Legends of Memphis 1977

[Travis605]

1977

A special announcement was sent out to various wrestling luminaries urging them to fly into Memphis Tennessee for a special announcement from Jerry Jarrett. Many had wondered what the announcement could be from Jarrett. It’s known that Jarrett, once a successful wrestler throughout the Tennessee area, had taken a step back from ring activities and was known to work behind the scenes, helping to put together cards in various cities like Memphis and Louisville, which were drawing huge crowds and matches fans were clamoring to see more of.

As the media got settled in to the media room of WMC-5 TV studios, Jarrett and beloved announcer Lance Russell entered the room and took a seat in front of the welcomed guests.

Lance started by warmly welcoming the crowd, addressing them by saying they’re probably wondering why such a large conglomerate has been called to Memphis. Lance continued that it was probably the biggest announcement in the history of Tennessee wrestling, but wanted Jerry Jarrett to take over and explain.

Jarrett humbly thanked Lance and told the crowd he was going to get right to the point: He was breaking away from the established Nick Gulas promotion and opening his own promotion that was called Championship Wrestling Association.

At first the gathered crowd sat in stunned silence, but that quickly turned into chatter among the journalists. Jarrett relieved them by saying he knows they tons of questions and he’s willing to answer any of them to clear any confusion or misunderstandings.

Bill Apter was called first and asked how the situation came about. Jarrett answered that he had basically been the matchmaker on the Memphis end of the territory for the past several years under the guidance of one of his mentors, Buddy Fuller. He explained Fuller and Gulas had been partners for years, but Fuller was looking to slow down, so he began taking over matchmaking duties.

George Napolitano chimed in to ask Jarrett if there was some disagreement that led to him opening a new promotion. Jarrett answered that was the basic gist of it. When he began matchmaking duties, he also began putting money into the promotion as Gulas led him to believe it would eventually lead to becoming part owner. Jarrett added Gulas saw how well the Memphis end was doing, which was basically paying the bills for the entire promotion, and insisted that he book his son George.

He continued while he had nothing against George personally, he wasn’t a very good wrestler and refused to put him on cards in the Memphis area. It angered Nick, who then informed him the money he had been paying in was worthless. It was then Jarrett decided to gut ties with Gulas immediately and open his own territory. With the success he was already having, he was confident he could make it succeed.

Jim Cornette asked Jarrett that most knew Gulas was established as a NWA territory, so would he be able to complete against an established territory. Jarrett thanked Cornette for the question and told him he’s glad he’s asked it. Jarrett had already established relationship with such NWA stalwarts like Buddy Fuller and Eddie Graham as the two went to bat for him and he would be a NWA member.

Cornette inquired if Gulas would still be part of the NWA. Jarrett answered he has no issue with Nick being part of the NWA, that he was only worried about his end of the territory and making it successful.

James Melby added that by making successful, the territory needs significant talent. Jarrett agreed and announced all of his regular crew had agreed to come with him and wrestle full-time for him. Jarrett sadly said while hoping his friends Tojo Yamamoto and Jackie Fargo would side with him, it looks as if they are staying with Gulas.

Jarrett added that while they don’t see eye to eye, he knows that the top drawing card is Jerry Lawler and they have come to terms on a deal. Additionally, all titles are vacated with tournaments taking place to determine new champions…

Just then Jerry Lawler and his Army, consisting of Plowboy Frazier and Porkchop Cash, barged into the press conference uninvited. Lawler arrogantly stated that why hold the tournament when he should just give the title to him, especially since Jarrett just admitted that he was his top star.

Jarrett told Lawler he may think the wrestling world may revolved around him, but in reality it doesn’t and if he doesn’t leave, he’ll be fined. This caused some blowback with Lawler, who started arguing back with Jarrett, telling him he (Jarrett) needs him (Lawler) to make the promotion work.

