooneyham's nice review in the Charleston Post & Courier of the forthcoming book "Four Horsemen."

New Book Traces History of the Four Horsemen
by Mike Mooneyham

"Four Horsemen" will be available on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway and on Amazon.com on Monday, June 5th!

And tune in this week to the "What Happened When" podcast with Tony Schiavone and Conrad Thompson for a way to order and receive the book early.

Crockett Foundation Releases Second Pro Wrestling Book

by Dick Bourne
Mid-Atlantic Gateway

The Crockett Foundation has released its second pro wrestling book in their online store.

"Old School Rules Vol. 1" features photographs taken by veteran wrestling photographer Eddie Cheslock, supplemented by articles taken from Mid-Atlantic Wrestling magazine published by Jim Crockett Promotions from back in the day, as well as contributions from Mike Mooneyham, Bill Apter, and David Chappell.

Volume 1 of "Old School Rules" focuses on four of the biggest "babyface"stars of Jim Crockett Promotions in the 1980s: Ricky Steamboat, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, and Magnum T.A.

Eddie Cheslock provided photos from his archives of these great stars that also include cameo appearances by Terry Taylor, Don Kernodle, Manny Fernandez, Jimmy Valiant, and many others.

Cheslock photographed wrestling in the 1980s in the Richmond area. His photographs were featured in "The Wrestler", "Inside Wrestling", and "Pro Wrestling Illustrated."

The book also includes contributions from New York Times best selling author Mike Mooneyham, as well as from David Chappell of the Mid-Atlantic Gateway. David's Gateway interview with Magnum T.A. from 2016 has been edited and republished in the new Crockett Foundation book.

Mooneyham's contributions include previously published works that appeared in his award winning column in the Charleston Post & Courier newspaper.

The book is on sale now exclusively from the Crockett Foundation. A portion from the sale of every book goes to support the charitable work of the Crockett Foundation. Learn more on their website at CrockettFoundation.com.

This Was a Party Not to Miss

by Andy McDaniel
Special to the Gateway

When I think back over my years as a wrestling fan (over 40 now) there have certainly been many great memories. As is obvious, some stand out more than others. I enjoy sharing some of these old stories with my friends here at the Gateway. I was so blessed to spend some time with Dick and David during the recent Fanfest in Charlotte and was so glad to be there to witness their Hall of Heroes induction, it was a great moment indeed. The introduction they got from Bob Caudle was simply awesome to say the least.

I recently came across a picture that reminded me of a special moment in my life as a wrestling fan. In 1974 I attended my very first wrestling match. It was in the historic County Hall located in Charleston, SC. It would become a normal part of my week as a youngster, as me and my dad would make that venture down to County Hall for the 8:15 bell time as many Friday nights as possible. I remember on one of those rides down we were passing a van and as I looked over, I could not believe it, it was Ric Flair. I could not believe that I had just actually witnessed him driving down the road like a regular person. I was thrilled and wanted my dad to drive slow so we could follow him to county hall. (What a silly kid, but I was like 5 or 6.)

There was always something about Ric that just drew me in as a fan, regardless of which “side of the fence” he was on that particular time. Well indeed the years went on and we all know the business changed many times over, but the one constant always seemed to be Ric Flair. He was still “the man.” He was still styling and profiling as only he could do. During 1998 when I was putting together the reunion show we did at County Hall, Ric did some local promos for us and was even coming to the show, but during that time his dad was ill and he was unable to make it. However, it was still pretty incredible that we had his endorsement for what we were doing.

Later the next year, Mike Mooneyham called me and asked if I was busy in the next couple of days. At the time I was still on the road as a deputy sheriff and so indeed I had a shift coming up. Mike asked if I could possibly get my shift covered or simply be out, naturally I asked him why. He would then tell me that if I could make arrangements, that I could go with him to Ric Flair’s 50th birthday party. I could not believe what I was hearing. Here I was, a lifetime fan, and now I had the chance to be at something so personal. I immediately said yes without actually knowing how I would do it. In fact, I didn’t even check, I just went, and called in sick. Looking back now some 17 years later, I normally would not take such a risk or be so spontaneous, but this was a literal once in a lifetime moment, so I went. We had a ball and although short, I got a few minutes to speak with Ric and share a few personal memories and a special personal story of how my oldest daughter, Morgan, was indeed named so because of his middle name also being, Morgan. He seemed truly moved that he meant that much to a fan.

