South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Explained

South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
Acronym:SAPW
Established:1990
Folded:1992
Style:Rasslin'
Location:Charlotte, North Carolina
Founder:George Scott
John Ringley
Mike Lamberth
Owner: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 Jim Crockett Promotions 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. Henry Marcus, another longtime JCP associate, promoted his final house show for the group.[7]

The promotion also showcased younger talent, including Baron Samdi, Curtis Thompson, Dean Malenko, Nelson Frazier,[8] The Patriot, P. N. News, Ric Savage,[9] Rob Van Dam,[10] [11] Vince Torelli,[12] [13] [14] The American Pit Bulldogs and The Nasty Boys.[15] Chris Chavis, who had trained under Larry Sharpe at the Monster Factory prior to his SAPW debut, was its first breakout star.[16] 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.[17] Chavis attributed his early success to Ricky Steamboat and Wahoo McDaniel who mentored him during his time in SAPW.[18]

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.[19] 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.[20] The drunken brawl had reportedly woken up other wrestlers staying in the motel. Frank Dusek claimed that it was only the intervention of Robert Fuller and the American Pit Bulldogs (Rex and Spike) that prevented Knobbs and Saggs from throwing the unconscious wrestler over the third floor balcony of their motel room.[21] Shamrock suffered a broken sternum and a caved in eye socket as a result of the two-on-one attack.[22]

World Wrestling Council

The promotion had a brief association with the World Wrestling Council after Manny Fernandez became SAPW's booker in August 1991.[8] [9] 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".[23]

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[24] before deciding to cut his losses and retire to Florida.[25] 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.[26]

Alumni

Male wrestlers

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Brad Anderson
The Viper		sort1990–1991
Scott Studdsort1992
Ronnie Garvinsort1991
Tommy Angelsort1991–1992
Ricky Steamboatsort1990
Vladimir Koloffsort1991–1992
Jay Eaglesort1990
Neil Superiorsort1992
Chris Chavissort1990–1991
The Nightstalkersort1992
Randy Colleysort1990
Butch Malone
The White Knight		sort1990–1991
1992
American Bulldog Spike
Pitbulldog Spike		sort1990–1991
Manny Fernandezsort1991
Chaz Roccosort1992
Death Squad #1sort1992
Paul Jonessort1990–1991
The Storm Troopersort1991
Carlos Colónsort1991
The Black Scorpionsort1992
Jackie Fultonsort1990–1991
Bobby Fultonsort1990–1991
Death Squad #2sort1992
Mike Mavericksort1990–1992
Sumo Rikisort1991
Colt Steelesort1990
1992
Vince Torellisort1990–1991
Tex Sallingersort1990
Brian Knobbssort1990
Stan Lanesort1991
Gene Ligon
Thunderfoot		sort1990
Wahoo McDanielsort1991–1992
Big John Studdsort1990
Rip Morgansort1990
Rikki Nelsonsort1991
P. N. Newssort1992
Jack Lordsort1990
Bob Orton, Jr.sort1990
Matt Borne
The Maniac		sort1990
Smasher Sloansort1991
Ivan Koloffsort1990–1992
Tommy Richsort1992
Jack Victorysort1990
Junkyard Dogsort1991–1992
Ranger Rosssort1990–1991
Gary Royalsort1991
Jerry Sagssort1990
Frank Duseksort1990
1991
Dean Malenkosort1990
Sam Houstonsort1990–1991
Rob Van Dam
Rob Zakowski		sort1991–1992
Siva Afisort1991
J.T. Thomassort1990
Curtis Thompsonsort1990–1991
Robert Fullersort1990–1991
Shaska Whatleysort1991–1992
The Patriotsort1991
1992
Rick Wilson
Ricky Wilson		sort1990
American Bulldog Rex
Pitbulldog Rex		sort1990–1991
Baron Samedisort1990
Allen Kensey
Alan Kinsey		sort1990
American GIsort1991
The Assassinsort1992
Beau Ragin
Bo Ragin
Bob Ragin		sort1990
Bob Emorysort1990
1991
Brian Johnsonsort1990
Bubba Kirksort1990
Buddy Blonzsort1992
Chuck Coatessort1990
Chuck Robertssort1990
Clarence Sowellsort1990
Colin Orsack
The Texas Battleship		sort1990
Cruel Connection Isort1990
1991
Cruel Connection IIsort1991
The Crusadersort1991
Dan Grundysort1990
Darrell Woodworthsort1990
Darrin Stevenssort1992
David Isleysort1990
1992
David Sledgesort1990
David Studemiresort1990
David Taylorsort1991–1992
Dennis Fowlersort1990
Denny Brown
The Red Raider		sort1991
Derrick Dukessort1990
Dr. Xsort1990
Ebony Austinsort1992
The Enforcersort1990
Eric Coopersort1990
Gary Boothsort1990
Gary Simonesort1990
The Gladiatorsort1990
Gordon Lambertsort1992
The Grapplersort1990–1992
Greg Bobchicksort1991–1992
Greg Brownsort1990
The Heartthrob sort1991
Helmut Hesslersort1991–1992
Hunter Thompsonsort1990
The Iron Mansort1990
Jeff Collettesort1991
Jeff Huskersort1991–1992
Jerry Pricesort1990
Jerry Rosesort1990
1991
Jim Elliotsort1990
Jimmy Johnsonsort1991
Johnny Blitzsort1992
Johnny B. Goodesort1991
Johnny Del Riosort1991–1992
Johnny Kiddsort1992
Johnny Z
Johnny Ziegler		sort1990
Kokla Khansort1990
Lee Ramseysort1990
Luther Dsort1990
Lynn Wagnersort1990
Mac Masonsort1990
Mad Bullsort1992
Madd Maxxsort1992
The Maneatersort1990–1991
Mark Flemingsort1990
The Masked Bammersort1992
Matt Burns
Mat Burns		sort1991
Matt Dozersort1992
The Mighty Atarsort1991–1992
Mike Cavanarsort1990
Mike Crockettsort1990
Mike Curevichsort1990
Mike Rexxsort1990
Mike Somanisort1990
Mike Starrsort1991–1992
Mike Wallacesort1990
Nicky Hawkssort1991–1992
The Ninjasort1992
Richard Becksort1992
Rick Slagle
Ringlord Rick		sort1990–1992
Rick Starrsort1990
1991
Robert Boothsort1990
Robert Campbellsort1990–1991
Roughhouse Grahamsort1991–1992
The Russian Assassinsort1991
Rusty Riddlesort1992
Rusty Stevenssort1990
Sammy Martin
Sammy Morton		sort1990
Scotty Pipersort1991
Speedy Gonzales
Ringlord Speedy		sort1990–1992
The Starmansort1991
Stone Coldsort1992
Thomas St. Johnsort1990
Tommy PoundThe Convict1991-92
TJ Robertssort1992
Tom Atlassort1990
Tom Livelysort1990
Tommy Gunnsort1991–1992
Tommy Landellsort1990–1991
Tommy Seaboltsort1990–1992
Trent Knightsort1990–1991
Trooper Maxsort1992
Tyrone Knoxsort1991–1992
William Fordsort1990
William Winfieldsort1992
Willie Claysort1992

