Post by tystates on Jan 4, 2010 13:01:45 GMT -5
A list done by the same person who did the JCP list that I posted before. There are 10 wrestlers from LOW on the list.
Please note this covers the period from Jan 1, 1983 - Jan 1, 1986, which is the three year apex of WCCW.
1. KERRY VON ERICH- simply put, Kerry was the franchise. In 1983 you could argue all day whether Kevin, David, or Kerry was the top dog among the Von Erichs (I still would have picked Kerry), but winning the NWA title permanently sealed the deal for him. Kerry’s personal problems are well-documented, but he had talent to burn- could have been a long-term NWA champion and the alliance’s counterpart to Hogan had his head been screwed on straight. The Christmas 1982 match against Ric Flair is legendary, and rightfully so- never have I seen one match ignite a territory like that. It’s outside of the timeframe I’m referring to, but Kerry’s pursuit of the NWA title in 1982 is overlooked and underrated.
2. KEVIN VON ERICH- was a phenomenal worker until shoulder, knee, and attitude problems started dragging him down. Had the talent to be a major player nationally, in fact could have been the #1 babyface here if not for Kerry. Seemed to lose interest and enthusiasm for the business at an early age. I would have liked seeing Kevin do more away from WCCW.
3. MICHAEL HAYES- The Freebirds were the perfect heel team to match up against Kerry, Kevin and David, and Hayes was the unquestioned leader of the group. Peaked early and seemed washed up by the time he turned thirty. One could argue putting Hayes in the #2 spot, but the promotion did fine in 1985 when the Freebirds weren’t around. It went on too long but the Von Erichs vs Freebirds is arguably the greatest feud in wrestling history.
4. CHRIS ADAMS- I’m surprised he landed this high on the list as well, but think about it- had Adams left the territory in the fall of 1984, he still would have finished in the top ten. Chris was the most over babyface in this promotion during this timeframe not named “Von Erich”, he held the American title, and had a hot feud with Jimmy Garvin. This was all BEFORE his incredibly successful run as a heel. His turn was perfectly laid out and executed, and once it was finalized he and Gino Hernandez became the ultimate heels for Kerry and Kevin to feud with. Comically cited as Kevin’s “long-time pen pal from England” upon his debut. Someone needed to tell the bookers that there was nothing less cool than having a pen pal in 1983, especially if it was with another guy.
5. RIC FLAIR- obviously wasn’t here full time, but was the center of attention when he was. The Von Erichs pursuit of Flair’s title was the cornerstone of this promotion for a long time. My own feeling is that both Flair and Harley Race allowed the Von Erichs far too many liberties, and the NWA champions should have been portrayed as something less than defenseless pretenders to the crown. Was actually allowed to beat and look good against Chris Adams and Terry Gordy.
6. GINO HERNANDEZ- I was always a huge Gino Hernandez fan. I remember when a guy in a suit got in the ring before the Chris Adams vs Jimmy Garvin match at the 1984 Texas Stadium show, and jumping off the couch when I recognized him. Seemingly back from the dead after disappearing from the business for over a year, Gino got the biggest push I’ve ever seen a heel get, winning both the American and Texas titles by the time he even first wrestled on TV. The promotion desperately needed new blood when Gino was brought in, as the Freebirds vs Von Erichs and Garvin vs Adams feuds had been run into the ground. Gino took full advantage of his push, got over like a million bucks, and helped the train keep running. His female bodyguard Niccola Roberts went on to fame and fortune as “Baby Doll” in the NWA. Back in 1998 I heard for the first time that foul play was suspected in Gino’s death, and since then that’s grown to become an accepted story. Someone that knows what he’s talking about said “if they didn’t kill him the drugs would have, more sooner than later”.
7. DAVID VON ERICH- crazy thought: was David more valuable to this promotion in death than in life? David became a symbol and a martyr after his passing. I tend not to glamorize the futures of wrestlers after they either pass away or their careers end (see my previous comments on Magnum T.A., Gino Hernandez, Jay Youngblood, etc) but had David not died he likely would have had the most successful career in the family as he would have thrived in either the WWF or WCW in the late 80’s and 90’s. Extremely effective as a heel during his 1982 Florida run, and that likely would have been his future away from Texas. Dissimilar in many ways to Kerry and Kevin, which worked to his advantage.