A disgruntled Lance Russell finally got order restored as Lawler and his Army left the press area. Jarrett apologized to the gathered crowd of journalists and stated more news would be coming soon as he’s making some final negotiations with wrestlers to appear in the upcoming Southern Heavyweight and Southern Tag Title Tournaments

[Travis605]

Memphis 1
Southern Title Tournament
.
First Round - Jerry Lawler beat Jerry Bryant...Mike Stark beat Rick Gibson...David Schultz beat Gorgeous George Jr...Bill Dundee beat Dr Frank...Ron Fuller beat Exterminator #2...Tommy Gilbert beat Ratamyus...Tommy Rich beat Plowboy Frazier...Sylvester Ritter beat Dennis Condrey

First Round - Dusty Rhodes beat Ken Dillinger...Bob Armstrong beat Dutch Mantell...Rocky Johnson beat Igor...Robert Gibson beat Porkchop Cash...Exterminator #1 beat Phil Hickerson...Robert Fuller beat Pat McGinnis...Jim Garvin beat LeRoy Brown...Paul Orndorff beat Jake Smith Jr

Second Round - Jerry Lawler beat Mike Stark...Bill Dundee beat David Schultz...Ron Fuller beat Tommy Gilbert...Tommy Rich beat Sylvester Ritter...Dusty Rhodes beat Bob Armstrong...Robert Gibson beat Rocky Johnson by Countout...Robert Fuller beat Exterminator #1...Jim Garvin beat Paul Orndorff

Quarterfinals - Jerry Lawler beat Bill Dundee...Ron Fuller beat Tommy Rich...Dusty Rhodes beat Robert Gibson…Robert Fuller beat Jim Garvin

Semifinals - Jerry Lawler beat Ron Fuller...Dusty Rhodes beat Robert Fuller

Finals - Jerry Lawler beat Dusty Rhodes


Memphis 2

Southern Tag Title Tournament

First Round - Bob Armstrong & Rocky Johnson beat LeRoy Brown & Ratamyus by DQ...Robert & Ron Fuller beat Dr Frank & Igor by countout...Gorgeous George Jr & Tommy Gilbert beat The Exterminators...Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich beat Ken Dillinger & Jake Smith Jr...Jim Garvin & Paul Orndorff beat David Schultz & Dutch Mantell...Jerry Bryant & Sylvester Ritter beat Plowboy Frazier & Porkchop Cash...Rick & Robert Gibson beat Mike Stark & Pat McGinnis

Second Round - Bob Armstrong & Rocky Johnson beat the Bicentennial Kings by countout...Robert & Ron Fuller beat Gorgeous George Jr & Tommy Gilbert...Jim Garvin & Paul Orndorff beat Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich...Rick & Robert Gibson beat Jerry Bryant & Sylvester Ritter

Semifinals - Robert & Ron Fuller beat Bob Armstrong & Rocky Johnson...Jim Garvin & Paul Orndorff beat Rick & Robert Gibson

Finals - Robert & Ron Fuller beat Jim Garvin & Paul Orndorff

[Travis605]

Memphis 3

Jerry Lawler came out with his Army to brag about winning the Southern Title. Lawler claimed Jerry Jarrett tried to stack the deck against him, bringing in guys like Ron Fuller and Dusty Rhodes, but he beat them all.

Bob Armstrong took notice and came out to confront Lawler, saying he voluntarily gave up the Southern Title when the promotion broke off and it’s only natural that he wants a shot. Lawler laughed at Armstrong, saying shouldnt he be worrying about his punk kids at home. Armstrong laughed at Lawler’s alleged insult and decked him.

