South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
American professional wrestling promotion
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
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
Bradley Anderson
Brad Anderson The Viper
1990–1991
Scott Antol
Scott Studd
1992
Roger Barnes
Ronnie Garvin
1991
Tom Barrett
Tommy Angel
1991–1992
Richard Blood
Ricky Steamboat
1990
Carl Brantley
Vladimir Koloff
1991–1992
Jerry Bragg
Jay Eagle
1990
Neil Caricofe †
Neil Superior
1992
Chris Chavis
Chris Chavis
1990–1991
Bryan Clark
The Nightstalker
1992
Randy Colley
Randy Colley
1990
Bill Crouch
Butch Malone The White Knight
1990–1991 1992
Anthony Durante
American Bulldog Spike Pitbulldog Spike
1990–1991
Emanuel Fernandez
Manny Fernandez
1991WWC
Chad J. Floyd †
Chaz Rocco
1992
Nelson Frazier Jr. †
Death Squad #1
1992
Paul Frederik
Paul Jones
1990–1991
Tim Frye
The Storm Trooper
1991
Carlos González
Carlos Colón
1991WWC
Chris Hamrick
The Black Scorpion
1992
George Hines
Jackie Fulton
1990–1991
James Hines
Bobby Fulton
1990–1991
Robert Horne
Death Squad #2
1992
Mike Howell
Mike Maverick
1990–1992
Koji Ishinriki
Sumo Riki
1991
Cary Jackson †
Colt Steele
1990 1992
Kenneth Kilpatrick
Vince Torelli
1990–1991
Dennis Knight
Tex Sallinger
1990
Brian Yandrisovitz
Brian Knobbs
1990
Wallace Lane
Stan Lane
1991
Gene Ligon
Gene Ligon Thunderfoot
1990
Edward McDaniel †
Wahoo McDaniel
1991–1992
John Minton †
Big John Studd
1990
Mike Morgan
Rip Morgan
1990
Ricky Nelson
Rikki Nelson
1991
Paul Neu
P. N. News
1992
Jack Noles
Jack Lord
1990
Bob Orton, Jr.
Bob Orton, Jr.
1990
Matt Osborne
Matt Borne The Maniac
1990
Jim Painter
Smasher Sloan
1991
Oreal Perras †
Ivan Koloff
1990–1992
Thomas Richardson
Tommy Rich
1992
Ken Rinehurst
Jack Victory
1990
Sylvester Ritter †
Junkyard Dog
1991–1992
Robert Lee Ross, Jr.
Ranger Ross
1990–1991
Gary Rowell
Gary Royal
1991
Jerome Saganowich
Jerry Sags
1990
Frank L. Santen
Frank Dusek
1990 1991
Dean Simon
Dean Malenko
1990
Michael Smith
Sam Houston
1990–1991
Robert Szatkowski
Rob Van Dam Rob Zakowski
1991–1992
Papaliitele Taogaga
Siva Afi
1991
Johnnie Thomas III †
J.T. Thomas
1990
Curtis Thompson
Curtis Thompson
1990–1991
Robert Welch
Robert Fuller
1990–1991
Pezavan Whatley †
Shaska Whatley
1991–1992
Del Wilkes
The Patriot
1991 GWF 1992
Richard Williams †
Rick Wilson Ricky Wilson
1990
Gary Wolfe
American Bulldog Rex Pitbulldog Rex
1990–1991
Charles Wright
Baron Samedi
1990
Unknown
Allen Kensey Alan Kinsey
1990
Richie Scruggs
American GI
1991
Unknown
The Assassin
1992
Unknown
Beau Ragin Bo Ragin Bob Ragin
1990
Unknown
Bob Emory
1990 1991
Unknown
Brian Johnson
1990
Unknown
Bubba Kirk
1990
Unknown
Buddy Blonz
1992
Unknown
Chuck Coates
1990
Unknown
Chuck Roberts
1990
Unknown
Clarence Sowell
1990
Unknown
Colin Orsack The Texas Battleship
1990
Unknown
Cruel Connection I
1990 1991
Unknown
Cruel Connection II
1991
Unknown
The Crusader
1991
Unknown
Dan Grundy
1990
Unknown
Darrell Woodworth
1990
Unknown
Darrin Stevens
1992
Unknown
David Isley
1990 1992
Unknown
David Sledge
1990
Unknown
David Studemire
1990
Unknown
David Taylor
1991–1992
Unknown
Dennis Fowler
1990
Unknown
Denny Brown The Red Raider
1991
Unknown
Derrick Dukes
1990
Unknown
Dr. X
1990
Unknown
Ebony Austin
1992
Unknown
The Enforcer
1990
Unknown
Eric Cooper
1990
Unknown
Gary Booth
1990
Unknown
Gary Simone
1990
Unknown
The Gladiator
1990
Unknown
Gordon Lambert
1992
Unknown
The Grappler
1990–1992
Unknown
Greg Bobchick
1991–1992
Unknown