8. TERRY GORDY- Would you be scared of Terry Gordy? You’d better believe I would be. Gordy seemed legit tough, dumb, mean and crazy, and was the real in-ring talent of the Freebird team. Gordy was effective as UWF world champion, and there’s no question he’s be effective in that role elsewhere. Amazing to think he was only 22 years old when he slammed the cage door on Kerry’s head on Christmas Night in 1982.
9. JIMMY GARVIN- the unofficial “Fourth Freebird”, supposedly David was so impressed by Garvin’s talent and persona in Florida that he pushed hard to get WCCW to bring him in. Held the WCCW trifecta of the American, Texas, and TV titles. The Garvin-Sunshine team was unique for it’s time, and it ushered in a new era for valets, and ultimately “divas”. Every promotion tried to copy the Garvin-Sunshine-Precious triangle, but this promotion and trio did it most effectively. I kept waiting for him to return in late 1985 or early 1986 but it never happened.
10. BRUISER BRODY- became a fixture here in 1985. Would have been a lot more effective in a heel role, in fact that might have made a huge difference in the fortunes of this promotion had Brody turned when WCCW desperately needed a top heel in 1986. Brody has been labeled as “overrated” for so long on message boards that he has actually become underrated.
11. BUDDY ROBERTS- Buddy should still be sending Bill Watts Christmas cards every year for hooking him up with Hayes and Gordy in 1980. Buddy disappeared in the middle of 1981 and hadn’t been seen or heard from until he came in after Hayes and Gordy turned on the Von Erichs. I actually preferred the Hayes and Gordy without Buddy, but obviously the lure of bringing the Freebirds group in was the 3-on-3 feud. Still, there were times when Buddy looked completely out of place due to his age- everyone else in the feud was in their early-to-mid 20’s, while Buddy was pushing 40 and actually looked older than that. Still valuable as the “fall guy” for the Freebirds team. After losing a hair match to Iceman Parsons, Roberts wore a wig kept in place by boxing headgear, which was both funny and effective as he would load up the headgear and use it as a weapon.
12. ICEMAN PARSONS- not a great worker, but very effective in his role underneath the Von Erichs. Was supposed to turn heel in 1985, but for some reason the idea was abandoned. Iceman basically did all of the things a midcard babyface was supposed to do and was one of the territory’s most recognizable stars. Could have been a character babyface in the WWF.
13. LANCE VON ERICH- it’s well-documented that Lance couldn’t work, act, or do an interview. What’s forgotten is that the guy was over like crazy for a while. Would rank far higher if we were doing 1983 – 1986.
14. HARLEY RACE- was NWA champ for about five months of this timespan, and had some good matches including a memorable one where he injured Kevin’s shoulder, causing David to run in and destroy Race. It was widely rumored that he would lose the NWA title to David Von Erich on Thanksgiving Night in 1983. That obviously didn’t happen, but watching the footage from that era leaves little doubt in my mind that the promotion itself thought David was getting a run with the world title.
15. MIKE VON ERICH- they certainly tried to push him- I think he only lost one match his entire career, dropping the American title back to Gino Hernandez with lots of interference from Niccola Roberts. Mike’s physique had greatly improved before his shoulder surgery and subsequent battle with toxic shock syndrome. His rushed return in 1986 symbolized all that was wrong with WCCW, and you couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy.
16. KAMALA- good in the role as a giant heel for Kerry to bodyslam and David to claw into a bloody mess.
17. RICK RUDE- got a huge push as American champion but never got over the way a #1 heel should. I personally feel that Rude being aligned with Percy Pringle strongly contributed to that. Also had a few matches here as “Rick Rood” in 1983 before developing his heel persona. Would rank far higher if 1986 were included.
18. ONE MAN GANG- believable as a giant enforcer brought in by Gary Hart, and main-evented against Kerry and Bruiser Brody. Lost a match to Kerry Von Erich at the 1985 Texas Stadium show that stipulated that if Gang lost, manager Gary Hart would not only have his head shaved, but would have to remain BALD FOR LIFE. It’s been 25 years and I still crack up every time I think about that one. How do you enforce that one? Well, at least Gary kept his word.