The years have gone by and all of us have gotten older, yes even the Nature Boy, but the memories are still fresh and will never be forgotten. So Naitch, the last 40 some odd years as a wrestling fan have been great and from the passing moment on I-26, to all the great moments in the ring, to the birthday party and now hearing the old stories on the "Ric Flair Show" podcast, I simply say thank you. It's been great. Woooo!!!!
 

Mike Mooneyham Writes About the Mid-Atlantic Gateway and the Hall of Heroes

Many thanks to Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post & Courier for the very nice article he published today (7/24) about the Mid-Atlantic Gateway and our inclusion in the NWALegends.com Hall of Heroes Class of 2016.

'Gateway Boys' help keep Mid-Atlantic wrestling memories alive
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier

Mike has always been a supporter of our website and book projects (like the review he wrote for "Big Gold" in 2014) and we were honored by his mention of us in his Hall of Heroes induction speech when he was recognized in the Class of 2015 last year in Charlotte. He is one of the true "good guys" in the wrestling media, an accomplished writer and journalist, as well as a New York Times best selling author.

Dick Bourne and David Chappell - The Gateway Boys

The Hall of Heroes Dinner Banquet and Awards Ceremony is part of a huge weekend in early August in Charlotte called "NWA Wrestling Legends Fanfest." It is one of largest and longest running wrestling fan conventions in the country, and takes place this year on August 4-7 at the University Place Hilton in Charlotte.

The Hall of Heroes is in its tenth year and recognizes wrestlers, managers, announcers, promoters, and referees that were an integral part of the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling territory of the 1960s through 1980s, and a few outside of the territory as well. Recently, it has begun recognizing the efforts of those that have helped preserve that history, beginning last year with the induction of Mooneyham. We are honored to be a part of this recognition in 2016.

The list of those recognized in prior years are some of the most familiar names to fans of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling over the last decades: Johnny Weaver, George and Sandy Scott, Gene and Ole Anderson, Danny Miller, Bob Caudle, Blackjack Mulligan, Joe and Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, James J. Dillon, Les Thatcher, Jack and Jerry Brisco, Ricky Steamboat, Jay Youngblood, Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express, and a host of others, far too many to name them all here.

This year's class includes the "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes (inducted by Magnum T.A.), The Road Warriors with Paul Ellering (inducted by Jim Cornette), the "Boogie Man" Jimmy Valiant, "Perfect 10" Baby Doll Nickla Roberts, and your ever so humble undercard, the "Gateway Boys" as we've become to be known.

For more ticket and hotel information on this year's Fanfest, including the scheduled autograph signings, photo opportunities, exclusive Q&As (including a rare one with broadcaster Tony Schiavone), "Ringside with Jim Ross", live wrestling matches, and the Hall of Heroes, visit NWALegends.com or follow on Twitter at @NWALegends or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MidAtlanticLegends/.

Mooneyham: Miller Leaves Behind a Treasure Trove of Memories

Wrestling great Danny Miller leaves behind a treasure trove of memories
by Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier
June 12, 2016

Provided / Charleston Post & Courier

“I’m just not sure anybody would remember me.”

That’s what Danny Miller told me shortly after he was invited to the Mid-Atlantic Wrestling Legends Fanfest in Charlotte back in 2013.

Miller had been selected as member of that year’s Hall of Heroes class, a high distinction that honors some of the greatest stars to ever appear in the old Mid-Atlantic territory.

Even though I assured him that certainly wasn’t the case, he still expressed reservations.

“It’s been a long time,” he said, pointing to the fact that 40 years had transpired since his last major run on the circuit.

What the veteran star would come to discover, however, was that nobody had forgotten Danny Miller, a fact borne out by the large, receptive crowd that turned out to meet and honor him during the weekend gathering.

WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Brisco was on hand that night to present Danny at the awards ceremony....

Read Mooneyham's entire article on the Post & Courier website.