David Schultz & Dutch Mantell beat Rick & Robert Gibson by countout

Schultz rammed Robert into the post outside, causing the countout. An irate Rick went after Mantell and Schultz, but two on one proved to be too much, as the duo laid out Rick as well

Gorgeous George Jr came out and told Lawler he can keep sending his goons after him, but eventually he’ll beat them all and he’ll get his shot at “the King”

2) Gorgeous George Jr & Tommy Gilbert beat Dr Frank & Igor when Gilbert pinned Igor following the RUNNING KNEE

The Fullers proclaimed they were proud to win Southern Tag Titles in a hard fought tournament with some great teams, but were interrupted by Rock Hunter and the Bicentennial Kings. Hunter claimed they aren’t like Bob Armstrong, but are irate they were stripped of the Southern Tag TItles for no reason and they want them back. Ron Fuller calmly explained they don’t back down from any challenge and talk to Jerry Jarrett or Eddie Marlin to get the match signed. The Kings didn’t take kindly to the dis and attacked the Fuller Brothers, nailing them with the Southern Tag Titles

3) Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich beat Ken Dillinger & Porkchop Cash when Rich pinned Dillinger with the VERTICAL BODY BLOCK

Dundee and Rich claimed the area has some of the top teams in wrestling, they feel they are the best and eventually want their shot at the tag titles

4) Plowboy Frazier pinned Rocky Johnson after the GIGANTIC LEGDROP

Lawler quietly snuck to ringside and while Mickey Poole distracted the referee, Lawler decked Johnson with a chain. Russell confronted Lawler on why he would do that. Lawler answered that he saw Johnson cheating several times and needed to be taught a lesson. By that time, Johnson recovered and drove off Lawler

5) Southern Tag Champs Robert & Ron Fuller beat The Bicentennial Kings by DQ

Rock Hunter, sensing danger as Condrey was trapped in the Fuller Leglock, grabbed one of the Southern Tag Titles and nailed Ron Fuller, earning his team the DQ

6) Southern Champion Jerry Lawler pinned Bob Armstrong following the PILEDRIVER as Mickey Poole provided the timely distraction to the referee.

[Travis605]

Memphis 4

Gorgeous George Jr came out and said he’s tried to get Jerry Lawler in the ring for weeks after humiliating him by kicking him out of his Army and wants a piece of him tonight. Lawler, accompanied by Plowboy Frazier, came out to answer George’s challenge, telling him him 1) he’s not worth his time and 2) he’s more worried about contenders to the Southern Title, and since he’s not a top contender to the title...he’s not worrying with him. Lawler said if he is lucky enough to get someone to tag with him, maybe he’d consider it, but who would since no one trusts you.

Just then, Tommy Gilbert came out and said he hates Lawler more than anyone and he’d be happy to step up to be George’s tag partner if it gave him the chance to shut Lawler’s mouth for good. Lawler said Gilbert is even beneath George and laughed at the challenge.

Just then, the rest of the Army, consisting of Dr Frank, Igor and Porkchop Cash, attacked George and Gilbert from behind. Lawler got in a few cheap kicks before leaving.

Igor pinned Jerry Bryant following an elbow smash

Dr Frank helped Igor double team Bryant until Gorgeous George Jr ran in to drive off Igor and Frank. George told Lawler he’ll be there to make sure none of the scumbags in his Army has a chance to injure anyone in this area.

Rick Gibson wasn’t happy with Schultz and Mantell busting open his brother Robert on the last card, claiming he’s a kid trying to learn his craft. This brought out David Schultz and Dutch Mantell who told Rick if his brother can’t hack it, to get out of the ring. Rick then attacked the duo.

2) David Schultz & Dutch Mantell beat Rick & Robert Gibson when Mantell pinned Rick after an atomic drop.

Schultz nailed Robert with a chain, helping Dutch secure the pin.

Rock Hunter and the Bicentennial Kings came out to state since the Fullers have to resort to cheating during their matches, they are challenging them to a No DQ match. Lance Russell conveniently reminded them that the Kings were the ones who were disqualified after Rock Hunter interfered after they were on the verge of getting beat. The trio started yelling at Lance until the Fullers ran in and drove them off, and accepting the challenge.

3) Rocky Johnson pinned Dr Frank following a running shoulder tackle.

Johnson told Russell he doesn’t know Lawler’s issues after this sneak attack last week, but issued a warning to Lawler - they’ve been feuding for a long time and he should watch his back.

4) Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich beat Ken Dillinger & Porkchop Cash when Dundee pinned Cash after the SUPERSTAR BOMB

5) In a no DQ Match, Southern Tag Champs Robert & Ron Fuller beat the Bicentennial Kings when Phil Hickerson submitted to Ron Fuller’s FULLER LEGLOCK

6) Gorgeous George Jr & Tommy Gilbert beat Southern Champ Jerry Lawler & Plowboy Frazier by DQ

Lawler gave George an unabashed piledriver, earning the immediate disqualification. Lawler and Frazier then attacked Gilbert, with Lawler giving Gilbert a piledriver for good measure. Frazier then dropped two legdrops on the two.

[Travis605]

Memphis 5

Lance Russell brought out Jerry Lawler, telling him that hes been making a lot of enemies of late. Lawler laughed it off, calling them all jabronies and jealous of his success. Just then Rocky Johnson came out to confront Lawler about a Southern Title shot. Lawler claimed he’s done nothing to earn a shot, so Rocky added that if he’s so confident, face him in a non title match and if he wins, he gets a title shot. Lawler was initially reluctant, but finally gave in and accepted. Just then, Porkchop Cash and Plowboy Frazier ran in to attack Lawler. Lawler slapped him and told him no one confronts the King like that.

David Schutlz, Dutch Mantell & Ken Dillinger beat Rick & Robert Gibson & Jerry Bryant when Schultz pinned Bryant following a FLYING CORKSCREW ELBOW

The Bicentennial Kings and Rock Hunter came to the set, clamoring for another shot at the Southern Tag Titles. Ron Fuller said they’ve had two shots and came up short and its time to move onto other challenges. Hunter pulled out a check for $5000 and offered it to the Fullers for a shot. Ron conversed with Robert and they both agreed to take the match.

2) Tommy Gilbert pinned Plowboy Frazier after the RUNNING KNEE

Gorgeous George Jr ran in and blasted Frazier with a chair shot, leading to the pin

3) Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich beat Dr Frank & Igor when Rich pinned Frank with the VERTICAL BODY BLOCK

Porkchop Cash was outraged that George Jr attacked Frazier earlier, calling him a coward and it showed why he was kicked out of The King’s Army. Cash then challenged George to a match

4) Porkchop Cash beat Gorgeous George Jr by DQ when George nailed him with a chair

5) Southern Tag Champs Robert & Ron Fuller beat The Bicentennial Kings by DQ when Hunter attacked Ron from behind as he was putting the FULLER LEGLOCK onto Condrey

Fuller decked Hunter and the two Fuller Brothers clotheslined the Kings over the top rope. Hunter began to recover and saw he was outnumbered and tried to escape, but Ron grabbed him and gave him a big right. Fuller then put the FULLER LEGLOCK on Hunter, causing him to scream in pain, until the Kings could pull him from the ring

6) In a non title match, Rocky Johnson pinned Jerry Lawler following a vertical suplex

As the referee counted three, Lawler draped his foot over the bottom rope. Lawler tried in vain to protest the referee's decision, but he stated it stood

[Travis605]

Memphis 6

Jerry Lawler stormed out, irate that the referee allowed Rocky Johnson’s win to stand after he clearly had his foot on the ropes. Lawler then ordered Jerry Jarrett out to ask if he’s reviewed the footage. Jarrett said that he had, and while it was close, the evidence was inconclusive and the decision would stand, with Johnson getting a Southern Title shot tonight. Lawler was outraged at the decision

Jerry Bryant beat Ken Dillinger by countout

Lance Russell brought out Rocky Johnson who said he felt Jarrett made the correct decision. Johnson added he’s going to make the most of the opportunity and will bring the Southern Title back home to where it belongs - to the fans. Lawler stormed out and began insulting Johnson. Finally Johnson grabbed Lawler, but was attacked by his Army

2) Gorgeous George Jr & Tommy Gilbert beat David Schultz & Dutch Mantell when Gilbert pinned Mantell following the RUNNING KNEE

In a taped interview, the Fullers told the fans they had booking obligations this week in Alabama, but should be returning on the next card. This brought out the Bicentennial Kings and Rock Hunter, who were claiming the Fullers hightailed it out of town due to fear.