19. JAKE ROBERTS- didn’t stay here long, and seemed completely out of place being associated with Adams and Hernandez. Still effective as a weird, demented heel that wore dress jackets and ties…but without a shirt.
20. SCOTT CASEY- fit in as a middle of the card “Marlboro Man” type that worked well with the Texas audience. A good looking guy that had a reputation as a consummate ladies man outside the ring.
21. KILLER KHAN- brought back from Japan by Terry Gordy as the Freebirds “secret weapon”, he turned on them as part of what looked like the first step in a Freebirds babyface turn which never really materialized. His 1984 match against Terry Gordy was among the bloodiest of all time.
22. THE GREAT KABUKI- Kamala had facepaint. Jake Roberts had funny pants. Kabuki had facepaint AND funny pants. What else is there?
23. BILLY JACK HAYNES- was brought in as Sunshine’s protégé, and WHAT A SURPRISE, Haynes walked out of the promotion with no notice. Had straight hair upon arrival, then showed up with an outdated perm-fro straight from the set of “Welcome Back Kotter”. All that was missing from this look was a plaid leisure suit with bell-bottoms. The promotion buried him after he left, claiming that Rip Oliver destroyed him and that Haynes essentially ran away.
24. FRITZ VON ERICH- very difficult to rank. Wrestled only one match during this timeframe, but the “Badstreet” brawl at the 1984 Texas Stadium show was a big one. Seeing The Freebirds bounce around the ring like pinballs while selling slow-motion punches from the 55-year old Fritz demonstrated the wonderful absurdity that is pro wrestling.
25. (tie) BOBBY EATON & DENNIS CONDREY- the Midnights went from headlining The Superdome to being just another tag team here. Even Jim Cornette’s performance was noticeably off from his Mid-South and NWA days, and the trio didn’t seem like the best fit here. Of course, the Midnights were still the best tag team on the planet even when they weren’t at the top of their game. Had an excellent series against The Fantastics.
27. HERCULES HERNANDEZ- Replaced Billy Jack Haynes as Sunshine’s protégé. Not charismatic enough to carry a babyface role and seemed a bit out of place here.
28. BRIAN ADIDAS- or is it Adias? They kept changing it. Brian was a midcarder that was pushed as Kerry’s childhood friend. That rarely ends well in a pro wrestling environment.
29. JOHN TATUM- started heating up toward the end of 1985, with Missy Hyatt as his valet. Missy has certainly gone downhill from her glory days and has taken more than her share of shots on the IWC, but in 1985 she was absolutely stunning. Tatum played the role of the whipped boyfriend that caters to his beautiful yet spoiled princess-of-a-girlfriend’s every whim quite well on TV. I wonder if that came from real life practice.
30. THE MISSING LINK- I never got the premise of Missing Link, but no one ever talks about what an amazing physique the guy had…even more amazing since he was well into his 40’s. Was somehow managed at one point by Sunshine, Baby Doll, and Dark Journey- the chicks in the Southwest must dig guys that paint their faces green.
31. SUPER DESTROYER #2/ WILD BILL IRWIN- ranks a bit higher than SD #2 since he was finishing up here in early 1983. A good worker with some charisma that was a lot more effective without the mask.
32. RIP OLIVER- managed by Jim Cornette, pushed in the middle of the card as someone that enjoyed maiming his opponents. The promotion’s claim that Mike Von Erich hit Rip Oliver so hard that Mike’s shoulder came out of place is an all-timer.
32. JUNKYARD DOG- made a few shots on the promotion’s bigger cards in 1983 and 1984.
33 (tie). TOMMY ROGERS & BOBBY FULTON- I didn’t like The Fantastics in World Class, even though I’ve grown to appreciate them over time. They were too pretty with their pink bowties and spent waaaaaaaay too much time outside the ring high-fiving and hugging fans before their matches. Excellent in-ring team.
35. SUPER DESTROYER #1- aka Scott Irwin, he briefly held half of the tag titles and was eventually unmasked. The Irwins as The Long Riders was a lot better than having them under hoods.
36. KILLER BROOKS- effective enough as a mid-card heel character, depicting a somewhat heavyset, middle-aged biker type.
38. KING KONG BUNDY- was finishing up here in early 1983. Believable as a massive and mean killer heel, would rank far higher if we included 1982.
