South Atlantic Pro Wrestling

Last updated
South Atlantic Pro Wrestling
AcronymSAPW
Founded1990
Defunct1992
Style Rasslin'
Headquarters Charlotte, North Carolina
Founder(s) George Scott
John Ringley
Mike Lamberth
Owner(s) Paul Jones
Frank Dusek
FormerlyNorth 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.

Contents

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
Bradley Anderson Brad Anderson
The Viper
1990–1991
Scott Antol Scott Studd1992
Roger Barnes Ronnie Garvin1991
Tom BarrettTommy Angel1991–1992
Richard Blood Ricky Steamboat1990
Carl BrantleyVladimir Koloff1991–1992
Jerry BraggJay Eagle1990
Neil Caricofe Neil Superior1992
Chris Chavis Chris Chavis1990–1991
Bryan Clark The Nightstalker1992
Randy Colley Randy Colley1990
Bill CrouchButch Malone
The White Knight
1990–1991
1992
Anthony Durante American Bulldog Spike
Pitbulldog Spike
1990–1991
Emanuel Fernandez Manny Fernandez1991 WWC
Chad J. Floyd Chaz Rocco1992
Nelson Frazier Jr. Death Squad #11992
Paul Frederik Paul Jones1990–1991
Tim FryeThe Storm Trooper1991
Carlos González Carlos Colón1991 WWC
Chris Hamrick The Black Scorpion1992
George Hines Jackie Fulton1990–1991
James Hines Bobby Fulton1990–1991
Robert Horne Death Squad #21992
Mike Howell Mike Maverick1990–1992
Koji IshinrikiSumo Riki1991
Cary Jackson Colt Steele1990
1992
Kenneth Kilpatrick Vince Torelli1990–1991
Dennis Knight Tex Sallinger1990
Brian Yandrisovitz Brian Knobbs1990
Wallace Lane Stan Lane1991
Gene LigonGene Ligon
Thunderfoot
1990
Edward McDaniel Wahoo McDaniel1991–1992
John Minton Big John Studd1990
Mike Morgan Rip Morgan1990
Ricky NelsonRikki Nelson1991
Paul Neu P. N. News1992
Jack NolesJack Lord1990
Bob Orton, Jr. Bob Orton, Jr.1990
Matt Osborne Matt Borne
The Maniac
1990
Jim PainterSmasher Sloan1991
Oreal Perras Ivan Koloff1990–1992
Thomas Richardson Tommy Rich1992
Ken Rinehurst Jack Victory1990
Sylvester Ritter Junkyard Dog1991–1992
Robert Lee Ross, Jr. Ranger Ross1990–1991
Gary Rowell Gary Royal1991
Jerome Saganowich Jerry Sags1990
Frank L. Santen Frank Dusek1990
1991
Dean Simon Dean Malenko1990
Michael Smith Sam Houston1990–1991
Robert Szatkowski Rob Van Dam
Rob Zakowski
1991–1992
Papaliitele Taogaga Siva Afi1991
Johnnie Thomas III J.T. Thomas1990
Curtis Thompson Curtis Thompson1990–1991
Robert Welch Robert Fuller1990–1991
Pezavan Whatley Shaska Whatley1991–1992
Del Wilkes The Patriot1991 GWF
1992
Richard Williams Rick Wilson
Ricky Wilson
1990
Gary Wolfe American Bulldog Rex
Pitbulldog Rex
1990–1991
Charles Wright Baron Samedi1990
UnknownAllen Kensey
Alan Kinsey
1990
Richie ScruggsAmerican GI1991
UnknownThe Assassin1992
