South Atlantic Pro Wrestling

South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
Acronym SAPW
Founded 1990
Defunct 1992
Style Rasslin'
Headquarters Charlotte, North Carolina
Founder(s) George Scott
John Ringley
Mike Lamberth
Owner(s) Paul Jones
Frank Dusek
Formerly North American Wrestling Association

South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (SAPW, formerly known as the North American Wrestling Association) was a professional wrestling promotion founded by George Scott, John Ringley and Mike Lamberth in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1990, and later taken over by Paul Jones and Frank Dusek. It was the last effort to revive the NWA's Mid-Atlantic wrestling territory.

History and overview

Formation

The North American Wrestling Association was founded by George Scott, John Ringley and Mike Lamberth in January 1990.[1] The first event and TV taping was held in Sumter, South Carolina on February 8, 1990. Matches from these shows were first shown in March and April 1990.[2]

The first North American Heavyweight Champion, Robert Fuller, won the championship in an 18-man tournament by defeating Ricky Steamboat in the finals on June 30, 1990, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The first North American Tag Team Champions were crowned in a tournament final that same month, also in Winston-Salem, when The Nasty Boys defeated Danny Allen and Bob Emery.[3]

Scott and Ringley, as former Jim Crockett Promotions employees, recognized the importance of television exposure. The group purchased all the old JCP market stations in the Carolinas along with the original timeslots. In July 1990, Paul Jones and Frank Dusek took over the promotion and negotiated a deal with the America One Network to air "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling" on Friday nights later that year.[1]

Territorial reach

George Scott and his partners hoped to revive the National Wrestling Alliance's old Mid-Atlantic wrestling territory which traditionally covered Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. After securing key television markets in the Carolinas, the promotion signed contracts with all the old Crockett arenas to hold pro wrestling shows on a regular basis. Within the first year of operation, house shows and TV tapings were held at the Columbia Township Auditorium, Grady Cole Center, Greenwood Civic Center, Limestone College Gym, and the Winston-Salem Memorial Coliseum.[2] SAPW tours also included high school gyms, rec centers, and fairs in cities throughout Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, and the Carolinas. In August 1991, SAPW held a benefit show in Wentworth, North Carolina for Operation Family Shield, a support group established by then Governor Jim Martin, that provided financial assistance to military families of North Carolina National Guardsmen and U.S. Army reservists stationed in the Persian Gulf.[4]

Notable talent

SAPW featured many Mid-Atlantic veterans such as Big John Studd, Bob Orton Jr., Ivan Koloff, Junkyard Dog, Manny Fernandez, Matt Bourne, Paul Jones, Randy Colley, Ricky Steamboat,[5] Robert Fuller, Ron Garvin, Tommy Rich, Wahoo McDaniel,[6] and The Fantastics.[4] Other legends such as Lou Thesz, Johnny Weaver, and Tim Woods appeared alongside SAPW announcer Ted Webb as special guest commentators for "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling". Bob Caudle also joined the promotion in late 1991. A young Joey Styles acted as the play-by-play commentator for SAPW's show on SportsChannel America.[7] Henry Marcus, another longtime JCP associate, promoted his final house show for the group.[8]

The promotion also showcased younger talent, including Baron Samdi, Curtis Thompson, Dean Malenko, Nelson Frazier,[9] The Patriot, P.N. News, Ric Savage,[10] Rob Van Dam,[11][12] Tommy Gunn, Vince Torelli,[13][14][15] The American Pit Bulldogs and The Nasty Boys.[16] Chris Chavis, who had trained under Larry Sharpe at the Monster Factory prior to his SAPW debut, was its first breakout star.[17] During his first year in SAPW, he was voted 3rd runner up for Rookie of the Year in Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Chavis was also awarded the SAPW Heavyweight Championship before being signed to the World Wrestling Federation.[18] Chavis attributed his early success to Ricky Steamboat and Wahoo McDaniel who mentored him during his time in SAPW.[19]

Style and controversy

SAPW catered to traditional Southern wrestling fans that had grown up during the Mid-Atlantic territory's "glory years" of previous decades. The promoters promised a back-to-basics approach to pro wrestling that provided an alternative to "sports entertainment" marketed by the World Wrestling Federation. They were also critical of the independent promotions beginning to emerge with the weakening of the NWA.[20] Its "family friendly" environment was not without controversy, however, as a real-life fight between Ken Shamrock and The Nasty Boys left the future UFC fighter hospitalized.[21] The drunken brawl had reportedly woken up the other wrestlers staying in motel. Frank Dusek claimed that it was only the intervention of Robert Fuller and the American Pit Bulldogs (Rex and Spike) that prevented Kobbs and Saggs from throwing the unconscious wrestler over the third floor balcony of their motel room.[22] Shamrock suffered a broken sturnum and a caved in eye socket as a result of the two-on-one attack.[23]