39. THE GRAPPLER- feuded with Brian Adidas for the Texas title. The era of the masked man was over by the time The Grappler hit Texas, but was an effective North American champion for Mid-South Wrestling earlier in the decade. A good interview, but rarely got to show his mic skills here.
40. MARK LEWIN- an odd bodybuilder that was in his late 40’s at this point. Just another geek heel for Gary Hart to manage at this point.
41. CHAVO GUERRERO- super-talented worker and was around a lot more than I realized in 1983, but they did literally nothing with him.
42 (tie). KOKO WARE & NORVELL AUSTIN- man, Koko was terrific back then. The PYTs were a good team, but didn’t make an impact here.
44. JOHNNY MANTELL- life is good when your brother is the booker. Not bad, but had less than zero charisma. Actually showed a lot more fire in his Mid-South matches. Was in the background of a historic angle when heat Jimmy Garvin for the TV title, which was immediately followed by the Garvin / Sunshine split.
45. JOSE LOTHARIO- too old at this point, hung on as a midcarder after being a big star in the 70’s. Inexplicably wrestled Michael Hayes to a draw on TV in early 1983, right when Hayes needed to be established as a top heel. I guess it didn’t matter in the long run.
46. BUTCH REED- gave Chick Donovan a vicious beating and seemed like he would be pushed hard as a single, but quickly disappeared. Based on Reed’s tremendous work in Mid-South he could have had a huge impact here.
47. KELLY KINISKI- hilariously billed as being from Canada. No state, no province…just Canada. Technically skilled and had a famous name, but very bland. Jake Roberts briefly took Kiniski under his wing as a protégé, but that went nowhere.
48. BUCK ZUMHOFF- Briefly held the tag titles with Iceman Parsons as part of the Rock & Soul Connection”. I couldn’t stand him.
49. JACK VICTORY- not sure what happened with Victory. He had height and could wrestle, but his career never really made it out of the stumbling blocks.
50. JULES STRONGBOW- egads, this guy was bad. But he got a minor and brief push in 1984. It wasn’t brief enough. There were far more talented performers this promotion could have used, even in Jules’ limited role.
Please note this covers the period from Jan 1, 1983 - Jan 1, 1986, which is the three year apex of WCCW.
1. KERRY VON ERICH- simply put, Kerry was the franchise. In 1983 you could argue all day whether Kevin, David, or Kerry was the top dog among the Von Erichs (I still would have picked Kerry), but winning the NWA title permanently sealed the deal for him. Kerry’s personal problems are well-documented, but he had talent to burn- could have been a long-term NWA champion and the alliance’s counterpart to Hogan had his head been screwed on straight. The Christmas 1982 match against Ric Flair is legendary, and rightfully so- never have I seen one match ignite a territory like that. It’s outside of the timeframe I’m referring to, but Kerry’s pursuit of the NWA title in 1982 is overlooked and underrated.
2. KEVIN VON ERICH- was a phenomenal worker until shoulder, knee, and attitude problems started dragging him down. Had the talent to be a major player nationally, in fact could have been the #1 babyface here if not for Kerry. Seemed to lose interest and enthusiasm for the business at an early age. I would have liked seeing Kevin do more away from WCCW.
3. MICHAEL HAYES- The Freebirds were the perfect heel team to match up against Kerry, Kevin and David, and Hayes was the unquestioned leader of the group. Peaked early and seemed washed up by the time he turned thirty. One could argue putting Hayes in the #2 spot, but the promotion did fine in 1985 when the Freebirds weren’t around. It went on too long but the Von Erichs vs Freebirds is arguably the greatest feud in wrestling history.
4. CHRIS ADAMS- I’m surprised he landed this high on the list as well, but think about it- had Adams left the territory in the fall of 1984, he still would have finished in the top ten. Chris was the most over babyface in this promotion during this timeframe not named “Von Erich”, he held the American title, and had a hot feud with Jimmy Garvin. This was all BEFORE his incredibly successful run as a heel. His turn was perfectly laid out and executed, and once it was finalized he and Gino Hernandez became the ultimate heels for Kerry and Kevin to feud with. Comically cited as Kevin’s “long-time pen pal from England” upon his debut. Someone needed to tell the bookers that there was nothing less cool than having a pen pal in 1983, especially if it was with another guy.