This brought out The Gibson Brothers, who said the Kings have had more than enough shots at the Southern Tag Titles and that they wanted the opportunity to face the Fullers. The Kings brushed off the Gibsons, saying they aren’t in their league, so go back and find someone to face them in the opening match. Rick Gibson nailed them, starting a huge melee.


3) Plowboy Frazier & Porkchop Cash beat Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich when Cash pinned Rich after the SECOND ROPE ELBOW

Mickey Poole held onto Rich’s feet out of the referee’s view, helping Cash to score the pin as RIch was not able to kick out

4) The Bicentennial Kings beat Rick & Robert Gibson when Phil Hickerson pinned Robert Gibson following the LEAPING LEGDROP

As Rock Hunter distracted the referee, Dennis Condrey pulled out a small chain and nailed Robert Gibson with it, helping Hickerson to score the pin

5) Southern Champ Jerry Lawler pinned Rocky Johnson after the PILEDRIVER.

A collision with the ref, resulted in Jerry Calhoun being knocked out. Lawler took full advantage of the bump, delivering the illegal move as Mickey Poole frantically revived the referee.

[Travis605]

Memphis 7

Rocky Johnson came out and said he’s not crying, but it’s a shame that Jerry Lawler, once again, needed to result to using illegal means to win. Lawler came out to rebut Johnson’s claims, saying the piledriver is only illegal because the promotion knows he’s mastered it and it’s the most feared move and if legal, he’d be unstoppable.

Johnson countered that they should have a piledriver match, which Lawler agreed to

David Schultz & Dutch Mantell werent happy losing to Gorgeous George Jr and Tommy Gilbert since it knocked them down a notch and they want a shot at the Southern Tag Titles. The duo challenged the foes to singles matches tonight

Tommy Gilbert pinned Dutch Mantell with a sunset flip

David Schultz immediately ran in and attacked Gilbert, which saw George run in with a chair to drive them off

The Bicentennial Kings and Rock Hunter came out, saying the beat the Gibson Brothers in the middle of the ring and challenged the Fullers to face them. The Fullers came out to answer the challenge saying while the Gibsons are friends, they were looking to face them and they were sure the fans were as well.

Ron Fuller added that the Kings better make the most of this chance because they’ve had more than enough shots and with the tag competition being like it is, there are plenty of other teams in line for a shot.

2) Rick & Robert Gibson beat Dr Frank & Igor when Rich pinned Igor following a TOP ROPE DROPKICK

The Gibsons wanted the Fullers to know they have their back tonight because they know the Kings and Hunter will have something in store

3) Bill Dundee & Tommy Rich beat Plowboy Frazier & Porkchop Cash when Dundee pinned Frazier with a deathjump

Dundee and Rich stated there are a lot of teams vying for a tag title shot, but they felt, with their record, they should be in line to get a tag title shot

4) David Schultz pinned Gorgeous George Jr after a backbreaker (and with his feet on the ropes for an advantage)

5) Southern Tag Champs Robert & Ron Fuller beat The Bicentennial Kings when Rock Hunter submitted to Ron Fuller’s FULLER LEGLOCK

Hunter tried to interfere, but Fuller pulled him in and slapped the leglock on him. The Kings berated Paul Morton for making the call. As the commotion was happening in the ring, David Schultz and Dutch Mantell ran in and attacked the Fullers from behind. As the Fullers laid beaten, the duo took off with the tag belts.

6) In a Piledriver Match, Southern Champ Jerry Lawler beat Rocky Johnson.

Lawler had carefully concealed a chain and when Mickey Poole provided a distraction to Jerry Calhoun, Lawler decked Johnson, knocking him senseless and leaving him easy prey for Lawler.

[TTX]

Some really fun old school Memphis action.