World Wrestilng Council

The promotion had a brief association with the World Wrestling Council after Manny Fernandez became SAPW's booker in August 1991.[9][10] In November of that year, Fernandez was "suspended" from the promotion when he took the SAPW Heavyweight Championship to Puerto Rico. This led to a cross promotional effort with the WWC which saw Fernandez defend the belt as the "WWC North America Champion".[24]

Demise

In spite of a strong start, the promotion operated at a loss during its first six months in business. George Scott lost an estimated $600,000[25] before deciding to cut his losses and retire to Florida.[26] There was a noticeable drop in quality after the original investors pulled out and many of the promotion's top stars left the area. "South Atlantic Pro Wrestling" remained in the Friday night death slot throughout its two-year run. Jones and Dusek eventually sold SAPW to North Carolina promoter Greg Price who ran the promotion during its final year. Its last official show was held in Cerro Gordo, North Carolina on August 1, 1992.[27]

Championships

SAPW Heavyweight Championship

# Wrestlers Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref
1 Robert Fuller 1 June 30, 1990 91 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Live event Fuller defeated Ricky Steamboat in a tournament final to become the first NAWA Heavyweight Champion. In September 1990, the title was renamed the SAPW Heavyweight Championship when the promotion became South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. [28]
2 Paul Jones 1 September 29, 1990 0 Kings Mountain, North Carolina Live event
3 Robert Fuller 2 September 29, 1990 35 Kings Mountain, North Carolina Live event
— Vacated — November 3, 1990 — Morgantown, North Carolina Live event The championship is vacated following a controversial title defense between Fuller and Jones.
4 Vince Torelli 1 February 7, 1991 N/A Nassau, Bahamas Live event Torelli defeated Chris Chavis in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
5 Chris Chavis 1 July 1991 N/A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Live event Title Awarded.
6 Manny Fernandez 2 August 31, 1991 N/A Pembroke, North Carolina Live event
— Vacated — November 1991 — N/A N/A The championship is vacated when Fernandez leaves the promotion with the title. He is subsequently suspended, however, Fernandez continues to defend the belt in the World Wrestling Council where he is billed as the "WWC North American Champion".
7 Helmut Hessler 1 January 11, 1992 92 Roseboro, North Carolina Live event Hessler defeated Wahoo McDaniel in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
8 Neil Superior 1 April 12, 1992 119 Hagerstown, Maryland Live event
— Deactivated — August 9, 1992 — N/A N/A When SAPW closed.

SAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship

# Wrestlers Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref
1 Rikki Nelson 1 July 1991 N/A N/A N/A [29]
2 Denny Brown 1 August 19, 1991 348 Charlotte, North Carolina Live event
— Deactivated — August 9, 1992 — N/A N/A When SAPW closed.

SAPW United States Heavyweight Championship

# Wrestlers Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref
1 Buddy Blonz 1 March 6, 1992 168 Greensboro, North Carolina Live event Blonz defeated The Assassin to become the first SAPW U.S. Heavyweight Champion. [30]
— Deactivated — August 9, 1992 — N/A N/A SAPW closed in August 1992.

SAPW Women's Championship

# Wrestlers Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref
1 Bambi 1 1992 N/A N/A N/A
— Deactivated — August 9, 1992 — N/A N/A When SAPW closed. [31]

SAPW Tag Team Championship

# Wrestlers Reign Date Days held Location Event Notes Ref
1 The Nasty Boys
(Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags)		 1 July 28, 1990 45 Winston-Salem, North Carolina Live event The Nasty Boys defeated Danny Allen and Bob Emery in a tournament final to become the first NAWA Tag Team Champions. In September 1990, the title was renamed the SAPW Tag Team Championship when the promotion became South Atlantic Pro Wrestling. [32]
2 The American Pitbulldogs
(Rex and Spike)		 1 September 11, 1990 109 Columbia, South Carolina Live event
3 The Fantastics
(Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton)		 1 December 29, 1990 N/A Greenville, South Carolina Live event
4 The Pitbulldogs 2 January 1991 N/A N/A N/A The titles are returned to The Pitbulldogs when they fail to receive a rematch within a 15-day time period. The Fantastics tour All Japan Pro Wrestling during this period.
5 The Fantastics 2 February 22, 1991 190 Belford, South Carolina Live event
6 The German Stormtroopers
(Helmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt)		 1 August 31, 1991 43 Pembroke, North Carolina Live event Awarded via forfeit.
7 TNT
(Tommy Angel and Tommy Seabolt)		 1 October 13, 1991 N/A Lincolnton, North Carolina Live event
— Vacated 1 March 1992 N/A N/A N/A
8 Chaz Rocco and Tommy Gunn 1 April 17, 1992 1 Rocky Mount, North Carolina Live event Rocco and Gunn defeated The Ringlords to win the vacant title.
9 The Ringlords
(Speedy Gonzales and Rick Slagle)		 1 April 18, 1992 96 Darlington, South Carolina Live event
10 Chaz Rocco and Rob Van Dam 1 July 23, 1992 1 Lake City, South Carolina Live event
11 The Ringlords 2 July 24, 1992 16 Bennettsville, South Carolina Live event
— Deactivated — August 9, 1992 — N/A N/A When SAPW closed.