5. RIC FLAIR- obviously wasn’t here full time, but was the center of attention when he was. The Von Erichs pursuit of Flair’s title was the cornerstone of this promotion for a long time. My own feeling is that both Flair and Harley Race allowed the Von Erichs far too many liberties, and the NWA champions should have been portrayed as something less than defenseless pretenders to the crown. Was actually allowed to beat and look good against Chris Adams and Terry Gordy.
6. GINO HERNANDEZ- I was always a huge Gino Hernandez fan. I remember when a guy in a suit got in the ring before the Chris Adams vs Jimmy Garvin match at the 1984 Texas Stadium show, and jumping off the couch when I recognized him. Seemingly back from the dead after disappearing from the business for over a year, Gino got the biggest push I’ve ever seen a heel get, winning both the American and Texas titles by the time he even first wrestled on TV. The promotion desperately needed new blood when Gino was brought in, as the Freebirds vs Von Erichs and Garvin vs Adams feuds had been run into the ground. Gino took full advantage of his push, got over like a million bucks, and helped the train keep running. His female bodyguard Niccola Roberts went on to fame and fortune as “Baby Doll” in the NWA. Back in 1998 I heard for the first time that foul play was suspected in Gino’s death, and since then that’s grown to become an accepted story. Someone that knows what he’s talking about said “if they didn’t kill him the drugs would have, more sooner than later”.
7. DAVID VON ERICH- crazy thought: was David more valuable to this promotion in death than in life? David became a symbol and a martyr after his passing. I tend not to glamorize the futures of wrestlers after they either pass away or their careers end (see my previous comments on Magnum T.A., Gino Hernandez, Jay Youngblood, etc) but had David not died he likely would have had the most successful career in the family as he would have thrived in either the WWF or WCW in the late 80’s and 90’s. Extremely effective as a heel during his 1982 Florida run, and that likely would have been his future away from Texas. Dissimilar in many ways to Kerry and Kevin, which worked to his advantage.
8. TERRY GORDY- Would you be scared of Terry Gordy? You’d better believe I would be. Gordy seemed legit tough, dumb, mean and crazy, and was the real in-ring talent of the Freebird team. Gordy was effective as UWF world champion, and there’s no question he’s be effective in that role elsewhere. Amazing to think he was only 22 years old when he slammed the cage door on Kerry’s head on Christmas Night in 1982.
9. JIMMY GARVIN- the unofficial “Fourth Freebird”, supposedly David was so impressed by Garvin’s talent and persona in Florida that he pushed hard to get WCCW to bring him in. Held the WCCW trifecta of the American, Texas, and TV titles. The Garvin-Sunshine team was unique for it’s time, and it ushered in a new era for valets, and ultimately “divas”. Every promotion tried to copy the Garvin-Sunshine-Precious triangle, but this promotion and trio did it most effectively. I kept waiting for him to return in late 1985 or early 1986 but it never happened.
10. BRUISER BRODY- became a fixture here in 1985. Would have been a lot more effective in a heel role, in fact that might have made a huge difference in the fortunes of this promotion had Brody turned when WCCW desperately needed a top heel in 1986. Brody has been labeled as “overrated” for so long on message boards that he has actually become underrated.
11. BUDDY ROBERTS- Buddy should still be sending Bill Watts Christmas cards every year for hooking him up with Hayes and Gordy in 1980. Buddy disappeared in the middle of 1981 and hadn’t been seen or heard from until he came in after Hayes and Gordy turned on the Von Erichs. I actually preferred the Hayes and Gordy without Buddy, but obviously the lure of bringing the Freebirds group in was the 3-on-3 feud. Still, there were times when Buddy looked completely out of place due to his age- everyone else in the feud was in their early-to-mid 20’s, while Buddy was pushing 40 and actually looked older than that. Still valuable as the “fall guy” for the Freebirds team. After losing a hair match to Iceman Parsons, Roberts wore a wig kept in place by boxing headgear, which was both funny and effective as he would load up the headgear and use it as a weapon.