Greg Brown
1990
Unknown
The Heartthrob
1991
Unknown
Helmut Hessler
1991–1992
Unknown
Hunter Thompson
1990
Unknown
The Iron Man
1990
Unknown
Jeff Collette
1991
Unknown
Jeff Husker
1991–1992
Unknown
Jerry Price
1990
Unknown
Jerry Rose
1990 1991
Unknown
Jim Elliot
1990
Unknown
Jimmy Johnson
1991
Unknown
Johnny Blitz
1992
Unknown
Johnny B. Goode
1991
Unknown
Johnny Del Rio
1991–1992
Unknown
Johnny Kidd
1992
Unknown
Johnny Z Johnny Ziegler
1990
Unknown
Kokla Khan
1990
Unknown
Lee Ramsey
1990
Unknown
Luther D
1990
Unknown
Lynn Wagner
1990
Unknown
Mac Mason
1990
Unknown
Mad Bull
1992
Unknown
Madd Maxx
1992
Unknown
The Maneater
1990–1991
Unknown
Mark Fleming
1990
Unknown
The Masked Bammer
1992
Unknown
Matt Burns Mat Burns
1991
Unknown
Matt Dozer
1992
Unknown
The Mighty Atar
1991–1992
Unknown
Mike Cavanar
1990
Unknown
Mike Crockett
1990
Unknown
Mike Curevich
1990
Unknown
Mike Rexx
1990
Unknown
Mike Somani
1990
Unknown
Mike Starr
1991–1992
Unknown
Mike Wallace
1990
Unknown
Nicky Hawks
1991–1992
Unknown
The Ninja
1992
Unknown
Richard Beck
1992
Unknown
Rick Slagle Ringlord Rick
1990–1992
Unknown
Rick Starr
1990 1991
Unknown
Robert Booth
1990
Unknown
Robert Campbell
1990–1991
Unknown
Roughhouse Graham
1991–1992
Unknown
The Russian Assassin
1991
Unknown
Rusty Riddle
1992
Unknown
Rusty Stevens
1990
Unknown
Sammy Martin Sammy Morton
1990
Unknown
Scotty Piper
1991
Unknown
Speedy Gonzales Ringlord Speedy
1990–1992
Unknown
The Starman
1991
Unknown
Stone Cold
1992
Unknown
Thomas St. John
1990
Tommy Pound
The Convict
1991-92
Unknown
TJ Roberts
1992
Unknown
Tom Atlas
1990
Unknown
Tom Lively
1990
Unknown
Tommy Gunn
1991–1992
Unknown
Tommy Landell
1990–1991
Unknown
Tommy Seabolt
1990–1992
Unknown
Trent Knight
1990–1991
Unknown
Trooper Max
1992
Unknown
Tyrone Knox
1991–1992
Unknown
William Ford
1990
Unknown
William Winfield
1992
Unknown
Willie Clay
1992
Female wrestlers
Stables and tag teams
Tag team /Stable(s)
Members
Tenure(s)
The American Bulldogs / The Pit Bulldogs
Rex and Spike
1990–1991
The Death Squad
Death Squad #1 and Death Squad #2
1992
The German Stormtroopers / The Stormtroopers
Helmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt
1991
The Nasty Boys
Brian Knobs and Jerry Sags
1990
The New Fantastics
Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton
1990–1991
Paul Jones' Rangers
Paul Jones, Ranger Ross, Bo Ragin, Vince Torelli and Chris Chavis
1990
The Royal Family
Jack Victory and Rip Morgan
1990
The Russians
Ivan Koloff and Vladimir Koloff
1992
The Ringlords
Ringlord Rick and Ringlord Speedy
1990–1992
The Stud Stable
Robert Fuller, Matt Borne, Tex Salenger, Curtis Thompson, The Maneater, Luther D, The Nasty Boys, and The Pitbulldogs
1990
The TNT Express
Tommy Seabolt and Tommy Angel
1991–1992
Managers and valets
Commentators and interviewers
Referees
Birth name:
Ring name (s):
Tenure:
Notes
Unknown
Leroy Ramsey
1990–1991
Unknown
Byron Richards
1990–1991
Other personnel
Birth name:
Ring name (s):
Tenure:
Notes
Paul Frederik
Paul Jones
1990–1991
Owner
Mike Lamberth
Mike Lamberth
1990
Owner
Greg Price
Greg Price
1991–1992
Owner
John Ringley
John Ringley
1990
Owner
Frank L. Santen
Frank Dusek
1990–1991
Owner
George Scott †
George Scott
1990
Owner
Company name to Year
Company name:
Years:
North American Wrestling Association
1990
South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
1990–1992
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
#
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.