Memories of County Hall in Charleston

by Andy McDaniel
Special to the Mid-Atlantic Gateway

I think all of us have at least one moment in our lives that really stands out. There are the obvious ones like children, getting married, dream vacations, etc. Although I have been blessed to have all of those moments take place over the course of my life, there is one extra event that just continues to live on.

In May of 1998 a childhood dream came true and after months of planning, along with my good friend, Mike Mooneyham, we created a special moment that has been celebrated in some form or fashion every year since. I am speaking of the Charleston County Hall Reunion which featured some of the greatest wrestling legends from the past and even a few from the present. Looking back on that night, Mike and I often talk about the truly fond memories and sadly enough the reality that many of our dear friends are no longer with us. Tim Woods, Rip Hawk, Swede Hanson, George “two-ton” Harris, just to name a few of those who attended this great event and how could I ever forget the joy it was to have the one and only Johnny Valentine with us. In a word, this event was awesome!

A while back Dick Bourne and I were talking about this great night from 1998 and he asked if I had ever considered writing a book about it. While the thought had crossed my mind, it was mostly a passing thought. Life for me is very busy and extra time is something I have very little of. However, the more we talked about it the more the idea was taking on some true reality. Sorting through old pictures sure did bring back great memories and this book idea was beginning to seem like a truly good idea. I did not have some grandiose idea of millions of copies being sold, it was simply a labor of love and a way to preserve these great memories and honor the memories of those who had stepped into Eternity.

The stories shared during that weekend were incredible. I was like a kid in a candy store sitting there with Ole Anderson and Sandy Scott. Seeing the tears well up in the eyes of Rip Hawk and Swede Hanson when they saw each other for the first time in over 25 years. It is something I will never forget. These and many more stories are in the book along with some great pictures from this event.
I have made it a goal to give a copy of this book to all of those from the business who were there and are still with us. I have been blessed to personally deliver a copy to Ole Anderson. I have sent additional copies out to Abe Jacobs and others.

WWE Referee Charles Robinson

Recently, through a chain of events I have become friends with Lodi. Yes, that Lodi, the WCW sign guy from Raven’s Flock. In one of our conversations Lodi mentioned to me that he has lunch with Charles Robinson, WWE referee, at least once a week. Immediately I had to plug the book about County Hall and ask Lodi if he would be able to get a copy to Charles for me. Charles was one of our many special guest that weekend, 18 years ago and even blessed us with refereeing a match on the card that night. During that time Charles was working for WCW and he along with Mark Curtis (Brian Hildebrand), also from WCW, joined legendary referees Tommy Young and Ron West and the blessing was simply amazing.

I had not seen Charles since the book was printed so I wanted to make sure he got one. I gave Lodi the book and he ensured me that he would get it to Charles as soon as he got back from Europe where the WWE was on tour. Staying true to his word Lodi not only delivered the book for me, but also sent me this great picture of Charles holding the book. Although I have a long way to go to capture as many pictures with my book as my buddy George South has had taken with his, each one I get is special to me.

Thanks for letting me share this little story with you and if you are curious about this event from the historic wrestling venue, Charleston County Hall, please pick up a copy of the book and take a step back in time and enjoy the pictures and memories. A special thanks to Dick Bourne and the Gateway for keeping the wonderful world of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling alive. It has been a part of my life since 1974 and I count each moment as special.

Order your copy of "Reunion at County Hall" on Amazon.com
Black & White Version   |   Color Version

Read the review by Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post & Courier

Wrestling Book Takes a Look at County Hall 

Mooneyham: Charles Robinson Living A Dream

Check out Mike Mooneyham's latest column on WWE referee (and longtime Mid-Atlantic Wrestling fan) Charles Robinson.

We think the world of both these guys. This is a terrific article and interview and I learned alot things about Charles I've never known. And I loved the telling of the story of how he broke into the business.

WWE ref Charles Robinson living the dream
Mike Mooneyham, Charleston Post & Courier

Excerpt: 
“I've worked with everybody,” notes Robinson, who holds the distinction of officiating the final bouts for some of the biggest names in the business. He was there to make the final count for his wrestling idol, Ric Flair, in the Nature Boy's retirement match against Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania 24 in 2008. Two years later at Wrestlemania 26, Robinson made the final three count in Michaels' retirement match against The Undertaker.