12. ICEMAN PARSONS- not a great worker, but very effective in his role underneath the Von Erichs. Was supposed to turn heel in 1985, but for some reason the idea was abandoned. Iceman basically did all of the things a midcard babyface was supposed to do and was one of the territory’s most recognizable stars. Could have been a character babyface in the WWF.
13. LANCE VON ERICH- it’s well-documented that Lance couldn’t work, act, or do an interview. What’s forgotten is that the guy was over like crazy for a while. Would rank far higher if we were doing 1983 – 1986.
14. HARLEY RACE- was NWA champ for about five months of this timespan, and had some good matches including a memorable one where he injured Kevin’s shoulder, causing David to run in and destroy Race. It was widely rumored that he would lose the NWA title to David Von Erich on Thanksgiving Night in 1983. That obviously didn’t happen, but watching the footage from that era leaves little doubt in my mind that the promotion itself thought David was getting a run with the world title.
15. MIKE VON ERICH- they certainly tried to push him- I think he only lost one match his entire career, dropping the American title back to Gino Hernandez with lots of interference from Niccola Roberts. Mike’s physique had greatly improved before his shoulder surgery and subsequent battle with toxic shock syndrome. His rushed return in 1986 symbolized all that was wrong with WCCW, and you couldn’t help but feel bad for the guy.
16. KAMALA- good in the role as a giant heel for Kerry to bodyslam and David to claw into a bloody mess.
17. RICK RUDE- got a huge push as American champion but never got over the way a #1 heel should. I personally feel that Rude being aligned with Percy Pringle strongly contributed to that. Also had a few matches here as “Rick Rood” in 1983 before developing his heel persona. Would rank far higher if 1986 were included.
18. ONE MAN GANG- believable as a giant enforcer brought in by Gary Hart, and main-evented against Kerry and Bruiser Brody. Lost a match to Kerry Von Erich at the 1985 Texas Stadium show that stipulated that if Gang lost, manager Gary Hart would not only have his head shaved, but would have to remain BALD FOR LIFE. It’s been 25 years and I still crack up every time I think about that one. How do you enforce that one? Well, at least Gary kept his word.
19. JAKE ROBERTS- didn’t stay here long, and seemed completely out of place being associated with Adams and Hernandez. Still effective as a weird, demented heel that wore dress jackets and ties…but without a shirt.
20. SCOTT CASEY- fit in as a middle of the card “Marlboro Man” type that worked well with the Texas audience. A good looking guy that had a reputation as a consummate ladies man outside the ring.
21. KILLER KHAN- brought back from Japan by Terry Gordy as the Freebirds “secret weapon”, he turned on them as part of what looked like the first step in a Freebirds babyface turn which never really materialized. His 1984 match against Terry Gordy was among the bloodiest of all time.
22. THE GREAT KABUKI- Kamala had facepaint. Jake Roberts had funny pants. Kabuki had facepaint AND funny pants. What else is there?
23. BILLY JACK HAYNES- was brought in as Sunshine’s protégé, and WHAT A SURPRISE, Haynes walked out of the promotion with no notice. Had straight hair upon arrival, then showed up with an outdated perm-fro straight from the set of “Welcome Back Kotter”. All that was missing from this look was a plaid leisure suit with bell-bottoms. The promotion buried him after he left, claiming that Rip Oliver destroyed him and that Haynes essentially ran away.
24. FRITZ VON ERICH- very difficult to rank. Wrestled only one match during this timeframe, but the “Badstreet” brawl at the 1984 Texas Stadium show was a big one. Seeing The Freebirds bounce around the ring like pinballs while selling slow-motion punches from the 55-year old Fritz demonstrated the wonderful absurdity that is pro wrestling.
25. (tie) BOBBY EATON & DENNIS CONDREY- the Midnights went from headlining The Superdome to being just another tag team here. Even Jim Cornette’s performance was noticeably off from his Mid-South and NWA days, and the trio didn’t seem like the best fit here. Of course, the Midnights were still the best tag team on the planet even when they weren’t at the top of their game. Had an excellent series against The Fantastics.
27. HERCULES HERNANDEZ- Replaced Billy Jack Haynes as Sunshine’s protégé. Not charismatic enough to carry a babyface role and seemed a bit out of place here.