[ 27]
2
Paul Jones
1
September 2, 1990
27
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
159
Nassau, Bahamas
Live event
Torelli defeated Chris Chavis in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
5
Chris Chavis
1
July 16, 1991
46
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Live event
Title Awarded.
6
Manny Fernandez
2
August 31, 1991
63
Pembroke, North Carolina
Live event
—
Vacated
—
November 2, 1991
N/A
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
SAPW United States Heavyweight Championship
#
Wrestlers
Reign
Date
Days held
Location
Event
Notes
Ref
1
Buddy Blonz
1
March 6, 1992
156
Greensboro, North Carolina
Live event
Blonz defeated The Assassin to become the first SAPW U.S. Heavyweight Champion.
[ 29]
—
Deactivated
—
August 9, 1992
—
N/A
N/A
When SAPW closed.
SAPW Women's Championship
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.
[ 31]
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
5
Greenville, South Carolina
Live event
4
The Pitbulldogs
2
January 3, 1991
50
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 Express(Tommy Angel and Tommy Seabolt)
1
October 13, 1991
167
Lincolnton, North Carolina
Live event
—
Vacated
1
March 28, 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 (2) 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
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^ a b "TV Taping (February 8, 1990)" . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
^ "North American Wrestling Association / South Atlantic Pro Wrestling Title Histories" . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
^ a b "PRO WRESTLING EVENT TO BENEFIT OPERATION FAMILY SHIELD" . Greensboro News & Record . August 21, 1991.
^ Malnoske, Andrew. "Ricky Steamboat" . Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum . Archived from the original on November 7, 2015.
^ "Pro wrestling comes to South Davidson" . The Dispatch . Lexington, NC. January 2, 1992.
^ Mooneyham, Mike (August 1, 2004). "Last Of The Old-Time Promoters" . MikeMooneyham.com .
^ a b Price, Greg (April 21, 2015). "Wrestlers and colleagues recall Nelson Frazier" . Canadian Online Explorer . SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017.
^ a b Mooneyham, Mike (March 17, 2012). "Ric Savage: From Rasslin' to Relics" .
^ Picarello, Robert (2002). Monsters of the Mat . Penguin. p. 156. ISBN 144067339X .
^ Brashear, David (March 20, 2008). "Pulse Wrestling's Top 100 Wrestlers of the Modern Era: #42 – Rob Van Dam" . InsidePulse.com . Inside Pulse Wrestling.
^ "Ken Shamrock" . The Kokomo Tribune . March 4, 1999.
^ Oliver, Greg (October 6, 1998). "Shamrock aims for World title" . Canadian Online Explorer . SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on October 9, 1999.
^ Snowden, Jonathan (2012). Shooters: The Toughest Men in Professional Wrestling . Toronto: ECW Press. ISBN 177090221X .
^ Harris, Keith (January 21, 2014). "Tag team wrestler, JCP, WWF & WCW booker George Scott passes away from lung cancer" . CagesideSeats.com .
^ Anthony, Tony (February 12, 1991). "Former Bethel Football Player Finds Happiness In Pro Wrestling" .
^ 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.
^ "Vin Gopps" . NativeTatanka.com .
^ Cooper, Rick (April 1, 1990). "NAWA promises 'basic' wrestling" . Spartanburg Herald-Journal .
^ "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.
^ Dusek, Frank (November 1998). "Ken Shamrock Vs. the Nasty Boys" . WrestlingClassics.com .
^ Shamrock, Ken; Erich, Krauss (2012). Beyond the Lion's Den: The Life, The Fights, The Techniques . Tuttle Publishing. pp. 15– 17. ISBN 1462907946 .
^ Gonzalez, Manuel. "North American Heavyweight Title (Pennsylvania)" . Solie.org . Solie's Title Histories.
^ "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.
^ "Wrestling By The Numbers: George 'The Great' Scott" . Gerweck.net . February 3, 2014.
^ "August 1, 1992 in Cerro Gordo, NC" . ProWrestlingHistory.com .
^ "SAPW Heavyweight Title" . Wrestling-Titles.com . Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
^ "SAPW Junior Heavyweight Title" . Wrestling-Titles.com . Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
^ "SAPW United States Heavyweight Title" . Wrestling-Titles.com . Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
^ "SAPW Women's Title" . Wrestling-Titles.com . Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
^ "SAPW Tag Team Title" . Wrestling-Titles.com . Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
External links