UnknownBeau Ragin
Bo Ragin
Bob Ragin
1990
UnknownBob Emory1990
1991
UnknownBrian Johnson1990
UnknownBubba Kirk1990
UnknownBuddy Blonz1992
UnknownChuck Coates1990
UnknownChuck Roberts1990
UnknownClarence Sowell1990
UnknownColin Orsack
The Texas Battleship
1990
UnknownCruel Connection I1990
1991
UnknownCruel Connection II1991
UnknownThe Crusader1991
UnknownDan Grundy1990
UnknownDarrell Woodworth1990
UnknownDarrin Stevens1992
UnknownDavid Isley1990
1992
UnknownDavid Sledge1990
UnknownDavid Studemire1990
UnknownDavid Taylor1991–1992
UnknownDennis Fowler1990
UnknownDenny Brown
The Red Raider
1991
Unknown Derrick Dukes 1990
UnknownDr. X1990
UnknownEbony Austin1992
UnknownThe Enforcer1990
UnknownEric Cooper1990
UnknownGary Booth1990
UnknownGary Simone1990
UnknownThe Gladiator1990
UnknownGordon Lambert1992
UnknownThe Grappler1990–1992
UnknownGreg Bobchick1991–1992
UnknownGreg Brown1990
UnknownThe Heartthrob1991
UnknownHelmut Hessler1991–1992
UnknownHunter Thompson1990
UnknownThe Iron Man1990
UnknownJeff Collette1991
UnknownJeff Husker1991–1992
UnknownJerry Price1990
UnknownJerry Rose1990
1991
UnknownJim Elliot1990
UnknownJimmy Johnson1991
UnknownJohnny Blitz1992
UnknownJohnny B. Goode1991
UnknownJohnny Del Rio1991–1992
UnknownJohnny Kidd1992
UnknownJohnny Z
Johnny Ziegler
1990
UnknownKokla Khan1990
UnknownLee Ramsey1990
UnknownLuther D1990
UnknownLynn Wagner1990
UnknownMac Mason1990
UnknownMad Bull1992
UnknownMadd Maxx1992
UnknownThe Maneater1990–1991
UnknownMark Fleming1990
UnknownThe Masked Bammer1992
UnknownMatt Burns
Mat Burns
1991
UnknownMatt Dozer1992
UnknownThe Mighty Atar1991–1992
UnknownMike Cavanar1990
UnknownMike Crockett1990
UnknownMike Curevich1990
UnknownMike Rexx1990
UnknownMike Somani1990
UnknownMike Starr1991–1992
UnknownMike Wallace1990
UnknownNicky Hawks1991–1992
UnknownThe Ninja1992
UnknownRichard Beck1992
UnknownRick Slagle
Ringlord Rick
1990–1992
UnknownRick Starr1990
1991
UnknownRobert Booth1990
UnknownRobert Campbell1990–1991
UnknownRoughhouse Graham1991–1992
UnknownThe Russian Assassin1991
UnknownRusty Riddle1992
UnknownRusty Stevens1990
UnknownSammy Martin
Sammy Morton
1990
UnknownScotty Piper1991
UnknownSpeedy Gonzales
Ringlord Speedy
1990–1992
UnknownThe Starman1991
UnknownStone Cold1992
UnknownThomas St. John1990
Tommy PoundThe Convict1991-92
UnknownTJ Roberts1992
UnknownTom Atlas1990
UnknownTom Lively1990
UnknownTommy Gunn1991–1992
UnknownTommy Landell1990–1991
UnknownTommy Seabolt1990–1992
UnknownTrent Knight1990–1991
UnknownTrooper Max1992
UnknownTyrone Knox1991–1992
UnknownWilliam Ford1990
UnknownWilliam Winfield1992
UnknownWillie Clay1992