Female wrestlers

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Lady X
Peggy Lee Leather		sort1991–1992
Bambisort1991–1992
Velvet McIntyresort1992
Leilani Kaisort1991
Betty Blonzsort1992
Stacy Lee Austinsort1992
Susie Kruegersort1992

Stables and tag teams

Tag team/Stable(s)MembersTenure(s)
The American Bulldogs / The Pit BulldogsRex and Spike1990–1991
The Death SquadDeath Squad #1 and Death Squad #21992
The German Stormtroopers / The StormtroopersHelmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt1991
The Nasty BoysBrian Knobs and Jerry Sags1990
The New FantasticsBobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton1990–1991
Paul Jones' RangersPaul Jones, Ranger Ross, Bo Ragin, Vince Torelli and Chris Chavis1990
The Royal Family Jack Victory and Rip Morgan1990
The RussiansIvan Koloff and Vladimir Koloff1992
The RinglordsRinglord Rick and Ringlord Speedy1990–1992
The Stud StableRobert Fuller, Matt Borne, Tex Salenger, Curtis Thompson, The Maneater, Luther D, The Nasty Boys, and The Pitbulldogs1990
The TNT ExpressTommy Seabolt and Tommy Angel1991–1992

Managers and valets

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Kevin "The Truth" Caseysort1991
Paul Jonessort1990–1991
Robert Fullersort1990–1991

Commentators and interviewers

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Ricky Steamboatsort1990Guest color commentator
Paul Jonessort1990–1991Color commentator
Vince Torellisort1990Color commentator
Gene Ligonsort1990Color commentator
Big John Studdsort1990Guest color commentator
Frank Duseksort1990–1991Play-by-play commentator
George Scottsort1990Guest color commentator
George Scott, Jr.sort1990Color commentator
Lou Theszsort1990Guest color commentator
Johnny Weaversort1990Guest color commentator
Ted Webbsort1990Play-by-play commentator
Robert Fullersort1990Color commentator
Mr. Wrestlingsort1990Guest color commentator

Referees

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Leroy Ramseysort1990–1991
Byron Richardssort1990–1991

Other personnel

Birth name:Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Paul Jonessort1990–1991Owner
Mike Lamberthsort1990Owner
Greg Pricesort1991–1992Owner
John Ringleysort1990Owner
Frank Duseksort1990–1991Owner
George Scottsort1990Owner
Company name to Year
Company name:Years:
North American Wrestling Association1990
South Atlantic Pro Wrestling1990–1992
Notes
† Indicates they are deceased.
‡ Indicates they died while they were employed with SAPW.
GWF Indicates they were part of a talent exchange with the Global Wrestling Federation.
WWC Indicates they were part of a talent exchange with the World Wrestling Council.