References

  1. 1 2 "Information about NAWA / SAPW". ProWrestlingHistory.com.
  2. 1 2 "TV Taping (February 8, 1990)". ProWrestlingHistory.com.
  3. ↑ "North American Wrestling Association / South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Title Histories". ProWrestlingHistory.com.
  4. 1 2 "PRO WRESTLING EVENT TO BENEFIT OPERATION FAMILY SHIELD". Greensboro News & Record. August 21, 1991.
  5. ↑ Malnoske, Andrew. "Ricky Steamboat". Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Pro wrestling comes to South Davidson". The Dispatch. January 2, 1992.
  7. ↑ Milner, John M. (June 4, 2006). "Joey Styles". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports.
  8. ↑ Mooneyham, Mike (August 1, 2004). "Last Of The Old-Time Promoters". MikeMooneyham.com.
  9. 1 2 Price, Greg (April 21, 2015). "Wrestlers and colleagues recall Nelson Frazier". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports.
  10. 1 2 Mooneyham, Mike (March 17, 2012). "Ric Savage: From Rasslin' to Relics".
  11. ↑ Picarello, Robert (2002). Monsters of the Mat. Penguin. p. 156. ISBN 144067339X.
  12. ↑ Brashear, David (March 20, 2008). "Pulse Wrestling’s Top 100 Wrestlers of the Modern Era: #42 – Rob Van Dam". InsidePulse.com. Inside Pulse Wrestling.
  13. ↑ "Ken Shamrock". The Kokomo Tribune. March 4, 1999.
  14. ↑ Oliver, Greg (October 6, 1998). "Shamrock aims for World title". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports.
  15. ↑ Snowden, Jonathan (2012). Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling. Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 177090221X.
  16. ↑ Harris, Keith (January 21, 2014). "Tag team wrestler, JCP, WWF & WCW booker George Scott passes away from lung cancer". CagesideSeats.com.
  17. ↑ Anthony, Tony (February 12, 1991). "Former Bethel Football Player Finds Happiness In Pro Wrestling".
  18. ↑ Bonham, Chad (2001). Wrestling with God: 10 Stories of modern day warriors who came face to face with the Creator. Tulsa, Oklahoma: RiverOak Publishing. pp. 15–35.
  19. ↑ "Vin Gopps". NativeTatanka.com.
  20. ↑ Cooper, Rick (April 1, 1990). "NAWA promises 'basic' wrestling". Spartanburg Herald-Journal.
  21. ↑ "BRIAN KNOBBS SPEAKS OUT ON THE RUMORED BRAWL BETWEEN KEN SHAMROCK AND THE NASTY BOYS, OFFERS HIS SIDE OF THE STORY, AND EXPLAINS WHY KEN HAS THE FACTS WRONG". PWInsider.com. August 13, 2008.
  22. ↑ Dusek, Frank (November 1998). "Ken Shamrock Vs. the Nasty Boys". WrestlingClassics.com.
  23. ↑ Shamrock, Ken; Erich, Krauss (2012). Beyond the Lion's Den: The Life, The Fights, The Techniques. Tuttle Publishing. pp. 15–17. ISBN 1462907946.
  24. ↑ Gonzalez, Manuel. "North American Heavyweight Title (Pennsylvania)". Solie.org. Solie's Title Histories.
  25. ↑ "25 YEARS OF BRUCE MITCHELL - DAY 3 (1992): Titled “Twenty-Five Million Dollars,” a column on Joe Pedicino’s Global Wrestling Federation on ESPN that drew outrage from many people involved with the promotion". Pro Wrestling Torch. October 3, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Wrestling By The Numbers: George 'The Great' Scott". Gerweck.net. February 3, 2014.
  27. ↑ "August 1, 1992 in Cerro Gordo, NC". ProWrestlingHistory.com.
  28. ↑ "SAPW Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  29. ↑ "SAPW Junior Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  30. ↑ "SAPW United States Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  31. ↑ "SAPW Women's Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  32. ↑ "SAPW Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
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