Female wrestlers

Birth name: Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Peggy Lee Lady X
Peggy Lee Leather
1991–1992
Selina Majors Bambi1991–1992
Velvet Mykietowich Velvet McIntyre1992
Patty Seymour Leilani Kai1991
UnknownBetty Blonz1992
UnknownStacy Lee Austin1992
UnknownSusie Krueger1992

Stables and tag teams

Tag team/Stable(s) MembersTenure(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 StormtroopersHelmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt1991
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 Chavis1990
The Royal Family Jack Victory and Rip Morgan 1990
The Russians Ivan Koloff and Vladimir Koloff1992
The RinglordsRinglord Rick and Ringlord Speedy1990–1992
The Stud Stable Robert 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 CaseyKevin "The Truth" Casey1991
Paul Frederik Paul Jones1990–1991
Robert Welch Robert Fuller1990–1991

Commentators and interviewers

Birth name: Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Richard Blood Ricky Steamboat1990Guest color commentator
Paul Frederik Paul Jones1990–1991Color commentator
Kenneth Kilpatrick Vince Torelli1990Color commentator
Gene LigonGene Ligon1990Color commentator
John Minton Big John Studd1990Guest color commentator
Frank L. Santen Frank Dusek1990–1991Play-by-play commentator
George Scott George Scott1990Guest color commentator
George Scott, Jr.George Scott, Jr.1990Color commentator
Lajos Tiza Lou Thesz1990Guest color commentator
Kenneth Weaver Johnny Weaver1990Guest color commentator
Ted WebbTed Webb1990Play-by-play commentator
Robert Welch Robert Fuller1990Color commentator
George Woodin Mr. Wrestling1990Guest color commentator

Referees

Birth name: Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
UnknownLeroy Ramsey1990–1991
UnknownByron Richards1990–1991

Other personnel

Birth name: Ring name(s):Tenure:Notes
Paul Frederik Paul Jones1990–1991Owner
Mike LamberthMike Lamberth1990Owner
Greg PriceGreg Price1991–1992Owner
John RingleyJohn Ringley1990Owner
Frank L. Santen Frank Dusek1990–1991Owner
George Scott George Scott1990Owner
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
1 Robert Fuller 1June 30, 199091 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 1September 2, 199027 Kings Mountain, North Carolina Live event
3 Robert Fuller 2September 29, 199035 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 1February 7, 1991159 Nassau, Bahamas Live event Torelli defeated Chris Chavis in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
5 Chris Chavis 1July 16, 199146 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Live event Title Awarded.
6 Manny Fernandez 2August 31, 199163 Pembroke, North Carolina Live event
Vacated November 2, 1991N/AN/AN/AThe 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".
7Helmut Hessler1January 11, 199292 Roseboro, North Carolina Live event Hessler defeated Wahoo McDaniel in a tournament final to win the vacant title.
8 Neil Superior 1April 12, 1992119 Hagerstown, Maryland Live event
Deactivated August 9, 1992N/AN/AWhen SAPW closed.

SAPW Junior Heavyweight Championship

#WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
1Rikki Nelson1July 8, 199142N/AN/A [28]
2 Denny Brown 1August 19, 1991356 Charlotte, North Carolina Live event
Deactivated August 9, 1992N/AN/AWhen SAPW closed.

SAPW United States Heavyweight Championship

#WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
1Buddy Blonz1March 6, 1992156 Greensboro, North Carolina Live event Blonz defeated The Assassin to become the first SAPW U.S. Heavyweight Champion. [29]
Deactivated August 9, 1992N/AN/AWhen SAPW closed.

SAPW Women's Championship

#WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
1 Bambi 1September 2, 199261 Kings Mountain, North Carolina N/A
Deactivated November 2, 1992N/AN/AWhen SAPW closed. [30]

SAPW Tag Team Championship

#WrestlersReignDateDays heldLocationEventNotesRef
1 The Nasty Boys
(Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags)
1July 28, 199045 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)
1September 11, 1990109 Columbia, South Carolina Live event
3 The Fantastics
(Bobby Fulton and Jackie Fulton)
1December 29, 19905 Greenville, South Carolina Live event
4The Pitbulldogs2January 3, 199150N/AN/AThe 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.
5The Fantastics2February 22, 1991190Belford, South Carolina Live event
6The German Stormtroopers
(Helmut Hessler and Hans Schmidt)
1August 31, 199143 Pembroke, North Carolina Live event Awarded via forfeit.
7TNT Express
(Tommy Angel and Tommy Seabolt)
1October 13, 1991167 Lincolnton, North Carolina Live event
Vacated 1March 28, 1992N/AN/AN/A
8Chaz Rocco and Tommy Gunn 1April 17, 19921 Rocky Mount, North Carolina Live event Rocco and Gunn defeated The Ringlords to win the vacant title.
9The Ringlords
(Speedy Gonzales and Rick Slagle)
1April 18, 199296 Darlington, South Carolina Live event
10Chaz Rocco(2) and Rob Van Dam 1July 23, 19921 Lake City, South Carolina Live event
11The Ringlords2July 24, 199216 Bennettsville, South Carolina Live event
Deactivated August 9, 1992N/AN/AWhen SAPW closed.

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