Championships

SAPW Heavyweight Championship

WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
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.[27]
The championship is vacated following a controversial title defense between Fuller and Jones.
Torelli defeated Chris Chavis in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
Title Awarded.
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".
Hessler defeated Wahoo McDaniel in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
When SAPW closed.

SAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship

WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
[28]
When SAPW closed.

SAPW United States Heavyweight Championship

WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
Blonz defeated The Assassin to become the first SAPW U.S. Heavyweight Champion.[29]
When SAPW closed.

SAPW Women's Championship

WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
Kings Mountain, North Carolina
When SAPW closed.[30]

SAPW Tag Team Championship

WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
The Nasty Boys
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.[31]
The American Pitbulldogs
The Fantastics
The PitbulldogsThe 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.
The Fantastics
The German Stormtroopers
Awarded via forfeit.
TNT Express
Vacated
and Tommy GunnRocco and Gunn defeated The Ringlords to win the vacant title.
The Ringlords
10 (2) and Rob Van Dam
11The Ringlords
When SAPW closed.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Information about NAWA / SAPW . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
  2. Web site: TV Taping (February 8, 1990) . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
  3. Web site: North American Wrestling Association / South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Title Histories . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
  4. News: August 21, 1991 . PRO WRESTLING EVENT TO BENEFIT OPERATION FAMILY SHIELD . .
  5. Web site: Ricky Steamboat . Malnoske, Andrew . . https://web.archive.org/web/20151107065906/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/steamboat.asp . November 7, 2015 .
  6. News: January 2, 1992 . Pro wrestling comes to South Davidson . . Lexington, NC .
  7. Web site: Last Of The Old-Time Promoters . Mooneyham, Mike . August 1, 2004 . MikeMooneyham.com .
  8. Web site: Wrestlers and colleagues recall Nelson Frazier . https://web.archive.org/web/20170722161155/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/19/21480546.html . dead . July 22, 2017 . Price, Greg . April 21, 2015 . . SLAM! Sports .
  9. News: Mooneyham, Mike . March 17, 2012 . Ric Savage: From Rasslin' to Relics .
  10. Book: Picarello, Robert . 2002 . Monsters of the Mat . Penguin . 156 . 144067339X .
  11. Web site: Pulse Wrestling's Top 100 Wrestlers of the Modern Era: #42 – Rob Van Dam . Brashear, David . March 20, 2008 . InsidePulse.com . Inside Pulse Wrestling .
  12. News: March 4, 1999 . Ken Shamrock . The Kokomo Tribune .
  13. Web site: Shamrock aims for World title . https://web.archive.org/web/19991009190157/http://www.canoe.com/SlamWrestlingArchive/oct6_shamrock.html . dead . October 9, 1999 . Oliver, Greg . October 6, 1998 . . SLAM! Sports .
  14. Book: Snowden, Jonathan . 2012 . Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling . Toronto . ECW Press . 177090221X .
  15. Web site: Tag team wrestler, JCP, WWF & WCW booker George Scott passes away from lung cancer . Harris, Keith . January 21, 2014 . CagesideSeats.com .
  16. News: Anthony, Tony . February 12, 1991 . Former Bethel Football Player Finds Happiness In Pro Wrestling .
  17. Book: Bonham, Chad . 2001 . Wrestling with God: 10 Stories of modern day warriors who came face to face with the Creator . Tulsa, Oklahoma . RiverOak Publishing . 15–35 .
  18. Web site: Vin Gopps . NativeTatanka.com .
  19. News: Cooper, Rick . April 1, 1990 . NAWA promises 'basic' wrestling . .
  20. Web site: 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 . August 13, 2008 . PWInsider.com .
  21. Web site: Ken Shamrock Vs. the Nasty Boys . Dusek, Frank . November 1998 . WrestlingClassics.com .
  22. Book: Shamrock, Ken . Erich . Krauss . 2012 . Beyond the Lion's Den: The Life, The Fights, The Techniques . Tuttle Publishing . 15–17 . 1462907946 .
  23. Web site: North American Heavyweight Title (Pennsylvania) . Gonzalez, Manuel . Solie's Title Histories . Solie.org.
  24. Web site: 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 . October 3, 2015 . .
  25. Web site: Wrestling By The Numbers: George 'The Great' Scott . February 3, 2014 . Gerweck.net .
  26. Web site: August 1, 1992 in Cerro Gordo, NC . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
  27. Web site: SAPW Heavyweight Title . 2003 . Puroresu Dojo . Wrestling-Titles.com.
  28. Web site: SAPW Junior Heavyweight Title . 2003 . Puroresu Dojo . Wrestling-Titles.com.
  29. Web site: SAPW United States Heavyweight Title . 2003 . Puroresu Dojo . Wrestling-Titles.com.
  30. Web site: SAPW Women's Title . 2003 . Puroresu Dojo . Wrestling-Titles.com.
  31. Web site: SAPW Tag Team Title . 2003 . Puroresu Dojo . Wrestling-Titles.com.

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