This is a very special edition of Regional Rasslin' as Guest Co-Host Aaron Gartlan has made a special Patreon request and joins Ray Russell to discuss an era and territory that is very near and dear to his heart... Aaron has selected to discuss the transformation of his native Alabama's Southeastern Championship Wrestling over to Continental Wrestling in 1985. Gartlan goes back in time to talk childhood memories with friends, attending events at the old Houston County Farm Center in Dothan, growing up on Gulf Coast, Southeastern and eventually Continental. From there, they discuss the 1985 roster, the title belts, how promoter Ron Fuller was able to make the best of his talent, and of course the storylines leading into the "big change". Storylines range from Championship battles to blackmail to racial tension, and everything in between. Talent featured... Ron Fuller, The Flame (Jody Hamilton), Lord Humongous, "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, Boomer H. Lynch, Pork Chop Cash, Nightmares, RAT Patrol, Bill Ash, and more stars of the territory! Finally, the duo recap the very first episode of CCW from June 15, 1985, as we say so long to Charlie Platt (for now) and welcome Gordon Solie to add to the "big league" feel of the new program from Birmingham's Boutwell Auditorium. On the card, a Southeastern Title match featuring Champion Jimmy Golden vs. Austin Idol, NWA World Champ Ric Flair is in town, Tommy Rich vows revenge for "cousin" Johnny, we define what a "Nightmare Cage Match" is & talk the psychology of it, and so much more!

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Regional Rasslin #129 looks at the final years of the Poffo Family's ICW (1983 - 1985). Steve Crawford returns to talk with host Ray Russell about the slow decline as talent begins to jump ship, from Rip Rogers to Pez Whatley to Ron Garvin, even Lanny Poffo packs it in. We discuss a plan for Bruiser Brody falling through (where money lies, honor dies!). Ronnie Garvin collects money owed. Eventually, Randy Savage works out a deal to work for Jerry Jarrett & Lawler in Memphis, before Angelo completely folds up shop after the Macho Man signs a deal with the WWF.

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This week, Regional Rasslin' continues to set the stage for the 1970s Georgia War by futher exploring the build-up of one of the most successful territories in pro wrestling history. RIck Fields returns to chat with Ray Russell about the 1940s and 1950s in Georgia. Some of the topics include the arrival of NWA (Association) Champion Lou Thesz, Paul Jones' "ABC Booking" Company, Cowboy Luttrell vs. Boxing Legend Jack Dempsey, the Fred Ward relationship begins, the NWA (Alliance) is born, Gorgeous George, Argentina Rocca, Fabulous Moolah, Eddie Graham debuts with a 5 second win, Don McIntyre, Ginger the Wrestling Bear, Herb Welch, Fred Blassie, Al Lovelock (the Bolo), Art Nelson, the 'Riot Squad' Duseks, Bobby Lane, Red Duggan, Charlie Harben standing his ground, and the territory debut of a major figure moving forward, Ray Gunkel!

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This week, Regional Rasslin goes back to the Memphis territory in 1985 as we kick off the month of July. Guest Gene Jackson joins Ray Russell as they discuss the interesting debut of the 7'7" giant BIG JOHN HARRIS. They talk Big John's peculiar "music video" and articulate promo (YUP!). Plus, the current Southern Champion Bota the Witch Doctor is back in the studio wielding fire! BUT, the studio fans are not impressed. Leslie Floyd Creatchman III is still here (perhaps for the final time). FORMER Referee Tom Branch competes, while his feud with Jerry Lawler rages on. Speaking of the King, it's Lawler vs. Phil Hickerson in a fun TV match. The Tojo/Jarrett retirement tour continues on, while Jerry Bryant impresses, a few moments reflecting on the legendary Dennis Condrey.. and, thanks to listener David Taub doing the research, Ray & Gene discuss live Memphis wrestling going up against NBC Sports!

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This week on Regional Rasslin', Ray Russell is joined once again by Chicago Wrestling historian Richard Vicek, as they look into the full year of events for 1966 in the Chicago Wrestling Club! Discussing the AWA vs. WWA, the legendary feud between Da Crusher & Dick the Bruiser vs. Harley Race & Larry Hennig, Gene Kiniski, Verne Gagne, Wilbur Snyder, Johnny Valentine, Mad Dog Vachon, Pat O'Connor, Angelo Poffo, Ernie Ladd, Chris Markoff, Killer Kowalski, Mitsu Arakawa, Jack Lanza, how Igor Volkoff came to be, early Bobby Heenan (still a genius), RIchard attends his first Chicago event, and more!

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This week on Regional Rasslin, Jammie Ward returns to join Ray Russell in discussing the month of May 1982 in the Georgia territory. Roddy Piper is involved in TWO major angles as he tries to break the hand of Tommy Rich, AND the Hot Rod also costs Michael Hayes a match on TV against Bill White! From there, some great storytelling in the short but memorable feud between Leroy Brown vs. NWA World Champion Ric Flair. Listener John Walker writes in with detailed results from Marion, OH and the notable lazy work from Big John "Grizzly" Studd. Tommy Rich attempts to regain the National Title from Buzz Sawyer. Ted Dibiase is back in Georgia. We look at Omni results when Dusty Rhodes & Tommy Rich team up for the first time ever vs. Rod Piper & Ole Anderson. Jerry Brisco is named Vice President of GCW. El Mongol returns to the territory after many years away. Atlanta Mayor, Andrew Young, stops by TBS studios. Kevin Sullivan finds a doll. Plus, we talk Brad Armstrong, Masked Superstar, Super Destroyer, Ray Stevens, Tom Prichard, Chic Donovan, Mike Jackson, & more!

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It's another new and exciting project starting up this week in Regional Rasslin when Guest, Rick Fields, joins Ray Russell to talk all things Georgia Wrestling as we set the stage for the 1970s "Georgia War" to come. We go back to briefly touch on the earliest known bout from 1873, and then jump ahead to the John Contos era of the late 1920s. From there we move ahead to the 1940s and discuss promoter Paul Jones' arrival and creating the foundation of his ABC Booking company. Plus, we discuss World Heavyweight Champions, Mr. Wrestling #2, Bobby Simmons, many of the early talents to come through the State, just how far back classic booking goes, and so much more!

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This marks the debut of the St. Louis Wrestling Project, documenting the history of Pro Wrestling throughout the years. In this episode Ray Russell is joined by superfan Phil Adams as they discuss some of the earliest promoters of the St. Louis area. Discussions include the early success and importance of Jack Curley as a promoter. We also look into turn-of-the-century promoter turned sports gambling figure Charles "Hardluck" Haughton and his run-in with notable KC Gangster Solly "Cutcher Head Off" Weismann (AKA "Slicey"), an altercation that ends one of their lives! Plus, we talk former Featherweight Boxing Champion Tommy Sullivan who learns that promoting boxing is not the same as wrestling, AND the Greek John Contos plants the seeds that would stabilize the St. Louis Wrestling territory for decades to come!
(NOTE: This episode will also be available in video form as part of the new "Regional Rasslin Presents..." program located at Patreon.com/WrestleCopia, complete with info slides and the full unedited version of this discussion.)

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