28. BRIAN ADIDAS- or is it Adias? They kept changing it. Brian was a midcarder that was pushed as Kerry’s childhood friend. That rarely ends well in a pro wrestling environment.
29. JOHN TATUM- started heating up toward the end of 1985, with Missy Hyatt as his valet. Missy has certainly gone downhill from her glory days and has taken more than her share of shots on the IWC, but in 1985 she was absolutely stunning. Tatum played the role of the whipped boyfriend that caters to his beautiful yet spoiled princess-of-a-girlfriend’s every whim quite well on TV. I wonder if that came from real life practice.
30. THE MISSING LINK- I never got the premise of Missing Link, but no one ever talks about what an amazing physique the guy had…even more amazing since he was well into his 40’s. Was somehow managed at one point by Sunshine, Baby Doll, and Dark Journey- the chicks in the Southwest must dig guys that paint their faces green.
31. SUPER DESTROYER #2/ WILD BILL IRWIN- ranks a bit higher than SD #2 since he was finishing up here in early 1983. A good worker with some charisma that was a lot more effective without the mask.
32. RIP OLIVER- managed by Jim Cornette, pushed in the middle of the card as someone that enjoyed maiming his opponents. The promotion’s claim that Mike Von Erich hit Rip Oliver so hard that Mike’s shoulder came out of place is an all-timer.
32. JUNKYARD DOG- made a few shots on the promotion’s bigger cards in 1983 and 1984.
33 (tie). TOMMY ROGERS & BOBBY FULTON- I didn’t like The Fantastics in World Class, even though I’ve grown to appreciate them over time. They were too pretty with their pink bowties and spent waaaaaaaay too much time outside the ring high-fiving and hugging fans before their matches. Excellent in-ring team.
35. SUPER DESTROYER #1- aka Scott Irwin, he briefly held half of the tag titles and was eventually unmasked. The Irwins as The Long Riders was a lot better than having them under hoods.
36. KILLER BROOKS- effective enough as a mid-card heel character, depicting a somewhat heavyset, middle-aged biker type.
38. KING KONG BUNDY- was finishing up here in early 1983. Believable as a massive and mean killer heel, would rank far higher if we included 1982.
39. THE GRAPPLER- feuded with Brian Adidas for the Texas title. The era of the masked man was over by the time The Grappler hit Texas, but was an effective North American champion for Mid-South Wrestling earlier in the decade. A good interview, but rarely got to show his mic skills here.
40. MARK LEWIN- an odd bodybuilder that was in his late 40’s at this point. Just another geek heel for Gary Hart to manage at this point.
41. CHAVO GUERRERO- super-talented worker and was around a lot more than I realized in 1983, but they did literally nothing with him.
42 (tie). KOKO WARE & NORVELL AUSTIN- man, Koko was terrific back then. The PYTs were a good team, but didn’t make an impact here.
44. JOHNNY MANTELL- life is good when your brother is the booker. Not bad, but had less than zero charisma. Actually showed a lot more fire in his Mid-South matches. Was in the background of a historic angle when heat Jimmy Garvin for the TV title, which was immediately followed by the Garvin / Sunshine split.
45. JOSE LOTHARIO- too old at this point, hung on as a midcarder after being a big star in the 70’s. Inexplicably wrestled Michael Hayes to a draw on TV in early 1983, right when Hayes needed to be established as a top heel. I guess it didn’t matter in the long run.
46. BUTCH REED- gave Chick Donovan a vicious beating and seemed like he would be pushed hard as a single, but quickly disappeared. Based on Reed’s tremendous work in Mid-South he could have had a huge impact here.
47. KELLY KINISKI- hilariously billed as being from Canada. No state, no province…just Canada. Technically skilled and had a famous name, but very bland. Jake Roberts briefly took Kiniski under his wing as a protégé, but that went nowhere.
48. BUCK ZUMHOFF- Briefly held the tag titles with Iceman Parsons as part of the Rock & Soul Connection”. I couldn’t stand him.
49. JACK VICTORY- not sure what happened with Victory. He had height and could wrestle, but his career never really made it out of the stumbling blocks.
50. JULES STRONGBOW- egads, this guy was bad. But he got a minor and brief push in 1984. It wasn’t brief enough. There were far more talented performers this promotion could have used, even in Jules’ limited role.
